The 10 Scariest Things About Buy A German Shepherd
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy is a serious commitment. Before making a purchase, it's important to do some research about reputable breeders.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus. Exocrine insufficiency, megaes Von Willebrand's disease.
Also ask about the breeder's return policy. Breeders with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
The most important thing you don't want to do is buy an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a big breed dog that requires a large living space as well as a lot of exercise, training, and adventure to be healthy and happy.
Choose a breeder that has transparent practices and allows you to see where the puppies are housed. Most reliable breeders have websites and social media pages or live webcams that allow you observe the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean bedding, a spongy footing that does not allow the puppies to walk or lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder will also be able to explain the genetic disorders that are common to this breed of dog and the ways they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder should be able to explain what genetic disease testing they are performing and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. If you come across breeders selling their puppies through these outlets, be very wary. It is illegal in most states to sell their puppies. It also suggests that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibilities seriously or is not interested in improving the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and its descendants. This is a squander of money. The puppies you buy will more likely have health issues, and may not have the temperament you desire in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who love to be active. They are great family dogs and are devoted to their owners. They can be very suspicious of strangers, and may display aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Training in obedience early will aid in ensuring that your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
Certain health issues are more prevalent among German Shepherds in particular breeds. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the necessary health tests to avoid the spread of diseases. A breeder should be open about the results of these tests and should be in a position to answer any questions you might have about the puppies' health.
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia as well as spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding was responsible for these issues in the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders now work to limit their incidence.
Another problem that can be found in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It's usually found in the heart and spleen and can cause a number of symptoms including anemia as well as weight loss, bleeding, and breathing problems.
As with all breeds, it's important to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and deutschen SchäFerhund kaufen exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, as they can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Verify the health of the dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes and an body that is proportionate. It should be playful, active and capable of engaging in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and short intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have firm stool that indicates the proper digestion and Altdeutscher schäFerhund kaufen absorption of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and their littermates including adults. They should be playful and curious but not threatening or scared. A reputable breeder should offer the documentation of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
Pay close attention to the ears of the puppies when observing them. They should be upright when they aren't in use and be free of any hair loss or hairy patches. A reputable breeder makes sure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and taken care of according to the veterinary recommendations.
These large dogs with double coats are available in many colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan or white and tan but may also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain diseases like knee dysplasia or hip pain, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. Having a high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies have been properly socialised at a young age. This will help them be more calm and confident around animals and other people especially if they have grown up together. If you have other pets such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. If they're not properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds can become a bit bossy.
Review the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a few veterinarians in your area for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and other dog-related businesses. You should also get to know German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who know the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment, and shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You'll need to think about the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the possibility of costs for medical and other unexpected costs. Before you begin shopping for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are lively and require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. If they don't, they can develop behavioral problems, like excessive chewing on furniture or barking which can be a hassle for their owners. Exercise, obedience training and a routine for reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen daily life will aid in calming the temperament of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also have a higher risk of developing spinal disorders like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for deutschen schäferhund kaufen genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
It is important to schedule your first appointment with your vet before you bring home your new German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy is healthy and able to become a member of your family. You will also talk about the training program and ways to help your puppy become an empathetic dog.
Check the breeder's reputation
It is best to find a breeder who meets your top requirements for a German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter or don't offer the kind of dog you're seeking.
After you've found a breeder that is able to meet your requirements, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or social media by other families who bought their pups, as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
You should also check whether the parents are certified by OFA or AKC. If they do not have a certificate it could be an indication that the breeder doesn't consider health a priority or is not ethical.
You should also consider the breeding history of their parents as well as grandparents. This will help you determine whether your puppy is likely to be affected by genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy which is an ongoing paralization of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are willing to share their information with potential buyers. They will also have a breed history available for you to go over. Some breeders may require you to fill out an online questionnaire that asks you questions regarding your lifestyle as well as your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be content under your supervision.
In general, German Shepherds can be at ease with other dogs and even pets. However, they may become more territorial as they age. It is crucial to socialise your German Shepherds at a young age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're teething so be aware of this and deutscher schäFerhund Kaufen österreich be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and can bark to alert you if someone comes near the house.