What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent easy to train and are natural workers. They love adventure and need plenty of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, which is why early socialization is important to teach them that animals and humans aren't dangers. They can become fearful in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds are usually brown-eyed but they also can have blue eyes. It is a genetic variation. Both parents must carry recessive genes that allow their pups to be born with blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes does NOT indicate the health status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes and no inherited diseases are associated with their eye color. They can, however, suffer from a number of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated disorders. These conditions can be avoided by utilizing preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it is uncommon to see them in purebred German Shepherd. In reality, it's usually a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict standards of breeding and practices. It is more likely that the dog is a mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
Although it is a rare genetic mutation it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown eye. This is known as heterochromia. It can suggest that the dog has a health issue.
Cataracts are another frequent issue among German Shepherds. They are characterized as areas of opaqueness on the surface of the cornea or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can cause a loss of sight or hinder 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 inside as possible. You can also treat it with prescription medications or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are erect. Though the ear's appearance is determined largely by genetics, it can be affected by the environment and care. If your puppy's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, it is typically normal while he's teething. This usually ends between 16 and 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 the inner cartilage are joined through muscles that 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 odor or discharge from the affected ear.
You can avoid ear infections by maintaining your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing your German Shepherd too often can take away the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Try to bathe him every day if required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice a week. You can 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 are drooping it could be due to an ear mite infestation. These tiny parasites can be found in the open and can cause itching, irritation and swelling in the ear affected.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy If they are floppy, you can encourage them to stand by tying them with a small piece of vet's or medical tape. It is recommended to do this with the assistance of a dog trainer who is experienced or vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears in no time after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a dense outer layer. This breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing to maintain its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick and protects the skin from the elements. The undercoat is covered with longer guard hairs which can be straight or curly. The length of the guard hairs varies from 2 inches to 4 inches and they could also have feathering around the ears and chest, as well as the bottom line and back of thighs (panties). The long stock coat is reminiscent of the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathers at the feet. Plush coats are medium-length coats, which are preferred for the show ring. They are a thicker and softer coat, with more feathering, compared to the stock coat.
The GSD is available in many patterns and colors. This includes the classic black-and-tan color that most people know, as well as other shades such a blues, livers and fawns. Another style that is very popular is the sable pattern. This pattern is comprised of lighter and darker hairs that are mingled together to create a wolf-like appearance on the body. GSDs in solid colors are also popular, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its strength, agility and stealth. This made it an ideal police and military canine. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a good family dog. German Shepherds can be a large breed that is extremely protective of their family however, they are also calm enough to be able to get with other pets, cats and livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund that is a form or protection exercise designed to deter and detect criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile from birth when they are dependent on their mother to eat. They are still tiny and have a small appetite, but they can double in weight by the end their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to make advances towards everyone and all things. They play with other littermates, but might also choose one or two and assert their superiority over the other pups. These behaviors are normal for puppies that are well-bred.
At around three weeks At around three weeks, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food such as raw ground meat. It is generally an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn how to eat this food, and generally, they are excited.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth will be over and they will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. Puppies on a raw meat diet can run underweight, so it is important to ensure that they are getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia when they become an adult. They also run the risk of degenerative myelopathy, which is a spinal disorder. Some dogs may show symptoms of these conditions like dragging their back feet or refusing to walk or jump up steps. Some dogs have multiple conditions and will require treatment with medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
Another issue that can affect German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically heart disease that is dilated and valvular. These conditions can be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy which can be exacerbated due to genetic issues, excessive exercise, and obesity. These ailments can be treated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular diet, and avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutrient-dense, providing plenty of protein and essential fat acids. Puppy dogs require up to 10 percent fat in their diet to support their rapid growth and development. They are also a major energy source, providing more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should consist of a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oils, flaxseed, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccines protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory illnesses caused by these diseases.
The immune system of the immune system of a German Shepherd is sensitive. They are prone to allergies, particularly flea bites or foods. schäferhunde kaufen can cause stomach upset vomiting, diarrhea or weight loss. To avoid this, ensure that your dog is eating a good 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 a frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other cancers include intestinal, lung bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that affects German Shepherds, particularly multicentric lymphoma, which results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes within the body.