about german shepherd puppies

about german shepherd puppies

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dog. Golden retrievers are perfect for anyone looking for a companion member of their family. A golden retriever is a great dog to bring into a home with other pets, as well. Not to mention, they are absolutely beautiful with their long and shiny coats of fur. We are very passionate about the Golden Retriever and our dogs are bred with love and care. We work hard at pairing our dogs to breed the gentle temperament that makes golden retrievers famous. Our adults are all indoor family pets who are also trained performance dogs. Tails of Gold adult dogs have earned multiple agility titles so the puppies you get from us have parents whose intelligence and trainability has been tested. A wonderful showcase of awards have been won with these highly intelligent golden retrievers. In addition to their own merits, the parents also have good breeding lines. They have Champion lines in track and field, conformation and obedience. Thank you for visiting our website. Our puppies are treated as members of our family and we will happily welcome them into yours. If you would like to adopt a wonderful and beautiful Golden Retriever, please contact Tails of Gold today. We look forward to hearing from you. I will be happy to help find the right dog for your family! Happy, Healthy Bloodline Our track record for producing healthy puppies is exceptional and has been proven in an 22 year breeding history. An excellent written health guarantee is offered with each puppy. All of our golden retriever puppies have regular veterinary check-ups and are kept up to date on vaccinations. Rest assured that your Tails of Gold puppy has gotten off to a healthy start! A Furever Friend Soft, furry, lovable and full of snuggles. And who can resist those eyes? We work very hard to breed the very best puppies. It is our privilege to provide one of our babies to your loving home. Handler and dog must work together to have a successful outcome. The pinnacle accomplishment for any dog running in field trials is to earn a Field Champion FC title designation or an Amateur Field Champion AFC designation — or for some, it might be both. Your dog runs, finds them, and retrieves them as quickly as he can while responding to hand signals or whistles from you or your handler. Contestants are judged on various traits they are born with including a strong memory for marks, intelligence, perseverance, and more. Section 7. Master Hunting Test. Dogs shall be tested in a minimum of five hunting situations as follows: multiple land marks, multiple water marks, multiple marks on water and land, a land blind and a water blind at least one that shall be a double blind in any combination. There shall be at least three series. At least one of the series shall include a walk-up. The 3 falls must be presented before a dog is sent to retrieve any mark or blind. During a double set of marks 2 falls Master judges shall include additional elements of testing, i. Train ability must be evaluated more stringently than in Senior Hunting Tests. While distance is not crucial, Master Hunting situations are more severe and difficult than Senior Hunting situations. A dog that displays unwillingness must be scored relatively lower on Marking and Perseverance than in the Senior Hunting Test. A dog that goes to the area of the fall and finds the bird unaided shall be scored appreciably higher than a dog that must be handled to a bird. Master Hunting dogs must exhibit those qualities expected in a truly finished and experienced hunting companion. The five qualifying progeny must earn a combined total of 48 points. Two of the five required progeny MAY have a combination of a six point title and a five point title or two six point titles. Points are not cumulative within a category and only the highest achievement earned in each category is recognized. Additional points may be earned by qualifying progeny. All titles below the five point level will only count towards the OS if earned by already qualified progeny. Should the titles of the five qualifying progeny not total 48 points, then additional points including those titles worth less than five points may be counted for those dogs already recognized as qualifying progeny by the point value of other titles earned. GRCA will not track the accumulation of points, only titles. We are a top golden retriever breeder in Minnesota offering golden retriever puppies for sale and golden doodle puppies for sale. Stay up to date with news on our current golden retrievers and golden doodle litters and puppies for sale. We keep this page current, so make sure to check back or contact us if you would like to reserve a puppy. Located near LeSueur Minnesota the farm has been in the Riebel family for over years. Through selective breeding they have developed their golden retriever bloodlines into wonderful family, hunting, and companion dogs. Read more about us and our farm. A Golden Retriever puppy will be very playful and pal around with you and your family for hours. This dog breed is known for its beautiful coat and feathered coat. Goldens come in many colors, cream and blonde are the most common while darker red colors are more of a rarity. At Island Farm Retrievers we have all 3 colors available. This dog breed is one of a kind and will remain a prefect family pet for many years to come. Read More on our Golden Retrievers Golden Doodles Goldendoodles are known to be one of the most popular breeds in the United States due to their many different color phases, very trainable and intelligent, and being hypoallergenic, making them a suitable dog for any family. New pup owners and past customers with their goldens! We specialize in raising, competing, and breeding Golden Retrievers who are multi-purpose: strong field trial and hunt test competitors with friendly, loving attitudes that can serve as hunting companions and pets. If you are eager to have a working dog that also will be a great companion in your home, please contact us. We breed for competitive homes that will give our puppies a job to do as they grow, but our litters will also be appropriate for hunting companions and as pets. Our goal is to send a puppy to your home that is well socialized, eager to learn, inquisitive, and full of desire. If you are considering a current litter or one in the future, please browse our website or visit with us about our dogs, facilities, breeding program, training, and philosophy. It includes a lot of information about our kennel and the Golden Retriever as a working dog!! He is birdy and loves to retrieve. Malcolm has his Junior Title and one Senior pass and will be able to continue on to his Senior title. He is intact and will be sold with full registration We are selling him because we have 3 males closely related in the kennel and have decided to stick with the other two. Please contact Benita for more information. Serious inquiries only. What Pet Owners Say "Very Professional" "My husband and I have always dreamt of having a golden and the Matheson's of Iron Range made our dream not only a reality but a truly amazing and interactive experience from start to finish! From the moment we put in our deposit we were updated on our litter every step of the way! As soon as pups were born we got weekly photo updates and got to meet our pup in person at about 5 weeks. The Matheson's have a beautiful property and take such good care of the puppies and their own dogs! We love our Ludo! Jessica was SO great a communicating. We got updates at least once a week with pictures and videos. The amount of research, love and care that goes into their breeding is unmatched! We recommend them to all our friends and family!! Jessica was amazing keeping us updated with lots of pictures as well as letting us know how our guy was doing. Our family couldn't have asked for a better or more beautiful dog! Our Otis has the most amazing personality and soul. He is very gentle and very intuitive to how people are feeling. He passed his basic obedience and is now heading for his cgc title. He has shown perfect qualities to being a service dog for our son who is autistic, we have been training him to perform tasks that will help our son! He learns so fast it's amazing! Why choose MN English Golden? We are professional breeders that focus on 1 excellent genetic health testings, exquisite temperaments, and highest quality pedigrees such as World Championship Moondust Masterpiece and three times winning Steadfast Angus. Our pups are breastfed until couple days before they go home at 8 weeks old. Classified as a working dog with purposes such as Service or Therapy work. We breed to better the breed. We focus on superior health of our puppies to give our families the perfect golden. For more information view health testings on OFA. English Cream Goldens are such an exquisite breed. They are intelligent, playful, honest, loyal, and loving companions. Once you have a golden, you will always want a golden. They will always be by your side, full of love, and will make your heart melt! Majority of our pups are sold before pups are born. We recommend reserving your puppy early so you can be one of the first picks of the litter. Once pups are born we will mark each puppy with a different color collar and have weekly pictures for you so you can enjoy watching your puppy grow! We love to have our families come to our home and have the joy in picking out their puppy. Each family will have their own time to meet and play with the puppies, parents and meet our family. We will answer all questions and help guide each family in choosing their perfect puppy. If a family can not come to our home to pick out their puppy, then we will have the family pick out their puppy online before we ship or deliver puppy to you. Visit FAQ page for more information on delivering or shipping a puppy to you. Puppies will be ready to join their forever loving homes at 8 weeks old. We do have options where your puppy can stay and go through our puppy training classes. Please visit FAQ and training program page for more information. They will be ready to go to their new homes in early to mid December. We are taking deposits now towards these litters. If December is busy, let us begin the training process for you, then you can pick up shortly before or after Christmas. Each of us plays a part in the business, including blogging and web-updates, customer contact, cleaning kennels, feeding and training the dogs, and but of course! Our kids are now in their twenties. Hunting is our favorite autumn routine. Every time Dad and Joe get home from hunting, the rest of the family storm them with questions. You could say we train our dogs for stories. After a month or so of our obedience or hunting training your dog will learn many new skills. Each of our adult dogs is trained for hunting and is hunted over. A number of our dogs are descended from field champion dogs. It fun to see that the dogs look forward to hunting as much as we do. Each year on the first duck hunt of the season Tanner will literally tremble with excitement as he anticipates the first retrieve. We also offer our training services to help your dog develop outstanding obedience and hunting skills. Our training packages can take your dog from the basic obedience starting point up to the point of being field ready. Did you know?

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale. However be sure to keep in mind that the are also very high maintenance in the sense that they love constant attention and love from their owners. I have adopted one and she had the characteristics of the best of both Labrador and boxer. She was great with kids and great with animals including cats and other dogs. She was very protective of her family members. And we had to really work to getting her used to playing with the dogs not being threatened by them. Ours was a female named Rylee. She lived 15 years 1 month. She helped me raise my kids and our grandkids. We loved her so much. She was so chill. She was very loveable, friendly, loved to lay on my lap. Got along with other dogs. Loving, gentle, low maintenance, loyal and fun. At times he acted like he was as dumb as a rock, but in retrospect I think he just enjoyed joking with us. Our guy is 26" tall and 83 pounds so he is definitely a little bigger, but has a very athletic build. His personality is playful and loyal. He is very good motivated and dog motivated. He wants nothing more than to wrestle and play. He prefers play that engages him, wrestling and tug more fetch. He is very trainable and does not destroy furniture. You will need to be prepared to exercise them times a day. Walking him three times a day would not be sufficient, he needs engagement from his person or other dogs. I doubt we will ever own another breed. I will say I have never come across a dog that was as loving as my baby cigar. He was playful, he thought he was the tiniest but really was always the biggest dog in the room, and he was adventurous. Great dog!! She was easy to train, loves kids, gentle, loves other dogs. I lost my brindle boxer March 27, .I miss him and so does my wife. He was lbs and the most loving and protective creature I have ever known. We want to raise another and eventually start breeding them. His mother was Newfoundland lab and father was a striking 80 lb boxer. Pink of course ; loyal and well mannered! She is with her birth mom till May 8th and then Daisy will have a little girl of her own to watch over. My parents had to give him away it broke my heart. Probably a intelligent, and loving pet with a protective and family connection,always going and living in home and liking to travel with there family and friends with. Obedient and lovable. He has some street smarts too. Loves our two cats and gently as can be with our young grandchildren. Our Ginger passed away in June. We are considering a puppy in the near future. If there was a breed designed to be hugged and petted, this is it. I described Violet as a cross between your favorite pillow and blanket. Just be careful with their knees - she had several torn ligaments. Eis We have a rescue boxador. She is sweet and the most precious part of our home. She is very active and lovable. She prefers humans and craves attention. Is very skittish and nervous with other dogs. Mostly medium and big dogs. A little bit easier going with smaller breeds. Smart and also highly sociable, loves her treats and running outside. Amazing with kids and loyal to her owners and those who love her. Excited Pee and working on it!! Rating: Boxador Breed Review by david I have a 3 year old. I've had my boxador for 8 years now and he is the sweetest and most loving pet I've ever met. Every single family member and friend that has come in contact with him makes comments about how great he is and asks what breed he is. I've even had friends look into getting the same breed because they love him so much. Great with kids, great with people, kids, loyal, smart, sweet and all-around great pet. Rating: Boxador Breed Review by olivia I think it is such a cute breed, and i love how cute they are. She was a loving, playful girl and was a part of the family. Loved to cuddle. She trained quickly. She loved all people, but especially children. She played well with other dogs. Ours was given to usand wehad yt? Now we know for sure, i want another. Bery dsmart,loyal, and protective. Good with kids. High energy. Very strong. Loved to swim and pulled my 4 year old around the pool by his tail. Very good dog. Miss my Jack. Love this dog breed. I was fortunate to have a brindle colored Tan and Dark brown female. She was lightening fast, energetic, smart wonderful with children and audlts. She was by far the best dog I had ever had. I would give them the highest rating possible. I will be looking for another boxador puppy in the future. He is one of the best dogs we've ever had the pleasure of having in our family. He has a wonderful temperament, loves everyone, was easy to train and is the perfect companion. Everyone says they love her mix!!! I love her mix too! She trained easily too! Her different breeds come out sometimes,like on some days she's more of a boxer than a lab. My dog loves children and other dogs!!! She just turned one in January,and still plays like a puppy! I think she is going to stay in her puppy playful phase forever!! She knows sit,stay,paw,and lay,and almost come!!! But,if you don't want a big dog then.I love labs, and boxers even more, So I highly recommend boxadors!!!! Rating: Boxador Breed Review by Lucille We just had to put our beloved boxador down this week after 8 years. He was the most wonderful dog ever! A real gentle giant! He was always wagging his tail, loved to be around people, very gentle with children, and a joy to be around. We will get another boxador in the near future. S they are so cute!!!! He is smart, loyal, friendly, kind with all other animals and people. He can be protective when needed but as long as he considers you a friend he will love you.He is a true gentleman. .He does suffer with a bit of separation anxiety at times. But with a little tlc we can usually get through it.He is not destructive, other than occasional digging when he is having anxiety problems.A wonderful addition to our home.Rating: Boxador Breed Review by Jordyn Achenbach My boyfriend and I recently adopted a boxador and she is truly the most gentle and sweet dog! She is also so easily trained! My 1st "Chet" was the best dog anyone could ask for. When these dogs grow up they are truly incredible. Family oriented, love children and are the next best thing to a loaded gun. I miss all my bozador friends and am now looking for my fourth. I will say that these puppies are a handful. We just lost Buddy after 10 years to cancer. He was smart, loyal, kind and loving. He was more like a person than a dog. He understood what you were saying and was very easy to train. Did not run, stayed around the house unattended. He liked to be entertained and did get bored easy, but I believe that that was because he was so intelligent. He loved to go for walks off leash. It was never an issue. Always stayed close and came when called. The perfect companion. Very high energy and loving. I got her at 10 months from a girl who didn't have the time to take care of her and taking her in was the best decision I've made. I highly recommend this breed to any family. Smartest, sweetest, and most loving dog. Great with adults, great with kids. Would recommend this breed to anyone. Rating: Boxador Breed Review by Jeannie Yates I love the Boxador I have a 5 year old Male who is the light of my life and one of the most loyal, loving, protective, well behaved dogs I have ever owned. The puppy years were tough but that is true no matter the breed. Consistency and patients are key. Recommend anyone who wants a good family dog. He is very loyal and protective, and he loves all animals and people especially children. I am definitely going to buy another boxador in the future; and when I do, I will definitely purchase it from Greenfield Puppies. We got our Buddy from you guys 3 years ago and love him to peices!! If you like high energy dogs that are very loyal and loveng. Train well, wants to play all the time, always happy, great with kids, good with other dogs and cats if puped with them. Loves toys, especially playing frizbee. If u have a pool u cant keep them out it. Needs a large yard to run and run they do. Not a dog suited for lots of alone time, needs company and people to play with. Both parents were on site and purebred. Izzy truly was the love of my life! She was the best dog - the best attitude, the best personality. She was my best friend. I absolutely miss her with all my heart!!!

