Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, look for a reputable breeder.
Look for a dog with an equilibrating temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and with the people.
Breeders who are reputable adhere to 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 are strong powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of security. They are a bit nervous around strangers, especially at first but tend to become more comfortable once they have been socialized. They are renowned for their bravery and confidence when confronted with danger. This makes them an excellent choice for police, military and guard dog roles. They are able to guard individuals and their possessions.
Whether 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. One of the reasons why they're so well-known is their ability to learn and complete various tasks. They quickly connect with their families and are engaged in all the activities at home. They're also an excellent choice for children. They're active and play with children and other dogs. Like all breeds of dogs they can also be aggressive with other dogs and strangers. Training and socialization early can aid in preventing aggression issues.
A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is essential. You should look for a German Shepherd breeder that follows guidelines like screening and testing for health, socialization, and raising their puppies indoors. You can usually determine a breeder's integrity by visiting the facility, chatting with the parents and other siblings, and asking questions about the genetic history and health clearances.
Because the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's susceptible to bloat. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen can be life-threatening. To minimize the risk, be sure to feed your puppy plenty of water, feed him frequently and ensure an appropriate food bowl.
German Shepherds, as with many herding breeds can be nippy. They bark to warn their owners of strangers or intruders. They can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or employ an expert dog trainer if you are not familiar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd receives the right training and exercise that will prevent him from becoming destructive or even attempting 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 very robust breed. However, like any other breed, it could be susceptible to certain hereditary ailments and diseases. Do your research and make sure you purchase from a reputable dog breeder who is concerned about the health of their dogs. Visit their premises, meet the owners and ask for health clearances and socialization records before making the purchase.
Hip dysplasia, a condition that affects joints, is a common problem in German Shepherds as is weak skeletal muscles, particularly in older dogs. These issues can be addressed with healthy diet as well as exercise, supplements, and physical therapy.
Epilepsy is a different hereditary disorder that can be found in GSDs. It's usually caused by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or an underlying toxin. It could also occur when there is no other reason, which is classified as epilepsy that is primary or idiopathic. If your dog is suffering from this condition it will require a lifetime of medication to control seizures.
Cancer is a different affliction that affects GSDs, particularly hemangiosarcoma, which is an aggressive tumor that develops in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. The symptoms include fatigue, swelling and sudden collapse. This condition is extremely painful and there is no cure. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.
Allergies are also a common problem in GSDs and can lead to itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If you suspect your dog is allergic, you'll have to perform a full medical checkup, which includes an exhaustive exam and history, diagnostic testing of the ears and skin as well as a labwork and the fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy may affect GSDs, causing them to lose mobility. This disease usually occurs in the 20s and early 20s. The disease is caused by a genetic mutation that can be detected by DNA tests. Symptoms of the disease progress and include difficulty in getting up and down, a refusal to jump or rise as well as a decrease in the muscle mass in the thigh and discomfort. There is no cure for the condition but it can be managed through physical therapy and medications.
Training
GSDs are well-known for their dedication to work and their advanced training in agility, obedience and protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs sniffers, drug and bomb sniffers, and 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 need an attentive, consistent and an experienced trainer to help them reach their full potential.
If you're looking to buy a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to locate a reputable breeder who works with the best interests of the dog 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 certificates, and recommendations for care and training.
The breed standard states that although each German Shepherd is different, they must all be active, athletic and alert. They should be also cautious of their family members and social. You may want inquire with the breeder about their breeding program, and you may also see some of their puppies to observe their physical characteristics and manner of conduct.
Many people confuse the classic German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movement with aggression, but they are normal reactions that occur when a dog gets triggered by something in the vicinity. Certain German Shepherds who place their heads in the corner of the room or avoid strangers have genetic shyness that can be helped through socialization, but not "cured."
While certain breeds shed hairs throughout the year, most dogs shed their hair only every year for three weeks in spring, when they transition from an extra thick winter coat to a softer summer coat and then in autumn as they prepare to switch back to the thicker winter coat. This means you'll need to keep up with daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and a lot of lint rollers. A well-trained, well-socialized German shepherd will bring you years of friendship, love, and loyalty.
You can also learn how to take care of yourself.
German Shepherds require a consistent training to avoid unwanted behaviors like digging, chewing, and excessive barking. They are extremely intelligent dogs that learn easily and love to have an objective in life. They can be bored when left to themselves for a long time. A large dog or backyard park is the best way to let them run loose and provide them with an outlet for their intense physical activity.
Reputable breeders will provide you with documentation proving the pedigrees of the puppies and their parents' health clearances. You should also visit the breeding facility and meet the parents to verify that the breeder is committed to ethical breeding practices.
Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia Bloat, heart disease, skin problems as well as ear infections, and many other ailments. They are also more likely to develop hemangiosarcoma an aggressive form of cancer that affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen.

The spleen and the blood vessels that supply it are enclosed by a fibrous, tough connective tissue called the peritoneum. When the peritoneum gets inflamed it can cause discomfort and pain. Peritoneal swelling can lead to complications like kidney disease, liver disease and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. The breed experiences an annual molting process every year, either once or twice and you can utilize a de-shedding tool, undercoat rake, or slicker brush to reduce the amount of shed to a minimum.
GSDs could be suffering from intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). This occurs when the cushion of jelly that sits between two vertebrae breaks or slips and presses on the spinal cord. Symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. schäferhund kaufen welpe include a tilted back and dragging the back feet. If you notice any of these signs you should consult a physician immediately. The condition could quickly progress and cause paralysis or even death. A veterinarian can reposition discs to lessen symptoms or eliminate them.