Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. Doing your research in advance can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Also, ensure that schäferhund beschützerinstinkt and your family is dedicated to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger which could lead to chewing furniture and shoes.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
You'll want a breeder that is competent and accountable. They will be transparent 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 performance events. They usually have a facility in which they take care of their dogs. They also offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a great way to introduce your puppy to other dogs and start to learn basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for temperament, health, and not just appearances or coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict standards for breeding and tests for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They also verify their puppies' health with DNA and orthopedic tests.
Red flags include breeders who do not offer preventive care, such as vaccines and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those provided by your veterinarian. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts that contain stipulations you don't agree with.
It's crucial to realize that breeders who raise puppies for a living take on a significant responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to high quality standards could negatively impact the entire breed.
If you choose a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could end up with one with a sluggish and unstable behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or in online forums, seeking help to fix the many temperament and health issues they have. A poor breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has no understanding of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. Most of the time, they are looking to make a profit and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in meaningful settings other than basic obedience. They will train and title their dog in Schutzhund or any other competition.
Speak with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often are used as service dogs for police or the military, but they are wonderful family pets. They require a lot of exercise and are prone to boredom if not adequately stimulated, which is why they thrive in households that have ample time and space for them to play and play.
Consult your local veterinarian about ethical breeders before purchasing a German Shepherd. Veterinarians have a close relationship with many pet care providers, such as shelters and private owners So they'll have an idea of the most reputable breeders in your region. You should also ask them about the genetic diseases that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other conditions.
In New York there are several top-tier hospitals that have staff members who are trained to work with German Shepherds. They include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, 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.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. These groups usually 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 disorders.
The most frequent issue among German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can result in painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should scan dogs for x-rays and only use dogs with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also an issue that is common to the breed, and a good breeder should have both parents tested for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as heart valve disease and heart murmurs.
You shouldn't buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder may not be following strict breeding methods. It's also not a good idea to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to stress and could result in respiratory issues.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and love of learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their devotion to family members. This protective nature can turn violent if a dog is not well-socialized and properly trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to keep them from getting bored, which can lead to behavioural problems like chewing furniture or barking. This is why it's important to choose a dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.
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 purchase quality German Shepherds since they are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers including shelters, breeders, and individual owners.
Find a breeder who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and has open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will respond to questions about health tests as well as early socialization of their puppies. the environment where their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder must provide a health certification for every puppy sold, which outlines 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. They will also provide the recommended vaccinations and medicines for your puppy that you must follow exactly to help reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is crucial that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to spot any potential problems before they become serious and help stop problems like skin issues, bloat and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and perform an X-ray of the chest during routine examinations.
German Shepherds can live up to 12 years if they receive the proper care. Make sure you have the money to purchase one and that you have the time. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house a large dog and be prepared for the additional cost of food, toys, grooming equipment, and crates.
Be prepared to dedicate time to Early Training
German Shepherds are working dogs that have an instinct for protection and a natural need to herd. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they make excellent police and military dogs. However, these traits could be problematic for the home of a dog. If they feel threatened, they might lunge at cars and bark at people. They can also be prone to biting.
You can tackle these issues by choosing the puppy with the appropriate temperament. But even so, you will need to devote time and energy to early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggression (GSDs protect their food).
Your German Shepherd must get lots of exercise to be well-trained. This can include long hikes, joggs or runs and fetch games. They will also need mental stimulation with games that require a nose and puzzle games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
The best place to begin when looking for a breeder who is ethical is talking to local veterinarians. They see a lot of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders as well as dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to purchase a GSD be sure that the breeder provides health guarantees. This will help you avoid serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye conditions hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other ways to get the German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres are usually able to offer German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may be available online. If you plan 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 if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure you inquire about any behavioral or health issues the dog has experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will respond well to proper training if they are properly socialized from the time they were puppies.