What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent and easy to train and natural workers. They are adventurous and require plenty of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, which is why early socialization is crucial to help them learn that animals and humans are not threats. They are often afraid of unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds tend to have brown eyes, but can also have blue eyes. It is a genetic variation. Both parents must have recessive genes that allow their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However, the hue of the eyes of a dog does not indicate how healthy the dog is.
In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and don't have any genetic diseases that are associated with their eye color. However, they are susceptible to suffering from a myriad of health problems that are common to all 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 commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's uncommon to see them in a purebred German Shepherd. It is often a sign of a puppy not from a breeder who is committed to strict breeding practices and standards. 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 condition, it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown eye. This is a condition referred to as heterochromia, and it may be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Another problem that is commonly encountered in German Shepherds is cataracts which are defined by the presence of opaque areas on the cornea's surface or in the deeper corneal layers. These can cause a loss of vision or hinder the ability to detect light. This condition can be easily prevented by limiting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to, and encouraging it to spend as much time inside as possible. It can also be treated with prescription medications or a specially-designed pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are erect. The shape of the ears is determined by genetics. However the environment and the care can also influence its appearance. If your puppy's ears appear to be flopping over or falling down, it is typically normal while he's teething. This period usually lasts between 16 to 20 weeks. At this point, he will have the strength and capability to hold his ears for the duration of time. The ear's outer layer skin and inner cartilage are connected by muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The symptoms include swelling, itching and discharge.
You can keep ear infections at bay by maintaining your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing your German Shepherd too often may eliminate the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Make sure to bathe him as needed. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times per week. You can keep your dog's ear damp by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may be suffering from an ear mite infection. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich are commonly found in the open air, and can lead to swelling, irritation, itching and drooping in the affected ear.
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 an experienced dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised in no time after you tap 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 all year round and requires regular brushing to keep its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick, protecting the skin against the elements. The undercoat is covered with longer guard hairs which can be curly or straight. Guard hairs may be between two and four inches long, and they can have feathering on the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line, as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat resembles an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathers on the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is most often used in 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 variety of patterns and colors including the classic black and tan the majority of people are familiar with to other shades like blues, fawns and livers. The Sable pattern, which is comprised of lighter and darker hairs that blend to create a wolf-like look all over the body, is another well-known variation. Solid-color GSDs are also common as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD was also known for its strength, agility and stealth. This made it an ideal police and military canine. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed and can be guardians of their families However, they are also at peace enough to live with other cats and dogs and to get along well with livestock. GSDs often receive Schutzhund training that is a form or protection program designed to deter and detect criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile at birth when they are dependent on their mother to eat. Puppy's are still small and have a low appetite, but they could double in weight at the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be alert, curious and unafraid to show affection towards anyone and all things. They might play with other littermates, but they may also select one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are normal for a well-bred puppy.
When your puppy is about three weeks old, you can start to feed him or her solid food, such as raw ground beef. This is usually a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to master how to eat this food, and generally are very enthusiastic.
When your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid development should be finished. He or she will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs who eat raw meat diet can run underweight, so it is important to ensure that they are getting enough calories.
As an adult as an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain dogs might exhibit signs of these illnesses like walking with their back feet dragging or becoming unwilling to run or climb steps. Some dogs may suffer from more than one illness and require treatment with physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Another issue that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the heart of the dog using an stethoscope, and taking x-rays of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds can suffer from certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and poor genetics. These ailments are exacerbated by excessive exercise and obesity. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and adhering to a regular food schedule and diet that avoids foods high in salt, fat or sugar can help fight these problems.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing plenty of protein as well as essential fatty acids. Puppies require 10% fats in their diets to help support rapid growth and development. They are also an essential energy source, providing more than twice the energy of proteins and carbohydrates. The diet should include a mixture of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids derived from flaxseeds, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccinations will also shield your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments which can be caused by these diseases.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is very sensitive. They are susceptible to allergies, particularly flea bites or foods. This can lead to stomach upset vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. To prevent this, make sure your dog is eating a good quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid table food, human food, and snacks that are high in fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, particularly older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the heart and spleen. It is the most commonly seen type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds, specifically multicentric lymphoma. It results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes within the body.