Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering buying one, look for an accredited breeder.
Find a puppy that has an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and with the people.
Breeders with good reputations adhere to strict ethical breeding practices and prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide a litter's pedigree, as well as medical records.
Temperament
German Shepherds are a confident, powerful dogs with a natural sense of protection. They can be wary of strangers, especially at first but tend to become more comfortable once they have been socialized. They are renowned for their confidence and fearlessness when faced with danger. This makes them an excellent option for military, police and guard dog duties. They can also be a protector 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 family pet. One of the reasons they're so well-known is their ability to learn and complete different tasks. These dogs bond quickly with their families and enjoy taking part in all activities at home. They are also excellent for children. They're active and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all breeds of dogs they can also be agressive with strangers and pets. Early socialization and training will aid in preventing aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is important. You'll need to find a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including health screening and testing as well as socialization and raising their puppies indoors. You can usually assess the integrity of the breeder if you visit the facility to meet the parents and their children and inquire about genetics and health clearances.
The German Shepherd has a barrel chest, making it prone to Bloat. This could lead to fatality. To reduce the risk, SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt - Entzckendescferhundwelpen-Wec35D.De - be sure to provide your puppy with plenty of water, feed him at regular intervals, and provide a secure food bowl.
German Shepherds, like other herding breeds, are sensitive. They bark to warn their owners of strangers or intruders. However, they can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or employ a dog trainer if you aren't familiar with this formidable breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is getting the right training and exercise to prevent him from becoming destructive or even attempting to escape. A microchip, as well as 24PetWatch, can help you find your dog in the event that he runs away.
Health
The GSD is a very sturdy breed with a lot of strength. However, as with any other breed, it can be susceptible to certain hereditary ailments and diseases. Do your research and ensure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder who is concerned about the health of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet with the owners and ask for health clearances and socialization records before making the purchase.
Hip dysplasia, an illness that affects the joint, is common among German Shepherds, as is skeletal muscle weakness, especially in older dogs. These issues can be easily managed by a balanced 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 a toxin. It may also occur when there is no other cause this is known as primary or epilepsy idiopathic. If your dog is diagnosed with this disorder, he will need lifelong medication to control seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that can affect GSDs particularly hemangiosarcoma. This is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling. It can also cause sudden collapse. The condition is extremely painful and there isn't a cure, so treatment revolves around controlling the symptoms.
Allergies are also a common problem for GSDs and can result in itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will have to conduct a complete medical examination that includes an exhaustive history and examination, examination of the ears and skin as well as labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy can affect people with GSDs, causing them to lose mobility. The disease typically manifests in the 20s and early 20s. This disease is caused by an inherited mutation that can be identified through DNA testing. The signs 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. The condition is not curable, but can be managed with physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs have an impressive work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience agility, agility, and training in protection. Their versatile skills also make them excellent service dogs sniffers, drug and bomb sniffers, as well as guides for blind people.
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please. However, they are easily bored and prone to obsessive behavior if they don't get enough physical or mental stimulation. They require a patient, consistent, and an experienced trainer to help them achieve their maximum potential.
If you're looking to buy a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reliable breeder who is working with the dog's best interest in mind. They should go through screening procedures to determine if the pups are suitable to their family. They must also provide documentation on the puppy's pedigree, health clearances as well as recommendations for training and care.
While each German Shepherd has a unique temperament, the breed standard indicates that the dogs should be athletic, active and alert, as well as protective and biddable 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 observe their behavior and physical traits.
Many people misunderstand the traditional German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as aggression. These are just natural reactions that occur when dogs are activated when something moves nearby. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads or hide from strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" by socialization, but not necessarily cured.
While certain breeds shed hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs only shed heavily every year for three weeks in spring, when they switch from an icy winter coat to a softer summer coat, and again in the fall when they are preparing to switch back to the thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with your daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and lots of lint rollers. A well-trained, well-socialized German shepherd will provide you with years of love, loyalty and companionship.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds must be taught consistently to avoid undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, digging too much and chewing. They are highly intelligent dogs that can be taught easily and love to have some purpose in their lives. If left to their own devices for a long time they may become bored and destructive. A large dog or backyard park is essential to help them channel their energy and provide them with an outlet for their intense physical activity.
Reputable breeders can provide you with pedigree records and health clearances for the parents of the pups. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to confirm that the breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, due to their genetic predisposition are more susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasias, bloats, heart disease and skin problems. They are also susceptible to for skin problems, ear infections, and ear infections. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma, which is a type of cancer that affects blood-rich organs including the spleen and liver.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are protected by a fibrous, tough connective tissue known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal inflammation can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications, including kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that require regular brushing in order to avoid matting and tangling. The breed has a molting period once or twice a year You can also use a de-shedding tool, undercoat rake or slicker brush to keep the amount of shedding to a minimum.
GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion that lies between two vertebrae ruptures or slips in a way that causes it to press on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, a reluctance to move, a hunched back and dragging of the back feet. If you notice any of these symptoms seek out a doctor immediately. The condition can rapidly advance and lead to paralysis or even death. A doctor can reposition discs to ease symptoms or eliminate them altogether.