Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder

Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. It's important to research the best breeders before making your purchase.

Find out whether the parents of the litter have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and megaesophagus as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.

Ask the breeder about their return policy. Breeders who are reputable will return their dogs if they do not match your lifestyle.

Find a trusted breeder

The most important thing you don't want to do is buy a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a large-breed dog that requires a lot of space, and plenty of play, training and exercise.

Look for a breeder who has transparent practices, and lets you know where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that let you view the conditions of their homes. Look for sanitary bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that doesn't allow the puppies to walk and lay in their poop and clean areas.

A good breeder can describe the genetic diseases that are common to this type and the tests they are conducted for. This includes hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often.

A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. If you see breeders selling their puppies in these places be cautious. It is illegal in most states to do this. It also shows that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibilities seriously or has little interest in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating to the breed and its future descendants. It's also a waste money. The puppies you purchase will be more likely to have health problems and may not exhibit the temperament you desire in your new puppy.

Visit the Litter

German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and pack animals that are very active. They are great family pets and are devoted to their owners. They can be very cautious of strangers, and they can even display aggression when they believe their owner is in danger. Early obedience training will help to ensure your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.

Certain health issues are more prevalent among German Shepherds in particular breeds. Responsible breeders should perform the appropriate health tests to help stop the spread of these diseases. Breeders should also be transparent about the results of these tests and should be in a position to answer any questions you might have about the health of the puppies.

German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding caused these problems during the beginning of the breed, but responsible breeders now work hard to reduce their frequency.

Hemangiosarcoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It usually occurs in the spleen and the heart, and can cause several symptoms like anemia and bleeding, weight loss and breathing problems.

As with all breeds, it's crucial to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of hip and deutsche schäferhundwelpen elbow dysplasia, spinal stenosis degenerative, and Von Willebrand disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, as they can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.

Examine the health of your dog's health.

A German Shepherd puppy should have an ideal body proportioned to its size, a dense coat and healthy eyes. It should be active, playful and capable of engaging in appropriate activities for its age such as play and brief bursts of exercise.

A healthy German shepherd should have a strong appetite and be able to maintain a steady increase in weight. It should also have firm stool that shows an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Observe how they interact with other dogs and their littermates and their adult companions. They should be playful and curious but not too violent or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will give you the documentation of temperament tests for both the puppies and parents.

When observing the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. They should be upright when not occupied and be free of bleeding or hairy patches. A reputable breeder will also make sure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as according to veterinary guidelines.

These large, double coated dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, or all-black or white and tan but they can also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year round and require regular brushing.

Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to issues like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Additionally, make sure the puppies are appropriately socialized from a young age. This will help them to become more relaxed and secure with animals and people especially if they have a history of growing up together. If you have other pets such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can become bossy around other pets if they have not been properly introduced at an early age.

Review the Veterinarian's Recommendations

Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, ask pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. In the ideal scenario, Schäferhund kaufen you'll want to get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your region to meet and talk with people who are acquainted with the breed.

A puppy is a long-term commitment, and shouldn't be done on a whim. You'll have to consider the costs of grooming and food and also the cost of training and veterinary care. Before you begin shopping for a puppy, be sure you have a set budget.

Due to their herding nature, German Shepherds have lots of energy and require plenty to do to keep them busy and entertained. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a daily routine will aid in calming the energy of this intelligent breed.

German Shepherds, like other large breeds of dogs, are susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases such as hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their puppies for these and other diseases and have made significant progress in eliminating genetic diseases that result from inbreeding.

It is recommended to schedule your first appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home the German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy is healthy and able to join your family. It is also important to discuss a plan for belgischer Schäferhund Welpen kaufen österreich training and how you can help your puppy grow into an adult dog who is well-adjusted.

Be sure to verify the reputation of the breeder

It is best to locate a breeder who meets your top requirements for a German Shepherd. Request a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter or don't offer the breed of dog you're searching for.

You can verify the reputation of a breeder once you have found one who matches your needs. Check for reviews on their website and schäFerhund welpen österreich kaufen social media from other families that have purchased their puppies and reviews from trainers and veterinarians.

Check if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have a certificate it could indicate that the breeder doesn't take health seriously or is unprofessional.

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

Many breeders who are reputable are willing to share their breed's history with potential buyers. They will also have the breed history available for you to go over. There may be an application form for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and schäFerhund Kaufen environment to ensure the puppy is happy in your care.

As a general rule German Shepherds are generally friendly towards pets and other dogs, but they can be territorial as they grow older therefore it's essential to socialize the breed from a young age. They can also bite when they are teething, so be prepared and be aware that this isn't an sign of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and will bark to alert you if someone is in the vicinity of the home.