German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent, easy to train and are natural workers. They are awe-inspiring and require lots of exercise.
The early socialization of children is essential to teach children that animals and humans are not threats. They may become scared when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.
Eyes
German Shepherds usually have brown eyes, however they may also have blue eyes. This is due to a genetic change that requires both parents to have the recessive gene that causes puppies to have blue eyes. The color of a dog’s eyes does NOT indicate the health of the dog.
In general, German Shepherds are very healthy dogs and don't have any genetic diseases that are associated with their eye color. However, they may be afflicted by a variety of health problems that are common to all dogs. These include seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Screening for these conditions can help prevent or keep these conditions from happening.
Blue eyes are not common in other breeds of dogs however, they are extremely rare in purebred German Shepherds. It is often a sign of a puppy that is not bred by a breeder who follows strict breeding practices and standards. It is more likely that the puppy is a mix breed with significant amounts of Weimaraner and Siberian Husky in it's 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 may be a sign of an issue with the health of the dog.
Another issue that is common in German Shepherds is cataracts which are defined by opaque areas on the cornea's surface or in the deeper corneal layers. These can lead to a loss of vision or hinder the ability to detect light. This condition can be prevented by restricting your German Shepherd's exposure to direct sunlight and by encouraging it to spend more time indoors. It can also be treated using prescription medications or a specially-designed pair of dog sunglasses.
Ears
When it comes to the German Shepherd, its erect ears and pointed pinna are immediately recognized. The shape of the ear is mostly determined by genetics. However the environment and care can also affect its appearance. If your puppy's ears appear to be floating around or falling down, this is typically normal while he's teething. This period usually lasts between 16 to 20 weeks. At that point, he will have the strength and ability to keep his ears in place for a long time. The outer layer of skin that covers the ear and the inside cartilage are joined through muscles that allow it to move.
If your German Shepherd's ear is constantly down, it could be an indication of an ear infection or a physical trauma. Ear infections often cause 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 keeping your German Shepherd's ears healthy. Bathing him too frequently can remove the natural oils that help keep his ears healthy, so make sure to bathe him only as needed. Avoid using any ear cleaning liquid more than twice per week. It is possible to keep the ear of your pet moist by letting it soak in water every now and again.
A German Shepherd with drooping ears could have an ear mite problem. These tiny parasites can be found outdoors and cause irritation, itching and swelling in the affected ear.
If your German Shepherd has ears that are floppy, you can encourage them to stand up by taping them with a small piece of medical or vet's tape. This can be done with the help of an experienced dog trainer or veterinarian and most dogs will have their ears up 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 dense outer layer. The breed sheds all year round and requires regular brushing in order to maintain its appearance. GSDs have a soft, thick undercoat that protects the skin from the elements. It is covered by hairs that are longer, which can be straight or curly. Guard hairs could be between two and four inches and can also include feathering on the ears, chest and bottom line and also on the back of the thighs. The long stock-coat looks like a wolf with tufts in the ears and feathers on 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, compared to the stock coat.
The GSD comes in a wide range of colors and patterns that range from the classic black and tan that many people are familiar with to different shades such as blues, fawns, and livers. Another variation that is 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 with solid colors are also common, as are GSDs with markings.
The GSD was also renowned for its agility, strength and stealth. This made it a perfect canine for military and police. Its intelligence and loyalty make it a great family companion as well. German Shepherds are a large breed and can be protective of their family members, but they are calm enough to live happily with other dogs and cats and are able to coexist with livestock. GSDs are usually trained in Schutzhund, which is a form of protection work that is designed to identify and stop criminal activity.
Weight
Puppy puppies are small and fragile from birth, when they are completely dependent on their mother for sustenance. Puppies are still very small and have a small appetite, but they could grow to a significant size by the end their neonatal phase.
A healthy German Shepherd puppy is alert and curious, and is not afraid of advancing towards anything and everyone. The dog can play with other littermates, but they may also select one or two to dominate. These behaviors are normal for puppies that are well-bred.
When your puppy is about three weeks old, you can begin to feed him or her solid food, like raw ground beef. It is usually an easy transition. German Shepherd puppies are very quick to learn how to eat this food, and are usually eager.
By the time your German shepherd is four months old his or her rapid development should be finished. They will be focusing on getting bigger and developing adult teeth. It is essential to ensure that your puppy is getting enough calories if they are on an eating plan that includes raw meat.
As an adult as an adult, a German Shepherd is at risk for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy (a spinal cord disease). Certain dogs may exhibit symptoms such as dragging their back feet, or refusing to climb stairs or jump. Certain dogs may be suffering from more than one illness and require treatment with physical therapy, medication or surgery.
Another issue that could be a problem for German Shepherds is heart disease, especially heart disease that is dilated and valvular. A veterinarian can test for these conditions by listening to the heart of the dog using a stethoscope and taking x-rays of the chest.
Health
German Shepherds may suffer from certain health issues like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy or genetic problems. These problems are made worse by excess exercise and obesity. Purchase your German Shepherd from a responsible breeder and observing a consistent feeding schedule and diet that does not include foods high in fat, salt, or sugar can help to combat these issues.
Die diet of a German Shepherd Puppy should be high in nutrients, and contain plenty of essential fatty acids and protein. Puppies require up to 10% fat in their diet to help support rapid growth and development. They are also a major energy source, supplying more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates. The fatty acid composition of the diet should be a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids derived from fish oils, flaxseed, and other vegetable sources.
Vaccinations are vital to the health of the German Shepherd puppy, especially against parvovirus and hepatitis. The vaccines safeguard your puppy from kennel-cough and other respiratory diseases caused by these diseases.
A German Shepherd's immune system is senile, and they are prone to allergies, particularly to flea bites as well as food. They can cause stomach upset vomiting, nausea or weight loss. To prevent this, ensure your dog is eating high quality food that's easily digestible. Avoid eating table food, human food and snacks that are high in sodium or fat.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancer, especially older dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that can develop in blood-rich tissues, such as the spleen and heart. Other kinds of cancers include lung, bone and intestinal cancers. Lymphoma is another condition that can affect German Shepherds, specifically multicentric lymphoma. This causes the growth of multiple lymph nodes around the body.
