8+ Liver German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Near You


8+ Liver German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Near You

Canine coat colour variations are decided by genetics. A “liver” coat in German Shepherds is a diluted type of black, leading to a deep reddish-brown hue. This coloration, whereas much less widespread than the standard black and tan, represents a naturally occurring variation inside the breed. Breeders specializing on this specific coloration usually promote the supply of their litters utilizing focused terminology.

The wealthy, distinctive coat colour of those canines makes them extremely wanted by some homeowners. Whereas the coloration itself doesn’t impression the canine’s temperament or working skills, it contributes to the general aesthetic attraction for sure people. Traditionally, the prevalence of various coat colours in German Shepherds has fluctuated as a consequence of breeding developments and preferences inside the breed neighborhood. Understanding the genetics behind coat colour inheritance is vital for accountable breeding practices.

The next sections will discover accountable acquisition of those canines, together with discovering respected breeders, understanding well being issues, and making ready for the tasks of canine possession. Extra matters lined will embody breed traits, coaching, and ongoing care.

1. Respected Breeders

Finding a good breeder is paramount when looking for liver-colored German Shepherd puppies. Respected breeders prioritize the well being, temperament, and total well-being of their canines, contributing considerably to the long-term success of inserting puppies in appropriate properties. This dedication distinguishes them from much less scrupulous people or organizations that will prioritize revenue over animal welfare.

  • Well being Testing and Lineage

    Respected breeders conduct thorough well being screenings on their breeding canines to attenuate the danger of genetic well being points in puppies. They preserve detailed lineage data, permitting potential homeowners to grasp the genetic background of their future companion. This dedication to transparency and preventative care is crucial for accountable breeding practices.

  • Temperament and Socialization

    Early socialization and temperament analysis are hallmarks of a good breeder. Puppies raised in enriching environments with applicable publicity to varied stimuli grow to be well-adjusted adults. Breeders usually assess pet temperaments to assist match them with appropriate properties, growing the probability of profitable long-term placements.

  • Transparency and Communication

    Open communication and transparency characterize respected breeders. They readily reply questions on their breeding practices, present well being data, and supply ongoing assist to new homeowners. This dedication extends past the preliminary sale, demonstrating a real curiosity within the well-being of their canines.

  • Moral Breeding Practices

    Respected breeders adhere to moral breeding practices, prioritizing the welfare of their canines over revenue. They breed responsibly, avoiding overbreeding and making certain their canines obtain applicable veterinary care and dwelling circumstances. This moral method distinguishes them from these engaged in irresponsible breeding practices, usually related to poor well being and welfare outcomes for the animals.

By specializing in these key elements of respected breeding, potential homeowners enhance their possibilities of discovering a wholesome, well-adjusted liver-colored German Shepherd pet. The dedication of those breeders contributes considerably to the general well being and well-being of the breed, making certain that future generations thrive in accountable and caring environments. Selecting a good breeder, whereas doubtlessly dearer initially, usually reduces long-term prices related to well being points and behavioral issues, representing a big funding within the well-being of the canine and the peace of thoughts of the proprietor.

2. Well being Testing

Well being testing is a vital facet of accountable breeding and acquisition of liver-colored German Shepherd puppies. It supplies essential insights into the potential well being dangers a pet would possibly face, contributing considerably to knowledgeable decision-making for potential homeowners and selling the general well-being of the breed.

  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

    Hip and elbow dysplasia are widespread issues in German Shepherds, no matter coat colour. These circumstances contain malformation of the joints, resulting in ache, lameness, and diminished mobility. Respected breeders display their canines for these circumstances to attenuate the danger of passing them on to offspring. Analysis includes radiographic examination by a professional veterinarian, and the outcomes are sometimes licensed by organizations just like the Orthopedic Basis for Animals (OFA).

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

    DM is a progressive neurological illness that impacts the spinal wire, resulting in weak point and eventual paralysis. Genetic testing can establish canines carrying the gene related to DM, permitting breeders to make knowledgeable breeding choices and cut back the incidence of this devastating illness. Whereas not unique to liver-colored German Shepherds, testing for DM stays essential for accountable breeding inside the breed.

