What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German shepherd puppies are incredibly intelligent easy to train and are natural workers. They are adventurous and require lots of exercise.
They naturally protect their owners, and so early socialization is important to help them learn that animals and humans are not dangers. They are often afraid of unfamiliar environments.
Eyes
German Shepherds tend to have brown eyes, but can also have blue ones. It's a genetic variation. Both parents must possess recessive genes that allow their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However, the hue of the eyes of a dog does not indicate how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes and no inherited diseases are linked to their eye color. However, they may suffer from a number of health problems that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy bleeding disorders, epilepsy, and immune-mediated diseases. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause can help avoid these conditions.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it is rare to see them on purebred German Shepherd. In fact, it is usually a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder who adheres to strict breeding standards and practices. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed, with an extensive amount of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic condition, it is not unusual for German Shepherds to have a blue eye and one brown. This condition is known as heterochromia and can sometimes indicate a health problem in the dog.
Another common problem in German Shepherds is cataracts which are characterized by a lack of transparency on the cornea's surface, or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to loss of vision or hinder the ability to detect light. This condition can easily be 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. It can be treated with prescription medications or a specific pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are erect. The ear's shape is largely determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can also affect its appearance. If your pup's ears appear to be floating or falling down, it is generally normal during his teething. The period typically lasts between 16 to 20 weeks. At reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen , he'll have the strength and capability to hold his ears for the duration of time. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and inside cartilage are connected by muscles which allow it to move.
If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen notice that your German Shepherd's ear is constantly down it could be a sign of an ear infection or a physical trauma. Ear infections can cause drop in the ear and symptoms include itching, redness, swelling and discharge from the affected ear.
Keep your German Shepherd's ear clean to avoid ear infections. Bathing him too frequently can remove the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only when required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice per week. You can help keep your dog's ear damp by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears could have an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites can be found in the open and can cause irritation, itching and swelling in the ear affected.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd with a tiny piece veterinary or medical tape will encourage them to stand. This can be done with the help of a professional dog trainer or veterinarian, and many dogs will have their ears swollen within a matter of minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat, which includes a soft, fluffy undercoat and a thick outer layer. This breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing in order to keep its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that protects the skin from the elements. It is covered by hairs that are longer, which can be straight or waving. The length of the guard hairs can vary from two inches to four, and they may have feathering around the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line, and back of the thighs (panties). The long coat of stock resembles the one with tufts on the ear and feathers at the feet. Plush coats are medium-length coats that are preferred for the show ring. They feature a more full and softer coat, which has more feathering than the stock coat.
The GSD is available in a wide assortment of colors and patterns, from the classic black and tan most people are familiar with to other shades like livers, blues, and fawns. Another popular variation is the sable pattern. This pattern features lighter and darker hairs that are mingled together to create a wolf-like appearance across the entire body. Solid-color GSDs are also common and so are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD was also known for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a perfect military and police dog. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a big breed and can be guardians of their families, but they are calm enough to live happily with cats and dogs and to get along well with livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund, which is a form of protection work that is designed to identify and deter criminal activities.
Weight
Puppy's are small and fragile when they are born. They are totally dependent on their mother for sustenance. At this point, puppies have a small appetite however, they can gain weight by the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to make advances towards everyone and everything. They play with other littermates but may also single out one or two of them and assert their dominance over other puppies. These behaviors are normal for puppies that are well-bred.
At around three weeks old, you can begin to feed him or her solid food, like raw ground beef. It's usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food in a short time and are usually eager to get started.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth should be mostly over and he or she will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your dog is eating enough calories when they are eating an eating plan that includes raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia in the adult. They also are at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Certain dogs might exhibit signs of these diseases such as walking with their back feet dragging or becoming unwilling to run or climb stairs. Some dogs suffer from more than one condition and require treatment with physical therapy, medication, or surgery.
Heart disease, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as valvular diseases that affect German Shepherds. 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 susceptible to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy and genetic problems. These ailments are exacerbated by excess exercise and obesity. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and adhering to a regular feeding schedule and diet that avoids foods high in salt, fat or sugar could help combat these issues.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing ample protein and essential fatty acids. Puppies require as much as 10 percent fat in their diet to support their rapid growth and development. These fats are also a major energy source, offering more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should be an amalgamation of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed, fish oils and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are crucial for the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. The vaccines also protect your puppy from kennel cough and other respiratory ailments which can be caused by these conditions.
A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive and they are susceptible to allergies, particularly to flea bites as well as food. These can cause gastrointestinal upset, weight loss or vomiting. To prevent this from happening, feed a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and avoid table food or human food as well as treats that contain high levels of sodium or fat.
Cancer is another major concern for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive tumor that grows in blood-rich organs such as the heart and spleen, is one commonly seen type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other cancers include intestinal, lung bone cancers, and intestinal. Lymphoma is another condition that affects German Shepherds, particularly multicentric lymphoma, which results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes around the body.