Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup

Many pet shops offer German Shepherd puppies. If you're considering buying one, look for an accredited breeder.

Look for a puppy with the same temperament. Play with them, and watch how they interact with other puppies as well as with people.

Breeders who are reputable follow strict ethical breeding practices and will prioritize health clearances for their pups. They will provide a pedigree and medical records for the litter.

Temperament

German Shepherds are confident powerful dogs with an instinctual sense of security. They can be cautious of strangers, particularly initially, but warm up quickly once well-socialized. The confidence and apprehension in the face of danger could make them a great choice for military, police and guard dog positions. 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 employed as an aid dog, obedience competitor, or as a loving family pet. Their ability to learn and accomplish tasks is one of the reasons they're so popular. These dogs are quick to bond with their families and are able to participate in all activities at home. These dogs are also great for children. They're energetic, and will happily play with children (and often other dogs). Of course, like all breeds of dogs they are prone to nipping with strangers and pets. Socialization and training early will aid in preventing aggression issues.

A breeder's commitment to ethical breeding practices is essential. You'll have to find a German Shepherd Breeder who follows the rules, including screening for health and testing as well as socialization, and bringing their puppies indoors. You can usually determine the integrity of the breeder if you visit the facility to meet the parents and their children, and ask questions about genetics and health clearances.

Since the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's susceptible to bloat. This can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk, make sure to provide your puppy with plenty of water, feed him frequently and ensure an appropriate food bowl.

Like many herding dogs German Shepherds can be very nippy and will naturally bark to warn you to approaching strangers or intrusions. However, they can be taught to calmly and confidently greet visitors. You should also take your dog to puppy classes or employ a dog trainer if you are unfamiliar with this powerful breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and exercised to keep him from causing harm or attempting to escape. A microchip and a 24PetWatch membership can also help to return your pet's owner if he does escape.

Health

The GSD is a strong breed, schäferhund Kaufen welpe but as with all dogs, 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 is concerned about the health of their dogs. Before purchasing make sure you visit the facility and meet the parents. Also, ask for health certificates and socialization documents.

German Shepherds are susceptible to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) and weak skeletal muscles. This is especially the case for dogs who are older. These problems can be easily controlled with a balanced diet and exercise as well as physical therapy and supplements.

Epilepsy can also be passed down in GSDs. It's usually caused by a metabolic problem (low blood sugar organ failure, toxin or organ failure). It can also occur if there is no other cause and is referred to as primary or epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your dog suffers from this condition it will require a lifetime of medication to manage seizures.

Cancer is another affliction that affects GSDs, especially hemangiosarcoma. It is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. Lethargy, swelling, and sudden collapse are all symptoms. This condition is extremely painful and belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich schäferhund kaufen - Full Post - there is no cure. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.

Allergies are also a common problem for GSDs and can lead to itchy skin, ear infections, and digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If your dog is allergic to something, you will require a thorough medical examination that includes an exhaustive history and examination, tests for the ears and skin, labwork and fecal tests.

Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that can affect GSDs and causes them to lose their mobility, generally in their 20s or early 20s. The disease is caused by through a genetic mutation which can be identified through DNA testing. The signs of the disease include gradual difficulty getting up, deutscher schäFerhund welpen kaufen a decreased ability to stand or jump with ease, pain, and loss of muscle mass in the thighs. There is no cure for the disease but it can be managed through physical therapy and medications.

Training

GSDs are renowned for their dedication to work and their advanced training in obedience, agility and protection. Their versatility makes them excellent service dogs and bomb sniffing dogs and guides for blind people.

German Shepherds as a breed are intelligent and eager to please. They are easily bored and may develop obsessive behaviors without enough mental or physical stimulation. They need a solid steady, consistent, and patient trainer to help them develop their full potential and assist them to remain calm even in the face of distractions.

If you're looking to purchase an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you choose a breeder that is reputable and has your dog's welfare in mind. They must have a screening process to ensure that the puppies will be good fits to their families. They should also provide you with proof of the puppy's pedigree, health certificates, and recommendations for care and training.

While every German Shepherd has a unique temperament the breed standard says that the dogs should be athletic, active, alert, protective, and able to be bonded with family members. You can ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, and also look at their puppies to observe their physical characteristics and demeanor.

Many people mistake the traditional German Shepherd behaviors of barking or lunging at movements with aggression, but they are simply natural responses that occur when a dog is triggered by something moving nearby. 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 certain breeds shed a few hairs throughout the year, most dogs shed their hair only twice per year -- for three weeks in spring when they switch from a thicker winter coat to a thinner summer one and then again in the fall when they are preparing to switch back to a thicker winter coat. That means you'll have to keep up with daily walks, plenty of playtime and exercise, and plenty of lint rollers. A well-trained, properly socialized German shepherd will give you years of affection, loyalty and love.

Care

German Shepherds require consistent training to avoid unwanted behaviors such as digging, chewing, and excessive barking. They are highly intelligent dogs that learn easily and are awed by having an objective in life. They can be bored when left to themselves for long periods of time. It is essential to provide them with a large backyard or dogpark in order to make use of their energy.

Breeders who are reputable can provide you with documents proving the pedigrees of the puppies and their parents' health certificates. You should also meet the parents of the puppies to ensure the breeder has ethical breeding practices.

Due to their genetic predisposition, GSDs are more prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat and heart disease, skin problems and ear infections as well as a number of other conditions. 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 protected by a fibrous, tough connective tissue called the peritoneum. When the peritoneum gets inflamed it can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications, including kidney infection, liver disease and pancreatitis.

German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to avoid matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting cycle once or twice a years. You can employ a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake or a slicker to reduce the amount of hair shed.

GSDs may suffer from a condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This happens when the jelly-like pad that sits between the vertebrae tears and presses on the spinal cord. Signs include difficulty moving, climbing stairs, or jumping. They also may be tilted back and dragging the feet behind. If you notice any of these symptoms seek out a doctor immediately. The condition can quickly advance and lead to paralysis or even death. A veterinary doctor can adjust the disc to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.