  • Eye Issues

    Numerous eye issues can have an effect on German Shepherds, together with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. Common ophthalmological examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are important for detecting these circumstances early. Breeders dedicated to producing wholesome puppies prioritize these examinations to attenuate the danger of inherited eye issues.

  • Bloat

    Whereas not strictly a genetic situation, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a severe and doubtlessly life-threatening situation widespread in deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds. Accountable breeders educate potential homeowners in regards to the threat components and preventative measures related to bloat, emphasizing the significance of immediate veterinary consideration ought to signs happen.

Via complete well being testing, breeders display their dedication to producing wholesome puppies and offering potential homeowners with the knowledge essential to make knowledgeable choices. This emphasis on preventative care contributes considerably to the long-term well being and well-being of liver-colored German Shepherd puppies, making certain they’ve the absolute best begin in life. Potential homeowners ought to prioritize breeders who prioritize well being testing and readily present documentation of those evaluations. This proactive method reduces the probability of encountering vital well being points later, finally benefitting each the canine and the proprietor.

3. Temperament Analysis

Temperament analysis performs an important function within the accountable breeding and number of liver-colored German Shepherd puppies. Assessing temperament helps breeders match puppies with applicable properties, growing the probability of profitable long-term placements and decreasing the danger of behavioral points arising from incompatibility between a canine’s persona and its surroundings.

  • Early Socialization

    Early socialization considerably influences a pet’s temperament. Exposing puppies to varied sights, sounds, folks, and different animals throughout their vital developmental interval contributes to their adaptability and reduces the probability of fear-based behaviors later in life. Breeders who prioritize early socialization present puppies with a basis for growing secure and assured temperaments.

  • Predictive Testing

    Breeders usually make use of temperament assessments to evaluate pet persona traits. These assessments contain presenting puppies with standardized stimuli and observing their responses. Whereas not foolproof, these assessments present precious insights right into a pet’s potential temperament traits, akin to confidence, sociability, and trainability. This data assists in matching puppies with properties that go well with their particular person personalities.

  • Parental Affect

    Temperament has a heritable part. Evaluating the temperaments of the father or mother canines gives insights into the potential temperament traits of their offspring. Accountable breeders contemplate the temperaments of each mother and father when making breeding choices, aiming to provide puppies with fascinating persona traits. This cautious choice contributes to the general temperament of the breed.

  • Matching Temperament to Way of life

    Understanding a pet’s temperament is crucial for matching it with an appropriate dwelling. A high-energy, pushed pet would possibly thrive in an lively dwelling with skilled homeowners, whereas a extra laid-back pet may be higher suited to a much less demanding surroundings. Cautious consideration of way of life compatibility will increase the probability of a profitable and harmonious relationship between the canine and its proprietor.

The cautious analysis of temperament in liver-colored German Shepherd puppies advantages each the canine and the proprietor. By prioritizing temperament alongside well being and lineage, breeders contribute to the long-term well-being of their canines and enhance the probability of profitable placements. Potential homeowners who perceive the significance of temperament analysis are higher outfitted to decide on a pet that aligns with their way of life and expectations, selling a harmonious and fulfilling relationship for years to come back. This emphasis on temperament ensures that these clever and succesful canines thrive in environments that assist their particular person wants and personalities.

4. Lineage Analysis

Lineage analysis kinds a cornerstone of accountable breeding practices and knowledgeable pet choice, notably for these looking for particular traits just like the liver-colored coat in German Shepherds. Understanding a pet’s ancestry supplies precious insights into potential well being predispositions, temperament tendencies, and conformity to breed requirements. This data empowers potential homeowners to make knowledgeable choices, contributing to the long-term well-being of the canine and fostering a profitable relationship between canine and proprietor.

  • Predicting Well being Outcomes

    Lineage analysis permits breeders and potential homeowners to establish potential well being dangers. By tracing the incidence of inherited ailments like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and sure eye issues inside a canine’s household historical past, knowledgeable choices could be made concerning breeding and pet choice. This proactive method minimizes the probability of buying a pet predisposed to debilitating well being circumstances.

  • Temperament Inheritance

    Whereas surroundings performs a big function, temperament additionally has a heritable part. Lineage analysis can supply insights into the everyday temperament traits noticed in a pet’s ancestors. This data, whereas not definitive, can present precious clues a few pet’s potential persona, aiding within the number of a canine whose temperament aligns with the potential proprietor’s way of life and expectations.

