Ten Buy A German Shepherd Myths That Aren't Always True
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 time and money by doing your research before you buy.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family is committed to regular walks, playtime, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration that can cause chewed shoes or furniture.
Find a Reputable breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to select one who is responsible and knowledgeable. They will be transparent regarding their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies that carry genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or visit the websites of dog clubs or performance events. Breeders usually have a facility where they keep their dogs and will offer training classes for an additional cost. This is a great way to bond with your dog and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for temperament and health instead of looks or coat color. A trustworthy 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 by orthopedic and DNA testing.
The red flags are breeders who refuse to provide preventive care, such as deworming and vaccines or who claim that their supplements are superior to those provided by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts with conditions you don't like.
It's important to understand that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have a significant responsibility. They have a lot of people who rely on them to deliver high-quality puppies. If a breeder fails to meet the highest standards, it can affect the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end having a dog that is unwell and unstable in their behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards or online forums seeking help for the many health and temperament issues that they suffer from. A poor breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has no knowledge of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make money, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in a variety of settings apart from basic obedience. They will train and title their dog for Schutzhund and any other performance event.
Talk to local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They were bred as herding dogs and frequently work for the military and police as service dogs but they also make loyal pets for families. They require a lot of exercise and are susceptible to boredom if they aren't properly stimulated, so they thrive in homes that provide plenty of time and space to play and run around.
Consult your local veterinarian about breeders who are ethical before you purchase a German Shepherd. Veterinarians are in contact with many pet care providers like shelters and private owners. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt can recommend the best breeders in your community. Ask them about any genetic disorders that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other conditions.
If you reside in New York, there are several top-tier animal hospitals with staffs that specialize in working with German Shepherds, such as Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities and staff members equipped to deal with a wide variety of illnesses and conditions that are common for this breed.
You should also look into contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They typically have a list of breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right direction. You can also find out if the breeder has had their parents tested for the most common genetic diseases.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint isn't fitting together in a perfect way. This could lead later on to arthritis that is painful. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and use only those who have healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is also an issue that is common to the breed, and a good breeder must have both parents tested for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), valvular heart disease and heart murmurs.
You should never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder might not be following strict breeding practices. It's also unhealthy to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to stress and even 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 excellent dogs for working. They also make excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their devotion to family members. This protection can become aggressive if a dog is not well-socialized and properly trained in its first years of. The breed is energetic and needs lots of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can cause issues with behavior like chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is important to select a dog who is appropriate for your lifestyle and environment.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of animal care providers, such as breeders, shelters, and owners on their own, so they are often in the best position to give suggestions on where to find high-quality German Shepherds.
Look for a breeder that has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock, and is open to communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is able to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are fostered.
A reputable breeder should offer a health certificate to each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the pup. This includes hereditary diseases that are that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you a list of recommended vaccinations and medications for the puppy, which you should follow exactly to help reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is crucial that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your vet to identify any potential issues before they become serious, and help prevent issues such as skin conditions, bloat and heart disease. Since the breed is prone to heart problems, it is particularly important to listen to your heart with a stethoscope as well as examine the X-rays of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds can live up to 12 years when given the right treatment. Before you decide to buy one, make sure that you have the money to pay for it financially, and have the time to devote to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space for the large dog. Be prepared to pay deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen for food and grooming equipment.
Early training requires time.
German Shepherds are herding breeds with an inherent desire to work and an instinct for protection. They are also fairly fearless and that's why they are excellent military and police dogs. But these traits could be problematic for the home of a dog. For instance, they might be aggressive towards cars or bark at people when they are afraid. They may also bite.
You can tackle these issues by selecting the puppy with the proper temperament. But, even so you must put in the time and effort for early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggressiveness (GSDs are guardians of their food).
In order to be properly trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd must get plenty of exercise. This can include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs and games of fetch. They also require mental stimulation by playing with puzzle toys and nose work games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.
Contacting schäferhund beschützerinstinkt is the best place to start when searching for an ethical breeder. They see a lot of animals and can offer recommendations for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners and local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to buy a GSD, look for breeders that offer health guarantees. This can help protect you from the onset of serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand diseases, and EPI.
If you're unable to locate an accredited breeder there are other options to acquire a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found on the internet. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue centre ensure that you know as much about the dog's history as possible before you take them home. This will help you determine if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out about any behavioral or health problems the dog might have experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs who will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they are properly socialized during their puppyhood.