How to Tell a German Shepherd Puppy: From Characteristics to Buying Guide
German Shepherds (German Shepherds) are beloved for their loyalty, intelligence, and excellent working abilities. But how to choose a healthy German Shepherd puppy? This article will provide you with a structured guide in terms of appearance characteristics, personality expression, and purchasing considerations.
1. Core characteristics of German Shepherd puppies
| Feature Category | Standard description | abnormal behavior |
|---|---|---|
| body proportions | Body length slightly longer than height, back line straight | Arched back or sunken waist, imbalance of limbs |
| head features | Wedge-shaped head, ears erect at 4-6 months of age | Round head or chronically droopy ears |
| Coat color | Black back, yellow belly/all black/wolf gray, thick hair | Excessive white or mottled patches |
| gait | The hind limbs push the ground forcefully when walking | Lameness or weakness in the hind limbs |
2. Personality and health assessment
A quality German Shepherd puppy should exhibit:
1.Strong curiosity: Have a desire to explore sounds and moving objects
2.moderately alert: Not stage frightened nor overly aggressive
3.health signs:
| Check items | health standards |
|---|---|
| eyes | Clear and no secretions |
| nose | Moist and cool without cracks |
| gums | Pink without ulcers |
| anus | Clean without redness or swelling |
3. Guide to purchasing pitfall avoidance
1.ancestry verification: Ask to see the DNA certificate and hip test report of the parent dog
2.Breeding environment inspection: The kennel should be clean and ventilated, with sufficient space for puppies to move around.
3.Price reference:
| Type | market price range |
|---|---|
| pet grade | 3000-8000 yuan |
| level | 15,000-30,000 yuan |
| working dog offspring | More than 50,000 yuan |
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it a defect if the ears don’t stand up straight?
A: It is normal for ears to not erect before 6 months of age and can be improved by calcium supplementation. However, failure to erect ears in adulthood will affect the rating.
Q: How to prevent hip joint disease?
A: Choose puppies whose parents are OFA certified and avoid excessive exercise and climbing stairs during the growth period.
5. Feeding suggestions
1. Feed 4-5 times a day before 3 months old, and choose professional dog food with protein ≥26%
2. The golden period of socialization training is from 3 to 12 weeks of age.
3. It is recommended to control body length growth to 3-5 cm per month to avoid obesity.
Through systematic observation and scientific screening, you are sure to find your ideal German Shepherd partner. It is recommended to keep video evidence when purchasing and sign a health guarantee agreement.
check the details
check the details
en
