Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. You can avoid making mistakes which will cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.
Ask local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Be sure that you and your family commit to daily walks or games as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger, which can lead to chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
You'll want to find a breeder who is competent and accountable. They will be transparent about their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or visit the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders typically have a facility where they raise their dogs, and also offer classes for training at a cost. This is a great opportunity to socialize your pup and begin basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament, health, and not just for looks or coat color. A trustworthy breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also certify the health of their puppies by tests for DNA and orthopedics.
Some red flags to look for are breeders who don't provide typical preventive care such as vaccines or deworming or claims that their supplements are better than those offered by your veterinarian. Beware of a breeder who demands you to sign a contract with terms you're not comfortable with.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a great deal of responsibility. They are accountable to a lot of people who rely on them to provide high-quality puppies. Breeders who don't adhere to high quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you select a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could get one with a health issue and unstable behavior. They are often on message boards and online forums asking for help with the myriad of health and temperament issues they face. A mediocre breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has little understanding of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make a profit and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in meaningful venues besides basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other performance events.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They are herding dogs that typically work as service dogs for police or the military, but they also make loyal pets for families. They require plenty of exercise and are bored if they are not properly stimulated, so they thrive in homes that have ample time and space to play and play.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care professionals like shelters and private owners. They can recommend the best breeders in your community. You should also ask them about the genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line facilities with staff who specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities, and their staffs are equipped to handle a broad variety of ailments and conditions that are common for the breed.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. They have lists of reputable dog breeders, and can guide you in the right directions. You can also find out whether the breeder has been tested by their parents for common genetic disorders.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, where the hip joint isn't fitting together perfectly. This can cause painful arthritis later in the course of. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only select dogs with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also a common issue for the breed, and a good breeder should be sure that both parents are screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as valvular heart disease, and heart murmurs.
You should never buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder may not follow strict breeding practices. In addition, it's not healthy for puppies to be transported far distances. This can lead to stress and respiratory issues.
Find a breeder with specialized Expertise
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts as well as their passion for learning, which make them excellent working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are known for their devotion to family members. This protective nature can turn violent in dogs that are not well-socialized and properly trained in its first years of. The breed can be very active and requires plenty of exercise to keep them from getting bored, which can cause behavioural issues such as chewing on furniture or barking. It is important to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle and surroundings.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if looking to find an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in a superior position to provide advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds since they collaborate with a variety of animal care-givers including shelters, breeders and individual owners.
Look for a breeder that has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock, and is willing to talk with prospective buyers. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund is able to answer questions about health testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder should also provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic history of the pup. This includes the hereditary diseases that are common in the breed like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a the recommended vaccines and medicines that you must adhere to in order to reduce the chance of contracting disease.
Like all dogs, it is essential to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will enable your veterinarian to identify any potential issues before they become serious and can stop problems like bloat, skin disorders, and heart disease. It is crucial to use a stethoscope in order to listen to the heart and to take an X ray of the chest when conducting routine exams.
German Shepherds are a big commitment and can live up to 10-12 years with proper care. Before you decide to buy one, make sure that you can afford it financially, and have the time to devote to it. You should also consider whether you have enough space for a large dog. Be prepared to pay more for food and grooming equipment.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to early training
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have the natural desire to work as well as an instinct for protection. They are also fairly fearless and that's why they are excellent military and police dogs. But these traits can be problematic in a pet at home. For instance, they could attack vehicles or bark at people if they are afraid. They also have a tendency to bite.
You can tackle these issues by choosing a puppy with the appropriate temperament. However, you will need to invest time and energy to early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggressiveness (GSDs protect their food).
To be well trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd needs to get plenty of exercise. This could include long hikes, joggs or runs and fetch games. They also require mental stimulation with puzzle toys and nose work games. They shed a lot and require to be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is a good place to begin when searching for a breeder who is ethical. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders as well as dog training. You can also speak to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your area.
If you decide to buy a GSD, look for a breeder who offers health guarantees. This can protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye conditions, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other methods to get an German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable dog breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found on the internet. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through an animal rescue center ensure that you know as much about the pup's background as you can prior to when you take them home. This will help you determine whether they'll be suitable to your lifestyle. Also, be sure to inquire about any health or behavioral issues your dog has faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs. They can be trained well when they have experienced proper socialization during their puppyhood.