Places To Find German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Or Adoption
Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Buying from breeders or adopting from a rescue are the best options for obtaining your dream dog.
To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies:
- Vom Ragnar German Shepherds This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families.
- Mittelwest German Shepherds As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide.
- West Coast German Shepherds If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Like the previously mentioned breeders, West Coast GSDs are currently breeding dogs following the standards of the German SV.
If you werent able to find your German Shepherd puppy from this list, you could check out my article on the 10 best German Shepherd breeders for more options.
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Do Belgian Malinois Need Haircuts
Your Belgian Malinois wont need to have a haircut or be taken to the groomers on a regular basis. This is because their fur is relatively short, so wont need as much maintenance as a breed that has longer fur.;
The only maintenance they will need is for you to brush their fur regularly. This is a job that you can do yourself, and therefore save yourself the expense of taking your Belgian Malinois to the groomers. If you ensure to make this a regular habit, then the brushing likely wont take as long.
As weve already mentioned above, your Belgian Malinois will only need to be brushed once or maybe twice a week. When they start to shed their winter and summer coats, you may need to up this to around 4 or 5 times a week.
If you make sure to brush your Belgian Malinois fairly regularly, then you should notice a reduction in the amount of hair around your home.
How Do I Know What Too Much Shedding Is
Namely, various skin conditions could be behind the heavy shedding. Sometimes they can make your dog shed so much he or she loses entire patches of hair. So, if you notice any of the signs below its time to take you shepherd to the vet.
- Bald spots
- Dry and flaky skin
- Wounds on the skin
Besides, if you dont notice any of these signs, but still consider the shedding to be a bit too heavy, take your dog to the vet and check it out. Nothing wrong with being on the safe side!
Now you know all the facts German shepherds are heavy shedders, but it can still be kept under control. However, if you dont want your dog to shed much, this breed might not be right for you. To sum it up, weve put together a list of qualities German shepherds have which can help you determine if thats the right breed for you!
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German Shepherd Shedding Season
When do German Shepherds shed and stop shedding?
Sorry to disappoint those who are asking. They dont stop shedding. Theres no German Shepherd that doesnt shed. German Shepherd Dogs have a double coat which is comprised of a coarser outer coat and a soft undercoat. They shed some of their outer coat throughout the year but they shed or blow a lot of their undercoat twice a year. The heavy shedding seasons for German Shepherds are usually in the late summer or early autumn. They shed the least in the winter. However, the timing and amount may vary depending on the climate and the GSDs lifestyle. GSDs who always stay indoors tend to shed evenly all year round.
Now that you realized how bad German Shepherds shed or how much German Shepherds shed, lets move on to the ways on how to control your German Shepherds shedding. ;
Are German Shepherds Expensive Factors Affecting The Cost Of A German Shepherd Puppy
German Shepherds are one of the most expensive breeds out there and you may be wondering why. Ive mentioned earlier that pedigree and coat color affects their price, but they arent the only factors that come into play.
Breeders are not only responsible for producing GSD puppies, but they also need to ensure that these pups are healthy and in their best condition before their new owners take them home.
And of course, these medical expenses are not cheap, not to mention purchasing food and other basic needs.
Check out this comprehensive list of factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd puppy:
Other minor factors can also impact the German Shepherd puppy price. These include the breeders location and the cost of shipping or transport.
Knowing these factors can also help you choose a trustworthy breeder who can offer you a puppy worth its price.
Also Check: When To Neuter A German Shepherd
Allow Your Gsd More Access To Fresh Water
You might not even realize it, but allowing your German Shepherd to drink more water daily can greatly reduce the amount of shedding! Thats because dogs tend to shed a little bit more when theyre dehydrated.;
If youre having trouble keeping up with your dogs water regimen, I recommend using an automatic dog water dispenser. This device allows you to fill up a big tub of water all at once, so you wont have to keep remembering to add more water to the bowl throughout the day.
Ive never had to use one of these; however, Ive heard good things about them, and I think they can really do the trick. If I were choosing one from Amazon, I like the look of the Petsafe Drinkwell as its ideal for German Shepherds with its two-tiered design.
Tip! You can give your German Shepherd ice-cubes in the summer to keep him hydrated. You can also try frozen fruits such as raspberries or strawberries as an alternative healthy treat to help quench his thirst.
