German Shepherd puppies are really cute and German shepherds are a very popular dog breed because of their high intellect and their easy-to-train character. They commonly train this breed to assist police officers cause they aid in search and rescue missions. They are also great as herding dogs or police dogs, or even assistance dogs.
This breed has high energy, and they need their exercise and will not be effective if they are just stuck at home without activity.
Their owner should also know how to handle them and continue training them to keep them in line and not pick any bad habits as they grow.
Before you decide to get this breed, you should know if you are up for it cause you will need to train them, and even if they are intelligent and smart, they still require a lot of your time and patience. You should consider the pros and cons before getting German Shepherd pups. See below for the advantage and disadvantages of this breed.
Without a doubt, the German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They are used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and bomb-sniffing dogs. In reality, there’s even an award-winning German shepherd who can paint. The breed also holds a prominent place within pop culture. Movies such as “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” and TV series like “Rin Tin Tin” have romanticized this breed for decades. If you keep up with celebrity news, you’ll see that many celebrities own one of these amazing animals, including Lady Gaga, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Biel, and Tom Hardy. If you plan to buy a German shepherd or want to learn more about them before meeting one in person.
Advantages and disadvantages of German shepherd
Pros
Long Life Span
They have a long life span, although there are dogs that can live for 15 years, German shepherds can live up to 13 years, which is longer than breeds with a life span of just 10-years or less.
Highly Energetic
If you want a dog that is a great companion when you hunt, go on a camping trip, or stay outdoors. If you also have kids, a German shepherd will be a great entertainer for them, especially if you trained your German shepherd well.
Protective
German shepherds will protect not just your property, but will also be ready to protect the entire family. They will be on the lookout for intruders in your home or even anyone who so much takes a peek at your door.
So Loyal
Once you take them in, and you train them, they will have a deep connection with the family. They are a splendid companion and will be protected no matter what.
Intelligent and quick to learn
The reason police often choose German shepherds to assist in police work is because of their high intelligence. Also, if they are in a family setting, they are quick learners when trained at such a young age, they will bring that learning until they are old.
It is always best to get them trained sooner than later cause you will benefit if you do. Make sure they are well behaved instead of worrying if they will ever behave.
Cons
They are full of energy that may sometimes exhaust you as an owner
If you don’t train them early and pick bad habits, they can become unruly, and you may find them hard to control. It is going to be a problem for you. A dog that is full of energy and without training can cause major issues not just for you, but to other people around you.
They are not lap-dogs
German shepherd requires their daily exercise. They will not just sit around and watch you or any of their family while they relax the entire day. They will need to walk and run for an hour or so to tire themselves. It will help them not to act out or become hard to handle.
They can be vocal
GSD has such a loud bark. They can be vocal when they want to get your attention. They are also good at alerting their owners and will not stop till you notice what they are telling you.
They can shed fur throughout the year
German shepherd shed their coat not just during summer but also every winter. Their coat will adapt according to the season, and they will also shed in between those seasons.
You can’t leave them in the house for a longer period
Although this is not just for German shepherds, this breed may not do if left alone cause they need their pack. You need to spend time with them, or else they can act out. They can also suffer from separation anxiety, and this is what you should watch out for.
How to know if a German Shepherd is for you
Do you have the budget?
Owning a German shepherd is not cheap. If you will get a GSD puppy, you need to have the budget not just for food but for insurance, vet visits, training, among other things. Your expenses will not stop when you acquire this dog, but it is just a start. Are you ready for such?
Where to get
When you first bring your German shepherd puppy home there is a lot of work to take care of a puppy. There is everything from potty training to simple commands.
You can have them trained by a professional, but for this dog to keep learning, you should make sure that they are reminded of the training continuously. Do not spoil or make them lose all that learning.
Are you an active person?
If you would rather watch tv or stay in bed all day, a GSD is not for you. But if you are someone who loves the outdoors, is always on the lookout for the next adventure, or gets excited with the idea of camping or fishing, then this energetic dog is for you.
Will you be there for your dog?
This dog needs his family, and they want to see people around them cause they consider a family as their pack. If you are not home and away traveling often, this is not the breed for you.
Do you have experience handling different dog breeds?
