Contents
Breed Profile: German Shepherd
Where to Get a German Shepherd
Gear for Your German Shepherd
How to Feed Your German Shepherd
How to Groom Your German Shepherd
German Shepherd Healthcare
How to Socialize Your German Shepherd
How to Train Your German Shepherd
How to Fix German Shepherd Behavior Problems
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Where to Get a German Shepherd
There are three main ways to get a German shepherd dog:
- Buy from a breeder.
- Adopt from a shelter.
- Adopt from a rescue group.
Breeders
Buying a German shepherd dog directly from a breeder is the most expensive option, but as long as the breeder is reputable, it’s also the best way to guarantee that the shepherd you purchase will be healthy and well socialized.
Look for the following when searching for a reputable breeder:
- Focus: Breeds only one or two breeds
- Knowledge: Knows breed standards and temperaments
- Care: Keeps clean, well-maintained kennel areas, and the dogs or puppies appear healthy and happy
- Support: Offers support after you bring your dog or puppy home
- Paperwork: Provides a written contract and health guarantee; requires you to complete an application and provide references; provides records of veterinary care and shots, as well as references from other customers
- Mandatory return: Requires you to return the dog if you decide not to keep him
You can locate breeders on the internet, in breed-specific magazines, at dog shows, or in the telephone book. However, it’s often best to get a personal recommendation from friends or a vet.
Shelters
Most cities and towns have an animal shelter, humane society, or pound that takes in unwanted, lost, or abandoned pets, restores them to good health, and offers them for reasonable fees to the public. Few people intent on adopting a specific breed, such as a German shepherd dog, think of trying a shelter. But in fact it’s possible to adopt a purebred from a shelter—and often for a fraction of the price that breeders charge. If you’re set on a shepherd puppy, though, keep in mind that it’s generally less likely that you’ll be able to find a puppy at a shelter.
Rescue Groups
Rescue groups are like shelters for specific breeds. German shepherd rescue groups take in lost or unwanted shepherds and offer them for adoption. Rescue groups are a great option for prospective dog owners who want a specific breed but who also would like to “rescue” a dog rather than buy one from a breeder. They typically charge a bit more than shelters but are still a great option for adopting a purebred dog.
| Text & Photos Copyright © 2007 TFH Publications, Inc. | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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