What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies are intelligent and easy to train and are natural workers. They need plenty of exercise and enjoy adventures.
The early socialization of children is essential to teach children that humans and other animals do not pose a threat. They can be scared when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds are usually brown-eyed but they also can have blue ones. It is a genetic variation. Both parents must carry recessive genes to allow their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However, deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich of a dog's eyes does not indicate how healthy that dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes and no genetic diseases are linked to their eye color. However, they may suffer from a variety of health issues that are common to all dogs. These include seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. These conditions can be avoided by utilizing preventive screening methods.
Blue eyes are not uncommon in other breeds of dog, but they are rare in purebred German Shepherds. It is often a sign of a dog that does not from a breeder that is committed to strict breeding practices and standards. It is more likely the puppy is a mix breed, with significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's ancestry.
Despite being a rare genetic mutation, it is not uncommon for German Shepherds to have one blue eye and one brown eye. This condition is referred to as heterochromia. It can suggest that the dog has some health issue.
Another common problem in German Shepherds is cataracts which are characterized by opaque areas on the corneal surface or deeper corneal layers. They can cause loss of vision or obstruct the ability to sense light. This problem can be prevented by limiting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and by encouraging it to spend more time inside. It can also be treated with prescription medications or a specific pair of doggie sunglasses.
Ears
When it is time to talk about the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are instantly recognized. The shape of the ears is determined by genetics. However the environment and the 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 usually ends between 16 to 20 weeks, after which you'll be able to stand his ears up. The ear's outer layer of cartilage and skin are connected through muscles that allow it to move and move and.
If you 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 can include itching, redness swelling and odor or discharge from the affected ear.
You can prevent ear infections by keeping your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too often can remove the natural oils that keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only as necessary. Do not use any ear cleaning liquid more than twice a week. deutschen schäferhund kaufen can keep your dog's ears moist by letting him wash his head in a bowl of water every now and then.
A German Shepherd who has drooping ears might have an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are usually found in the open air, and can cause swelling, irritation, itching, and drooping in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy If they are floppy, you can encourage them to stand up by securing them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. This is best done with the help of a professional dog trainer or veterinarian, and many dogs will be able to stand up in no time after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that includes an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a dense outer layer. The breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best. GSDs have an undercoat that is soft and thick which protects the skin from the elements. This undercoat is covered with hairs that are longer, that can be curly or straight. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches, and they can have feathering on the ear and chest, as well as the bottom line and also on the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat looks like an wolf with tufts on the ears and feathering on the feet. A plush coat is a medium length that is preferred in the show ring and it has a fuller soft coat that has more feathers than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a wide assortment of colors and patterns including the classic black and tan many people are familiar with to other shades such as blues, fawns, and livers. The sable pattern, which features darker and lighter hairs that combine to create a wolf-like look across the body, is another popular variation. Solid-color GSDs are also popular as are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also renowned for its agility, strength, and stealth, which makes it the ideal military and police dog. Its loyalty and intelligence make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is very protective of their family members, but are also calm enough to get with other animals, dogs and livestock. GSDs usually receive Schutzhund training which is a type or protection exercise designed to deter and detect criminal activity.
Weight
Puppies are fragile and tiny at birth. They are totally dependent on the mother for their sustenance. They are still tiny and have a small appetite, however they can grow to a significant size by the end their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of making advances at anything and anyone. He or she might play with other littermates, but they may also select one or two of them to be the most dominant. These behaviors are typical for an eugenics-bred puppy.
When your puppy is about three weeks old, you can begin to feed him or her solid food, such as raw ground beef. In general, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food very quickly and are often eager to learn.
When your German Shepherd is four months old, their rapid growth will be over and he or she will be focusing on growing larger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet can run underweight, so you must make sure they are getting enough calories.
As an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Some dogs may show symptoms of these diseases, such as walking with their back feet dragging or refusing to run or climb stairs. Some dogs may have more than one disease and require treatment through physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Heart disease, specifically heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy or valvular disorders, can also affect German Shepherds. A veterinarian can detect 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 issues, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy, which can be made worse by genetic deficiencies as well as excessive exercise and overweight. These ailments can be treated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular feeding schedule, and avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutrient-dense, providing plenty of protein and essential fatty acids. Puppies need up to 10% fat in their food to help them grow and development. These fats also provide more energy than carbohydrates or proteins. The diet should contain an assortment of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids from flaxseeds, fish oils, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are essential for the health of your German Shepherd puppy. This is especially true for hepatitis, and parvovirus. These vaccinations will also shield your pup from kennel cough and other respiratory diseases which can be caused by these illnesses.
The immune system of a German Shepherd is very sensitive. They are susceptible to allergies, especially to food or flea bites. They can trigger stomach upset, weight loss or vomiting. To prevent this, feed a high-quality dog food that is easy to digest, and avoid table foods or human food as well as treats that are high in fat or sodium.
Cancer is a different issue that is a common occurrence for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma, a malignant tumor that develops in blood-rich organs such as the heart and spleen, is the most commonly seen type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other types of cancer include bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. It causes the growth of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.