German Shepherd Female or Male
One of the first things that you should think about is whether you want your new German Shepherd puppy to be female or male. Although both males and females share a lot of the same characteristics, there are some key differences that you should know about.
One of those differences is their size. Male German Shepherds typically weigh anywhere between 65 and 90 pounds, averaging 24 to 26 inches tall at their shoulders. Females, on the other hand, usually stand approximately 22 to 24 inches tall at their shoulders and weigh anywhere from about 50 to 70 pounds. Here is a good guide from Total German Shepherd.
The dog’s features can also vary, with males tending to look more masculine and females having somewhat softer features. Females will also periodically go into heat – usually a couple of times each year. Unless you plan on breeding your dog, you should consider having them spayed or neutered. It is better for their health over time and can also help prevent behavioral problems.
Think about what role you want your new dog to take in your life. Are you simply looking for a companion or are you planning on showing your dog? Do you want a dog that you can train to compete? Having clear objectives in mind can make it easier for a breeder to match you up with the perfect dog. Keep in mind that all of the puppies in a particular litter share the identical bloodline. As a result, they should all have the same characteristics in terms of their ability to be trained and their overall health.
Before choosing a puppy, spend time watching all of the puppies interact with each other. You should be looking for a puppy that has an excellent temperament. Try to find a puppy that is outgoing and that doesn’t act afraid. You should also look for a puppy that is willing to accept affection and willing to give it without acting scared or inhibited.
In some cases, one of the puppies in a litter may seem to be getting picked on by all of the other puppies. That doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is wrong with the puppy. Typically, if you remove the puppy from the litter, his personality will shine once he is away from the other puppies.
Avoid Puppies That Are Too Shy
As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid shy puppies. They are far more likely to be afraid of things as they get older. Having a dog that is afraid of going places or of meeting new people can limit your interactions later in life. Even though you may feel sorry for a shy puppy, it is best to choose a puppy who is confident and well adapted. That way, they are far less likely to develop unfounded fears as they get older, meaning that you can take them more places and introduce them to more people.
For the most part, color doesn’t matter when choosing a German Shepherd. The only exception is with white German Shepherds. White coloring disqualifies these dogs in the AKC conformation ring.
Avoid adopting a puppy who is less than eight weeks old. Instead, look for a dog that is somewhere in the 8 to 16 week age range.
It is important to work with a reputable breeder when selecting a German Shepherd puppy. Make sure to read the contract carefully before committing to your purchase. This is especially important if the breeder provides you with verbal guarantees about the dog’s hips or elbows.
