Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a big commitment emotionally as well as financially. You can avoid making a mistake which will cost you time and money by conducting your research prior to purchase.
Consult local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family members commit to regular walks, games, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent frustration and boredom, which can lead to chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a reputable breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to select one who is responsible and knowledgeable. This means they'll be open about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also be careful not to breed puppies that carry genetic disorders.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or visit the websites of dog clubs or events. They usually have a place where they keep their dogs and offer classes for EntzüCkendescäFerhundwelpen training at an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to socialize your pup and begin basic obedience training.
Choose a breeder who breeds for temperament, health, and not just for looks or coat colour. A reliable breeder will follow strict breeding standards and test for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also certify the health of their puppies through DNA and orthopedic testing.
Some red flags to look for are breeders who don't provide routine preventive treatments like vaccines or deworming or who claims that their supplements are superior than those recommended by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that contain terms you don't agree with.
It is important to recognize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have an enormous responsibility. They are accountable to a lot of people who depend on them to provide high-quality puppies. If a breeder doesn't meet the highest standards, it can cause a negative effect on the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end up with a dog that is unwell and unpredictable in its behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards or online forums asking for help with the myriad of problems with their temperament and health that they face. A mediocre or backyard breeder isn't aware of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. Most of the time, they are looking to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in meaningful venues besides basic obedience. They'll train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other competitions.
Talk to local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often are used as service dogs for the police or military, but they also make wonderful family pets. They need lots of exercise and can be susceptible to boredom if they aren't properly stimulated, so they thrive in homes that have ample time and space for them to play and run around.
Before you adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in contact with many pet care professionals including shelters, as well as private owners. They'll know the top breeders in your area. It is also advisable to inquire about the genetic diseases that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
If you live in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and their staffs are equipped to handle a wide range of conditions and illnesses that are common for this breed.
It is also worth getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. These groups typically have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also ask if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
A common issue for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit perfectly. This can cause painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only use those who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is another problem that affects the breed. A good breeder will check both parents for dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease, as well as heart murmurs.
You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who does not prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder may not be following strict breeding practices. Additionally, it's not healthy for puppies to travel across long distances. This can create stress and could cause respiratory problems.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and a love of training which makes them excellent work dogs. They are also great guard dogs, and are well-known for their loyalty towards family members. However, this loyalty could turn violent when the dog isn't properly trained and socialized in its earliest years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to issues with behaviour like chewing furniture or barking. This is why it's important to choose a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and home environment.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if looking to find an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in a superior position to offer advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds because they work closely with many animal care providers including shelters, breeders, and private owners.
Find a breeder who has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock, and is willing to communicate with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment where their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder must provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the puppy. This includes the hereditary diseases that are common in the breed such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a an inventory of recommended vaccines and medicines that you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.
As with all dogs, it is essential to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will enable your veterinarian to identify any potential issues before they become serious and stop problems like skin disorders, bloat, and heart disease. As the breed is predisposed to heart problems and heart disease, it is crucial to listen to your heart with a stethoscope, and take an X-ray of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds can last up to 12 years if they receive the right care. Be sure you can afford to purchase one and you have enough time. You should also think about whether you have enough space to house a large dog. Be prepared to pay more for food, toys and grooming equipment.
Early training takes time.
German Shepherds are dogs who work with a protective instinct and a natural desire to herd. They are also extremely fearless, which is why they make great police and military dogs. But these traits can be problematic for a home dog. If they are afraid, they may attack cars or bark at people. They are also prone to biting.
Choosing a puppy with the best temperament will assist you in tackling these problems. But even so, you will need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes house training as well as dealing with food aggression (GSDs tend to protect their food).
Your German Shepherd must be active in order to be well-trained. This can include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs and games of fetch. They also require mental stimulation with toys for puzzles and nose work games. Plus, they are heavy shedders and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is the best place to start in your search for a breeder who is ethical. They are familiar with many animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog training. You can also talk to pet store owners and local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to buy a GSD, look for a breeder who offers health guarantees. This can protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye diseases, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you are unable to find a reliable breeder There are other options to get a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can also be available on the internet. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center ensure that you learn as much as possible about the background of the dog before you decide to take them home. This will help you determine if the dog will be a good fit for your lifestyle. Ask about any behavioral or health problems the dog might have experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and can be trained well if they have had proper socialization throughout their puppyhood.