Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is an expensive and emotional purchase. Conducting your research prior to purchase can help you avoid costly errors.
Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family members are dedicated to daily walks, playtime, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent boredom and frustration which could lead to chewing furniture and shoes.
Find a trusted breeder
You'll want a breeder that is knowledgeable and responsible. They will be transparent regarding their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care not to produce puppies with genetic diseases.
You can find reliable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations, or looking through the websites of dog clubs and performance events. Breeders usually have a facility in which they raise their dogs, and also offer classes for training at a cost. This is a great opportunity to get your dog used to people and get them started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder who breeds for temperament and health rather than coat color. A trustworthy breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm their puppies' health by conducting DNA and orthopedic tests.
Some red flags to look out for include breeders who don't provide routine preventive treatments like deworming or vaccines or who claims that their supplements are better than those offered by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts with stipulations you don't agree with.
It is important to recognize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have a huge responsibility. They are accountable to a lot of people who depend on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to the highest quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you could end up with a dog that is unhealthy and unpredictable in its behavior. They are often on message boards or online forums seeking help with the myriad of health and temperament issues they have. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has no knowledge of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They're usually trying to make a profit and not create healthy pups. A reputable breeder will put their dogs in meaningful venues besides basic obedience. They'll train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other performance events.
Speak with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often serve as service dogs for police or the military, but they also make wonderful pets for families. They are prone to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play.
Consult click through the up coming webpage about breeders that are ethical before you buy a German Shepherd. Veterinarians are in contact with many pet care professionals like shelters and private owners. They will know the best breeders in your community. You should also ask them about the genetic disorders that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among others.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-tier animal hospitals with staffs that are specialized in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and their staffs are equipped to deal with a wide variety of illnesses and conditions that are common to this breed.
You can also get in touch with the local German Shepherd clubs. These groups have lists of reliable breeders, and can guide you in the right direction. You can also ask if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit together perfectly. This can result in painful arthritis later in the course of. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and select those who have healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also a common issue for the breed, and a good breeder should have both parents tested for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), valvular heart disease, and heart murmurs.
You should never buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who doesn't have evidence of health tests for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder may not be following strict breeding methods. It's also not healthy for puppies to be shipped far distances. This can create stress and could lead to respiratory issues.
Find a breeder with specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts and love of training, which makes them excellent work dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their devotion to family members. This protectiveness can turn aggressive in dogs that are not well-socialized and properly trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored, which can result in behavioural issues like chewing on furniture or barking. This is why it is crucial to choose a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and environment.
If you are interested in finding an German Shepherd puppy, consider talking to local veterinarians for suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians are in a unique position to offer advice on where to purchase quality German Shepherds because they work closely with many animal care-givers including shelters, breeders, and private owners.
Choose a breeder that keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and maintains open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions regarding health tests as well as early socialization and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will also offer a health certificate for each puppy they sell, describing the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary conditions that are common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide you with a an overview of recommended vaccinations and medicines for puppies and you should adhere to precisely to lower the chance of contracting disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will help your veterinarian spot any potential problems before they become serious and can avoid issues such as skin issues, bloat and heart disease. It is crucial to use a stethoscope to listen to the heart and examine an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine examinations.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment that can last up to 10-12 years with proper care. Make sure you have the funds to buy one and that you have the time. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house a large dog and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming equipment and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are dogs who work with the ability to protect themselves and a natural urge to herd. They also tend to be fairly fearless - this is why they are excellent military and police dogs. These traits can be a problem for a dog that is a family pet. For example, they may attack cars or bark at people if they feel threatened. They can also bite.
Selecting a puppy with the right temperament can aid in addressing these issues. But, even so you must put in the time and effort for early training. This includes house-training and dealing with food aggression (GSDs tend to keep their food in a safe place).
Your German Shepherd needs to be active to ensure that they are well-trained. This could include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs and games of fetch. Games for the nose and puzzles can to stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is an excellent place to start when searching for an ethical breeder. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders as well as dog training. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to purchase a GSD be sure that the breeder offers health guarantees. This will help you avoid serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other options to get a German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable dog breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can often be found online. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre be sure to learn as much about the dog's history as possible before you take them home. This will help you determine whether they'll be a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out about any health or behavioral issues the dog might have faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they are properly socialized during their puppyhood.