Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet shops offer German Shepherd puppies. If you are considering purchasing one, you should look for a reliable breeder.
Look for a dog with a balanced temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with other puppies and people.
Breeders who are reputable adhere to ethical breeding practices, and prioritize health clearances of their pups. They will give a litter's pedigree and medical records.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a strong confidence level and are powerful dogs. They also have a natural need for protection. They are often nervous around strangers, especially initially, but they tend to get comfortable quickly after being socialized. They are well-known for their courage and saftey when faced with danger. This makes them an excellent choice for military, police and guard dog duties. They are able to guard the people they love and their belongings.
The German Shepherd is an intelligent and strong-willed breed that can be employed as a service dog, obedience competition or a loyal pet for the family. Their ability to learn and accomplish tasks is one of the main reasons they're so well-known. They quickly be close to their families and love being involved in all the activities of their home. These dogs are also excellent for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Of course, like all breeds of dog, they can be nippy with strangers and other pets. Early socialization and training will help to prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is essential. You'll want to find a German Shepherd breeder that follows guidelines like screening and health testing as well as socialization and raising their puppies in a controlled environment. You can usually determine the credibility of the breeder when you visit the facility to meet the parents and siblings, and inquire about genetics and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, which makes it more prone to bloat. This could lead to fatality. To minimize the risk, be sure to provide your puppy with plenty of water and feed him regularly and ensure an appropriate food bowl.
Like many herding dogs German Shepherds can be nippy. They will naturally bark to warn you of approaching strangers or intruders. However, they can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It's recommended to take your dog to puppy obedience classes or employ the services of an experienced dog trainer, particularly in case you're not a fan of this breed of dog. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly supervised and exercised to keep him from causing harm or trying to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership will also assist in locating your pet if he ever does escape.
Health
The GSD is a sturdy breed, but as with any other dog breed, they are susceptible to a variety of hereditary illnesses and conditions. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder who cares about the health of their dogs. Before you purchase, visit the facility and meet the owners. Also, ask for health clearances as well as socialization records.
Hip dysplasia, an illness that affects joints, is common among German Shepherds and weakness of the skeletal muscle, especially in older dogs. These problems can easily be treated with a balanced diet and exercise, as well as supplements and physical therapy.
Learn Additional Here can also be inherited in GSDs. It's usually caused by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar, organ failure or toxin). It can also happen if there is no other cause, which is known as primary or idiopathic Epilepsy. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require ongoing medication in order to control seizures.
GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that grows on blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling. It can also cause sudden collapse. This condition is extremely painful and there isn't a cure, so treatment is centered around managing the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can cause itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you'll require a thorough medical workup including an exhaustive history and examination, tests for the ears and skin as well as labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that can affect GSDs and cause them to lose their mobility, typically in their 20s or early 20s. This disease is caused by a genetic mutation and is identified by DNA tests. Symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty getting up or down, a reluctance to jump or rise, a loss of thigh muscle mass and pain. The condition is not cureable, but it can be managed with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have a strong work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, as well as protection training. Their versatility makes them ideal service and bomb sniffing dogs, as well as guides for the blind.
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please. They can easily become bored, and may develop obsessive behaviors when they do not receive enough physical or mental stimulation. They need an attentive, consistent and an experienced trainer to help them achieve their full potential.
If you are looking to buy a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you choose an breeder with a good reputation and has the dog's welfare in mind. They should have a screening process to ensure that the puppies will be a good fit for their families and provide you with proof of the puppy's pedigree, health clearances, and suggestions for care and training.
While each German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that the dogs should be active, athletic and alert, secure, and able to bond with family members. It is possible to ask the breeder about their breeding program and visit some of the puppies in person so that you can assess their demeanor and physical characteristics.
Many people confuse the classic German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movements with aggression, but these are normal reactions that occur when a dog is activated by something that is moving around. Some German Shepherds who put their heads in the corner of the room or hide from strangers have genetic shyness that can be cured through socialization, but it is not "cured."
While some dogs shed hairs through all year long, the majority shed heavily just twice a year. They shed heavily for three weeks during spring, when they transition from an extra thick coat in winter to a lighter coat during summer, and then later in autumn, as they prepare to revert to a thicker coat in winter. You'll need to keep up with daily walks, playtime, exercise, and plenty of lint-rollers. A well-trained, well-socialized German shepherd will bring you years of affection, loyalty and love.
Care
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 awestruck by learning and have a purpose. They can become bored if left alone for a long time. A large dog or backyard park is a must to let them run loose and provide them with a place to go for their high levels of physical activity.
Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents proving the pedigree of the puppies as well as their parents' health certificates. You should also visit and meet the parents of the puppies in order to confirm that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat and skin problems, heart disease and ear infections as well as a number of other conditions. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma a form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs, including the liver and spleen.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are protected by a tough, fibrous connective tissue, known as the peritoneum. Inflammation of the peritoneum can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation can lead to other complications like liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have two coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed will go through a molting cycle every once or twice per year. You can use a deshedding tool such as an undercoat rake or a slicker to keep the amount shedding down.
GSDs can be affected by a condition known as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion between two vertebrae breaks or becomes sloppy and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, being reluctant to move, a hunched back and the dragging of the feet behind. If you notice any of these signs seek out a doctor immediately. The condition can rapidly develop and cause paralysis or even death. A veterinarian can reposition the disc to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.