What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart, easy to train, and natural workers. They need plenty of exercise and love adventures.
They naturally protect their owners, so early socialization is essential to help them learn that other animals and people are not dangers. They may become scared when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, but they can also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic variation and both parents must carry the recessive gene to allow puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes do not indicate the health status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes and no inherited diseases are linked to their eye color. However, they are susceptible to suffering from a myriad of health issues that are common in all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. These conditions can be avoided through preventive screening techniques.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them in purebred German Shepherd. It is usually an indication of a puppy that is not from a breeder that is committed to strict standards and breeding practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed with a significant amount Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Although it is a rare genetic mutation, it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have one blue eye and one brown. This is a condition known as heterochromia and may be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Another issue that is common in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are defined by a lack of transparency on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. They can result in loss of sight or impair the ability to detect light. This condition can easily be prevented by limiting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and encouraging it to spend as much time indoors as much as is feasible. You can also treat it with prescription medication or doggie glasses.
Ears
When it is time to talk about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly recognizable. deutsche schäferhundwelpen is largely determined by genetics. However the environment and the care can affect its appearance. It's normal for your dog's ears to fall or flop over while he is teething. This phase usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks. At this stage, he'll have the strength and capability to stand his ears permanently. The ear's outer layer cartilage and the skin are joined through muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If the ear of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be an indication of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The signs include itching, swelling, odor or discharge.
Make sure you keep your German Shepherd's ears clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too frequently can take away the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only when necessary. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times per week. You can help keep your dog's ear moist by letting him wash his head in a bowl of water at least once a week.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is dropping it could be due to an ear mite infestation. These tiny parasites are found outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has floppy ears If they are floppy, you can encourage them to stand up by taping them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. This is best done with the assistance of a professional dog trainer or veterinarian, and many dogs will have their ears swollen in no time at all after taping 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 in order to maintain its appearance. GSDs have a soft, thick undercoat that shields the skin from the elements and is covered by longer guard hairs which can be straight or wavy. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches long and can also include feathering on the ears, chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock coat is reminiscent of the one with tufts on the ears and feathers at the feet. A plush coat is a medium length that is favored in the show ring and has a more full soft coat that has more feathers than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a variety of patterns and colors. These include the classic black-and-tan shade that is well-known to most, as well as other shades such a blues, livers and Fawns. The sable pattern, which features lighter and darker hairs that combine to create a wolf-like look all over the body, is another popular variation. Solid-color GSDs are also very common as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD was also known for its strength, agility and stealth. This made it a perfect police and military canine. Its ability to be a loyal and intelligent dog makes it a great family companion as well. German Shepherds can be a large breed that is protective of its family however, they are also calm enough to be able to get with other animals, dogs and livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund that is a form or protection exercise designed to deter and detect criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy's are small and fragile when they are born. They are completely dependent on their mother for food. At this stage, puppies have a limited appetite, however, they can gain weight by the time they reach the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious, and is not afraid of making advances towards everything and anyone. He or she will play with littermates, but may also single out one or two and assert his or her dominance over other pups. These behaviors are normal for puppies that are well-bred.
At around three weeks at which point you can feed your puppy solid food such as raw ground meat. Typically, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn how to eat this food and are usually excited.
When your German shepherd is four months old his or her rapid development will be over. He or she will now be focused on growing bigger and developing adult teeth. You must make sure that your dog is eating enough calories, especially if they are on an eating plan that includes raw meat.
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 cord disorder. Certain breeds may exhibit symptoms of these diseases, such as dragging their back feet or refusing to walk or jump up stairs. Certain dogs may be suffering from more than one disease and require treatment through physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Heart disease, particularly heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular disorders are also a problem for German Shepherds. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the heart of the dog using the stethoscope and taking an x-ray of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse by poor genetics, excessive exercise, and obesity. These problems can be prevented by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a consistent feeding schedule, and avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing ample protein and essential fatty acids. Puppies require 10% fats in their diet to aid in rapid growth and development. These fats also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should be comprised of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that come from fish oils, flaxseed, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are essential for the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true for parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccines will also protect your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments that can be caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are susceptible to allergies, specifically to flea bites and foods. They can trigger stomach upset, weight loss, or vomiting. To avoid this, you must make sure your dog is eating high-quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid table food, human food and treats high in sodium or fat.
Cancer is another major concern for German Shepherds, particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive tumor that grows in blood-rich organs such as the heart and spleen. It is the most common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that affects German Shepherds, particularly multicentric lymphoma, which causes the growth of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.