What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent 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 crucial to help them learn that animals and humans are not dangers. They can become fearful in situations that are not familiar to them.
Related Home Page tend to have brown eyes but they also can have blue ones. It's a genetic variation. Both parents must possess recessive genes to allow their pups to be born with blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes do not indicate the health status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and do not have any inherited diseases that are linked to their eye color. However, they may suffer from a myriad of health issues that are common to all breeds of dogs. These include seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. These conditions can be prevented by using preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it is uncommon to see them in purebred German Shepherd. In reality, it's often a sign that a puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed with 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. This is a condition known as heterochromia, and it could be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common in German Shepherds. They are described as areas of opaqueness on the cornea's surface or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of sight or interfere with the ability to detect light. This problem can be prevented by restricting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight, and encouraging it to spend more time indoors. 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 erect ears. Although the appearance of the ear is largely determined by genetics, it can be affected by the environment and care. It's normal for dog's ears to drop or roll over when he's teething. This usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks, after which the pup will be strong enough to stand his ears up. The ear's outer layer of skin and inner cartilage are connected by muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If you notice that your German Shepherd's ear is always down, it could be a sign of an ear infection or a physical trauma. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The symptoms include itching, swelling, odor or discharge.
You can keep ear infections at bay by keeping your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing your German Shepherd too often may remove the natural oils which keep his ears healthy. Make sure you bathe him as required. Do not use any ear cleaning liquid more than twice a week. It is possible to keep the ear of your pet moist by taking it out to soak in water from time to time.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may have an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are found in the outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling in the ear affected.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy You can get them to stand up by taping them with a small amount of vet's or medical tape. This is best done with the assistance of an experienced dog trainer or vet, and most dogs will be able to stand up within a matter of minutes after taping them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a thick outer layer. The breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking the best. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that protects the skin from the elements and is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be straight or curly. this post of guard hairs can vary 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 the thighs (panties). The long stock-coat is reminiscent of an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathering on the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is ideal for the show ring. They feature a more full and softer coat, which has more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a wide assortment of colors and patterns, from the classic black and tan many people know to other shades such as blues, fawns and livers. Another popular variation is the sable pattern. This pattern features lighter and darker hairs that are mingled together to create a wolflike appearance on the entire body. 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 great police and military canine. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is very protective of their family members However, they are also pacifist enough to get with other dogs, cats and livestock. GSDs usually receive Schutzhund training, which is a form or protection work designed to deter and detect criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile when they are born when they are dependent on their mother for food. Puppy's are still small and have a low appetite, but they can increase their weight before the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to show affection towards anyone and all things. They play with other littermates but may also single out one or two and assert their dominance over the other pups. These behaviors are typical of a well-bred pup.
At around three weeks at which point you can feed your puppy solid food such as raw ground meat. Typically, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn to eat this food and are usually eager.
When your German Shepherd is four months old, the rapid growth should be mostly over and he or she will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet can run underweight, so you must ensure that they're getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia in the adult. They also are at risk of degenerative myelopathy, which is a spinal cord disorder. Some dogs will show symptoms such as dragging the back feet or refusing to climb or jump on stairs. Some dogs may have more than one disease and require treatment with physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Another issue that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, particularly the valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions can be evaluated by a vet using a stethoscope to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds may suffer from certain health issues like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and genetic problems. These ailments are exacerbated by excess exercise and weight gain. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and adhering to a regular feeding schedule and diet that is low in salt, fat or sugar can help to combat these issues.
Die diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutritious and full of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppy dogs require up to 10% fat in their food to support their rapid growth and development. They also provide more energy than carbohydrates or proteins. The fatty acid composition of the diet should consist of an amalgamation of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that come from fish oils, flaxseed, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are crucial to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true against hepatitis, and parvovirus. These vaccines will also protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory ailments that may be caused by these diseases.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive and they are prone to allergies, especially to flea bites and foods. This can lead to stomach upset vomiting, nausea or weight loss. To avoid this, make sure your dog is eating a high-quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food, and snacks that are high in sodium or fat.
Cancer is another major concern for German Shepherds, specifically in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and heart, is the most frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other cancers include intestinal, lung, and bone cancers. German Shepherds can also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially relevant to multicentric lymphoma that causes multiple lymph nodes to expand around the body.