Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking about buying one, find an accredited 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 strict ethical breeding practices, and prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will give a litter's pedigree as well as medical records.
Temperament
German Shepherds possess a strong sense of confidence and are strong dogs. They also have a natural inclination for security. They can be cautious of strangers, particularly initially, but get comfortable quickly after being socialized. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen are renowned for their confidence and fearlessness when confronted with danger. This makes them an excellent option for military, police and guard dog roles. 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 used as an obedience competitor, or as a loving family pet. Their ability to learn and perform tasks is among the reasons they're so popular. They quickly connect with their families and enjoy being engaged in all the activities in their homes. These dogs are also great for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all breeds of dog however, they can be a bit aggressive with strangers and other pets. Socialization and training early will help prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is essential. You'll want to find a German Shepherd breeder that follows the guidelines for screening and health testing socialization, as well as raising their puppies indoors. You can generally determine the credibility of the breeder when you visit the facility and meet the parents and siblings and ask questions about genetics and health clearances.
Since reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen is a barrel-chested breed, it is prone to bloat, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk, be sure to give your puppy plenty of water and feed him regularly and ensure a safe food bowl.
German Shepherds, like many herding breeds can be very nippy. They will bark to warn their owners of strangers or intruders. They can be taught how to be confident and calm when greeting people. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or engage an expert dog trainer if you are not familiar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly supervised and exercised to prevent him from causing harm or trying to escape. A microchip as well as a 24PetWatch subscription will also assist in locating your pet's owner if he does escape.
Health
The GSD is a robust breed, but just like any other dog, they are prone to certain hereditary illnesses and conditions. Do your research and ensure you are buying 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 reports prior to making a purchase.
Hip dysplasia, a disorder that affects joints, is a common problem in German Shepherds as is skeletal muscle weakness, especially in older dogs. These problems can be managed by an appropriate diet as well as exercise, supplements, and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is another hereditary condition that is found in GSDs, and it's typically caused by a metabolic issue (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It can also occur if no other cause is found, which is called primary epilepsy or idiopathic epilepsy. If your dog is diagnosed with this condition, he will need lifelong medication to help control seizures.
Cancer is another affliction that can affect GSDs, particularly hemangiosarcoma, which is malignant tumor that grows in blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. Symptoms include lethargy and swelling, as well as sudden collapse. This condition is incredibly painful, and there is no cure, so treatment is centered around controlling the symptoms.
Allergies can be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can trigger itchy skin, ear infection as well as digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will need to do a complete medical check-up that includes a thorough history and exam, examination of the skin and ears, labwork and fecal tests.
Degenerative myelopathy is one of the diseases that can affect GSDs. It causes them to lose their mobility, generally in their 20s or early 20s. The disease is caused by a genetic mutation and can be detected through DNA testing. The symptoms of the disease include increasing difficulty getting up, a decreased 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 are known for their strong work ethic and their advanced training in obedience, agility and protection. Their diverse skills make them excellent service dogs, bomb and drug sniffers, and guides for the blind.
As breeds German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and eager to be pleasing. However, they can be bored and susceptible to obsessive behaviors without adequate physical or mental stimulation. They require a reliable, consistent, and patient trainer to help them reach their full potential and assist them to remain focused even in the face of distractions.
If you are looking to purchase a purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select an breeder with a good reputation and has the dog's well-being in mind. They should go through screening procedures to determine if the puppies are a good fit for their family. They should also provide documentation on the dog's pedigree as well as health clearances, as and recommendations for training and care.
While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that these dogs should be active, athletic and alert, secure, and able to bond with family members. You might want to inquire with the breeder about their breeding program and visit some of the puppies in person so that you can evaluate their temperament and physical characteristics.
Many people mistake the traditional German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movements with aggression, but these are simply natural responses that happen when a dog is activated by something that is moving around. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers are born shy. This can be helped by socialization, but not "cured."
While some dogs shed hairs throughout the year, the majority shed heavily only twice a year. They shed a lot for three weeks during spring, when they transition from an engorged coat in winter to a lighter coat during summer, and then later in autumn, as they prepare to revert to a thicker coat during winter. It is essential to take daily walks, playtime exercise, and lots of lint-rollers. A well-trained and socialized German Shepherd in your home will bring a lot of love, loyalty and companionship for years to come.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds require consistent training to prevent undesirable behaviors like chewing, digging and excessive barking. They are intelligent dogs who love to learn and have a goal. They can become bored if left alone for long periods of time. A large dog or backyard park is essential to help them channel their energy and provide them with a place to go for their high level of physical activity.
Reputable breeders are able to provide you with pedigree papers and health clearances for the parents of the pups. You must also meet the parents of the puppies in order to confirm that the breeder has ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia Bloat and heart disease, skin problems and ear infections as well as various other ailments. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma that affect organs that are rich in blood including the liver as well as the spleen.
The Peritoneum is a fibrous and tough connective tissue that covers the spleen as well as the blood vessels which supply it. Peritoneal inflammation can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal swelling can cause complications such as kidney disease, liver disease, and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have two coats that require regular brushing in order to avoid matting and tangling. The breed will go through a molting cycle every once or twice per year. You can use a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake or a slicker to reduce the amount of shed.
GSDs can be affected by intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). It occurs when the jelly-like cushion that sits between the vertebrae ruptures and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty in jumping, climbing stairs or moving around, being hesitant to move, a hunched back and the dragging of the back foot. If you notice any of these symptoms you should consult a physician immediately. The condition can rapidly develop and cause paralysis or death. A veterinarian can reposition discs to ease symptoms or eliminate them.