Should You Buy a German Shepherd?

A German Shepherd is a huge commitment emotionally as well as financially. Doing your research in advance can make sure you don't make costly errors.

Ask your veterinarian in the area about ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family are committed to regular walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent boredom and frustration which could lead to chewing furniture and shoes.

Find a Reputable Breeder

When choosing a breeder, you'll want to find one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and will be willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.


You can find credible breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations, or looking through the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. They usually have a place where they keep their dogs and will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to socialize your pup and begin basic obedience training.

Find a breeder who breeds for health and temperament rather than coat color. A reputable breeder follows strict breeding standards, and tests for genetic diseases common to German Shepherd Dogs. They also verify their puppies' health through DNA and orthopedic tests.

Some red flags to look out for include breeders who do not provide typical preventive care such as deworming or vaccinations or claims that their supplements are better than those recommended by your vet. Be beware of breeders that require you to sign contracts that include conditions you don't like.

Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a lot of responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who do not adhere to high quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.

If you select a backyard breeder, you may end having a dog that is unwell and unstable in behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards or online forums seeking help with the many health and temperament issues that they suffer from. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has no understanding of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They are usually only looking to make money and not create healthy pups. A reputable breeder works their dogs in meaningful venues beyond basic obedience. They will train and name their dog for Schutzhund or any other performance event.

Consult with local veterinarians

German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They were bred as herding dogs and frequently work for the police and military as service dogs however, they also make wonderful pets for the family. They require a lot of exercise and can be susceptible to boredom if they aren't appropriately stimulated, and they are happiest in homes with plenty of time and space for them to play and play.

Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders before purchasing a German Shepherd. Veterinarians work closely with many pet care providers, including shelters and private owners They'll have a an idea of the most reputable breeders in your area. Ask them about any genetic disorders that are common to the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.

If you live in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics 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 the latest equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety and conditions that are common in this breed.

It is also worth contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. These clubs have lists of reputable dog breeders 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.

The most frequent issue among German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can result in painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only use dogs with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is an issue that is common to the breed and a good breeder must be sure that both parents are screened for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs.

You should never buy a German Shepherd from a breeder who is unable to prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This is a sign the breeder isn't following strict breeding practices. In addition, it's not healthy for puppies to be shipped across long distances. This can create stress and could lead to respiratory issues.

Find a Breeder with Specialized Experience

German Shepherds are known for their herding instincts and love of learning, which makes them great working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs, and are well-known for their loyalty to family members. However, this protection could turn violent when the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. this post is energetic and needs lots of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems like chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is important to find a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and home environment.

Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if looking to find a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians collaborate with a range of animal care-givers, including shelters, breeders and owners on their own They are in the best position to offer suggestions on where to find the best German Shepherds.

Choose a breeder that maintains a close relationship with their breeding stock and has open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is able to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment where their puppies are being raised.

A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate for each puppy sold, describing the genetic history of the pup. This includes the hereditary diseases that are that are common to the breed, such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide you with a a list of recommended vaccinations and medicines for puppies and you should adhere to precisely to lower the chance of contracting disease.

As with all dogs it is essential to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will allow your veterinarian to identify any potential issues before they become serious and prevent problems such as skin disorders, bloat, and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope listen to the heartbeat and also to examine an X-ray of the chest during routine exams.

German Shepherds can last up to 12 years with the right care. Make sure you have the funds to buy one and that you have the time. You should also consider whether you have enough space to house a large dog and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming equipment, and crates.

Be Prepared to Devote Time to early training

German Shepherds are herding breeds with a natural drive to work and an instinct to protect. They also tend to be quite frightened - which is why they are excellent police and military dogs. These characteristics can be problematic for a pet that is family. For instance, they could be aggressive towards cars or even bark at people if they are afraid. They can also bite.

You can address these issues by selecting the puppy with the appropriate temperament. But even so you'll need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes housetraining and addressing food aggressiveness (GSDs guard their food).

Your German Shepherd needs to get lots of exercise to be well-trained. This could include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs, and games of fetch. They also require mental stimulation with puzzle toys and nose work games. They shed a lot and need to be groomed regularly.

Talking to your local veterinarians is an excellent place to start in your search for an ethical breeder. They are familiar with many animals and are able to recommend ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.

If you decide to purchase a GSD, make sure that the breeder provides health guarantees. This will help you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias von Willebrand diseases, and EPI.

There are other ways to get the German Shepherd if you cannot locate a reliable dog breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers are usually able to offer German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may be available online. If you decide to adopt a GSD from a rescue centre, be sure to learn the most you can about the pup's background before you take them home. This will help you determine if they will be an appropriate fit for your lifestyle. Discuss any behavioral or health problems the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs and can be trained well if they have had proper socialization during their puppyhood.