German Shepherd dog breed

If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy, they will need about three or four meals a day until they’re around six months old. Then, over the next few months, you can gradually reduce the number of times you feed your dog each day. As an adult, they’ll only need feeding once or twice a day.

There are many different types of dog food available, including dry food, wet food and raw food. Sometimes it can be difficult to know which one is best, and how much your German Shepherd should eat a day. If you’re not sure, speak to your vet who’ll be able to help you choose the right food and amount for your dog. This will depend on their age, size and how much exercise your dog gets  each day.

German Shepherds have either a long or short-haired double coat. The short-haired variety has a short, straight topcoat with a thick, dense undercoat. This doesn’t need as much grooming as the long-haired coat that has a much longer, fluffier topcoat. All dogs vary but aim to brush this variety four or five times a week.

A long-haired German Shepherd will usually need grooming every day to prevent the hair from getting dirty and matted. Matted fur can cause your dog discomfort and can harbour all sorts of unwanted parasites.

German Shepherds are a very energetic and active breed – you must remember this when considering which type of dog to get. Your German Shepherd will need lots of exercise to burn off their boundless energy and to keep them healthy whether they’re an adult or a puppy. It’ll also stop them from becoming bored and getting into mischief. You’ll need to take them out for regular long walks, probably twice a day, to keep them well-exercised.

Introducing some playtime on a walk will help burn energy and keep their mind busy. German Shepherds love nothing more than fetching a ball or catching a frisbee.

German Shepherds are registered with the Kennel Club in the Pastoral Breed group – which means they were bred for working with livestock. Because of their intelligence and loyalty, it means training your German Shepherd is easy. They’re often trained as service dogs because of their fearlessness. It’s not uncommon to see a German Shepherd working for the police or the military.

If you have a German Shepherd puppy, taking them to puppy training classes is a great way to start. It’s also the perfect place to socialise them with other dogs and people. And you’ll pick up some great tips on house training your puppy, which is one of the first things you’ll need to teach them to do.

Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for DM and most dogs with the condition will become partially paralysed within a few months of diagnosis. Complete paralysis usually happens within a couple of years. The welfare of the dog usually means they’re put to sleep before the condition gets this bad.

Elbow and hip dysplasia are conditions that affect the elbows and hip joints of dogs. They can lead to arthritis, especially as a dog ages, and can be incredibly painful regardless of breed or age. Fortunately, anti-inflammatory medication can help you to manage your dog’s condition. Surgery may also be an option. For more information, speak to your vet.

If you’re buying a puppy, it’s a good idea to ask the breeder if the parents have been tested for elbow and hip dysplasia. If both parents have very low scores, this will hopefully reduce the risk of either condition developing in your puppy.

Epilepsy can cause fits and convulsions in dogs and is a result of abnormal brain activity. If your German Shepherd suffers from epilepsy, the symptoms will likely appear during the ages of one and five.

If you suspect that you dog has epilepsy speak with your vet, they should be able to give you a full diagnosis after a series of tests. While the symptoms of epilepsy may look frightening, with regular treatment your dog can maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle