1)  Do your homework.  Be sure that a German Shepherd Dog is the right breed for you.  Go to dog shows, talk to breeders, read as many books and magazines as you can on the German Shepherds and dogs in general.

2)  Buy from a reputable breeder.  You should see the dam (mother) of the puppies.  If possible view the sire (father) of the litter.  Many times, however, this is not possible as breeders often select stud dogs based on what best compliments their female, and that may mean breeding to a dog 3,000 miles away.

3)  Reputable breeders breed quality animals that are free of health problems..  Ask about health clearances.  The sire and dam of the puppies you are considering should have OFA certified hips and elbows.  If you do not see the actual certificates get the OFA numbers and verify them either by calling the OFA directly 1-800-442-0418 or checking their web site: offa.org, you will need the dogs registered name to do this.

4)  Never take home a puppy before eight weeks of age.  Do not consider getting a dog from a breeder who will let a puppy go that young.  It is extremely important that the puppy stay with its litter mates and its mother to help learn desirable behavior and develop socialization skills. 

5)  Look for a clean, bright-eyed puppy, one that comes to you readily without shying away.  Look carefully at the puppies surroundings; are they clean?  Is the puppy exposed regularly to different people, situations, and environments.  This “socializing” is very important and must be continued throughout the dog’s life.

6)  You should receive a four or five generation pedigree, health records, and a written contract.  Have your puppy examined by a DVM shortly after you bring him/her home, preferably within a week.  If anything is seriously wrong you should be given a full refund or another puppy.

7)  If you want a show dog, expect to pay accordingly.  Some breeders say they can pick a show dog at 8 weeks, but often that is a show potential puppy.  When selecting an animal for show the older the better.

8)  Do not buy the first cute puppy you see.  Look at more than one litter from different breeders.  Make sure the parents have acceptable temperament and are the “type” of German Shepherd you are looking for.

9)  Know why you are buying your German Shepherd.  Is it for showing, companionship, etc.

10)  Never buy a puppy as a gift for an unsuspecting friend.  A dog is a serious commitment.  All family members need to be in agreement as to the actual purchase, breed and dog care responsibilities.
 

 ---Prepared by the German Shepherd Dog Club of Minneapolis-St. Paul