Should You Buy a German Shepherd Baby?
German shepherds are smart confident breed that can make great companions. If you want one, expect to spend $200-$3000 on a puppy from a breeder that has a good reputation.
Backyard breeders may offer puppies at lower prices, but their pups are likely to have serious health issues. Backyard breeding is often associated with inherited hip dysplasia and other genetic disorders.
Health
German Shepherd puppies are very intelligent dogs But their intelligence shines brightest if they're healthy. To keep their minds and personalities active, they require daily stimulation and care. A healthy puppy also has a keen desire to learn and eagerly respond to training commands. This makes them excellent police canines, service dogs and even therapy dogs.
Responsible breeders monitor their parents for health issues and prevent passing these genetic health issues on to their pups. You should ask the breeder questions about the parents' health histories as well as genetic testing before you buy a German Shepherd puppy. Craigslist and other classified websites are a good source to find purebred puppies at a cheaper price. However the puppies are usually not bred by an unhealthy parent and could be affected by hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, or degenerative myelopathy.
These inherited disorders can also affect the brain, spine or muscles. For example some German Shepherds suffer from exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, von Willebrand disease, bloat or heart issues. A lot of these ailments can be prevented with an energizing diet, regular exercise and regular vet visits.
A healthy puppy has a robust immune system and is less likely to suffer from hereditary conditions as they age. They need to be physically well-balanced and mentally alert.
You can purchase a German Shepherd puppy from a reliable breeder or adopt one from a rescue center. More inspiring ideas centres usually have a variety of dog including German Shepherds, and will have more information on the specific dogs.
Regardless of where you decide to get your German Shepherd puppy, it's an excellent idea to set up pet insurance. It's a recurring expense however, it can to pay for medical treatment and medications if your dog becomes injured or sick. This coverage is best started as soon as you can before your puppy gets sick or injured. This will allow you to choose the right policy to meet your needs. Your German Shepherd puppy should be fed a healthy commercially-available, high-quality dog food every day.
Training
When you're considering purchasing a German Shepherd puppy, it's important to take into consideration your lifestyle and the requirements of your family. GSDs are extremely intelligent and very active dogs that require a large amount of physical exercise and stimulation for their minds. In addition, they need to be socialized from the beginning of their lives to overcome their natural distrust of strangers. GSDs are also extremely adept at training, so they react well to positive reinforcement. Be prepared to spend a lot of training time with your dog. Enroll in professional dog-training classes or employ a trainer who is experienced to show you how to do it.
You will also need to ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and grooming. The breed sheds a lot and you'll have to vacuum frequently to remove the hair from the floors and furniture. You will need to brush your long-haired German Shepherd regularly (especially on the legs and face) to keep its fur clean and free of tangles. Investing in a good shed tool and furminator will reduce the amount of hair that you have to vacuum.
GSDs have a high level of intelligence and are extremely energetic. They must be trained consistently in obedience to orders and good house manners. They also need to be able to interact with strangers in a secure and controlled environment from the beginning of their life to overcome their innate fear of strangers. GSDs can be quite overwhelming for new owners. It is best to work with a trainer that has expertise to ensure that you are properly trained and prepared to care for this beautiful breed.
GSDs are a large and muscular breed that is at risk for certain health issues that include hip dysplasia spinal cord diseases, and genetic eye conditions. To prevent these health issues it is recommended that you purchase a German Shepherd puppy from an accredited dog breeder who does regular health screenings and provides vaccinations and veterinary treatment. You should also think about purchasing an insurance policy that covers health for your dog, such as trupanion. This will pay for emergency veterinary care if your pet develops an illness that requires medical attention.
Exercise
German Shepherds are a highly athletic breed and require a lot of exercise throughout the daytime. They shed more than most other breeds and must be bathed and brushed regularly. Their size makes them ideal for houses with yards, rather as opposed to condos or apartments. Playing with your German Shepherd every day and taking him on walks or runs is the best way to keep him moving. Additionally exercising regularly can help prevent problems with weight and behavior.
German Shepherd puppies, like other breeds of dog, are prone to certain health problems. These include knee and hip dysplasias, degenerative myelopathys (a condition that affects the hind legs) and exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. You should select a reputable German Shepherd breeder to guard your dog from the effects of these conditions. Breeders perform several health tests and offer treatment and training for the breed. They might charge more for screening than breeders that do not make the effort.
As they get older, German Shepherds could develop other diseases in addition to the genetic conditions. They are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, especially in the knees and spine. They may also be suffering from depression and anxiety. It is crucial to seek treatment for these conditions as soon as possible.
Although you can find German Shepherds for sale in pet stores and on the internet however, it is recommended to purchase one from a reputable breeder. Breeders who are reputable focus on raising puppies with good temperaments and ethical breeding practices. They will also have a pedigree of working dogs as well as successful competition dogs. They may charge more for their puppies than breeders who concentrate on selling the most gorgeous puppies.
Care
German Shepherd puppies require a fenced in space to play and burn off their energy. This will stop them from chewing on or barking at things they shouldn't. You should also invest dollars in obedience training to prevent your puppy from becoming an unruly dog. This will teach your German Shepherd commands like "sit", "down" and "come."
A yard that is fenced in will prevent your German Shepherd puppy being distracted by other animals or pets of the neighbors. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy as soon as you can to your other pets in the family so that they will be familiar with each other when they reach the age of adulthood. A well-bred German Shepherd will be fine with cats and smaller dogs. However, they could pursue them.
The purchase of a German Shepherd from a reputable breeder will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has been screened for common illnesses. It will cost more to purchase a German Shepherd through a reputable breeder than from a pet store or unreliable source, but the investment is worth it if you are looking for a happy and healthy dog.
Puppies require lots of care at the beginning and throughout their lives. They will require vaccinations and regular visits to the veterinarian. Routine grooming appointments (300-400 dollars) and premium-quality food (700-$1200 per year). Other expenses include buying top-quality food, toys, collars and leashes ( $500-$800 per year). Dog walkers and boarding services can add $500-$1000 to the cost of owning a German Shepherd.
As they grow, puppies will undergo a "gangly" phase in which their muscles haven't filled out yet and they look a bit skeletal. This is normal and to be expected. As with an 18 year old human being, they will not look as full-figured as an adult for some time.
Backyard breeders frequently skip crucial health screenings in order to cut corners. This can lead many health issues, including hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders. Only a trustworthy German Shepherd breeder can guarantee that your puppy is free of these ailments. You'll also save money over the long term by not having to pay for costly vet bills or treatments for your German Shepherd in the future.