They may be aloof and suspicious toward strangers, and protective of their home and family. They can be domineering. They can be assertive toward other dogs, but they are usually good with other pets. Note: GSDs are especially susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic fungal infection from Aspergillus.
These big dogs can be cuddly and kid friendly or watchful protectors. Learn how the smartest dog breeds are ranked, and what goes into determining canine intelligence. Close Main Navigation Menu. Sign Up Log In.
Hide Saved searches. Save search for breed. Energy Level 3 out of 5. Exercise Requirements 4 out of 5. Playfulness 2 out of 5. Affection Level 3 out of 5. Friendliness To Dogs 1 out of 5. Friendliness To Other Pets 3 out of 5. Friendliness To Strangers 2 out of 5. Watchfulness 5 out of 5. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails.
Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal.
If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience.
Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup.
This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including:.
Many German Shepherd owners end up taking weekly training lessons, either in a group class or in one-on-one private sessions with a trainer. Your German Shepherd should eat a high-quality food. Due to their intense energy and exercise needs, your puppy will eat quite a bit, especially during his first 3 years of life.
German Shepherds can be destructive - satisfy their chewing needs through chew toys! To get the heavy shedding under control, some owners decide for a professional groomer.
If your dog is struggling with behavioral problems such as separation anxiety or aggression, weekly training is a must. If you are just getting your puppy, plan to make several other purchases, including a crate, dog bed, car crate, bowls etc.
If you are planning to crate train your puppy, invest into a sturdy crate that will last for many years. If you plan to take your puppy on frequent car rides, get an additional crate for your car. This makes drives much safer for your dog.
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to purchase a healthy puppy for little money. Registered breeders invest a lot of time and effort into producing well-rounded puppies, and this will be reflected in the price.
The biggest issues with unregulated breeding of German Shepherd Dogs is pronounced hip dysplasia. If the breeding pair is not scanned for this condition, it can pass it on to their offspring. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia can be so severe that it already affects very young dogs under the age of 4. The looser the hips sit in the sockets, the more profound the impact will be. A backyard-bred German Shepherd might already show a limp at the tender age of 2 years old.
Do not skip out on spending a few hundred dollars more when getting your puppy. You need to find a responsible breeder and make sure to pay for a healthy puppy. This is the best and only way to guarantee that your German Shepherd will be a lifelong friend and beloved companion.
Responsible breeders quite frequently sell retired breeding and show dogs. These dogs can be anywhere from 2 to 8 years old. They are sold for a number of reasons, such as being done with their show career or being spayed after having a few litters.
Many breeders like to keep the number of breeding dogs low so that they can give each dog individual attention and optimal care. There are a number of advantages in buying retired adults. These dogs:. It can be a bit harder to find these dogs — you will have to inquire with several breeders to find the right match for you. They usually only have adult German Shepherds available every few years and take great care in placing them in the perfect forever home.
German Shepherds are no cheap dogs. This price can become considerably higher if your pup has a rare color or comes from champion bloodlines. While it is tempting to search for the cheapest puppy around and get a GSD through classified ads for as little as a few hundred dollars, that is not a good idea. These dogs lack health and temperament testing and will not become the amazing companion you are looking for.
Health issues like hip dysplasia and behavioral challenges such as reactivity and aggression are in part genetic. They often get passed on through irresponsible breeding. This is not only an issue in GSD, but in many different herding and working breeds, such as also the less common English Shepherd.
It is better to spend some more time searching for the right breeder and ideal puppy for you and your family. If you are open to adopting an adult dog, getting a retired show dog is a great option. Want to get a sniff on what SpiritDog's online training is all about? Join the 7-day free online course right away!
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Epilepsy, vision problems, bleeding disorders, immune mediated diseases, hemangiosarcoma, digestive problems including exocrine pancreatic insufficiency — all these conditions are relatively common in the German Shepherd. Many of them have a genetic component, and a good breeder will discuss health problems in her lines.
Just like certain diseases, temperament is also heritable. Ask your breeder about independent temperament testing of her dogs. An unstable, aggressive or shy German Shepherd can be a dangerous animal. Not all of these conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.
They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog and grandparents, etc. The thyroid tests on your puppy's parents should have been done within the past year and the eye exam within the past two years. Don't fall for a bad breeder's lies. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines, her dogs have been "vet checked," or any of the other excuses bad breeders have for skimping on the genetic testing of their dogs, walk away immediately.
Other health concerns to be aware of are bloat and gastric torsion. German Shepherds are more likely than many breeds to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands with air. This can become the more serious condition, gastric torsion, if the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow.
Bloat and torsion strike very suddenly, and a dog who was fine one minute can be dead a few hours later. Watch for symptoms like restlessness and pacing, drooling, pale gums and lip licking, trying to throw up but without bringing anything up, and signs of pain. Gastric torsion requires immediate veterinary surgery, and most dogs that have bloated once will bloat again.
This procedure can also be done as a preventive measure. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life.
Keeping a German Shepherd at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life and relieve the aches and pains of arthritis in old age. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. The rest of the year, weekly brushing is generally enough to keep him clean. The rest is basic care. Trim his nails every few weeks, as needed, and brush his teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath. Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind.
Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance.
It will save you money in the long run. For more information about the breed or to find a list of breeders, visit the website of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. Breeders should sell puppies with a written contract guaranteeing they'll take back the dog at any time during his life if you become unable to keep him, and with written documentation that both the puppy's parents and if possible, his other close relatives have the appropriate health and temperament certifications.
Seek out a breeder whose dogs have working titles in sports that require athleticism and good health, not just ribbons from the show ring. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card.
Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. The cost of a German Shepherd puppy varies depending on his place of origin, whether he is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home.
Whatever you pay, puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult German Shepherd might better suit your needs and lifestyle.
Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult German Shepherd may already have some—or a lot of—training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog , read the advice below on how to do that.
There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the German Shepherds available on Petfinder across the country.
AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.
Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a German Shepherd. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Most people who love German Shepherds love all German Shepherds. You can also search online for other German Shepherd rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice.
They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a German Shepherd home with you to see what the experience is like.
You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a dog.
These include:. Wherever you acquire your German Shepherd, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, take your German Shepherd to your veterinarian soon after adoption.
Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and….
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