How Do German Shepherd Dogs Mate
When the female tells that she is ready by flagging, a German Shepherd dog will mount the Female.
You will be surprised to know that a German shepherds penis does not get hard before entering the female.
He penetrates with the help of a narrow bone called baculum.
The penis will get erected once it is entirely inside the female. Then it gets locked while the ejaculation is released. This process can take up to 20 minutes.
But Why Not Bring Home A German Shepherd Puppy Later Than Eight Weeks
Finding the right timingto bring home a German Shepherd puppy can be tricky. Its important not tobring them home before the age of seven weeks, but its just as important tobring them home before the age of eight weeks. There are a few factors that makeit difficult to properly raise a German Shepherd puppy if you bring it homeafter that eight-week mark.
The first issue youllencounter when buying or adopting a puppy thats more than eight weeks old isthe fact that the pup will likely have a harder time assimilating to your home,your family, and your lifestyle. The reason that people buy puppies so young isthat they want their dog to be able to become a well-socialized part of thefamily unit.
When you adopt a puppy thats older than eight weeks, it becomes harder for them to adjust to your family and will be a more stressful experience. Though its still possible to properly train a dog after their puppy months, it makes life much easier in the long term for both you and your new canine if youre able to get them started young. Commands like sit, stay, and come can all be learned at a young age and will stick with the dog longer if they learn it from puppyhood.
The second reason youshould get a German Shepherd puppy before it passes eight weeks old is that itmakes obedience and work training much easier to accomplish. Since Shepherdsare often used as service animals and police dogs that require advanced training,its important that this training is started young.
The Puppy Is Still Too Little And Fragile
Some breeders believe a primary reason to keep puppies with the mom and littermates longer is that puppies are very little and easily injured.
However, because the German Shepherd is a large breed dog and has a sturdier body to start with, some breeders may be apt to release GSD puppies closer to the eight week age range.
In contrast, smaller and toy dog breeds that are very delicate may need a bit longer to grow up before going to their new home.
Read Also: Can German Shepherds Live In Apartments
Hiking With Young Dogs And Puppies
Hiking is a great way to bond and exercise with your young German Shepherd Dog. Not only does it satisfy a growing puppys desire for physical activity, it also lets him see and smell new things something every German Shepherd loves. Here are some common questions and concerns to look out for when hiking with your young German Shepherd.
Are German Shepherds Prone To Hip Dysplasia
Unfortunately, yes. This beautiful breed is prone to hip dysplasia with around 20% of evaluated dogs showing signs of it.
If you are looking into buying a German Shepherd puppy, the first thing you need to do is check to see if the breeders certified the hips of the parents. This is because hip dysplasia is genetic. If the breeders dont certify their dogs hips, stay far away from them.
Hip certification involves having specialized x-rays taken of your dogs hips after the age of 2 to look for early signs of hip dysplasia. Although a clean x-ray doesnt guarantee that a dog wont develop this condition, it does mean that they probably dont have the hip dysplasia genes.
With nearly 1 in every 5 German Shepherds developing hip dysplasia, it seems like there would be more people working to end it. However, there is one huge reason that this condition continues to be so prevalent in this breed: money.
People that see the popularity of this breed recognize it as an opportunity to cash in. They have no desire to improve the breed and so they dont practice good breeding habits.
Here are some of the things these breeders do that perpetuate hip dysplasia in German Shepherds:
- Dont check hips of breeding stock at all
- Breed dogs that are younger than 2 years so their condition is unknown
- Knowingly breed dogs with bad hips because theyre beautiful
Also Check: Is My German Shepherd Too Skinny
Taking Care Of Your German Shepherd Dog At Home
Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Watch her diet, make sure she gets plenty of exercise, regularly brush her teeth and coat, and call us or a pet emergency hospital when something seems unusual . Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. This is when well give her the necessary check-ups and test for diseases and conditions that are common in Shepherds. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs.
When To Seek Professional Help
Seek the help of a professional trainer the moment you begin to notice problems with biting or barking. You want to make sure any sign of aggression towards the dog’s family is stopped right away. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and you must make sure your dog knows its place in the pack and sees you as the pack leader. If the dog sees himself as the pack leader, behavior problems such as violence can come into play.