This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Elbow dysplasia ED Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds. Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Kidney disease Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination polyuria increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite Wobbler syndrome In veterinary medicine, this is the name given to a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the area of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves in the area of the cervical spine. Cardiomyopathy In large breeds of dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is by far the most common cardiomyopathy. The Dogue de Boxer is a friendly, lively and energetic hybrid breed. He has a strong will and is very intelligent. What is the size of Boxer Dogue de Bordeaux mixes? Most Boxer-Dogue de Bordeaux mixes reach a height at withers of 51 to 71 centimeters and weigh an average of 30 to 50 kilograms. What kind of coat do Dogue de Boxer puppies have? Puppies usually have short, smooth skin covered with a mixture of brown and black hairs. Do Boxer and Dogue de Bordeaux mixes become aggressive? No, these mixtures usually do not show any aggressive tendency. They are rather friendly and social. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. The Dogue de Bordeaux also known as the French Mastiff, and the breed that played the lovable aforementioned Hooch is a calm and mild-mannered pup who is more interested in being your devoted pal than being on the A-list. While generally gentle and laid-back, Dogue de Bordeaux can be protective, stubborn and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs. They were used to guard French estates back in the day. Working with a certified trainer can help ensure your puppy grows up to be friendly and confident. Back to Top How to Care for a Dogue de Bordeaux These dogs may be high on the maintenance scale, but caring for a Dogue de Bordeaux is not all work and no play. While their wrinkly faces, complete with buckets of drool, require daily cleaning, their fur is fairly easy to maintain and requires minimal brushing. As a puppy, the breed needs proper socialization and training to grow up friendly and confident. Grooming You may be trying to avoid wrinkles like the plague, but Dogue de Bordeaux embrace theirs happily. Those wonderfully mushy faces, though, do require daily cleaning to keep their wrinkles clean and dry. Dogue de Bordeaux shed minimally year-round, but a weekly brushing with rubber curry or shedding blade is typically enough to keep loose hair from creating an unwanted layer over your furniture. A bath once a month is all they need to stay fresh, and weekly ear cleanings will keep them healthy. Starting when your Dogue de Bordeaux is a puppy will get them used to it faster. An annual professional teeth cleaning by your vet not groomer will keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. Dental disease can lead to a host of other health issues, including organ damage, so proper dental care is a must. Training Dogue de Bordeaux are loyal companions who were used as guard dogs on French estates in the during the late 18th century. As a result, they can be protective and suspicious of strangers, making early socialization and training essential to ensure your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy grows up friendly and confident. This French Mastiff breed requires the relationship-building and trust that develops with positive reinforcement training methods, which involves using treats, praise and playtime with special toys to reward them for a good job. They can be stubborn, and pet parents must be willing to commit to consistent training starting in puppyhood to teach their dog basic skills and manners. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the best food for your dog based on their individual needs. Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific diet. So, be sure you stick with smaller-sized dog training treats and only occasional snack times to avoid extra weight gain. Avoid table scraps, especially cooked bones and high-fat foods. As they get older, walking these pups 30 to 45 minutes once a day is sufficient exercise. Many Dogues de Bordeaux love swimming, and hopping in the water with them is the perfect no-impact activity and a great way to keep them cool on hotter days. If you live in a spacious condo on an upper level, make sure you have an elevator available. Stainless steel appliances are optional. Back to Top Dogue de Bordeaux Health The Dogue de Bordeaux has a lifespan of 5 to 8 years, and there are several health issues seen commonly in this breed. Many can be screened for by a responsible breeder ahead of time, including hip, elbow and shoulder evaluation, and cardiac exam. Bloat: Also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV , bloat is a major concern in larger breeds with deep chests. When the stomach becomes distended, it puts pressure on the organs and decreases blood flow. In many cases, the stomach twists and obstructs blood supply to major organs. This can happen quickly and be life-threatening and requires surgery. Orthopedic Issues: The size of the Dogue de Bordeaux can put strain on bones, joints and ligaments, resulting in dysplasia in the hips, elbows and shoulders. This can be reduced by limiting steps, jumping and strenuous exercise at least until your puppy is 18 months. Joint dysplasia can be treated with medication and sometimes surgery. Heart Disease: Dogue de Bordeaux are especially susceptible to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, which occurs when the heart becomes enlarged and weak and can no longer pump blood effectively. This condition can usually be managed with medication. Another heart concern is aortic stenosis, which is a partial obstruction of blood flow as it moves out of the heart. If this is serious enough, it may require surgery to replace the blocked valve. Cancer: Lymphoma, or lymphosarcoma, occurs more often in the Dogue de Bordeaux than other breeds. The disease causes the body to make abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, which means it can be found anywhere in the body. Like in humans, the treatment is chemotherapy and has a great success rate in dogs, but it is costly. Epilepsy: Seizure disorders in the Dogue de Bordeaux are typically genetic and occur between 6 months and 3 years of age. Though scary for a pet parent to watch, seizures can usually be managed with medication. Also called French Mastiffs, their history goes back to ancient times, and the accepted theory is that they were introduced to France known as Gaul at the time in the first century BC. The dogs were used as war dogs and ruthless warriors. Throughout time, the breed has been used as hunters and drafters pulling wagons and carts. Dogue de Bordeaux were originally bred in two types, the smaller Doguin who disappeared in the s and the larger dog which is what we now know as the Dogue de Bordeaux. Around that same time, they were used as guard dogs for estates of aristocrats, but that ended during the French Revolution when nobility were sent to prison or killed. The Working group includes the dogs who typically have jobs to do, like guarding or pulling sleds. Are you looking to add a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy to your family? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder who should screen for health and temperament issues. You can also seek out local Dogue de Bordeaux rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to adopt, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter. Lifespan Sociability The Dogue de Boxer is a relatively costly hybrid. They are quite new to the scene of designer dogs, which can make them more challenging to track down. Be prepared for the other costs that they can incur, primarily because of their size. They eat a large amount and have specific treatments that are necessary depending on their health. The Boxer has a history of bull baiting. The Boxer makes up one half of this rare mixture. They are thick with muscle and have alert eyes. They miss nothing and are ready for everything. Much of this character has been trained into the dogs. They were initially developed in Germany in the s for use as a guard dog, a dogfighter, and most notably, a bull baiter. Many believe that they came from the Tibetan Mastiff, who were fighting dogs themselves. They lost popularity after being involved with the Germans during World War I. Just as many countries use them in their police forces today, Germany used them in their military. However, after the war, their reputation grew unabated and continued actively even throughout the Second World War. The Boxer received their name from the way they jump onto their hind legs and use their front paws while fighting. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a mysterious past. The Dogue de Bordeaux came about in the middle ages in France. There is not much that has been entirely verified about these dogs and their past. They have pushed through, and their bloodline survived through many different wars, kingdoms, and conquerings. Some speculate that their heritage lays as far back as the Roman times. An infamous dog breed at the time was the Molossus breed. They are a giant dog breed that has also survived to modern times, although theoretically, have much changed. They influenced the lineage of many different types of dogs, all of whom retain their muscular appearance and intimidating approach. Giant dog breeds are often the most sensitive kind of dog. Whatever people say about these dogs, one thing is sure: Giant dog breeds are some of the most sensitive strains recorded. Frequently, small dogs suffer from small dog syndrome, making them aggressive and vocal. Giant dog breeds have nothing to be afraid of, though. They have no sense of being in real danger because everything else tends to be smaller, weaker, or slower than they are. This means that they have big, sensitive hearts. Although many of them are not keen on strangers, they want consistent affection from their families. They often love to cuddle and always want to be close. The Dogue de Boxer is fierce-looking, but they are family-oriented and always prefer to be around their people. They have exceptionally loving personalities and like to be as close to their favorites as they can. These dogs are brave and are ultimate protectors. They are often used as capable guard dogs for this reason. The parental dogs of the Dogue de Boxer are both intelligent and continuously alert. Although they can sometimes express stubbornness, they pick up new commands quickly. Part of their care needs to be mental stimulation, so they do not become bored and destructive. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They love to be around people whom they know they can trust. They are loving and non-aggressive to their family. Be careful when having them around little children because they might not always recognize their size. They are not anti-social, but since they have such a high tendency to be protective, they can be territorial. Specific training may be required to ensure that your dog knows how to behave appropriately around other animals. On average, they need to consume around 4 cups of food a day. This amount should satisfy their bulk, keep them muscular, and provide sustenance for their active days. It is akin to feeding them empty calories, something they can do nothing with after digestion. Instead, provide them with food that is high in protein. It gives them the nutrients they need to build muscle mass and fuels them on days of necessary activity. They can do a great deal of damage if they do not get enough. Make sure to get them out for intense activity for at least 60 minutes or minutes of low to moderate exercise each day. If you like to walk or run with your dog, aim to go at least 12 miles each week. Giving them space to run around is essential. They are not the best dogs to consider if you live in an apartment. The combination of little space and an active mind quickly leads to boredom and destructiveness. They want to be mentally engaged and enjoy the feeling of pleasing their trainer. Make sure to give them plenty of positive feedback, so they know that they have done so. You can train these dogs to make excellent watchdogs or guard dogs. If you are not sure how to accomplish this but would like to use them for this purpose, get a trainer specialized in the behavior. Do not ever use physical discipline while training your Dogue de Boxer. However, when it comes to grooming, there is little management required. They have a thin coat that grows short and close to their body. They do not shed much. Brush them a couple of times a week to keep their coat healthy and for bonding time. However, check them at least once a month, since nails that grow too long can end up causing your dog pain. Make sure to take them for a vet checkup once or twice a year. Many of these diseases are severe and should be caught as early as possible. Since they are a hybrid, they have developed a certain amount of hybrid vigor. Minor Conditions. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Boxer is known for being intelligent, friendly, and devoted. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Boxer or the Dogue de Bordeaux? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Boxer Dogue de Bordeaux Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boxer Dogue de Bordeaux Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Boxer Dogue de Bordeaux Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Boxer History Boxers are large, muscular, square-headed dogs that are extremely playful and have a lot of energy. The typical Boxer is intelligent, alert, and fearless, yet friendly. He's loyal to his family and loves to play with them, but he's also headstrong, especially if you try to use harsh training methods with him. They are extremely patient and gentle, especially with children. They are high energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. Because of their strength and courage, Boxers have a wide use in the military and the police, as well as search-and-rescue work. When specifically trained for guard work, Boxers are excellent watchdogs and will restrain an intruder in the same manner as a Mastiff. Boxers also excel in obedience, agility, and schutzhund a demanding three-phase competition event that tests the dog's tracking, obedience, and protection abilities. Boxers should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Their short nose doesn't cool hot air efficiently in the summer, and their short coat doesn't keep them warm in the winter. The Bullenbeisser had been used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer. They were trained to catch the prey and hold onto it until the hunters arrived. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century. Lehman of New York. Unfortunately, there weren't many female Boxers in the U. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs, and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. As the name implies, the breed originated in France. More particularly around the southern Bordeaux region. It is hard to find much information but like many breeds it was more than likely bred to protect farms, herd, and be a good companion. Due to its size it would imply a protective nature. It appears to have Mastiff leanings and influence. Its Boxer parent originated in Germany in the 18th century. Immensely used as a guard dog and watchdog, it also served as a hunting and fought in dogfighting rings. However, with the fall of the 19th century, its usage as a fighter was reduced, and now it is famous as a home companion and guard. When we see its pedigree, we know that it has connections with the Tibetan Mastiff and might also with Bulldogs. The Dogue de Bordeaux parent of this hybrid is in histories related to the Boxer. Maybe that became the of inciting breeders to cross these two. It originated in the 14th century in the Bordeaux region of France. Suspected to be an ancient Roman breed on the one hand and thought to be the descendant of the Greek Molossus and Tibetan Mastiff, this dog has somehow muddled history. Regardless of its obscure history, this dog was added to the roster of AKC as the 63rd most popular breed in .Dogue de Boxer Characteristics Both the parents of Dogue de Boxer resemble a lot; thus, its appearance is obvious. Generally, it is a giant like parents with a fine smooth short coat in fawn and brindle colors. Also marked by the mask, i. The muzzle is squarish and smaller with an upper hanging lip. How Big to Dogue de Boxer Get Dogue de Boxer is quite big, weighing an average of 90 pounds and standing 23 to 26 inches high at the withers. The range of its approximate weight and height is 72 to pounds and inches, respectively. Although we recommend adopting dogs from rescue homes but this breed is not as common to be available in shelter homes. You ought to socialize them at an early age and keep on mingling them with other beings at every stage of their life to make them learn how to coexist. It is harsh by nature, and only good training and socialization minimize this instinct, making them easygoing with different pets and kids. They are wonderful guard dogs who are bold and huge enough to assist hunters in hunting large animals. Caring for Dogue de Boxer The easy to groom but hard-to-handle Dogue de Boxer needs an experienced owner; otherwise, it would end up having health issues, behavioral issues, and the like. It would be best if you acquainted yourself with its dietary, exercise, and grooming needs. We have helped you in this regard. How to Groom a Dogue de Boxer The Dogue de Boxer has short, and brushing it few times a week with a pin brush is the adequate way to keep it tangles free. Use a cotton ball damped in Dog Ear Cleaners to clean their ears. Please take it to a daily exercise of an hour in a nearby canine park to meet their energy levels. Also, provide the Toys for Hyper Dogs to keep them busy and balanced. Caring for Dogue de Boxer The Dogue de Boxer is an adaptive dog and can live in hot and cold environments. Still, it is best to keep your doggy safe from unfavorable climatic conditions. The caretaker of this doggy must be the same from its puppyhood to adulthood as the person who knows a pet since its childhood can handle it the best. Such a person can also train the dog well and also refrain from negative tendencies. The dog also goes easy in his hands and never hesitates for grooming and else. Other ailments to which they are easily susceptible are elbow dysplasia, deafness, heart issues, Entropion. Ectropion, Cataracts, and Brachycephalic Syndrome. A regular veterinary visit helps the canine with preventing these issues and keeping it healthy throughout life. Breeds Similar to Dogue de Boxer.

Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. The bottom line How to Train a 6-month German Shepherd Once you bring home a 6-month-old German shepherd for the first time, the first thing that you should do is to take him for an introductory walk. This helps the pooch familiarize with the surrounding, and to make it easier when you take him for a talk or backyard play. When training a 6-month-old German shepherd, you should start by teaching him basic training commands like sit, stay, come, and kneel. These are useful GSD commands for different situations, and you can use treats as an incentive during the training exercise. Reward your dog when he does what you ask — this will encourage them to keep trying because they want that reward again! How much should a 6-month-old German shepherd eat? You should serve your German shepherd puppy about two to three cups of premium puppy food per day. The quantity served may vary depending on the size and age of your pup but in general, this is roughly how much to feed him each day. A good rule of thumb when deciding how much to give your puppy is to determine their weight and size. For instance, if your pup weighs around 20 pounds then you should feed him two cups of food per day. If he weighs 40 pounds then this will translate to three cups. If your 6-month-old German shepherd has a sensitive stomach then you may want to consider feeding them wet food. Wet puppy food has a high water content, which will help their digestive tract maintain the right balance and prevent inflammation of the colon. In addition, wet food also contains healthy prebiotics that promotes healthy digestion. How much water does a 6-month-old German shepherd drink? A 6-month-old German shepherd needs sufficient water to drink. You should provide a water bowl that is large enough so that your pup can drink sufficient water. If you are out of the house and cannot give them constant access to fresh water, then it might be best for you to invest in an automatic water fountain. A water fountain ensures there is a continuous flow of clean drinking water throughout the day. How much exercise does a 6-month-old German shepherd need? A 6-month-old GSD needs about thirty minutes to an hour of exercise each day and they should be given some form of mental stimulation as well. One way you can do this is by teaching him or her tricks that will help stimulate her brain. How to Potty train a 6-month-old German Shepherd? A 6-month-old pup requires a lot of time and attention to potty train. The easiest and most popular potty training method is using urine and feces training pads. If you are not sure how to groom your GSD puppy, hire a professional pet groomer at a fee. A pet groomer is specially trained to groom puppies and adult dogs. You will need dog shampoo , towels, conditioners, or other products that might be needed depending on the type of hair coat your pup has i. You will also need a leash and harness for outdoor walks. If you live in a wooded area where dogs are likely to get lost, you can have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian. While 6 months might be considered too soon to be microchipped, it will come in handy later when the dog grows older so consider getting one done now! See the best undercoat rake for German Shepherd 6-month-old German shepherd behavior and temperament: Are they aggressive? You can even invest in an invisible wireless fence to keep them contained. When buying a German shepherd puppy , you should first check with a licensed breeder. Make sure that you find a reputable fully-licensed breeder who has the time and space needed to care for GSD puppies. Ask the breeder if they have any 6-month-old puppies available. Breeders should be able to tell you how many dogs are currently in their care and what types of breeds they typically raise so that it is easy for you to make a decision about where to buy and if there are several puppies to choose from. They should also have a contract that spells out your responsibilities as the owner before you sign it so there are no surprises down the road. See the distinction between King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd The bottom line German shepherd pups are little bundles of energy! But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Nancy Engelbrecht, founder of Heartstone Goldens, has been a lover of all animals since she was a little girl. She gained a love and affection for dogs during her childhood and having them as pets in her youth. In , Nancy and her family adopted their first golden retriever, Layla, and fell in love with the breed. Soon after, in August of , the Engelbrechts brought home 8-week-old puppy, Brenna, and have enjoyed the love and company of golden retrievers ever since. Since Layla, the Engelbrecht's have had a total of 23 wonderful Goldens come through their home! Nancy, along with her husband, David, and her two daughters, Loryn and Brie, enjoy the company of their goldens and spending time with them at Highland Lake in Winsted, CT. We want to help you find your "heart dog" First and foremost, all of our goldens are a part of our home and are members of our family. We believe in a firm "share-the-bed-share-the-couch-cuddling" policy! As pet owners, we know there is nothing quite like the love of a dog, and we foster our connection with our pets day-in and day-out. Currently, we are active in conformation and rally. Our goal is to have fun with our dogs! This includes hiking, swimming, walking, and playing, along with agility, rally, conformation and obedience--whatever excites them! We are aware that every dog has different enjoyments and believe in encouraging them all, whatever that may be! We find that it is so much fun to connect with your dogs through training because it strengthens your bond. Heartstone breeding goldens all have their health clearances for hips, elbows, hearts, and eyes in order to ensure the healthiest golden puppies possible. Our goal is to have puppies that perform well in any activiy, but most importantly to be treasured companions for their families. Our golden counterparts are our best friends and protectors, and we are their leaders, loves, and their who their worlds revolve around - we owe it to them to be worthy of such indesputable loyalty and devotion! Our Philosophy The Engelbrecht's Breeding Program The goal for Heartstone's breeding program is to produce beautiful golden retrievers that adhere to the golden retriever breed standards in every way. This includes body type and temperament, among other specific qualities. Currently, we breed one litter per year. All of our breeding dogs are listed on K9 Data and have all of their clearances completed which includes hips, elbows, eyes and heart. Our desire is to help you find your "heart dog"; the companion that touches your heart and fills you with love, warmth and joy for their entire lifetime! Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. This trimming is usually done on the ears, feet, neck and tail for a Golden Retriever to keep them looking smart. When should you start grooming your Golden Retriever puppy? Golden Retriever grooming should begin in their puppy phase to get them used to the process. These double-coated dogs are shedders that will need regular grooming in adult life to stimulate their coats, keep shedding under control and prevent mats and tangles. A Golden Retriever's coat doesn't develop properly until around 18 months, and as a puppy, your dog will have soft hair, which will form the undercoat once the overcoat develops. Get your puppy used to grooming by brushing its hair regularly with a soft-bristled brush, then moving onto a slicker brush as it ages and its coat begins to develop. If you plan on having your puppy professionally groomed, it's recommended to take it for its first trip to the groomer at around eight to twelve weeks old so it can get used to the grooming process and the salon. Golden Retrievers have a double coat which work together to protect your pup in both the winter and the summer months. Even clipping is not advisable with your Golden Retriever as it can hinder the growth of the undercoat later in the year. Instead, keep up with brushing their hair perhaps even doing it more regularly to remove the dead loose hair and regular bathing. Ideally, you need to be looking to purchase a dog shampoo that contains Oatmeal and Vitamin E. Regular brushing will reduce the amount of matting and make each brush a bit easier and softer. Use thinning scissors and begin to trim past where your thumb is, taking small bit by bit. Taking your time this way you should eventually reach your desired length. Recommended Products. Litter Plans Summer Pregnancy confirmed! Puppies are due on July 21st. If you have filled out a questionnaire in the past and are still interested in this litter, please send me an email at caledoniagoldens aol. If you have not yet filled out a questionnaire, please see the link below. Final evaluations to determine the best home for each puppy will not be finalized for up to weeks. So I may not know if there are any puppies available until that time. Is Caledonia Goldens a good fit for you? Having a good relationship is one of the benefits of working with a reputable breeder. I always tell my potential families that you are getting ME along with your new puppy. I will do my best to educate everyone on puppy raising, behavior, health issues, nutrition, etc. Not just at the time you pick up your puppy but for the entire life of your dog. I feel a huge responsibility for the lives I bring into this world and I do not take that responsibility lightly. I have high expectations of the puppy families too. I expect them to keep in touch, share photos, health records, training challenges, accomplishments, etc. I expect them to give their puppies appropriate socialization and training; follow my advice on food, immunizations, and exercise; and I ask that all my puppies get eye exams by a board certified ophthalmologist every years once the reach a certain age see the Health Page for more info on Pigmentary Uveitis All Caledonia Goldens are AKC registered and registered names follow the particular litter theme. Feel free to follow us on Facebook for information on any future plans. If you are interested in a puppy from one of our future litters, please fill out our Puppy Questionnaire. Please note it may take some time for me to get back to you. Having a litter of puppies takes up an incredible amount of time which impacts my response time. I suggest you contact the local club breeder referral contacts listed below. If you are still interested in a Caledonia puppy down the road, feel free to fill out the questionnaire and note that you are willing to wait. I realize Caledonia Goldens may not be a great fit for everyone and since we only have a litter every few years, timing or puppy availability may be an issue. If so, I have listed some references below as to how to go about finding a reputable breeder in the area. For other local litter referrals please contact the following local clubs:. I am a proud and responsible breeder of AKC registered dogs. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Thank you so much for your possible interest and inquiry regarding my Golden Retrievers! Sharing my golden family and precious puppies with wonderful families has been such a rewarding experience for me over the past 16 years. I love to see and am blessed by the joy my puppies bring to all of the families that find me. I have posted various pictures of my puppies that I have taken or families have shared with me over the years. As you can see, they are beautiful and just so very awesome! Pictures of my current puppies and their parents are posted in my listing. Jaxie is my youngest and the mother of my newest litter. Jaxie and Channing just had their first puppies together, and they are simply beautiful. Jaxie did very well giving birth to her babies and has been an excellent mother giving each and every one of her golden babies all the love and attention they deserve and need. Jaxie and her babies are so beautiful. Channing, sire to my puppies, is a very smart, active young guy. He really seems to adore Anna, Jaxie, and Allie and constantly displays acts of affection towards them in different ways. He is always by their sides trying his best to engage them in play. He, too, enjoys our pond. Anna, my medium golden dam, is equally sweet and kind. Her favorite activity is to slowly ponder around our 25 acres under the old oak trees all by herself. She also enjoys laying in the shade by our pond and then when she feels like it, joining the others for wade in our Golden's favorite man-made pond. Allie is my lighter mama. She has such a sweet, sweet disposition. She is a very affectionate Golden who loves spending time with me. She truly waits for me to come home and greets me as I open the door to my car each and every day. There is NO way that Tallie, my very first Golden Retriever and dam to my first litters, could not be shared. She has a very special place in my heart just because she was the first and the very reason that Golden Retriever babies are part of my life to this day. Her personality and joy of life was just like all of my other Goldens and even more. Tallie is now in heaven and truly missed and thought about each and every day. She will never be forgotten and always treasured. Mason, the oldest and previous sire to my litters, was definitely the dominate male in my golden family. He recently went to heaven and will be so missed. He was a wonderful golden whose favorite activity was to dig, dig, dig. He enjoyed going into the water to fetch balls but also to search for things under the water. He simply lowered his head under the water and eventually came up with a stick or even a tiny limb. He was so proud acting with this accomplishment! My Callah, a darker golden dam to some of my puppies, was the sweetest and kindest Golden anyone could ever know. She also loved having her paws rubbed. Finding the tiniest twig or a small stick was a favorite desire of her heart. Wading through our pond searching for little fish were as well. She is now in heaven and is truly missed. Breeding Golden Retrievers has been a part of my life for the past 16 years as my family has lived out on 25 beautiful acres in rural Madison County. My puppies are born and raised in our home and given top quality care filled with much genuine love each and every day. I thoroughly enjoy raising these goldens, take much pride in the manner in which I care for them and truly enjoy meeting and establishing genuine new friendships with each and every family that finds me. Madison is located off of interstate 10, one hour east of Tallahassee. Please text or give me a call at .I feel there isnt any way in which you would be unsatisfied with my puppies, the manner and home environment in which they are being cared for and raised, or your experience with me. I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you again for your interest in my Golden Retrievers. Sutter's Gold Goldens.

