Is A German Shepherd Puppy Right For You
German Shepherd puppies make very loyal, protective, and loving pets. Many vets, trainers, and owners who share their lives with German Shepherd puppies feel blessed. If you can accept the responsibility for training them and caring for them, you will be rewarded.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the authorâs knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
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Asking About The Breed
Skeletal Health And Supplementation
Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Some breeds like the German shepherd, are predisposed to a variety of different skeletal disorders, including but not limited to: canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can be a result of poor breeding or induced by intense exercise and poor diet.
Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. German shepherds are genetically predisposed to CHD and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany found its prevalence estimated to be approximately 35% of veterinary cases associated with the disorder.
Osteoarthritis is one of the main contributors of musculoskeletal pain and disabilities that commonly affect German shepherds. Mechanical stress, oxidative damage and inflammatory mediators combine to induce the gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint, resulting in reduced muscle mass, pain, and locomotion.
Vitamins such as A and D also have crucial roles in bone development and maintenance by regulating bone and calcium metabolism. Adequate levels should be incorporated into a German shepherd diet to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.
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Do German Shepherd Ears Stand Up On Their Own Or Do They Have To Be Cut Or Taped To Make Them Stand Up
Ah, youre thinking about cropping, a surgical procedure to make the ears stand up. Thats done with Doberman Pinschers, but not with German Shepherds. A Shepherd puppys ears prick up naturally theyre never cropped.
German Shepherd puppy with perfectly normal ears at this age. If the pup inherited normal genes, the other ear should come up shortly.
But German Shepherd puppies arent born with pricked ears. In some pups, the ears start to prick up at 6 or 8 weeks old, while others dont start until 12 or 14 weeks old.
Often the ears dont go up smoothly. In other words, they dont suddenly pop straight up. Typically one ear will go up halfway, and stay like that for a few days. Then the other ear may start to prick while the first ear straightens all the way up. A few days later, just as the second ear straightens up, the first one suddenly flops back down.
This can be a trying time for new owners who worry that their pups ears will never stand properly. Rest assured, its normal for German Shepherd puppy ears to go up and down for a month or two, especially during the teething period.
Unfortunately, some puppies do inherit poor genes for ear strength and often those ears will never come all the way up. Theyre called soft ears. Sometimes taping a weak ear can help it stand erect, but often not.
I had a German Shepherd with one soft ear. It flopped sideways on top of his head, while the other ear stood up beautifully. Of course I loved him dearly anyway!
How To Check For Pure German Shepherd Dog Breeds
Did you know that the German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in America? Thanks to its traits of being highly intelligent, hardworking, obedient, loyal, and basically, perfect family pets.
However, many German lookalikes may make it difficult for you to identify pure German shepherd dogs without this information.
1. Coat structure
You can identify a German shepherd dog through its coat thats dense and short and lies close to its body. They tend to shed through the year and need regular brushing and grooming.
While German shepherds are typically tan and black, some are pure black, bi-color, blue, gray, white, and sable.
2. DNA test
A DNA test helps you find your dog, and there are many kits available online. Testing not only identifies your dog breed but also their distant and close relatives, and tests for other genetic diseases.
3. Certain physical characteristics
German shepherds have some traits that make them stand apart from other breeds.
They have distinct, pointed ears, a full, long, bushy tail and an adorable head tilt that their fans adore. The tilt can be a sign of intelligence or their way of seeing us more cleanly.
German shepherds have a strong, tall, and proportionate build. They have a deep and narrow chest with sloping front legs and shoulders. They generally weigh nearly 60 pounds when six months old.
4. Look for answers
You can always ask questions to help you identify your German shepherd.
5. Behavior
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What Is Sable German Shepherds Breeding History And Where Does Sable German Shepherd Come From
The credit of bringing a German Shepherd dog or a Sable German Shepherd dog goes to General Max Von Stephanitz. Initially, German Shepherds were raised by Shepherds to keep an eye on their sheep. Thus, the German Shepherd was not typical of a pet dog breed or a military dog.
But, Max Von Stephanitz, a German General, gets attracted to this super adorable dog breed. He started crossbreeding a Hector named German Sh.
In his first year, Hector, after crossbreeding it with another dog breed, become the father of 84 mix-breed puppies. And this, way we get to know not only about German Shepherd but also German Shepherd mix-breed dogs.
Sable German Shepherd, on the other hand, has genes similar to that of Wolfs Ancestor. Thus, they are one of the pure German Shepherd breeds. Sable color signifies one of the true identities of the German Shepherds.
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Which Type Of German Shepherd Is Right For You
Ask yourself this
Your answer lies where the two needs meet
Next, you need to find a breeder that understands their lines and breeding programs.
You donât want someone who breeds for the sake of breeding.
All lines have some issues, and thats true for any other breed of dog too.
But if you know exactly what you want, go to the right breeder and let them know, you will get the right German Shepherd breed type for your family.
