Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
The purchase of a German Shepherd is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally. Doing your research ahead of time will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Consult your local veterinarian regarding ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family is dedicated to daily walks or playtime as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration, which can lead to chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a reputable breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to select one who is knowledgeable and responsible. They'll be honest about their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or visit the websites of dog clubs and performance events. Breeders usually have a facility where they take care of their dogs. They also offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to introduce your puppy to other dogs and start to learn basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament and health instead of looks or coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict standards for breeding and also screens for genetic disorders that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They will also certify the health of their puppies by orthopedic and DNA testing.
Some red flags to watch for are a breeder who doesn't do routine preventive treatments like deworming or vaccinations, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those sold by your vet. Beware of a breeder that requires you to sign contracts with conditions you're not satisfied with.
It's crucial to realize that breeders who raise puppies for a living take on a huge responsibility. They have a lot of people who rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who don't adhere to high quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you select a backyard breeder, you may end up with a dog that is unwell and unstable in their behavior. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich are frequently seen on message boards or in online forums, seeking assistance in resolving the numerous issues with their temperament and health they suffer from. A poor breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has no knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make money and not create healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in meaningful venues other than basic obedience. They will train and certify their dog for Schutzhund or any other event of performance.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs that often serve as service dogs for police or the military, but they also make great family pets. They need lots of exercise and can be susceptible to boredom if they aren't adequately stimulated, which is why they thrive in households that provide plenty of time and space for them to play and run around.
Consult your local veterinarian about breeders that are ethical before purchasing a German Shepherd. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care professionals, such as shelters and private owners. They will know the best breeders in your area. You should also inquire about the genetic conditions that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
If you live in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These hospitals have state-of-the-art facilities and their staff are trained to treat a variety and ailments that are common to this breed.
You should also look into getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. These groups typically have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also determine whether the breeder had their parents tested for common genetic disorders.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint isn't fitting together in a perfect way. This can lead later in life to arthritis that is painful. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and only use those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is another problem that plagues the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease, as well as heart murmurs.
You should not purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a sign the breeder may not be following strict breeding protocols. It's also not healthy to ship puppies across long distances. This can lead to stress and even respiratory problems.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts as well as their enthusiasm for learning, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their loyalty 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 energetic and needs lots of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause issues with behavior such as chewing furniture, or barking. It is essential to select a dog that fits your lifestyle and environment.
If you are looking to find a German Shepherd puppy, consider talking to local veterinarians for recommendations from ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in the unique position to offer advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds since they are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers including shelters, breeders, and private owners.
Look for a breeder that has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock and is willing to talk with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions regarding health testing as well as early socialization of their puppies. the environment where their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate to each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the pup. This includes hereditary disorders that are common in the breed like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a an inventory of recommended vaccines and medications that you should follow to reduce the risk of developing disease.
As with all dogs it is important to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will enable your vet to identify any problems before they become serious and can help prevent problems like bloat, skin conditions and heart diseases. It is important to use a stethoscope in order to listen to the heart and also to examine an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine exams.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment and can live up to 10-12 years with proper treatment. Be sure you can afford to purchase one and you have enough time. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house a large dog and be prepared for the cost of food, toys, grooming equipment and crates.
Be prepared to dedicate time to Early Training
German Shepherds are herding dogs with an inherent desire to work and an instinct to protect. They are also extremely fearless, which is why they make great police and military dogs. These traits can be problematic for a dog that is a family pet. For instance, they might be aggressive towards cars or bark at people when they feel threatened. They can also bite.
You can address these issues by choosing a puppy that has the right temperament. But even so, you will need to devote time and energy to early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggression (GSDs protect their food).
Your German Shepherd should be active to stay well-trained. This can include long hikes, joggs or runs as well as fetch games. They will also need mental stimulation through games that require a nose and puzzle games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
The best place to start when looking for an ethical breeder is to talk to local veterinarians. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can recommend ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also speak with pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your area.
If you decide to purchase a GSD, make sure that the breeder provides health assurances. This will protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye problems, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand disease, and EPI.
If you are unable to find an accredited breeder, there are other ways to get an German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can also be available online. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre, make sure you learn as much about the dog's history as possible before you bring them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog will fit into your lifestyle. Also, make sure to ask about any health or behavioral issues the dog has experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will respond well to training provided they've had adequate socialization in their early years.