Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a big commitment emotionally as well as financially. Doing your research ahead of time can help you avoid costly errors.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family commit to daily walks, games, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration, which can lead to chewing on furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
You'll want to find a breeder who is competent and accountable. This means they'll be open about their breeding practices and willing to give pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
You can locate reliable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. These breeders typically have a facility in which they take care of their dogs. They also offer classes for training at an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to get your puppy socialized and begin basic obedience training.
Choose a breeder who breeds for temperament, health, and not just appearances or coat colour. A reputable breeder follows strict breeding standards, and screens for genetic diseases common to German Shepherd Dogs. They also verify the health of their puppies using tests for DNA and orthopedics.
Some red flags to watch for are breeders who do not provide typical preventive care such as deworming or vaccines or who claims that their supplements are better than those sold by your veterinarian. Be wary of a breeder who demands you to sign contracts with stipulations that you're not happy with.
It is important to recognize that breeders who raise puppies for a living have a significant responsibility. Many people depend on them for high-quality puppies. Breeders who do not follow high-quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could end up with one with a sluggish and unstable behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards and online forums seeking help with the numerous problems with their temperament and health that they have. A mediocre or backyard breeder has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are looking to make money and not produce healthy pups. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in meaningful venues apart from basic obedience. They will train and name their dog for Schutzhund and any other event of performance.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs that have a strong bond with their owners. They are herding dogs that typically serve as service dogs for the police or military, but they also make loyal family pets. They are susceptible to boredom and require plenty of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Before you adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care facilities like shelters and private owners. They will know the best breeders in your area. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. It is important to inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line facilities with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and staff members equipped to deal with a wide variety of ailments and conditions that are common to this breed.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. They have lists of reputable dog breeders and can help you in the right direction. You can also determine whether the breeder had their parents tested for the most common genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit together perfectly. This can lead later in life to arthritis that is painful. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and select those who have healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed, and a good breeder should have both parents screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and valvular heart disease and heart murmurs.
It is not advisable to purchase an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder might not be following strict breeding methods. It's also unhealthy to ship puppies long distances. This can lead to stress and even lead to respiratory issues.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and love of learning, which make them excellent working dogs. They also make good guard dogs and are known for their loyalty to family members. This protection can become aggressive when a dog isn't well-socialized and properly trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to issues with behaviour such as chewing furniture, or barking. It is crucial to select a dog that fits your lifestyle and environment.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if interested in finding an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers, including shelters, breeders and owners on their own They are in the best position to provide suggestions on where to find high-quality German Shepherds.
Find a breeder who has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock and is willing to communicate with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is able to answer questions about health testing, early socialization, and the environment where their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder should also provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary conditions that are common to the breed such as megaesophagus and exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a the recommended vaccines and medicines that you should take to lower the risk of developing disease.
It is important that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to spot any potential issues before they become more serious and help prevent issues such as skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. Because the breed is predisposed to heart problems, it is particularly important to listen to the heart with a stethoscope, and examine the X-rays of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment that can last up to 10-12 years with proper care. Before you buy one, ensure that you are able to afford it financially, and have the time to it. You should also think about whether you have enough space to house the large dog. Be prepared to pay extra for food and grooming equipment.
Early training requires time.
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have an inherent drive to work and an instinct to protect. They also have a lot of courage, which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. These traits can be problematic for a pet that is family. For example, they may be aggressive towards cars or even bark at people if they feel threatened. They are also prone to biting.
You can address these issues by choosing a puppy that has the proper temperament. However, you will need to put in the time and effort to early training. This includes house-training and addressing food aversion (GSDs often protect their food).
To be well trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd will need to be active and get plenty of exercise. This can include long hikes, joggs and runs as well as fetch games. They also require mental stimulation with puzzle toys and nose work games. They are also heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
The best place to start when looking for a responsible breeder is to speak with local veterinarians. They have a lot of animals and can offer suggestions for ethical breeders as well as dog trainers. You can also ask pet store owners and local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to purchase a GSD choose a breeder who offers health assurances. This will protect you from the onset of 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 methods to obtain the German Shepherd if you cannot locate a reliable breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centres are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues might be available online. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue centre make sure you know the most you can about the history of the dog before you decide to take them home. This will help you determine whether they'll be an appropriate fit to your lifestyle. Also, be sure to ask about any health or behavioral issues the dog has experienced. GSDs are smart dogs and will be able to respond well to training when they have experienced proper socialization during their puppyhood.