Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a big commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making a mistake that could cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.
Consult local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family members are dedicated to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger which could lead to chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to find one who is responsible and knowledgeable. They'll be open about their breeding methods and will be willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to produce puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders will often have a place where they raise their dogs, and also offer classes for training at a cost. This is a good way to get your puppy socialized and begin basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder who breeds for temperament and health rather than looks or coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict breeding standards, and also screens for genetic disorders common to German Shepherd Dogs. They will also confirm the health of their puppies through DNA and orthopedic testing.
Some red flags to look for are breeders who don't provide routine preventive treatments like deworming or vaccines or claims that their supplements are better than those sold by your veterinarian. Be beware of breeders that require you to sign contracts that include stipulations you don't agree with.
It's important to understand that breeders who raise puppies for a living have a significant responsibility. Many people rely on them for quality puppies. Breeders who do not adhere to the highest quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you select a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could get a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards or online forums seeking help for the many health and temperament issues they suffer from. A mediocre breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has little knowledge of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make a profit and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in meaningful settings besides basic obedience. They'll train and title their dogs in Schutzhund or other events of performance.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often serve as service dogs for the police or military, but they are great family pets. They require plenty of exercise and can be prone to boredom if not properly stimulated, so they are happiest in homes that have ample time and space to play and run around.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. click through the following website have a lot of contacts with pet care facilities like shelters and private owners. They will know the top breeders in your locality. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among others.
If you live in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds, such as Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These hospitals are equipped with the latest equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety and conditions that are common in this breed.
It is also worth contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They have lists of reliable breeders and can direct you in the right directions. You can also ask if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
A common issue for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This can lead later in life to arthritis that is painful. Breeders should take x-rays of their dogs and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is another problem that plagues the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Valvular Heart Disease, and heart murmurs.
You should not purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot provide proof of health testing for both parents. This indicates that the breeder may not be following strict breeding protocols. It's also unhealthy to ship puppies long distances. This can cause stress and could cause respiratory problems.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Expertise
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts as well as their love of learning, which make them great working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their loyalty to family members. However, this protectiveness can become aggressive if the dog is not properly trained and socialized in its early years. The breed is active and needs lots of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems like chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is important to select a dog who is suitable for your lifestyle and environment.
If you are interested in finding a German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians collaborate with a variety of animal care providers, including shelters, breeders, and private owners, so they are often in the best position to offer guidance on where to locate quality German Shepherds.
Find a breeder who has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock, and is willing to talk with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will answer questions about health testing, early socialization, and the environment that their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate for every puppy sold, which outlines the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases that are that are common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a a list of recommended vaccines and other medications you should take to lower the risk of disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your vet to identify any problems before they become more serious and can help prevent problems like skin conditions, bloat and heart disease. Since the breed is prone to heart issues It is essential to listen to the heart using a stethoscope and take an X-ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds can live up to 12 years if they receive the right care. Be sure you can afford to purchase one and that you have the time. You should also consider whether you have the space needed to house a large dog and be prepared for the cost of food, toys, grooming equipment, and crates.
Early training takes time.
German Shepherds are dogs who work with a protective instinct and a natural urge to herd. They also tend to be fairly fearless - this is why they make excellent police and military dogs. But these traits can be problematic for a home dog. If they feel threatened, they could be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They can also bite.
Choosing a puppy with the best temperament will aid in addressing these issues. But even so you'll need to devote time and energy to early training. This includes house training as well as addressing food-related aggression (GSDs tend to keep their food in a safe place).
In order to be well trained, your German Shepherd must be active and get plenty of exercise. This can be as long walks, hikes, jogs, runs, and games of fetch. Puzzle toys and games for nosework can help stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is an excellent place to start in your search for a breeder who is ethical. They have a lot of animals and can offer suggestions for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
If you decide to purchase a GSD make sure you choose a breeder that offers health guarantees. This will help you avoid serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other methods to obtain an German Shepherd if you cannot locate a reliable dog breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found online. If you're planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre be sure to learn as much about the dog's history as possible before you bring them home. This will help you determine whether they're suitable for your lifestyle. Ask about any behavioral or health problems the dog might have faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they were well-socialized as puppies.