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 plenty of exercise.
Socialization at an early age is crucial to teach them that animals and humans are not danger. They may become scared in situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds are usually brown-eyed, but can also have blue eyes. 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 status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and do not have any genetic diseases that are linked to their eye color. However, they may be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. These conditions can be prevented by using preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them in a purebred German Shepherd. In reality, it's usually a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder that adheres to strict standards of breeding and practices. It is more likely 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, despite being rare, to have one brown and one blue eye. This condition is known as heterochromia, and it may be a sign of a health problem in the dog.
Another problem that is commonly encountered in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are defined by a lack of transparency on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of vision or hinder the ability to sense light. This condition can easily be prevented by restricting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and encouraging it to spend as much time indoors as is possible. You can also treat it with prescription medication or doggie glasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and erect ears. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However the environment and care can also affect its appearance. If your pup's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, it's generally normal during his teething. The process usually lasts between 16 and 20 weeks, after which the pup will be strong enough to keep his ears up. The outer layer of skin on the ear and inside cartilage is connected by muscles that allow it to move.
If your German Shepherd's ear has always been down, it could be an indication of an ear infection, or a physical trauma. Drooping ears are often caused by ear infections. The symptoms include itching, swelling, odor or discharge.
You can prevent ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too often could strip away the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only when required. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than twice each week. You can keep the ear of your dog moist by letting it soak in water every now and again.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is being droopy it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are commonly found in the open air, and can lead to itching, irritation, swelling and drooping of the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy You can get them to stand by tying them with a small piece of medical or vet's tape. This is best done with the help of a professional dog trainer or veterinarian, and a lot of dogs will have their ears up within a matter of minutes after taping them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog sporting a soft, dense undercoat and a soft 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. The undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, that are curly or straight. Guard hairs can be anywhere between two and four inches, and they can have feathering around the ears and chest, as well as the bottom line, as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock coat is reminiscent of the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathering at the feet. A plush coat is a medium length coat that is preferred in the show ring and it has a fuller, softer coat with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in many patterns and colors. They include the classic black-and-tan shade that most people know as well as different shades such a blues, livers, and fawns. The sable pattern, which features lighter and darker hairs that combine to create a wolf-like appearance throughout the body is a different variation that is popular. Solid-color GSDs are also popular, as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it an ideal canine for military and police. deutschen schäferhund kaufen and loyalty also make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed that can be guardians of their families however they are also calm enough to live happily with other cats and dogs and to get along well with livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund, which is a form or protection program that is designed to deter criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy puppies are tiny and fragile when they are born. They are totally dependent on the mother for their food. At this point, they have a small appetite but can double their weight by the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be open, curious and willing to show affection towards anyone and all things. They might play with other littermates, but may also pick one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are typical of the well-bred dog.
At around three weeks old, you may begin feeding your puppy solid food, such as raw ground beef. Typically, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to master how to eat this food, and generally, they are excited.
When your German shepherd is four months old his or her rapid development should be completed. The dog will be focusing on growing bigger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your dog is getting enough calories when they are eating raw meat diet.
As an adult as an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain dogs may exhibit symptoms like dragging their back of their feet, or refusing to climb or jump on stairs. Some dogs may have more than one disease and require treatment via physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Another problem that can affect German Shepherds is heart disease, particularly heart disease that is dilated and valvular. Recommended Website can test for these conditions by listening to the dog's heart with the stethoscope and taking an x-ray of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or poor genetics. These problems are made worse by excessive exercise and obesity. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent food schedule and diet that avoids foods high in salt, fat, or sugar could help combat these issues.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutrient-dense, providing plenty of protein as well as essential fatty acids. Puppy dogs require up to 10 percent fat in their diet to support their rapid growth and development. They also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, as well as vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccinations will also shield 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 susceptible to allergies, especially to food items or flea bites. These can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight loss or vomiting. To avoid this, ensure that your dog is eating high-quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid table food, human food and treats high in sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, particularly older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the spleen and heart, is one common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma, which causes the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes within the body.