Help me get that puppy

June 12, 2009 9:31 PM

How and where can I buy a male German Shepherd puppy?

My dad wants me to help him buy a German Shepherd puppy. Unfortunately, I've never bought a dog before and I don't really know the best and safest way to do it. Also, I currently live in NYC. He lives in New Jersey.

He'll pay up to $900 for a male GSD puppy and he's the kind of guy who's willing to pay for convenience (i.e. a dog with all its shots).

I've looked online a little bit, but many sellers are a far drive out and I think it'd be best to interact with the puppy before buying it (rather than relying on photos). I feel pretty hesitant and uncertain about this whole thing because I've never done anything like this before. Is there anything I should watch out for? What's the best way to get this puppy?

Just to add, my dad has had prior experience with raising and training big dogs.

posted by pulled_levers to pets & animals (13 comments total)

I've looked online a little bit, but many sellers are a far drive out and I think it'd be best to interact with the puppy before buying it (rather than relying on photos).

So, find one of those breeders who's had a litter recently, you drive out, meet the dogs, and maybe buy one.

You're right that you shouldn't buy one based on a photo. So, go out and have a look at them in person. For a living animal that's going to cost hundreds of dollars, and be with your father for fifteen years, you can afford to go out to have a look, even if it does take all day.
posted by Netzapper at 10:14 PM on June 12

You could save yourself 900 bucks and save a dog that needs a home at the same time. They come in all ages here.
posted by merocet at 11:04 PM on June 12

Even if they don't have any, these guys could answer your questions.
posted by youcancallmeal at 11:06 PM on June 12

I would really suggest contacting a German Shepherd rescue in the area. They will likely have puppies (if that's what he prefers) and all ages of dogs. Most dogs live with their foster for weeks or months and they'll really know the dog's personality and needs. You can often do a weekend or week trial before the adoption goes through too. But yes, if your father wants to get a dog that will be with him for years (15 of them or more), then he should really go out and meet the dogs in person. If that's impossible, then you really should be going out there too -- but I'd say with a trainer or very dog-savvy friend. What you think is cute could be submissive, what you think is confident could be aggressive, etc.
posted by barnone at 11:14 PM on June 12

I would also strongly recommend getting a puppy from a rescue service - there are so many dogs that need homes. I think the best website to use is Petfinder - on the left you can enter the breed you want, and specify that you want a "baby" (wrong word for an animal, but whatever), and give you or your dad's zipcode, and get a list of German Shepherd puppies near you. You will probably be able to find a puppy that suits your needs. You could also try Adopt-a-Pet.

If you do decide to go with a breeder, this comment points out some traits to look for. Here are a couple in New Jersey that a Google search turned up - the second web page is a bit 1995, but it's linked to by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, for what that's worth. Good luck!
posted by Dasein at 12:42 AM on June 13 [1 favorite]

Another strong recommendation for getting a rescue dog -- you could be saving a animal that might otherwise be put down, particularly given the fact that virtually all animal shelters and rescue services across the country are beyond capacity with abandoned animals these days (it's one of the lesser-known side effects of the recession).

When we were in the (rescue) market for our second dog a few months ago, I was amazed at the number of German shepherds that were available, many of them puppies. If you want to make sure you get a purebred and not a mix, contacting a breed rescue group is the way to go. Depending on where you do the rescue, you'll still have to pay an adoption fee, but it will be substantially less than paying for a pup from a breeder.
posted by scody at 12:53 AM on June 13

If you don't get a dog from a rescue (which I agree, best choice) be sure that you find a breeder that does health testing - GSDs have a whole slew of genetic diseases that is just a crap shoot if you go with a breeder that doesn't. And don't be fooled by "oh my dogs have never had [blah]" excuse or "vet checked" as it isn't the same as actual health testing of the parents. Looking for dogs that do conformation or working lines are more likely to find you a breeder that actually cares about these things.

Here is a list of problems GSDs are prone to and a good breeder should either be testing for, or aware of and keeping out of their lines (assuming there is no test):
http://www.dogbiz.com/dogs-grp7/germ-shep/german-shepherd-health-issues.html
posted by [insert clever name here] at 1:15 AM on June 13

Why a male? Females are just as much "dog" when it comes to companionship and affection, but, in my experience, much less likely to be a problem because of aggression.
posted by RichardS at 4:53 AM on June 13

Go to a dog show - either all-breed or GSD-specific.
posted by radioamy at 5:51 AM on June 13

If you do decide to to with a breeder rather than a shelter or rescue group (which I would recommend over a breeder), you really have to be careful about finding a good breeder, as others have mentioned. Check out these tips from the Humane Society of the United States: Puppy Buyer's Guide. You probably won't be able to find someone who meets all the criteria, but it's a good guide.
posted by trillian at 6:12 AM on June 13

Nth the "get one from a rescue" comments.
But if you insist on buying from a breeder, do not do not do not drive out to the Lancaster, PA area. They are almost all puppy mills.
posted by inigo2 at 6:49 AM on June 13

Why a male? Females are just as much "dog" when it comes to companionship and affection, but, in my experience, much less likely to be a problem because of aggression.

Female dogs tend to be more standoff-ish than males. Really sweeping generalization, I know, but true in my experience. The boys will follow us anywhere and are great on recall, but the girl is as close to snobby as a lab can get. She'll happily run away while throwing us an "I'm outta here, you losers" look if we don't watch her like a hawk.

How to choose between male and female dogs.
Why boys are better than girls
posted by txvtchick at 7:14 AM on June 13 [1 favorite]

Rescue is all well and good, but he will not be a monster if he doesn't go that route.

Go to the GSD Club of America. They have a page with some upcoming litters organized by state, and presumably all those breeders meet the breed club's code of ethics. Also, there are many regional breed clubs; he can contact the ones within convenient driving range.

Going to dog shows is also a good idea.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 7:28 AM on June 13