Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a significant commitment. It is essential to research reliable breeders prior to making your purchase.
Check to see if the parents of the litter have been certified as free of degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz who are reputable will return their dogs if they do not match your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you'd want to do is buy an German Shepherd dog from a breeder that isn't reliable. This is a big breed dog that needs adequate living space and high levels of exercise, training and excitement to remain happy and healthy.
Find a breeder that has transparent practices and lets you know where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that allow you to view the conditions of their homes. Look for sanitary bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that doesn't allow the puppies to walk around and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder can also explain the genetic diseases that are common to this breed and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder should be able to tell you what genetic disease testing they are performing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible owner who can care for the puppy in a responsible manner. If you find a breeder selling their puppies on these sites, be very wary. This is a violation of law in many states, and suggests that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously, or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be disastrous for the breed and its future progeny. This is a squander of money. The puppies you buy will be more likely to have health issues, and may not have the temperament you desire in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are very active. They make great pets for families, and they are very loyal to their owners. They may be cautious of strangers and exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is in danger or endangered. Early obedience training is important 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 German Shepherds with certain characteristics than others. Responsible breeders should perform the appropriate health tests to help prevent the spread of these diseases. A breeder should be open about the results of these tests. They should also be able to answer any questions you might have about the health of the puppies.
Some of the most common health issues that can affect German Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding was responsible for these problems during the early days of the breed, but responsible breeders are now working to minimize their incidence.
Hemangiosarcoma is another issue that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth in blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is often found in the spleen and the heart, and can cause a variety symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, trouble breathing, weight loss and anemia.
Finally, as with all breeds, it is essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can lower the chance of elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis and Von Willebrand disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as it can cause stomach upset.
Examine the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy, as well as an appropriate body. It should be playful, active, and able engage in age-appropriate activity such as play and brief intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain a steady weight gain. It should also have strong stools that indicate an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with their littermates and with other dogs as well as adults. They should be curious and playful, but not aggressive or fearful. A reputable breeder will provide you with evidence of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.
Pay attentively to the ears of the puppies while you watch them. When they are not in use, they should be upright and free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder ensures that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and taken care of according to the veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs are available in various patterns and colors. They typically come in black and tan, all-black, or white and tan but they can also be gray, liver, or blue. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain diseases like hip or knee dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. Having a good quality dog food and providing proper exercise can help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies have been properly socialized at an early age. This will allow them to become relaxed and comfortable around other people and pets, especially if they have grown up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially if you have cats. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy when they are around other pets, especially when they are not properly introduced at an early age.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a few vets in your area to get recommendations, and also consider asking pet groomers, 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 meet and speak with people who are acquainted with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be made on a whim. It is important to take into account the costs of grooming and food along with the costs of training and vet care. Make sure you have a budget in place before you begin shopping to find the perfect puppy.
German Shepherds are lively and require lots of exercise to keep them content. In the event that they are not, they could develop behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing furniture which can be a hassle for their owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a regular routine aid in calming the temperament of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also at risk of developing spinal disorders like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
It is important to plan your first appointment with your veterinarian prior to when you bring home the German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and able to become a member of your family. It is also important to discuss a plan for training and how you can assist your puppy to become a well-adjusted adult dog.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
It is best to find a breeder who has the same top qualities as you for the perfect German Shepherd. If they do not have a litter in the womb at present or don't have the kind of puppy you're seeking, ask for a referral to a different breeder that has.
You can check the reputation of a breeder once you have found one who is able to meet your needs. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media from other families that purchased their pups, as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
You should also check whether the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have certification, this could be a sign that the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
Look for a breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will help you determine if your puppy is likely to develop genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralization disorder of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to share their information with prospective buyers. They'll also have a history of the breed available for you to look over. Some may also have a questionnaire for you to complete, which will include questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure the puppy is happy in your care.
As a general rule German Shepherds are generally friendly towards pets and other dogs, but can be territorial as they age therefore it's essential to socialize the breed from a young age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're trying to teeth so be aware of this and be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are very protective of their family and will bark at anyone who comes near your house.