What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent They are easy to train and natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require lots of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, and so early socialization is essential to help them understand that animals and humans are not threats. They can be scared in situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds typically have brown eyes, however they may also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic variation, and both parents must carry the recessive gene for puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes do not indicate the health of that dog.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes and no genetic illnesses are related to their eye color. However, they can suffer from a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Preventive screening can help to prevent these conditions.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it is rare to see them on a purebred German Shepherd. In fact, it is often a sign that a puppy is not from a breeder who adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. Instead, it is likely that the dog is mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown eye. This is a condition known as heterochromia. It may be a sign of a health problem in the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common in German Shepherds. They are characterized as transparent areas on the cornea's surface or the inner layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of vision or block the ability to detect light. This can be easily prevented by restricting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and urging it to spend as much time indoors as possible. It can also be treated with prescription medications or a specific pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and erect ears. Although the appearance of the ear is largely determined by genetics, it may be affected by the surroundings and care. It is normal for your dog's ears to fall or flip over while teething. This usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks, and at that point he'll have the strength to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin on the ear and inside cartilage are connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If your German Shepherd's ear is always down, it could be an indication of an ear infection, or a physical trauma. Ear infections often cause a drooping ear, and symptoms can include itching, redness swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
You can avoid ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing your German Shepherd too often can eliminate the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Make sure to bathe him as required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than two times per week. You can help 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 can be found in the outdoors and cause irritation, itching and swelling in the affected ear.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd with a small piece veterinary or medical tape will encourage them to stand. This is best done with the assistance of a professional dog trainer or vet, and most dogs will be able to stand up within a matter of minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that includes a soft, fluffy undercoat and a thick outer layer. The breed sheds all year long and requires regular brushing to keep its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick, protecting the skin against the elements. The undercoat is adorned with longer guard hairs that can be curly or straight. The length of guard hairs can vary from 2 inches to 4 inches, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen (Entzckendescferhundwelpen-Wec35D.De) and they may have feathering around the ear or chest, the bottom line and back of the thighs (panties). The long stock coat resembles the one with tufts on the ears and feathering at the feet. A plush coat is a medium length coat that is favored in the show ring and has a more full soft coat that has more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in many designs and colors. These include the classic black-and-tan color that is well-known to most 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 all over the body, is a different variation that is popular. 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 make it a good family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is very protective of their family members however, they are also calm enough to get along with other pets, cats and livestock. GSDs are frequently trained in Schutzhund, a type of protection that is designed to identify and deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy's are small and fragile at birth. They are totally dependent on the mother for their nutrition. Puppies are still very small and have a low appetite, however they can grow to a significant size at the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of making advances at anything and everyone. He or she may play with the other littermates, but may also pick one or two to dominate. These are typical for an eugenics-bred puppy.
At around three weeks old, you can begin feeding your puppy solid food, like raw ground beef. Typically, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food in a short time and are generally eager to get started.
When your German Shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth will be over and the dog will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your puppy is eating enough calories, especially if they are on a diet of raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia as an adult. They are also at risk of degenerative myelopathy, which is a spinal disorder. Certain dogs exhibit signs such as dragging the back of their feet or refusing to jump or climb stairs. Certain dogs have multiple conditions and will require treatment with medications, physical therapy or surgery.
Heart disease, especially heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular disorders, can also affect German Shepherds. These conditions can be evaluated by a veterinarian using a stethoscope to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be exacerbated by genetic deficiencies as well as excessive exercise and obesity. These problems can be prevented by buying your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular feeding schedule, and avoiding foods high in salt, sugar and fat.
Die Ernährung of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutrient dense, with plenty of essential fatty acid 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 derived from flaxseeds, fish oils, as well as 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 diseases.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is sensitive. They are prone to allergies, specifically to food items or flea bites. These can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, or vomiting. To avoid this, make sure your dog is eating high-quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food and snacks that are high in fat or sodium.
Cancer is a different issue that is a common occurrence for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the heart and spleen. It is the most frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that can affect German Shepherds, specifically multicentric lymphoma, which causes the growth of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.