German shepherd puppies are extremely intelligent, easy to train and natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require lots of exercise.
Socialization at an early age is crucial to teach children that animals and humans are not danger. They are often afraid of situations that are not familiar to them.Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, however they may also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic change and both parents must carry the recessive gene to allow puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes does NOT indicate the health of that dog.
In general German Shepherds have healthy eyes and no inherited diseases are associated with their eye color. However, they can suffer from a number of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. These conditions can be avoided through preventive screening techniques.
While blue eyes are common in other breeds of dogs, it's uncommon to see them in a purebred German Shepherd. In reality, it's often a sign that a puppy is not from a breeder which is a strict adherent to breeding standards and practices. It is more likely that the puppy is mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
It is not uncommon for German Shepherds, although it is an uncommon mutation, to have one brown and one blue eye. This is a condition referred to as heterochromia. It may be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common in German Shepherds. They are characterized as areas of opaqueness on the cornea's surface or deeper layers of the cornea. They can cause loss of vision or obstruct the ability to detect light. This can be easily prevented by restricting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to and urging it to spend as much time inside as is possible. You can also treat it with prescription medication or doggie glasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are straight. The ear's shape is largely determined by genetics. However, the environment and care can affect its appearance. If your pup's ears appear to be flopping over or falling down, this is typically normal while he's teething. The period typically lasts between 16 and 20 weeks. At this time, he'll have the strength and capability to hold his ears for the duration of time. The ear's outer layer of cartilage and skin are joined by muscles that allow it to move and twitch.
If you notice that your German Shepherd's ear is constantly down it could be a sign of an ear infection or physical trauma. Ear infections often cause a drooping ear, and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling and 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 could strip away the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so try to bathe him only as necessary. Avoid using any ear cleansing liquid more than two times per week. You can keep your dog's ear moist by letting him soak his head in a bowl of water from time to time.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is dropping, it could be due to an ear mite infestation. These tiny parasites can be found in the outdoors and cause itching, irritation and swelling in the affected ear.
Taping the ears of your German Shepherd using a small piece veterinary or entzüCkende Schäferhund welpen medical tape will encourage them to stand. It is best to do this with the assistance of an experienced dog trainer or a vet. Many dogs will raise their ears within a matter of minutes after you have taped them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog has a double coat that has an undercoat that is soft and fluffy and a thick outer layer. The breed sheds throughout the year and requires regular brushing in order to keep its appearance. GSDs have a thick, soft undercoat that shields the skin from the elements. It is covered by longer guard hairs, which may be straight or curly. The length of guard hairs varies from two inches to four and may also include feathers around the ears and chest, as well as the bottom line, and the back of the thighs (panties). The long stock-coat resembles a wolf with tufts in the ears and feathers on the feet. A plush coat is a medium length that is preferred in the show ring, and has a more full and softer coat with more feathers than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a broad range of colors and patterns including the classic black and tan most people are familiar with to different shades such as livers, blues, and fawns. Another style that is very popular is the sable pattern. This pattern features lighter and darker hairs mingled together to create a wolf-like appearance on the entire body. GSDs in solid colors are also common, as well as GSDs with markings.
The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, making it the perfect military and police dog. Its intelligence and loyalty also make it a wonderful family dog. German Shepherds can be 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 are usually trained in Schutzhund, a form of protection work that is designed to detect and stop criminal activity.
Weight
Puppies are fragile and tiny when they are born. They rely completely on their mother for sustenance. At this point, puppies are not hungry, but they can gain up to 2 pounds at the time they reach the end of their neonatal stage.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy will be active, curious and able to show affection towards anyone and everything. He or she may play with the other littermates, but they may also select one or two to dominate. These behaviors are typical for the well-bred dog.
After three weeks, you can begin to feed your puppy solid food, such as raw ground meat. It's usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to consume this kind of food in a short time and are usually eager to do so.
By the time your German shepherd is four months old his or her rapid development will be finished. The dog will then be concentrating on growing bigger and developing adult teeth. You should ensure that your puppy is getting enough calories in the event that they are on a diet of raw meat.
A German Shepherd can develop hip and elbow dysplasia in the adult. They are also at risk of developing degenerative myelopathy which is a spinal cord disorder. Some dogs will show symptoms such as dragging their back of their feet, or refusing to climb or jump on stairs. Some dogs may suffer from more than one disease and require treatment through treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Another issue that can be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, especially heart disease that is dilated and valvular. A veterinarian can detect these conditions by listening to the dog's heart with the stethoscope and taking an x-ray of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy which can be made worse by poor genetics as well as excessive exercise and overweight. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and observing a consistent feeding schedule and diet that avoids foods high in salt, fat or sugar could 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 percent fat in their diet to help them grow and development. These fats also provide more energy than proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include an assortment of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fat acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, as well as vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are crucial for the health of a German Shepherd puppy, especially against hepatitis and parvovirus. These vaccinations safeguard your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory ailments caused by these diseases.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is very sensitive. They are susceptible to allergies, specifically to food or flea bites. These can lead to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or weight loss. To avoid this, feed your dog a high-quality food that is easy to digest and avoid table food or human food as well as treats that contain high levels of fat or sodium.
German Shepherds are also predisposed to cancer, particularly older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive tumor that grows in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and heart, is a frequent type of cancer in German Shepherds. Other types of cancer include lung, bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds, specifically multicentric lymphoma. It results in the expansion of multiple lymph nodes within the body.
