Pros And Cons Of Choosing A German Shepherd Pup As Your New Family Member
Bringing a new puppy into the family can be so exciting. It's so much fun to watch them run and play, train them to live cooperatively with humans, and help them become engaged with their friskiness. Before you bring a puppy home, though, you will need to decide what breed is best suited to your family. If German shepherd puppies are an option you're considering, here are some pros and cons of the breed to keep in mind.
Pro: German shepherd puppies are highly trainable
There is a reason you see so many German shepherds working as police dogs, rescue dogs, and even guide dogs. This breed is highly trainable. You will still need to put in the effort with your pup, providing consistent training and attending puppy classes. However, a German shepherd pup should have no trouble picking up the basics and even some more advanced skills as long as you train them appropriately.
Con: They are prone to a number of health problems
German shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and a number of other ailments including epilepsy, cataracts, and degenerative disc disease. As such, it is important to talk to the breeder you plan on getting a puppy from and make sure the puppy's parents have been genetically tested for the most common genetic conditions seen in the breed. This is a good idea with any dog breed, but especially so with German shepherds.
Pro: When raised from puppies, these dogs are loyal and loving
German shepherds sometimes get the reputation of being aggressive, and they certainly can be under certain circumstances. However, when a family raises this type of dog from when they were a puppy, the dog is generally very loyal and loving towards family members. You can count on the dog protecting you or your family members if needed.
Con: Some homeowners insurance plans won't cover German shepherd dogs
Because German shepherds can be aggressive if not raised properly, some homeowner insurance policies will not cover clients who own them. Before you bring your puppy home, contact your insurance company to inquire about this. If you find out they won't cover you, then you may need to switch to a different insurer before you bring your pup home.
Is a German shepherd puppy the right choice for your family? Consider the pros and cons above and decide for yourself. This is a great breed, but there are a few intricacies to consider, too. For more information, reach out to a local breeder, such as German Shepherds of the Ozarks.
