Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. You can avoid making mistakes which will cost you time and money by conducting your research prior to purchase.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family members commit to regular walks or games as well as other physical activity. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration which can result in chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to choose one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. This means they'll be honest about their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs and performance events. Breeders typically have a place where they raise their dogs, and offer training classes at a cost. This is a great opportunity to socialize your pup and start basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder who breeds for temperament and health rather than coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict standards of breeding, and screens for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They will also certify the health of their puppies using DNA and orthopedic testing.
Some red flags to look out for include a breeder who doesn't do regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccinations, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those offered by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that contain conditions you don't like.
It's important to understand that breeders who raise puppies for a living have an enormous responsibility. They have many people who rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who don't follow high-quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.
If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter choose a backyard breeder, you could get one with a sluggish 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 have. A poor breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has no knowledge of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in a variety of venues apart from basic obedience. They will train and certify their dog for Schutzhund and any other performance event.
Talk to your local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs, and are often employed for the police and military as service dogs however, they also make great pets for the family. They are susceptible to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in contact with many pet care professionals including shelters, as well as private owners. They can recommend the best breeders in your area. It is also advisable to inquire about the genetic diseases that are common for the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you live in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals 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 have state-of-the-art equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety of ailments and conditions that are common to this breed.
You can also contact the local German Shepherd clubs. They have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right directions. You can also find out whether the breeder has had their parents tested for the most common genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a typical problem for German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This could lead later on to painful arthritis. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and select those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed and a good breeder should be sure that both parents are screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart disease of the valvular kind, and heart murmurs.
You should never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who doesn't have proof of health testing for both parents. This indicates that the breeder may not be following strict breeding protocols. It's also not a good idea to ship puppies long distances. This can lead to stress and respiratory issues.
Find a breeder with specialized Experience
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts and love of training, which makes them excellent working dogs. They also make excellent guard dogs and are renowned for their loyalty to family members. This protectiveness can turn aggressive if a dog is not well-socialized and properly trained in its first years of. The breed can be very energetic and need lots of exercise to stop 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 the environment.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if interested in finding an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers, such as shelters, breeders, and individual owners, so they are often in the best position to offer advice on where to find quality German Shepherds.
Choose a breeder that maintains 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 and the environment that their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder should offer a health certificate for every puppy sold, which outlines the genetic background of the pup. This includes the hereditary conditions that are that are common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also be given a list of recommended vaccines and medications that you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of developing disease.
As with all dogs, it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will allow your veterinarian to detect any issues before they become serious and prevent problems 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 as well as examine the X-rays of the chest during routine examinations.
German Shepherds are a significant commitment that can last up to 10-12 years with proper care. Make sure you have the money to purchase one and that you have enough time. Also, consider whether you have the space needed to house a large dog and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment and crates.
Be prepared to dedicate time to Early Training
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have the natural drive to work and an instinct for protection. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they make great military and police dogs. But these traits could be problematic for the home of a dog. If they feel threatened, they could lunge at cars and bark at people. They can also be prone to biting.
You can address these issues by choosing the puppy with the appropriate temperament. It is still necessary to put in the time and effort to early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggressiveness (GSDs are guardians of their food).
Your German Shepherd needs to get lots of exercise to stay well-trained. This could mean long hikes, joggs or runs and fetch games. They will also need mental stimulation through games that require a nose and puzzle games. Plus, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
The best place to begin in the search for an ethical breeder is to speak with local veterinarians. They are well-versed with a variety of animals and are able to recommend ethical breeders as well as dog training. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to buy a GSD, look for a breeder who offers health assurances. This can protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand disease, and EPI.
There are other methods to get an German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable breeder. Rescue centres and animal shelters often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may be available online. If you plan to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center make sure you know the most you can about the background of the dog before you bring them home. This will allow you to determine whether they'll be suitable to your lifestyle. Also, make sure to inquire about any health or behavior issues your dog has faced. GSDs are smart dogs and will respond well to training if they have had proper socialization throughout their puppyhood.