Bringing a German Shepherd From Germany into Your Home
Before you choose a German Shepherd puppy it is important to make sure that you understand the personality of this breed first. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and active dogs.
They need a daily dose of exercise and plenty of love from their owners. This is a breed that needs a lot of attention and will take to training very well. However, a lot of owners end up with a very shy and stubborn dog that doesn’t do well in an apartment or a house with children or other pets.
One reason why many people decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from Germany is that the pups are generally from a reputable breeding pair.
It is a popular tradition to breed the dogs and have both parents pass the breed. Many people feel like this improves the quality of the offspring and produces a better dog. If you are considering getting a German Shepherd pup of this pedigree, you should be aware of what to look for when researching the dam or sire (if it is a registered breeder) before making the final decision to purchase the puppies.
German Shepherd dogs can be either obedient or not. While most American Kennel Club standards consider the American German Shepherd to be an excellent choice, they are not regarded as highly intelligent.
In fact, some breeders try to sell their breeding dogs as show dogs and use false, German Shepherd information to make a quick buck. However, the American German Shepherd makes a very good pet and a great family dog and this is what makes it so popular today.
German Shepherd puppies should start with the breed name, GSD, which stands for the official German Shepherd codename, Schutzhund.
The sire, or father, of the puppies, should also have been called GSD or Schutzhund. If the dam or sire is also called GSD the puppy will have an official name as well. The first two letters of the breed’s name should always be pronounced correctly. Another variation of the name, written without the sire’s last initial, is GSD – Good German Shepherd. In some cases, the spelling is G-S-D – Good German Shepherd.
German Shepherd dogs should be house trained and socialized from an early age. From puppyhood all the way to adult, German shepherd training should be an enjoyable experience. Socialization allows the dog to become comfortable in the new surroundings and teaches him to respond to his human. From puppy homes to kennels, every stage of a dog’s life should be prepared by its owner, beginning with his puppy’s kennel training years.
Most German Shepherds are short-haired, but there are some exceptions.
Some of the long-coated breeds have a double-layered coat that can be very insubstantial on the back. A double-layered coat can lead to skin problems and is difficult to brush out. The American Kennel Club classifies the German Shepherd as a medium to long-coated and the American Cocker Spaniel as long-coated.
Grooming is another important part of caring for your German Shepherd. Like any other dog, they require brushing at least twice a week. An occasional hand brushing will go far toward keeping their coats shiny and healthy. It will also prevent the build-up of tartar. Many shelters and rescues have groomed tables and programs to provide all-breed professional grooming.
Finding the right German shepherd for you and your family will take some time and research.
The Internet is a great resource to research and find information about German shepherds. German breeders are in abundant supply and you should be able to find some pretty good ones with just a few clicks of the mouse.
Always check that the breeder is a registered member of the German Shepherd Club of America and that they are offering you a healthy purebred German shepherd. Then you just need to get down to business and find the right puppy or adult that is right for you and your family.
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