Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally. Conducting your research prior to purchase will save you from costly mistakes.
Ask your veterinarian in the area regarding ethical breeders. Also, ensure that blaue schäferhunde and your family are committed to regular walks, playtime, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration that can lead to chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
You'll want a breeder that is competent and accountable. They will be transparent regarding their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to produce puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. They usually have a facility where they keep their dogs and offer classes for training at an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. A reliable breeder will follow strict standards for breeding and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also certify their puppies' health by conducting orthopedic and DNA tests.
The red flags are breeders who don't offer preventive care, such as vaccinations and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those offered by your vet. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that include conditions you don't like.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a lot of responsibility. Many people depend on them for quality puppies. If a breeder fails to follow the highest standards, it can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end up getting one with a health issue and unstable behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards or online forums asking for help with the myriad of health and temperament issues they suffer from. A backyard breeder who is mediocre does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They're usually seeking to make money and not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in meaningful venues apart from basic obedience. They will train and title their dog for Schutzhund and any other performance event.
Talk to your local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that have a strong bond with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often are used as service dogs for police or the military, but they also make loyal family pets. They require a lot of exercise and are susceptible to boredom if they aren't adequately stimulated, which is why they thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play and play.
Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care professionals, such as shelters and private owners. They will know the best breeders in your community. You should also inquire about the genetic conditions that are common for the breed. It is important to inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs that are specialized 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 staffs are equipped to deal with a wide variety of ailments and conditions that are common to the breed.
You can also consider contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. These clubs typically have a list of breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right direction. You can also find out whether the breeder been tested by their parents for common genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a common problem for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit together perfectly. This could lead later on to arthritis that is painful. Breeders should take x-rays of their dogs and only select dogs who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also a common issue for the breed, and a good breeder should have both parents screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as heart valve disease and heart murmurs.
You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This indicates that the breeder isn't following strict breeding practices. It's also unhealthy to ship puppies across long distances. This can create stress and could cause respiratory problems.
Find a breeder with specialized Expertise
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts as well as their love of learning, which make them great working dogs. They also make good guard dogs and are renowned for their loyalty to family members. However, this loyalty could turn violent if the dog is not well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems such as chewing furniture, or barking. It is crucial to select the dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and the environment.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're interested in finding a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in a unique position to offer guidance on where to purchase high-quality German Shepherds since they work closely with many animal care-givers including shelters, breeders and private owners.
Look for a breeder that has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock and is willing to communicate with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions about health testing as well as early socialization of their puppies. the environment where their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder should also provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases that are 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 must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.
As with all dogs it is essential to schedule regular veterinary exams 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 listen to the heart and take an X ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a significant commitment that can last up to 10-12 years with proper care. Before you purchase one, ensure that you can afford it financially and have the time to devote to it. You should also consider whether you have the space to house a large dog and be prepared for the additional cost of food, toys, grooming equipment, and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to early training
German Shepherds are herding dogs with a natural desire 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 a problem for a pet that is family. If they are afraid, they may attack cars or bark at people. They also have a tendency to biting.
You can tackle these issues by selecting a puppy that has the right temperament. However you'll need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggression (GSDs guard their food).
Your German Shepherd must be active to ensure that they are well-trained. This could include long walks, hikes, jogs, runs and games of fetch. They also require mental stimulation with games that require a nose and puzzle games. They are also heavy shedders and require to be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is a good place to begin in your search for a breeder who is ethical. They are familiar with many animals and are able to recommend ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
If you decide to purchase a GSD, make sure that the breeder provides health guarantees. This will help you avoid serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye problems, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand diseases, and EPI.
If you're unable to locate a reputable breeder there are other options to acquire an German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centers often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found online. If you are planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre be sure to learn as much about the pup's history as possible before you take them home. This will help you determine if they will be suitable for your lifestyle. Ask about any health or behavioral issues the dog may have had. GSDs are smart dogs and will respond well to training if they have had proper socialization during their puppyhood.