Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a big commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making mistakes that will cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.
Consult your local veterinarian about ethical breeders. Also, ensure that belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich and your family is dedicated to daily walks or playtime as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent boredom and frustration that can lead to chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a Reputable breeder
You'll want a breeder who is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be honest about their breeding practices and will be willing to give pedigrees. They will also take care 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 in which they take care of their dogs and offer training classes at an additional cost. This is a great way to get your dog used to people and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for temperament, health, and not just appearances or coat colour. A reliable breeder will follow strict standards for breeding and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They also verify the health of their puppies by orthopedic and DNA testing.
The red flags are breeders who don't offer preventive care, like deworming and vaccines, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those provided by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that include terms you don't agree with.
It's crucial to realize that breeders who raise puppies for a living have an enormous responsibility. They are accountable to a lot of people who depend on them to provide quality puppies. If a breeder doesn't meet the highest standards, it could have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could get one with a health issue and unstable behavior. These dogs often end up 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 backyards has no knowledge of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. Usually they are just looking to make a profit, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in a variety of venues besides basic obedience. They will train and certify their dog for Schutzhund or any other performance event.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They were bred to be herding dogs, and are often employed for the police and military as service dogs however, they also make wonderful pets for families. They are prone to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about breeders who are ethical before you purchase a German Shepherd. Veterinarians are in contact with many pet care providers, such as shelters and private owners. They can recommend the top breeders in your community. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
If you live in New York, there are several top-tier animal hospitals with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and their staff is trained to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions that are common to this breed.
You should also look into contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. These groups have lists of reputable dog breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can lead to painful arthritis later in the course of. A good breeder should take x-rays of their dogs and use only those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is a common issue for the breed, and a good breeder must be sure that both parents are screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as heart valve disease and heart murmurs.
You shouldn't buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who doesn't have proof of health testing for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder may not be following strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy to ship puppies across long distances. This can create stress and even lead to respiratory issues.
Find a breeder who is specialized.
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instinct and love of training which makes them excellent working dogs. They also make good guard dogs and are known for their loyalty to family members. This protective nature can turn violent when a dog isn't properly socialized and trained in its first years of. The breed is energetic and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to behaviour problems such as chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is important to select a dog who is suitable for your lifestyle and home environment.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if interested in finding an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in close contact with a wide range of animal care providers, such as shelters, breeders and private owners, so they are often in the best position to give suggestions on where to find quality German Shepherds.
Look for a breeder that has good relations with their breeding stock, and is willing to talk with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions about health testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate for every puppy sold, which outlines the genetic background of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases prevalent in the breed such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, you will be provided with a an inventory of recommended vaccines and medications that you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of developing disease.
Like all dogs, it is essential to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will help your veterinarian identify any potential issues before they become serious and help prevent problems such as skin issues, bloat and heart disease. Since the breed is predisposed to heart problems It is essential to listen to the heart with a stethoscope as well as take an X-ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a significant commitment and can live for 10-12 years if given proper care. Before you decide to buy one, ensure that you are able to afford it financially and have the time to it. You should also consider whether you have enough space to accommodate an enormous dog. Be prepared to pay extra for food as well as grooming equipment, toys and grooming supplies.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are working dogs that have a protective instinct and a natural urge to herd. They also tend to be fairly fearless - this is why they make excellent police and military dogs. These characteristics can be problematic for a dog that is a family pet. For example, they may lunge at cars or even bark at people if they feel threatened. They can also bite.
You can address these issues by selecting the puppy with the right temperament. It is still necessary to invest time and energy to early training. This includes house training and dealing with food aversion (GSDs typically guard their food).
Your German Shepherd needs to be active in order to be well-trained. This could mean long hikes, jogs and runs as well as fetch games. Puzzle toys and games for nosework can to stimulate their minds. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
The best place to begin in the search for an ethical breeder is to speak with local veterinarians. They are familiar with a wide range of animals and can offer recommendations for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also talk to pet store owners as well as other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to purchase a GSD choose a breeder who offers health guarantees. This will help you in case of serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye conditions, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you can't find a reputable breeder, there are other ways to get an German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can be available online. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue centre, be sure to learn the most you can about the pup's background before you bring them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog can be a good fit in your life. Ask about any behavioral or health problems the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will respond well to training when they have experienced proper socialization during their puppyhood.