5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know In Regards To German Shepherd Puppies
What You Should Know About German Shepherd Puppies German shepherd puppies are incredibly intelligent, easy to train and natural workers. They are adventurous and require lots of exercise. They naturally protect their owners, which is why early socialization is essential to help them learn that people and other animals aren't threats. They may become scared when they are in unfamiliar surroundings. Eyes German Shepherds are typically brown-eyed however, they can also have blue eyes. This is because of a genetic variation that requires both parents to carry the recessive gene to allow puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog's eyes does NOT indicate the health status of the dog. In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and don't suffer from any genetic illnesses that are related to their eye color. They can, however, be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include epilepsy/seizures, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. These conditions can be prevented by using preventive screening methods. Blue eyes are not common in other breeds of dogs however, they are extremely rare in purebred German Shepherds. In reality, it's often a sign that a puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict standards of breeding and practices. It is more likely that the pup is a mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry. It is not uncommon for German Shepherds, even though it is rare, to have one brown and one blue eye. This condition is known as heterochromia. It may be a sign of a health issue in the dog. Cataracts are another common problem among German Shepherds. They are characterized as opaque areas on the cornea's surface or in the deeper layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of sight or interfere with the ability to detect light. This condition can be easily prevented by limiting the amount of direct sunlight your German Shepherd is exposed to, and encouraging it to spend as much time inside as 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 floating around or falling down, it is generally normal during his teething. It usually happens between 16 and 20 weeks, and at that point he'll have the strength to stand his ears up. The ear's outer layer of skin and inner cartilage are connected through muscles that allow it to move and move and. If the ear of your German Shepherd is always down, this could be a sign of an ear infection. Ear infections are often the cause of a drop in the ear and symptoms may include redness, itching, swelling, odor, or discharge from the affected ear. You can avoid ear infections by maintaining your German Shepherd's ears clean. Bathing him too frequently can remove the natural oils which keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only as required. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than two times every week. You can help keep your dog's ear moist by letting him wash his head in a bowl of water at least once a week. A German Shepherd with drooping ears could have an ear mite infection. These tiny parasites are usually found outdoors, and they can lead to itching, irritation, swelling and drooping in the affected ears. If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy, you can encourage them to stand up by taping them with a small amount of medical or vet's tape. It is recommended to do this with the help of an experienced dog trainer or vet. Many dogs will have their ears raised in no time after you tap them. Coat The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog sporting a soft, dense undercoat and a fluffy undercoat. The 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 and is covered by hairs that are longer, that can be straight or curly. Guard hairs can be anywhere between two and four inches long, and they can have feathering on the ears as well as the chest and bottom line and also on the back of the thighs. The long stock coat resembles the Wolf, with tufts of hair on the ears and feathers at the feet. Plush coats are a medium-length coat that is preferred for the show ring. They feature a more full and softer coat, with more feathering than the stock coat. The GSD is available in many colors and patterns. These include the classic black-andtan color is well-known to most as well as different shades such a blues, livers and Fawns. Another style that is very popular is the sable pattern. This pattern has lighter and darker hairs mingled together to create a wolflike appearance on the body. GSDs in solid colors are also very common, as are GSDs with markings. The GSD is also known for its strength, agility and stealth, which made it the ideal police and military dog. Its dedication and intelligence make it a wonderful family pet as well. German Shepherds are a large breed that can be guardians of their families However, they are also peaceful enough to be able to live happily with other dogs and cats and also get along with livestock. GSDs are often trained in Schutzhund, which is a form or protection work designed to deter and detect criminal activity. Weight Puppy's are small and fragile at birth. They are totally dependent on their mother for nutrition. At this point, puppies have a small appetite however, they can gain weight by the end of their neonatal period. A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert, curious, and unafraid of advancing towards anything and everyone. He or she will play with other littermates but might also choose one or two of them and assert his or her dominance over other pups. These behaviors are typical for an eugenics-bred puppy. When visit the next site is around three weeks old, you can start feeding them solid food, like raw ground beef. Typically, this is an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to eat this type of food quickly and are usually eager to do so. By the time your German shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth should be completed. The dog will then be concentrating on getting bigger and developing adult teeth. Dogs on a raw meat diet may be underweight, so it is important to make sure they are getting enough calories. As an adult the German Shepherd is at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain dogs exhibit signs like dragging their back feet or refusing to jump or climb stairs. Certain dogs may be suffering from more than one disease and require treatment via treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery. Heart disease, especially dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as valvular diseases, can also affect German Shepherds. These conditions can be diagnosed by a vet using a stethoscope to the dog's chest and x-rays. Health German Shepherds are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy, which can be made worse due to genetic issues or excessive exercise. They can also be afflicted by overweight. Buy your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and following a consistent feeding schedule and diet that avoids foods high in salt, fat or sugar can help combat these issues. The diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be high in nutrients, and contain plenty of essential fatty acid and protein. Puppies need up to 10 percent fat in their food to support their rapid growth and development. These fats are also an essential energy source, offering more than twice the energy content of proteins or carbohydrates. The composition of fatty acids in the diet should consist of a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids 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 illnesses that may be caused by these illnesses. A German Shepherd's immune system is sensitive, and they are susceptible to allergies, particularly to flea bites as well as food. These can lead to gastrointestinal upset vomiting, nausea or weight loss. To avoid this, you must ensure your dog is eating a good quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid eating 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 an unproportionally-sized tumor that develops in blood-rich organs such as the heart and spleen. It is one common type of cancer seen in German Shepherds. Other cancers include lung, intestinal bone, and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is yet another disease that can affect German Shepherds, especially multicentric lymphoma. This causes the growth of multiple lymph nodes around the body.