What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart and easy to train and natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require plenty of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, so early socialization is important to help them learn that other animals and people are not threats. They can be scared when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds tend to have brown eyes however, they can also have blue ones. It's a genetic variant. Both parents must carry recessive genes that allow their pups to be born with blue eyes. However the color of a dog's eyes is not a sign of how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes and no genetic diseases are linked to their eye color. They can, however, be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. These conditions can be prevented by utilizing preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's uncommon to see them in purebred German Shepherd. In fact, it is often a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict breeding standards 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.
Despite being a rare genetic mutation it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have one blue eye and one brown. This is a condition referred to as heterochromia and could be a sign of a health problem in the dog.
Cataracts are another common problem in German Shepherds. They are characterized as transparent areas on the surface of the cornea or deeper layers of the cornea. These can cause a loss of sight or impair the ability to detect light. This condition can be prevented by restricting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and by encouraging it to spend more time indoors. It can also be treated with prescription medication or a special 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 the care can also affect its appearance. If your puppy's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, it is typical during the time of teething. It usually happens between 16 to 20 weeks, after which you'll be able to stand his ears up. The ear's outer layer of cartilage and the skin are connected through muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, this could be an indication of an ear infection. Ear infections can cause drooping ear, and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
Maintain your German Shepherd's ears clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too frequently can remove the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only when required. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times per week. You can keep your dog's ear moist by letting him wash his head in a bowl of water at least once a week.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is drooping, it could be due to an ear mite infestation. These tiny parasites can be found outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has a sloppy ear, you can encourage them to stand by tying them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. This is best done with the help of a professional dog trainer or veterinarian and a lot of dogs will be able to stand up within a matter of minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that includes an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a dense outer layer. The breed sheds all year long and requires regular brushing to keep its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that shields skin from the elements and is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be straight or curly. Guard hairs may be between two and four inches long, and they can have feathering around the ears, chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat looks like a wolf with tufts in 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 range of colors and patterns including the classic black and tan that many people are familiar with to different shades such as blues, fawns, and livers. The sable pattern, which features darker and lighter hairs that mix to create a wolf-like look across the body, is a different variation that is popular. GSDs with solid colors are also popular, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a perfect police and military canine. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is extremely protective of their family however, they are also calm enough to be able to get with other animals, dogs and livestock. GSDs are frequently trained in Schutzhund, a form of protection that is designed to identify and deter criminal activities.
Weight
Puppies are tiny and fragile from birth and are totally dependent on their mother for food. At this point, puppies are not hungry, but they can gain up to 2 pounds at the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to show affection towards anyone and all things. The dog might play with other littermates, but may also pick one or two of them to be the most dominant. These are typical for an eugenics-bred puppy.
At around three weeks old, you can begin to feed him or her solid food items, such as raw ground beef. This is usually a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn to eat this food and generally are very eager.
When your German Shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be mostly over and he or she will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your dog is eating enough calories, especially in the event that they are on raw meat diet.
As an adult as an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain dogs may exhibit symptoms such as dragging their back of their feet, or refusing to jump or climb stairs. Some dogs suffer from more than one condition and require treatment using medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
Heart disease, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as valvular diseases that affect German Shepherds. These conditions can be tested by a vet using a stethoscope to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and poor genetics. These conditions are made worse by excessive exercise and obesity. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and adhering to a regular eating schedule and a diet that does not include foods high in salt, fat or sugar could help fight these problems.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutrient-dense, providing ample protein and essential fatty acids. Puppies need up to 10 percent fat in their food to help them grow and development. These fats also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung should include a mix of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from flaxseeds, fish oils, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true for parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccines protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory ailments caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive and they are prone to allergies, particularly to flea bites and foods. These can trigger stomach upset, weight loss or vomiting. To prevent this, feed your dog a high-quality food that is easy to digest, and avoid table foods or human food as well as treats that are high in sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, particularly older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can develop in blood-rich tissues, such as the spleen and the heart. Other cancers include intestinal, lung, and bone cancers. German Shepherds may also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially the case with multicentric lymphoma, which causes multiple lymph nodes to enlarge around the body.