If this is your first time getting a puppy and you don’t have any inclination about taking care of one, a GSD may not be the best pick among the breeds. German shepherd pups may benefit from an experienced owner so they can grow healthy and fit.
So now that you have the answers and are sure that you want a German shepherd puppy, where can you get one?
Where can you get a German shepherd puppy
Animal Shelters
If you are lucky, you can find puppies from animal shelters cause they often have rescues of different dog breeds. We often find dogs in an animal shelter where some adult dogs have been abandoned by their owners, only to find out that the dog is also expecting some puppies.
Although it is a long shot, there is no harm in checking out these animal/dog shelters.
Relatives and Friends
A relative may have a GSD who is about to have puppies. They can be your source of the German shepherd pup. You can also visit their house and check how they are handling and taking care of their dog, and if they know how to take care of the one they own, then it is a big probability that their dog will also give birth to healthy and strong GSD puppies.
Adoption Forums
People can adopt pups by joining a pet forum. Some dog owners are willing to have the puppies of their dog to be adopted. They are just looking for a lover of the breed, and you can even chance on a GSD puppy here.
Craigslist, Reddit, or Facebook
Craigslist has people placing ads about their need to re-home pups from their dog who recently gave birth, and they will also include pictures for would-be owners. There are various dog breeds, and if you are lucky, you can find a German shepherd puppy looking for a new home.
It is the same with Reddit, where you will find information about puppy adoption.
For Facebook, there are also those who post looking for a new home for their pets. Sometimes these owners found out too late the energy they need to care for a German shepherd pup.
Reputable Dog Breeders
When you say reputable dog breeders, they are not those who breed puppies to earn, but they are just fond of dogs, and they love the breed. Some breeders take care of one breed, while others breed different kinds of dogs.
You will know if a breeder is reputable if they are screening would-be buyers and not just getting their money without concern for the plight of the puppies.
They do not separate the pups unless they are at the right age and have all the necessary vaccines before separation from the mother-dog.
They are very knowledgeable about the breed and are helpful with inquiries and questions you have. Also, they have quite a few people who can vouch for them and provide you with their contact information as well.
There are several reputable German shepherd puppies, breeders, in the US, and you need to make sure that the one you are transacting with is trustworthy. How will you find one?
Check Official German Shepherd Clubs
Once you get to their websites, they can help point you to reputable GSD breeders. You will not hit or miss with your purchase of a German shepherd pup, plus you can also get some inputs from this website.
Visit Dog Shows
This is another best way to meet trustworthy breeders, and you can also see samples of their dogs. You will be able to see their dog’s temperament and how their dog fare during the show. If you like what you see, you can easily discuss your requirement with the breeder, and they will lead you in the right direction.
Check with the Vet
Since vets work with different breeders, they will also provide you with a breeder that they think will provide you with the puppy you need. Since responsible breeders bring their dogs and pups for a round of checks up, the vet will know who takes care of their dogs.
However, make sure that you are transacting with a vet that is likewise reputable.
Check the Official Kennel Club in your Country
There is one in the US and called the American Kennel Club. You can get in touch or check with their website for any recommendations.
References
If you know someone who owns a GSD, they can help you find a reputable breeder, or it can be the same breeder where they get their pup. They can discuss with you if they had a worthwhile experience transacting with the breeder.
Check online
If you want to find a great breeder, you can also research online. There are postings online where you can check pictures of dogs that a breeder has, and can also see some reviews there. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can also get the contact information of previous buyers or clients of the said GSD breeder.
Here are some samples of reputable breeders where you can get German Shepherd puppies in the US
Reputable breeders where you can get German Shepherd puppies
South Florida Shepherds
As the name implies, this breeder is located in South Florida. They import their GSD from Europe, and the GSD puppies they have are working line and show line.
This breeder only handles one breed, which is the German Shepherd, cause they are for improving the breed’s health and temperament.
Guarantees
- DNA testing
- Guaranteed Genetic Health
- Lifetime Breeder Support
- Puppy Starter Pack
- AKC Registration
- OFA/FCI Certified
- Stunning Colors
Baumwolle German Shepherds
Only offer purebred German Shepherds and are considered a reputable breeder as they are second on the list of the Top German Shepherd Breeders.
