How to Find a Quality Shepherd Puppy
Choosing the Right German Shepherd Breeder Will Pay Off for Years
May 6, 2009
Surprisingly, prices generally don’t differ all that much when it comes to German shepherd dogs bred in puppy mills, backyards, or under the care of an experienced German shepherd breeder. When choosing a companion for the next decade, buyers won’t want to save a few pennies by skimping on the crucial care that goes into a puppy’s most important weeks of development. Early socialization as well as knowledgeable breeding for temperament and health is a must with the German Shepherd breed.
Early Socialization and German Shepherd Training
If German shepherds are bred and raised properly, they can be excellent family dogs. Buyers visiting a German shepherd breeder should pay close attention to how the pups are raised. Early socialization is key. Are the pups born in the home? Are they handled by a number of people? Have they been handled by children? These are all questions to ask a German Shepherd breeder.
Buyers looking for a well-raised German Shepherd puppy should insist on finding a German shepherd breeder who has already begun training the pups. Good breeders should be involved in working with the litter on not biting and allowing their heads and paws to be handled. Buyers should handle each puppy in the litter to determine how effective the training has been. They should also ask the German shepherd breeder what training methods the puppies have grown accustomed to during their first weeks.
Finding Healthy German Shepherd Dogs
Due to the German shepherd's popularity, indiscriminate breeding has led to many serious health issues . Saving a few bucks by gambling on a German Shepherd puppy of unknown origin or inexperienced breeding is likely to cost far more in heartache and expensive vet bills down the road.
Most commonly, German Shepherds are plagued by hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other joint problems. Reputable German shepherd breeders will have their stock inspected and rated by the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA). Buyers should insist on seeing this documentation for parents of the pups they’re considering.
Other serious health issues such as cataracts, heart problems, epilepsy, and cancer are all unfortunately common ailments for the breed. Knowledgeable German shepherd breeders are aware of these genetic conditions and strive to eliminate them from their lines.
Reputable German shepherd breeders offer contracts guaranteeing the health of their puppies. If a genetic condition arises during the time specified by the contract, the buyer has options. The contracts of many breeders can be found on their websites, other breeders should be happy to provide a copy by email or fax.
Reputable German shepherd breeders will also be a valuable resource when it comes to matching the personality of a German Shepherd puppy to the needs of its owner. German shepherd breeders should have a fairly good idea which dogs will make the best family pets, which will serve as the best protection animals, and which will do well in the show ring. Furthermore, breeders are a valuable source of information on German Shepherd care and whether the breed is a good fit for a family’s lifestyle.
Information gained in conversation with Lynne Brinkley of Excalibur Farms on May 1, 2009.
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