My Dog Training Blog

When you decide to bring German Shepherd puppies, or any dog breed, into your home ensure that you do proper research into the breed. Owning a dog is a long-term commitment that requires both time and money.

According to AKC registrations, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. This dog breed is popular because it is known to be an intelligent, loyal, fearless breed that is easy to train.

This makes these puppies much sought after, but as with all dog breeds you should ensure that you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder. Let us look at some of the specifics of German Shepherd puppies.

With German Shepherds and all working breed dogs, time is a huge commitment because in order to have your German Shepherd puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult they need plenty of exercise.

The first thing that you should know about these cute little puppies is that the breed was originally bred for sheep herding. This makes them an intelligent, independent, and high-energy breed.

The next thing to know about German Shepherd puppies is that due to their breeding they are not the friendliest breed to people and animals that are outside of its “pack.”

This means that as soon as you get your puppy home you must socialize it to as many other dogs and people as you can. If not you could end up with an adult dog that is at the least aloof to strange dogs or people.

At the worse, the breeds guarding instincts could come to the forefront making them outwardly aggressive to strangers. You should also check local statutes; some areas forbid the ownership of German Shepherds.

Check with the company that insures your home also, some companies will make you pay increased premiums if you own a German Shepherd.

This is not widely known but there are now two different types of German Shepherd puppies that most breeders are still breeding to achieve a dog that fits AKC standards.

A few breeders are attempting to breed sloped back German Shepherd puppies; these breeders claim that their dogs are healthier and more athletic than a standard dog. You will have to decide which type of dog you want, in either case investigate the available breeders in your area thoroughly.

Ensure that you purchase your puppy from a breeder that has a great reputation. Try to avoid puppy mill breeders, as their dogs are generally unhealthy and have genetic problems that will cost you much money in veterinarian costs. It would actually be better to rescue an adult dog than to get an unhealthy puppy.

Another thing that many of those that are new owners of German Shepherd puppies are not aware of is that their ears are down until they are six months to nine months old.

So if you look at a litter of these puppies whose ears are down do not be concerned, they will stand up soon. There are some Shepherds whose ears will not raise. This is rare, but it does happen.

When it comes to German Shepherd puppies, you will have many colors from which to choose. The typical coloration is tri-colored but they can also be all black, all tan, all white, blue, or any combination of those colors.

If you are in the market for an AKC show dog avoid white because a white German Shepherd is not recognized by the AKC. You will also need to choose coat length, there are standard coats, rough coated, and long rough coats.

Some of the other things that you should look for in your puppy are hard to see in puppies. This is why you must choose a reputable breeder, especially if you are looking for a show dog.

The puppy should be well proportioned and strong, adult Shepherds are very athletic, they should move with an easy grace. The body should be slightly longer than tall with a solid bone structure.

The head should be in proportion to the body with a slightly rounded forehead, the nose should be black for a show dog, but it could also be blue or liver.

The teeth should meet in a strong scissors bite, the eyes should be almond shaped and not protruding. The dog should have wide muscular shoulders and thighs, which are thick and sturdy.

The soles of the feet should be hard. As you can see, many of these traits will be hard to see in a puppy unless you have a lot of experience with the breed.

This is why a reputable breeder that has both the mother and father of the puppies on hand is the safest place to purchase German Shepherd puppies. If you have the ability to see the parents, it can give you valuable information about the puppies.



By: Aaron K.

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