What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart and easy to train and natural workers. They love adventure and need plenty of exercise.
Early socialization is essential to teach them that animals and humans are not danger. They may be scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, however they may also have blue eyes. This is because of a genetic variation, and both parents must carry the recessive gene to allow puppies to have blue eyes. However the hue of the eyes of a dog does not mean how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and don't have any genetic diseases that are linked to their eye color. However, they may suffer from a number of health issues that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. These conditions can be avoided through preventive screening techniques.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them on purebred German Shepherd. It is often a sign of a puppy that is not from a breeder who follows strict standards and breeding practices. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed, with an extensive amount of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
It is not unusual for German Shepherds, although it is rare, to have one brown and one blue eye. This is a condition known as heterochromia and can sometimes indicate a health issue in the dog.
Another common problem in German Shepherds is cataracts which are characterized by the presence of opaque areas on the corneal surface or in the deeper corneal layers. They can cause loss of vision or obstruct the ability to detect light. This is a condition that can be avoided by limiting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight, and encouraging it to spend more time indoors. You can also treat it with prescription medication or doggie glasses.
Ears
When it is about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly recognized. The ear's shape is largely determined by genetics. However the environment and care can affect its appearance. If your pup's ears seem to be flopping over or falling down, this is typical during the time of teething. The process usually lasts between 16 to 20 weeks, at which point the pup will be strong enough to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin on the ear and inside cartilage is connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If the ear of your German Shepherd is always droopy, this could be a sign of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The signs include swelling, itching and discharge.
You can prevent ear infections by making sure you keep your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing him too frequently can take away the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only as needed. Do not use any ear cleaning liquid more than twice per week. You can keep your dog's ears damp by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears are drooping it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are usually found in the outdoors and can lead to itching, irritation, swelling and drooping in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has floppy ears, you can encourage them to stand by tying them with a small piece of medical or vet's tape. It is best to do this with the help of a trained dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will raise their ears in no time after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog that has a soft, dense undercoat and a fluffy undercoat. This breed sheds year-round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking the best. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft which protects the skin from the elements. The undercoat is adorned with longer guard hairs that are straight or curly. The length of the guard hairs can vary from 2 inches to 4 inches, and they may have feathering around the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line, and the back of the thighs (panties). The long stock coat resembles the one with tufts on the ears and feathering at the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is ideal for the show ring. They have a fuller and softer coat, with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a broad range of colors and patterns including the classic black and tan that the majority of people are familiar with to other shades such as livers, blues, and fawns. The Sable pattern, which is comprised of darker and lighter hairs that combine to create a wolf-like look throughout the body is another popular variation. GSDs in solid colors are also common, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also known for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it an ideal police and military canine. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a wonderful family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed that can be guardians of their families However, they are also peaceful enough to be able to live happily with other cats and dogs and are able to coexist with livestock. altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen receive Schutzhund training, which is a form or protection program designed to deter and detect criminal activities.
Weight
Puppies are tiny and fragile from birth when they are dependent on their mother to eat. At this stage, puppies are not hungry, but can double their weight at the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to make a fuss of anyone and everything. The dog can play with other littermates, but may also pick one or two to dominate. These behaviors are typical of the well-bred dog.
When a puppy is around three weeks old, you can begin to feed him or her solid food, such as raw ground beef. It's usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to consume this kind of food in a short time and are usually eager to do so.
When your German shepherd is four months old his or her rapid development should be over. The dog will then be concentrating on getting bigger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet could be underweight, and you need to make sure they are getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia as an adult. They are also at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Some dogs may show symptoms of these diseases, such as walking with their back feet dragging or refusing to run or climb stairs. Certain dogs have more than one condition and require treatment using medications, physical therapy or surgery.
Another issue that can affect German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease. These conditions can be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be exacerbated due to genetic issues as well as excessive exercise and obesity. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent food schedule and diet that is low in salt, fat or sugar can help combat these issues.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing plenty of protein and essential fatty acids. Puppies require up to 10% of fats in their diets to aid in rapid growth and development. They are also a key energy source, offering more than double the energy of proteins and carbohydrates. The diet should include a mix of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, as well as vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true against parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccinations safeguard your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory diseases caused by these diseases.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive, and they are susceptible to allergies, specifically to flea bites and food. This can lead to stomach upset, vomiting or weight loss. To prevent this, feed your dog a high-quality food that is easily digestible and avoid table food human food, as well as treats that contain high levels of fat or sodium.
Cancer is another common concern for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that can develop in blood-rich tissues such as the spleen and the heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that affects German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. This causes the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes around the body.