Should You Buy a German Shepherd?

A German Shepherd is an expensive and emotional purchase. You can avoid making a mistake that will cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.

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

Find a trusted breeder

You'll want a breeder that is competent and accountable. They'll be open regarding their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to breed puppies that carry genetic diseases.

You can locate credible breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs and events. They usually have a facility where they raise their dogs and will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a great opportunity to introduce your puppy to other dogs and start to learn basic obedience training.

Find a breeder who breeds for temperament and health instead of looks or coat color. A reliable breeder will follow strict breeding standards and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm their puppies' health through DNA and orthopedic tests.

Red flags include breeders who refuse to provide preventive care, like vaccinations and deworming or who claim that their supplements are superior to those offered by your veterinarian. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts with stipulations you don't agree with.

Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession have a lot of responsibility. Many people rely on them for quality puppies. Breeders who don't follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.

If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end with a dog who is unhealthy and unpredictable in its behavior. They are usually found on message boards or on 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. They usually are trying to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in a variety of settings other than basic obedience. They will train and title their dog for Schutzhund or any other event of performance.

Talk to your local veterinarians

German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often serve as service dogs for police or the military, but they make wonderful pets for families. They require a lot of exercise and are prone to boredom if not properly stimulated, so they are happiest in homes with plenty of time and space for them to play and play.

Before go right here adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care facilities including shelters, as well as private owners. They can recommend the top breeders in your area. You should also inquire about the genetic diseases that are common for the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.

If you live in New York, there are several top-tier animal hospitals with staffs that specialize in working with German Shepherds. These include Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities and staff members equipped to handle a broad variety of ailments and conditions that are common for German Shepherds.

You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. These clubs have lists of reputable dog breeders and can help you in the right direction. You can also find out whether the breeder has been tested by their parents for common genetic diseases.

A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn't fit perfectly. This can lead to painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should scan dogs for x-rays and only select dogs who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed, and a good breeder must have both parents tested for Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), heart valve disease, and heart murmurs.


You should never buy a German Shepherd from a breeder who is unable to provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder might not follow strict breeding practices. In addition, it's not healthy for puppies to travel across long distances. This can create stress and can cause respiratory problems.

Find a breeder who is specialized.

German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and enthusiasm for learning, which makes them great working dogs. They also make good guard dogs and are renowned for their devotion to family members. However, this protectiveness can turn into aggression if the dog is not well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is lively and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to issues with behavior such as chewing furniture or barking. This is why it is crucial to find a dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.

Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if looking to find an German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in the unique position to provide advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds due to their collaborate with a variety of animal care-givers including shelters, breeders, and individual owners.

Look for a breeder that has an excellent relationship with their breeding stock, and is willing to talk with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder is able to answer any questions regarding health testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are raised.

A reputable breeder will also offer health certificates for every puppy they sell, which will detail the genetic history of the puppy. This includes the hereditary conditions that are that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also give you a list of recommended vaccinations and medications for the puppy and you should adhere to precisely to lower the risk of disease.

As with all dogs, it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will allow your veterinarian to spot any possible issues before they become serious, and can help prevent problems like skin conditions, bloat and heart diseases. It is essential to use a stethoscope to listen to the heartbeat and examine an X-ray of the chest when performing routine checks.

German Shepherds can last up to 12 years when given the proper care. Before you buy one, ensure that you have the money to pay for it financially and have the time to devote to it. You should also think about whether you have enough space to house the large dog. Be prepared to pay more for food as well as grooming equipment, toys and grooming supplies.

Training early requires time.

German Shepherds are herding dogs that have a natural drive to work and a protective instinct. They are also fairly fearless which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. These traits can be a problem for a pet that is family. If they are afraid, they may attack cars or bark at people. They are also prone to biting.

You can address these issues by choosing the puppy with the appropriate temperament. But, even so, you will need to dedicate time and effort to early training. This includes house training and addressing food aversion (GSDs often guard their food).

Your German Shepherd must be active to stay well-trained. This can include long hikes, joggs and runs, as well as fetch games. They also require mental stimulation through puzzle toys and nose work games. 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 as well as dog training. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your region.

When you decide to buy a GSD, make sure that the breeder provides health guarantees. This will help you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders hip dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).

If you can't find an accredited breeder There are other options to get a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres are usually able to offer German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues might be available online. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue center ensure that you know as much about the dog's background as you can prior to when you take them home. This will help you decide if they will be suitable for your lifestyle. Also, make sure you ask about any health or behavioral problems the dog has had. GSDs are smart dogs and can be trained well provided they've had adequate socialization during their puppyhood.