Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is an enormous commitment. Before you purchase a puppy it's essential to conduct some research on breeders who are reputable.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and also enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Breeders with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable breeder
The most important thing you don't want to do is purchase a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that requires adequate living space, as well as plenty of exercise, training, and adventure to stay healthy and happy.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and lets you see the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reputable breeders offer live webcams as well as social media pages or websites that let you observe the conditions of their homes. Make sure you look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and a clean, dry footing to ensure that the puppies do not walk or lay in their poop.
A good breeder will also be able to explain the genetic disorders that are common to this breed of dog and how they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able to explain what genetic disease testing they are performing and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or market. They will only sell to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. Be cautious if you see a breeder selling puppies at these places. This is a violation of law in most states, and indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously or does not have a desire to improve the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This can be devastating for the breed and its future progeny. This is a squander of money. The puppies you buy will have a much higher rate of health issues and might not have the personality or the skills you want in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are very active. They are excellent family dogs, and they are extremely loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and they can even display aggression when they believe their owner is in danger. Early obedience training can help to ensure your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
Certain health conditions are more common among German Shepherds with certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the required health tests to avoid the spread of diseases. Breeders should also be transparent about the results of these tests and should be capable of answering any questions you may have regarding the health of your puppy.
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. These ailments resulted from inbreeding during the breed's infancy However, responsible breeders are working hard to lessen the frequency of these diseases.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth of blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is usually found in the spleen and heart and can trigger several symptoms like anemia, weight loss, bleeding, and breathing problems.
In the end, as with all breeds, it's essential to ensure that you are providing your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the chance of elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis and Von Willebrand disease. It is also advisable to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, which can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Examine the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have an appropriately proportioned body, a thick coat, and healthy eyes. It should be active and playful and engaged in age-appropriate activity like play and short intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain a steady weight gain. It should also have strong stool that indicates proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and littermates, including adults. They should be playful and curious, but not threatening or scared. A reputable breeder should offer documentation of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
Pay close attention to the ears of puppies when you are watching them. When not in use, they should stand straight and free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to per the veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs can come in various colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan or white and tan. They can also be gray or even liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year round and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to ailments such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune disease. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are properly socialized at a young age. This will allow them to become relaxed and comfortable around other people and pets particularly if they've been raised with each other. Introduce your pets slowly, particularly when you have cats. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy when they are around other pets, especially when they are not properly introduced to them at a young age.
Consult your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinarians are a fantastic source of information about ethical breeders. Ask veterinary professionals for suggestions in your area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other businesses that deal with dogs. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to talk with people who are acquainted with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You'll have to consider the costs of grooming and food, as well as the cost of training and veterinary care. Make sure you have a budget in place before you start shopping around for the perfect dog.
German Shepherds are active and need a lot to keep them happy. In the event that they are not, they could have behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing furniture, which can be frustrating for their owners. Exercise, obedience training and a regular routine aid in calming the energy of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health conditions like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases such as degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other conditions, and have made great progress in eliminating genetic diseases that result from inbreeding.
Before you take home the German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first visit to the vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and is ready to be part of your family. You should also discuss a training program and ways to help your puppy grow into an adult dog who is well-adjusted.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
In the ideal scenario, you'll locate a breeder who has the same top qualities as you for a German Shepherd. If they don't have a litter in the womb at present or don't have the kind of puppy you're looking for If you're not sure, ask for a reference to a different breeder that has.
You can look up the reputation of a breeder when you have found one who is able to meet your needs. You can read reviews and other comments on their website or social media from other families who purchased their puppies, as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have a certificate it could indicate that the breeder doesn't consider health a priority or is not ethical.
You should also consider the breeding history of their parents as well as grandparents. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. It is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders will be willing to share their records with potential buyers. They will also have a history of the breed available for you to go over. Some may also have a questionnaire for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that your puppy is happy in your care.
As a general rule German Shepherds are generally friendly towards other dogs and pets however, they can become territorial as they get older so it's important to socialise them from an early age. They also tend to bite when they're teething so be ready and know that this isn't an sign of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and will bark to alert you when someone is in the vicinity of the home.