German Shepherds have been an immensely popular breed for over a century. This large breed was first introduced outside of Germany during the first World War and has steadily gained a loyal following. German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal dogs and make great family pets. They are also well suited to work in such occupations as seeing eye dogs, watchdogs, police work and more. These canines are well rounded and make great additions to any family.
Choose a reputable breeder. German Shepherds, just like any other breed, have their share of health problems. You can avoid picking a puppy that’s prone to such problems by choosing a good breeder. A good breeder will be concerned about the health and quality of all their German Shepherds. If you aren’t sure where to look, contact your local breed council for recommendations.
Diet is important. Just like with humans what you feed, your German Shepherd ultimately is one of the deciding factors in its health, growth and development. Talk to your veterinarian about what types of things should be in the diet of a large breed like the German Shepherd.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds, commonly suffer from hip dysplasia. This is a disease that affects the shoulder and elbow joints much like arthritis. One way to reduce the chances of this German Shepherd health problem occurring is to keep exercise to a reasonable level for the first six months. This is a crucial time in your puppy’s development and overdoing it can cause problems down the line.
Other German Shepherd health concerns include Hemophilia A. This blood clotting disorder affects the males and can be hereditary. Although not subject themselves, the females can be carriers. Pancreatic Insufficiency causes food to not be digested properly. Treatment is a life long process. Bloat or Gastric Torsion is also common. Feeding two smaller meals a day instead of one large one can help prevent this painful condition.
Many of the health conditions that German Shepherds suffer from are hereditary. This is one of the reasons why a reputable breeder should be picked. They will know their German Shepherds and their histories and can inform you of anything you need to watch out for. To keep your German shepherd healthy and happy, be sure to exercise your dog regularly. It is also a good idea to get yearly check ups. German Shepherds are also very social creatures. So taking them to a dog park or allowing them to interact with other dogs and people is also a good idea. German Shepherds are also very trainable, so have some fun and teach your dog some interesting and fun tricks. These are all sure ways to keep your German Shepherd healthy.
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