Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. You can avoid making a mistake that could cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.
Ask local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family is committed to regular walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to prevent frustration and boredom that could lead to chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a trusted breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to find one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and will be willing to give pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies that carry genetic disorders.
You can locate credible breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs and events. They usually have a facility where they keep their dogs and offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a good way to socialize your puppy and get started on basic obedience training.
Choose a breeder who breeds for health, temperament and not just for looks or coat colour. A reputable breeder will adhere to strict standards for breeding and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm the health of their puppies through orthopedic and DNA testing.
The red flags are breeders who don't offer preventive care, such as vaccines and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those provided by your vet. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts with conditions you don't like.
Breeders who raise puppies as a profession have a lot of responsibility. Many people depend on them for quality puppies. schäferhundwelpen who do not follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you could end up with a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or in online forums, asking for help to fix the many temperament and health issues they have. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyards has no understanding of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are trying to make a profit and not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in meaningful venues beyond basic obedience. They will train and name their dog for Schutzhund or any other event of performance.
Speak with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart active dogs who bond deeply with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often are used as service dogs for the police or military, but they are wonderful 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 adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians have many contacts with pet care providers, such as shelters and private owners. They can recommend the top breeders in your community. You should also inquire about the genetic diseases that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line facilities with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds. They 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 their staffs are equipped to handle a broad range of conditions and illnesses that are common to this breed.
You can also consider contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. They typically have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic disorders.
Hip dysplasia is a frequent issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit perfectly. This can lead later in life to arthritis that is painful. Breeders should scan dogs for x-rays and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also an issue that is common to the breed and a good breeder must have both parents screened for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart valve disease and heart murmurs.
You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who is unable to provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder isn't following strict breeding practices. It's also not a good idea to ship puppies long distances. This can cause stress and can result in respiratory issues.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and love of training, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also good guard dogs, and are known for their devotion to family members. However, this loyalty can turn into aggression in the event that the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause issues with behaviour like chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is important to choose a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and environment.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're looking to find a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in the unique position to offer advice on where to purchase quality German Shepherds due to their are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers including breeders, shelters and individual owners.
Find a breeder who maintains a strong relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will answer questions about health testing as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder will also provide you with health certificates for each puppy they sell, detailing the dog's genetic background. This includes hereditary disorders that are that are common to the breed, like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide you with a an overview of recommended vaccinations and medicines for the puppy, which you should adhere to in order to reduce the chance of contracting disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to spot any potential problems before they become serious and can stop problems like bloat, skin disorders, and heart disease. It is crucial to use a stethoscope listen to the heartbeat and also to perform an X-ray of the chest when performing routine examinations.
German Shepherds can live for up to 12 years with the proper care. Be sure you can afford to buy one and that you have the time. It is also important to consider if you have enough space to house a large dog, and be prepared for the additional cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment and crates.
Early training takes time.
German Shepherds are herding dogs that have an inherent drive to work and an instinct to protect. They are also extremely fearless, which is why they are excellent police and military dogs. These traits can be a problem for a pet that is family. If they are afraid, they may lunge at cars and bark at people. They are also prone to bite.
Picking a puppy that has the right temperament can aid in addressing these problems. You will still need to devote time and effort during the early stages of training. This includes housetraining and addressing food aggression (GSDs are guardians of their food).

Your German Shepherd must be active to be well-trained. This can include long hikes, jogs and runs and fetch games. They also require mental stimulation by playing with puzzle toys and nose work games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is the best place to start in your search for a breeder who is ethical. They are well-versed with a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog training. You can also speak with pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
If you decide to buy a GSD make sure you choose a breeder who offers health guarantees. This will help you avoid serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye problems, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand disease, and EPI.
If you're unable to locate an accredited breeder There are other options to acquire a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centers often have German Shepherds, and breed-specific rescues may be found online. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre ensure that you know as much about the pup's history as possible before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out about any health or behavioral issues the dog might have experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will respond well to proper training if they were properly socialized from the time they were puppies.