  • Conformation and Breed Requirements

    Lineage analysis contributes to sustaining breed requirements. By learning the pedigrees of profitable present canines and people conforming carefully to the specified bodily traits of the breed, breeders could make knowledgeable breeding selections. This meticulous method helps protect the distinctive traits of the German Shepherd, together with the specified coat colour, construction, and gait.

  • Working Line vs. Present Line Distinction

    German Shepherds usually fall into two distinct classes: working traces and present traces. Lineage analysis reveals whether or not a pet comes from a line bred primarily for working skills (e.g., police work, safety) or for conformation and present functions. This distinction gives vital details about a pet’s doubtless power ranges, drive, and trainability, serving to potential homeowners choose a canine suited to their specific wants and expertise stage.

Within the context of buying a liver-colored German Shepherd pet, lineage analysis empowers potential homeowners to look past the specified coat colour and contemplate the broader image of the canine’s potential well being, temperament, and total suitability. By diligently researching a pet’s ancestry, people contribute to accountable breeding practices and enhance the probability of discovering a wholesome, well-adjusted companion that thrives in its new dwelling. This complete method ensures a optimistic expertise for each the canine and the proprietor, fostering a powerful and lasting bond constructed on knowledgeable decision-making and a deep understanding of the breed.

5. Early Socialization

Early socialization performs a pivotal function within the improvement of well-adjusted liver-colored German Shepherd puppies. This vital interval, usually between 3 and 14 weeks of age, shapes a pet’s long-term behavioral patterns and its capacity to work together positively with the world. Breeders providing liver-colored German Shepherd puppies on the market bear a big duty in making certain correct early socialization practices are applied. This basis considerably influences a pet’s future temperament and its profitable integration into a brand new dwelling. As an example, a pet uncovered to quite a lot of sights, sounds, and experiences throughout this significant timeframe is much less more likely to develop fear-based anxieties or aggression later in life. Conversely, a pet disadvantaged of ample socialization could exhibit heightened reactivity, fearfulness, or issue adapting to novel conditions. This will manifest as extreme barking, harmful habits, or issue interacting with strangers or different animals. The breeder’s function in facilitating optimistic early socialization experiences can’t be overstated.

Efficient early socialization includes fastidiously exposing puppies to a spread of stimuli in a managed and optimistic method. This contains introducing them to completely different surfaces, objects, sounds, and smells. Interactions with numerous folks, together with kids and people of various ages and appearances, are essential. Managed publicity to different canines and animals contributes to applicable social improvement. Breeders can obtain this by way of structured play classes, fastidiously supervised interactions, and publicity to various environments. A well-socialized liver-colored German Shepherd pet will exhibit better confidence, adaptability, and resilience within the face of novel conditions, contributing to its total well-being and its profitable integration right into a household surroundings. For instance, breeders would possibly take puppies on quick outings to secure public areas, making certain optimistic interactions with strangers whereas sustaining applicable security precautions. This permits puppies to acclimate to the sights and sounds of the skin world, selling confidence and decreasing the probability of fear-related responses later in life. These early experiences equip puppies with the social expertise essential to navigate their surroundings confidently and work together positively with different beings.

The long-term advantages of early socialization prolong far past puppyhood. A well-socialized liver-colored German Shepherd is extra more likely to be a assured, well-adjusted companion. This interprets to a diminished threat of behavioral issues, improved trainability, and a better capacity to type robust bonds with their human households. When evaluating liver-colored German Shepherd puppies on the market, potential homeowners ought to prioritize breeders who display a dedication to early socialization practices. Inquiring in regards to the particular socialization protocols employed by a breeder supplies precious perception into the pet’s developmental basis. Selecting a well-socialized pet represents a big funding within the canine’s future well-being and units the stage for a harmonious and rewarding relationship between canine and proprietor. This understanding underscores the significance of early socialization as a key part in accountable breeding and profitable canine possession.

