Should You Buy a German Shepherd?

A German Shepherd is a significant commitment, both financially and emotionally. Doing your research in advance will save you from costly errors.

Talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Make sure that you and your family members commit to daily walks, games, and other physical activity. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration which could lead to chewing furniture and shoes.

Find a trusted breeder

When selecting a breeder you'll want to find one who is responsible and knowledgeable. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.

You can find reputable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or checking the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. They usually have a place where they take care of their dogs. They also will provide training classes for an additional cost. This is a great way to socialize your puppy and start to learn basic obedience training.

Choose a breeder who breeds for temperament, health and health and not just for looks or coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict standards for breeding and also screens for genetic disorders that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They will also confirm their puppies' health through orthopedic and DNA tests.

Some red flags to watch out for include a breeder who doesn't do typical preventive care such as deworming or vaccinations or claims that their supplements are better than those sold by your vet. Be wary of a breeder that requires you to sign a contract with stipulations that you're not happy with.

Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a great deal of responsibility. Many people depend on them for quality puppies. Breeders who fail to follow high-quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.

If you decide to go with a backyard breeder you may get one with a health issue and unstable behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards and online forums seeking help for the myriad of health and temperament issues they suffer from. A mediocre breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They are usually only seeking to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in meaningful venues beyond basic obedience. They will train and title their dog for Schutzhund and any other performance event.

Speak with local veterinarians

German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They were bred as herding dogs, and are often employed for the military and police as service dogs however, they also make loyal pets for the family. They are susceptible to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play.

Before you purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care providers like shelters and private owners. They'll know the best breeders in your locality. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.

If you live in New York, there are several top-tier animal hospitals 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 facilities and their staff are trained to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments that are common in the German Shepherd breed.


You can also get in touch with the local German Shepherd clubs. These clubs typically have lists of reputable breeders and can point you in the right direction. You can also find out whether the breeder has been tested by their parents for the most common genetic diseases.

Hip dysplasia is a frequent issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This can lead to painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should take x-rays of their dogs and only use those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is a common issue for the breed, and a good breeder should have both parents tested for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as valvular heart disease and heart murmurs.

You shouldn't buy an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who doesn't have proof of health tests for both parents. This indicates that the breeder may not be following strict breeding procedures. In addition, it's not healthy for puppies to be shipped across long distances. This can lead to stress and even respiratory problems.

Find a Breeder with Specialized Experience

German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and love of training which makes them excellent working dogs. They also make good guard dogs and are well-known for their loyalty to family members. This protection can become aggressive in dogs that are not well-socialized and properly trained in its first years of. The breed is lively and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause behaviour problems such as chewing furniture, or barking. It is important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and surroundings.

If you're interested in finding an German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in a superior position to offer guidance on where to purchase quality German Shepherds since they are in close contact with a variety of animal care-givers including shelters, breeders and private owners.

Look for schäferhund beschützerinstinkt who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions about health tests as well as early socialization and the environment that their puppies are raised.

A reputable breeder should provide a health certification for each puppy sold, describing the genetic background of the pup. This includes the hereditary conditions that are that are common to the breed like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide you with a a list of recommended vaccinations and medicines for the puppy, which you should adhere to in order to reduce the risk of disease.

As with all dogs, it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary visits for your German Shepherd. This will allow your veterinarian to spot any potential problems before they become serious and stop problems like bloat, skin disorders, and heart disease. Since the breed is prone to heart issues, it is particularly important to listen to your heart with a stethoscope as well as perform an X-ray examination of the chest during routine examinations.

German Shepherds can live up to 12 years with the right care. Before you purchase one, ensure that you are able to afford it financially, and have the time to it. Also, consider whether you have the space to house a large dog and be prepared for the additional cost of food, toys, grooming equipment and crates.

Be prepared to dedicate time to early training

German Shepherds are dogs who work with a protective instinct and a natural urge to herd. They are also extremely fearless, which is why they make great military and police dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic in a home dog. If they feel threatened, they might attack cars or bark at people. They also have a tendency to bite.

You can tackle these issues by selecting a puppy that has the proper temperament. But, even so you'll need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes housetraining as well as addressing food aggression (GSDs guard their food).

To be well trained for a healthy lifestyle, your German Shepherd must take in plenty of exercise. This could mean long hikes, joggs or runs as well as fetch games. Games for the nose and puzzles can stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and require to be groomed regularly.

Talking with your local veterinarians is a good place to begin when searching for a breeder who is ethical. They are familiar with many animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also ask pet store owners as well as other local German Shepherd owners.

If you decide to purchase a GSD be sure that the breeder has health guarantees. This can help protect you in case of serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).

There are other methods to obtain the German Shepherd if you cannot find a trustworthy breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers are usually able to offer German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can also be available online. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue center be sure to learn as much about the dog's background as you can before you take them home. This will help you determine if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Ask about any behavioral or health problems the dog may have had. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they've been well-socialized as puppies.