What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent easy to train and are natural workers. They are adventurous and require plenty of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, so early socialization is essential to teach them that people and other animals are not dangers. They may be scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, but they can also have blue eyes. It's a genetic variation. Both parents must have recessive genes to allow their pups to have blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes does NOT indicate the health of the dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes. They do not have any inherited diseases are linked to their eye color. However, they are susceptible to suffering from a myriad of health problems that are common to all breeds of dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated disorders. These conditions can be prevented by utilizing preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them on purebred German Shepherd. It is usually an indication of a puppy that is not bred by a breeder who adheres to strict standards and breeding practices. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed, with significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
It is not unusual for German Shepherds, even though it is rare having one blue and one brown eye. This condition is known as heterochromia. It can suggest that the dog has some health issue.
Another problem that is commonly encountered in German Shepherds is cataracts which are defined by a lack of transparency on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of sight or impair the ability to detect light. This is a condition that can be avoided by limiting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and encouraging it to spend more time inside. 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 ears that are straight. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can affect its appearance. It's normal for dog's ears to drop or flop over while he is teething. This usually ends between 16 and 20 weeks, after which he'll have the strength to permanently stand his ears up. The ear's outer layer skin and inner cartilage are connected through muscles that allow it to move and move and.
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. Ear infections can cause drop in the ear and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling and odor or discharge from the affected ear.
Maintain your German Shepherd's ear clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too often can remove the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only as required. 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.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears are being droopy it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are usually found in the open air, and can lead to itching, irritation, swelling and drooping in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy, you can encourage them to stand by tying them with a small piece of vet's or medical tape. It is recommended to do this with the help of a dog trainer who is experienced or a vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised within minutes after you have taped them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog sporting a soft, dense undercoat and a fluffy undercoat. This breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing in order to maintain its appearance. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick and protects the skin from the elements. The undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be curly or straight. The length of the guard hairs can range from two inches to four and they could also have feathering around the ear or chest, the bottom line, and the back of the thighs (panties). 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 has a more full, softer coat with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a variety of patterns and colors. These include the classic black-and-tan shade that most people know, www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de as well as other shades like blues, livers and Fawns. The Sable pattern, which is comprised of lighter and darker hairs that mix to create a wolf-like appearance throughout the body is another popular variation. Solid-color GSDs are also common, as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also renowned for its strength, agility and stealth, which made it the ideal police and military dog. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a good family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed that is able to be protective of their families, but they are at peace enough to live with other cats and dogs and to get along well with livestock. GSDs usually receive Schutzhund training which is a type or protection work designed to deter and detect criminal activities.
Weight
Puppies are fragile and tiny at birth. They rely completely on their mother for food. At this stage, puppies have a small appetite however, they can gain weight at the time they reach the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert, curious, and unafraid of advancing towards anything and everyone. The dog can play with other littermates but also choose one or two of them to be the most dominant. These are typical for an eugenics-bred puppy.
At around three weeks old, you may begin feeding your puppy solid food, such as raw ground beef. It's usually a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn how to eat this food and generally, they are enthusiastic.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, the rapid growth should be over and he or she will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. You must make sure that your dog is getting enough calories when they are eating a diet of raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia in the adult. They are also at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain breeds may exhibit symptoms of these diseases such as having their back feet drag or becoming unwilling to run or climb steps. Some dogs suffer from more than one condition and will require treatment with medications, physical therapy or surgery.
Another issue that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, particularly heart disease that is dilated and valvular. These conditions can be tested by a vet using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest, and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse due to genetic issues, excessive exercise, and obesity. Purchase your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent food schedule and diet that is low in fat, salt, or sugar could help combat these issues.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be rich in nutrients, and should contain ample protein and essential fat acids. Puppy dogs require as much as 10% fats in their diet to help support rapid growth and development. These fats also provide greater energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include a mix 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 the German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccinations will also shield your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory diseases that may be caused by these diseases.
A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are prone to allergies, especially to flea bites and foods. These can lead to gastrointestinal upset vomiting, nausea, or weight loss. To prevent this, ensure your dog is eating high quality food that's easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food and snacks that are high in fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that can grow in blood-rich tissues such as the heart and spleen. Other cancers include lung, intestinal, and bone cancers. Lymphoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. This results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes within the body.