What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent easy to train and are natural workers. They need lots of exercise and are awed by adventures.
Early socialization is essential to teach them that animals and humans do not pose threats. They can become fearful in situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, however they may also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic change and both parents must carry the recessive gene to allow puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes does NOT indicate the health status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy dogs and do not have any inherited diseases that are associated with their eye color. However, they can suffer from a variety of health issues that are common in all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated disorders. deutschen schäferhund kaufen can help to keep these conditions from happening.
Blue eyes are not common in other breeds of dogs However, they are uncommon in German Shepherds that are purebred. It is usually a sign of a puppy not from a breeder who follows strict standards for breeding practices and guidelines. 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 mutation it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This condition is referred to as heterochromia. It can indicate that the dog has an issue with their health.
Another issue that is common in German Shepherds is cataracts which are characterized by the presence of opaque areas on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to a loss of vision or block the ability to sense light. This problem can be prevented by restricting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight, and encouraging it to spend more time indoors. It can also be treated with prescription medications or a specific pair of doggie sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and erect ears. While the appearance of the ears is largely determined by genetics, it may also be influenced by environment and care. It is normal for your dog's ears falling or to flip over while teething. This period usually lasts between 16 and 20 weeks. At that time, he'll be able to keep his ears in place for a long time. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and inside cartilage is connected by muscles that allow it to move.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be an indication of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The signs include itching, swelling and discharge.
Maintain your German Shepherd's ear clean to prevent ear infections. Bathing your German Shepherd too often may take away the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Make sure to bathe him every day if required. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times per week. You can keep your dog's ear moist by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may have an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites can be found outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling in the ear affected.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd with a small piece of medical or veterinary tape will help them stand. It is best to do this with the help of a trained dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears within minutes after you have taped them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a dense outer layer. The breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing in order to maintain its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that shields skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs, which may be straight or wavy. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches long, and they can have feathering on the ear as well as the chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock coat resembles the wolf, with tufts on the ears and feathering at the feet. A plush coat is a medium-length coat that is favored in the show ring, and it has a fuller soft coat that has more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in various colors and patterns. These include the classic black-and-tan shade that is well-known to most and other shades like blues, livers, and Fawns. Another popular variation is the sable pattern. This pattern is comprised of lighter and darker hairs mingled together to create a wolflike appearance on the body. GSDs in solid colors are also very common, as well as GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a perfect canine for military and police. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a wonderful family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed and can be protective of their family members, but they are at peace enough to live with other dogs and cats and to get along well with livestock. GSDs often receive Schutzhund training which is a type or protection program that is designed to deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy's are small and fragile at birth. They are completely dependent on the mother for their nutrition. At this stage, puppies have a limited appetite, but they can gain up to 2 pounds by the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of advancing towards anything and everyone. He or she may play with the other littermates but also choose one or two to dominate. These behaviors are typical for a well-bred pup.
Around three weeks of age, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food, such as raw ground meat. It is generally a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food quickly and are generally eager to learn.
When your German shepherd is four months old his or her rapid growth should be over. The dog will then be concentrating on growing bigger and developing adult teeth. Dogs who eat raw meat diet may be underweight, so it is important to ensure that they are getting enough calories.
As an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Some dogs may show symptoms of these illnesses such as dragging their back feet or becoming unwilling to jump or walk up steps. Some dogs may suffer from more than one illness and require treatment via 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 diagnosed by a veterinarian using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds may suffer from certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and genetic problems. These problems are made worse by excess exercise and weight gain. Purchase your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and adhering to a regular feeding schedule and diet that avoids foods high in fat, salt, or sugar can help to combat these issues.
The diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutritious and full of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppy dogs require as much as 10% fats in their diet to support rapid growth and development. They also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should be comprised of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oils, flaxseed, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccinations will also shield your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory diseases which can be caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are prone to allergies, specifically to flea bites as well as food. 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 food or human food as well as treats that are high in sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive tumor that grows in blood-rich organs such as the heart and spleen. It is one frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other types of cancer include lung, bone and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that can affect German Shepherds, particularly multicentric lymphoma. It causes the growth of multiple lymph nodes around the body.