Choosing a German Shepherd puppy
does not have to be so confusing

Obviously the first thing you'll think of is from a breeder. This is by far the best way to get a German Shepherd other than through a GSD Rescue Service or at your local animal shelter. If you decide to go through a breeder, just remember, not from just any GSD breeder. If you decide to do this just make sure the breeder you choose your next companion from is reputable.

Just what makes a breeder reputable you might ask? First off, I would start on the internet. Check out the German Shepherd Dog parent breed club (gsdca.org) here in the US or wherever you live, and then do further serious research with local german shepherd breed clubs in your area. This is a great way to get several names of breeders. Another good way is to get referrals from local vets, any dog groomers in your area, or other German Shepherd Dog owners that you know of.

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Please do all your research carefully and check out all recommendations and references very seriously. Be cautious and ask a lot of questions when speaking to the breeder.

A good breeder will expect that from you and will ask you many questions as well before you get an opportunity to take their precious puppy home.

If any German Shepherd breeder is willing to offer you a "deal", does not have a clean kennel or acts suspicious to you in any way, back out quickly. Trust your instincts and go elsewhere.

Look for a GSD breeder who is truly interested in her breed and much more interested in finding a proper home for her puppies than simply getting paid. Any breeder who is simply in it for the money has the wrong motivation all together.

Take the time to talk with the breeder more than once via the phone, email, etc. and visit the German Shepherd litter more than once if possible before making your decision.

Also, does the breeder offer a guarantee? What type? What kind of documentation do you get with the German Shepherd puppy? What about the registration papers?Pedigree?

German Shepherd pups "singing the blues"

What other things go home with the new puppy? Food samples? Puppy Collar? Other paperwork? Did you get to meet the parents of the puppies and the litter mates? Did you get a chance to have hands on time with them? A reputable German Shepherd breeder will offer all of this and more. Don't expect anything less.

Additionally, ask the German Shepherd puppy breeder about shots,

dewormings

and exams the puppy may have already have had. Are the GSD puppy's parents "OFA certified?" AKC Registered? Ask to see certification of both parents from one of these organizations; reputable GSD breeders will usually offer the information without you asking.

And, take a very close look at the individual pup. It should be a proper weight (not too chubby or too thin); clean, odor-free and kept in clean surroundings; clear eyes, not runny or red; clean ears; full hair coat (no balding spots); no excessive scratching; and appear well-socialized, playful and friendly. Take the puppy to your vet for a compete exam within 48 hours of purchase or adoption.

Deal only with breeders who routinely screen their own dogs for diseases and various conditions that affect the GSD. While this is no health guarantee in any way, it does prove that the german shepherd breeder is doing his best to help you take home the best and healthiest puppy that you can.

Ask your GSD puppy health question here

The German Shepherd, like many other breeds, suffers from a variety of inheritable diseases that cannot be determined by a simply looking at the dog. A few common afflictions that plague the german shepherd dog breed are degenerative myelopathy, bloat and

exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Research the history of incidence of all diseases in the puppy's parents and further down in its lineage. Your breeder should be able to discuss any likelihood of these diseases developing in your German Shepherd puppy.

Other things to worry about are the potential threat of hip and elbow dysplasia

which are very common in many large breeds, the German Shepherd included. There are many tests available for your GSD puppy that help screen your dog for these conditions. Disorders of this type are screened by evaluating x-rays of a dog's joints, hip or elbow. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), a nonprofit foundation evaluates and registers X-rays, is the most common certification.

If you are looking to adopt a German Shepherd puppy, maybe even free German Shepherd puppies, start with a reputable German Shepherd breeder or a German Shepherd rescue. It is very important that you deeply understand as much about the German Shepherd as you can BEFORE you bring one home.

Choosing your perfect German Shepherd puppy and companion does require a great deal of time, effort and energy, but when done properly will be something you won't regret at all in the future.

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