What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent easy to train and natural workers. They love adventure and need lots of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, so early socialization is crucial to help them understand that other animals and people are not dangers. They may be scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds tend to have brown eyes however, they can also have blue ones. This is because of a genetic variation, and both parents must have the recessive gene that causes puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes do not indicate the health of the dog.
In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and do not have any inherited diseases that are associated with their eye color. However, they may be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated disorders. These conditions can be avoided through preventive screening techniques.
Blue eyes are not common in other breeds of dogs however, they are extremely rare in German Shepherds that are purebred. Learn Additional Here is often a sign of a puppy not bred by a breeder who follows strict standards and breeding practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed, with a significant amount 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 condition is referred to as heterochromia. It may indicate that the dog has an issue with their health.
Another common problem in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are defined by opaque areas on the corneal surface or deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of vision or block the ability to detect light. This can be easily prevented by limiting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and urging it to spend as much time inside as is possible. You can also treat it with prescription medication or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and erect ears. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can also influence its appearance. If your pup's ears appear to be floating or falling down, it is typically normal while he's teething. It usually happens between 16 to 20 weeks, and at that point the pup will be strong enough to keep his ears up. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and the inside cartilage are joined by muscles that allow it to move.
If you notice that your German Shepherd's ear has always been down, it could be a sign of an ear infection or physical trauma. Drooping ears are often caused by ear infections. The signs include swelling, itching and discharge.
You can avoid ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing your German Shepherd too often could remove the natural oils which ensure his ears are healthy. Try to bathe him only when required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice a week. You can keep the ear of your pet moist by taking it out to soak in water every now and again.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is dropping, it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are 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 of medical or veterinary tape will make them stand. It is best to do this with the help of a trained dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised within minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that includes a soft, fluffy undercoat and a thick outer layer. The breed sheds all year long and requires regular brushing in order to keep its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft, protecting the skin against the elements. The undercoat is adorned with hairs that are longer, which can be straight or curly. Guard hairs can be anywhere between two and four inches long and may also have feathering on the ears and chest, as well as the bottom line and also on the back of the thighs. The long stock coat resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ear and feathers at the feet. Plush coats are medium-length coats, which are ideal for the show ring. They feature a more full and softer coat, which has more feathering, compared to the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a broad assortment of colors and patterns, from the classic black and tan the majority of people are familiar with to other shades like livers, blues, and fawns. Another style that is very popular is the sable pattern. This pattern is comprised of lighter and darker hairs mixed together to create a wolflike appearance across the entire body. GSDs with solid colors are also common, as well as GSDs with markings.
The GSD is also renowned for its agility, strength and stealth, which made it the ideal military and police dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a great family companion as well. German Shepherds are a big breed and can 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 usually receive Schutzhund training, which is a form or protection work designed to deter and detect criminal activity.
Weight
Puppies are tiny and fragile at birth when they are dependent on their mother to eat. At this stage, puppies are not hungry, but they can gain up to 2 pounds at the end of their neonatal period.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of making advances towards everything and everyone. He or she will play with other littermates, but may also single out one or two of them and assert their dominance over other pups. These behaviors are typical of a well-bred pup.
When a puppy is around three weeks old, you can begin to feed him or her solid food, like raw ground beef. It is generally a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn to eat this food, and generally, they are enthusiastic.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth should be mostly over and the dog will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. Puppies on a raw meat diet can run underweight, so it is important to make sure they are getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia when they become an adult. They also are at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain dogs exhibit signs like dragging their back of their feet, or refusing to jump or climb stairs. Some dogs have multiple ailments and will require treatment with physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Another problem that can be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, especially heart disease that is dilated and valvular. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the dog's heart with a stethoscope and taking x-rays of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse by poor genetics as well as excessive exercise and obesity. These health issues can be combated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular eating schedule, and staying away from foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutritious and full of essential fatty acids and protein. Puppies require as much as 10% fat in their food to aid in their rapid growth and development. These fats also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include a mixture of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is particularly true for hepatitis, and parvovirus. These vaccines will also protect your puppy from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments that can be caused by these illnesses.
The immune system of the immune system of a German Shepherd is sensitive. They are prone to allergies, particularly flea bites or foods. These can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight loss or vomiting. To prevent this from happening, feed a high-quality dog food that is easy to digest, and avoid table foods or human food as well as treats that contain high levels of fat or sodium.
Cancer is another common concern for German Shepherds, particularly in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that can develop in blood-rich tissues like the spleen and heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. German Shepherds are also affected by lymphoma. This is particularly the case with multicentric lymphoma, which causes multiple lymph nodes to expand around the body.