What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent They are easy to train and are natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require lots of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, which is why early socialization is important to teach them that other animals and people are not threats. They may be scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds typically have brown eyes, but they may also have blue eyes. It's a genetic variant. Both parents must carry the recessive genes for their pups to be born with blue eyes. However the color of a dog's eyes does not mean the health of the dog.
In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and do not have any inherited diseases that are linked to their eye color. However, they may be afflicted by a variety of health issues that are common to all dogs. These include seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. These conditions can be prevented through preventive screening techniques.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's uncommon to see them in a purebred German Shepherd. It is often an indication of a puppy not bred by a breeder who is committed to strict breeding practices and standards. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed with a significant amount Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Although it is a rare genetic condition, it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown eye. This is a condition known as heterochromia and may be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen that is commonly encountered in German Shepherds is cataracts which are defined by the presence of opaque areas on the corneal surface or deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of vision or hinder the ability to detect light. This condition can easily be prevented by restricting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and urging it to spend as much time inside as possible. It can also be treated using prescription medications or a specially-designed pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are erect. The ear's shape is largely determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can also affect its appearance. It is normal for your dog's ears to fall or flip over while teething. It usually happens between 16 and 20 weeks, after which the pup will be strong enough to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and the inside cartilage are connected through muscles that 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. Symptoms include swelling, itching and discharge.
You can prevent ear infections by making sure you keep your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too frequently can take away the natural oils that help keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only as required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than two times per week. You can keep the ear of your dog moist by taking it out to soak in water from time to time.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears are being droopy, 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 help them stand. More inspiring ideas is recommended to do this with the assistance of a trained dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears within minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog sporting a soft, dense undercoat and a fluffy undercoat. This breed sheds year-round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that shields the skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs which may be straight or waving. The length of the guard hairs varies from two inches to four, and they may have feathering around the ear, chest, bottom line and back of the thighs (panties). The long stock coat resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathering 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 feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, from the classic black and tan that many people know to other shades such as livers, blues, and fawns. The sable pattern, which features lighter and darker hairs that blend to create a wolf-like look all over the body, is another popular variation. GSDs in solid colors are also common, as well as GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a great canine for military and police. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a wonderful family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed that is able to be protective of their family members However, they are also at peace enough to live with other cats and dogs and to get along well with livestock. GSDs are frequently trained in Schutzhund, a type 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 for sustenance. They are still tiny and have a limited appetite, but they can double in weight at the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to make a fuss of anyone and all things. They play with other littermates, but will also pick one or two of them and assert their dominance over the other puppies. These are typical for a well-bred puppy.
When a puppy is around three weeks old, you can begin feeding your puppy solid food, like raw ground beef. It is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food very quickly and are usually eager to get started.
By the time your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be completed. He or she will now be focused on growing bigger and developing adult teeth. You must make sure that your puppy is eating enough calories, especially when they are eating raw meat diet.
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 illnesses such as having their back feet drag or becoming unwilling to run or climb steps. Some dogs may suffer from more than one illness and require treatment via medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as valvular diseases, 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 like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and poor genetics. These problems are made worse by excess exercise and obesity. These health issues can be combated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular feeding schedule, and avoiding foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing plenty of protein and essential fat acids. Puppies require 10% of fats in their diets to help support rapid growth and development. These fats also provide greater energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are essential for the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccines will also protect your puppy from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments that can be caused by these conditions.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive and they are susceptible to allergies, especially to flea bites and food. These can trigger stomach upset, weight loss or vomiting. To avoid this, make sure your dog is eating a high-quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid table food, human food and snacks that are high in sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also predisposed to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the heart and spleen. It is the most common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other cancers include lung, intestinal bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is yet another disease that can affect German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. This causes the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes within the body.