Buying or Rescuing a German Shepherd...

Buying or rescuing a dog is a big commitment.

If you decide to buy or rescue a german shepherd dog then the chances are that it will live for more than a decade, possibly upto 15 years. If you are going to have a pet for this long then it makes sense to spend a little time researching exactly what you are buying prior to purchase. Examples of appropriate questions can be found in our FAQ section.

Starting the Search

Consider attending an event such as the America's Family Pet Show and talk to people who own the breed you want.

Go to a local dog show. Show catalogs list the names and addresses of the owners of entered dogs. You can also talk to the owners and handlers of the dogs and get some leads that way.

Write to the AKC and ask for the names and addresses of breed clubs. These clubs can steer you in the right direction.

Learn about your breed before you look to buy one. Read the breed standard, find out about grooming requirements, typical temperaments, health problems that are common in the breed.

Don't be guided by price alone. While a high price doesn't necessarily guarantee high quality, a very low price often does not turn out to be a bargain in the long run. Find out what typical prices are for show and pet quality puppies of your breed in your area.

Be patient. You may have to wait a few months (or longer) to find the right dog from a good breeder. This is a very short time compared with the ten to fifteen years that a dog will live with you.