What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent, easy to train and natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require plenty of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, so early socialization is important to help them understand that other animals and people are not dangers. They are often afraid of unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds typically have brown eyes, however they can also have blue eyes. It is a genetic variation. Both parents must possess recessive genes that allow their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However, the colour of a dog's eyes is not a sign of how healthy the dog is.
In general German Shepherds are healthy and do not suffer from any genetic illnesses that are related to their eye color. However, they may suffer from a number of health issues that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated conditions. These conditions can be prevented by using preventive screening methods.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other breeds of dog, but they are rare in German Shepherds that are purebred. In reality, it's often a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. Instead, it is likely that the dog is a mixed breed that has a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
It is not uncommon for German Shepherds, even though it is rare, to have one brown and one blue eye. This condition is known as heterochromia. It may indicate that the dog has some health issue.
Another problem that is commonly encountered in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are defined by the presence of opaque areas on the cornea's surface or deeper corneal layers. They can result in loss of sight or interfere with 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 indoors as possible. It can be treated using prescription medications or a special pair of doggie sunglasses.
Ears
When it is time to talk about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are easily recognized. While the appearance of the ears is largely determined by genetics, it may be affected by the environment and care. If your pup's ears appear to be floating or falling down, it's typical during the time of teething. This usually ends between 16 and 20 weeks, after which he'll have the strength to keep his ears up. The outer layer of skin on the ear and the inside cartilage is connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If the ear of your German Shepherd is always down, this could be a sign of an ear infection. 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.
You can avoid ear infections by maintaining your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing your German Shepherd too often could eliminate the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Try to bathe him only when needed. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times every week. You can keep your dog's ear moist by letting him wash his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd who has drooping ears might be suffering from an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are found in the open and can cause irritation, itching and swelling in the ear affected.
If your German Shepherd has floppy ears You can get them to stand up by taping them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. This can be done with the help of an experienced dog trainer or vet, and many dogs will be able to stand up in no time after taping them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog that has an undercoat that is soft and dense and a fluffy undercoat. This breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing in order to maintain its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft which protects the skin from the elements. The undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be curly or straight. Guard hairs may be between two and four inches, and they can have feathering around the ears as well as the chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat resembles an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathers on the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is ideal for the show ring. They are a thicker and more soft coat, with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns including the classic black and tan that the majority of people are familiar with to other shades like blues, fawns and livers. The sable pattern, which features darker and lighter hairs that blend to create a wolf-like look all over the body, is another popular variation. Solid-color GSDs are also common, as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD was also known for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a perfect police and military canine. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is very protective of their family members However, they are also pacifist enough to get with other pets, cats and livestock. GSDs often receive Schutzhund training, which is a form or protection exercise that is designed to deter criminal activities.
Weight
Puppies are fragile and tiny at birth. They are totally dependent on their mother for food. At this point, they have a small appetite but can double their weight by the time they reach the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be alert, curious and unafraid to make a fuss of anyone and all things. They might play with other littermates, but they may also select one or two to dominate. These are typical of the well-bred dog.
At around three weeks old, you may begin feeding them solid food items, such as raw ground beef. In general, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn to eat this food and generally, they are enthusiastic.
By the time your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid development will be over. They will be focusing on growing bigger and developing adult teeth. You must make sure that your dog is getting enough calories if they are on an eating plan that includes raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia in the adult. They are also at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain dogs might exhibit signs of these conditions like having their back feet drag or becoming unwilling to jump or walk up the stairs. Some dogs have multiple conditions and will require treatment with physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Another problem that can affect German Shepherds is heart disease, particularly the valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions can be tested by a vet using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest, and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy, which can be exacerbated by genetic deficiencies, excessive exercise, and obesity. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent feeding schedule and diet that does not include foods high in salt, fat or sugar can help to combat these issues.
Die diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be high in nutrients, and contain plenty of essential fatty acids and protein. Puppies need up to 10% fat in their food to support their rapid growth and development. They also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should contain a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. The vaccines also protect your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments that may be caused by these conditions.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is very sensitive. They are prone to allergies, specifically to food or flea bites. These can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting or weight loss. To prevent this, feed a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and avoid table food human food, as well as treats that contain high levels of fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also predisposed to cancer, particularly older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the spleen and heart, is a common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. schäferhundwelpen of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. German Shepherds are also affected by lymphoma. This is especially the case with multicentric lymphoma, which causes multiple lymph nodes to expand around the body.