What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent They are easy to train and natural workers. They require plenty of exercise and enjoy adventures.
They are naturally protective of their owners, so early socialization is essential to help them learn that other animals and people are not threats. They can be afraid in unfamiliar environments.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, but they can also have blue eyes. It's a genetic variation. Both parents must carry the recessive genes for their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However, the hue of the eyes of a dog does not mean how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very 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 in all breeds of dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. These conditions can be avoided by using preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them in a purebred German Shepherd. It is usually a sign of a dog that does not bred by a breeder who is committed to strict breeding practices and standards. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed with significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Although it is a rare genetic condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have one blue eye and one brown. This is a condition referred to as heterochromia and could be a sign of a health issue in the dog.
Another common problem in German Shepherds is cataracts which are characterized by a lack of transparency on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of vision or obstruct 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 medication or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
When it comes to the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly recognizable. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can also affect its appearance. It is normal for your dog's ears to fall or roll over when he's teething. The period typically lasts between 16 to 20 weeks. At that stage, he'll have the strength and ability to keep his ears in place for a long time. The outer layer of skin on the ear and the inner cartilage are joined through muscles that allow it to move.
If the ear of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be an indication of an ear infection. Ear infections often cause a drop in the ear and symptoms include itching, redness, swelling and odor or discharge from the affected ear.
You can avoid ear infections by making sure you keep your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing your German Shepherd too often can remove the natural oils which keep his ears healthy. Make sure you bathe him only when needed. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice every week. You can keep your dog's ear moist by letting him wash his head in a bowl of water from time to time.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears are being droopy, it could be due to an ear mite infestation. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen can be seen in the open and can cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has floppy ears, you can encourage them to stand up by securing them with a small amount of vet's or medical tape. It is recommended to do this with the help of a dog trainer who is experienced or vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears within a matter of minutes after you have taped them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat, which includes an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a thick outer layer. This breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing in order to maintain its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that shields the skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs that can be straight or wavy. Guard hairs may be between two and four inches, and they can have feathering on the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line and also on the back of the thighs. The long stock coat resembles the wolf, with tufts on the ear and feathers at the feet. A plush coat is a medium length that is favored in the show ring, and has a more full, softer coat with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in various colors and patterns. They include the classic black-and-tan color that everyone is familiar with, as well as other shades like blues, livers, and fawns. The sable pattern, which has darker and lighter hairs that blend to create a wolf-like look across the body, is another popular variation. GSDs with solid colors are also popular, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also known for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it an ideal military and police dog. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a good family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that can be guardians of their families However, they are also at peace enough to live with cats and dogs and are able to coexist with livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund which is a type or protection exercise designed to deter and detect criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile at birth and are totally dependent on their mother for sustenance. At this point, puppies have a small appetite however, they can gain weight at the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be open, curious and willing to make a fuss of anyone and all things. The dog can play with other littermates but also choose one or two to dominate. These behaviors are normal for a well-bred puppy.
At around three weeks old, you can begin feeding your puppy solid food, like raw ground beef. It's usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn how to eat this food, and generally are very eager.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, the rapid growth will be over and the dog will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet can run underweight, and you need to ensure that they're getting enough calories.
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 may exhibit symptoms like dragging their back feet, or refusing to climb or jump on stairs. Some dogs may have multiple diseases and require treatment with treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Another problem that can 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 a stethoscope and taking x-rays of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are at risk of certain health conditions like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse by genetic deficiencies or excessive exercise. They can also be afflicted by obesity. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent eating schedule and a diet that avoids foods high in salt, fat or sugar could help combat these issues.
Die diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutrient dense, with plenty of essential fatty acids and protein. Puppy dogs require as much as 10% fats in their diet to help support rapid growth and development. They also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The composition of fatty acids in the diet should be comprised of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that come from flaxseed, fish oils and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true against parvovirus and hepatitis. The vaccines also protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory illnesses which can be caused by these illnesses.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is sensitive. They are prone to allergies, particularly food or flea bites. These can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight loss or vomiting. To prevent this from happening, feed a high-quality dog food that is easy to digest, and avoid table foods, human food, and treats that contain high levels of sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that develops in blood-rich tissues, such as the spleen and the heart. Other types of cancer include bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. German Shepherds are also affected by lymphoma. This is particularly true of multicentric lymphoma which causes multiple lymph nodes to expand around the body.