6. Coaching Dedication

Buying a liver-colored German Shepherd pet necessitates a big dedication to coaching. This breed’s intelligence and energetic nature require structured steering and constant effort to make sure they grow to be well-behaved companions. Coaching serves not solely to instill obedience but additionally to offer psychological stimulation, strengthen the human-animal bond, and stop the event of undesirable behaviors. An absence of ample coaching may end up in behavioral points, doubtlessly undermining the rewarding elements of canine possession.

  • Early Begin and Consistency

    Coaching ought to start early in puppyhood. Early publicity to primary instructions and constant reinforcement establishes a basis for lifelong studying. Common coaching classes, even quick ones, are more practical than rare, prolonged classes. Consistency in instructions, expectations, and reinforcement strategies is paramount. As an example, utilizing the identical command for “sit” each time avoids confusion and accelerates studying.

  • Socialization as a Coaching Part

    Socialization is an integral a part of coaching. Exposing a pet to varied environments, folks, and different animals throughout its formative weeks builds confidence and reduces the probability of fear-based aggression or reactivity. Managed publicity to novel stimuli in a optimistic and supportive method creates well-adjusted adults. For instance, taking a pet to a park and permitting it to watch different canines from a secure distance helps it acclimate to social conditions.

  • Optimistic Reinforcement Methods

    Optimistic reinforcement strategies, akin to reward-based coaching utilizing treats and reward, yield optimum outcomes with German Shepherds. These methods encourage studying and strengthen the bond between canine and proprietor. Aversive coaching strategies can injury the connection and doubtlessly elicit undesirable behaviors. Rewarding a pet instantly after it performs a desired habits, akin to sitting on command, reinforces the motion and encourages repetition.

  • Ongoing Studying and Superior Coaching

    Coaching is just not a one-time occasion however a steady course of. As a liver-colored German Shepherd pet matures, its coaching ought to progress to extra superior instructions and actions. Participating in actions like agility coaching, obedience competitions, or scent work supplies psychological stimulation, strengthens the bond with the proprietor, and channels the canine’s pure intelligence and drive. Continued coaching all through the canine’s life reinforces established behaviors and prevents the event of undesirable habits.

The dedication to coaching is crucial for anybody contemplating buying a liver-colored German Shepherd pet. This clever and energetic breed thrives on construction and psychological engagement. A well-trained German Shepherd is a pleasure to personal, exhibiting loyalty, obedience, and a powerful bond with its household. Conversely, a scarcity of coaching can result in frustration for each canine and proprietor, doubtlessly leading to behavioral issues and rehoming. Due to this fact, potential homeowners should realistically assess their capacity to dedicate the mandatory effort and time to coaching earlier than buying a pet. This dedication is essential for making certain a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with this exceptional breed.

7. Lengthy-Time period Prices

Potential homeowners evaluating liver-colored German Shepherd puppies on the market should contemplate the numerous long-term monetary dedication concerned. Whereas the preliminary buy worth represents a substantial expense, ongoing prices related to accountable canine possession accumulate over the canine’s lifespan. These prices embody important elements of care, together with diet, veterinary care, coaching, and provides. Failing to adequately funds for these bills can compromise a canine’s well-being and create monetary pressure on the proprietor. For instance, an sudden sickness or harm requiring surgical procedure can incur substantial veterinary payments, doubtlessly exceeding hundreds of {dollars}. With out ample monetary preparation, homeowners could face tough choices concerning their canine’s therapy choices.

Dietary wants fluctuate all through a canine’s life. Excessive-quality pet food formulated for big breeds, particularly throughout puppyhood and adolescence, is essential for correct development and improvement. Dietary necessities change as a canine ages, and specialised formulations for senior canines could also be crucial to deal with particular well being issues. Veterinary bills represent a good portion of long-term prices. Routine checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care are important for sustaining a canine’s well being. Surprising sicknesses, accidents, or persistent circumstances can result in substantial veterinary payments. Investing in pet insurance coverage can assist mitigate these prices, however premiums symbolize an ongoing expense. Moreover, coaching, whereas usually ignored in preliminary price issues, represents an important funding. Skilled coaching courses, particularly throughout puppyhood and adolescence, can assist set up good habits and stop the event of problematic habits. Ongoing coaching all through a canine’s life reinforces discovered behaviors and supplies psychological stimulation.

