Should You Buy a German Shepherd?

A German Shepherd is an expensive and emotional purchase. You can avoid making mistakes which will cost you time and money by conducting your research prior to purchase.

Talk to local veterinarians to get recommendations for ethical breeders. Also, ensure that you and your family is dedicated to daily walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and anger which could lead to chewing furniture and shoes.

Find a Reputable breeder

You'll want a breeder that is knowledgeable and responsible. They'll be honest about their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies with genetic disorders.

You can locate credible breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs and events. Breeders will often have a facility in which they raise their dogs, and offer training classes at an additional cost. schäferhunde kaufen is a great opportunity to socialize your puppy and get started on basic obedience training.


Look for a breeder that breeds for health and temperament rather than coat color. A trustworthy breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm the health of their puppies using DNA and orthopedic testing.

Some red flags to watch out for include a breeder who doesn't do typical preventive care such as deworming or vaccines, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those offered by your doctor. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that contain stipulations you don't agree with.

It's crucial to realize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have a huge responsibility. Many people depend on them for quality puppies. Breeders who do not adhere to the highest quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.

If you decide to go with a backyard breeder, you could end with a dog who is unwell and unstable in behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or in online forums, seeking assistance to address the numerous issues with their temperament and health they have. A mediocre or backyard breeder does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. Most of the time, they are looking to make money, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in meaningful venues beyond basic obedience. They will train and title their dog in Schutzhund or any other competition.

Speak with local veterinarians

German Shepherds are smart, active dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs that often serve as service dogs for police or the military, but they also make loyal family pets. They are prone to boredom and require plenty of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of space and time to play.

Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care givers, including shelters and private owners So they'll have an idea of the most reputable breeders in your region. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.

In New York there are several top-of-the-line hospitals with staff who specialize in working with German Shepherds. They include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities and staff members equipped to deal with a wide variety of illnesses and conditions that are common to the breed.

You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. These groups typically have a list of breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right direction. You can also determine whether the breeder had their parents tested for common genetic disorders.

A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can cause painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should scan dogs for x-rays and only use those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is a common problem for the breed, and a good breeder should have both parents tested for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and valvular heart disease and heart murmurs.

You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who does not provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder might not follow strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy for puppies to be shipped long distances. This can lead to stress and even result in respiratory issues.

Find a breeder with specialized Knowledge

German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and love of training, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also great guard dogs, and are known for their loyalty towards family members. This protective nature can turn violent when a dog isn't well-socialized and properly trained in its early years. The breed can be very energetic and need plenty of exercise to keep them from becoming bored, which could lead to behavioural problems like barking or chewing the furniture. This is why it's important to select a dog who is appropriate for your lifestyle and home environment.

Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders if you're interested in finding a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in the unique position to provide advice on where to purchase quality German Shepherds since they work closely with many animal care providers, including breeders, shelters and private owners.

Look for a breeder that has a good relationship with their breeding stock, and is willing to talk with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will respond to questions about health tests as well as early socialization of their puppies. the environment that their puppies are being raised.

A reputable breeder will also provide you with health certificates for every puppy they sell, which will detail the dog's genetic background. This includes the hereditary diseases that are that are common to the breed, such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you an overview of recommended vaccinations and medicines for puppies and you should adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.

As with all dogs it is essential to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will allow your vet to identify any problems before they become serious and will help avoid problems like bloat, skin conditions, and heart disease. Because the breed is prone to heart issues It is essential to listen to your heart with a stethoscope, and take an X-ray of the chest during routine examinations.

German Shepherds can last up to 12 years when given the proper treatment. 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 cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment and crates.

Be Prepared to Devote Time to early training

German Shepherds are working dogs with an instinct for protection and a natural need to herd. They also have a lot of courage, which is why they make excellent police and military dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic in a home dog. For instance, they could attack cars or even bark at people when they are afraid. They can also be prone to bite.

Choosing a puppy with the right temperament can assist you in tackling these problems. However, you will need to devote time and effort in early training. This includes house training as well as addressing food-related aggression (GSDs often keep their food in a safe place).

In order to be well trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd will need to get plenty of exercise. This could include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs and games of fetch. Puzzle toys and nose-work games can help stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and require to be groomed regularly.

A good place to start when looking for a responsible breeder is to talk to local veterinarians. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can suggest 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 breeders that offer health guarantees. This will help you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye conditions hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).

If you can't find a reliable breeder, there are other ways to acquire an German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found online. If you are going to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center ensure that you learn as much as possible about the history of the dog before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog can be a good fit in your life. Also, make sure to ask about any health or behavioral problems the dog has had. GSDs are intelligent dogs who can be well-responsible to training if they are properly socialized during their puppyhood.