Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is an expensive and emotional purchase. Doing your research ahead of time can save you from costly mistakes.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family are committed to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to prevent frustration and boredom, which can result in chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
You'll want a breeder who is competent and accountable. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or visit the websites of dog clubs or performance events. Breeders usually have a facility where they take care of their dogs. They also offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and get them started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament, health, and not just looks or coat color. A reliable breeder will follow strict breeding standards and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm their puppies' health through DNA and orthopedic tests.
Some red flags to watch for are breeders who don't provide regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccines or who claims that their supplements are superior than those recommended by your vet. Be beware of breeders that require you to sign contracts that include conditions you don't like.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a great deal of responsibility. Many people depend on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to high quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you select a backyard breeder, you could end having a dog that is unhealthy and unstable in their behavior. They are often on message boards and online forums seeking help for the numerous health and temperament issues they suffer from. A mediocre or backyard breeder has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They're usually looking to make money and not produce healthy pups. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in meaningful settings beyond basic obedience. They will train and certify their dog in Schutzhund or any other performance event.
Talk to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs, and are often employed for the military and police as service dogs however, they also make wonderful pets for the family. They are susceptible to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of space and time to play.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care facilities, such as shelters and private owners. They can recommend the best 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 numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs that specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These hospitals have state-of-the-art facilities and staff members equipped to handle a wide variety of ailments and conditions that are common to this breed.
It is also worth getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They typically have lists of breeders with good reputations and can direct you in the right direction. You can also determine whether the breeder has been tested by their parents for common genetic disorders.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit perfectly. This could lead later on to painful arthritis. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and use only those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is another issue that plagues the breed. A good breeder will test both parents for dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Valvular Heart Disease, and heart murmurs.
You should not purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who does not provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder might not be following strict breeding methods. In addition, it's not healthy for puppies to be transported far distances. This can lead to stress and can cause respiratory problems.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts as well as their love of learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They also make excellent guard dogs and are known for their loyalty to family members. This protection can become aggressive if a dog is not well-socialized and properly trained in its early years. The breed is energetic and needs lots of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to issues with behavior such as chewing furniture, or barking. This is why it's important to choose a dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.
If you're interested in finding an German Shepherd puppy, consider talking to local veterinarians for recommendations from ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in a superior position to offer guidance on where to purchase quality German Shepherds since they collaborate with a variety of animal care providers including shelters, breeders, and private owners.
Find a breeder who maintains a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder will also offer health certificates for each puppy they sell, which will detail the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary diseases that are that are common to the breed like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you an overview of recommended vaccinations and medicines for puppies, which you should follow exactly to help reduce the chance of contracting disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your veterinarian to detect any issues before they become serious and help avoid issues such as bloat, skin disorders, and heart disease. As the breed is predisposed to heart problems, it is particularly important to listen to the heart with a stethoscope, and examine the X-rays of the chest during routine examinations.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment and can live up to 10-12 years with proper care. Be sure you can afford to purchase one and that you have the time. You should also think about whether you have enough space to house an enormous dog. Be prepared to pay more for food, toys and grooming equipment.
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German Shepherds are working dogs that have the ability to protect themselves and a natural desire to herd. They are also fairly fearless and that's why they make excellent military and police dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic for a pet at home. If resource for this article are afraid, they may be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They also have a tendency to biting.
Picking a puppy that has the best temperament will aid in addressing these issues. But even so, you will need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggression (GSDs are guardians of their food).
In order to be well trained to be well-trained, your German Shepherd must be active and get plenty of exercise. This could include long walks and hikes, jogs, runs and games of fetch. Puzzle toys and games for nosework will help stimulate their minds. Plus, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is the best place to start when searching for a breeder who is ethical. They are well-versed with a variety of animals and can recommend ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to buy a GSD choose a breeder that offers health assurances. This will help you avoid serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you're unable to locate a reputable breeder, there are other ways to get an German Shepherd. Rescue centres and animal shelters often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found online. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center ensure that you learn as much as possible about the background of the dog before you bring them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog would be a good fit in your life. Also, make sure you inquire about any health or behavioral issues your dog has faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs who will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they were properly socialized during their puppyhood.