Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup

Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you are considering purchasing one, make sure you choose an accredited breeder.

Find a dog that has an equilibrating temperament. deutscher schäferhund kaufen with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and with the people.

Breeders with good reputations adhere to ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances of their pups. They will provide a pedigree and medical records for the litter.

Temperament

German Shepherds are strong, powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of security. They can be wary initially, but they get comfortable quickly after being socialized. They are well-known for their bravery and confidence when faced with danger. This makes them a great choice for military, police and guard dog roles. They can protect the people they love and their belongings.

The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as an obedience competition or a loyal family pet. One of the reasons they're so popular is their ability to learn and perform different tasks. These dogs bond quickly with their families, and they enjoy participating in every activity at home. They are also excellent for children. They are energetic and will play with children and other dogs. Of course, as with all breeds of dog they are prone to nipping with other pets and strangers. Early socialization and training will aid in preventing aggression issues.

A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is crucial. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows standards such as health testing and screening socialization, as well as raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can usually determine the integrity of the breeder if you visit the facility and meet the parents and siblings, and ask questions about genetics and health clearances.

The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which can cause it to Bloat. This could lead to fatality. To minimize the risk, make sure you give your puppy plenty of water. Also, be sure to feed him regularly, and use a secure bowl.

Like many herding dogs German Shepherds can be nippy and will naturally bark to alert you of approaching strangers or intruders. However they can be trained to comfortably and confidently greet visitors. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or engage an expert dog trainer if you aren't familiar with this formidable breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is well-trained and exercised to stop him from being destructive or attempting to escape. A microchip as well as a 24PetWatch subscription can also help to return your pet's owner if he runs away.

Health

The GSD is a very sturdy breed with a lot of strength. However, like any other breed, it can be susceptible to certain genetic conditions and diseases. It is important that you do your homework to ensure that you buy from a reliable breeder who cares about the health and wellbeing of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet the parents and request health clearances and socialization reports prior to making the purchase.

Hip dysplasia, a condition that affects the joint, is a common problem in German Shepherds and weak skeletal muscles, particularly in older dogs. These problems can be easily managed by an exercise program and a balanced diet as well as supplements and physical therapy.

Epilepsy is also inherited in GSDs. It's usually the result of an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar, organ failure or toxin). It may also occur when no other cause is found and is referred to as primary or epilepsy idiopathic. If your pet is diagnosed with this disease, he will need lifelong medication to manage seizures.

Cancer is another condition that affects GSDs, particularly hemangiosarcoma, which is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. The symptoms include fatigue and swelling. It can also cause sudden collapse. This condition is incredibly painful, and there is no cure, so treatment revolves around controlling the symptoms.

Allergies are a regular problem in GSDs and can lead to itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If you suspect that your dog is allergic, you'll have to perform a full medical examination, which includes a thorough examination and history, as well as diagnostic testing of the ear and skin as well as a labwork and fecal test.

Degenerative myelopathy is a condition that affects GSDs and causes them to lose their mobility, typically in their early 20s. This disease is caused by a genetic mutation and is identified by DNA tests. The signs of the disease include progressive difficulty in getting up, a lack of the ability to stand or jump with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. The condition is not cureable, but it can be managed with physical therapy and medication.

Training

GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and protection training. Their versatile skills also make them excellent service dogs, drug and bomb sniffers, and guides for the blind.

As a breed German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and eager to delight. They are easily bored, and may develop obsessive behaviors when they do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation. They need a patient, consistent, and solid trainer to help them reach their maximum potential.

If you are looking to buy a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select a breeder that is reputable and who has the dog's welfare in mind. They should have a screening process to ensure that the puppies will be a good fit to their families. They will also provide you with documentation of the puppy's pedigree, health clearances as well as recommendations regarding care and training.

While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that the dogs should be athletic, active and alert, secure, and able to bond with family members. You may want to ask the breeder about their breeding program and visit some of the puppies in person so that you can evaluate their temperament and physical traits.

Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at motion as an indication of aggression. These are just natural reactions that occur when a dog is activated when something is moving near. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have a genetic shyness that can be cured through socialization, but it is not "cured."

While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year. Most dogs only shed heavily twice per year -- for three weeks in spring when they switch from an icy winter coat to a thinner summer coat and then in the fall when they are preparing to switch back to an even thicker winter coat. That means you'll have to keep up with daily walks with plenty of playtime, exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. A well-trained and socialized German shepherd will give you years of affection, loyalty and love.

Care

German Shepherds should be taught consistently to avoid undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are extremely intelligent dogs that can be taught easily and love to have a purpose in life. If left to their own devices for long periods of time they may become bored and destructive. A large backyard or dog park is essential to help them channel their energy and give them a outlet for their high levels of physical activity.

Breeders who are reputable are able to provide you with pedigree papers and health clearances for the parents of the puppies. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to verify that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.

Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat and skin problems, heart disease, ear infections and a number of other conditions. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver.


The spleen and blood vessels that supply it are enclosed by an extremely tough, fibrous connective tissue called the peritoneum. When the peritoneum gets inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal swelling can cause complications like liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.

German Shepherds have a double coat that require regular brushing in order to avoid matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice per year. You can use a deshedding tool such as an undercoat rake or a slicker, to reduce the amount of shed.

GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like pad that sits between the vertebrae breaks and presses against the spinal chord. Symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They also may be hunched-back and dragging the back foot. If you notice these signs take immediate action to see a veterinary doctor because the condition could develop quickly and lead to paralysis and death. A veterinary doctor can adjust the disc to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.