Are You Getting The Most You German Shepherd Puppies?
What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart, easy to train, and natural workers. They need lots of exercise and are awed by adventures.
The early socialization of children is essential to teach children that humans and other animals are not a threat. They can be afraid in situations that are not familiar to them.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, but they can also have blue eyes. It's a genetic variation. Both parents must possess recessive genes to allow their pups to have blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes do not indicate the health status of the dog.
In general German Shepherds are healthy and do not have any genetic diseases that are linked to their eye color. However, they can be afflicted by a variety of health issues that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. These conditions can be prevented by using preventive screening methods.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other dog breeds however, they are extremely rare in purebred German Shepherds. In fact, it is often a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which is a strict adherent to breeding standards and 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 condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This is known as heterochromia. It may be a sign that a dog is suffering from an issue with their health.
Cataracts are another common problem in German Shepherds. They are characterized as transparent areas on the cornea's surface or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of vision or hinder the ability to detect light. This condition can be easily prevented by restricting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to, and encouraging it to spend as much time inside as is possible. You can also treat it with prescription medications or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
When it comes to the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are immediately recognized. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can also influence its appearance. It is normal for your dog's ears to fall or flip over while teething. The process usually lasts between 16 to 20 weeks, at which point the pup will be strong enough to permanently stand his ears up. The ear's outer layer cartilage and the skin are joined by muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be an indication of an ear infection. Ear infections often cause a drop in the ear and symptoms can include itching, redness swelling, odor, or discharge from the affected ear.
You can keep ear infections at bay by maintaining your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too often can strip away the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only as necessary. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice per week. Keep the ear of your pet moist by letting it soak in water every now and again.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears may be suffering from an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are found in the outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling 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 amount of medical or vet's tape. It is recommended to do this with the assistance of an experienced dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will be able to raise their ears in no time after you tape them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has a soft, fluffy undercoat and a thick outer layer. This breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing to maintain its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that protects the skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs, which may be straight or waving. Guard hairs may be between two and four inches long, and they can have feathering on the ears, chest and bottom line as well as the back of the thighs. The long coat of stock resembles the one with tufts on the ear and feathers at the feet. A plush coat is a medium-length coat that is preferred in the show ring, and has a more full and softer coat with more feathers than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a variety of colors and patterns. These include the classic black-and-tan shade that everyone is familiar with as well as different shades like blues, livers, and fawns. The sable pattern, which features lighter and darker hairs that blend to create a wolf-like look throughout the body is another well-known variation. Solid-color GSDs are also very common as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its agility, strength, and stealth, which makes it the perfect police and military dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a wonderful companion for families as well. German Shepherds are a big breed and can be protective of their families however they are also calm enough to live happily with cats and dogs and also get along 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 from birth and are totally dependent on their mother to eat. At this point, they have a small appetite however, they can gain weight at the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be open, curious and willing to show affection towards anyone and everything. He or she will play with littermates, but may also single out one or two of them and assert his or her dominance over the other puppies. These are typical of a well-bred pup.
Around three weeks of age at which point you can feed your puppy solid food, such as raw ground meat. It is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn how to eat this food and generally, they are enthusiastic.
When Learn Additional Here is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be over. The dog will now be focused on getting bigger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet may be underweight, so you must ensure that they're getting enough calories.
As an adult the German Shepherd is at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Some dogs will show symptoms like dragging their back feet, or refusing to jump or climb stairs. Certain dogs may be suffering from multiple diseases and require treatment with physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Heart disease, particularly heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular disorders, can also affect German Shepherds. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the dog's heart using the stethoscope and taking an x-ray of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or genetic problems. These conditions are made worse by excess exercise and obesity. These ailments can be treated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular eating schedule, and staying away from foods high in sugar, salt and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be rich in nutrients, and should contain ample protein and essential fat acids. Puppy dogs require up to 10% fat in their food to help them grow and development. These fats are also a key energy source, supplying more than double the energy of proteins and carbohydrates. The diet should include a mix of omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccines will also protect your puppy from kennel cough and other respiratory diseases which can be caused by these conditions.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is very sensitive. They are prone to allergies, particularly food items or flea bites. These can trigger stomach upset, weight loss, or vomiting. To avoid this, you must ensure that 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 susceptible to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and heart, is the most commonly seen type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other cancers include intestinal, lung bone cancers, and intestinal. Lymphoma is another condition that can affect German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. It results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.