What should I look for when buying a purebred German Shepherd?

Important Questions For Your German Shepherd Breeder

Knowing your breeder and building a relationship with open communication can be very important. To understand your dog you need to understand your breeder.

Have The Parents Been Tested? 

German Shepherds are working dogs. This means you should have some history to verify a dog’s work ability and temperament. Potential parents should pass all relevant testing to show trainability, temperament, and should also show testing hip and elbow fitness. 

Are The Parents Registered? What Is Their Pedigree? 

Registration is really just a proof of pedigree and bloodline history. You can learn a lot about new puppies from their pedigree. This can include, temperament, skill sets, attitude and disposition, and even health concerns. A quality German Shepherd Breeder can give you an adequate rundown of the line’s strengths and weaknesses and why this litter was chosen as a balance between the parents to improve on the breed. 

Can You Meet The Parents? 

This may not always be possible. This is often because breeders will often use a quality male that is owned by someone else and may not live near you. They can often still provide many details, pictures, accolades and descriptions of the male. Be wary of any breeder that is reluctant to introduce you to the parents. 

What Are The Health Concerns In The Parents?

Parental lineage is important for many reasons. But perhaps the most relevant is understanding potential health concerns and medical predispositions. GSDs struggle with many genetic and hereditary health conditions and the breeding process is often focused on reducing the negatives and accentuating the positives. A good German Shepherd breeder should be able to provide you with a very clear medical history and a breakdown of risks and concerns.

Do They Provide A Health Guarantee? 

Contracts should protect both the breeder and the new owner. There are many health factors that could come into play, and some breeders offer warranties and guarantees as well as have contracts with specific stipulations. Be sure to carefully read and consider all contract details.

Are Puppies Up To Date With Vaccinations And Vet Care?

By the time you make a purchase, your puppy should have had multiple rounds of deworming, vaccination, and checkups and health screenings. It is also important to ask about microchipping. 

Does The Breeder Provide References?

You need to thoroughly vet your breeder. If you can watch training days or events this can give you a window into their process. Like any critical buying process, almost nothing competes with the value of word of mouth. Ask around and try to gather an objective and impartial image of your breeder. 

There are many other considerations to keep in mind when raising this incredible breed, but having a good breeder relationship and knowing the parents is an important start. Depending on their proximity, a German Shepherd breeder may have recommendations for dog obedience classes San Antonio as well. 

For more information about German Shepherd Breeder in San Antonio and New Braunfels visit our website at https://larascaninesolutions.com There’s nothing quite like the excitement of bringing home a new puppy. You’re welcoming a new member of the family into your lives and, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love staring at those cute little paws and ears that they haven’t quite grown into yet? Many people love German Shepherds for their loyalty and bravery, but those who haven’t raised one before don’t really know what they’re in for until they have one. Before you bring this dog home, there are a few things to understand about the German Shepherd breed.Top 10 Things to Know Before Getting a German Shepherd

1. They are highly intelligent.

Image Credit: Christel SAGNIEZ, Pixabay

Even though people are told repeatedly that German Shepherds are smart, they don’t fully comprehend just how intelligent this breed is. German Shepherds are animals that catch on quickly to almost everything. Your daily routine, commands, and household expectations are all things that are a breeze for them. Make sure that you have a training plan in place, especially if you’ve never trained a dog before. With intelligence comes a lot of stubbornness. If you aren’t firm and consistent, they’ll pick up on it and use that knowledge whenever they feel like. Still, they are eager to please, and if you stick it out, they’ll be following your demands in no time.

2. They require mental stimulation.

Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay

Long walks are enough to tire out a lot of dog breeds, but with their intelligence, these dogs need more than just physical activity. German Shepherds are working dogs, and they benefit when there is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. If you genuinely want to tire them out, you must incorporate physical exercise with mental exercise.

3. They have a lot of energy.

You may have already known this, but don’t underestimate the amount of energy that they have. Take them to a park if you don’t have a large yard for them to run and play in. Many German Shepherds benefit from agility courses to give them the appropriate amount of exercise. When you keep them stimulated, they are less likely to act out and cause destruction around the house.

4. German Shepherds fiercely love their owners.

Image Credit: cynoclub, Shutterstock

German Shepherds tend to bond more closely to one family member than the rest. Still, they are lovers instead of fighters. They want to spend just as much time cuddling with you at night as they want to be out working during the day.

5. They are great listeners.

Image Credit: Capri23auto, Pixabay

What else would you expect with those enormous ears perched on top of their heads? Those radar ears are listening to even the most minor sounds, and they are always eager to hear your voice. If you’re lucky, you may even get a few head tilts to show you just how attentive they really are.

6. German Shepherds were bred to be guard dogs.

German Shepherds were originally bred to guard the fields of sheep and cattle. Whenever an intruder or predator came onto their land, they immediately alerted their keeper. Without the proper training, this behavior is sometimes territorial and can be aggressive towards other dogs and strangers. However, with the proper training, it makes you feel at ease whenever you go to bed at night.

7. They are clingy.

Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock

Nobody was lying to you when we said these dogs are loyal. It’s almost to a fault how dedicated and clingy they are to you. Not every German Shepherd is clingy, but this breed is known for following people everywhere they go. You won’t have a moment of alone time if you have a German Shepherd in the house.

8. Landlords don’t always allow them.

Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Landlords don’t always welcome German Shepherds into their properties. They are known to bark and howl when left alone for long periods. It’s nice to know they’re missing you, but you also might not be able to find a new place to live if they’re constantly disturbing the neighbors.

9. They are better suited for experienced dog owners.

Image Credit: nori jaafer, Pixabay

German Shepherds are a handful. Many first-time dog owners think their cuteness is enough to keep them committed to raising them, but that’s not always the case. These dogs require constant training and dedication. Without it, they could be aggressive or destructive.

10. They do better in pairs.

Because they are so social, German Shepherds often benefit when they’re around another dog in the house. This keeps them entertained while you’re away and stops them from developing anxiety and depression.

While German Shepherds are certainly amazing animals, they don’t suit the lifestyles of everybody who wants one. Owning a dog is a better experience when it is mutually beneficial to both of you. If you can’t give them what they need, then you probably won’t get much out of the relationship either.

Related Reads:

• 25 Hilariously Relatable German Shepherd Memes
• 5 Reasons Why Your German Shepherd Follows You Everywhere
• Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherds: Signs, Causes & Treatments

Featured Image Credit: Vagengeim, Shutterstock

Contents

• Top 10 Things to Know Before Getting a German Shepherd
  • 1. They are highly intelligent.
  • 2. They require mental stimulation.
  • 3. They have a lot of energy.
  • 4. German Shepherds fiercely love their owners.
  • 5. They are great listeners.
  • 6. German Shepherds were bred to be guard dogs.
  • 7. They are clingy.
  • 8. Landlords don’t always allow them.
  • 9. They are better suited for experienced dog owners.
  • 10. They do better in pairs.