Past important care, extra bills contribute to a canine’s total well-being. These embody toys, bedding, collars, leashes, and different provides. Relying on a person canine’s wants and exercise stage, these prices can fluctuate. For instance, an lively canine could require extra sturdy toys and frequent replacements. Understanding the complete scope of long-term prices related to canine possession is essential for making knowledgeable choices. Focusing solely on the preliminary buy worth of a liver-colored German Shepherd pet with out contemplating ongoing bills can result in monetary pressure and compromise the canine’s high quality of life. Accountable possession requires cautious monetary planning and a dedication to offering for a canine’s wants all through its lifespan. This proactive method ensures the canine receives correct care and enjoys a wholesome, fulfilling life.

8. Moral Concerns

Moral issues are paramount when buying any canine, together with liver-colored German Shepherd puppies. Focusing solely on a selected coat colour with out contemplating the broader moral implications of canine breeding and acquisition can perpetuate problematic practices and compromise animal welfare. The demand for particular aesthetic traits, akin to a uncommon coat colour, can inadvertently gas irresponsible breeding practices targeted on revenue fairly than the well being and well-being of the animals. Pet mills and yard breeders usually prioritize superficial traits over temperament and well being, resulting in a proliferation of canines with genetic well being points and behavioral issues. For instance, a breeder prioritizing fast manufacturing of liver-colored puppies would possibly overlook essential well being screenings or neglect correct socialization, leading to puppies with elevated dangers of hip dysplasia or anxiety-related behaviors. This emphasis on aesthetics over well-being raises vital moral issues.

Moreover, the acquisition of a canine ought to be considered as a long-term dedication. The choice to deliver a canine into one’s life carries vital tasks, together with offering correct diet, veterinary care, coaching, and socialization. Failing to fulfill these obligations may end up in neglect or abandonment, contributing to the already overwhelming variety of animals in shelters. Moral issues prolong past the preliminary acquisition and embody the whole lifespan of the canine. As an example, buying a liver-colored German Shepherd pet on impulse with out contemplating the breed’s particular wants, akin to its excessive power ranges and demanding train necessities, can result in an unsuitable surroundings for the canine and finally end in rehoming or give up. Such outcomes spotlight the significance of cautious consideration and a full understanding of the tasks concerned earlier than buying any canine.

Moral canine possession necessitates accountable acquisition practices. Thorough analysis, together with scrutinizing breeders’ practices and prioritizing well being and temperament over aesthetics, contributes to moral breeding requirements. Supporting respected breeders who prioritize animal welfare over revenue helps discourage unethical breeding operations. Recognizing the long-term dedication concerned and thoroughly evaluating one’s capacity to fulfill a canine’s bodily, emotional, and monetary wants are essential elements of moral canine possession. In the end, prioritizing these moral issues ensures the well-being of particular person canines and contributes to a extra accountable and humane method to canine breeding and acquisition. This complete understanding fosters a tradition of accountable pet possession and promotes the long-term welfare of all canines, no matter coat colour.

Continuously Requested Questions

This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the acquisition and care of liver-colored German Shepherd puppies.

Query 1: Are liver-colored German Shepherds completely different in temperament from these with customary black and tan coats?

Coat colour doesn’t affect temperament. Temperament is set by genetics, upbringing, and coaching. Liver-colored German Shepherds exhibit the identical vary of temperaments as different colour variations inside the breed.

Query 2: Are liver-colored German Shepherds rarer than different coat colours?

The liver colour is much less widespread than the standard black and tan, making them comparatively rarer. This rarity can contribute to elevated demand and doubtlessly increased costs.

Query 3: Are there particular well being issues related to the liver coat colour in German Shepherds?

The liver coat colour itself doesn’t pose distinctive well being dangers. Nevertheless, like all German Shepherds, they’re predisposed to sure circumstances like hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and sure eye issues. Respected breeders conduct well being screenings to attenuate these dangers.

Query 4: How can one establish a good breeder specializing in liver-colored German Shepherd puppies?

Respected breeders prioritize well being testing, temperament analysis, and early socialization. They supply documentation of well being clearances, lineage data, and supply ongoing assist to new homeowners. Thorough analysis and verifying breeder credentials are important.

Query 5: What’s the common worth vary for a liver-colored German Shepherd pet?

