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 lots of exercise.
Early socialization is essential to teach them that humans and other animals do not pose danger. They can become fearful when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds are usually brown-eyed but they also can have blue ones. This is because of a genetic variation and both parents must carry the recessive gene for puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes is not a sign of the health of the dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and do not have any genetic diseases that are associated with 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. Screening preventive can help prevent these conditions.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it's uncommon to see them in a purebred German Shepherd. It is usually an indication of a puppy not from a breeder that adheres to strict standards and breeding practices. It is more likely that the puppy is a mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic mutation it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This condition is known as heterochromia, and it could be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Cataracts are another frequent issue in German Shepherds. They are characterized by opaque areas on the surface of the cornea or the inner layers of the cornea. They can result in loss of vision or impair the ability to detect light. This problem can be prevented by restricting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and encouraging it to spend more time indoors. You can also treat it with prescription medications or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
When it comes to the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are easily identifiable. The ear's shape is largely determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can affect its appearance. It's normal for your dog's ears to drop or flip over while teething. The process usually lasts between 16 and 20 weeks, after which you'll be able to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and inside cartilage are joined through muscles that allow it to move.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, this could be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections can cause drooping ear, and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
Maintain your German Shepherd's ears clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too often could take away the natural oils that help keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only when needed. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than twice per week. You can keep your dog's ear moist by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water at least once a week.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is drooping it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are usually found in the open air, and can cause swelling, irritation, itching, and drooping in the affected ears.
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 help of a trained dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised within minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog with a soft, dense undercoat and a fluffy undercoat. This breed sheds year-round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick which protects the skin from the elements. This undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be curly or straight. The length of the guard hairs can range from 2 inches to 4 inches, and they may have feathering around the ears or chest, the bottom line, and back of the thighs (panties). The long stock-coat looks like an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathers on the feet. Plush coats are medium-length coats that are ideal for the show ring. They feature a more full and softer coat, with more feathering, compared to the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a variety of designs and colors. These include the classic black-and-tan color that most people know, as well as other shades like blues, livers and Fawns. The Sable pattern, which is comprised of darker and lighter hairs that blend to create a wolf-like look throughout the body is a different variation that is popular. Solid-color GSDs are also popular as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, which makes it the perfect police and military dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a wonderful companion for families as well. German Shepherds are a big breed that can be protective of their families, but they are at peace enough to live with other dogs and cats and also get along with livestock. GSDs are usually trained in Schutzhund, which is a form of protection work that is designed to detect and deter criminal activities.
Weight
Puppies are tiny and fragile when they are born when they are dependent on their mother for sustenance. At this point, they have a small appetite however, they can gain weight by the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert, curious, and unafraid of making advances at anything and anyone. They may play with the other littermates but also choose one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are normal for an eugenics-bred puppy.
When a puppy is around three weeks old, you may begin to feed him or her solid food, like 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 often eager to do so.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth will be over and he or she will be focusing on getting larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs who eat raw meat diet can run underweight, so you must ensure that they are getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia as an adult. They also are at risk of degenerative myelopathy, which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain breeds may exhibit symptoms of these diseases, such as having their back feet drag or refusing to walk or jump up steps. Some dogs may suffer from more than one disease and require treatment through medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Another problem that can be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically heart disease that is dilated and valvular. These conditions can be diagnosed by a vet using a stethoscope to the dog's chest, and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and genetic problems. These problems are made worse by excess exercise and obesity. These ailments can be treated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, adhering to a regular feeding schedule, and avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be rich in nutrients, and should contain plenty of protein as well as essential fat acids. Puppies need up to 10% fat in their food to aid in their rapid growth and development. Fats are also an essential energy source, offering more than twice the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should contain a mixture of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are essential for the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund 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, especially to flea bites and foods. These can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, or vomiting. To avoid this, ensure your dog is eating a high quality food that's easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food and treats that are high in sodium or fat.
Cancer is another common concern for German Shepherds, specifically in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the heart and spleen. It is one common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other cancers include lung, intestinal, and bone cancers. Lymphoma is yet another disease that affects German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. This causes the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.