German Shepherd puppies are smart, easy to train, and are natural workers. They are adventurous and require lots of exercise.They are naturally protective of their owners, and so early socialization is crucial to help them learn that animals and humans aren't threats. They can be scared when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds typically have brown eyes, but they can also have blue eyes. It's a genetic variation. Both parents must possess the recessive genes for their puppies to be born with blue eyes. However the colour of a dog's eyes does not indicate how healthy the dog is.
In general, German Shepherds have very healthy eyes and no inherited illnesses are related to their eye color. However, they may suffer from a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. This includes seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. Screening for these conditions can help prevent or keep these conditions from happening.
While blue eyes are commonplace in other breeds of dogs, it's rare to see them on purebred German Shepherd. In reality, it's often a sign that the puppy is not from a breeder which adheres to strict standards of breeding and practices. Instead, it is likely that the pup is mixed breed with a significant amount of Weimaraner or Siberian Husky in its ancestry.
It is not unusual for German Shepherds, although it is rare, to have one blue and one brown eye. This is a condition known as heterochromia, and it can sometimes indicate an issue with the health of the dog.
Cataracts are a different issue that is common in German Shepherds. They are characterized as transparent areas on the surface of the cornea or deeper layers of the cornea. These can lead to loss of sight or interfere with 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 urging it to spend as much time indoors as much as is feasible. You can also treat it with prescription medications or doggie glasses.
Ears
The German Shepherd is instantly recognizable by its pointed pinna and ears that are straight. Although the appearance of the ear is determined largely by genetics, it may also be influenced by environmental factors and the care given to it. It's normal for dog's ears to drop or flip over while teething. This usually ends between 16 and 20 weeks, and at that point the pup will be strong enough to stand his ears up. The outer layer of skin on the ear and the inner cartilage is connected by muscles that allow it to move.
If the ears of your German Shepherd is always down, it could be a sign of an ear infection. Ears that are drooping are usually caused by ear infections. The signs include swelling, itching, odor or discharge.
Make sure you keep your German Shepherd's ear clear to avoid ear infections. Bathing your German Shepherd too often could remove the natural oils which ensure his ears are healthy. Make sure you bathe him as necessary. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than two times per week. It is possible to keep the ear of your pet hydrated by letting it soak in water from time to time.
If one of your German Shepherd's ears is dropping it could be due to an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites are commonly found in the outdoors and can cause itching, irritation, swelling and drooping in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy You can get them to stand up by taping them with a small piece of medical or vet's tape. This can be done with the assistance of a professional dog trainer or vet, and most dogs will have their ears up within a matter of minutes after you tap them.
Coat
The German Shepherd Dog is a double-coated dog with a soft, dense undercoat and a fluffy undercoat. This breed sheds year-round and requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best. GSDs have an undercoat that is thick and soft and protects the skin from the elements. The undercoat is adorned by longer guard hairs, which can be straight or curly. Guard hairs can be anywhere between two and four inches long and can also include 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 on the ears and feathers at the feet. Plush coats are medium-length coats, which are preferred for the show ring. They are a thicker and more soft coat, with more feathering, than the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, from the classic black and tan the majority of people know to other shades such as blues, fawns and livers. The sable pattern, which features lighter and darker hairs that combine to create a wolf-like appearance all over the body, is another well-known variation. Solid-color GSDs are also very common and so are GSDs with white markings.
The GSD is also known for its agility, strength, and stealth, making it the ideal police and military dog. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a great family dog. German Shepherds are a large breed that is protective of its family however, they are also calm enough to get along with other animals, dogs and livestock. GSDs often receive Schutzhund training that is a form or protection work that is designed to deter criminal activity.
Weight
Puppies are fragile and tiny at birth. They are completely dependent on their mother for nutrition. At this stage, puppies have a small appetite but can double their weight at the end of their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious. They are not afraid of making advances at anything and anyone. They play with littermates, but will also pick one or two of them and assert their dominance over the other puppies. These behaviors are normal for puppies that are well-bred.
At around three weeks old, you can begin feeding your puppy solid food items, such as raw ground beef. This is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies learn to consume this kind of food quickly and are generally eager to do so.
By the time your German Shepherd is four months old, his or her rapid growth will be over and the dog will be focused on gaining larger and developing adult teeth. Puppies on a raw meat diet can run underweight, so it is important to make sure they are 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 conditions, such as having their back feet drag or becoming unwilling to run or climb steps. Some dogs may have more than one illness and require treatment with treatment with medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Another issue that can be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, specifically the valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions can be tested by a veterinarian using a stethoscope to listen to the dog's chest, and x-rays.
Health
German Shepherds can suffer from certain health issues like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and genetic problems. These conditions are made worse by excessive exercise and weight gain. These ailments can be treated by purchasing your German Shepherd from an ethical breeder, following a regular eating schedule, and staying away from foods high in salt, sugar, and fat.
The diet of a German Shepherd puppy should be nutritious, containing plenty of protein and essential fat acids. Puppies need up to 10 percent fat in their food to support their rapid growth and development. They are also a key energy source, offering more than double the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. The diet should include an assortment of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are derived from flaxseeds fish oils, as well as vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are essential 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 diseases which can be caused by these diseases.
The immune system of the German Shepherd is a sensitive one. They are susceptible to allergies, specifically to flea bites or foods. They can trigger stomach upset, weight loss, or vomiting. To avoid this, make sure your dog is eating good quality food that is easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food, and treats high in sodium or fat.
Cancer is another major concern for German Shepherds, especially in older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumour that develops in blood-rich tissues like the spleen and heart. Other cancers include intestinal, lung bone cancers, and intestinal. German Shepherds can also be affected by lymphoma. This is especially true of multicentric lymphoma which causes multiple lymph nodes to enlarge around the body.
