Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a huge commitment emotionally and financially. You can avoid making a mistake that will cost you money and time by doing your homework upfront.
Consult local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Make sure that you and your family members commit to regular walks, games, and other physical activities. german shepherd kaufen need exercise to prevent frustration and boredom that could result in chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a Reputable Breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to select one who is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be honest about their breeding practices and willing to give pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or check the websites of dog clubs or performance events. Breeders usually have a facility in which they take care of their dogs. They also will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a great way to socialize your pup and get them started on basic obedience training.
Choose a breeder who breeds for health, temperament and not just looks or coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict standards for breeding and screens for genetic diseases common to German Shepherd Dogs. They will also certify the health of their puppies using DNA and orthopedic testing.
The red flags are breeders who do not offer preventive services, like deworming and vaccines or who claim that their supplements are superior to those provided by your vet. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts that include conditions you don't like.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a great deal of responsibility. They are accountable to a lot of people who rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to high quality standards could negatively impact the entire breed.
If you select a backyard breeder you may get a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards and online forums seeking help with the many problems with their temperament and health that they face. A mediocre or backyard breeder does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are looking to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in a variety of venues in addition to basic obedience. They will train and name their dog for Schutzhund and any other performance event.
Consult with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs that are extremely affectionate with their owners. They were bred to be herding dogs and often work for the military and police as service dogs however, they also make great pets for families. They are prone to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with many pet care providers, such as shelters and private owners So they'll have an idea of the most reputable breeders in your area. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and their staff are trained to treat a variety and conditions that are common in this breed.
You can also contact the local German Shepherd clubs. These clubs have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can help you in the right directions. You can also inquire whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic disorders.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can result in painful arthritis later in the course of. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only use dogs with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is a common issue for the breed and a good breeder should have both parents screened for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs.
You shouldn't buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide evidence of health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder isn't following strict breeding procedures. It's also not healthy for puppies to be shipped across long distances. This can cause stress and can result in respiratory issues.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts as well as their passion for learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They are also good guard dogs, and are well-known for their loyalty towards family members. This protective nature can turn violent when a dog isn't properly socialized and trained in its first years of. The breed is energetic and need plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored, which can cause behavioural issues such as chewing on furniture or barking. This is why it's important to choose a dog that is suitable for your lifestyle and environment.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're interested in finding a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in close contact with a range of animal care providers, such as breeders, shelters, and owners on their own and are therefore in the best position to give advice on where to find the best German Shepherds.
Find a breeder who maintains a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder should also provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you the recommended vaccinations and medications for your puppy that you must follow exactly to help reduce the risk of developing disease.
As with all dogs, it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will help your veterinarian identify any potential issues before they become serious and can avoid issues such as skin disorders, bloat, and heart disease. It is essential to use a stethoscope listen to the heart and to take an X ray of the chest when conducting routine exams.
German Shepherds can live for up to 12 years if they receive the right treatment. Before you decide to buy one, make sure that you can afford it financially and have the time to devote to it. It is also important to consider if you have the space needed to house a large dog and be prepared for the additional cost of grooming equipment and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to early training
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have a natural desire to work and an instinct for protection. They also have a lot of courage and that's why they make excellent military and police dogs. However, these traits can be problematic for a home dog. If they feel threatened, they might lunge at cars and bark at people. They are also prone to biting.
You can tackle these issues by choosing a puppy with the proper temperament. But even so you must devote time and energy to early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggression (GSDs guard their food).
To be well trained to be well-trained, your German Shepherd will need to be active and get plenty of exercise. This could include long hikes, joggs or runs as well as fetch games. They also require mental stimulation by playing with toys for puzzles and nose work games. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and require to be groomed regularly.
A good place to start in your search for an ethical breeder is to speak with local veterinarians. They are familiar with many animals and can recommend ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also ask pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to buy a GSD choose a breeder that offers health guarantees. This will protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye diseases, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you're unable to locate a reliable breeder there are other options to acquire a German Shepherd. Rescue centres and animal shelters often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may also be available online. If you plan to adopt a GSD from a rescue centre ensure that you learn the most you can about the background of the dog before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog would be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure you ask about any health or behavior problems the dog has had. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will respond well to proper training if they are properly socialized from the time they were puppies.