Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a huge commitment emotionally as well as financially. Doing your research ahead of time will save you from costly errors.
Ask your veterinarian in the area about breeders who are ethical. Also, make sure you and your family members are dedicated to daily walks or playtime as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent frustration and boredom, which can cause chewed shoes or furniture.
Find a reputable breeder
You'll want to find a breeder who is competent and accountable. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
You can locate reputable breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs and events. They usually have a place where they take care of their dogs. They also will offer training classes for an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to get your dog used to people and begin basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder who breeds for health and temperament rather than coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict standards of breeding, and tests for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They will also confirm the health of their puppies through tests for DNA and orthopedics.
Some red flags to look for are a breeder who doesn't do routine preventive treatments like deworming or vaccinations, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those sold by your doctor. Also be cautious of a breeder who requires you to sign a contract with conditions you're not satisfied with.
Breeders who raise puppies as a profession are a lot of responsibility. Many people depend on them to provide quality puppies. If a breeder does not meet the highest standards, it can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you may end with a dog who is unhealthy and unstable in behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards and online forums seeking help with the many health and temperament issues they face. A poor breeder or one who is breeding in their backyards has no understanding of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. Usually they are just trying to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will put their dogs in a variety of venues apart from basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other competitions.
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 loyal pets for families. They are susceptible to boredom and require plenty of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care professionals, such as shelters and private owners. They can recommend the best breeders in your community. It is also advisable to inquire about the genetic diseases that are common for the breed. You should inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line hospitals with staff who specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These hospitals are equipped with the latest equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety and ailments that are common in the German Shepherd breed.
It is also worth contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. These clubs have lists of reputable dog breeders, and can guide you in the right directions. You can also ask whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic disorders.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint is not fitting together perfectly. This can result in painful arthritis later in life. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is another issue that affects the breed. A good breeder will check both parents for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease and heart murmurs.
You should not purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder may not be following strict breeding methods. It's also not healthy to ship puppies across long distances. This can lead to stress and can result in respiratory issues.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts and love of training which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs, and are well-known for their devotion to family members. However, this protection could turn violent if the dog is not properly trained and socialized in its earliest years. The breed is energetic and requires plenty of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause can cause behaviour problems such as chewing furniture or barking. It is crucial to select the dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.
If you are looking for an German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians are in the unique position to provide advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds because they work closely with many animal care providers, including shelters, breeders and private owners.
Look for a breeder that has good relations with their breeding stock and is willing to talk with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment where their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate for each puppy sold, detailing the genetic history of the puppy. This includes hereditary conditions that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you an overview of recommended vaccinations and medications for the puppy and you should adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.
As with all dogs it is essential to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will enable your vet to identify any potential issues before they become serious, and can help prevent problems such as skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. Because the breed is predisposed to heart problems and heart disease, it is crucial to listen to your heart using a stethoscope and examine the X-rays of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a significant commitment and can last for 10-12 years if given proper care. Before you buy one, make sure that you can afford it financially, and have the time to devote to it. Also, consider whether you have the space to house a large dog, and be prepared for the additional cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment, and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are herding dogs with an inherent desire to work and an instinct for protection. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they are excellent police and military dogs. These traits can be problematic for a family dog. For instance, they might be aggressive towards vehicles or bark at people when they feel threatened. They can also bite.
You can address these issues by selecting a puppy with the proper temperament. But, even so you'll need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggression (GSDs are guardians of their food).
In order to be well trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd must get plenty of exercise. This can include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs, and games of fetch. Puzzle toys and nose-work games can to stimulate their minds. They are also heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is the best place to start when looking for an ethical breeder. They are familiar with a wide range of animals and can offer recommendations for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners as well as other local German Shepherd owners.
When you decide to buy a GSD, make sure that the breeder has 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 options to acquire an German Shepherd if you cannot locate a reliable breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres are usually able to offer German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can also be available on the internet. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through an animal rescue center be sure to learn as much about the pup's history as possible before you take them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog would be a good fit in your life. Also, be sure to inquire about any health or behavior issues the dog has experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will respond well to training if they have had proper socialization during their puppyhood.