7 Things About German Shepherd Puppies You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent and easy to train and are natural workers. They are adventurous and require lots of exercise.
Socialization at an early age is crucial to teach children that animals and humans are not a threat. They are often afraid of unfamiliar situations.
Eyes
German Shepherds are usually brown-eyed, but can also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic change that requires both parents to carry the recessive gene to allow puppies to have blue eyes. However, the colour of a dog's eyes does not mean the health of the dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes and no inherited diseases are associated with their eye color. However, they can suffer from a range of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated conditions. Preventive screening can help to keep these conditions from happening.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other breeds of dog however, they are extremely rare in purebred German Shepherds. It is usually a sign of a puppy not from a breeder who is committed to strict standards and breeding practices. It is more likely that the pup is a mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic condition, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This condition is referred to as heterochromia and can sometimes be a sign that a dog is suffering from an issue with their health.
Cataracts are another frequent issue among German Shepherds. They are described as transparent areas on the surface of the cornea or the inner layers of the cornea. These can cause a loss of sight or impair the ability to detect light. This problem can be prevented by limiting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and encouraging it to spend more time inside. It can also be treated with prescription medication or a special pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and erect ears. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However the environment and care can affect its appearance. If your pup's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, it is generally normal during his teething. It usually happens between 16 to 20 weeks, and at that point you'll be able to permanently stand his ears up. The ear's outer skin and inner cartilage are joined through muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If your German Shepherd's ear is constantly down it could be an indication of an ear infection, or a physical trauma. The ear's drooping is usually caused by ear infections. deutscher schäferhund pflege include swelling, itching and discharge.
Make sure you keep your German Shepherd's ear clean to prevent ear infections. Bathing your German Shepherd too often could remove the natural oils which ensure his ears are healthy. Try to bathe him as necessary. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than twice every week. It is possible to keep the ear of your dog moist by letting it soak in water every now and then.
A German Shepherd who has drooping ears might have an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites can be seen in the open and can cause itching, irritation and swelling in the ear affected.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy You can get them to stand up by taping them with a small piece of vet's or medical tape. It is recommended to do this with the assistance of a dog trainer who is experienced or 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 soft, fluffy undercoat. The breed sheds all year long and requires regular brushing to keep its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that protects the skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs which can be straight or curly. Guard hairs may be between two and four inches long, and they can have feathering around the ears, chest and bottom line, as well as the back of the thighs. The long stock coat is reminiscent of the one with tufts on the ears and feathering 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 is available in a variety of designs and colors. This includes the classic black-and-tan color that most people know and other shades like blues, livers and fawns. Another style that is very popular is the sable pattern. This pattern is comprised of lighter and darker hairs that are mingled together to create a wolflike appearance on the entire body. GSDs with solid colors are also common, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its strength, agility and stealth. This made it a perfect police and military canine. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a wonderful family pet as well. German Shepherds are a big breed that can be protective of their family members, but they are peaceful enough to be able to live happily with other cats and dogs and also get along with livestock. GSDs usually receive Schutzhund training which is a type or protection work that is designed to deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppies are tiny and fragile when they are born when they are dependent on their mother for food. Puppies are still very small and have a low appetite, however they can double in weight before the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be open, curious and willing to make advances towards everyone and all things. He or she will play with other littermates but will also pick one or two and assert their dominance over the other pups. These are typical for a well-bred puppy.
After three weeks at which point you can feed your puppy solid food, such as raw ground meat. In general, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to consume this kind of food very quickly and are often eager to do so.
When your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth should be mostly over and the dog will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs who eat raw meat diet could be underweight, so it is important to ensure that they're getting enough calories.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia when they become an adult. They also run the risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal disorder. Some dogs may show symptoms of these diseases such as walking with their back feet dragging or refusing to jump or walk up the stairs. Certain dogs may be suffering from more than one illness and require treatment through treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular diseases that affect German Shepherds. These conditions can be diagnosed by a vet using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest, and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse by poor genetics, excessive exercise, and obesity. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent food schedule and diet that does not include 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 and essential fat acids. Puppies require as much as 10% fat in their food to help them grow and development. Fats are also a key energy source, offering more than twice the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The composition of fatty acids in the diet should be comprised of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oils, flaxseed, and vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. These vaccines will also protect your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory diseases that can be caused by these diseases.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is sensitive. They are susceptible to allergies, especially to food or flea bites. This can lead to stomach upset vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. To avoid this, make sure your dog is eating high-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 is a malignant tumor that can grow in blood-rich tissues like the spleen and heart. Other types of cancer include bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. German Shepherds are also affected by lymphoma. This is particularly true of multicentric lymphoma which causes multiple lymph nodes to enlarge around the body.