Baumwolle has never let its clients down cause they always deliver the perfect pup that each new owner deserves. They already socialized the puppy upon separation from the dam.
This breeder ensures the dam is healthy and fed with top-quality dog food during pregnancy and brought in for regular check-ups. Puppies are also guaranteed devoted, intelligent, devoted, and trainable.
They are located in York, South Carolina, and can ship the puppies to a different location.
Guarantees
- With socialization and being raised in a loving home.
- Black and Red Pattern
- AKC Registered
- Schutzhund Registered
- 1-Year Guarantee on Hip Dysplasia
- IPO Registered
- Available Pink Paper
Kolenda Kennels
This breeder is situated in Southwest Michigan and is only focused on breeding and producing purebred German Shepherd puppies. They use West German Sieger Lines in their puppy breeding. They are voted in the top 10 on the list of Top Breeders in the US.
They are also making sure that the puppy being purchased is not to be used for show or breeding, but will only act as a family dog or as a personal companion.
This breeder can ship in other locations.
Guarantees
- AKC registered with names of the puppy’s parents
- Microchipped
- Combined Working and Show Bloodlines
- Top VA and V Rated Champions as the Puppies’ Bloodline
- Complete Vaccination
- West German Bloodlines known Worldwide
- Included with a Written Guarantee
Von der Otto German Shepherds
This breeder’s motto is to work hard to keep the integrity of this beautiful breed and follow just the right way to breed only the highest quality of German shepherds.
Their dogs are pure and hundred percent V/VA bloodlines.
Von der Otto shows prime responsibility with their breeding technique and after the puppies’ outcome once they are with their new owners.
This breeder is focused on raising German shepherds that are protective, courageous, unhesitant, and have a good temperament in children.
The breeder’s location is in Rockwall, Texas, and has been in the business of breeding German Shepherds for several years.
Guarantees
- Elbow and Hip Certified
- They tested DNA and DM for both parents
- AKC Registered
- Inclusive of German Pink Paper
- With the inclusion of Written Guarantee
- Sieger Champions Pedigree
- Complete Shots
Mittelwest German Shepherds
This breeder is located in Wonder Lake, Illinois, and handles exclusive German Shepherd breeding. Their puppies are also perfect for the show, companion, or as working dogs. Their lineup of dogs is highly intelligent, has a good temperament and conformation.
Their services include not just selling German Shepherd puppies, but also club training, grooming, private training, and even boarding.
Guarantees
- Parents of the puppies have undergone X-rays to ensure an OFA and SV certified hips and elbows
- Rich Color Pattern
- Included Socialization for the Puppies
- Perfect Temperament
- Complete Vaccination
Vom Ragnar German Shepherds
They established their location in Harvard, Illinois, and only handle German Shepherd. They are also well known in various shows because of their dogs that have won in prestigious dog shows for many years.
Their dogs are not only family companions but also for protection and working dogs.
This breeder is reputable, only offers the best quality meal for their puppies, an assurance of a premium set of puppies.
Guarantees
- AKC, IPO and Schutzhund certified
- SV Standards
- Stunning color pattern
- Followed strict SV Health Guidelines
- They completed shots
Von der Haus Gill German Shepherds Inc.
It is not just a breeding facility but also where they train K9 and Police Dogs. Besides breeding the best German Shepherd puppies, they are also taking care of the training for German Shepherds that includes Officer Protection, Narcotics Detection, Explosives Detection, Cadaver Detection, among others.
They have bred German Shepherd for decades, and they guarantee German Shepherd pups with a great temperament.
Guarantees
- AKC Registered
- Schutzhund Registered
- SV Registered
- Certified OFA hips and elbows
- Free of Hip Dysplasia,
- Full Year of Shots
Jagermeister German Shepherds
This breeder has been in the business of training, breeding, importing high-quality German Shepherds for a few decades. They have produced award-winning dogs, and they are also a breeder of German shepherds for personal protection, as a companion, to serve with the police, therapy, and canine sports.
Jagermeister offers training for a German shepherd puppy starting at 5-months with basic or obedience training, for show or competition or personal protection.
