Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet shops offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering purchasing one, look for an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy that has an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and with the people.
Breeders with good reputations adhere to ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances for their puppies. They will provide pedigrees and medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds possess a strong sense of confidence and are a powerful dog. They also have a natural need for protection. They are often cautious of strangers, particularly at first but tend to become more comfortable once they have been socialized. They are well-known for their confidence and fearlessness when faced with danger. This makes them an ideal choice for police, military and guard dog duties. They can protect individuals and their possessions.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as a service dog, obedience competitor or loyal pet for the family. One of the reasons they're so popular is their ability to learn and accomplish various tasks. These dogs have a strong bond with their family members and are able to participate in every activity at home. These dogs are also great for children. They are energetic and will play with children as well as other dogs. Of course, like all breeds of dog they may be nippy with other pets and strangers. Socialization and training early will aid in preventing aggression.
It is essential to determine whether a breeder is a follower of ethical breeding practices. You'll want to find a German Shepherd breeder that follows the guidelines for health testing and screening as well as socialization and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can usually determine the breeder's integrity if you visit the facility to meet the parents and siblings and ask questions about genetics and health clearances.
Since the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's prone to bloat. This can be life-threatening. To minimize the risk, make sure you give your puppy plenty of water, and make sure you feed him frequently and use a bowl with a secure seal.
Like many herding breeds, German Shepherds can be nippy and will naturally bark to warn you of approaching intruders or strangers. However they can be taught to comfortably and confidently greet visitors. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or employ an animal trainer if are unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly supervised and exercised to stop him from being destructive or attempting to escape. A microchip and 24PetWatch membership can help you return your pet in the event that he does escape.
Health
The GSD is an extremely robust breed with a lot of strength. But, just like any other breed, it can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions and diseases. Do your research and ensure you are buying from a reliable breeder who is concerned about the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet the parents and request health clearances and socialization records prior to making the purchase.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as weak skeletal muscles. This is particularly true for dogs who are older. These problems can easily be managed by healthy diet and exercise, as well as physical therapy and supplements.
Epilepsy can also be passed down in GSDs. It's usually the result of metabolic issues (low blood sugar, organ failure or toxin). It can also happen if there is no other reason for it, and is classified as primary or idiopathic Epilepsy. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require ongoing medication in order to control seizures.
Cancer is a different affliction that can affect GSDs especially hemangiosarcoma. It is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. Lethargy, swelling, as well as sudden collapse are all signs. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for GSDs. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will need to do a complete medical workup including a thorough history and exam and examination of the skin and ears as well as labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is one of the diseases that affects GSDs and cause them to lose their mobility, generally in their early 20s. This disease is caused through a genetic mutation which can be detected by DNA testing. The symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty in getting up, a reluctance to leap or climb, a loss of the muscle mass of the thigh and pain. The condition is not curable, but it is managed through physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have a strong work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and protection training. Their versatility makes them great service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs and guides for the blind.
As breeds, German Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to please. Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen are easily bored, and may develop obsessive behaviors without enough mental or physical stimulation. They need a patient, consistent, and well-trained trainer to help them reach their full potential.
If you are looking to buy an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure to choose a breeder who is reliable and has the dog's well-being in mind. They should conduct screening procedures to determine if the pups are an appropriate fit for their family. They must also provide documentation of the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances as well as suggestions for training and care.
While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament The breed standard states that the dogs are active, athletic and alert, as well as protective and able to bond with family members. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program and see some of the puppies in person so you can evaluate their temperament and physical characteristics.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at motion as a sign of aggression. These are normal behaviors that occur when the dog is triggered whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who cover their heads or shy away from strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" by socialization, but not necessarily cured.
While some dogs shed hairs throughout the year, the majority shed a lot only twice per year. They shed a lot for three weeks during spring, when they switch from an engorged coat in winter to a lighter coat in summer and again in autumn when they get ready to transition back to a thicker coat in winter. That means you'll have to keep up with daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and lots of lint rollers. Being well-trained and socialized German Shepherd in your home will mean a great deal of loyalty, love, and companionship for many years to come.
Care
German Shepherds require constant training to avoid unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging and excessive barking. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to learn and have a purpose. They can be bored if left alone for a long time. A large backyard or dog park is the best way to let them run loose and give them a outlet for their high level of physical activity.
Reputable breeders can provide you with documentation proving the pedigrees of the puppies and their parents' health clearances. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to verify that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
Because of their genetic predisposition, GSDs are more prone to hip and elbow dysplasia Bloat, skin issues, heart disease as well as ear infections, and a number of other conditions. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma that affect organs that are blood-rich including the liver as well as the spleen.
The spleen and the blood vessels that supply it are surrounded by an extremely tough, fibrous connective tissue, known as the peritoneum. When the peritoneum gets inflamed, it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal inflammation can lead to other complications, including kidney infection, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to avoid tangling and matting. The breed will go through a molting process once or twice per year. You can employ a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake or a slicker to keep the amount shedding down.
GSDs could be suffering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like cushion that is between the vertebrae ruptures and presses on the spinal chord. The symptoms include difficulty jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, being reluctant to move in a hunched posture and the dragging of the back foot. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian immediately. The condition could quickly progress and cause paralysis or even death. A veterinary doctor can adjust the disc to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.