Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. schäferhunde kaufen to research the best breeders before making your purchase.
Find out whether the litter's parents have been certified free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to return their dogs when they aren't compatible with your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The last thing you want to do is buy a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that needs a lot of space and also lots of adventure, training, and exercise.
Look for a breeder that is transparent in its practices and lets you observe the place where the puppies are residing. The majority of reputable breeders have live webcams, social media pages or websites that let you observe the conditions of their homes. Look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and absorbent footing so that the puppies do not walk around or lie in their own poop.
A reputable breeder will be able to explain genetic disorders that are common to this type of dog and how they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. If you come across a breeder selling their puppies on these sites be cautious. This is against the law in most states and it indicates 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 progeny. This is a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will be more likely to have a high incidence of health problems and might not be the type of personality or the skills you would like in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are awestruck by the activity. They are excellent family dogs, and they are very loyal to their owners. They may be suspicious of strangers and may display aggressive behavior when they feel their owner is in danger or threatened. Early obedience training can aid in ensuring that your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
As with all breeds certain health issues are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the necessary health tests to prevent the spread of diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of these tests and be able to address any questions about the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding caused these issues in the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders are now working to minimize their incidence.
Another problem that can be found with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It's usually found in the spleen and the heart, and can cause a number of symptoms including anemia and bleeding, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
Like all breeds, it is important to give your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A properly balanced diet can help reduce the chance of hip and elbow 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.
Verify the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have an ideal body proportioned to its size, a dense coat and healthy eyes. It must also be active, playful and be able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have strong stool that indicates the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with their littermates as well as other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be playful and curious but not scared or aggressive. A reliable breeder will give you documentation of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When you are watching the puppies, pay special attention to their ears. When they're not in use they should be upright and be free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder will also ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to per veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, or white and tan. They may also be gray or liver. 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 problems, and autoimmune disease. Having a high-quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies are properly socialised at a young age. This will help them become calmer and more confident with animals and people particularly if they have been raised together. Introduce your pets slowly, particularly when you have cats. If deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen introduced to other pets at a young stage, German Shepherds may become bossy.
Consult the Veterinarian's recommendations
Veterinarians are an excellent source of information about ethical breeders. Consult a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and dog-related businesses as well. It is recommended that you get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be made on the spur of the moment. You will need to consider the cost of food, grooming and training, in addition to the possibility of costs for vet care and other unexpected costs. Before you begin shopping for a puppy, make sure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are lively and require lots of exercise to keep them occupied. If they don't, they can develop behavioral problems, like excessive barking or chewing furniture and furniture, which can be very frustrating for their owners. Training in obedience, exercise, and a regular schedule can aid in calming the energy of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds of dogs are susceptible to health conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They are also at risk of developing spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
It is recommended to schedule your first appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home your new German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. You will also want to discuss a training plan and ways to help your puppy grow into an adult dog who is well-adjusted.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
You should look for breeders that meet your top preferences in regards to a German Shepherd. Ask for a referral if they don't currently have a litter or don't provide the type of dog you're seeking.
Once you've found a breeder that meets your qualifications, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. Check out reviews on their website and on social media from other families that have purchased their puppies and reviews from trainers and veterinarians.
It is also important to determine if the parents are certified by OFA or AKC. If they do not have certification, it could be a sign that the breeder does not take health seriously or is unprofessional.
It is also important to look into the breeding history of their parents as well as grandparents. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. It is a progressive paralysis in the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are open to sharing these documents with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to read. Some may also have an application form for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure the puppy will be happy in your care.
As a general rule, German Shepherds are friendly towards animals and other dogs but can be territorial as they get older so it's important to socialise them from an early age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're in the process of teething so you should be prepared for this and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They are protective of their family, and will bark if anyone is near your home.