The Personality Of The German Shepherd Breeder
This is so often over-looked, but I wanted to add it on as something to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy. Its so important to get a good feeling about the breeder if they treat you badly and are rude, it could mean they treat those pups badly too!
Only buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who is prepared to take the time to answer any questions and concerns you might have. They should also be happy to give you as much detail as possible about the parents history.
Breeders that treat buyers with respect will most likely extend that kindness to the German Shepherd mother and her puppies.
Observe The Puppys Temperament From A Distance
When searching for a German Shepherd puppy, whether youre at a breeder or a shelter, try to observe the puppy and how they interact with other puppies and people.
A German Shepherd puppy should possess a good temperament, meaning that the puppy should be curious, affectionate, friendly, and unafraid of noises, people, and other dogs. A puppy that approaches other puppies and people in a friendly and playful manner is what you are looking for.
What Can German Shepherds Eat
So now we know what nutrients dogs need lets take a closer look at what exactly they can eat. These are the main foods German Shepherds can eat. However, they do come with some caveats, so read on!
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| Watermelon |
These are the caveats to be aware of:
- If a fruit contains pits or seeds, these must be removed as they contain toxic cyanide.
- Most vegetables should be cooked first to help with digestion.
- Fruits, vegetables, dairy, and nuts should be fed in small amounts no more than 10% of daily calories.
- Although dogs can eat some nuts, they are not recommended due to their high-fat content, which can cause an upset stomach.
- Its not advisable to feed raw eggs or raw fish due to the risk of salmonella or listeria.
- Some dogs are lactose intolerant and can not eat certain dairy foods, depending on how much lactose they contain.
I wrote complete guides to all the fruits and vegetables your German Shepherd can eat where you can find a ton of helpful information. These articles also include the nasty ones to watch out for!
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So How Do I Choose Between The Two
This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice.
However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you.
There Should Be Enough Space For The Breed
Space is one requirement that all dogs have. The important thing to note here is that due to their size German Shepherd dog needs more space than a smaller breed such as a beagle. If you dont allow them to have the necessary space for them to exercise and run around then youre likely to find that develop behaviors such as chewing on furniture or excessive barking.
They will have to move, run, or exercise so there should be enough space for them. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy then understand that it is going to be a grown-up big.
If this is going to be your first dog then it may be worth dog sitting someone elses dog of a similar size in your home to get a feel for how they will cope. Owners of similar-sized adult dogs will be able to guide you on how they may cope in your home.
The long-haired German Shepherd puppies have a really thick tail. While they will move around in your house they wont necessarily be aware of what their tail may hit. Keep the fragile items at your home at a certain height that is not reachable by the dog and not going to fall over should they be knocked by the dog.
Another issue that people usually face is that dogs have the habit of chewing things. Beware if you have dolls or soft toys at your home as they will be an easy target for the German Shepherd dog and your child may not appreciate that. If there is enough space then the German Shepherd will be free to roam around and their minds can be diverted to playing.
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Companion Or Pet Quality
These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. This could either mean a fault in the standard -such as faded coloring or a missing tooth- or something more major and they wont sell them at a show quality price.
These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners.
Thevast majority of GSDs are family pets. If youre looking for a well-roundedcompanion, seek a dog from this group. These dogs make great pets as long asthey have sound temperaments!
They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs.
What Are The Best Treats For German Shepherds
Many dog owners give treats and snacks. Dog treats dont have to follow AAFCO standards, which means they may not contain the proper nutrients in their correct ratios. Lets just say many dog treats on the market will provide hardly any nutritional value at all for your dog! So what are the best treats for German Shepherds?
The best treats for German Shepherds are those carefully formulated for dogs and contain high-quality, nutritious ingredients. They should be low in fat and calories and free of additives, chemicals, and coloring. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dogs total daily calories.
There are some excellent good high-quality treats on the market. However, some can be quite expensive, so shop around.
However, Im happy to pay that bit more if it means my GSD stays healthy and happy. Willow loves her Guru venison sausages, as you can see from the below photo . She also enjoys Blue Buffalo Health Bars, which you can get on Amazon or any good pet store.
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Should You Get A Male Or Female German Shepherd
While Male and female German Shepherds are similar in many traits, they are also different in a number of them, which might affect your choice when buying.
Consider what you want the dog for and your experience when determining whether to purchase a male or female German Shepherd. If youve never had a dog before, a female is preferable because shes easier to train. If you want a guard dog, go for a male because they are more dominant and aggressive.
Consider the following when making your choice:
- Male GSDs are larger in both weight and height while females are smaller . Please note, these are approximations as individual dogs will vary. To give you an example of this, my female KC registered GSD weighs 88lb , and she is very tall, standing 27/68cm.
- Males will portray a masculine build as opposed to the delicate features of the female.
- Females will be in heat twice annually. If you do not intend to breed your pet, you should consider spaying her.
- Female GSDs live longer when compared to males 9.7 years.
These traits may not be vividly pronounced in young puppies, but it is important to bear them in mind. Whether you choose to buy a male or female pup will depend on your circumstances, such as experience, lifestyle, and purpose for the dog.
You can check out this article, Male vs. Female German Shepherd: Which Should You Get? It has loads of info to help you decide which one will be best for you.
How To Raise A German Shepherd Puppy
There are fewer things in life more irresistible than a German Shepherd puppy, but you should never bring one home on impulse. This needs to be a careful decision. Bringing a puppy home is the same as bringing home a human child, except German Shepherds mature faster and are more loyal. Although German Shepherds are a big responsibility, their friendship is priceless.
- A German Shepherd, on average, will cost about $3,000 a year in food, grooming supplies, and vet care. This is far less than your car, but it’s still something to keep in mind.
