Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a big commitment. Before making a purchase it is important to conduct some research about reputable breeders.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as being free of degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The last thing you would prefer to do is purchase a German Shepherd dog from a breeder who isn't reliable. This is a large-breed dog that requires lots of space, and lots of play, training and exercise.
Look for a breeder who has transparent practices and lets you see where the puppies are kept. Most reliable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that allow you see the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and a poop-free footpad so that the puppies don't walk around or lie in their urine.
A good breeder will be able to explain genetic diseases that are common to this type of dog, and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder must identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder will never sell their puppies to pet stores or market. They will only sell them to a responsible person who can take care of the puppy appropriately. Be extremely cautious if find a breeder selling puppies at these places. This is against the law in many states, and suggests that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously, or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be devastating for the breed and their future progenitors. It's also a waste of money. The puppies you buy will be more likely to have a high incidence of health problems and might not be the type of temperament or skill set that you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, pack animals that love to be active. They are excellent pets for families, and they are very loyal to their owners. They can be very cautious of strangers, and they can even display aggression when they believe they are in danger. Early obedience training will help ensure that your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
Certain health conditions are more prevalent among German Shepherds in particular breeds. Breeders responsible for their breeding should conduct the necessary health tests to stop the spread of diseases. Breeders must be open about the results of these tests. They should also be in a position to answer any questions you might have about the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia and spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. These issues were a result of inbreeding that occurred at the beginning of the breed's life, but today responsible breeders are striving to reduce the frequency of these diseases.
Another issue that can occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It is most often located in the spleen or heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss and anemia.
Like all breeds, it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can help reduce the chance of elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis and Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as this can cause stomach upset.
Make sure you are in good health with your dog's health.
A German Shepherd puppy should have a well-proportioned body, dense coat and healthy eyes. It must also be active, playful, and able to engage in age-appropriate activities like playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain a steady weight increase. It should also have firm stool that indicates an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with their littermates and other dogs as well as adults. They should be curious and playful but not overly scared or aggressive. A trustworthy breeder will give you documentation of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.
Pay close attention to the ears of puppies when you are watching them. When they are not in use, they should be upright and free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder makes sure that their puppies have been vaccinated, dewormed, and treated according to veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They are usually black and tan, all-black, or white and tan, but may also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune disease. A healthy, high-quality dog food and regular exercise can reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are properly socialized at a young age. This will help them become more relaxed and secure with animals and people especially if they have been raised together. If you have other pets, such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. If they are not properly introduced to other pets when they are young, German Shepherds may become a bit bossy.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinarians are an excellent source of information regarding ethical breeders. Ask veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses related to dogs. It is recommended that you meet German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your region to meet and talk with people who are acquainted with the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment and should not be done on a whim. You'll have to think about the costs of food, grooming and training, in addition to the possibility of costs for veterinary care and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget before you begin shopping to find the perfect puppy.
Due to their herding nature German Shepherds have lots of energy and have plenty of activities to keep them happy and engaged. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for pet owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a routine for daily life will help to reduce the enthusiasm of this intelligent breed.
German Shepherds, as well as other large breeds of dogs, are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also have a higher risk of developing spinal disorders, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
Before you take home when you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule your first appointment with a vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. It is also important to discuss a training program and ways to help your puppy grow into an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Be sure to verify the reputation of the breeder
You should look for breeders that meet your top criteria when it comes to a German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the kind of dog you are looking for.
deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich can verify the reputation of a breeder once you have found one who is able to meet your needs. Check for reviews on their website and on social media from other families who have purchased their pups and comments from veterinarians and trainers.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't it could be a sign that the breeder isn't ethical or does not put health first.
Look for a breeding history of grandparents and parents as well. This will allow you to determine if your puppy is likely to develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy which is a progressive paralization of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to share their information with prospective buyers. They will also have a breed history available for you to go over. Some may also have an application form for you to complete that asks questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that your puppy is comfortable in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally at ease with other dogs and animals. However, they can become more territorial as they get older. It is important to make sure that your German Shepherds are socialized from a young age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're in the process of teething so be aware of this and be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are extremely protective of their family and will bark if anyone comes near your house.