What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are incredibly intelligent, easy to train and natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require lots of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, so early socialization is crucial to help them learn that animals and humans aren't dangers. They can become fearful when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, but they may also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic variation that requires both parents to carry the recessive gene for puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes do not indicate the health status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and do not suffer from any genetic illnesses that are related to their eye color. However, they can be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Screening for these conditions can help prevent or avoid these conditions.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other dog breeds However, they are uncommon in German Shepherds that are purebred. In fact, it is often a sign that a puppy is not from a breeder that adheres to strict standards of breeding and practices. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed, with a significant amount Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This is a condition known as heterochromia and could be a sign of a health problem in the dog.
Cataracts are another common problem among German Shepherds. They are characterized by opaque areas on the cornea's surface or the inner layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of sight or impair the ability to detect light. This condition can be prevented by limiting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and by encouraging it to spend more time inside. You can also treat it with prescription medications or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
When it is time to talk about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly identifiable. While the appearance of the ears is largely determined by genetics, it can also be influenced by surroundings and care. If your pup's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, this is generally normal during his teething. The process usually lasts between 16 to 20 weeks, and at that point you'll be able to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and the inside cartilage are connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If you notice that your German Shepherd's ear has always been down it could be an indication of an ear infection or physical trauma. Ear infections are often the cause of a swelling of the ear, and signs can include itching, redness swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
Keep your German Shepherd's ears clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too frequently can take away the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only as needed. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than twice every week. You can keep your dog's ear damp by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears could have an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are typically found outdoors, and they can lead to itching, irritation, swelling and drooping in the affected ear.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd with a small piece of medical or veterinary tape will encourage them to stand. It is best to do this with the assistance of a trained dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears within a matter of minutes after you tape them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a thick outer layer. The breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking the best. GSDs have a soft, thick undercoat that shields the skin from the elements. It is covered by hairs that are longer, that can be straight or curly. The length of guard hairs varies from 2 inches to 4 inches and may also include feathers around the ears, chest, bottom line, and back of the thighs (panties). The long coat of stock resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathering at the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is most often used in the show ring. They are a thicker and more soft coat, with more feathering, compared to the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a wide range of colors and patterns that range from the classic black and tan that many people know to other shades such as livers, blues, and fawns. The sable pattern, which has lighter and darker hairs that mix to create a wolf-like appearance throughout the body is another well-known 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 a perfect canine for military and police. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a wonderful companion for families as well. German Shepherds are a large breed that can be guardians of their families However, they are also calm enough to live happily with other dogs and cats and to get along well with livestock. GSDs often receive Schutzhund training, which is a form or protection work designed to detect and deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppies are tiny and fragile from birth, when they are completely dependent on their mother for sustenance. They are still tiny and have a low appetite, but they could double in weight before the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious, and is not afraid of advancing towards anything and everyone. He or she will play with other littermates, but will also pick one or two and assert his or her dominance over other pups. These are typical of a well-bred pup.
Around three weeks of age, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food such as raw ground meat. This is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food quickly and are generally eager to learn.
When your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid development should be completed. He or she will now be focused on getting bigger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your puppy is getting enough calories if they are on raw meat diet.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia when they become an adult. They are also at risk of degenerative myelopathy, which is a spinal disorder. Certain dogs might exhibit signs of these conditions, such as having their back feet drag or becoming unwilling to jump or walk up stairs. Certain dogs may be suffering from more than one disease and require treatment through treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery.
schäferhund beschützerinstinkt that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, especially the valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the dog's heart with an stethoscope, and taking x-rays of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse by poor genetics or excessive exercise. They can also be afflicted by obesity. These health issues can be combated by buying your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a consistent diet, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutrient-dense, providing plenty of protein and essential fat acids. Puppies require as much as 10 percent fat in their diet to support their rapid growth and development. They are also an essential energy source, offering more than double the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include an assortment of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true against hepatitis, and parvovirus. The vaccines also protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory ailments that can be caused by these conditions.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive, and they are susceptible to allergies, specifically to flea bites as well as food. They can trigger stomach upset, weight loss or vomiting. 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 are high in sodium or fat.
Cancer is another common concern for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the heart and spleen. It is one frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other kinds of cancers include bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that affects German Shepherds, specifically multicentric lymphoma. This results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.