Here are some tips for finding a good Golden Retriever breeder: Check they are members of any breed club: The first thing you should do when looking for a good breeder is to check whether or not they are members of any breed club. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting them directly via email or phone call. Why Buy From a Responsible Breeder? If you are looking to get a dog, always buy from a reputable breeder. There are many great reasons to buy from a responsible breeder. Second, responsible breeders have their puppies raised in an environment where they can properly play with other dogs and be socialized with people early on so that they will be more comfortable when starting out as a new addition to your home. We have listed below some reasons for buying a puppy from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders have their dogs health tested and ensure that they are good representatives of their breed. A responsible and ethical breeder will never sell puppies without first meeting with potential buyers. They also do not sell puppies until the dog is at least eight weeks old, which ensures that it will be well socialized with humans and other animals. Also, if any of their dogs have a genetic disease, they will tell you about it. Responsible breeders will raise puppies with socialization, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. Below we provided some simple steps to help you identify whether a dog breeder is worth buying one from or not. This will get a better idea of how they treat their dogs and you can also see the environment where puppies grow. If the conditions are terrible, this is a bad sign. Ask them about their experience working with the breeder and ask if they would recommend them. Step 4: Ask the breeder for references. Step 5: Feel free to ask any questions you have. Make sure you ask all the questions you have. Do not hesitate to ask questions, This will help ensure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a responsible breeder. You will have a better chance of finding a reputable Golden Retriever breeder if you follow these steps. How much should a Golden Retriever cost in Australia? Prices vary based on lineage, health, and whether you purchase a puppy from a trustworthy breeder or not. If you know any great Golden Retriever Breeders who live in Victoria, please let us know in the comments below so we can add them to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Victoria? It really helps others who are looking for Golden Retriever puppies in Victoria. In conclusion These are the best Golden Retriever Breeders in Victoria that we have found and added to our list. There are many breeders but we review and check the breeder before adding them to our list. Go to content Established in , Cadenzahgold Golden Retrievers breed high quality, healthy, ANKC registered golden retrievers suited for all purposes. We breed and own happy, well tempered dogs that are all the result of careful litter planning breeding the best genetics we can find , outstanding pre and post natal care and the best ongoing health and welfare practices for our dogs. Each and every dog here is treated as a beloved family member who only deserves the best at all times! Our dogs and puppies are raised in a variety of settings, both inside and outside our home with access to large open spaces and an extensive variety of experiences. We spend endless hours with each and every puppy we breed providing quality, mental and physical stimulation to ensure we are doing our best to establish sound foundations in all areas of health and training before they leave us to go to their new homes. We are trained in, and utilise 'Gold Standard' Puppy Culture protocols as well as providing constantly improving dog and puppy centric facilities that have been built specifically to maximise canine enrichment opportunities. Our attention to detail regarding diet, socialisation and general health is supported by strong, evidence based research and we are here to provide ongoing support and training to our extended Cadenzahgold family and their owners. All our breeding dogs are hip and elbow scored, have clear heart certificates and hold current clear eye certificates. Our bitches are bred to quality stud dogs and show champions with a focus on health, temperament and Golden Retriever breed standards. The aim was to create a dog better suited to the task of retrieving game from both water and land in marshy areas, through the structured breeding of water spaniels, setters and retrievers. Average Life Span When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 10 to 15 years. Temperament The Golden Retriever is an intelligent, active dog with a kindly expression and a gentle, affectionate nature. They should be calm and biddable and are eager to please. General Breed Description Golden Retrievers make excellent companions. They need to closely interact with their owners and be regularly included in family activities, as they thrive when taking part in fun activities with their owners. They are not a breed to leave in a backyard for too long, preferring to be active, happily spending lots of time at the beach or park, playing and retrieving a ball or frisbee. Basic training is an important part of responsible dog ownership, so they will learn to be well mannered and obedient. They are great competitors in Obedience, Agility, Rally, Flyball and other dog sports. Goldens have a double coat which is wavy and water resistant, in colours ranging from shades of cream to deep gold. Size Height: Males 56 to 61cms 22 to 24ins , Females 51 to 56cms 20 to 22ins. Health All breeds have individual health issues. The Golden Retriever is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. There are DNA tests available for a range of conditions. The National Golden Retriever Council has some useful information sheets. They are happiest when they are included in family activities and do not like being left alone for long periods. They are best suited to active people, as they do require regular exercise, whether that be a long walk, a game of fetch or a swim. They are easily trained and eager to please, happy to do whatever is asked of them. In Conclusion Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come. Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership. Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome to Lonestar Bernedoodles! Who are we? We are a family living just outside Dallas, Texas. We work as physicians, teachers, researchers, videographers, finance professionals and, most importantly, dog raisers! We also foster dogs of various breeds. How did we get started? We got our first Bernedoodle when I Savannah was in college and we all fell in love instantly! Everyone commented on how sweet, beautiful and well-mannered she was. We agreed: she was perfect! We got another one.As our passion for the breed grew, so did our interest in breeding what is, in our opinion, the best family dog there is. We do not breed full time. We simply love the Bernedoodle and wanted to be part of helping families find their perfect, healthy furry new family member in the south. The Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. The breed is well-known for being loyal, great with kids, having an excellent temperament, and getting along well with other dogs. The only downsides we find with purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs are the shedding, which can cause problems for people with allergies, and the short lifespan, which can be heartbreaking. That's why we breed the Bernedoodle- the Poodle mix eliminates most of the shedding found in Bernese Mountain Dogs, and generally makes for a healthier dog with a longer life expectancy. Poodles are smart and protective, but not aggressive. The combination of the two breeds makes for the perfect family pet. Yes, of course! Our puppies are examined thoroughly head-to-toe by a licensed veterinarian and will be dewormed and vaccinated when you come to pick them up. All our dogs undergo rigorous health testing. For more information on our testing, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page. They are also kept on monthly flea and heart worm preventatives, receive vaccines and get annual checkups, as well as additional checkups before and after delivering puppies. Breeding only one or two litters at a time ensures our pups get plenty of attention and are socialized by spending time with our family, friends and other dogs in the house. Our dogs play freely in our large backyard but live inside with us and can often be found curled up by us on the couch or sharing a pillow in our beds. Okay, so it's mostly Savannah, but her amazingly patient and loving husband supports her obsession and ultimately falls in love with every dog she brings home. They currently live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and handle the social media, communication, marketing, and finance aspects of the business. They have raise smaller litters in their home in Tulsa, but also travel to Texas to help with whelping, selection day, and pickup day as much as possible. They are patient, kind, selfless, and willing to invest in their daughter's crazy interests. She's usually sitting on the floor with them, or following them around the yard commenting on how cute they are. Todd is our in-house carpenter, handyman, and comedian. If we ask for it, no matter how crazy or complicated, he finds a way to bring our vision to life. We wouldn't be anywhere without these two. Sierra and Shayna The day to day operations and puppy care would not be possible without Sierra. She is hands on with cleaning, bathing, vet trips, playing and taking all our awesome pictures. Sierra also handles the social media, communication, marketing, and finance aspects of the business more and more now that our family is expanding with the first grandchild of the family being born! Shayna is in college out of state, but has one of our mamma dogs living with her full-time and comes home to join Sierra in doing the day-to-day tasks during school breaks. These ladies may be more "behind the scenes," but they are instrumental to raising our puppies! Meet Our Dogs Our dogs are more than just pets — they are family! Our dogs grow up in a loving, family oriented environment and are socialized from a young age. All of our moms and dads have passed genetic testing specific to their breed. Nora is just a happy girl with a happy heart and she passes this on to her sweet puppies! She loves to be loved and gives it right back! Margot is a Bernese with a big heart! Ivy lives with friends who have been guardians for several of our girls. They describe her as sweet, quirky, and the biggest lap dog ever! Ivy insists on being close to her people, preferably touching! Bebe is goofy and affectionate, loving and silly, very much a Bernese. She is so engaged and careful with her babies, an adorable dog and Mama through and through! She is a talker like her Mama, loves the family bunny, and adores her family. Millie loves to learn and is proud of her accomplishments. Millie makes her guardian family laugh and the favorite part of her day is when the whole family is together! Pure sweetness with just a dash of mischief ; that would be Pumpkin! Rosey is such a good mix of love and affection, adventure and playfulness, with just a dash of mischievousness! He has a wonderful fleece coat with big waves. Flynn is a sweet and energetic little guy, he has no trouble keeping up with the big dogs! He has produced stunning traditional tricolor litters with some of the prettiest coats we've seen! Rocky is as sweet as he is mischievous! He also fancies himself a lap dog - which is a small problem at pounds! He is a lover with the most soulful eyes! He is playful, curious, and full of energy! Sully is a "moyan" poodle which is a small standard poodle. He weighs 27 pounds and when bred with a Bernese he will produce mini - medium tricolor bernedoodles! Full of love and cheer, he keeps us on our toes! Max is one of the happiest guys we know! Arlo Male tricolor standard poodle Arlo is the epitome of a standard poodle, goofy, goofy, goofy, and intelligent! He is truly a delight, fun-loving, and energetic. Arlo is the master of the head tilt and its so cute to see his babies following suit with impressive head tilts of their very own! Every one of these girls truly made the world a better place and we are so grateful to each and every one of them! As a full time Breeder, you have to have a lot of dogs. We usually breed our dogs when they are around 18 months old, and we will breed a maximum of 3 times. If you think about that, as soon as a Mama has her first litter you need to have a new puppy in the line up so she is ready for her first breeding as your 3 year old girl is retiring. As a result we quickly had a house full of retired dogs - not a good business plan! We buy the dog, pay for all testing and medical care, but she lives with another family. All of our guardians live very close to us and we give them all the support they need. When the girl is ready to have a litter, she comes to our house to have her pups and stays with us until the puppies are weaned, usually about six weeks. Of course their guardian families come to visit too! After 3 breedings, the dog is spayed and she officially becomes the guardian families forever dog! You did such a good job, we are so lucky we found you! We kept Mala from our first litter from Snow White. Thank you for making such sweet babies! Belle has such a fun loving spirit which she passed onto each of her beautiful pups! Thanks for all of your hard work Belle, you did a wonderful job! Ramona produced a pot-potpourri of stunning, colorful puppies. She had litters as big as her heart! Thank you Ramona, you did an amazing job! Shelby is fun loving and lively! We loved delivery days with Shelby as she always gave us beautiful and unique pups! You did a great job Shelby, thank you! Willow is a delightful Bernese, her personality encompasses the best of the breed. Willow, you made so many families happy, we thank you! We love her eyes and freckles! Koda, you left a wonderful legacy, thank you! Coco loves and lives life large! She always had big litters and handled them with grace and ease. Thank you Coco - you absolutely rocked it!! They allowed us to use Grisz to sire a few litters over the years. Thank you Snow, you made the world a better place! Love you. Beazus only produced one puppy and she was a loving and attentive mama! Her daughter, Ramona, is now having her grandchildren for us! Bella is a little girl who always had big, beautiful litters! She was so patient and loving with every single one of those pups! Thank you Bella! Chama is sister to Clarke and cousin to Snow White. She produced cuddly, adorable tricolors every time! Chama, you are wonderful, we love you! Zena is a stunning Bernese from Russia. Now her daughters will be having puppies! We love you! Sicily came from Italy. Thank you Sicily, we love you. She made gorgeous babies and loved them to pieces! Thank you Stella. Georgie is spunky and loving. She adored her puppies and was a fierce Mama! We owe a special thanks to Georgie for our Bernedoodle, Spicy Tuna!! Lily is the happiest of girls! She brought love, energy, and tail wags to every puppy. A loving Mama who is now loving life! Kahlu is from the first litter we had. Kahlu had such unique puppies, every litter brought new surprises! Sophie produced beautiful big litters everytime! She brought so much fun and love to every single puppy! Thank you, Sophie, you are special! Brooklyn Standard Poodle Retired Nov. Brooklyn is a beautiful tri-color standard poodle. She had big colorful litters every time! Thank you for bringing so much joy to the world Brooklyn! Clarke, you made a lot of families very happy! Thank you! She loved her puppies so much. Thank you Bailey, you did an awesome job! Gabi is so full of fun and adventure, love and affection! She surprised us with lots of colors, patterns, and unique pups! Gabi, you left your mark! Parker is our big Panda Bear! Parker always had small litters and a huge heart. You did good Parker, thank you! Several of her pups are service dogs. Zoli, you have made a difference in the world. Tragically we lost Cru, and my heart still hurts for her. Cru will forever be at the heart of Ranch House Bernedoodles. You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Dallas Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Questions about Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. Give me a an overview of Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Dallas TX. A Bernedoodle is a unique mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, which means that not only are they intelligent but they are also hypoallergenic and not shedding as well. Bernedoodle breeders in Dallas aim to select the best traits from both the Bernese Mountain dog and the Poodle in order to create a puppy that owners across the country will enjoy. What if there aren't any Bernedoodles nearby? How do you screen Bernedoodle breeders? When we receive an application to join our network, we investigate the breeders on many different levels including experience, legal compliance and veterinarian care. When it comes to vetting and screening new puppy businesses you can be sure that we leave no stone unturned. Why should I choose Uptown Puppies? What does the average Bernedoodle puppy cost? The price of the average Bernedoodle puppy can vary depending on a multitude of factors, factors including breeder experience, puppy genetics and even location. Whether you are looking for Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Dallas or any other designer dog, you are definitely in the right place. At Uptown Puppies, you will have the chance to browse and then connect with puppies from all over the country no matter your price range. How can I be exposed to a puppy mill? Factory-like facilities, commonly referred to as puppy mills, are places where breeders force dogs to reproduce more often than is healthy or viable. More often than not, these businesses fall into the trap of inbreeding for increased profits. Inbreeding is known to cause health issues and other costly complications later in life! Whenever you conduct a search for Bernedoodles for sale in Dallas there is a possibility you could be exposed to puppy mills, not with Uptown Puppies. There is no need to worry! The Uptown Puppies network is made up of associated breeders with years and years of experience which means that they know what it takes to connect an owner with their dream dog. Whether you are looking for Bernedoodles for sale Dallas or any other dog, it may be time to browse through some of our top rated Bernedoodle breeders. What should I expect from Bernedoodle ownership? You should expect to wake up to a friendly, affectionate puppy each and every morning that is ready to go outside, play or just lounge around the house by your side. Bernedoodles are known as one of the most family friendly dogs that you can own, and for good reason! Do Bernedoodles require a lot of exercise? Bernedoodle puppies in Dallas will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy. Before you schedule a meeting with one of the many Bernedoodle puppies in Dallas through Uptown Puppies, be sure to consider the amount of free time you have to spend with your new dog. Are Bernedoodles good family dogs? Bernedoodles can without a doubt make great family pets. They are fun-loving, loyal, gentle dogs that enjoy spending time with their owner as much as possible. You may be thinking, why are Bernedoodles this popular? Because they are intelligent, fit in great with families and are always up for the next adventure.

