What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are incredibly intelligent They are easy to train and are natural workers. They love adventure and need lots of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, so early socialization is important to teach them that animals and humans aren't dangers. They are often afraid of situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds are typically brown-eyed, but can also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic change that requires both parents to have the recessive gene that causes puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes do not indicate the health of that dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes and no inherited illnesses are related to their eye color. However, they are susceptible to suffering from a myriad of health issues that are common to all breeds of dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy bleeding disorders, epilepsy, and immune-mediated disorders. Screening preventive can help prevent these conditions.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them in purebred German Shepherd. In fact, it is often a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder that is a strict adherent to breeding standards and practices. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed with significant amounts of 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 it can sometimes indicate an issue with the health of the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common in German Shepherds. They are characterized by areas of opaqueness on the cornea's surface or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of sight or hinder the ability to detect light. This can be easily prevented by limiting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and encouraging it to spend as much time inside as possible. It can also be treated using prescription medications or a specially-designed pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
When it is time to talk about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly recognized. Though the ear's appearance is determined largely by genetics, it can also be influenced by surroundings and care. If your puppy's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, it is generally normal during his teething. This usually ends between 16 and 20 weeks, at which point the pup will be strong enough to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and the inside cartilage is connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If your German Shepherd's ear is constantly down it could be an indication of an ear infection or physical trauma. Ear infections can cause drop in the ear and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
Make sure you keep your German Shepherd's ears clean to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too frequently can take away the natural oils that help keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only as necessary. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than twice every week. You can help keep your dog's ear moist by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may have an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are usually found outdoors, and they can cause swelling, irritation, itching and drooping of the affected ears.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd with a small piece veterinary or medical tape will encourage them to stand. This is best done with the help of an experienced dog trainer or veterinarian and a lot of dogs will be able to stand up within a matter of minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog that has an undercoat that is soft and dense and a soft undercoat. This breed sheds all year long and requires regular brushing to keep its appearance. GSDs have a soft, thick undercoat that protects the skin from the elements and is covered by longer guard hairs which may be straight or waving. The length of guard hairs varies from two inches to four, and they may have feathering around the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line and back of 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 medium-length coats that are preferred for the show ring. They are a thicker and softer coat, which has more feathering, than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a wide assortment of colors and patterns that range from the classic black and tan most people know to other shades such as blues, fawns, and livers. Another popular variation is the sable pattern. This pattern has lighter and darker hairs mingled together to create a wolf-like appearance on the entire body. Solid-color GSDs are also very common, as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, making it the perfect police and military dog. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a good family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is protective of its family however, they are also calm enough to be able to get along with other animals, dogs and livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund, which is a form or protection exercise designed to detect and deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are tiny and fragile when they are born. They rely completely on their mother for nutrition. At this point, puppies have a small appetite but they can gain up to 2 pounds at the time they reach the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to make a fuss of anyone and all things. He or she will play with other littermates, but might also choose one or two of them and assert his or her superiority over the other puppies. These behaviors are normal for a well-bred puppy.
At around three weeks at which point you can feed your puppy solid food like raw ground meat. It is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food in a short time and are generally eager to get started.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth will be over and he or she will be focusing on getting larger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your dog is eating enough calories, especially when they are eating an eating plan that includes raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia as an adult. They also are at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal disorder. Some dogs will show symptoms such as dragging the back feet or refusing to jump or climb stairs. Some dogs may have more than one illness and require treatment through physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular diseases are also a problem for German Shepherds. These conditions can be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds can suffer from certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or poor genetics. These ailments are exacerbated due to excessive exercise and weight gain. These health issues can be combated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular diet, and avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat.
Die diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be high in nutrients, and contain plenty of essential fatty acids and protein. Puppy dogs require as much as 10% of fat in their diet to support rapid growth and development. They are also an essential energy source, providing more than double the energy of proteins and carbohydrates. The composition of fatty acids in the diet should consist of comprised of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that come from flaxseed, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are crucial for the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. The vaccines protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory diseases caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive, and they are susceptible to allergies, specifically to flea bites and foods. These can trigger stomach upset, weight loss or vomiting. To avoid this, ensure that your dog is eating a good quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid table food, human food and treats high in sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also predisposed to cancer, especially older dogs. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich tissues, such as the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include intestinal, lung bone cancers, and intestinal. German Shepherds can also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially relevant to multicentric lymphoma that causes multiple lymph nodes to grow around the body.