Also Check: German Shepherd Black Long Hair
Care For Orphaned Puppies
Newborn puppies must be hand fed if their mother is either unable or unwilling to nurse them. Cows milk is a poor substitute for bitchs milk, which is more concentrated and has twice the level of protein, almost double the calories, and more than twice the calcium and phosphorous content. For feeding puppies, a commercial puppy formula is recommended carefully follow the manufacturers instructions.
Remember that puppies grow very rapidly so make sure you weigh them every day before you calculate how much to feed them.
You may need to start with slightly less formula at each feeding and gradually increase the amount as the puppy responds favorably to hand feeding. Steady weight gain and well-formed feces are the best evidence of satisfactory progress. If diarrhea develops, immediately reduce the puppys intake to half the amount previously fed, then gradually increase it again to the recommended level. Diarrhea in newborns can be very dangerous so consult a veterinarian for advice.
Newborn puppies must be stimulated to defecate and urinate after each feeding. Ordinarily the mothers licking provides this stimulation, but orphaned puppies will need human intervention. Gently massage the puppys anal region with a cotton ball that has been dipped in warm water.
Who Is The Best Human For A German Shepherd
German shepherds love being a part of a high-energy family or with someone who leads an active life. A sedentary lifestyle doesnt work for this herding breed, as they love to learn, play, and be a part of their human pack! German shepherd puppies can get distracted easily. Even though they love children and family life, while training, its best to have them focus only on the task theyre learning so as to avoid sensory overload.
German shepherds are a tried and true family dog. They love swimming , running, and romping in a big backyard. Theyre highly social and friendly dogs, so a busy household works well for them. They also need plenty of affection and snuggles. Due to their hunting heritage, they love to play fetch!
You May Like: Can A German Shepherd Freeze To Death
How Old Is Bella The Female German Shepherd
We have a happy, healthy female German Shepherd dog with papers and a beautiful bloodline worth being proud of. Bella just made 8 yrs of age and we are l Beautiful Sable colored imported German Shepherd Protection trained Great family dog We are wanting to rehome him to someone who will be able to dedicat
Like many large dog breeds, a German Shepherd is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds are fully grown around two years old.
When To Spay Or Ney A German Shepherd
However, theres no denying that there is no one size fits all answer for the question, When to neuter or spay a German shepherd?. Different German shepherds will require a unique time. Either way, you need to know how you can help your German shepherd in their recovery.
When a Female German shepherd is in the proestrus stage, males start to get attracted. You can notice a swelling in the vulva of your Female German Shepherd. There is also some blood discharge, and it can last for 9 days. Estrus is when a female German Shepherd is ready to be breed. Only during this period, she can get pregnant.
Read Also: German Shepherd Vs Rottweiler Who Would Win
How Often Does A German Shepherd Come In Heat
A Female German Shepherd comes in heat every 6 months. But sometimes dogs can have irregular cycles.
It can take up to 2 years to the cycles to become regular. During the heating cycle, many hormonal changes are going on inside a dogs body.
Its behavior can change, and it can act differently than usual. When a female is in heat, she will desperately look for another dog to mate.
During this time, a German shepherd will bleed, and if you do not know how to care for her, you can get in trouble.
Here is an article on how to take care of a german shepherd in heat
Types Of German Shepherd Breed Based On Color
German shepherds are also characterized based on the color coat they have.
Saddle Back German Shepherd
They are the most common German Shepherd. They are predominantly red or tan with black color on the back which looks like a saddle.
Solid color German Shepherd
They are rare and mostly found in Black or White color. Some mistakenly believe Black GSD to be special dogs though the only difference is in the color.
As only 10% of GSD are solid black, their price is quite high sometimes double or triple of average.
Agouti German Shepherd
This type of GSD has multi colors on the full body instead of resembling a saddle. This is due to the dominant genes.
Panda German Shepherd
This is also a rare type of GSD which has a white abdomen and legs but has black or tan color on the rest of the body.
Don’t Miss: When Do German Shepherds Ears Stand Up
What Does It Mean When A German Shepherd Is In Heat
All canine females go through the heat cycle once they reach a certain age.
That age is based largely on their breed and size, but there is always some wiggle room here.
Generally speaking, a female dog can enter estrusthe heat cyclearound six months of age to nine months, though some wait until a year or longer to begin.
The only exception to heat is any female thats been spayed. Since her reproductive organs have been removed, she no longer goes through the cycle.
German Shepherds are large dogs. This means they are more likely to wait a bit longer to have their first heat.
Some wait up to two years. Even so, you should be watching your GSD closely for signs of estrus as early as four months of age.