To get the most out of your experience in talking to pug breeders you need to know how to classify quality dogs that are being sold by the best breeder. Do your research and list down the things you have learned about the breed and the breeders. You need to have a set of conditions or a checklist of what you are looking for in a pug and in a breeder. You need to be clear on what to expect from pug breeders before you start talking to local stores, online shops, or looking for referrals from other pet parents. You can check their site at the address below and visit their website to know more about them, about a pug puppy listing, and the amazing things they do. They are reputed in the Florida area and their owners have been doing great things to make sure that the pugs being released are at their optimal health, friendly, and ready to socialize with people. Confirm with them if they are a pug breeder that is AKC registered. These companies are respected and recognized by dog clubs and dog communities. Search for a pug breeder in Orlando FL or nearby areas. They have a list of pug puppies for sale and are connected with reputable breeders. These websites vet their members and are approved by the local dog clubs. They have a list of questions to ask breeders when you make a purchase. Tips for Selecting the Best Pug Puppies Here are some tips you can apply in searching for the best pugs for sale in Florida. Ask Around Ask around for referrals from your friends or if there are any local dog clubs for the breeders they know or a pet store with connections to a pug breeder they know about. Having someone you know personally vouch for a breeder is a great step ahead in your journey. Try to determine which one is closest to you. If you are based in Orland FL, it may not be a good idea to take the time and drive in the opposite direction if you have pug breeders lined up and close to each other. A good breeder is your best chance of getting the perfect pug puppy for your home. Reputable and ethical breeders will take the time to know you and will ask you questions related to your interest in getting pug puppies. Perfect puppy breeders will ensure their pug puppies for sale will be raised in a good and loving home. They will try their best to know if the buyers have the well-being of the puppies as their greatest interest. If a pug breeder is no longer an option, you can also go to pet shops, rescue centers, and animal shelters and ask if they have pugs available for adoption. These places are also good sources of information for reputable breeders in the area. Screen Pug Breeders This is the most important step to get right. A legitimate breeder will provide a perfect puppy that has a complete health record or a health certificate. A true dog breeder will not hesitate to provide a health guarantee for every pug puppy to be released. Search for local breeders and take note of their contact details, office addresses, and office hours. Call ahead of time and schedule an appointment. Once you are in their shelter, look for signs or red flags. If you already have a prospective puppy, try to interact with it to see how it engages with you. Remember that legitimate breeders will keep their puppies happy and energetic. Create a List of Questions to Ask Prepare a list of questions to ask about the pugs for sale and about the local breeder ahead of your visit. Ask questions about the general health condition of the puppy, its parents, and health records. You can also request to see the parents of the pug puppy and get a good look at their current health condition and ask if the pug puppies for sale or the parents are AKC registered. Pugs that are mixed breeds tend to develop respiratory conditions and problems with weight. Other questions you can ask are if the breeder provides the health guarantees or if the pups will be crate trained upon release and many other questions along those lines. Check the Pug Puppies that are for Sale Confirm if the available pug puppies for sale are in their optimal health conditions. If you can, make it a point to take a vet with you when you visit pug breeders to check on the pug puppies. If the puppies are already vet checked, ask for the contact details of the vet who checked the puppies. Avoid puppy mills at all costs. They do not practice ethical standards on raising pug puppies. A puppy mill will release unhealthy puppies and will not consider the overall health of both the parents and the fawns. They also supply mixed breeds and never purebred pugs. Check if they have the updated vaccines and if they have been de-wormed. Female pugs are heavy shedders especially if they have become mothers to week old pug puppies. Pugs shed hair all year round, so be ready for that. Puppies shed more in their early stages. Make note of how fast and spontaneous the breeder answers your question about the health of the pug puppies. A reputable breeder will have no trouble answering these types of questions. Know What to Look for Look for energetic and cheerful pug puppies. Healthy and friendly pugs are excited to see new people. Look for pug puppies for sale that have a nice, positive temperament. Also, look for vaccination cards, AKC papers, registration papers, and the health certificate of the pug puppies for sale. Be wary of mixed breeds listed as purebred pug puppies for sale. If the pug for sale is under the color unrecognized category, chances are, the breeder is selling you a mixed-breed puppy. Compare prices among legit pug and dog breeders. If the prices are too low or become too high, you may not be getting what you are paying for. Conclusion Getting a pug for your home is a decision you will never regret. They are among the best things you can have in the world. Pugs are reliable and provide the best companions. They are sensitive to your emotions and are dedicated to providing the comic relief you needed after a stressful day. Here are some of the other topics we have created to help you search pugs for sale by location. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Do you have questions about Pug breeders in Florida or where to find Pug puppies for sale Jacksonville Florida? Are Pugs good for apartments? Pugs are the perfect apartment dogs! And not just because they are small. Pugs are easygoing dogs who are content to lounge around and nap all day. Can I only pick from Florida-based breeders? Our partner breeders can then arrange safe transport for your puppy so you can just pick him or her up at an airport in Florida. How do you screen Pug breeders? All breeders and businesses who want to join our network go through a strict evaluation process where we take a close look at their experiences, practices, breeding knowledge, and facilities. A Pug breeder Florida must share the same values stated in our Breeder Pledge if they want to be welcomed into the network. How much is the average Pug in Florida? Pug puppies for sale Florida will vary in price. Pug breeders Orlando Florida and elsewhere in the state consider a number of things before deciding on a price. These include gender, coat color, and pedigree among others. Why is Florida Puppies better than other puppy finder websites? We are different because we conduct an independent review of all the businesses that join us to ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices. You might be tempted to get your dog from a puppy mill due to their offers of cheap Pug puppies in Florida but hear us out first. Where can I find a Pug mix? Pug crossbreeds like the Pug Pomeranian can make wonderful pets, too. What kind of dog is a Pug? The Pug is a toy dog breed that originated from China and traveled to Europe centuries ago. It first rose to fame when the Dutch royal family began keeping them as pets. The Pug is known for its sweet demeanor and silly antics -- qualities that made them such warm companion dogs to people of any age. About how big do Pugs get? Both male and female pugs can reach a height of inches and a weight of pounds. They are more sturdily built when compared with other toy dogs but are still quite portable. How does Florida Puppies work? Finding Pug puppies for sale in South Florida and in other parts of the Sunshine state is super easy. Begin by browsing our available Pug puppies or our featured Pug Florida breeders. Once you find the Pug puppy of your dreams, get in touch with the breeder, and feel free to ask questions about your new pup. Pug's Available!

Reputable breeders try to produce dogs that adhere as closely as possible to their breed standard. They pick the best dogs to take part in their breeding programs and make partner matches that have the greatest chance of producing puppies that are healthy and likely to succeed in the show ring. Breeders of teacup dogs, on the other hand, are laser-focused on one thing: size. This makes it easy for significant health problems to be passed down from parent to puppy. Teacup Dog Health Problems Many of these health problems are found in small breed, not just teacup, dogs. Unfortunately, research is still ongoing into whether they occur more frequently the tinier a dog is bred to be, but the chances for these health problems are elevated during poor breeding practices. Hypoglycemia Teacup puppies are prone to developing dangerously low blood sugar levels hypoglycemia , which can lead to mental dullness, weakness, muscle tremors, seizures , and death. To help prevent hypoglycemia, pet parents may need to feed their teacup puppies every two hours yes, even overnight! Extra pressure within the skull damages the brain, leading to blindness, behavioral changes, and other neurologic problems. Surgery may be necessary to create a path for fluid to drain away from the brain. Liver Shunts Portosystemic liver shunts are abnormal blood vessels that prevent blood from entering the liver. Dental Disease Teacup dogs have a tiny mouth, so their teeth typically do not grow in normally. Collapsing Trachea Teacup dogs are at a higher-than-average risk of developing collapsing trachea. This is when the muscular portion of the windpipe weakens over time and sags, narrowing the passageway for air and leading to a cough that sounds a little like a goose honk. Medications and sometimes surgery are necessary to keep dogs with this condition comfortable. Dogs with DMVD generally have a heart murmur and can develop coughing, trouble breathing, an inability to exercise, weakness, and congestive heart failure. Surgery becomes necessary when pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and other treatments fail to keep a dog comfortable. Hypothermia The smaller the dog, the harder it is for them to stay warm. Even when temperatures are relatively mild, teacup dogs may need to wear a sweater or coat when temps drop. Difficulty Dosing Medications Most common dog medications, including heartworm, flea, and tick preventives, are labeled for use in dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. Teacup dogs often need to take compounded medications which increases their expense or use medications in an off-label manner. Everything from placing an IV catheter, to repairing a broken bone , to keeping the anesthetized dog warm is harder when they are this small. Fragility Teacup dogs are more likely to be seriously wounded if they experience a traumatic injury. Their bones are relatively fragile, so even normal activities, like jumping off a bed, can lead to fractures. Additionally, teacup dogs and especially teacup puppies seem to become sicker faster than bigger dogs. Stress alone is sometimes enough to send fragile dogs like these to the veterinary hospital. Should You Adopt a Teacup Puppy? Typically, a pet parent looking for a small dog can find a healthier and heartier option in a puppy that has been bred to meet the breed standard. Smaller-than-normal pups are born from time to time, and reputable breeders are always looking for good homes for them—with the condition they are not bred as an adult. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Also called Barbone and Caniche, the teacup-toy Poodle is an intelligent and loyal breed. If you want a best friend who is big enough to keep up with your adventures but small enough to ride in your lap, this energetic dog may be a match for you. Affectionate, eager, and playful, they are ready and willing to do what it takes to make you happy. Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, and early socialization will help your pup grow to be calm and happy around pets, children, and unfamiliar people. They are a delightful all-around dog that has such strong qualities, it has been a parent breed for dozens of hybrid breeds. Their eyes are dark and brilliant and reveal their intelligence. Their nose is refined at the end of a long, narrow snout, and their teeth meet in a strong scissor bite. A miniature variation dictates that Teacup-Toy Poodles will have a squarely-built body with a deep chest and muscled shoulders. Their stance is elegant but sturdy, and their tail stands straight up. Their hair is typically dense, curly, and even wiry. Their coats come in many colors: White. These tiny little pups are loyal and loving and can fit just about anywhere! Also intelligent, the Teacup Poodle will keep you on your toes and carries many of the same characteristics as their standard sized parents. This breed is selectively bred and is a variation of the Toy Poodle. The only difference between the Toy Poodle and the Teacup Poodle is their size, so we can look to the Toy Poodle for a lot of information about the Teacup. Breed Origin The Poodle is one of the most popular dogs in the world and is in fact one of the oldest pure bred dogs. These dogs originated in Germany and were originally bred to be a working and gun dog that made the perfect hunting dog. The Poodle has a waterproof coat and great retrieving talents. Nowadays, this breed is more known as a lapdog rather than a working dog. They are bred in smaller breeds so that more people can enjoy having a Poodle as a best friend. The Teacup variation of this breed has been selectively bred from the Toy Poodle and must be under 9 inches in height and less than 6 pounds in weight to qualify as a Teacup. Teacup puppies are normally born in litters of one to two, although occasionally there can be more. They weigh around 2 pounds when born and will only grow to around 5 pounds once fully grown. They also are always under 9 inches in height. This is because of the selective breeding process and the fact that there are fewer dogs in every litter. Although there are no official breed standards, the general rule of thumb is that a Teacup Poodle is 9 inches in height and they weigh less than 6 pounds, whereas a Toy breed is less than 10 inches. Their breed is very elegant looking, no matter the size, and they always stand poised. Their eyes are also small, dark and are always alert and they have a long muzzle with floppy furry ears. Coat Their coat is curled and thick and they do not shed any fur. This means they are a hypoallergenic dog and are perfect for those with allergies. Unlike other Poodle mix dogs who may have a mixture of different fur colors, this dog only comes in solid colors. This way, you can determine whether you are being sold a purebred Poodle or not. They are extremely loving and make great companions for everyone, including individuals, families and the elderly. Because of their size, too, they fit into many different environments and will do well in apartments and in city living and also in large homes in the country or in open-spaced environments. Their exercise needs are not great, although they do get bored very easily and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for too long they will begin to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Lifespan The life expectancy of a Teacup dog is relatively long. These dogs can be expected to live anywhere between 12 to 14 years. Some of these problems are similar to the issues that may be carried by their standard sized ancestors due to their genetic similarities. These include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Dysplasia — this is normally seen in large dogs but can affect different joints in the body. Also, because of their selective breeding and small size, they are also prone to some other health issues. You should always check with the breeder you are buying from to see whether the dogs show any signs of these problems. The three most common are hypoglycemia low blood sugar , heart defects and patella luxation. Patella luxation is a common condition in smaller dogs and is caused when the patella is not properly aligned. