Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. Doing your research in advance can make sure you don't make costly mistakes.
Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family commit to daily walks or games as well as other physical activity. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger, which can lead to chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
You'll want a breeder who is competent and accountable. They'll be honest regarding their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. These breeders typically have a place where they raise their dogs and will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a great way to socialize your puppy and start to learn basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for health and temperament rather than coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict standards of breeding, and also screens for genetic disorders that are common to German Shepherd Dogs. They also verify their puppies' health by conducting DNA and orthopedic tests.
Some red flags to look out for include breeders who do not provide typical preventive care such as deworming or vaccines or claims that their supplements are better than those recommended by your doctor. Be beware of breeders that require you to sign contracts with terms you don't agree with.
Breeders who raise puppies as a profession have a great deal of responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could end up getting one with a sluggish and unstable behavior. They are often on message boards and other online forums asking for help with the many health and temperament issues that they suffer from. A mediocre or backyard breeder isn't aware of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are trying to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in meaningful settings apart from basic obedience. They'll train and title their dogs in Schutzhund and other competitions.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs that have a strong bond with their owners. They are herding dogs that typically serve as service dogs for police or the military, but they are great family pets. They are susceptible to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of space and time to play.
Ask your local veterinarians about breeders who are ethical before you purchase a German Shepherd. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care providers, including shelters and private owners, so they'll have a an idea of the most reputable breeders in your area. It is also advisable to inquire about the genetic conditions that are common for the breed. It is important to inquire 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 that specialize 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 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 reputable dog breeders and can direct you in the right directions. You can also determine whether the breeder has been tested by their parents for the most common genetic diseases.
The most frequent issue among German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. This occurs when 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 use only those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also an issue that is common to the breed and a good breeder should have both parents screened for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as valvular heart disease, and heart murmurs.
You shouldn't buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder that can't provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a sign the breeder may not be following strict breeding protocols. It's also not a good idea to ship puppies long distances. This can cause stress and even respiratory problems.
Find a breeder with a specialization
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and passion for learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They are also great guard dogs and are well-known for their devotion to family members. However, this protectiveness could turn violent in the event that the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed can be very energetic and need plenty of exercise to keep 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 home environment.
If you are looking to find a German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians are in a unique position to offer advice on where to purchase quality German Shepherds since they collaborate with a variety of animal care providers, including breeders, shelters and individual owners.
Find a breeder who has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock and is willing to talk with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate for every puppy sold, which outlines the genetic history of the pup. This includes hereditary diseases common in the breed such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide the recommended vaccinations and medicines for puppies and you should follow exactly to help reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to detect any issues before they become serious and avoid issues such as skin disorders, bloat, and heart disease. It is crucial to use a stethoscope in order to listen to the heart and take an X ray of the chest when conducting routine checks.
German Shepherds are a big commitment and can live up to 10-12 years with proper treatment. Before you decide to buy 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 enough space to house a large dog, and be prepared for the cost of grooming equipment, and crates.
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German Shepherds are herding dogs that have the natural drive to work and an instinct for protection. They are also extremely fearless and that's why they make great military and police dogs. These traits can be problematic for a dog that is a family pet. For instance, they might attack cars or bark at people when they are afraid. They may also bite.
You can tackle these issues by selecting a puppy with the right temperament. However you must put in the time and effort for early training. This includes house training as well as addressing food aversion (GSDs often keep their food in a safe place).
Your German Shepherd must be active in order to stay well-trained. This could include long hikes, joggs or runs as well as fetch games. They will also need mental stimulation through puzzle toys and nose work games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is an excellent place to start in your search for an ethical breeder. They are well-versed with a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your area.
If you are considering buying a GSD be sure that the breeder has health assurances. This will protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other methods to acquire a German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable dog breeder. Rescue centres and animal shelters often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can often be found on the internet. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center ensure that you learn the most you can about the history of the dog before you bring them home. This will help you determine whether they're an appropriate fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure to inquire about any behavioral or health issues your dog has faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they were properly socialized from the time they were puppies.