Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
The purchase of a German Shepherd is a significant commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making a mistake that could cost you time and money by doing your homework upfront.
Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family members commit to regular walks and games as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger which can result in chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
You'll want to find a breeder who is competent and accountable. They'll be honest regarding their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
You can find reliable breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. They usually have a place where they keep their dogs and will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a good way to get your puppy socialized and get started on basic obedience training.
Look for deutschen schäferhund kaufen that breeds for health, temperament and not just for looks or coat colour. A reputable breeder follows strict breeding standards, and tests for genetic diseases common to German Shepherd Dogs. They also verify their puppies' health with orthopedic and DNA tests.
Some red flags to look for are breeders who do not provide regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccinations or who claims that their supplements are better than those offered by your vet. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts that include stipulations you don't agree with.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living are a lot of responsibility. They have many people who rely on them to deliver high-quality puppies. If a breeder does not meet the highest standards, it can affect the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could get one with a sluggish and unstable behavior. These dogs are often found on message boards or online forums, seeking assistance to address the numerous temperament and health issues they have. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyards has no knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are trying to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in a variety of settings other than basic obedience. They will train and certify their dog in Schutzhund or any other competition.
Talk to your local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They are herding dogs that often work as service dogs for the police or military, but they are loyal pets for families. They are susceptible to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of time and space to play.
Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in contact with many pet care providers like shelters and private owners. They can recommend the top breeders in your locality. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. You should inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-tier animal hospitals with staffs that are specialized in working with German Shepherds, such as 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 staff is trained to treat a variety and ailments that are common in this breed.
You can also consider contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They typically have lists of reputable breeders and can point 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 doesn't fit together perfectly. This can lead later in life to pain-inducing arthritis. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and select those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is another issue that affects the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease, and heart murmurs.
deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich should never buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide evidence of health testing for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder may not be following strict breeding methods. In addition, it's not healthy for puppies to travel long distances. This can lead to stress and could cause respiratory problems.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Expertise
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 renowned for their loyalty towards family members. This protective nature can turn violent when a dog isn't properly socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is lively and requires plenty of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems such as chewing furniture, or barking. It is important to choose the dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and surroundings.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're looking for a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in a superior position to offer advice on where to purchase quality German Shepherds due to their collaborate with a variety of animal care-givers including breeders, shelters and individual owners.
Find a breeder who has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock, and is open to communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will also offer health certificates for each puppy they sell, which will detail the genetic history of the puppy. This includes the hereditary diseases that are common in the breed like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a the recommended vaccines and medicines that you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is important that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your vet to identify any problems before they become more serious and help prevent issues such as skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. It is essential to use a stethoscope listen to the heart and also to perform an X-ray of the chest when performing routine exams.
German Shepherds can last up to 12 years when given the proper treatment. Be sure you can afford to purchase one and that you have the time. You should also think about whether you have enough space to house a large dog. Be prepared to spend more on food and grooming equipment.
Be prepared to dedicate time to early training
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have an inherent desire to work and a protective instinct. deutschen schäferhund kaufen are also fairly fearless and that's why they make excellent military and police dogs. These traits can be problematic for a family dog. If they feel threatened, they could be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They can also be prone to biting.
Selecting a puppy with the right temperament can help you address these problems. However, you will need to put in the time and effort for early training. This includes housetraining and addressing food aggressiveness (GSDs protect their food).
In order to be properly trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd needs to take in plenty of exercise. This could include long hikes, joggs and runs, as well as fetch games. They also require mental stimulation by playing with games that require a nose and puzzle games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Contacting your local veterinarian is a good place to begin in your search for an ethical breeder. They are familiar with many animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also speak to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
If you decide to purchase a GSD make sure you choose breeders that offer health assurances. This will protect you in case of serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye problems, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand disease, and EPI.
There are other methods to get a German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may also be available online. If you're planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue center ensure that you know as much about the pup's history as possible before you take them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog will be a good fit in your life. Find out about any health or behavioral issues the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs. They will respond well to training provided they've had adequate socialization in their early years.