Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet shops offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering buying one, make sure you find an accredited breeder.
Find a dog that has a balanced temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and people.
Reputable breeders follow strict ethical breeding practices and will prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide a litter's pedigree and medical records.
Temperament
German Shepherds are strong, powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of safety. They are often cautious of strangers, particularly initially, but they tend to become more comfortable once they have been socialized. They are renowned for their confidence and fearlessness when faced with danger. This makes them an ideal choice for police, military and guard dog roles. They also can be guardians of their belongings and family members.
Whether use this link looking for an obedience competition, service dog, or a loyal family pet The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and extremely intelligent breed. One of the reasons they're so popular is their ability to learn and perform various tasks. These dogs are quick to bond with their families and enjoy taking part in all activities at home. These dogs are also great for children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Of course, as with all breeds of dogs they may be nippy with other pets and strangers. Training and socialization early can aid in preventing aggression issues.
It is important to know whether a breeder is a follower of ethical breeding practices. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows the guidelines for screening and testing for health socialization, as well as raising their puppies indoors. You can usually determine the credibility of a breeder by going to the facility, talking to the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about the genetic history and health clearances.
Since navigate to this site is a barrel-chested breed, it is prone to bloat. This can be life-threatening. To minimize the risk, give your puppy lots of water, make sure you feed him frequently and use a bowl with a secure seal.
German Shepherds, like other herding breeds, can be very nippy. They will bark to warn their owners of strangers or intrusions. They can be taught how to be confident and calm when greeting people. It's also a good idea to take your dog to puppy obedience classes or engage the help of a knowledgeable dog trainer, particularly in case you're not a fan of this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and exercised to prevent him from being destructive or attempting to escape. A microchip, as well as an online subscription to 24PetWatch, will aid in finding your pet in the event that he gets away.
Health
The GSD is an extremely robust breed. However, like any other breed, it may be susceptible to certain genetic conditions and diseases. Do your research and ensure you purchase from a trusted breeder who is concerned about the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet the parents and request health clearances and socialization records before making a purchase.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) as well as weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is especially true for older dogs. These problems can easily be treated with a balanced diet and exercise as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy can also be passed down in GSDs. It's usually caused by metabolic issues (low blood sugar organ failure, organ failure or toxin). It can also happen when there is no other reason, which is classified as Idiopathic or primary Epilepsy. If your pet is diagnosed with this condition, he will need lifelong medication to manage seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that affects GSDs, especially hemangiosarcoma. It is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. Swelling, lethargy, and sudden collapse are the most common symptoms. The condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms.
Allergies are also a frequent problem in GSDs and can result in itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues including vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will have to conduct a complete medical examination that includes an exhaustive history and examination as well as tests for the ears and skin, labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy can affect GSDs which causes them to lose mobility. This condition usually manifests in the 20s and early 20s. This disease is caused by an genetic mutation and can be detected through DNA testing. The signs of the disease include increasing difficulty getting up, a decreased the ability to stand or jump in pain, as well as a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be managed through physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs are renowned for their strong work ethic and benefit from advanced training in obedience, agility, and protection. Their diverse skills make them excellent service dogs sniffers, bomb and drug sniffers, and guides for the blind.
As a breed German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and eager to be pleasing. However, they are easily bored and susceptible to obsessive behavior if they don't get enough stimulation in their minds or bodies. They need a patient, consistent, and well-trained trainer to help them reach their maximum potential.
If you're considering buying a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reputable breeder who works with the dog's best interest in mind. They should have a screening process to ensure that puppies will be good fits for their families and provide you with documentation of the puppy's pedigree, health certificates, and suggestions for training and care.
While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament, the breed standard indicates that they should be active, athletic, alert, protective, and biddable with family members. You can ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and you can take a look at some of their puppies to evaluate their physical characteristics and manner of conduct.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movements as an indication of aggression. These are just natural responses that occur whenever the dog is triggered when something is moving near. Some German Shepherds who bury 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 through all year long, the majority shed a lot only twice per year. They shed a lot for three weeks in spring, when they switch from an engorged coat in winter to a lighter coat in summer. They then shed 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, plenty of playtime and exercise, and lots of lint rollers. A well-trained, properly socialized German shepherd will provide you with years of affection, loyalty and love.
Care
German Shepherds need to be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are intelligent dogs that love to learn and have a goal. If left alone for long periods of time, they can become bored and destructive. A large yard or dog park is a must to help them channel their energy and give them a outlet for their intense physical activity.
Breeders with a good reputation are able to provide you with pedigree papers and health clearances for the parents of the puppies. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to confirm that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat, skin issues, heart disease as well as ear infections, and a number of other conditions. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, a form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs including the spleen and liver.
The the peritoneum is a spongy, tough connective tissue that covers the spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it. Peritoneal inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal swelling can lead to complications such as liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice a year. You can use a deshedding tool, an undercoat rake, or a slicker, to reduce the amount of shed.
GSDs may suffer from intervertebral disk diseases (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like padding that lies between the vertebrae breaks and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They also may be slumped-back posture and dragging the back foot. If you observe these signs take immediate action to see a veterinary doctor as the condition can develop quickly and cause paralysis and even death. A doctor can reposition a disc to reduce symptoms or eliminate them completely.