Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a big commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making mistakes which will cost you time and money by doing your homework upfront.
Ask your veterinarian in the area about ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family members are committed to regular walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger, which can lead to chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to choose one who is knowledgeable and responsible. They'll be honest about their breeding methods and will be willing to share pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
You can locate credible breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. They usually have a facility where they keep their dogs and will offer training classes for an additional cost. This is a great way to get your puppy socialized and get started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for health, temperament and not just appearances or coat color. A reputable breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and test for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They also verify their puppies' health with orthopedic and DNA tests.
Be wary of breeders who do not offer preventive services, like deworming and vaccines or who claim that their supplements are superior to those offered by your vet. Beware of a breeder who requires you to sign contracts with terms you're not comfortable with.
It is important to recognize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have a significant responsibility. They have many people who depend on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you could end up getting a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards and online forums seeking help with the myriad of health and temperament issues that they have. A mediocre or backyard breeder has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are looking to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in a variety of venues apart from basic obedience. They will train and title their dog for Schutzhund or any other competition.
Talk to local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that have a strong bond with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs and often work for the police and military as service dogs but they also make wonderful pets for families. They are prone to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Ask your local veterinarians about breeders who are ethical before you buy a German Shepherd. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care givers, including shelters and private owners They'll have a an idea of the most reputable breeders in your area. You should also ask them about the genetic diseases that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among others.
If you live in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs that specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. schäferhund kaufen welpe have state-of-the-art facilities and staff members equipped to handle a broad variety of ailments and conditions that are common to the breed.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. These clubs have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can help you in the right directions. You can also inquire whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic diseases.
A common issue for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, where the hip joint isn't fitting together in a perfect way. This could lead later on to painful arthritis. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only use those who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed and a good breeder should have both parents tested for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs.
You shouldn't buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder might not be following strict breeding procedures. Additionally, it's not healthy for puppies to be shipped far distances. This can create stress and can cause respiratory problems.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts as well as their passion for learning, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are known for their loyalty to family members. However, this loyalty could turn violent when the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and needs lots of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to issues with behaviour such as chewing furniture, or barking. This is why it's important to select a dog who is appropriate for your lifestyle and home environment.
If you're interested in finding a German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians collaborate with a range of animal care-givers, including shelters, breeders, and individual owners, so they are often in the best position to offer suggestions on where to find high-quality German Shepherds.
Find a breeder who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will provide you with a health certificate for each puppy they sell, which will detail the genetic history of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a a list of recommended vaccines and other medications you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.
As with 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 help avoid issues such as skin issues, bloat and heart disease. Because the breed is prone to heart issues and heart disease, it is crucial to listen to the heart with a stethoscope as well as take an X-ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment and can live up to 10-12 years with proper treatment. Before you decide to buy one, ensure that you have the money to pay for it financially, and have the time to it. It is also important to consider if you have the space to house a large dog and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment, and crates.
Early training takes time.
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have a natural desire to work as well as an instinct to protect. They also tend to be quite frightened - which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. But these traits can be problematic in a home dog. If they feel threatened, they could attack cars or bark at people. They may also bite.
Picking a puppy that has the best temperament will help you address these problems. But even so you'll need to devote time and energy to early training. This includes house-training and addressing food aversion (GSDs typically keep their food in a safe place).
To be well trained, your German Shepherd must take in plenty of exercise. This can include long hikes, joggs or runs and fetch games. Puzzle toys and games for nosework can stimulate their minds. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is the best place to start in your search for an ethical breeder. They are familiar with many animals and can recommend ethical breeders as well as dog training. You can also inquire with pet store owners as well as other local German Shepherd owners.
If you are considering buying a GSD ensure that the breeder has health guarantees. This can protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other methods to obtain the German Shepherd if you cannot find a trustworthy breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues may be found on the internet. If you are going to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center ensure that you learn the most you can about the pup's background before you bring them home. This will help you decide whether they'll be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure to inquire about any health or behavioral problems the dog has had. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they are properly socialized during their puppyhood.