If youre new to canine reproduction, all of what you just read might seem like a foreign language. What does all of this actually mean?
Heres a primer on canine estrus cycles.
Is My Dog Old
This is a valid question to ask if you are worried about the age and health of your dog. If your dog is 1-5 years old then it is good to go and not old as you can tell from their energetic habits.
However, once your dog goes past that and enters year 7 it can show some signs of old age.
And around 10 years, your dog qualifies as a senior dog. At this age, it will be the most vulnerable and will require your utmost love and care.
On the other hand, some dogs are not bound by their age as they remain active up until their last days.
You May Like: German Shepherd Price Philippines
Watch For Signs Of Pregnancy
Canine gestation lasts approximately 63 days. Signs of pregnancy include an increase in appetite, weight, and nipple size. However, a bitch with false pregnancy may also show these signs. A veterinarian can usually confirm a pregnancy through abdominal palpitation at 28 days or by using ultrasound or X-rays.
Once pregnancy is confirmed, you should talk to your vet about special feeding requirements and about what to expect during pregnancy, labor, and after birth. You should also be briefed on how to recognize and respond to an emergency.
The American Kennel Club
Locating a good breeder is one of the main considerations. The breeder should be very knowledgeable about the breed and the American Kennel Club .
The American Kennel Club tries to regulate all registered puppy breeders, but because there are so many breeders, it is difficult to watch over all of them. But if you know what you are looking for and ask the breeder a lot of questions, you will soon know whether you have found a good breeder.
Read Also: What Type Of German Shepherd Do Police Use
German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Outlook
Although it may seem scary, theres no need to panic if your GSD is diagnosed with this condition. The prognosis for hip dysplasia is generally good, especially if its caught early. If youre willing to put in some effort, your dog has an excellent chance at living a long and comfortable life after diagnosis.
Hopefully, this post gave you everything you need to know about German Shepherds and hip dysplasia. The most important thing to remember is that its not a death sentence. With proper management through surgery, use of a dog wheelchair, or supplements, your best friend can still live life to the fullest.
Please below if you have any more questions for me or if you have your own story to share. I always love to hear other peoples stories, especially about my favorite breed!
About Alexandra Animalso
I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love.
Can A German Shepherd Breed With A Chihuahua
There’s no catchy name for a German shepherd crossbred with a Chihuahua, although they can certainly make puppies together Though the male Chihuahua may need a bit of assistance mating with a German shepherd, it’s much safer, as the larger dog should have no difficulty carrying and delivering her litter.
Read Also: Chiwawa Mixed With German Shepherd
Provide A Special Room
If doggie diapers arent your idea of fun, your house can still stay relatively clean. This involves keeping your in-heat GSD in a room with a tile or linoleum floor.
Shell leave a bit of a mess that youll want to clean frequently, but at least you wont have to change diapers for three weeks.
Keep in mind that estrus discharge can smell quite strongly. If you have a sensitive nose, must leave your dog alone for eight or more hours, or get queasy at the sight of blood, you wont want to skip the diapers.
Trust us on this one. Most dogs will clean up after themselves, but only their own bodies.
Theyll leave the floor, bedding, toys, and furniture to you.
Can A 7 Year Old German Shepherd Get Pregnant
What Age Can German Shepherds Get Pregnant? Technically speaking, German Shepherds can get pregnant as early as 6 months of age. GSDs reach sexual maturity within 6-12 months of age, meaning they can become pregnant if they are around intact males. This, however, is not the recommended age for breeding.
Read Also: Easy German Shepherd Sketch
When It Comes To German Shepherd Breeding What Is The Best Age
German shepherd dogs , are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are loyal companions, among the smartest dog breeds, hardworking, and just gorgeous animals to behold. Due to the high demand, German shepherd breeding can be an appealing idea.
There is a lot of thought that goes into dog breeding, which means many factors need to be weighed. With the GSD breed, there are many health concerns to consider that are associated with them. While this can be similar to other breeds, it is important to know what to consider and how it relates to when you should consider breeding. Lets break down the best age to breed a German shepherd.
Caring For Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds are fantastic dogs and its easy to see why they are such a popular breed. However their size and strength means they arent suited to all families and need a lot of space to burn off their energy. Youll need to make sure you have a lot of time to spend with these dogs and you are committed to providing for their exercise needs every day.
Don’t Miss: When To Neuter A German Shepherd