Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally. Doing your research ahead of time will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Consult your local veterinarian about ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family are committed to regular walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration which could lead to chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
You'll want to find a breeder who is competent and accountable. This means they'll be honest about their breeding practices and willing to give pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
You can find reliable breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations or checking the websites of dog clubs and performance events. Breeders usually have a facility where they take care of their dogs. They also will provide 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 who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict standards for breeding and tests for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd Dogs. They will also confirm the health of their puppies using DNA and orthopedic testing.
Some red flags to look for are breeders who do not provide regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccines or who claims that their supplements are superior than those offered by your veterinarian. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts that contain conditions you don't like.
Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession have a lot of responsibility. They have a lot of people who rely on them to provide high-quality puppies. Breeders who don't follow high-quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you could end up with a dog that is unhealthy and unstable in their behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards and other online forums seeking help with the many health and temperament issues they have. A backyard breeder who is mediocre does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are looking to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in meaningful settings apart from basic obedience. They will train and name their dog for Schutzhund and any other event of performance.
Talk to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs and often work for the military and police as service dogs but they also make wonderful family pets. They require plenty of exercise and can be susceptible to boredom if they aren't appropriately stimulated, and they thrive in households that provide plenty of time and space to play and run around.
Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care professionals like shelters and private owners. They will know the top breeders in your area. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other conditions.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs that are specialized in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and their staff are trained to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions that are common in this breed.
You can also consider contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They usually have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a typical issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This can result in painful arthritis later in life. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is another problem that affects the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease, and heart murmurs.
You should never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a sign the breeder isn't following strict breeding practices. It's also unhealthy to ship puppies across long distances. This can create stress and could cause respiratory problems.
Find a breeder with a specialization
German Shepherds are known for their herding instinct and love of training which makes them excellent work dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their loyalty towards family members. However, this protectiveness could turn violent when the dog isn't properly trained and socialized in its earliest years. The breed is energetic and need lots of exercise to stop them from becoming bored, which can result in behavioural issues like chewing on furniture or barking. This is why it is important to find a dog that is suitable for your lifestyle and environment.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're looking for an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers, such as shelters, breeders, and owners on their own, so they are often in the best position to give advice on where to find high-quality German Shepherds.
Choose a breeder that maintains a strong relationship with their breeding stock and maintains open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions about health tests, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder should provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary disorders that are common in the breed like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also be given an inventory of recommended vaccines and medications that you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.
As with all dogs it is essential to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will enable your vet to identify any possible issues before they become more serious and can help prevent problems like skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. As deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung is prone to heart issues and heart disease, it is crucial to listen to the heart using a stethoscope and take an X-ray of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds can last up to 12 years when given the proper treatment. Before you decide to buy one, ensure that you have the money to pay for it financially, and have the time to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house the large dog. Be prepared to pay more for food, toys and grooming equipment.
Training early requires time.
German Shepherds are dogs who work with a protective instinct and a natural urge to herd. They also tend to be quite frightened - which is why they make great military and police dogs. These traits can be problematic for a dog that is a family pet. If they feel threatened, they could attack cars or bark at people. They may also bite.
Picking a puppy that has the best temperament can help you address these issues. It is still necessary to invest time and energy to early training. This includes house-training and addressing food-related aggression (GSDs typically protect their food).
To be well trained, your German Shepherd will need to take in plenty of exercise. This can include long walks and hikes, jogs, runs, and games of fetch. Puzzle toys and games for nosework can help to stimulate their minds. Plus, they are heavy shedders and require to be groomed regularly.
A good place to start when looking for a breeder who is ethical is to speak with local veterinarians. They are familiar with a wide range of animals and offer recommendations for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to purchase a GSD, look for a breeder who offers health guarantees. This can protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other ways to obtain a German Shepherd if you cannot find a trustworthy breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues might be available online. If you're planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre ensure that you know as much about the pup's background as you can before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog would be a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out about any behavioral or health problems the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs who can be well-responsible to training if they've been properly socialized during their puppyhood.