Hello there I need some help with a lot of thing since this is going to be my first ever pup!!! and to show my mum I can show responsibility and commitment I would need i little helpI want a pup who can be my protector, my best mate, a shoulder to cry on and a workout buddy
I hope Ive well written this. if you need anymore information I would be happy to answer.
And I would 10/10 recommend to a friend/family/random people on the street.
Thanks for helping me learn more about German Shepherd breeds. Its interesting to learn that the DDR working lines will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Maybe it could be good to learn what other owners have done to really ensure that this breed of German Shepherd remains happy.
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What To Expect From A Reputable/responsible/reliable Breeder
They will encourage multiple visits from you and your family for you to really get to know the breed, the family and the pup before you make your final decision.
You can see your puppys parents and get a pretty good idea of what your puppy will look like as an adult, and you can also see the environment in which the puppy was born and raised.
Reputable breeders are always in great demand. They usually have a waiting list beause they dont always have puppies.
They may ask you to provide proof from your landlord or condominium board that you are allowed to have a dog, and they may ask for a veterinary reference if you have had other pets.
A reputable breeder will be able to offer you information regarding genetic testing of the parents and be able to offer certification of hips, elbows, eyes, and knees.
Responsible breeders will ask you to sign a contract stating that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively showing him or her. The contract will also state that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dogs life.
The Black Color Has No Negative Effect On The Dog
Heres where that negative stigma comes in people can sometimes fear this dog due to its striking black color. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, activeand intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life.
Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs.
Look how obedient this 11-month old Black Shepherd puppy is:
Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you.
As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood.
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Bringing Home A New German Shepherd Puppy
The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience.
If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home.
Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. You dont want your puppy to go from having its mother and littermates to being alone all day right away. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy.
The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own.
While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in!
Pugs Are Naive And Trusting Pugs Have Consistent Good Nature
How to identify pure breed pug. If playback doesnt begin shortly try. According to the AKC a purebred Pug only comes in two colors. Test kits have become widely available through pet stores and online retailers and are geared toward untangling the mystery of a mutts background or confirming the bloodlines of a purebred.
So you have a good understanding of how much pugs cost and you are ready to make the big step of buying a pug puppy. If your dog has one fawn gene and one. Another resource for finding a pug is by contacting the nearest PDCA Chapter Club to you for referrals.
Reputable breeders scrutinize the perspective buyer as much as the buyer investigates the breeder. It is practically unheard of to find a pure-bred Pug from a recognized blood-line that would bite. In addition to the Breeders listed here the Breed Clubs generally include listings of member Breeders on their web sites and if not then a listing can usually be obtained either by e-mail or telephone.
With it being a really popular breed the chances are that there are plenty of pug breeders everywhere whatever country you live in. Enter your 5 digit US Zip code or your 6-character Canadian Postal Code. Black and fawn are the main colors of the Pug breed.
We do not randomly add Breeders to any listing. To achieve these colors breeders have had to breed pugs with non pugs. The amount of markings will vary from one Jack Russell to another.
Check this list of PDCA Chapter Clubs for one in your area.
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German Shepherd Colors: A Complete List Of All 13 Recognized Coat Colors
Loyal, obedient, protective, hard-working, intelligent, and oh-so-loving these are all great adjectives for a German Shepherd dog.
But, what about their appearance?
You have probably seen the stereotypical German Shepherd coat color of black and tan this is the most popular and easy to identify variation.
Did you know that there are 13 German Shepherd Colors?
From white to black, to blue to red, the German Shepherd coat color variation is a long list. The best part of which is that color actually plays no part in any health conditions, behavioral, or temperament.
Each coat color gives useful information into a Shepherds history, so relax and enjoy as we explain each color for the German Shepherd in detail.
Contents and Quick Navigation
Finding A German Shepherd Breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the German shepherd puppy seems too good to be true, theres likely something going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.
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Children And Other Pets
If they’re well-trained and have had plenty of exposure to kids, especially as a puppy, a German Shepherd is a great companion for children. In fact, some say they’re a cross between a babysitter and a cop, both gentle with, and protective of, the children in their family.
This is a big dog, though, capable of mistakenly bumping a toddler or small child. True to their reserved nature, they’re not tail-wagging friendly with kids they don’t know, but they’re generally trustworthy.
The German Shepherd can also live peacefully with other dogs and pets, as long as they’re taught to do so from puppyhood. Introducing an adult German Shepherd to a household with other pets can be more difficult if the dog isn’t used to getting along with other dogs or cats. You may need to hire a professional trainer to help, or get advice from the rescue organization if that’s where you acquired the adult German Shepherd.
What Is The Best Breed Of German Shepherd
German shepherd is a versatile dog. It can perform multiple tasks. Its dedication and loyalty makes it a great companion. The best breed of German Shepherd is the one that suits your needs. There are three types of German Shepherds namely show line, working line, and the police working line. They are different in their appearance and behavior..
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Examine Other German Shepherd Physical Features
You can combine assessing the coat type and color of the German Shepherd with examining other physical features of the breed to make a more informed conclusion about your GSDs bloodline.
Some of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherd you should look for include the following characteristics.