Finding beautiful German Shepard puppies for sale is the first step to take when you're looking to expand your family with a new furry household member. But once you find the puppies for sale that you like, it's important to ask the seller a few questions to ensure that you know what you are getting yourself in to. Here are a few important questions that shouldn't be overlooked. 

Who Are the Puppies' Parents?

It's important to learn about the parents of the puppies before deciding whether or not to purchase one and bring it home to your family. If the puppies' parents have had health issues or have a genetic disposition for developing problems like hip displasia, you should know about it ahead of time because these things can affect the future health of your puppy as it ages.

So make sure you get a copy of the parents' full health records if they are available. And have a veterinarian look the records over to ensure that you understand all of the information that is available in them. This will give you a clear idea of whether you're thinking of buying a healthy German Shepard puppy or one that might end up becoming ill or disabled.

What Vaccinations Have Been Administered?

It is also important to find out which vaccinations have already been administered to the puppy you're considering adopting. If no vaccinations have been administered or the vaccination schedule is not up to date, you will have to see a veterinarian and get vaccinations for the puppy as soon as possible after adopting it.

And there is a chance that your new puppy might catch a virus that it isn't protected against before you can get it to the vet for vaccinations. So make sure that your new puppy comes with papers that prove it has been fully vaccinated and that those vaccinations are completely up to date. You should also know exactly when it will be time to get more vaccinations once you take the puppy home.

What If Things Don't Work Out With the Puppy?

You also need to find out what your options would be if things don't end up working out once you buy a German Shepard puppy that is for sale in your area. Will you have to find a new home for the puppy or take it to the humane society, or is the facility you adopt from willing to take the puppy back and rehome it? You may have to pay a rehoming fee if you have to return the puppy to the seller, but at least you won't have to worry about its welfare when all is said and done.