Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
The purchase of a German Shepherd is a big commitment emotionally as well as financially. Doing your research ahead of time can make sure you don't make costly errors.
Ask local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family are dedicated to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration which can result in chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a trusted breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to select one who is knowledgeable and responsible. They'll be open regarding their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. They usually have a facility where they raise their dogs and will provide training classes for an additional cost. This is a great way to get your dog used to people and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. 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 their puppies' health through DNA and orthopedic tests.
Some red flags to watch out for include a breeder who doesn't do typical preventive care such as deworming or vaccinations or claims that their supplements are superior than those offered by your doctor. Beware of a breeder who demands you to sign contracts with stipulations that you're not happy with.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a lot of responsibility. Many people depend on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who do not follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end having a dog that is unwell and unstable in behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or online forums, seeking help to fix the many temperament and health issues they have. A mediocre or backyard breeder does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are trying to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in meaningful venues in addition to basic obedience. They'll train and name their dogs in Schutzhund or other performance events.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs who develop strong bonds 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 the family. They require a lot of exercise and are bored if they are not appropriately stimulated, and they thrive in homes with plenty of time and space for them to play and play.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about breeders that are ethical before you purchase a German Shepherd. Veterinarians have many contacts with pet care professionals, such as shelters and private owners. They can recommend the best breeders in your locality. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among others.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-tier 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. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities and their staffs are equipped to handle a broad range of conditions and illnesses that are common for the breed.
You should also look into getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They have lists of reputable dog breeders, and can guide you in the right directions. You can also find out if the breeder has had their parents tested for the most common genetic diseases.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This could lead later on to arthritis that is painful. Breeders should scan dogs for x-rays and only select dogs with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is 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 heart valve disease and heart murmurs.
You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot provide proof of health testing 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 transported far distances. This can lead to respiratory problems and stress.
Find a breeder who is specialized.
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts as well as their love of learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They are also excellent guard dogs, and are known for their loyalty to family members. However, this protection can turn into aggression if the dog is not well-socialized and trained in its earliest years. The breed can be very active and require plenty of exercise to keep them from getting bored, which can lead to behavioural problems like barking or chewing the furniture. This is why it is crucial to select a dog who is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.
If you are looking to find an German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations from ethical breeders. Veterinarians collaborate with a range of animal care-givers, including shelters, breeders and owners on their own, so they are often in the best position to give suggestions on where to find the best German Shepherds.
Choose a breeder that keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder is able to answer questions about health testing, early socialization and the environment where their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder should also provide a health certification for every puppy sold, which outlines the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you a list of recommended vaccinations and medications for the puppy that you must follow exactly to help reduce the risk of disease.
Like all dogs, it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will enable your veterinarian to identify any potential issues before they become serious and help prevent problems such as skin issues, bloat and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and examine an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine examinations.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment that can last up to 10-12 years with proper treatment. Make sure you have the money to purchase one and you have enough time. You should also think about whether you have enough space for a large dog. Be prepared to spend more on food and grooming equipment.
Be prepared to dedicate time to early training
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have a natural drive to work and an instinct for protection. They also tend to be fairly fearless - this is why they are excellent military and police dogs. These traits can be a problem for a dog that is a family pet. For instance, they could be aggressive towards cars or even bark at people if they feel threatened. They also have a tendency to bite.
You can address these issues by selecting a puppy with the appropriate temperament. You will still need to invest time and energy to early training. This includes house training as well as addressing food-related aggression (GSDs tend to protect their food).
In order to be well trained, your German Shepherd must take in plenty of exercise. This could mean long hikes, jogs and runs and fetch games. Puzzle toys and nose-work games can stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
The best place to start in the search for a breeder who is ethical is to talk to local veterinarians. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your region.
If you decide to purchase a GSD make sure you choose a breeder that offers health assurances. This can protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other ways to obtain a German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable dog breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can be available online. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue center ensure that you know as much about the dog's history as possible before you bring them home. This will help you decide whether they're suitable for your lifestyle. Ask about schäferhundwelpen kaufen or behavioral issues the dog might have faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs. They will be able to respond well to training when they have experienced proper socialization throughout their puppyhood.