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait, sort of like a skip or a hop. To ensure you identify the signs of any of these issues early, ensure you take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Daily Life Fortunately, taking care of a Teacup Poodle in day-to-day life is not too challenging. They do not have as many needs as other sizes of the Poodle breed. Food And Diet Because they are small dogs , their food needs are not huge. Experts recommend that you feed your Teacup Poodle approximately calories per day, which is the equivalent to approximately 1 cup of high quality dry kibble per day. You should try them on a diet that is specially formulated for toy sized breeds, so you are ensuring that they get the right nutrients. You can also reward them with treats when they exhibit good behavior, as well as fruit snacks. Exercise The Teacup Poodle does not have great exercise needs, because of their size. Despite this, they still need to be walked every day. Exercising your dog can be a great way to bond with them and increase mental stimulation, as well as allowing them to experience new sights and sounds. Experts recommend you take your Teacup Poodle for no more than a 30 minute short walk a day. It is best that you split the walk into three so they do not over exert themselves. This way you could take them in the morning, in the middle of the day and in the evening and you could vary the locations to give your dog new experiences. Your dog will also benefit from toys at home that will increase bonding time with you. Keep in mind that a Teacup Poodle has trouble keeping warm because of their small size. If you live in a colder area, your Teacup will benefit from a sweater or jacket to keep warm! Family Compatibility Poodles love humans and make great companions for everyone, including families. Because of their size, Teacup Poodles can fit into any home, whether you live in an apartment in the city of whether you live in a large house in the countryside. They love to be around you, so they are not well suited to a family that is going to be out for most of the day. That being said, they are extremely loving and a great lapdog — and small enough so you might be able to take them with you! The Teacup may feel intimidated when being held by small children and therefore get a little cranky. Fortunately, with early socialization, this can be fixed. Training Teacup Poodles are easy to train, which is another reason many people love these dogs. They are naturally intelligent which makes your life a lot easier, especially if you have never trained a dog before. Teacups want to learn and want to please and they respond well to positive reinforcement. This includes verbal praise and treats. You will also need to socialize them, especially because they are small. They need to be introduced to other people and animals from a young age so they learn how to interact. You should aim to do this twice a week. You should also clip their nails and brush their teeth. To help prevent dental decay and disease, daily brushing is the normally recommended. Teacup Poodles certainly do well in a family environment and love to be around people. They can feel intimidated when they are around small children, so it is not usually advised to house them with young children. However, this can be fixed with socialization. They can live in both small apartments or in big houses, as long as you give them enough love. How much do Teacup Poodles cost? They are expensive because they can be difficult to breed and there is normally only one or two puppies in a litter. If this is too expensive for you, you may find a Teacup Poodle at your local shelter who needs a home. Summary Teacup Poodles are an adorable, friendly and loving dog. Ensure that you give them the right amount of food, exercise them every day and play games with them and they will love you forever! Teacup Poodles love to be around people and can make the perfect family dog. They are not difficult to train and walking is minimal, so they make a great pet to everyone! What do you think — is a Teacup Poodle the right dog for you? Search Dog Breeds. The teacup poodle is a newer type of poodle and has only recently found great popularity in the past twenty years. Originally, the poodle originated in Germany around the early 14th century and was used as a hunting dog that retrieved waterfowl. The poodle is also the national dog of France and is widely known for being intelligent, loyal, and loving. Over time, smaller sizes of this pup began being bred, and the poodle became more popular as a companion or lap dog. The miniature poodle originated in the early 20th century when American breeders started to create a more city-friendly poodle. The smallest puppies from toy poodle litters were used for breeding teacup poodles, achieving their small size. However, despite this small stature, the teacup poodle has a lot to offer owners. They lack none of the intelligence of the standard-sized poodle, and they are alert, friendly, and easy to train. Teacup poodles form strong bonds with their owners and are playful and affectionate, but they may be prone to nervousness if not properly cared for or left alone for too long. Teacup poodles stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh up to 6 pounds. They have round heads with a slight stop, much like standard-sized poodles, floppy ears, and a longer muzzle. Their eyes are typically small and dark, but very alert, and they will have a longer neck, square body, and straight back with long legs. The coat of the teacup poodle is thicker, curly, and soft and will need to be brushed often to prevent tangles. What Size Is a Teacup Poodle? Teacup poodles are, as the name implies, pretty small dogs. This pup will stand no more than 9 inches tall and weigh less than 6 pounds. They can be quite fragile because of their small size, so you will need to pay extra attention to your dog while it is playing or moving around your home. The teacup poodle has a coat much like the standard-size poodles. Teacup poodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, so they may be a beneficial breed for those with allergies. The teacup poodle has a friendly disposition and is intelligent, alert, loyal, and loving. This pup tends to become very attached to their owners and will often be seen following them from room to room. Teacup poodles are also very smart and can pick up tricks easily. They are eager to please and will love the time spent with you learning new commands. Teacup poodles are not known to have a high prey drive or act very aggressively toward other animals, though they may be quite vocal if they notice something suspicious around their home. Are Teacup Poodles Affectionate? Teacup poodles are very affectionate and will enjoy spending as much time with their owner as possible. You can expect your teacup poodle to enjoy cuddling on the couch, sleeping in the same room as you at nighttime, and wanting to play frequently throughout the day. The small size of this breed makes them quite fragile, so rough play with children can lead to the dog becoming injured. Lots of yelling, excitement, and busy play from smaller children can also scare your teacup poodle, creating anxiety, nervousness, or barking issues. That being said, families with older, calmer children and children that know how to properly play with animals can easily get along with this pup. Teacup poodles are generally good with other animals as they are a friendly and social pup. Are Teacup Poodles Aggressive? Your teacup poodle is unlikely to attack, nip, or act aggressively toward strangers, but they can develop these behaviors if they are very anxious, fearful, or bored. Do Teacup Poodles Bark a Lot? Teacup poodles are, unfortunately, quite vocal, and you can expect this dog to bark at just about anything. Teacup poodles will bark when they are happy and playing, in addition to barking at things they find suspicious or untrustworthy around their home. They may also bark to draw your attention or to show their displeasure with something. You can train excessive barking habits down somewhat, but keep in mind that your teacup poodle is likely to be on the more vocal side, no matter what. Are Teacup Poodles Intelligent? This dog breed is fairly intelligent, and teacup poodles can easily learn new tricks. They can be house trained relatively quickly in addition to learning more complex commands and skills. Plus, teacup poodles are easy to please and love a mental challenge, something that adds to their learning abilities. Are Teacup Poodles Easy to Train? Due to their higher intelligence, teacup poodles can be quite easy to train. They are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please their owners, all factors which help them pick up new skills quickly and learn basic obedience tasks. Your teacup poodle may even be up to the challenge of learning more advanced tricks depending on their intelligence and how quickly they learn. Are Teacup Poodles Energetic? Teacup poodles have a moderate energy level and are a very playful breed. This pup will need two short walks per day that last around 15 minutes each and are likely to expend a lot of energy running around their home and playing with their toys and their families. As long as they have toys around their home and enough space to get their zoomies out from time to time, they will fit well into apartment living. However, you should keep in mind that this pup can be noisy from time to time, so training to curb needless barking is a must. Are Teacup Poodles Good Watchdogs? They are also fairly protective and loyal to their owners, which makes them easily fall into the watchdog role. While teacup poodles may be intelligent and quickly learn many tricks and commands, they are not the best size for acting as service dogs. This breed is too small to help with guiding and mobility support-related tasks, and they are not typically able to fetch heavy items for their owners. However, teacup poodles love being around their owners. So they are a good choice for a companion pup, making them eligible to act as a therapy dog or an emotional support animal. How to Care for a Teacup Poodle Teacup poodles are not the highest maintenance breed out there, but they do require a dedicated care routine to stay happy and healthy. You will need to spend lots of time with your teacup poodle, as this breed is prone to anxiety and loneliness without their owners, something that can easily translate into destructive behaviors. Make sure that you brush your teacup poodle a few times a week, as this helps to release any shed hair before it tangles and mats. You will likely need to take your teacup poodle to be groomed regularly to trim up their hair, give them a good bath, and ensure their coat is kept at a comfortable length. Supplement meals with nutritional treats to keep your pup happy. Your teacup poodle will need to be brushed a few times a week and regularly receive professional grooming. The groomer will help release shed hair, untangle mats safely, and trim up their coat, so your dog is more comfortable. Do Teacup Poodles Shed? Teacup poodles are low-shedding dogs and are often considered hypoallergenic. What Should a Teacup Poodle Eat? Your teacup poodle should be eating a diet of high-quality dry or wet food and, depending on their size, should be consuming between half a cup and one full cup of food per day approximately calories. Due to their small size, teacup poodles may be prone to certain health conditions that affect smaller dogs. These problems include hypoglycemia, heart defects, respiratory and digestive problems, seizures, collapsing trachea, and blindness. Genetically, your teacup poodle may be predisposed to dental disease and luxating patellas. To ensure your teacup poodle stays in the best health, you should be taking them to regular vet visits and checking their behavior for any concerning symptoms such as limping, lethargy, or sudden changes in behavior. Teacup poodles are known to live between 12 and 14 years, though your dog may live longer or shorter than this predicated lifespan, depending on any preexisting health issues and their overall daily care. Regular vet visits and proper care for your dog is the best way to ensure they live a long, healthy, happy life. Are Teacup Poodles Expensive? Due to their smaller size, teacup poodles can be difficult to breed, and there are typically only one or two puppies bred per litter. This creates a relatively higher demand for this dog due to a lower supply and makes teacup poodles fairly expensive. How to Find a Teacup Poodle Breeder If you want to purchase a teacup poodle, you will most likely need to find a breeder to buy from. The best way to do this is to perform internet searches of local and national breeders that are reputable, follow proper breeding practices, and care for both the breeding dogs and the puppies humanely. Make sure to avoid suspect breeding practices, very low-priced dogs if something is too good to be true, it usually is , and anything that looks like a puppy mill, as dogs and puppies that come from these spaces are likely to have been poorly treated and have increased health issues. Can You Adopt a Teacup Poodle? For the most part, teacup poodles are a variation of the standard-sized poodle and are in great demand. It is unlikely that one will turn up at a shelter for adoption, but it is possible. Keep an eye out on local and national poodle rescue organizations to see if a teacup poodle comes through that you can adopt. Are Teacup Poodles Purebred? That being said, its parents may be purebred toy poodles, and the teacup poodle may come from either a line of purebred poodles or mixed breed poodles. Can You Show Teacup Poodles? However, several other kennel clubs and organizations put on events and shows for teacup and toy dog breeds that your teacup poodle may be eligible to participate in. The teacup poodle may be good for new dog owners in certain circumstances. Owners should also be prepared to spend lots of quality time with their dog to prevent anxiousness and behavioral problems. The teacup poodle is a fantastic addition to the right type of lifestyle and family, but you may still be wondering whether or not this is the right dog for you. Review our list of points below to help make your decision easier. The teacup poodle is the right dog for you if: You want a loyal, loving companion dog that will stay by your side when you are home and likely accompany you from room to room. You need a small dog suited to apartment living, or you want a small companion dog that can also act as a helpful watchdog. You want a dog that can exercise for long periods of time and spend time in the outdoors with you hiking or completing working tasks. You want a dog that can be trained for service dog skills, such as guiding and mobility assistance.

about german shepherd puppies - Prospective owners are sometimes shocked to learn that straight hair Goldendoodles exist! Goldendoodles with straight hair, sometimes called flat coat Goldendoodles, are often the subject of a lot of confusion. Is there anything wrong with them? Keep reading to get all your questions answered about this unique Goldendoodle coat texture! Can Goldendoodles Have Straight Hair? While not as common as wavy or curly coats, Goldendoodles can have straight hair! As a mixed breed dog, Goldendoodles will take on some qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Naturally, some Goldendoodles will have a flat coat like the Golden Retriever and some will have a curlier coat similar to the Poodle. Breeders often strive to produce Goldendoodle puppies with curly coats, as they tend to be more allergy-friendly and have a lower potential for shedding. Photo courtesy of archiebgolden on Instagram. Are Goldendoodles Always Curly? Goldendoodle coat types can range from curly, to wavy, to completely straight. While there are plenty of straight hair Goldendoodles out there, curly coats are definitely more common in this breed. What coat type a Goldendoodle puppy has depends entirely on the DNA passed on from their parents. Straight hair comes from the Golden Retriever side and curly hair comes from the Poodle side. Photo courtesy of boopitsremy on Instagram. What is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? A flat coat Goldendoodle is a term used to describe Goldendoodles with straight hair that lack furnishings. Whether or not a Goldendoodle has a flat coat is based on if they have furnishings. See how the one on the left has a more scruffy, teddy-bear look? Just like humans inherit traits from their parents, so do Goldendoodles! Coat texture is one example of a trait that can be passed along from either parent breed. Coat texture can differ not only between litters of puppies but between individual puppies from the same litter! In any given litter of Goldendoodles, some puppies may have flat coats while others have curly or wavy hair. Responsible breeders take great care to select dogs from well-known bloodlines and perform extensive genetic testing prior to breeding. This not not only reduces the likelihood of genetic health issues in Goldendoodles , but it can help increase the chances of a low-shedding and allergy-friendly coat. Breeders sometimes say that straight haired Goldendoodles have an improper coat. Photo courtesy of presleydoo on Instagram. This number indicates how far removed from the initial pairing of two purebred dogs a litter is. Still confused? The generations most likely to result in a straight hair Goldendoodle are F1 or F2 since they both contain the highest percentages of Golden Retriever DNA. Alternatively, you may find a breeder that backcrosses a Goldendoodle to a Golden Retriever resulting in puppies even more likely to have a flat coat. However, this is extremely rare to come across. Most people are hoping for a curly haired Goldendoodle. Are Straight Hair Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Straight hair Goldendoodles will NOT be hypoallergenic. Photo courtesy of remdog. Do Straight Coat Goldendoodles Shed? Straight coat Goldendoodles will usually shed moderately. The good news is that with the right knowledge and tools, Goldendoodle shedding can be effectively managed! It all starts with a healthy diet, frequent brushing and bathing, and using the proper equipment. Straight-haired Goldendoodle puppies take after the luxurious straight coat of their Golden Retriever parent. This is because they have more dominant Golden Retriever genes. On the other hand, curly-haired Goldendoodles have physical characteristics similar to their Poodle parents. So, how do Goldendoodle puppies develop straight hair , and what factors warrant this trait? Although the Goldendoodle inherits traits from both a Golden Retriever and a Poodle; no two puppies will develop identical characteristics. This is because each of the puppies will take after the dominant gene of the parent wired in their DNA. A cute Goldendoodle puppy waits for a treat Generations Other than genetics, the generations of crossbreed preceding a particular Goldendoodle puppy and the generation the puppy belongs to also determine its coat type. F1 Goldendoodles are the first-generation Goldendoodle puppies whose line comprises a purebred Poodle and Golden Retriever. In this case, the pup will inherit half of its genetic makeup from a Poodle and the other half from a Golden Retriever. F1B Goldendoodle puppies, on the other hand, come from one purebred Poodle and one F1 Goldendoodle parent. If you want the curlier and teddy bear looks of most Goldendoodles, then look for puppies with the F1B genes. If you adopted or bought an F2 Goldendoodle puppy, you should know that this gene strain is a cross between two Goldendoodle parents. The only difference of this strain is that they are the most unpredictable in terms of coat type, which means that their offspring can have the double gene of a Golden Retriever and can develop the straight and flat coat of a straight-haired Goldendoodle. At the same, they can also be bred by crossing a purebred Poodle to F2 Goldendoodle parents. This would mean that F2B Goldendoodle Puppies have .Because there is more Poodle in the genes of these tots, chances are puppies that have the F2B gene will come out curlier and have a higher degree of physical resemblance to the Poodle. