Alice White
German Shepherds are dogs of classical beauty, in which an excellent working potential, a balanced, stable psyche, a gentle disposition, temperament, and exceptional intelligence are genetically laid. The breed has a long and interesting origin history.
To buy a puppy of this breed is a responsible decision and future owners have questions. You will find answers to many of them in this article.
What is the character of the German Shepherds?
The German Shepherd breed can rightfully be called a universal, multifunctional service dog breed in all respects. German Shepherds are ideal as a protector, loyal companion, and guide dog. This breed is used with pleasure in military affairs, guard-search service, police, as an assistant in other spheres of our life. Among the main mental qualities are:
- balanced psyche, strong type of nervous system;
- the firmness of character;
- obedience;
- sensitivity;
- adequate perception of various factors;
- unlimited devotion.
Do German Shepherds like water?
Often, German Shepherds can easily tolerate water procedures and love to swim if they were accustomed to this from an early age.
Bathing a German Shepherd puppy should be completely started no earlier than the age of three months. During this time, the pet’s body will get strong enough to endure water procedures without health consequences. Up to 3 months, it is enough to wipe the baby’s fur with a damp cloth.
What are some common health problems in the German Shepherd?
Breed of dogs German Shepherd, like other breeds, is susceptible to several diseases, including hereditary ones:
- dysplasia of the hip joint is a hereditary disease;
- elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease;
- expansion (bloating) of the stomach – Volvulus;
- degenerative myelopathy;
- exocrine pancreatic insufficiency;
- allergy.
How long do German Shepherds live?
Dogs of the German Shepherd breed do not belong to centenarians. Larger dogs are known to live less than decorative pets.
The average life span of a German Shepherd is 10 to 15 years.
Do German Shepherds shed?
Molting in German Shepherds is a natural process in which the topcoat of the coat and skin change. By their characteristics, German Shepherds, like other dogs, molt twice a year, in autumn and spring.
What kind of care does a German Shepherd need?
You should brush your German Shepherd’s coat twice a week, trim the nails three times a month, and always keep your pet’s eyes and ears clean. The dog is usually bathed 1-2 times a week.
What vaccinations does a German Shepherd need?
When it comes to puppy safety, you should also be aware of vaccinations. Yes, German Shepherds are practically wolves, but we should not forget that humans bred them, and they are susceptible to many diseases, most of which are fatal. In order for the dog to develop immunity from major diseases, it should be regularly vaccinated. 1 vaccination is given at the age of 2 months. Before vaccination, deworming is carried out – treatment for worms. 2 vaccinations are carried out at 7-8 months, then at 1 year, and then annually. Before each vaccination, treatment for worms is performed.
What is the feeding schedule for the German Shepherd?
The recommended feeding scheme is twice a day – morning and evening. It is better not to break the established diet.
The diet of an adult German Shepherd Dog depends on what it is fed: natural or ready-made rations. When feeding with natural food, the recommended daily food intake is 1.5 liters. This portion is divided into 2 parts.
How fast can a German Shepherd run?
The German Shepherd is a sporting dog bred for speed and endurance. They are ideal as running partners with the right training. Although they can reach speeds of about 50 km per hour, most dogs prefer a more relaxed pace, ideal for walking around a person.
When do German Shepherds stop growing?
German Shepherd puppies grow rapidly and gain weight up to 4-6 months. However, large puppies grow more slowly than their small counterparts, and by the age of 2-3 months, the puppies in the litter are comparable in weight and height.
What will the puppy need?
From day one in your new home, your puppy will need two bowls for food and one for water. The most convenient and practical is stainless steel cookware. Plastic bowls are much less durable and very short-lived. It is recommended to feed the German Shepherd puppy from a bowl placed on a special adjustable stand on brackets, this will help to form the correct posture.
Like any toddler, a German Shepherd puppy will need toys – objects made of dense material and of such a size that your pet cannot swallow or gnaw them. If you want to bring up a protector in your little one, then let your German Shepherd puppy beat you in the tug of war or shred. A piece of a torn rope will then represent a trophy and victory.
Contrary to popular belief that it is useful for a dog to gnaw bones, this is absolutely contraindicated for a puppy: a small German Shepherd can ruin still immature teeth, disrupt the correct bite, or choke badly. It is especially dangerous for a puppy to chew on hard objects or foods during a change of teeth (3 to 7 months). To satisfy your pet’s need to “gnaw and bite”, buy him special treats that imitate bones, which will be completely safe and even useful.
