Buy a Purebred German Shepherd Pup
Many pet stores sell German Shepherd puppies. If you're thinking of buying one, you should look for a reliable breeder.
Find a dog with an even temperament. Play with them and observe how they interact with the other puppies and the people.
Reputable breeders adhere to strict ethical breeding practices, and give priority to health clearances of their pups. They will provide a pedigree as well as medical records for the litter.
Temperament
German Shepherds have a strong sense of confidence and are powerful dogs. They also have a natural instinct to protect themselves. They can be wary initially, but get comfortable quickly after being socialized. They are well-known for their bravery and confidence when confronted with danger. This makes them an ideal choice for military, police and guard dog duties. They also can be guardians of their people and possessions.
If you're looking for an obedience competition or service dog, or a loyal family pet The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent breed. One of the reasons why they're so popular is their ability to learn and complete different tasks. They are quick to connect with their families and love being engaged in all the activities in their homes. They are also excellent for children. They're lively, and happily play with children (and often other dogs). Like schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen of dog, they can also be agressive with strangers and other pets. Training and socialization early can help prevent aggression issues.
It is important to know if a breeder adheres to ethical breeding practices. You'll have to find a German Shepherd Breeder who follows guidelines, including health screening and testing, socialization and raising their pups in a home. You can often determine the integrity of a breeder by visiting the facility, chatting with the parents and other siblings and asking questions about genetic history and health clearances.

Because the German Shepherd is a barrel-chested breed, it's prone to bloat. This can be life-threatening. To avoid the risk, make sure to provide your puppy with plenty of water and feed him frequently and give him a safe food bowl.
German Shepherds, like other herding breeds, can be very nippy. They will bark to warn their owners to strangers or intrusions. However they can be taught to be calm and confident in greeting visitors. It is also recommended to take your dog to puppy classes or engage an expert dog trainer if you aren't familiar with this formidable breed. This will ensure that your German Shepherd is properly trained and exercised to prevent him from becoming destructive or trying to escape. A microchip and 24PetWatch membership can help you return your pet in the event that he runs away.
Health
The GSD is a robust breed, but just like all dogs, they are prone to certain hereditary illnesses and conditions. It is important that you do your research to ensure that you buy from a reputable breeder who cares about 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.
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip dysplasia (a condition that affects joints) and weakness of the skeletal muscle. This is especially the case for older dogs. These problems can easily be treated with a balanced diet and exercise, as well as physical therapy and supplements.
Epilepsy is another hereditary disease that can be found in GSDs, and it's usually triggered by an issue with metabolism (low blood sugar or organ failure) or a toxin. It can also occur if there is no other cause, which is called primary or epilepsy that is idiopathic. If your dog is diagnosed with this disorder, he will need lifelong medication to manage seizures.
GSDs can also be affected by cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that grows on blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. Lethargy, swelling, as well as sudden collapse are all signs. This condition is incredibly painful and there isn't a cure, so treatment focuses around managing the symptoms.
Allergies are also a frequent issue in GSDs. They can result in itchy skin, ear infections and digestive issues including vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. If you suspect your dog is allergic, you'll need to conduct a thorough medical examination, which includes a thorough examination and history, tests for the ear and skin as along with lab work and a fecal test.
Degenerative myelopathy is a disease that affects GSDs. It causes them to lose their mobility, typically in their 20s or early 20s. The cause of this disease is an inherited mutation that can be identified through DNA tests. The signs of the disease include a progressive difficulty in getting up, a decreased the ability to stand or jump with ease, pain, and 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 have an impressive work ethic and benefit from advanced obedience, agility, and protection training. Their diverse skills make them excellent service dogs as bomb and drug sniffers, as well as guides for blind people.
As breeds German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and eager to be pleasing. They can easily become bored, and can exhibit obsessive behavior without adequate physical or mental stimulation. They require a patient, consistent and well-trained trainer to help them reach their full potential.
If you are looking to buy an purebred German Shepherd dog, make sure you select a breeder who is reliable and has your dog's well-being in mind. They should have a screening procedure to ensure that puppies will be good fits to their families. They should also provide you with documents of the dog's pedigree, health clearances and suggestions for care and training.
Although every German Shepherd has a unique temperament The breed standard states that the dogs are active, athletic, alert, protective, and able to be bonded with family members. You might want to ask the breeder questions regarding their breeding program, and you may also look at their puppies to evaluate their physical characteristics and manner of conduct.
Many people misunderstand the traditional German Shepherd behavior of barking and lunging at movement as a sign of aggression. These are normal behaviors that occur when a dog is activated whenever something happens close to them. Some German Shepherds who bury their heads or avoid strangers are genetically shy. This can be "cured" through socialization but not cured.
While certain 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 in summer and again in autumn as they get ready to transition back to a thicker coat during winter. That means you'll have to keep up with daily walks as well as plenty of playtime and exercise, and lots of lint rollers. Being well-trained and socialized German Shepherd in your life will bring a lot of loyalty, love, and companionship for the years to be.
Care
German Shepherds should be taught consistently to avoid undesirable behavior such as excessive barking, excessive digging and chewing. They are extremely intelligent dogs that are able to learn and enjoy having a purpose in life. They can become bored if they are left alone for long periods of time. A large dog or backyard park is the best way to help them channel their energy and provide them with an outlet for their high level of physical activity.
Breeders with a good reputation are able to provide you with pedigree documents and health clearances for the parents of the puppies. You should also meet the parents of the puppies to ensure the breeder has ethical breeding practices.
GSDs, due to their genetic predisposition, are more susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasias, bloats disease and skin problems. They may also be prone skin conditions, ear infections and ear infections. They are more likely to develop cancers such as hemangiosarcoma that affect organs that are rich in blood, including the liver and spleen.
The the peritoneum is a spongy, tough connective tissue that covers the spleen, as well as the blood vessels which supply it. Inflammation of the peritoneum can cause pain and discomfort. Peritoneal inflammation could lead to other complications like liver disease, kidney infection and pancreatitis.
German Shepherds have double coats that require regular brushing in order to avoid matting and tangling. The breed goes through a molting process once or twice a years. 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 disc disease (IVDD). This occurs when the jelly-like cushion between two vertebrae ruptures or sags and presses on the spinal cord. The symptoms include difficulty moving, climbing stairs or jumping. They also may be tilted back and dragging the back feet. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately because the condition could accelerate and eventually result in paralysis and even death. A veterinarian can reposition the disc to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.