German Shepherd Hair Loss Thats Not Normal
Does your GSD show any of these signs?
Its important to remember that shedding is a normal and necessary function of your dogs life. Regular hair loss is designed to maintain your German Shepherds coat and skin in healthy condition.
But how and when this hair loss takes place depends on your German Shepherds overall health, genetics, and lifestyle. German Shepherds are heavy shedders and their coat requires regular maintenance to show optimum health.
Watch out for hair loss and skin disease that needs to be addressed and treated by your vet.
Ger your dog evaluated by a veterinarian when you see any unusual hair or skin problems.
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Thinking Of Getting A German Shepherd
German Shepherds are very loyal, brave, and easily trained dogs, however, they are also known to be prolific shedders. For some, shedding can be a daunting experience, but if you are a dog lover, you should already accept that it is a part of your dogs life. With proper grooming practice and using only the best grooming tools, dealing with your German Shepherds shedding will not be a big problem for you.
Make Sure Your German Shepherd Is Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the sneakiest but most common causes of excessive hair loss, since most people dont pay super close attention to how much water their dog drinks and therefore cant identify it as the culprit.
According to PetMD, your German Shepherd should drink about one ounce of water per pound of body weight, per day. So, if your German Shepherd weighs 70 pounds, he should be drinking 70 ounces or 8.75 cups of water per day.;
If that sounds like a lot, consider that an adult human is supposed to drink 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water per day. Let this be a reminder to us all, human and canine alike, to hydrate all day every day!
Anyways, if you provide 10 fresh cups of water each morning and most of it is gone by the next day, your German Shepherd is probably well-hydrated.
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Brush Your German Shepherd Regularly
Brushing your dog the right way may seem time-consuming, but you will be glad you took the time to do it. Not only will your German Shepherd have a healthy and glossy coat, but systematically grooming your dog will significantly reduce shedding as well. You will have a cleaner home with less pet hair to vacuum.
You should also use this opportunity to check your dog over for any bumps, bites, or pests like fleas or mites. Excessive shedding can be caused by skin diseases and be prevented by checking the condition of the skin regularly.
Brushing the hair of your German Shepherd not only feels great when done properly, but it also helps get that coat looking its best. Blood and skin oils are brought to the coat, helping it grow and giving it a great shine. Go here for help on choosing the right brushes for your German Shepherd.
German Shepherd Hair Fall Shampoo And Conditioner
Many GSDs need conditioner to prevent dry, itchy skin and further hair loss. If your dog needs conditioner but you want to save time, try Natures Miracle Shed Control Shampoo and Conditioner for ease of use.
The soap-free formula is safe to use with spot-on flea and tick products. It also contains no dyes or parabens for dogs with sensitive skin, while helping to maintain normal shedding and reducing doggie odor.
Hair fall shampoos and conditioners for your German Shepherd are formulated with ingredients that treat their skin gently, wash away loose fur, and help new hair growing in remain stronger so theres less hair loss.
Or, maybe youre looking for another shampoo for your companion?
Dont miss reading The 10 Best Shampoo for German Shepherds
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Invest In Lint Rollers And A Good Vacuum
Since shedding can never be completely avoided, its best to just embrace it and invest in some tools to make the inevitable cleanup easier, like some lint rollers and a quality vacuum that has a furniture attachment.;
You may also want to consider furniture covers that can be shaken out outside and then washed easily if vacuuming isnt your thing or if your German Shepherd loses his mind over the vacuum they are pretty menacing!
Why Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot
The reason why German Shepherds shed a lot can be traced back to their ancestors. Originally, German Shepherds were bred as herding dogs. Coming from a long line of herding dogs, they have these two coats that protect them against all types of weather conditions .
Typically, the topcoat is thick, has a long, coarse hair ;while the undercoat is thicker than the topcoat and shed in both the spring and fall, which help to regulate your GSDs body temperature against harsh winter and hot spring season.
Also Check: Can German Shepherds Handle Cold Weather
Switch To Food That Targets The Skin And Coat
You may have already put in a lot of thought when picking food for your German Shepherd, but did you know that the type of food that youre feeding him plays a huge role in his shedding habits?
