Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a big commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making a mistake that could cost you time and money by conducting your research prior to purchase.
Ask local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family members are committed to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to avoid boredom and frustration that can lead to chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a trusted breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to find one who is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be honest about their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies that carry genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders typically have a facility where they raise their dogs, and offer training classes at a cost. This is a great way to bond with your dog and start basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament, health and health and not just appearances or coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict standards for breeding and screens for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd Dogs. They also verify the health of their puppies using tests for DNA and orthopedics.
Some red flags to look for are a breeder who doesn't do regular preventive measures like vaccines or deworming or who claims that their supplements are superior than those sold by your veterinarian. Also be cautious of a breeder that requires you to sign a contract with stipulations that you're not happy with.
It's crucial to realize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have an enormous responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. If a breeder doesn't meet the highest standards, it could affect the entire breed.
If you select a backyard breeder, you could end up getting one with a health issue and unstable behavior. They are usually found on message boards or in online forums, seeking help to fix the many temperament and health issues they have. A backyard breeder or a breeder who is not the best has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are looking to make a profit, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in meaningful venues besides basic obedience. They will train and title their dog for Schutzhund or any other competition.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs that often work as service dogs for police or the military, but they are great pets for families. They are prone to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care providers, including shelters and private owners So they'll have good idea of the reputable breeders in your region. You should also inquire about the genetic conditions that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among others.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line hospitals with staffs 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 facilities and their staffs are equipped to handle a broad variety of illnesses and conditions that are common for the breed.
You should also look into contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. These clubs have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right direction. You can also find out whether the breeder has had their parents tested for common genetic diseases.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can lead later in life to arthritis that is painful. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and select those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also a common issue for the breed and a good breeder must be sure that both parents are screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart valve disease, and heart murmurs.
You should never buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder that can't provide proof of health testing for both parents. schäferhundwelpen kaufen is a sign the breeder might not be following strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy to ship puppies long distances. This can lead to respiratory problems and stress.
Find a breeder with a specialization
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts and enthusiasm for learning, which makes them excellent dogs for working. They are also excellent guard dogs and are renowned for their devotion to family members. However, this protectiveness could turn violent when the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and require plenty of exercise to keep them from becoming bored, which could result in behavioural issues like chewing on furniture or barking. This is why it is important to select a dog who is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.
If you're looking for an German Shepherd puppy, consider talking to local veterinarians for suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians are in a unique position to provide advice on where to purchase high-quality German Shepherds because they collaborate with a variety of animal care-givers including breeders, shelters and individual owners.
Look for a breeder who maintains a close relationship with their breeding stock and maintains open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder must provide a health certification for each puppy sold, detailing the genetic background of the pup. This includes the hereditary diseases that are common in the breed such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a a list of recommended vaccines and medicines that you should take to lower the risk of disease.
Like all dogs, it is important to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will enable your veterinarian to detect any issues before they become serious and prevent problems such as skin disorders, bloat, and heart disease. Since the breed is predisposed to heart problems It is essential to listen to your heart with a stethoscope, and perform an X-ray examination of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds can live for up to 12 years when given the right treatment. Before you purchase one, ensure that you are able to afford it financially, and have the time to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to accommodate the large dog. Be prepared to pay extra for food, toys and grooming equipment.
Early training requires time.
German Shepherds are herding breeds with a natural drive to work and an instinct to protect. They also have a lot of courage which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic in a home dog. For instance, they might attack vehicles or bark at people when they feel threatened. They may also bite.
You can address these issues by selecting the puppy with the proper temperament. But even so, you will need to put in the time and effort for early training. This includes house-training and dealing with food aversion (GSDs often protect their food).
In order to be well trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd must take in plenty of exercise. This could include long hikes, joggs and runs as well as fetch games. They also require mental stimulation by playing with puzzle toys and nose work games. They are also heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
A good place to start in the search for a responsible breeder is to talk to local veterinarians. They have a lot of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders as well as dog trainers. You can also ask pet store owners and local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to buy a GSD choose a breeder who offers health guarantees. This will protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you're unable to locate a reputable breeder There are other options to get a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centers usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found on the internet. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center, be sure to learn as much as possible about the background of the dog before you take them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog will fit into your lifestyle. Also, make sure to ask about any health or behavioral 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.