What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent, easy to train and natural workers. They love adventure and need lots of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, so early socialization is important to help them learn that people and other animals aren't threats. They may be scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds are typically brown-eyed but they also can have blue eyes. It's a genetic variant. Both parents must carry the recessive genes for their pups to be born with blue eyes. However the hue of the eyes of a dog does not mean how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes. They do not have any inherited illnesses are related to their eye color. However, they may be afflicted by a variety of health issues that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. These conditions can be avoided by utilizing preventive screening methods.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it is uncommon to see them in purebred German Shepherd. In fact, it is usually a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder who is a strict adherent to breeding standards and practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed that has an extensive amount of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
It is not unusual for German Shepherds, despite being a rare mutation with one blue and one brown eye. This is known as heterochromia. It can be a sign that a dog is suffering from a health issue.
Another issue that is common in German Shepherds is cataracts, which are characterized by a lack of transparency on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. They can cause loss of vision or block 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 indoors as much as is feasible. It can be treated using 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 care can affect its appearance. It's normal for dog's ears to fall or flip over while teething. The period typically lasts between 16 to 20 weeks. At this stage, he'll be able to keep his ears in place for a long time. The outer layer of skin on the ear and inside cartilage are connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If your German Shepherd's ear is always down, it could be a sign of an ear infection or physical trauma. Ear infections are often the cause of a drooping ear, and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, odor, or discharge from the affected ear.
deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen can avoid ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too often could strip away the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only as needed. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times every week. You can help keep your dog's ear moist by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may have an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites can be seen in the open and can cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd using a small piece veterinary or medical tape will make them stand. It is recommended to do this with the help of an experienced dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised in no time after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog that has an undercoat that is soft and dense and a soft undercoat. The breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking the best. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft which protects the skin from the elements. This undercoat is covered by longer guard hairs, which can be straight or curly. The length of guard hairs can vary between two inches and four and they could also have feathering around the ears or chest, the bottom line, and the back of the thighs (panties). The long coat of stock resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathering at the feet. Plush coats are medium-length coats that are preferred for the show ring. They have a fuller and softer coat, with more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a broad variety of patterns and colors that range from the classic black and tan that many people know to other shades such as livers, blues, and fawns. The sable pattern, which features lighter and darker hairs that blend to create a wolf-like appearance across the body, is another well-known variation. Solid-color GSDs are also common as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, which makes it the ideal military and police dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a wonderful family dog. 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 are able to coexist with livestock. GSDs usually receive Schutzhund training which is a type or protection work that is designed to deter criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy's are small and fragile when they are born. They are completely dependent on their mother for food. At this point, they are not hungry, however, they can gain weight by the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be open, curious and willing to make a fuss of anyone and everything. They might play with other littermates but also choose one or two to dominate. These behaviors are typical for an eugenics-bred puppy.
At around three weeks At around three weeks, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food such as raw ground meat. It is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to master how to consume this food and are usually excited.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be over and the dog will be focusing on getting larger and developing adult teeth. You must make sure that your dog is eating enough calories in the event that they are on an eating plan that includes raw meat.
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 like dragging their back feet or refusing to walk or jump up stairs. Some dogs may suffer from more than one disease and require treatment with treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Heart disease, especially heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular disorders are also a problem for German Shepherds. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the dog's heart with an 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. Buying your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent feeding schedule and diet that is low in salt, fat, or sugar can help fight these problems.
The diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be nutritious and full of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppies require up to 10% fats in their diet to support rapid growth and development. These fats also provide greater energy than carbohydrates or proteins. The composition of fatty acids in the diet should be an amalgamation of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from fish oils, flaxseed, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccines safeguard your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory ailments caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive and they are susceptible to allergies, especially to flea bites and foods. These can trigger stomach upset, weight loss, or vomiting. To avoid this, you must ensure that your dog is eating high quality food that's easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food, and treats high in fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the spleen and heart, is a commonly seen type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is yet another disease that affects German Shepherds, particularly multicentric lymphoma. This causes the enlargement of multiple lymph nodes within the body.