What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent, easy to train and are natural workers. They need plenty of exercise and enjoy adventures.
Socialization at an early age is crucial to teach them that animals and humans are not danger. They are often afraid of situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds typically have brown eyes, however they can also have blue eyes. It's a genetic variant. Both parents must possess the recessive genes for their pups to be born with blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes does NOT indicate the health status of the dog.
In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and do not suffer from any genetic diseases that are linked to their eye color. They can, however, suffer from a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures bleeding disorders, epilepsy, and immune-mediated diseases. These conditions can be avoided through preventive screening techniques.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other dog breeds However, they are uncommon in German Shepherds that are purebred. It is usually an indication of a puppy not bred by a breeder who adheres to strict standards for breeding practices and guidelines. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed with significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
It is not uncommon for German Shepherds, even though it is a rare mutation having one blue and one brown eye. This condition is known as heterochromia. It may be a sign of a health issue in the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common in German Shepherds. They are described as areas of opaqueness on the surface of the cornea or deeper layers of the cornea. They can result in loss of vision or interfere with the ability to detect light. This condition can be prevented by limiting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and by encouraging it to spend more time indoors. It can be treated with prescription medications or a special pair of doggie sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are straight. Although the appearance of the ear is determined largely by genetics, it may be influenced by the environmental factors and the care given to it. If your pup's ears seem to be flopping over or falling down, it is generally normal during his teething. This usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks, after which the pup will be strong enough to keep his ears up. The outer layer of skin on the ear and the inside cartilage is connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If you notice that your German Shepherd's ear has always been down it could be an indication of an ear infection or physical trauma. Drooping ears are often caused by ear infections. The signs include swelling, itching, odor or discharge.
You can avoid ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing him too often can take away the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only as needed. Avoid using any ear cleaning 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 from time to time.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears could be suffering from an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are typically found outdoors, and they can cause itching, irritation, swelling, and drooping in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has floppy ears If they are floppy, you can encourage them to stand up by taping them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. It is best to do this with the help of an experienced dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears within minutes after you tape them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a dense outer layer. click here to investigate sheds all year long and requires regular brushing in order to keep its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft and protects the skin from the elements. The undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be curly or straight. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches and may also have feathering around the ears as well as the chest and bottom line and also on 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 favored in the show ring and has a more full, softer coat with more feathers than the stock coat.
hyperlink is available in a wide variety of patterns and colors, from the classic black and tan that the majority of people are familiar with to different shades such as blues, fawns and livers. The sable pattern, which has darker and lighter hairs that mix to create a wolf-like look throughout the body is another popular variation. GSDs in solid colors are also very popular, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also known for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it an ideal police and military canine. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a good family dog. German Shepherds can be a large breed that is very protective of their family members, but are also calm enough to be able to get along with other pets, cats and livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund which is a type or protection exercise designed to deter and detect criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy's are small and fragile when they are born. They are completely dependent on their mother for sustenance. They are still tiny 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 open, curious and willing to show affection towards anyone and everything. He or she might play with other littermates, but may also pick one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are normal for a well-bred puppy.
After 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 how to eat this food, and are usually excited.
When your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be finished. They will then be concentrating on growing larger and developing adult teeth. Puppies on a raw meat diet could be underweight, so it is important to ensure that they are getting enough calories.
As an adult the German Shepherd is at risk for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain breeds may exhibit symptoms of these diseases, such as walking with their back feet dragging or refusing to run or climb stairs. Certain dogs have more than one condition and will require treatment with physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as valvular diseases are also a problem for German Shepherds. These conditions can be evaluated by a vet using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest, and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy, which can be exacerbated by genetic deficiencies, excessive exercise, and overweight. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and adhering to a regular food schedule and diet that avoids foods high in fat, salt, or sugar can help to combat these issues.
Die diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be high in nutrients, and contain plenty of essential fatty acids and protein. Puppies require as much as 10 percent fat in their food to support their rapid growth and development. These fats also provide greater energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should contain an assortment of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccines will also protect your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments that can be caused by these diseases.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive, and they are susceptible to allergies, especially to flea bites as well as food. This can lead to stomach upset vomiting, diarrhea or weight loss. To avoid this, feed your dog a high-quality food that is easy to digest, and avoid table foods, human food, and treats that contain high levels of sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also predisposed to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the heart and spleen, is one common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other cancers include lung, intestinal, and bone cancers. German Shepherds are also affected by lymphoma. This is especially relevant to multicentric lymphoma that causes multiple lymph nodes to grow around the body.