Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new black german shepherd dog. Its hair is very soft and sparce in some places. He is almost 12 wks. old. My wife kids me about him and says that he looks like an opossum. his head is pointed and his tail doesn't appear to have as much hair on it as it should. I have had him for almost three weeks now and he has been to the vet once. He had hook worms and fleas. I also wonder if I am feeding him enough. He acts like hes starving every time I feed him and is very aggressive when taking food from your hand. He accidentaly bit my wife taking food from her hand. He only has one coat of hair right now. Will he grow another later? He also has another appointment with his vet today. I saw his parents and they were both nice looking dogs.

Oh my... aggression with food is NOT a good thing. I'm no expert, but that is something that you definately need to talk to a trainer/behavior specalist about.

As to the hair problems, I would speak to your vet about these specific concerns. It doesn't sound to me like this is a normal situation. It could be the hair loss is caused by the fleas, or worms, or it could be something else, such as mange.

Please speak to your vet about these problems, and PLEASE seek the advice of a professional about the aggression.
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PH SmDog

German Shepherd puppies usually have only one layer when they are little. usually some what short and fluffy, the actual hairs are crinkled in appearance. I'm sure that your vet told you that your pup will start shedding soon and the longer straight hairs will come in slowly. Mine started with a funny looking stripe down her back, but it all grew in before she was 5 months. Hope the Vet answered your other questions