Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, find an accredited breeder.
Look for a dog with an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and people.
Breeders with good reputations adhere to strict ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances of their pups. They will provide the litter's pedigree, as well as medical records.
Temperament
German Shepherds are confident powerful dogs that have a natural sense of protection. They may be apprehensive initially, but get comfortable quickly after being socialized. The confidence and apprehension in the face of danger can make them a good choice for police, military, and guard dog roles. They can also be protective of their belongings and family members.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be used as a service dog, obedience competition or a loyal pet for the family. One of the reasons they are so popular is their ability to learn and complete various tasks. They quickly be close to their families and love being engaged in all the activities of their home. They're also a great option for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Of course, as with all breeds of dogs, they can be nippy with other pets and strangers. Training and socialization early can help to prevent aggression issues.
It is important to know whether a breeder is a follower of ethical breeding practices. You'll want to find a German Shepherd breeder that follows standards such as screening and testing for health socialization, as well as raising their puppies indoors. You can often assess a breeder's integrity by visiting the facility, talking to the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about the genetic background and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, making it prone to Bloat. This can be fatal. To minimize the risk, make sure to give your puppy plenty of water and feed him regularly and give him an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding dogs, German Shepherds can be nippy and will naturally bark to alert you to approaching strangers or intruders. They can be taught how to confidently and calmly greet visitors. It's also a good idea to take your dog to puppy obedience classes or enlist the help of a knowledgeable dog trainer, especially if you're not familiar with this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and exercised to keep him from being destructive or attempting to escape. A microchip as well as a 24PetWatch subscription will also assist in locating your pet in the event that he does run away.
Health
The GSD is a robust breed, but as with all dogs, they are susceptible to a variety of hereditary illnesses and conditions. It is important that you do your homework to ensure that you buy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Visit their premises, meet the owners and request health clearances and socialization reports prior to making the purchase.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints), as well as weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is especially true for older dogs. These issues can be easily treated with healthy diet and exercise as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary condition that can be found in GSDs, and it's usually triggered by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It may also occur when no other cause is found this is known as primary or epilepsy idiopathic. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require a lifetime of medication in order to control seizures.
GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops on blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. Lethargy, swelling, and sudden collapse are the most common symptoms. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Allergies can also be a concern for dogs with GSD. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infection, and digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will require a thorough medical examination that includes an exhaustive history and examination as well as examination of the skin and ears as well as fecal and lab tests.
Degenerative myelopathy may affect GSDs which causes them to lose mobility. The disease typically manifests in the early 20s. The cause of this disease is a genetic mutation that can be detected through DNA testing. The symptoms of the disease include increasing difficulty getting up, a lack of the ability to stand or jump in pain, as well as a loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the condition, but it can be controlled with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an innate work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience, agility, and training in protection. Their versatility makes them great service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs as well as guides for the blind.
As breeds, German Shepherds are highly intelligent and eager to be pleasing. However, they can be bored and susceptible to obsessive behaviors without adequate stimulation in their minds or bodies. They require a reliable steady, consistent, and patient trainer to help them develop their full potential and to help them remain confident in the face of distractions.
If you're looking to buy a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find an accredited breeder who operates with the best interests of the dog in mind. They should use a screening procedure to determine if the puppies are suitable to their family. They must also provide documentation of the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances, as well as recommendations for training and care.
While each German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that the dogs are active, athletic and alert, as well as protective and able to bond with family members. You can ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and you can also look at their puppies to assess their physical characteristics and manner of conduct.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at motion as an indication of aggression. These are all natural responses that occur whenever dogs are activated when something moves nearby. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund who place their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have genetic shyness that can be helped by socialization, but is not "cured."
While some dogs shed hairs throughout the entire year, most shed heavily just twice a year. They shed a lot for three weeks during spring, when they transition from an engorged coat in winter to a lighter one in summer and again in autumn as they prepare to return to a thicker coat in winter. This means you'll need to keep up with daily walks with plenty of playtime, exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. A well-trained, properly socialized German shepherd will provide you with years of friendship, love, and loyalty.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds should be trained consistently to prevent undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to learn and have a goal. If left to their own devices for long periods, they can become bored and destructive. A large backyard or dog park is essential to let them run loose and provide them with an outlet for their intense physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents that prove the pedigree of the puppies and their parents health clearances. You should also meet the parents of the puppies in order to confirm that the breeder has ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, because of their genetic predisposition are more susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasias, bloats and bloats, as well as heart disease, and skin issues. They can also be prone ear infections, skin conditions and ear infections. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma which affects organs rich in blood, including the liver and spleen.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are surrounded by a tough, fibrous connective tissue, known as the peritoneum. Inflammation of the peritoneum can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications including liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed has an molting time at least once a year You can also use a de-shedding tool, an undercoat rake or slicker to reduce the amount of shed to the minimum.
GSDs may suffer from a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion that lies between two vertebrae breaks or becomes sloppy, causing it to press on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty jumping on stairs, climbing up or moving around, being reluctant to move, a hunched back and dragging of the back feet. If you observe these signs you should seek medical attention immediately since the condition may accelerate and eventually lead to paralysis and death. A veterinary doctor can adjust the disc to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.