German Shepherds make excellent pets because they are athletic, energetic and bond well with their owners. Many know the German Shepherd breed because of their high trainability as a search and rescue dog or a police dog. When selecting between German Shepherd puppies for sale you should consider some health and breed standards. Before you purchase any puppy you will want to have an initial meeting with the puppy you are thinking buying. Observe how the puppy reacts to both your voice and touch. The puppy should be affectionate and eager to make friends.
Later in life some German Shepherds can have a tendency towards aggression. If you don't train your puppy early then you should at the very least choose one with a good temperament to start. You also want to inquire about any socialization training the dog has had. For German Shepherd's early socializing is extremely important and any methods the former owners use is crucial. It is important for the puppy to interact with other dogs and humans every day and early.
Next you should request to see both parents of the puppy if you are buying from a breeder. Carefully observe how the parents react to you as a stranger, make sure there are no signs of unwarranted aggression. The litter will inherit the temperament of the parents. For health reasons you should also make sure the parents move easily and unencumbered. Make sure you view the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or OFA certification for the puppys' parents.
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysphasia and it is a predisposition that can be passed on to litters. So when considering German Shepherd puppies for sale you want to find out the rating the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintains on all registered canines based off the X-rays of the dog's bone structure. Any dog prone to hip dysphasia shouldn't be bred and you shouldn't purchase a dog from anyone who doesn't have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for their dogs.
The next step is to carefully look over the appearance of your puppy. Your puppy should have eyes that are clear and alert, gums that are pink and healthy, and ears that are free of all foreign matter. The puppy should be playful but not overly energetic. When you are looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale it is also a good idea to consider the puppy's lineage. A breeder with the American Kennel Club will have family charts that not only show the puppy's parents but also the puppy's ancestors for several generations on both sides. The best breeders will be more than happy to show you this chart and may even provide you a copy for your own records.
Once you have purchased your puppy you should take them to a veterinarian right away in order to be de-wormed and get all their shots. To properly socialize your puppy with other dogs and humans you should take them on walks, have play dates with other dogs or friends and take them into pet stores with you when shopping if it is allowed.
