Should You Buy a German Shepherd?

Buying a German Shepherd is a big commitment, both financially and emotionally. You can avoid making mistakes that could cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.

Ask local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Be sure that you and your family members commit to daily walks and games as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to prevent boredom and frustration that can lead to chewed shoes and furniture.

Find a Reputable breeder

You'll want a breeder who is knowledgeable and responsible. They will be transparent regarding their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They'll also be cautious not to breed puppies that carry genetic disorders.

You can locate reputable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or checking the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. Breeders usually have a facility in which they keep their dogs and will provide training classes for an additional fee. This is a great way to get your dog used to people and get them started on basic obedience training.


Find a breeder who breeds for health, temperament and not just for looks or coat colour. A reputable breeder follows strict standards for breeding and also screens for genetic disorders that are common to German Shepherd Dogs. They will also certify the health of their puppies using tests for DNA and orthopedics.

The red flags are breeders who refuse to provide preventive care, such as vaccines and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those offered by your veterinarian. Also be deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung of a breeder who demands you to sign contracts with stipulations that you're not happy with.

Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a great deal of responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. If a breeder doesn't follow the highest standards, it could have a negative impact on the entire breed.

If you choose a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could end up getting a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. They are often on message boards or online forums seeking help with the numerous health and temperament issues that they face. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has no knowledge of what makes a German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are 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 and any other competition.

Talk to Local Veterinarians

German Shepherds are intelligent active dogs who have a strong bond with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often work as service dogs for the police or military, but they are great family pets. They are susceptible to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.

Before you adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care facilities, such as shelters and private owners. They will know the top breeders in your community. You should also ask them about the genetic conditions that are common to the breed. It is important to inquire 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 hospitals are equipped with the latest facilities and their staff is trained to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments that are common to the German Shepherd breed.

You can also consider getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They usually have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic disorders.

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 lead later in life to pain-inducing arthritis. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and select those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is another problem that affects the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as Valvular Heart Disease and heart murmurs.

You should never buy a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a warning sign that the breeder may not be following strict breeding methods. It's also unhealthy to transport puppies over long distances. This can cause stress and even respiratory problems.

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 excellent guard dogs, and are renowned for their devotion to family members. This protectiveness can turn aggressive if a dog is not properly socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and needs lots 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 suitable for your lifestyle and home environment.

If you're interested in finding an German Shepherd puppy, consider talking to local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in the unique position to provide advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds because they work closely with many animal care providers, including shelters, breeders and private owners.

Find a breeder who keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and maintains open communication with potential 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 each puppy they sell, which will detail the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a an inventory of recommended vaccines and other medications you should follow to reduce the risk of disease.

It is crucial that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your veterinarian to detect potential issues before they become serious and will help avoid problems such as skin conditions, bloat and heart disease. As the breed is prone to heart issues It is essential to listen to the heart with a stethoscope, and take an X-ray of the chest during routine examinations.

German Shepherds are a significant commitment and can live for 10-12 years if given proper treatment. Make sure you have the funds to purchase one and you have enough time. You should also consider whether you have the space to house a large dog, and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment, and crates.

Early training requires time.

German Shepherds are dogs who work with a protective instinct and a natural urge to herd. They also tend to be extremely fearless, which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. But these traits can be problematic for the home of a dog. If they are afraid, they may lunge at cars and bark at people. They can also bite.

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

In order to be properly trained to be well-trained, your German Shepherd must get plenty of exercise. This can include long walks, hikes, jogs, runs and games of fetch. Games for the nose and puzzles can help stimulate their minds. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and need to be groomed regularly.

Talking with your local veterinarians is the best place to start when looking for an ethical breeder. They are familiar with many animals and can recommend ethical breeders as well as dog training. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your area.

If you decide to buy a GSD, look for breeders that offer health guarantees. This can protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye conditions hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).

If you can't find a reliable breeder there are other options to get a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centers often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues may also be available on the internet. If you plan to adopt a GSD from a rescue centre ensure that you learn as much as you can about the background of the dog before you decide to take them home. This will help you determine if they will be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, be sure to inquire about any health or behavior issues your dog has faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will be able to respond well to training provided they've had adequate socialization during their puppyhood.