10 Times You'll Have To Learn About Buy A German Shepherd
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen to research reputable breeders before making a purchase.
Check to see if the parents of the litter have been certified as being free from degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. Breeders with good reputations will be willing to take their dogs back if they don't fit in with your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
The last thing you would want to do is buy a German Shepherd dog from a breeder who isn't reliable. It is a large breed dog that needs a lot of space, as well as lots of play, training and exercise.
Choose a breeder that is transparent in its practices and allows you to observe where the puppies are kept. Most reliable breeders provide live webcams social media pages, or websites that let you see the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and a poop-free footpad so that the puppies do not walk around or lie in their waste.
A good breeder will explain the genetic conditions that are associated with this breed and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder should inform you about the genetic disease tests they are performing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. Be very cautious if you find a breeder selling puppies in such places. It is illegal in many states to do this. It also indicates that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibilities seriously or has little interest in improving the genetics of the breed. This can be devastating to the breed and its descendants. It's also a waste money. The puppies you purchase are more likely to be sick and might not have the temperament you desire for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are highly intelligent, pack animals that are very active. They make great pets for families, and they are very loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and show aggressive behavior if they believe their owner is threatened or in danger. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Certain health conditions are more prevalent among certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders should perform the necessary health tests to prevent the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of these tests and be able to address any questions regarding the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding is the main cause of these issues in the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders are now working hard to reduce their frequency.
Another problem that can be found in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is usually found in the heart and spleen and can trigger several symptoms like anemia and bleeding, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
As with all breeds, it's essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the chance of elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, since this can cause stomach upset.
Verify the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have a well-proportioned body, dense coat and healthy eyes. It should be playful, active and engaged in appropriate activities for its age such as play and brief intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a strong stool that indicates an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with their littermates and other dogs, including adults. They must be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will provide evidence of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.
When you are watching the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. They should be upright when they aren't in use and should be free of any discharge or bald patches. A reputable breeder will also ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to according to veterinary guidelines.
These massive, double coated dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They usually come in black and tan, or white and tan but could also be liver or gray. Their outer coats shed year-round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be prone to conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues and autoimmune diseases. Having a high-quality dog food and providing proper exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also ensure that your puppies are properly socialised from an early age. This will help them to become more relaxed and secure around animals and other people especially if they have grown up together. If you have other pets, such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. If they aren't properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds can become bossy.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information regarding ethical breeders. Consult a few veterinarians in your area for recommendations, and think about asking pet groomers, trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. You should also meet German Shepherd owners in your neighborhood and go to dog shows to meet people who have experience with the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment, and it should never be done on a whim. You'll have to consider the cost of food and grooming, as well as the cost of training and veterinary care. Before you start looking for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are active and require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. Otherwise, they may develop behavioral problems, like excessive barking or chewing on furniture, which can be frustrating for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a daily routine will help to calm the energy of this intelligent breed.
German Shepherds, like other large breeds of dogs, are susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders screen their puppies for these and other conditions and have made huge progress in eliminating genetic diseases that result from inbreeding.
It is recommended to make an appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home the German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy is healthy and able to be a part of your family. You will also talk about a training program and how you can assist your puppy in becoming an empathetic dog.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
You should look for breeders that meet your top preferences in the case of a German Shepherd. If they do not have a litter currently available or don't have the kind of puppy you're seeking If you're not sure, ask for a reference to a breeder who does.
Once you've found a breeder that meets your qualifications The next step is investigating the breeder's reputation. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media by other families who purchased their puppies as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
It is also important to determine if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have certification, this could be a sign that the breeder isn't ethical, or does not put health first.
Look for a breeding history of grandparents and parents as well. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will develop genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to sharing these information with prospective buyers and will have the breed's history on hand for you to look over. There may be a questionnaire you can complete, which will include questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure the puppy will be happy in your care.
As a general rule German Shepherds are generally affectionate towards pets and other dogs, but they can be territorial as they grow older so it's important to socialise the breed from a young age. In addition, they tend to bite when they're teething so be prepared for this and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family members and will bark to alert you if someone comes near the home.