What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent They are easy to train and are natural workers. They love adventure and need lots of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, which is why early socialization is crucial to help them learn that animals and humans aren't dangers. They can be scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds tend to have brown eyes, but can also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic change, and both parents must carry the recessive gene for puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes does NOT indicate the health of that dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and don't have any genetic diseases that are linked to their eye color. However, they can suffer from a variety of health issues that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures bleeding disorders, epilepsy, and immune-mediated diseases. 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. 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 puppy is a mix breed that has an extensive amount of 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 eye. This condition is known as heterochromia, and it can sometimes indicate a health problem in the dog.
Another issue that is common in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are characterised by a lack of transparency on the corneal surface or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of sight or interfere with the ability to detect light. This is a condition that can be avoided by restricting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight, and 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 recognized. Although the appearance of the ear is largely determined by genetics, it can be influenced by the surroundings and care. 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 that stage, he'll be able to keep his ears in place for a long time. The outer layer of skin on the ear and inside cartilage are joined by muscles which allow it to move.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always droopy, this could be a sign of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The symptoms include swelling, itching and discharge.
You can keep ear infections at bay by keeping your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing him too frequently can remove the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only when required. Do not use any ear cleaning liquid more than two times per week. Keep the ear of your pet moist by letting it soak in water every now and then.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears are dropping, it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites can be found outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd using a small piece veterinary or medical tape will help them stand. It is best to do this with the help of a trained dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears in no time after you have taped them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that includes an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a thick outer layer. This breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing to keep it looking the best. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick, protecting the skin against the elements. The undercoat is adorned with longer guard hairs which can be straight or curly. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches long and may also have feathering around the ears and chest, as well as the bottom line and also on the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat resembles an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathering on the feet. A plush coat is a medium length that is preferred in the show ring and it comes with a thicker soft coat that has more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a broad assortment of colors and patterns including the classic black and tan that many people are familiar with to other shades such as blues, fawns and livers. Another style that is very popular is the sable pattern. This pattern features lighter and darker hairs mingled together to create a wolf-like appearance across the entire body. Solid-color GSDs are also common and so are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its agility, strength and stealth, which makes it the ideal police and military dog. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a wonderful family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is able to be protective of their family members however they are also at peace enough to live with cats and dogs and also get along with livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund, which is a form or protection work that is designed to deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are tiny and fragile at birth. They rely completely on their mother for sustenance. Puppies are still very small and have a low appetite, but they can double in weight at the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to show affection towards anyone and everything. He or she will play with littermates, but may also single out one or two and assert their dominance over the other pups. These behaviors are normal for a well-bred puppy.
Around three weeks of age, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food, such as raw ground meat. It is generally an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food in a short time and are generally eager to get started.
By the time your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid development should be finished. The dog will be focusing on getting bigger and developing adult teeth. Dogs who eat raw meat diet could be underweight, and you need to make sure they are getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia when they become an adult. They are also at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal disorder. Some dogs will show symptoms such as dragging the back feet or refusing to climb or jump on stairs. Some dogs have more than one condition and require treatment using medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
Another problem that can be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically the valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. 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 at risk of certain health conditions like 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, adhering to a regular eating schedule, and staying away from foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutritious and full of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppies require as much as 10 percent fat in their food to aid in their rapid growth and development. Fats are also an essential energy source, offering more than twice the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should contain a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are crucial for the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. The vaccines protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory diseases caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive, and they are susceptible to allergies, particularly to flea bites and food. They can cause stomach upset vomiting, nausea, or weight loss. To prevent this from happening, feed a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and avoid table food, human food, and treats that are high in sodium or fat.
Cancer is another major concern for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the heart and spleen. It is one commonly seen type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other types of cancer include bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that affects German Shepherds, particularly multicentric lymphoma. This causes the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes around the body.