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How to Choose the Right German Shepherd Puppy for You
By: Tippy & Alfred


You have spent some time carefully researching dog breeds
and you have determined that a German Shepherd Dog is the
best pet for you and your family. Now what should you do
to find your doggie soul mate?

You've given the time and thought to choose the dog breed,
and just so the choice of a puppy should also be given time,
research and careful thought. You'll need to find a breeder
who has a good reputation for breeding healthy, quality
German Shepherds.

As tempting as the prices and the pups may be, don't buy
your German Shepherd puppy from a "backyard breeder." This
is because working dogs are much more sensitive both in
health and temperament than most other breeds and careful
breeding is required to produce stable, healthy pups that
are less vulnerable to genetic physical and mental problems.


"Backyard breeders" seldom have quality breeding dogs and
even if they do have good parent dogs, they are seldom
willing or able to do the research and medical testing
required to produce quality pups. Read our article on "How
to Choose the Right Breeder of Your German Shepherd Puppy"
for more advice on choosing a good breeder.

So you have chosen your breeder, and there is a litter of
puppies that are ready to be shown. (You may have waited for
some time for this litter to be born once you chose the
breeder.) You have seen the genetic test results on the pups
and made sure they are free from hip dysplasia and the other
genetic diseases to which German Shepherd Dogs are most
commonly vulnerable, and you have read the contract you will
sign with the breeder once your puppy is chosen.

When you get to the puppies, watch them playing together. If
you are looking for a companion dog or family pet you don't
want to choose the most aggressive nor the shyest pup. Clap
your hands and watch which pups look toward you first. Note
any that shy from the noise or from you and avoid choosing
them, no matter how sympathetic you may be.

With all dogs and especially with working and protective dog
breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog, although
socialization and training are important, temperament is
basically born in and you don't need a dog that is shy and
may become a fear-biter nor one that is too dominant and may
be hard to control as an adult. For an all-around dog,
choose a middle-of-the-road, confident and curious puppy.



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