A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a big commitment. It is important to find the best breeders before purchasing your puppy.
Verify if the parents of the litter have been certified as being free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not match your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you want to do is buy an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that requires lots of space, and also lots of play, training and exercise.
Find a breeder that has transparent practices and lets you know the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reputable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that allow you see the living conditions. Look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and absorbent footing so that the puppies do not walk around or lie in their own urine.
A good breeder will also be able to explain genetic disorders that are common to this breed of dog and how they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder must tell you which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only offer them to a responsible person who will take care of the puppy in a responsible manner. If you come across a breeder selling their puppies on these sites, be very wary. It is illegal in many states to do this. It also indicates that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibilities seriously or isn't interested in improving the genetics of the breed. This could be disastrous for the breed and its future progenitors. It is also a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will have a higher rate of health issues and might not have the personality or the skills you would like in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who enjoy being active. They are great family dogs and are devoted to their owners. They can become very preoccupied with strangers and display aggressive behavior when they believe that their owner is threatened or threatened. Training in obedience early is crucial to ensure that your dog does not behave in a way that is inappropriate.
As with all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds than others. Responsible breeders should conduct appropriate health tests to prevent the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to address any questions about the health of their puppies.
Some of the more common health issues that affect German Shepherds include elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These ailments were a result of inbreeding that occurred during the breed's infancy however, today, responsible breeders are striving to lessen the frequency of these conditions.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth that occurs in blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is usually found in the spleen and the heart and can cause various symptoms, including anemia and bleeding, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
As with all breeds, it's essential to ensure that you are providing your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A properly balanced diet can lower the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis and Von Willebrand disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as this could cause stomach upset.
Examine the health of your dog's health.
A German Shepherd puppy should have a well-proportioned body, dense coat and healthy eyes. It should be active and playful and capable of engaging in age-appropriate activity such as play and brief bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a large appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It should also have firm stool that shows an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.Be aware of how they interact with their littermates as well as other dogs as well as adults. They should be curious and playful, but not aggressive or afraid. A reputable breeder should offer documentation of temperament tests for puppies and parents.
When you are watching the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. When they are not in use, they should be upright and free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will also ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as per veterinary recommendations.
These large, double coated dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They usually come in black and tan, or white and tan, but they can also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year long and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally thought to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain conditions, such as knee or hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. Having a high-quality dog food and providing proper exercise can help lower the risk of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies are properly socialised at a young age. This will help them become relaxed and comfortable around other people and pets, especially if they have been raised together. If you have pets of your own, like cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can become bossy with other pets If they haven't been properly introduced at an early age.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinarians are a fantastic source of information regarding ethical breeders. Consult a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking groomers, trainers, and other businesses that deal with dogs. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your neighborhood and go to dog shows to speak to people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be rushed into. You'll need to think about the costs of food, grooming, and training, as well as the possibility of costs for vet care and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget in place before you begin looking for the right pup.
Due to their herding nature German Shepherds have a lot of energy and have plenty of activities to keep them entertained and occupied. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for pet 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 hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases like degenerative myelopathy or hemangiosarcoma. Breeders who are responsible for screening their pups for genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
When you are ready to bring home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first vet appointment to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. You will also want to discuss a training program and ways to help your puppy develop into an adult dog who is well-adjusted.
Be sure to verify the reputation of the breeder
You should search for a breeder that shares your top requirements when it comes to the breed of German Shepherd. If they don't have a litter on the ground right now or do not have the type of puppy you're seeking If you're not sure, ask for a reference to another breeder that does.
After you've found a breeder who is able to meet your requirements, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. Look for reviews on their website and on social media from other families who have purchased their puppies and feedback from trainers and veterinarians.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have a certificate this could be a sign that the breeder doesn't take health seriously or is unprofessional.
You should also consider the breeding history of their parents and grandparents. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. It is a progressive paralysis of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders will be happy to share their records with prospective buyers. They'll also have a history of the breed available for you to look over. Some breeders will require you to fill out an assessment form that asks questions regarding your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy is happy in your care.
In general, German Shepherds are very friendly with animals and other dogs but they can be territorial as they age therefore it's essential to socialize them from an early age. In addition, they tend to bite when they're teething so be prepared for this and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They naturally protect their family and can bark to alert you when anyone is near the home.
