"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Buy A German Shepherd
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a significant commitment. Before making a purchase it is important to conduct some research about reputable breeders.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been confirmed to be free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and also enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if they don't fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The last thing you want to do is purchase an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a big breed dog that requires adequate living space as well as a lot of exercise, training and adventure to be healthy and happy.
Look for a breeder who has transparent practices and lets you see the conditions in which the puppies are raised. The majority of reputable breeders have websites and social media pages or live webcams that allow you to observe the living conditions. Look for sanitary bedding, a spongy footing that doesn't allow the puppies to walk and lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder will be able to explain the genetic disorders that are common to this breed of dog and the ways they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must be able inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies in pet stores or at markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you come across breeders selling their puppies in these places, be very wary. This is a violation of laws in a majority of states, and indicates that the breeder does not consider their responsibilities seriously or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be disastrous for the breed and their future progeny. This is a squander of money. The puppies you purchase will have a much higher rate of health issues and might not be the type of personality or the skills you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who love to be active. They make excellent family pets and are devoted to their owners. They are often suspicious of strangers, and they can even display aggressive behavior when they feel their owner is in danger. Early obedience training will help ensure that your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
Certain health issues are more prevalent in German Shepherds with certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible should conduct the necessary health checks to prevent the spread of diseases. Breeders should also be honest about the results of these tests and be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of your puppy.
A few of the most frequent health problems that can affect German Shepherds include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, as well as spinal stenosis. Inbreeding is the main cause of these issues in the early days of the breed, but responsible breeders now work to limit their incidence.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth that occurs in blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is most often found in the spleen and heart, and it may lead to a variety of symptoms, including weakness, bleeding, trouble breathing, weight loss and anemia.
As with all breeds it is essential to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A properly balanced diet can lower the risk of elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis and Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or bones from animals, which could cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Check the health of your dog
A German Shepherd puppy should have an appropriately proportioned body, a thick coat, and healthy eyes. schäferhundwelpen should also be active and playful, and able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a strong appetite and be able to maintain a steady increase in weight. It should also have strong stool that shows proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Observe how they interact with other dogs and littermates including adults. They must be curious and playful, but not aggressive or afraid. A reliable breeder will give you the documentation of temperament tests for both the puppies and parents.
Pay attention to the ears of the puppies when you are watching them. They should be upright when they are not in a position to be active and should be free of hair loss or hair loss. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and treated in accordance with veterinary guidelines.
The large, double-coated dogs are available 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 all year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be prone to conditions like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye issues and autoimmune disease. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing these ailments.
Additionally, make sure the puppies have been properly socialized at an early age. This will help them to be more calm and confident with animals and people particularly if they have been raised together. Introduce your other pets slowly, especially if you have cats. If they aren't properly introduced to other pets in a young age German Shepherds can become a bit bossy.
Consult your veterinarian for suggestions
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking groomers, trainers, and other businesses that deal with dogs. It is recommended that you get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are familiar with the breed.
Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment, and it should never be a decision made on a whim. You will need to consider the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential costs of veterinary care and other unexpected costs. Make sure you have a budget before you start shopping around for the right pup.
German Shepherds are energetic and require a lot of exercise to keep them content. They may experience behavioral issues such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a routine for daily life will aid in calming the temperament of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds are prone to health issues such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They also are at risk of developing spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other diseases and have made huge progress in eliminating genetic diseases due to inbreeding.
Before you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule your first appointment with a vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. The vet will also go over the training program and ways to assist your puppy in becoming well-adjusted and happy.
Check the breeder's reputation
It is best to locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for a German Shepherd. If they don't have puppies on the ground right now or don't offer the type of puppy you're looking for Ask for a recommendation to another breeder that does.
Once you've found a breeder who meets your qualifications The next step is checking the breeder's reputation. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or on social media by other families who bought their pups and also from veterinarians and dog trainers.
You should also check whether the parents are certified by OFA or AKC. If they don't have certifications it could indicate that the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
Check out a history of breeding of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing these information with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed available for you to read. Some breeders might ask you to complete an online questionnaire that asks you questions regarding your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy is happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are very friendly with other dogs and even pets. However, they can become more territorial as they age. It is important to socialise your German Shepherds at a young age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're teething so you should be aware of this and be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are protective of their loved ones, and will bark at anyone who comes near your house.