Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder

A German Shepherd puppy purchase is an enormous commitment. Before you make a purchase it's essential to conduct some research on breeders who are reputable.

Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as being free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.

Also ask about the breeder's return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to return their dogs when they do not fit with your lifestyle.

Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation

The last thing you want to do is purchase an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a big breed dog that needs adequate living space and high levels of exercise, training, and adventure to stay happy and healthy.

Find a breeder who is transparent in their practices and lets you see where the puppies are kept. The majority of reputable breeders have live webcams, social media pages or websites that allow you to observe the living conditions. Look for sanitary bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that doesn't permit the puppies to walk or lay in their poop and clean areas.

A good breeder will explain the genetic diseases associated with this breed and the tests they are conducted for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder must be able tell you which genetic diseases they test for and how often.

A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. Be cautious if you find a breeder selling puppies in such places. It is against the law in many states, and suggests that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities seriously, or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be devastating for the breed and its future progenitors. It's also a waste of your money. The puppies that you purchase will be more likely to have health problems and may not exhibit the temperament you would like for your new pet.

Visit the Litter

German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that are very active. They are great dogs for families and are extremely loyal to their owners. They may be preoccupied with strangers and show aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is being threatened or endangered. Early obedience training can aid in ensuring that your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.

Like all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in German Shepherds with certain characteristics than others. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the required health tests to prevent the spread of disease. A breeder should be open about the results of these tests. They should also be capable of answering any questions you have about the health of your puppy.

German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia and spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. These problems were caused by inbreeding when the breed was in its early years however, today, responsible breeders are striving to reduce the frequency of these conditions.

Another problem that can be found with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It is most often found in the spleen and the heart, and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, trouble breathing, EntzüCkendescäFerhundwelpen weight loss and anemia.

Finally, as with all breeds, it's important to provide your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can lower the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, since this could cause stomach upset.

Check the Health of the Dogs

A German Shepherd puppy should have a well-proportioned body, dense coat and healthy eyes. It should be playful, active and engaged in appropriate activities for its age like play and short bursts of exercise.

A healthy German shepherd should have a large appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It must also have a sturdier stool that shows an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.

Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and littermates and their adult companions. They should be playful and curious, but not threatening or scared. A trustworthy breeder will provide you with documentation of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.

Pay attentively to the ears of puppies when you are watching them. They should be able to stand upright when not occupied and be free of any bleeding or bald patches. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as per the veterinary recommendations.

These massive, double coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, or white and tan. They may also be gray or even liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year round and require regular brushing.

While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be prone to conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. Having a good quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can help lower the risk of these conditions.

Also, ensure that the puppies are properly socialised from an early age. This will allow them to become calm and confident around other animals and people, especially if they have grown up with each other. Introduce your pets slowly, especially when you have cats. If they're not properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds could become a bit bossy.

Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations

The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information regarding ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, inquire about pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. It is recommended that you meet German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to talk with people who are acquainted with the breed.

Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment and shouldn't be a decision made on a whim. You'll need to think about the cost of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential costs of medical and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget before you start shopping around for the perfect dog.

Due to their herding instinct German Shepherds are full of energy and require plenty to do to keep them busy and engaged. They can develop behavioral issues such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be frustrating for owners. Exercise, obedience training, and a regular schedule can help to reduce the energy levels of this intelligent breed.

Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health conditions like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They also have a higher risk for spinal diseases, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other diseases, and have made great progress in removing genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.

It is important to plan your first appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to become a member of your family. You will also want to discuss a training plan and ways to assist your puppy to become a well-adjusted adult dog.

Verify the reputation of the breeder

It is best to locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for the perfect German Shepherd. Request a recommendation in the event that they don't have a litter or don't offer the breed of dog you're looking for.

You can verify the reputation of a breeder once you've found one that meets your requirements. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or social media by other families who purchased their puppies as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.

Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't have certification it could indicate that the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't prioritize health over all else.

Look for a breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will help you determine if your puppy is likely to develop genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy, which is an ongoing paralization of the hind legs.

Many reputable breeders are open to sharing these documents with prospective buyers and will have the history of the breed available for you to look over. Some breeders may require you to fill out an assessment form that asks questions regarding your lifestyle as well as your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy will be happy under your supervision.

In general German Shepherds are generally very friendly with animals and other dogs but they can be territorial as they get older and it's crucial to socialize them at an early age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're trying to teeth so be prepared and know that it's not an indication of aggression. They naturally protect their family and can bark to alert you if someone is in the vicinity of the home.