What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart and easy to train and are natural workers. They are adventurous and require lots of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, and so early socialization is essential to help them learn that people and other animals aren't dangers. They may be scared in situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds are typically brown-eyed but they also can have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic variation and both parents must have the recessive gene that causes puppies to have blue eyes. However the color of a dog's eyes does not mean how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes and no genetic diseases are associated with their eye color. However, they can suffer from a myriad of health issues that are common in all breeds of dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. Screening preventive can help avoid these conditions.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other dog breeds however, they are extremely rare in purebred German Shepherds. In reality, it's usually a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder that adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed that has significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown eye. This condition is known as heterochromia and may be a sign of a health issue in the dog.
Cataracts are another common problem in German Shepherds. They are described as opaque areas on the cornea's surface or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can cause a loss of sight or interfere with 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 possible. It can also be treated with prescription medication or a specific pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are erect. The shape of the ears is determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can affect its appearance. If your pup's ears appear to be flopping over or falling down, this is typical during the time of teething. This usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks, and at that point the pup will be strong enough to keep his ears up. The ear's outer layer cartilage and skin are joined through muscles that allow it to move and move and.
If your German Shepherd's ear is always down it could be an indication of an ear infection or a physical trauma. Drooping ears are often caused by ear infections. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe include swelling, itching, odor or discharge.
You can prevent ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing your German Shepherd too often may take away the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Try to bathe him every day if necessary. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times every week. Keep the ear of your dog moist by taking it out to soak in water from time to time.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears could have an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are typically found outdoors, and they can cause itching, irritation, swelling and drooping of the affected ears.
If your German Shepherd has a sloppy ear, you can encourage them to stand up by taping them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. It is best to do this with the assistance of a trained dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will raise their ears in no time after you tape them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has a soft, fluffy undercoat and a dense outer layer. This breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing to keep it looking the best. GSDs have a soft, thick undercoat that shields skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs, which can be straight or waving. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches long and can also include feathering around the ears, chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock coat resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathers at the feet. A plush coat is a medium-length coat that is preferred in the show ring and it comes with a thicker, softer coat with more feathers than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in many colors and patterns. These include the classic black-and-tan color that is well-known to most as well as different shades like blues, livers and Fawns. The sable pattern, which has darker and lighter hairs that mix to create a wolf-like appearance across the body, is another popular variation. GSDs with solid colors are also common, as well as GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its strength, agility and stealth. This made it a great canine for military and police. Its dedication and intelligence make it a wonderful companion for families as well. German Shepherds can be a large breed that is extremely protective of their family however, they are also calm enough to get along with other dogs, cats and livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund, which is a form of protection that is designed to identify and stop criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile from birth, when they are completely dependent on their mother to eat. At this point, they have a small appetite however, they can gain weight at the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of making advances at anything and anyone. The dog may play with the other littermates, but may also pick one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are typical for a well-bred pup.
At around three weeks, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food, such as raw ground meat. It is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to master how to consume this food and generally, they are eager.
When your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth should be mostly over and they will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet may be underweight, so you must ensure that they're getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia as an adult. They also run the risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal disorder. Some dogs may show symptoms of these diseases, such as having their back feet drag or refusing to walk or jump up the stairs. Certain dogs have multiple conditions and require treatment with physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Another problem that can affect German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically heart disease that is dilated and valvular. A veterinarian can detect 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 issues like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or poor genetics. These problems are made worse due to excessive exercise and weight gain. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and observing a consistent food schedule and diet that avoids foods high in fat, salt, or sugar could help combat these issues.
Die Ernährung of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutrient dense, with plenty of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppies require 10% fats in their diets to aid in rapid growth and development. Fats are also an essential energy source, offering more than double the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should be comprised of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. The vaccines safeguard your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory ailments 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 prevent this, feed a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible, and avoid table foods or human food as well as treats that are high in fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the heart and spleen. It is one common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other cancers include lung, intestinal, and bone cancers. German Shepherds may also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially relevant to multicentric lymphoma that causes multiple lymph nodes to enlarge around the body.