Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a big commitment emotionally and financially. You can avoid making mistakes that will cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.
Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Be sure that you and your family commit to regular walks and games as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration that can lead to chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a Reputable breeder
You'll want a breeder that is competent and accountable. They'll be open regarding their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies with genetic diseases.
You can find reputable breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations, or looking through the websites of dog clubs and performance events. These breeders typically have a facility where they keep their dogs and will offer training classes for an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to socialize your puppy and start to learn basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament and health rather than coat color. A reliable breeder will follow strict standards for breeding and screen 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.
Be wary of breeders who do not offer preventive care, like 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 include stipulations you don't agree with.
Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession have a lot of responsibility. They have 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 decide to go with a backyard breeder, you could end up getting one with a health issue and unstable behavior. continue reading this.. are often on message boards or online forums seeking help with the myriad of health and temperament issues that they face. A mediocre or backyard breeder isn't aware of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They are usually only seeking to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in meaningful settings beyond basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other competitions.
Speak with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They were bred as herding dogs and often work for the military and police as service dogs however, they also make loyal pets for the family. They are susceptible to boredom and require plenty of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of space and time to play.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders before purchasing a German Shepherd. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care givers, including shelters and private owners They'll have a good idea of the reputable breeders in your region. You should also inquire about the genetic conditions that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other conditions.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line hospitals with staff who specialize in working with German Shepherds. They include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and their staff are trained to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments that are common in this breed.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. These groups have lists of reliable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a typical issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint is not fitting perfectly. This can lead later in life to painful arthritis. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is another problem that plagues the breed. A good breeder will check both parents for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease and heart murmurs.
You should not purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder might not be following strict breeding practices. It's also unhealthy to ship puppies long distances. This can cause stress and even lead to respiratory issues.
Find a breeder with a specialization
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts as well as their passion for learning, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also great guard dogs, and are known for their devotion to family members. However, this protectiveness can turn into aggression in the event that the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored, which could cause behavioural issues such as barking or chewing the furniture. It is crucial to select a dog that fits your lifestyle and surroundings.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if interested in finding an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in a unique position to offer advice on where to purchase quality German Shepherds because they collaborate with a variety of animal care providers, including shelters, breeders and individual owners.
Look for a breeder who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and has open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions about health tests as well as early socialization of their puppies. the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder will also offer health certificates for every puppy they sell, detailing the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary conditions common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a the recommended vaccines and medications that you must adhere to in order to reduce the chance of contracting disease.
It is crucial that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to identify any potential issues before they become serious and avoid issues such as bloat, skin disorders, and heart disease. It is essential to use a stethoscope listen to your heart and to examine an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine exams.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment and can last up to 10-12 years with proper care. Make sure you have the money to buy one and that you have enough 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.
Early training requires time.
German Shepherds are herding dogs with a natural drive to work and a protective instinct. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they are excellent military and police dogs. These characteristics can be problematic for a pet that is family. If they feel threatened, they might be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They are also prone to bite.
You can address these issues by choosing a puppy that has the proper temperament. You will still need to put in the time and effort in early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggressiveness (GSDs protect their food).
Your German Shepherd needs to be active to stay well-trained. This can include long walks, hikes, jogs, runs, and games of fetch. They also require mental stimulation by playing with puzzle toys and nose work games. They shed a lot and require to be groomed regularly.
The best place to start in your search for an ethical breeder is talking to local veterinarians. They have a lot of animals and can offer suggestions for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also speak with pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your region.
When you decide to buy a GSD ensure that the breeder offers health guarantees. This can protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye conditions hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other options to obtain an German Shepherd if you cannot find a trustworthy breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues might also be available on the internet. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through an animal rescue center be sure to learn as much about the dog's background as you can before you take them home. This will allow you to determine if they will be an appropriate fit for your lifestyle. Ask about any health or behavioral issues the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs who can be well-responsible to training if they are well-socialized as puppies.