Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. You can avoid making a mistake that will cost you money and time by conducting your research prior to purchase.
Ask local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family members are committed to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger which can result in chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable breeder
You'll want a breeder that is competent and accountable. They'll be open about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
You can locate reliable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or checking the websites of dog clubs and events. Breeders usually have a facility where they take care of their dogs and also offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a great way to socialize your puppy and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for temperament and health instead of looks or coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict standards for breeding and also screens for genetic disorders common to German Shepherd Dogs. They also verify their puppies' health with orthopedic and DNA tests.
Be wary of breeders who refuse to provide preventive services, like vaccines and deworming or who claim that their supplements are superior to those given by your vet. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that include stipulations you don't agree with.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living are a lot of responsibility. Many people depend on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to high quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.
If you choose a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could get a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. They are usually found on message boards or on online forums, asking for assistance to address the numerous issues with their temperament and health they face. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has little understanding of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. Most of the time, they are looking to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in meaningful settings other than basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other events of performance.
Talk to your local veterinarians
German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often are used as service dogs for police or the military, but they also make great pets for families. They are susceptible to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Before was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with many pet care givers, including shelters and private owners They'll have a an idea of the most reputable breeders in your region. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. It is important to inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
In New York there are several top-tier hospitals that have staff who specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and their staff is trained to treat a variety of ailments and conditions that are common in this breed.
You should also look into contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. These clubs usually have lists of breeders with good reputations and can direct you in the right direction. You can also determine if the breeder has had their parents tested for the most common genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a common problem for German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This can lead later in life to painful arthritis. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and only use those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is a common problem for the breed and a good breeder should have both parents screened for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), valvular heart disease and heart murmurs.
It is not advisable to purchase an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide evidence of health testing for both parents. This indicates that the breeder may not be following strict breeding procedures. It's also not a good idea to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to stress and can result in respiratory issues.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Expertise
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts as well as their love of learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They also make good guard dogs and are well-known for their devotion to family members. This protectiveness can turn aggressive when a dog isn't well-socialized and properly trained in its first years of. The breed can be very energetic and need plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored, which can cause behavioural issues such as chewing furniture or barking. This is why it's important to choose a dog that is suitable for your lifestyle and home environment.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if looking to find a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians collaborate with a range of animal care providers, such as breeders, shelters, and private owners and are therefore in the best position to give advice on where to find the best German Shepherds.
Look for a breeder that has a good relationship with their breeding stock and is open to communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will also offer a health certificate for each puppy they sell, which will detail the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary conditions that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide a list of recommended vaccinations and medications for puppies that you must adhere to in order to reduce the chance of contracting disease.
As with all dogs, it is important to schedule regular veterinary visits for your German Shepherd. This will allow your vet to identify any possible issues before they become serious and help prevent issues like skin conditions, bloat and heart diseases. Since the breed is predisposed to heart problems It is essential to listen to the heart using a stethoscope and perform an X-ray examination of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds are a significant commitment and can last for 10-12 years if given proper care. Before you buy one, make sure that you have the money to pay for it financially, and have the time to devote to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house a large dog and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment and crates.
Early training takes time.
German Shepherds are working dogs that have an instinct for protection and a natural need to herd. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they make great police and military dogs. These characteristics can be problematic for a dog that is a family pet. If they are afraid, they may be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They can also bite.
Selecting a puppy with the best temperament will assist you in tackling these issues. You will still need to put in the time and effort to early training. This includes house training as well as addressing food aggression (GSDs often keep their food in a safe place).
Your German Shepherd needs to be active in order to ensure that they are well-trained. This could include long hikes, jogs and runs and fetch games. They also require mental stimulation by playing with toys for puzzles and nose work games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is the best place to start when searching for a breeder who is ethical. They are familiar with a wide range of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also speak with pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
If you decide to purchase a GSD be sure that the breeder provides health assurances. This can help protect you from the onset of serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand diseases, and EPI.
If you can't find a reliable breeder there are other options to get a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues may be found online. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through an animal rescue center be sure to learn as much about the pup's background as you can prior to when you bring them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure to inquire about any behavioral or health problems the dog has had. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will be able to respond well to training provided they've had adequate socialization in their early years.