Guarantees
- Guaranty on crippling hip dysplasia up to 2 years.
- Reared puppies in the best environment,
- High Nutrition Feeding
- They tested parents for temperament and Genealogy
- Great temperament
Southern Wind K9
Their GS breed comes from Sieger Bloodlines, and they consider this breeder the third on the list of top German Shepherd breeders in America.
Being in the business for over 50 years, they started training German Shepherd dogs professionally. Being a TT Temperament judge, and FCI ALL Breed Judge herself, the owner continued the development of the breed and make the puppies available to people who can take care of a German Shepherd.
Their vision is to produce German Shepherd puppies that only have great temperament, are healthy, and will be the star of the family they will go home to. They also want the utmost obedience from their GSD breed, intelligence, and high confidence.
Guarantees
- Includes desensitizing program for the puppy before release.
- Limited Registration to AKC
- FCI/SV certified elbow and Hips
- With a working confirmation, FCI Titles
Vom Zeder Haus German Shepherds
This breeder only offers imported German Shepherds that came from Europe. They aim to make German Shepherds available to families and make people more knowledgeable about the breed. Their GSD puppies are either family pets or personal companions.
Always on the lookout for ways to make the world know the breed and find out how special they are.
The site not just offers GSD breeding but also educates would-be owners to make sure they are well-informed before they bring home their pup.
They are situated in Central Kentucky.
Guarantees
- With Beautiful Black and Red Coats
- Authentic, Genuine, and Purebred GSD
- Bred to European Standard to guaranty health, working capacity, and confirmation.
- With a 60 day buyback written guarantee
Von Anna German Shepherds
This breeder is on top of the list amongst the breeders of German Shepherd in the US. They are in Atlanta, Georgia.
Puppies are guaranteed socialized at a young age to make them more exposed to happy family life, making them happy family pets. They are gentle as well cause of the presence of kids around them. The socialization method used by this breeder is considered effective as they raise puppies that are gentle and loving.
The puppies are raised in a beautiful estate with enough space to make it more enjoyable for the GS to run around.
They are also selling their puppies to the most fitting buyer and check their situation after-sales.
Guarantees
- Good-natured, loyal and obedient puppies
- AKC Registered
- Black and Red Fur Color Pattern
- Early Social and Neural Development Program for the Puppy aimed to make them more sociable, and calm in most situations.
- Certified Healthy Hip and Elbow
- Complete Shots
- Producing Pedigree of Champions for Years
Biggest Breeders of Silver German Shepherds in the US
Here are the three biggest breeders of silver German shepherds in the US you should know.
Von der Stadtrand German Shepherds
It is a small breeder located in Wisconsin. They specialize in breeding top-quality silver German shepherds, and their dogs are some of the most sought-after in the country. They place a strong emphasis on health, temperament, and trainability, and they offer a two-year guarantee on their dogs. They have been in business since 1993. Their kennel is home to 20 silver shepherds, and each one comes with a six-month written health guarantee against genetic disorders.
EuroSheps GSDs
EuroShepherds is a breeder in New York that specializes in German shepherds of all colors, including silver. Originally, this kennel began in Germany before moving to Spain. They then moved to Texas, where they now breed German Shepherds for show and work purposes. Since 2003, they have been breeding silver sable and black German Shepherds for their coats.
EuroSheps is a reputable breeder with some of the best bloodlines in the country. Some of their dogs have won first place at Westminster Kennel Club Shows or received reserve Best in Breed at AKC shows. They are very dedicated to their dogs, and they test for over 70 genetic disorders to ensure that their puppies are healthy.
Russo’s German Shepherds
It is a privately owned kennel in South Carolina, United States, with breeding stock imported from around the world. They have been breeding since 1982, and they are very selective about their dogs which they breed to produce healthy, intelligent family pets and proficient working dogs that can be trained for law enforcement, SAR, or therapy work. Most importantly, they have their in-house veterinarian who provides regular health checks for all of their dogs.
All three breeders are reputable and have their strong points. If you’re looking for a silver German shepherd, you should compare all three before making your decision. Each breeder will offer different qualities, so it’s important to do your research and find out the dog that suits your family.