- Because of their fast growth, German Shepherd puppies need their diets closely regulated to avoid potential health problems.
- They will also need positive reinforcement from day one. Never train a German Shepherd puppy by force. Most dog bites are from scared dogs, not dogs that are attacking.
- You must first research the breed so you know everything you can about German Shepherds. These dogs have an image problem some people think they are inherently vicious when, in fact, they aren’t. They were never bred to fight other animals or human beings. They were bred to be extremely obedient and willing to please. So, if you ever read about a German Shepherd attacking a human being, it was because the dog was trained to attack, not because the dog is mean. Care and training are all-important if you want to succeed with a German Shepherd.
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Bone And Joint Problems
A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in German Shepherd Dogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.
How To Pick A German Shepherd Puppy
How are you supposed to know which dog to choose from? They are all going to be adorable. How can you tell which one will grow up to be the type of dog that you were looking for?
If you are not prepared to deal with it, trying to avoid getting a dog that has undergone trauma. Signs of trauma, like anxiety, distance, or antisocial behavior can be indicators of this. If there is any suspicious behavior from the breeder or anything that gives you cause to question the way that they care for their dogs, then you should not hesitate to seek a different breeder.
Make sure that the puppy you are choosing has just as much energy as their peers. Make sure that it is relatively easy for you to develop a connection with the dog before purchasing it. If he does not approach you or does not seem interested in developing a connection, they may have experienced trauma, or they may simply not like you. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy affection, and in many cases, this does not change when they become adults.
However, you must consider all aspects. If you are looking for a dog that will primarily be guarding your house or business, and we’ll be spending ample time alone, then perhaps it is wise to choose a dog that fares well on its own.
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German Shepherd Sheds A Lot Of Hair
Shedding fur is something that you get with pretty much all breeds of dog. This is done to accommodate the changes in temperature and bringing in fresh hair. German Shepherd is often termed as German Shedders owing to the amount they shed, which given the amount of fur they have is, understandably, a lot.
You might know that the dog has a double coat of fur so it will automatically mean more shedding of hair. One option to try and keep the cleaning manageable is to limit your German Shepherd to only being able to go into certain areas of your house where you can clean up the hair easily.
One tip that we have seen dog owners use to keep the hair in their home under control is to use robot vacuum cleaners. You will still need to do a regular normal vacuum but this helps to keep it under control day to day.
Consider The Price And Your Budget
When you think of buying a German Shepherd, the buying price is one of the key aspects you should consider. Even if you found the best puppy from the best breeder, youll need to have the purchasing capacity to buy, or your search for the pet will end up futile.
So, how deep will you need to dig into your pocket to bring your GSD puppy home? What is the price of a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd puppy costs an average price of $2000. Puppies range in price from $800 to $6,000. Prices are determined by lineage, litter size, color, breeder qualifications, breeding costs, and location. Puppies with the highest prices are from a top pedigree or are show quality.
My in-depth article, How Much is a German Shepherd? 21 Examples!, will give you more information and examples of how much youll have to spend to buy a German Shepherd.
For example, if you buy a German Shepherd puppy using the earlier referred AKCs MARKETPLACE, you will pay $2,000 for a puppy from DenWolf German Shepherds in Denver, CO.
If instead, you go by breeder websites from a Google search, you will find a wide range of price differences. For example, on the Good Dog breeders website, you will pay $2000 for a German Shepherd puppy from Austerlitz German Shepherds and between $3600 $6000 a puppy from Select Shepherds.
Alternatively, if you decide to adopt from rescue centers, you will certainly pay a lot less.
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Pick The Type Of Dog You Want: Companion Show Or Working Quality
Buy your dog based on what they need to do in their lifetime. I group them into major categories.
Before you purchase a dog, its important you decide what you intend to do with him. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion?
Dont get a pup as a companion and then expect him to win at shows. And dont think a show quality dog can compete in protection work.
Know exactly what you want from your puppy.
German Shepherd Puppy Guide
Sam Shephard is an experienced German Shepherd owner and has learned throughout the years how to optimize the breed’s health and wellness.
German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds on the planet. They are strong, loyal and a pleasure to be around. These dogs, however, require a great deal of care.
This breed is known for shedding and they are also prone to a number of health conditions. If you want to make sure that your German Shepherd has the happiest life possible, the best option is to make sure that you start caring for them at a young age. In this article, we are going to describe the best ways for you to take care of a young German Shepherd puppy.
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German Shepherds Are Members Of The Herding Group
So, if you own this breed, youre no stranger to a nose nudging you. Whether its a nose in the back, a nose on your leg, or even a nose in your face, your dog is just doing what comes naturally. Although this breed isnt often used to herd anymore, that herding heritage remains. So, along with the herding traits of independent thinking and intelligence, its perfectly normal for your GSD to herd human family members. Your dog might also show following ahead behavior walking in front of you while looking back to ensure youre walking in the right direction.
A German Shepherd Dog Is Not A Golden Retriever
Sometimes I feel like many people assume that a lab/golden retriever is just the default dog personality . Obviously, this is not true for every GSD, but shepherds tend to be one person dogs. Your shepherd doesnt think that every person she meets is her best friend, and thats part of her heritage. Shepherds are a bit suspicious of strangers. Also, be prepared for your shepherd to pick someone to be her person in your family. This can be saddening, but its also a trait of the breed.
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Buying A German Shepherd Puppy
Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life!
If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend.
But dont get caught up in all the dreams of your fluffy puppy without reading this advice!
Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy.
How Many Puppies Does A German Shepherd Have
Keep in mind that dog growth can be affected by genetics and environment, so take that into consideration when comparing your pup to the data in the German Shepherd growth chart. What is the normal size of a German Shepherd puppy? A German Shepherd dam will normally whelp between six and eight puppies.
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