What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are smart and easy to train and natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require lots of exercise.
They are naturally protective of their owners, and so early socialization is crucial to teach them that animals and humans aren't threats. They may become scared in unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds typically have brown eyes, but they may also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic variation that requires both parents to carry the recessive gene for puppies to have blue eyes. However the color of a dog's eyes is not a sign of the health of the dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes. They do not have any inherited illnesses are related to their eye color. However, they are susceptible to suffering from a variety of health issues that are common in all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. These conditions can be prevented through preventive screening techniques.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it is rare to see them in purebred German Shepherd. In fact, it is often a sign that a puppy is not from a breeder who adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. Instead, it is likely that the puppy is a mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic mutation it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown eye. This is known as heterochromia and can sometimes indicate that the dog has an issue with their health.
Another problem that is commonly encountered 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 hinder the ability to sense 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 much as is feasible. You can also treat it with prescription medication or a pair of doggie glasses.
Ears
When it is about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are easily recognized. The ear's shape is largely determined by genetics. However the environment and deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich care can affect its appearance. If your puppy's ears appear to be flopping over or falling down, it is typically normal while he's teething. This phase usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks. At this stage, he'll be able to stand his ears permanently. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and inside cartilage is connected by muscles that allow it to move.
If your German Shepherd's ear is always down, it could be an indication of an ear infection or physical trauma. Ear infections often cause a drooping ear, and symptoms include itching, redness, swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
Make sure you keep your German Shepherd's ear clean to avoid ear infections. Bathing your German Shepherd too often may eliminate the natural oils that ensure his ears are healthy. Make sure to bathe him as required. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than twice a 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 may be suffering from an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are found in the open and can cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has a sloppy ear, you can encourage them to stand up by securing them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. It is best to do this with the assistance of a trained dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will raise their ears within a matter of minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog that has a soft, dense undercoat and a soft, fluffy undercoat. The breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that shields the skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs, that can be straight or wavy. The length of the guard hairs varies from 2 inches to 4 inches and may also have feathering around the ears or chest, the bottom line, and the back of the thighs (panties). The long stock coat resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathers at the feet. A plush coat is a medium-length coat that is preferred in the show ring and it comes with a thicker and softer coat with more feathers than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a broad assortment of colors and patterns that range from the classic black and tan most people are familiar with to different shades like blues, fawns and livers. Another popular variation is the sable pattern. This pattern features lighter and darker hairs that are mingled together to create a wolf-like appearance on the body. GSDs in solid colors are also very popular, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, which makes it the perfect military and police dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a good family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that can be guardians of their families, but they are calm enough to live happily with other dogs and cats and are able to coexist with livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund that is a form or protection work designed to deter and detect criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile when they are born when they are dependent on their mother to eat. Puppy's are still small and have a low appetite, however they can grow to a significant size by the end their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious, and is not afraid of making advances at anything and anyone. The dog might play with other littermates, but they may also select one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are typical of the well-bred dog.
At around three weeks old, you may begin feeding them solid food, like raw ground beef. It is generally a smooth transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food very quickly and are often eager to get started.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, the rapid growth should be over and the dog will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your dog is getting enough calories if they are on raw meat diet.
As an adult as an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain dogs might exhibit signs of these diseases such as having their back feet drag or becoming unwilling to run or climb the stairs. Some dogs may have multiple diseases and require treatment via medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Another issue that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular disease. These conditions can be diagnosed by a vet using a stethoscope to the dog's chest and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or genetic problems. These conditions are made worse by excessive exercise and obesity. These ailments can be treated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular diet, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutrient-dense, providing plenty of protein and essential fatty acids. Puppies require as much as 10% fat in their food to aid in their rapid growth and development. Fats are also an essential energy source, offering more than double the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should contain a mixture of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are essential for the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccinations protect your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory illnesses caused by these illnesses.
A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are susceptible to allergies, especially to flea bites and foods. This can lead to stomach upset vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. To avoid this, make sure your dog is eating a high-quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid table food, human food and treats high in fat or sodium.
Cancer is another common concern for German Shepherds, specifically in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs like the spleen and heart, is the most common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other cancers include intestinal, lung bone, and intestinal cancers. German Shepherds may also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially relevant to multicentric lymphoma that causes multiple lymph nodes to grow around the body.