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Grooming A Flat Coat Because of their straighter hair, flat-coated Goldendoodles are often confused with Golden Retrievers, and for good reasons. However, straight-haired Goldendoodles will often have shaggier manes than their Golden Retriever ancestors. As far as grooming goes, straight-haired Goldendoodle would need brushing as well with the use of a pin or a slicker brush every few times a week. This brushing will keep their coat from being tangled, while the occasional use of a grooming mitt could keep their coat looking and feeling shiny. Flat Coat Maintenance There are many benefits to owning a Goldendoodle with straight hair. First, their hair or coat is less likely to mat than their curlier-haired siblings, so they would require less maintenance. For dog owners who like more fun and minor cosmetic care for a dog, the straight-haired Goldendoodle is ideal. Another advantage to a straight-haired Goldendoodle is that leaves, dust, and other debris are less likely to catch on their mane, unlike wavy or curly-haired Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles with a flat coat would only need a bath once they start to smell, and this will solely depend on the environment they are living in or whether or not they are potty trained. All in all, the grooming that flat-coated Goldendoodle dogs and puppies require is very minimal and depends on the occasion. This is the perfect dog for families with a busy schedule but still would love to have a dog to play with and care for. A cute dog having a bath. Keep that smell under control! Do Flat-Coat Goldendoodles Shed? There are many benefits to a flat-coated Goldendoodle; however, there are also downsides to this adorable mixed breed compared to its other cousins, the wavy or the curly-haired Goldendoodles. The first is that the flat-coat Goldendoodle sheds more fur than its counterparts, the wavy and curly-haired Goldendoodles. This is because, genetically, a flat coat Goldendoodle is less Poodle than a Golden Retriever. The good news is, for lovers of Golden Retrievers who are allergic to the breed because of the amount of hair they tend to shed, the flat-coated Goldendoodle is a great option. It has the intelligence of the Golden Retriever but comes without the shedding! As Flat Coat Goldendoodles shed more, they are less hypoallergenic. There is a happy middle ground, but no dog breed can completely be hypoallergenic. This is the case for the breed Goldendoodle , which has the advantage of shedding less. Another fact to know is that dog hair is not what people are allergic to but the dander or the skin cells and saliva. It is correlated because dogs who shed more hair or fur also tend to shed more dander. A Goldendoodle looking up and tongue out. The most straightforward and surefire way to know what coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have once fully grown is by checking the hair around its mouth. A Goldendoodle puppy will grow a curly coat if the hair around its mouth is tight, curly, or kinky. In contrast, a wavy-haired Goldendoodle will have wavy hair once it matures if its hair is wavy around the mouth with loose curls. Straight-haired Goldendoodle are characterized by their short and straight hair on their face and around their mouth as a puppy. A red Goldendoodle puppy. A Goldendoodle is also known as a Groodle. Their size is not fixed and depends on their parents. They come in three sizes—miniature, medium, and standard. Goldendoodles are highly sociable and can live in a country or city setting. Just make sure that they go on walks for 20 to 30 minutes every day to get their daily dose of exercise. Although they need proper socialization to avoid aggressive or shy behavior, Goldendoodles are highly trainable. Aside from being an all-around excellent house dog, the Goldendoodle is also great as a working dog—they work as guide, service, therapy, and sniffer dogs. You are sure to find one trusty companion in a Goldendoodle. A tongue out Goldendoodle with a bandana. Goldendoodle Coat Types Many people desire Goldendoodles because of their health and temperament. However, this mixed breed is also preferred because of its little-to-no-shedding and hypoallergenic status, which is essential for dog lovers who are allergic or sensitive to shedding. A Goldendoodle puppy will develop one of three coats once grown—wavy, curly, or straight. Coats will depend on the genes the Goldendoodle has inherited from its parents. Keep reading to discover more about each potential Goldendoodle coat. Wavy Goldendoodle Coat The shaggy or wavy coat is the most common one. To get this kind of coat, the pup should have inherited one curl gene and one non-curl gene from its parents. Goldendoodles with this coat type will have hair on their body that grows anywhere from 4 to 7 inches or 10 to 18 centimeters if left ungroomed. In contrast, the hair around the face will typically be shorter. The wavy-coated Goldendoodle is low shedding but would still require regular brushing and grooming to prevent knots from developing in their fur. Maintaining them will be effortless just as long as the owner keeps brushing their coat at least once a week. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. Curly Goldendoodle Coat The curly-haired Goldendoodle has the densest hair type. A curly coat develops when both the parents have the curly gene. These Goldendoodles take more on the Poodle side of their lineage. They are the non-shedding ones of the bunch and are more or less allergy-friendly; this is a plus for all sensitive dog lovers since curly-haired Goldendoodle can have really kinky curls or big barrel curls. Owners who live by the beach should be wary of sand getting caught in the curly fur of this dog. In terms of grooming, regular brushing once or twice a week will prevent knotting, while hair trimming twice or thrice a year will be all it needs. A Goldendoodle lie down on the couch. Straight Goldendoodle Coat [Flat Coat] The straight coat of a straight-haired Goldendoodle is most often called a loose hair coat. While the curly-haired Goldendoodle takes most from the Poodle line of parents, the straight-haired Goldendoodle takes more from the Golden Retriever line. Although the straight furs on these fur babies mean that they are generally low maintenance, this fur type makes them the top shedders among all Goldendoodles. This can be bad news for Goldendoodle lovers who are sensitive to dog hair. Straight-haired Goldendoodles require low maintenance but still need brushing like their other siblings. Brushing will prevent problems like knotting and premature shedding, especially if the Goldendoodle is wearing a dog collar. A Goldendoodle sitting on the grass. Final Thoughts That concludes our Goldendoodle guide, and we hope that you learned a lot from it. Just remember the basics of reading the hair on the sides of the mouth of a Goldendoodle puppy, and you will know what strain of mixed-breed you have as it enters adolescence. Flat-coat Goldendoodles will be more prone to shedding fur, sure, but they make up for it by needing less maintenance than their cousins. In contrast to the teddy bear likeness of a curly or wavy-haired Goldendoodle, the flat-coat Goldendoodle will have smoother and shaggier fur, which is also cute in itself. Whatever the genetic strain of the Goldendoodle, the owner must keep in mind that whether or not their dog looks like a bear, in the end, Goldendoodles will love their owners just the same. And this adorable breed definitely deserves to be loved back. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The Goldendoodle breed is generally known for its curly and wavy hair. It can be pretty surprising to discover a Goldendoodle with a flat coat. You can click here to get answers to common questions about flat coat Goldendoodles. A straight hair Goldendoodle is more like a golden retriever with a beard, mustache, and a typical Goldendoodle look. But what are the situations where a Goldendoodle gets a flat coat? In the case of F1 or first-generation Goldendoodle puppies, one purebred golden retriever parent and one purebred poodle parent are bred together. Therefore, puppies inherit 50 percent of their genetic composition from each parent. As a result, while some F1 Goldendoodles may get the curly coat of the poodle parent, others may have a flat, straight coat resembling a golden retriever. If the dogs are 2nd generation or F2 Goldendoodles, there are also substantial chances of acquiring straight hair or a flat coat. You can also try to find a breeder who backcrosses Goldendoodles with golden retrievers, which is rare. Genetics Despite having the qualities of both golden retrievers and poodles, no two Goldendoodle puppies will grow up with the same traits. This is because each puppy will inherit the dominant gene of the parent that gets imprinted into their DNA. Standard poodles are usually the source of the Cu locus gene in Goldendoodles. At five to seven months, they often begin to shed their coats and develop their adult coats. You may see changes in color fading at an early age. Even darker Goldendoodle puppies may lose some of their colors and become lighter as they age. And depending on the genes, a puppy will get flat or curly hair. Adult and puppy coats differ primarily in texture. In contrast, you can frequently see flat coats in F2 or F2b litters. Flat-coated doodles are less frequent because most Goldendoodle puppy buyers prefer the characteristic curly-coated doodle appearance. It is quite possible that if you see an adult doodle with a flat coat, you might not even recognize it as a Goldendoodle. You may consider it a golden retriever because of its appearance. These are more uncommon types of Goldendoodle. Genetic testing is the only way to tell with percent certainty which coat genes a pup has inherited. Apart from that, there are a few signs you can check. Looking at the hair around their mouth is a great way to predict the coat your puppy will have in adulthood. The last thing is to ask the breeder or kennel where you bought the puppy. Your puppy will have tightly curled hair around his mouth if he is likely to have a curly coat. Puppies with straight coats have short, straight hair around their mouths. How Do Maintenance and Grooming Differ? There are many benefits to maintaining and grooming a flat coat Goldendoodle. Below we have enclosed the grooming difference between flap, curly, and wavy Goldendoodles. READ - Labradoodle vs. Wavy Coat The most common and popular coat type in Goldendoodles is a shaggy and wavy coat. This coat has a fuzzy appearance and requires minor maintenance of all three types. You must frequently brush your furry companion to remove stray hairs and mats to keep its coat healthy and tangle-free. Such types of coats have low to no shedding. Curly Coat Your puppy will probably have a tight, curled coat if he generally resembles the poodle parent. As a result, you can have long barrel ringlets or tight, kinky poodle curls. It would be best if you did regular grooming for Goldendoodle dogs to prevent their coat from matting. Though a flat coat is easy to maintain, it sheds more than usual. The upside of this is that you will save time and money on grooming and maintenance. Furthermore, brush them a few times weekly to keep their coat beautiful. You can best schedule a bath accordingly. Downsides of a Flat Coat Goldendoodle Though getting a flat coat Goldendoodle puppy has many benefits, it also has some downsides. Shedding The main drawback of flat coat Goldendoodles is that they tend to shed more than curly and wavy Goldendoodles. This happens because the straight-haired Goldendoodle has a lower proportion of poodle DNA in its genetic makeup than the other two types. However, one thing to note is that flat-coat Goldendoodles still shed less than purebred golden retrievers do. So if you are planning to buy a flat coat Goldendoodle puppy, be ready for lots of hair on your floors and beds. You should set a regular brushing schedule, use the right kind of shampoo, give them balanced food, and utilize supplements as needed. Less Hypoallergenic Since flat coat Goldendoodles shed more, it goes without saying that they will be less hypoallergenic. The main reason is that they are more genetically similar to golden retrievers than poodles. A puppy is hypoallergenic if he has the qualities of a non-shedding and curly coat. Both are absent in flat coat Goldendoodles. The dander, a mixture of expelled skin cells and saliva, causes the allergy. Dogs that shed a lot of hair also tend to shed more dander. It is easily manageable. Additionally, they frequently represent the most affordable generations. You can buy them at a lower price than curly and wavy Goldendoodles. You may occasionally overlook flat-coated puppies since many dog owners prefer allergy-friendly curly coats over flat coats. It does not tangle as easily as curly hair. Also, they are less prone to matting. Low Litter Selection Competition Most pet owners prefer curly and wavy coats, so it is an excellent option for you to pick a flat-coat Goldendoodle. Great Health and Temperament If you buy any puppy, ensure they are healthy and have a great temperament. Flat Goldendoodle puppies are considered healthy with a great temperament. You can even train them quickly. They are gentle, loyal, and understanding and make you smile with their funny actions. Conclusion Flat coat Goldendoodle puppies can be excellent pets for homes. So if you are thinking of adopting a flat coat Goldendoodle puppy, we think it is a great decision. We hope this guide has helped you learn everything about flat coat Goldendoodles. We have thoroughly discussed straight-hair Goldendoodles, including genetics, maintenance, grooming, and the downsides of the breed. We have also made things easy for you by providing information on the essential things you must look at before adopting a flat-coat Goldendoodle puppy. Flat Coat Goldendoodle Puppy, also known as Straight Hair Goldendoodles , have become a popular dog type because many dog enthusiasts like the flat coat or straight hair that resembles a Golden Retriever. It makes these furry friends look more like teddy bears. If you are looking for a friendly temperament, non-shedding, and hypoallergenic dog, this is one of the best options. With this, you will maximize your chances of selecting a Goldendoodle with a flat coat. This article will discuss everything you need to know about a flat Coat Goldendoodle. Keep reading to learn more. So, how will your Goldendoodle end up with a straight or flat coat? The absence of this gene means that your Goldendoodle will have straight hair or a flat coat. The gene usually prevents keratin from binding together structural components, which leads to a curly coat. Therefore, if your Goldendoodle does not have keratin in its genetic structure, it will have a straight or flat coat. A DNA test can help you determine whether or not your furry friend has the presence of this gene. Generally, most Goldendoodles tend to have a wavy coat and will not have flat or straight coats. They are a hybrid dog breed of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever and usually get a mix of the Cu Locus gene. If you are looking for a flat or straight coat Goldendoodle, then you need to consider a 1st generation Goldendoodle or F1 Goldendoodle. There are also high chances of getting straight hair or flat coat Goldendoodle if they are 2nd generation Goldendoodle or F2 Goldendoodle. Because most Goldendoodles are backcrossed bred with a Poodle to become non-shedding and more hypoallergenic, you will not need backcrossed Goldendoodles. If you want straight hair or a flat coat Goldendoodle, then you will need more Golden Retriever genetics. The coats are typically wavy to curly. F1BB Goldendoodle: .The coats are typically curly. The highest chance of straight hair or flat coat Goldendoodle F2B Goldendoodle: .F2BB Goldendoodle: .Multi-generation Goldendoodle or F3 Goldendoodle: Various generations of Goldendoodles breeding typically back crossbreeding to the Standard Poodle. You can also try to find a dog breeder that backcrosses Goldendoodles with Golden Retrievers. Goldendoodle Coat Changes Goldendoodle puppies also change their coats while reaching adulthood. They will mostly start shedding their coats at the age of 5 to 7 months and transition into adult coats. The transition can happen gradually over a few months or suddenly. In addition, darker-colored Goldendoodle puppies may also fade their color and become lighter as they mature. Generally, the difference between adult and puppy coats is mostly textural. While a puppy coat is usually thinner and softer, an adult Goldendoodle coat often has a thicker and stiffer texture. Some puppies may have curlier and straighter hair and grow into a different coat type once they are adults. Less Daily Grooming Keeping a flat coat or straight hair Goldendoodle looking good and healthy will take less effort and time. Straight hair is regarded as one of the easiest to manage. Therefore, you will not have to spend a lot of time grooming your furry friend. Lower Price The F2 and F1 generations produce the most Goldendoodles with flat coats or straight hair. Besides, they tend to be the cheapest generations available. Since many prospective dog owners prefer allergy-friendly curly coats, puppies with flat coats may sometimes be discounted. Less Competitive Litter Selection Since many upcoming Goldendoodle owners want wavy and curly coats, it is less important for you to have the first few picks of any litter. There are chances that any puppy with straight hair or a flat coat will be passed up until it is your turn. Less Frequent Haircuts The silver lining to a Goldendoodle shedding means that they will require haircuts less frequently. It is less prone to matting and does not knot as easily as curly hair. Less frequent haircuts mean that you will be able to save some money. Less Poodle-Like Appearance Many dog enthusiasts prefer the original Golden Retriever appearance that flat coat Goldendoodles often have. These puppies still from less shedding and hybrid vigor but still look like their purebred Golden Retriever. Downsides Of A Flat Coat Goldendoodle Although getting a flat coat Goldendoodle comes with several benefits, it also has a few downsides compared to a wavy to curly-haired Goldendoodle. This is because flatter coats have less Poodle genetics, thus making the puppy have a curlier coat. If you consider bringing home a flat coat Goldendoodle, be prepared to have hair than will shed on your floor. However, Golden Retrievers tend to shed more than the flat coat Goldendoodles. Less Hypoallergenic Generally, flat coat Goldendoodles tend to be less hypoallergenic. This is because they have more Golden Retriever genetics but less Poodle genetics. The hypoallergenic feature usually comes from the non-shedding and curly coat features. How Maintenance And Grooming Differs There is a difference in the maintenance and grooming requirements of straight and curly coat Goldendoodles. Wavy Coat The shaggy or wavy coat is the most common coat among the Goldendoodles. It has a shaggy appearance and requires the least maintenance of the three types of coats. To keep this coat in good health and tangle-free, you will have to brush your furry friend regularly to get rid of loose hair and mats. Curly Coat If your Goldendoodle takes mostly after its Poodle parent, it will likely have a tight curly coat. The length and tightness of the curls usually vary depending on the parents. Therefore, you can have tight and kinky Poodle curls or loose and long barrel ringlets. Goldendoodles with curly coats require regular grooming to prevent their hair from matting. This is why most doodle owners consider having their canine friends shaved close in order to create a maintenance-free style. Flat Coats The straight-coated or flat-coated Goldendoodles are often mistaken