Cheap dog food is largely made of ingredients that some dogs have difficulty digesting, such as corn and grain, not to mention all the added chemicals, preservatives, and colorings. You should instead look for a dog food that has a high-quality protein source as the main ingredient:
It is reported that 25 to 30 percent of daily protein intake is systemically used solely for skin and coat renewal requirements. Any protein deficit quickly results in obvious effects on the coat.
If your German Shepherd is not receiving proper nutrition, the protein hes receiving will maintain muscle mass, leaving the coat to suffer. I have a top article on the best diet for German Shepherds if you are looking for more information on the various types of diet for your dog, nutrition, and exactly what he can and cant eat.
Sure, it costs more, but it will help your German Shepherd in many ways, not only by reducing his daily shedding but for maintaining a long and healthy life.
Are Belgian Malinois Hypoallergenic
Belgian Malinois arent considered to be hypoallergenic, no. This is because they shed a decent amount of fur, which will contain allergens. So if you are allergic to dogs, its not recommended to opt for a Belgian Malinois.
This frequent shedding will only irritate your allergy further.
Even though they only shed a moderate amount of fur during the majority of the year, you will find that your allergy will get worse during the seasonal shedding period. It will be best to opt for a dog breed that is considered to be hypoallergenic if you suffer from a dog allergy.
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Bathe Your German Shepherd Regularly
Brushing and deshedding your German Shepherd will reduce shedding considerably, but regularly bathing him will give you even better results.
When you bathe your dog, the massaging movement on the skin will help loosen up all the dead fur. This means that after a bath, you will see more loose fur being shed, and deshedding your GSD is recommended to keep that dog hair from being wafted around your home.
Regular baths combined with deshedding will definitely help you deal with pet hair and keep your home clean.
Bathe your dog once a month and use a mild dog shampoo that won’t strip the coat from the natural oils that protect it. If bathing once a month will give your dog dry and itchy skin, try to use an even milder shampoo and bathe your pet less frequently.
German Shepherd Feeding Chart
So youve got yourself a German shepherd, and you think you can take care of them just fine without any knowledge. However, this will be your undoing. Youll come to a realization that you cant get by without studying about German shepherds.
German shepherds are similar to humans in the sense that they need to eat consistently. And just like us, they, too, have a specific feeding amount and nutrient requirements. You cant just make them eat whatever you lay your eyes on. However, as their owner, you cant always rely on your keen observation.
They can be a bit dishonest sometimes. They may even hide their hunger. Thats why you wont figure out their needs by simply observing. Thats why you need to have clear standards, especially on how you feed them. Overeating can cause sugar levels to spike. The opposite can cause malnutrition.
Either way, this German shepherd feeding chart will be a helpful asset when taking care of these dogs.
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Massage For Stress And Shedding Reduction
- Sit next to your dog on the floor in a quiet, comfortable room.
- Using very light hands, stroke your dog softly from head to tail for 15 minutes.
- Do this every week.
- Not only is this relaxing for your dog, but petting a dog is shown to decrease your blood pressure and increases bonding.
- Its also a great time to notice any health concerns in their body, like lumps or bumps, sore areas, or unusual smells.
Use these double-duty grooming gloves for extra hair removal. The innovative design features the perfect combination of rubber nodules on the fingers and palm, which feels like a massage, and helps to promote bonding.
But
Theres even more to these practical grooming gloves!
They work specifically as a heavy-duty de-shedder to capture hard to reach hair. And, the hair wont stick to the gloves whether used wet or dry.
Plus, its a useful tool to have since it is so gentle even puppies enjoy being brushed!
While this seems like a simple shedding solution, proving a massage with the right type of grooming tool reduces stress in your German Shepherd and goes a long way to keep them healthy.
A Good Diet Is Also Important
Your dogs diet plays a major role in your German Shepherds coat quality. After talking to several vets, I can conclude that a poor diet is the number one cause of excessive shedding in dogs. A nutrient heavy and balanced diet can keep your dogs coat healthy.
A healthy coat is easier to maintain and to groom. A healthy diet is even more important during the shedding season because almost 30% of your dogs daily protein intake is used for the renewal of skin and hair. Additional nutrients such as fatty acids, omega 3, and omega 6 are also essential since the deficiency of these nutrients can directly contribute to a dull coat, flaky skin, and excessive shedding problem.
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