Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. Doing your research ahead of time can save you from costly mistakes.
Consult your local veterinarian about breeders who are ethical. Also, ensure that you and your family is committed to regular walks, playtime, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger which can result in chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a trusted breeder
You'll want to find a breeder who is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and willing to give pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies that carry genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or check the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders usually have a facility where they keep their dogs and will offer training classes for an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to introduce your puppy to other dogs and get started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament and health rather than coat color. A reputable breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and test for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm the health of their puppies through tests for DNA and orthopedics.
The red flags are breeders who do not offer preventive care, such as vaccinations and deworming or who claim that their supplements are superior to those offered by your vet. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts with stipulations you don't agree with.
It's crucial to realize 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 fail to adhere to the highest quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you select a backyard breeder, you could end up getting a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards or online forums seeking help with the myriad of health and temperament issues that they have. A backyard breeder who is mediocre does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They're usually seeking to make money and not produce healthy pups. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in meaningful settings apart from basic obedience. They'll train and title their dogs in Schutzhund or other performance events.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs who bond deeply with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs and frequently work for the police and military as service dogs however, they also make loyal family pets. They are susceptible to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Consult your local veterinarian about breeders who are ethical before purchasing a German Shepherd. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care providers, such as shelters and private owners. They will know the top breeders in your community. Ask them about any genetic disorders that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line facilities with staff who specialize in working with German Shepherds. They include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety and conditions that are common in this breed.
You can also contact the local German Shepherd clubs. These groups have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right directions. You can also ask whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic disorders.
A common issue for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can lead to painful arthritis later in the course of. A good breeder should take x-rays of 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), heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs.
You should never buy a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot provide proof of health testing for both parents. This indicates that the breeder may not be following strict breeding procedures. Additionally, it's not healthy for puppies to be shipped far distances. This can lead to stress and respiratory issues.
Find a breeder who is specialized.
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and passion for learning, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also good guard dogs, and are known for their loyalty to family members. However, this loyalty could turn violent when the dog isn't properly trained and socialized in its early years. The breed is energetic and needs lots of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems such as chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is important to choose a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and environment.
If you're interested in finding an German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations from ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in a superior position to offer guidance on where to purchase high-quality German Shepherds due to their are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers including shelters, breeders and private owners.
Look for a breeder who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and has open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will answer questions regarding health tests as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder should provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic history of the puppy. This includes the hereditary conditions that are that are common to the breed such as megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, you will be provided with a a list of recommended vaccines and medications that you should take to lower the risk of developing disease.
It is important that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to detect any issues before they become serious and help stop problems like skin disorders, bloat, and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope in order to listen to the heart and deutscher schäferhund Welpe kaufen to examine an X-ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds can live for up to 12 years if they receive the right care. Before you purchase 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 to house a large dog, and be prepared for the additional cost of food, toys, grooming equipment and crates.
Be prepared to dedicate time to early training
German Shepherds are dogs who work with the ability to protect themselves and a natural urge to herd. They are also extremely fearless which is why they make excellent police and military dogs. But these traits can be problematic in the home of a dog. If they are afraid, they may be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They may also bite.
Picking a puppy that has the best temperament can assist you in tackling these problems. But even so you'll need to devote time and energy to early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggressiveness (GSDs protect their food).
Your German Shepherd needs to be active to stay well-trained. This can include long walks, hikes, jogs, runs and games of fetch. They will also need mental stimulation through puzzle toys and nose work games. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
A good place to start in the search for an ethical breeder is to talk to local veterinarians. They see a lot of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also ask pet store owners as well as other local German Shepherd owners.
If you are considering buying a GSD be sure that the breeder has health assurances. This will protect you in case of serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye conditions, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you are unable to find an accredited breeder, there are other ways to acquire an German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centers usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues may be found online. If you plan to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center, be sure to learn the most you can about the history of the dog before you take them home. This will help you decide whether they'll be a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out about any health or behavioral issues the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs. They can be trained well provided they've had adequate socialization throughout their puppyhood.