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Guidance for purchasing a puppy

A pure bred dog has a pedigree which will show you its lineage. However, often these papers don’t guarantee anything other than the dog’s parents had papers.
When you go to visit a litter to buy a pup, ask to see the parents of your pup and ask why the breeding was put together? A breeding should be done to improve structure, working aptitude and health. If the sire (father) of the puppies is not available, try to visit him to assess his temperament. Ask the breeder why she chose that particular sire or dam (mother).
Find out how long the breeder has been involved with that particular line (ancestry) and why.
It is better to come armed with questions about the pedigree of the puppy you are thinking about purchasing. Pedigree research is possible through the Internet.
With a little bit of time you will be able to learn of a line’s particular strengths or weaknesses. With this knowledge the puppy’s pedigree will have more meaning.
There are breeders who are not breeding just to sell, but rather to continue a specific bloodline and trait. A good example of this type of breeding would be dogs in Holland who are used to perform a sport called Ring Sport.
In this sport a dog is expect to perform very demanding physical and control exercises.
A knowledgeable breeder would base their breeding on a dog’s ability and prior ancestors’ abilities.
In the last twenty years, the German Shepherd has developed increasing health problems.
One area of concern has been crippling hip dyplasia. Most breeders x-ray their dogs to try to decrease this genetic problem.
The ratings can be excellent, good, fair and dysplastic.
I would encourage you to ask for more than just the x-ray certificate for the sire and dam. Hopefully the breeder would have knowledge of the sire’s/dam’s siblings and parents. If this is a repeat breeding, what are the older puppies x-ray ratings?
When you ask to see the sire and dam notice if their movement is fluid, as if they are walking on a silk sheet, or do they appear to have jerky, uncoordinated movement.
Have the owners play with their dog. Notice how the dog chases the ball or stick.
Take note of how long the animal will play before tiring out.
Does the German Shepherd appear to be overweight or in good shape? A lot of information can be obtained on sight alone.
Other qualities can also be assessed by meeting the sire/dam of your puppy.
When meeting the parents of your puppy take note on how the German Shepherd interacts with the family.
Is the dam attentive to her puppies and does she allows others to play with them? Can you and your children approach the dam?
Take notice of the dam’s body posture. Is the dam relaxed or is her hair up?
Does she greet you with a swinging tail or a low growl and slightly tucked tail?
Is the dam allowed throughout the house or confined to a kennel run outside?
Will the dam approach and sniff you or does she attempt to nip?
If the female is not approachable and cannot be handled then decline a puppy from this litter.
Any fearful behavior such as a fast high pitched barking shows a dog who has poor nerves.
The standard states that a German Shepherd is steady in nerves, self-confident, calm and impartial.
A puppy spends at least the first seven weeks with his mom and most of his temperament will be solidified by the imprinting that he receives from his mother. If she is ill tempered and shy the puppies will also have these problems as they mature.
A German Shepherd that has sound temperament is approachable by anyone, is neither aggressive nor passive but observes the situation at hand.
Finally observe the puppies.
Do they interact with the breeder and the dam?
A puppy that has been well socialized will show natural curiosity around people and his area. Throw out a ball and notice which puppy chases it.
Drop a set of keys on the floor; do the puppies try to find where the noise came from or do they run from the noise? Do the puppies want to be petted and if so, notice if they smell sweet and clean. A puppy who has poor hygiene can become problematic later when trying to housebreak him. A puppy should show all the characteristics set forth in the German Shepherd Standard.
A puppy will display an intelligent curious attitude.
A puppy who has the correct temperament will be willing to follow you while trying to interact with you.
A example of a poorly bred puppy would be if he was were huddled in the corner with down cast eyes. Such a puppy is exhibiting poor temperament and is not a pup that should be brought into your home.
Remember this puppy will be a big investment of time and money for you and your family for the next fourteen years.
Another quality often mentioned is titled parents.
What is this title and what does it mean?
The title is an added bonus that is to assure you that your puppy’s parents have the capability to do the work they were bred for.
One such title that is a Schutzhund title which ensures that the dog is capable of tracking, obedience and protection.
By keeping these different points in mind you can obtain a puppy who will become a valuable asset to your family.
Make sure that the breeder has a good knowledge of the genetics of your puppy.
A responsible breeder should not only tell you the good points but also the flaws in their dogs’ lines.
Ask why the female was bred?
Did the breeder want to retain a puppy for themselves, or just to have a litter to sell?
How many females does that breeder have and do they appear to have a good relationship with the breeder? Are the females house dogs or do they live in kennel runs?
Remember, temperament is the most essential ingredient that a puppy needs to have.
If the parents do not exhibit proper temperament, neither will the puppies.
Remember that buzzwords do not ensure a good puppy.
With some research and the aptitude to observe the puppies and parents you can obtain a quality German Shepherd that will enhance the quality of your life.