Croatian Sheepdog Puppies
The Croatian Sheepdog is a medium-sized dog that is agile, alert, and also makes a great family companion with an active family. It can give birth to 4-6 puppies at a time. It is a very intelligent, loving, and alert temperament dog suited for an experienced dog owner.
The transition of the puppy is full of mystery, curiousness, and challenges. In this article, you will learn about the development of a Croatian Sheepdog puppy in different months and their behavior.
Newborn
When the Croatian Sheepdog puppies are born, they are not able to see, hear, or walk. They are toothless as well so they feed only on the milk of the mother. The mother takes care of all the necessities of her puppies like cleaning them, nursing them, and keeping them cozy.
The puppy spend most of the time sleeping and wakes up only to feed. They are not able to produce their own body heat, so make a cozy place for them where the mother will provide them with warmth. Do not separate the puppies from their mother during this stage as they might die of hypothermia.
Neonatal Stage (0-2 Weeks)
The first two weeks of the Croatian Sheepdog’s puppy’s birth is called the neonatal stage. They are very vulnerable at this period with no sense of smell, hearing, and seeing. However, if they are with the mother, the puppies are completely safe. When the puppies go a little far from the bitch or are cold, they make a squeaking sound and the bitch will get to them.
The puppies crawling towards the mother helps in the development of their bones and muscles. Since they cannot poo or pee on their own, the mother helps them by licking the belly which stimulates them to defecate and pee. With enough sleep and little movement of the body throughout the day, you can see the puppies getting double the size of their birth by the second week.
Transitional Stage (2-4 Weeks)
In this stage you can see many changes in the Croatian Sheepdog’s puppy. The eyes starts to open the eyes in 12-14 days where as the ear canals opens and for the first time the puppies are able to see and hear. You can also see the puppies trying to walk by taking their wobbly steps. They can now wag their tail and attempt the first bark.
By the fourth week, the puppies are able to regulate their own body heat. They are active and start playing with the littermates. By the fourth week, the puppy will start smapleling solid food from the plate of its mother. They starts to pee and poo away from the nesting area and they do not need stimulation from the mother.
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Socialization Stage (4-12 Weeks)
It is a stage where your Croatian Sheepdog needs an introduction to the outside world. The first half of the puppy’s socialization period should be with its mother and other littermates. The bitch will teach her puppies manners, discipline, and also how to bite with it hurting while they are playing.
It is also the time for their basic training to learn like obedience and other commands. The puppy is very keen and is able to soak up all the information they are given, so training becomes easy.
As the puppy gets around 8 weeks old, take them out in the public for socialization. Introduce them to new people and pets and other new experiences. This will help them to be good and friendly around people and not be afraid of them or aggressive towards them when they grow up.
Juvenile Stage (3-6 Months)
The juvenile stage is the period where the Croatian Sheepdog’s puppy starts to look more like a young version of their adult self. They are more active and also mouthy, so it is better to invest in chewable toys than letting your stuff be chewed by your pooch. Since it is a medium-sized dog, it will reach half of its adult size.
Training of Croatian Sheepdog should be continued with more new commands. Also, continue the socialization of your dog as well-socialized dogs are more comfortable around other people and dogs. Provide them with a balanced diet and high-quality puppy food that provides all the nutrition your dog needs.
Adolescence Stage (6-12 Months)
When the Croatian Sheepdog puppy gets 6-8 months old, they reach puberty. The female will come to her first heat between 6-9 months old. She is now able to mate and have puppies but it is not a good idea to involve your dog in any kind of breeding at such a young age. It will be harmful to her health. The male also shows interest in females as they reach 6 months old. However, avoid there mating at that young age.
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Their puppy teeth are also replaced by adult teeth and by 8-9 months, you can switch the puppy food to adult food. They should be given 2 meals a day that contains all the nutrients in them.
It is also the time for advanced training like agility, herding training, and other dog sports. Croatian Sheepdog needs a lot of physical exercises, so take them out for walks, jogging, hiking, or other activities that will keep them happy and satisfy.
Vaccination Chart For Croatian Sheepdog
| 6 to 8 Weeks | Distemper, parvovirus |
| 10 to 12 Weeks | DHPP (vaccines for distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) |
| 16 to 18 Weeks | DHPP, rabies |
| Every 1 to 2 Years | DHPP |
| Every 1 to 3 Years | Rabies (as required by law) |
Vaccination Cost
The cost of the DHPP vaccination for your Croatian Sheepdogs is around 75$-100$. The cost of rabies vaccine is around 15$-20$.
Visit Doglime for more dog breed information and their puppy’s development.
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