Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you are considering purchasing one, you should look for an accredited breeder.
Find a dog that has a balanced temperament. Play with them, and observe how they interact with other puppies and with people.
Reputable breeders follow strict ethical breeding methods and prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide a pedigree as well as medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a strong sense of security and are a powerful dog. They also have a natural instinct for Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen security. They are often nervous around strangers, especially initially, but warm up quickly once well-socialized. They are renowned for their courage and saftey when confronted with danger. This makes them an ideal choice for police, military and guard dog roles. They can also be a protector of their people and possessions.
If you're looking for an obedience competitor or service dog, or loyal family pet The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent breed. Their ability to learn and complete tasks is among the reasons why they're so popular. They are quick to bond with their families and are involved in all the activities of their home. They're also an excellent choice for children. They're active and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like all dog breeds they can also be agressive with strangers and other pets. Training and socialization early can help prevent aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is important. You'll want to choose a German Shepherd breeder that follows the guidelines for screening and health testing as well as socialization and raising their puppies indoors. You can usually assess the breeder's integrity if you visit the facility, meet the parents and their children and ask questions about genetics and health clearances.
Because the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it is prone to bloat. This can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk, make sure to feed your puppy plenty of water and feed him at regular intervals and ensure a safe food bowl.
German Shepherds, as with many herding breeds can be nippy. They bark to alert their owners of strangers or intruders. However, they can be taught to comfortably and confidently greet visitors. It's also a good idea to take your dog to puppy obedience classes or employ the services of an experienced dog trainer, particularly when you're unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly supervised and exercised to prevent him from being destructive or trying to escape. A microchip and 24PetWatch membership can also help to return your pet if he ever does run away.
Health
The GSD is a strong breed, but just like all dogs, they are susceptible to certain hereditary illnesses and conditions. It is important that you do your research to ensure that you purchase from a reliable breeder who prioritizes the health and welfare of their dogs. Visit their facility, meet with the owners and request health clearances and socialization records before making a purchase.
Hip dysplasia, a condition that affects the joint, is a common problem in German Shepherds as is weak skeletal muscles, particularly in older dogs. These issues can be treated with an appropriate diet as well as exercise, supplements, and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is a different hereditary disorder that can be found in GSDs, and it's typically caused by a metabolic issue (low blood sugar or organ failure) or a toxin. It can also happen when there is no other reason for it, and is classified as epilepsy that is primary or idiopathic. If your dog is diagnosed with this condition it will require a lifetime medication to manage seizures.
GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that grows on blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. Swelling, lethargy, and sudden collapse are all signs. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Allergies can also be a problem for dogs with GSD. They can cause itchy skin, ear infections as well as digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If you suspect that your dog is allergic, you'll have to conduct a thorough medical examination, which includes a thorough examination and history, diagnostic testing of the skin and ears as along with lab work and a fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy can affect GSDs, causing them to lose mobility. This disease usually occurs in the 20s and early 20s. The cause of this disease is an inherited mutation that can be detected through DNA tests. Symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty in getting up or down, a reluctance to jump or rise and a decrease in the muscle mass in the thigh and discomfort. The condition is not curable, but can be managed with physical therapy and medication.
Training
GSDs are known for their strong work ethic and their advanced training in obedience, agility, and protection. Their versatility makes them ideal service and bomb sniffing dogs as well as guides for blind.
German Shepherds as a breed are intelligent and eager to please. However, they are easily bored and susceptible to obsessive behavior if they don't get enough stimulation, either mental or physical. They require a patient, consistent, and an experienced trainer to help them achieve their full potential.
If you're planning to buy an 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 have a screening procedure to ensure that the puppies will be good fits to their families. They should also offer documents of the dog's pedigree, health clearances and suggestions regarding care and training.
The breed standard states that although every German Shepherd is different, they should all be athletic, active and alert. They must also be protective of their family members and sociable. You may want ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and also see some of their puppies to assess their physical traits and behavior.
Many people mistake the classic German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as a sign of aggression. These are normal reactions that occur when the dog is triggered whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who cover their heads or shy away from strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization, but not completely cured.
While some breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, the majority of dogs shed their hair only every year for three weeks in spring when they switch from an extra thick winter coat to a thinner summer coat, and again in autumn as they prepare for the transition back to the thicker winter coat. It is essential to take regular walks, playtime, exercise, and plenty of lint-rollers. Being well-trained and socialized German Shepherd in your life will provide a lot of love, loyalty, and companionship for years to come.
You can also read about how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds need to be trained regularly to avoid 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 alone for long periods of time they may become bored and destructive. It is important to provide them with a large backyard or dogpark in order to make use of their energy.
Reputable breeders will provide you with documents that prove the pedigree of the puppies and their parents health certificates. You should visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to ensure that the breeder is committed to ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and bloat, heart disease, skin problems and ear infections as well as various other ailments. They are more likely to develop cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, which affects organs that are blood-rich, including the liver and spleen.
The spleen as well as the blood vessels that supply it are enclosed by a tough, fibrous connective tissue known as the peritoneum. When the peritoneum becomes inflamed, it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications including liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have a double coat that require regular brushing to avoid matting and tangling. The breed experiences an annual molting process at least once a year and you can utilize a de-shedding tool, an undercoat rake, or slicker brush to reduce the amount of shed to the minimum.
GSDs may suffer from intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). It occurs when the jelly-like cushion that lies between the vertebrae tears and presses against the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They may also be accompanied by a tilted back and dragging the back foot. If you notice any of these signs you should consult a physician immediately. The condition can rapidly progress and cause paralysis or even death. A doctor can move the disc to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.