Costs fluctuate primarily based on components like breeder fame, lineage, and placement. The relative rarity of the liver colour may also affect worth. Potential homeowners ought to funds for a doubtlessly increased worth vary in comparison with extra widespread coat colours.

Query 6: What are the long-term tasks related to proudly owning a liver-colored German Shepherd?

Lengthy-term tasks embody offering correct diet, common veterinary care, constant coaching, ongoing socialization, and a secure and enriching surroundings. German Shepherds thrive on exercise and psychological stimulation, requiring devoted homeowners dedicated to assembly their wants.

Cautious consideration of those steadily requested questions contributes to knowledgeable decision-making and accountable acquisition of liver-colored German Shepherd puppies. Prioritizing well being, temperament, and moral issues ensures a optimistic expertise for each the canine and the proprietor.

The next part gives additional steering on accountable canine possession, encompassing matters akin to diet, coaching, and ongoing care.

Suggestions for Buying a Liver-Coloured German Shepherd Pet

Buying a wholesome, well-adjusted liver-colored German Shepherd pet requires cautious planning and consideration. The following pointers present steering for navigating the method responsibly and making certain a optimistic end result for each canine and proprietor.

Tip 1: Analysis Breeder Repute Completely

Thorough analysis is essential when deciding on a breeder. Search breeders with a confirmed observe document of manufacturing wholesome canines with sound temperaments. Request references from earlier pet consumers and confirm breeder credentials with related breed organizations.

Tip 2: Prioritize Well being and Temperament over Coat Colour

Whereas the liver coat colour is visually interesting, prioritize well being and temperament over aesthetics. Inquire about well being testing carried out on father or mother canines and observe pet habits for indicators of fine temperament, akin to confidence and sociability.

Tip 3: Ask About Early Socialization Practices

Early socialization is essential for growing well-adjusted puppies. Inquire in regards to the breeder’s socialization protocols, together with publicity to varied stimuli, folks, and different animals. A well-socialized pet is extra more likely to adapt easily to a brand new dwelling.

Tip 4: Put together for a Lengthy-Time period Monetary Dedication

Canine possession entails vital monetary duty. Price range for ongoing prices, together with meals, veterinary care, coaching, and provides. Surprising bills can come up, so monetary preparedness is crucial.

Tip 5: Consider Way of life Compatibility

German Shepherds are clever, energetic canines requiring substantial train and psychological stimulation. Consider way of life compatibility to make sure ample time and assets can be found to fulfill the canine’s wants. An lively way of life enhances this breed’s power ranges.

Tip 6: Enroll in Obedience Coaching Early

Early obedience coaching is essential for establishing good habits and strengthening the human-animal bond. Enroll in pet courses as quickly as potential and preserve constant coaching all through the canine’s life to strengthen discovered behaviors.

Tip 7: Take into account the Moral Implications of Breeding Practices

Assist moral breeding practices by avoiding breeders who prioritize revenue over animal welfare. Respected breeders prioritize well being testing, temperament analysis, and accountable breeding protocols.

Following the following tips contributes considerably to profitable acquisition and accountable possession of a liver-colored German Shepherd pet. Cautious consideration of those components ensures a optimistic expertise for each canine and proprietor, fostering a powerful and rewarding relationship.

The concluding part summarizes key takeaways and reinforces the significance of accountable canine possession.

Conclusion

Buying a German Shepherd pet with a liver-colored coat requires cautious consideration extending past aesthetic preferences. Accountable possession necessitates a radical understanding of breed traits, well being issues, and the numerous dedication concerned in elevating a well-adjusted canine. Prioritizing respected breeders who conduct well being testing, consider temperament, and implement early socialization protocols is paramount. The long-term monetary implications, together with diet, veterinary care, and coaching, have to be absolutely evaluated earlier than acquisition. Moral issues concerning breeding practices and the lifelong dedication to accountable canine possession ought to information decision-making.

The well-being of those clever and delicate animals hinges on accountable breeding and knowledgeable acquisition practices. Cautious consideration of the components outlined herein contributes to the well being, happiness, and longevity of liver-colored German Shepherd canines, enriching the lives of each canine companions and their human households. In the end, accountable stewardship ensures these exceptional animals thrive in environments the place their bodily and emotional wants are met.