for Golden Retrievers. Flat coat Goldendoodles do not have the furnishings of their curly-coated counterparts. However, they tend to shed a lot more. The flat coat is easy to maintain and does not tend to mat. This makes it very popular with dog owners who may not want to take a lot of time grooming their furry friends. You will need to brush your pet with a slicker or pin brush several times a week and wipe it over with a grooming mitt. This will ensure that their coat looks good throughout. Besides, these adorable furry friends do not have hairy feet that you will have to inspect and comb every day. You should never have a flat coat Goldendoodle clipped or shaved. Your flat coat Goldendoodle will require a bath only when it develops the unpleasant doggy odor that most pets develop after a while. Also, a bath will be necessary if your furry friend decides to roll in something unspeakably nasty. Their coat texture may change as that Poodle and Golden Retriever gene combination battle it out in the dog. Conclusion You are now answered if you have been asking yourself what a flat coat Goldendoodle is. This adorable coat can be an excellent addition to any family. If you target a flat coat Goldendoodle, you will have to focus on either an F2 Goldendoodle or an F1 Goldendoodle. Sharing is caring! What is a Flat Coat Golden Doodle? They do NOT have the typical curly poodle coat. The hair on their back is usually wavy and they may have a slight curl to their tail. Their coat can be any color but is most often either gold or cream. When two different breeds are bred together, the puppies will have a mix of physical traits from each parent. All dogs have a particular gene that is responsible for the type of coat. Golden Retrievers usually have a smooth face with no beard or mustache and a silky, shedding coat. Yes, flat-haired Goldendoodles are quite rare. They make up a very small percentage of all the Goldendoodles out there. This is because the specific combination of genes needed to produce a Flat Coat Goldendoodle is quite rare. Both types of coat can come in any color, and both types will require regular grooming. One thing to keep in mind is that the Standard Coat Goldendoodle may require a bit more grooming than the Flat Coat. This is because the Standard Coat has a tendency to form mats and tangles, especially behind the ears and on the legs. However, they will still need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent their coat from becoming too oily or dirty. Yes, there are a few physical differences between the two types of coat. Additionally, the Flat Coat often has longer ears than the Standard Coat. No, you cannot be more allergic to a Smooth Coat Goldendoodle. The type of coat does not affect the amount of dander or shedding, which are the two main things that cause allergies in people. Yes, there is such a thing as a Flat Coat Mini Goldendoodle. They typically have all of the same physical and personality characteristics of their larger counterparts, just in a smaller package. Flat Hair Goldendoodles are undeniably cute dogs. Just keep in mind that they can be difficult to find, and you may have to pay a bit more than you would for other types of Doodles. Firstly, what is a Flat Coat Goldendoodle? The flat coated Goldendoodle can and usually does look very much like his Golden Retriever parent although he is sometimes built like his Poodle ancestors. He will have the same typical Doodle temperament despite his less familiar appearance. So how does this happen? In order to explain this, we need to take a brief look at genetics. This means that the puppies will have typical Doodle furnishings. Sounds simple but when we come to F2 or second cross Goldendoodles or multi-generational Goldendoodles it becomes more complicated. When breeding a Goldendoodle to another Goldendoodle it is a game of roulette when it comes to coat genes. Within a litter some puppies approx. Some breeders are happy to actively breed flat coated puppies. Most people when seeking a Goldendoodle puppy are looking for a pup with a typical Doodle look so for this reason the Flat Coat is probably the least common variety that we see. Many of the Golden Retriever mixes you have seen out and about may actually be Goldendoodles in disguise! How Maintenance and Grooming Differs Your daily routine will be very different and much quicker if you are the owner of a Flat Coated Doodle as he will not have the curls and waves that are prone to matting that our furnished Doodles have. A brush through with a pin brush or slicker brush a few times a week and a rub over with a grooming mitt is sufficient for this type of coat. Burrs and foliage are less likely to stick to his coat and you will not have the hair between the toes that need to be inspected and combed daily with this type of coat. The Flat Coat should never be clipped or shaved either so he does not require regular visits to the groomer or clipping at home, however, you should still check his eyes, nails and wipe his ears weekly. The short answer to this frequently asked question is yes. Many people are initially drawn to Doodles or Poodle mix type dogs in the first place by their search for a pet that they will not be allergic to. If you are allergic to dog hair, then a Flat Coat is more likely to trigger an allergic reaction than a furnished Doodle. A good breeder will want you to visit and handle their dogs to observe whether an allergic reaction is brought on before agreeing to let you have a pup if you explain that you are allergic. How to Tell if my Goldendoodle will have a Flat Coat As puppies, it can be very difficult to determine exactly what type of coat a Goldendoodle will have once he reaches adulthood. A pup that will be furnished will often show crimping or waves in the hair on their muzzles, but this often does not start to show until around 4 weeks of age. Do not look at the body hair as most Doodle pups and indeed Golden Retriever pups have fluffy and even wavy hair on their bodies. To determine furnishings, it is the facial hair that counts. I have seen many extremely curly, heavily furnished adult Doodles that had no curls as pups although the furnishings were apparent. An experienced breeder should be able to advise you as to what type of coat each pup will have, especially if the litter is a repeat mating so they will have past litters to draw a comparison from. If a furnished pup is of prime importance to you it is best to choose either an F1b Goldendoodle or one that the breeder is willing to DNA test for you so that you can be sure your Doodle will have the coat that you desire. Curls are a different matter again as it is possible to have an unfurnished but curly pup smooth face like a Retriever but with a curly coat on his body or a furnished Doodle with a straight coat this is a particular favorite coat type of mine and is VERY low maintenance. The texture of the hair of a Flat Coated Goldendoodle is truly wonderful to the touch as it is usually softer and silkier than that of a Golden Retriever and often sheds slightly less. For people that want the Doodle nature but with less maintenance and expensive trips to the groomer, the Flat Coat Goldendoodle means that you can have your cake and eat it. If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More One of the many great things about Doodles is that they can come in all shapes and sizes, colors and coat types. But what do all of those things mean exactly? What Are Doodle Furnishings? Unfurnished Doodles have smooth facial hair and they resemble more of the other original parent. In fact, unfurnished Doodles are becoming more and more popular. Many people prefer flat coat Doodles, as they resemble less of the Poodle parent, but still benefit from hybrid vigour and less shedding. The easiest way to determine if your Doodle has a furnishing or an improper coat is by looking at their face. Do they have a distinguishably longer beard and eyebrows? For example, a Goldendoodle without furnishings would have a smooth face with no distinctive brows or mustache. Another thing to keep in mind is that puppies will change their coats once they reach adulthood. The most foolproof way of determining if your Doodle puppy has furnishings is by genetic testing and experience. As you might know, Doodles are a combination of at least two different breed dogs. Naturally, this means that a Doodle can end up with a variety of traits and characteristics from each parent pup. Labradoodle with a straight coat. For example, a straight coat Goldendoodle can very well have furnishings. However, a flat coat Goldendoodle will come with a smooth face with no distinctive Doodle look around the eyes or muzzle. An unfurnished Doodle does not have any coat furnishings. Also, the beard, eyebrows, and mustache are all pretty much the same length and not as distinguishable. For instance, an unfurnished Goldendoodle will resemble more of the Golden Retriever parent. Doodles carry two copies of genes that indicate either furnishing or improper coat. The furnishing gene is dominant and a dog only needs one copy of the furnishing gene to present the scruffy Doodle look. As a result, F1 Doodles almost always come with furnished coats. However, it gets trickier with subsequent generations, as both parent dogs can carry the recessive improper coat gene. Improper coat can be prevented by genetic testing. Specialized Doodle breeders who are after certain looks test their parent pups before breeding new litters. Curly-haired and furnished Doodles are loved by people who struggle with allergies. However, unfurnished Doodles have been gaining much popularity thanks to their low-maintenance coats and non-Poodle looks. All in all, it depends on the breeder and what type of puppies they specialize in. If a breeder does not do DNA testing, some puppies in the litter can end up with flat coats. Facial hair is longer with more distinctive eyebrows, beard, and mustache. Straight or slightly wavy hair that sits flat on the body. The face is smooth with shorter hair. No distinctive Doodle look. Shedding Might shed more than straight coat Doodles. Simply put, a furnished Doodle has longer hairs on the face and ears. A furnished Doodle will require regular grooming, as the hair keeps growing. However, some Doodles can end up with flat coats without furnishings. Their facial hair is smooth, much shorter, and they resemble more of the non-Poodle parent breed. In addition, flat coats only grow into a predetermined length. Many breeders do genetic testing to see if a dog carries either a fully furnished or improper coat gene. Do Unfurnished Bernedoodles Shed More? A furnished Bernedoodle would have a very Doodle-like look with longer and fluffier facial hair, and more prominent beard and eyebrows. On the other hand, an unfurnished Bernedoodle would have very smooth and short facial hair with no distinctive eyebrows or beard. Unfurnished Bernedoodles tend to shed more than furnished pups, but usually still less than their purebred parent. Both furnished and unfurnished Doodles have their pros and cons. If you suffer from allergies, you might want to opt for a furnished, curly-coated Doodle who is usually the least shedding out of them all. It all comes down to what look you prefer, and what type of upkeep is more manageable for you personally. We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between furnished and unfurnished Doodles, so you can make an educated decision before bringing your new four-legged family member home. Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle!


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about german shepherd puppies - The link has been copied! Is it possible to tire out a German Shepherd? This is a question many Shepherd owners have found themselves asking on more than one occasion. German Shepherds are naturally high-energy dogs and few families are physically active enough to keep up with them. This begs the question, how much exercise does a German Shepherd need? And the next one, is it possible for them to get enough? While it may not seem like it sometimes, it is definitely possible for German Shepherds to get enough exercise. Overexercising can actually instigate the hip dysplasia problems that the breed is already prone to. Thus, it is important to know how much exercise your German Shepherd should be getting — and what kind. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to get your pup some quality, healthy exercise. Originally, they were bred for hard work on the farm, herding and guarding flocks of sheep. They would spend hours each day keeping the flock together, which requires a lot of running. Plus, they were constantly on alert for danger and ready to neutralize threats to their charges. These high-energy dogs need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. For most dogs, this translates to at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. This can happen in bursts throughout the day and a wide variety of high-energy activities count. This includes taking them for walks or runs, hiking, playing fetch, agility classes, and so much more. If you're an active person looking for a running or hiking buddy, a German Shepherd is a perfect dog for you! They have the energy and endurance to keep up with you on long walks or runs. German Shepherds also make great agility dogs - they love to jump, run, and play! If you're looking for a fun way to exercise your German Shepherd and yourself! Maybe you have a hard time sitting still or concentrating on a task. You might even feel a little anxious. Whatever it is, the frustration dissipates as soon as you go for a good run. German Shepherds are like that — all the time. However, individual needs vary. These can be based on factors such as age, general health, overall fitness level and habits, and more. They may try to get your attention by barking, whining, or jumping up on you. Perhaps they pace back and forth or otherwise appear anxious. Excessive Chewing or Digging With those feelings of restlessness pushing them, dogs start to look for ways to burn off their excess energy. Unfortunately for us, this usually means they start digging up the yard or chewing on the furniture. Whatever is within a bored German Shepherd's reach has no hope for escape. Excessive Barking Another annoying method they will use to burn off excess energy is to bark at everything that moves. They may be trying to give themselves a job to do, seeking attention out of boredom, or both. Weight Gain Just like people, a lack of exercise puts German Shepherds at risk of gaining weight. This is especially true if they have free access to food. They may eat more out of pure boredom. Unfortunately, these dogs are already susceptible to problems like hip dysplasia, which is greatly exacerbated by being overweight. Thus, they need plenty of exercise too. However, they need it in shorter, more frequent doses. Playful pups get a lot of it themselves as they run around and explore their world. However, you should provide about 5 minutes of formal exercise such as a walk for every month of their age. The best exercises for German Shepherd puppies are short walks or runs, playing fetch games, and swimming. These activities will help them burn off some of their energy while learning commands and socializing with other dogs. Exercise for Senior German Shepherds As dogs age, their muscles get weaker and their joints become more sensitive. Senior German Shepherds should get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day, but no more than 60 minutes. The best type of exercise for senior German Shepherds is walking or slow jogging. Swimming is also a great exercise for a senior German Shepherd as it puts no strain on their joints. Other forms of low-impact exercise for senior German Shepherds include playing fetch and agility training. Just make sure to keep the activity level low and short, and never push them too hard. The Best Type of Exercise for German Shepherds The best type of exercise for German shepherds is a combination of aerobic activity and mental stimulation. Aerobic activity is important for German Shepherds because it helps to keep their heart and lungs healthy. Mental stimulation is also vital for preventing boredom. In addition to daily walks or runs, German shepherds also benefit from other forms of exercise, such as active games like fetch or tug-of-war, swimming, and agility training. If you have the space, it might be helpful to set up an agility course in your yard. Another great option is to enroll your dog in dog sports. If you want to really give your German Shepherd a workout, dog sports such as agility or flyball are excellent. These activities will tire your pup out both physically and mentally. You can also get dog toys that are specifically designed to be mentally stimulating for pups. These are helpful for days when you are short on time, but should not take the place of regular exercise. If you like to be active, include your pup! Take your dog hiking with you and give him a chance to explore different terrain and new areas. The Fi GPS collar is a great tool for tracking how much exercise your dog gets each day. They are equipped with an activity monitor that keeps track of your dog's walks, when they go for walks, how long they exercise, and even when they sleep. Using the app, you can check your dog's activity levels and sleep patterns in real time. German shepherds are versatile dogs that can excel at any type of exercise, so get creative and have fun with it. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! You might also like. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You need the best exercise for German Shepherd puppies to keep them healthy, fit, and, more importantly… Out of mischief! Quite the opposite is true for your fast-growing breed! German Shepherd puppies should stick to only five minutes of continuous, on-leash leisurely walking at a time, based on their age in months. So, an 8-week-old puppy can walk for 10 minutes at a time on a leash, while a 6-month-old can walk on a leash for 30 minutes at a time. However, your puppy can enjoy low-impact, gentle exercises for longer periods of time. You can play games that work on sustained growth multiple times per day safely. Instead, exercise on soft surfaces, for example: Grass Sand Dirt paths or trails Stretching of soft ligaments at too early an age, strains on young, growing joints, and carrying too much weight on their overall framework can and will harm your young puppy. This leads to problems in adulthood, which you could avoid! Remember to watch for: Panting heavily with rapid breath Lagging on their walks for longer than usual Stopping on walks and standing Lying down on their belly or side If your dog is hyperactive and displays excessive chewing and destructive behavior, they may need engaging brain stimulation to help them use their brains to engage in their environments constructively. Ideally, you also need to teach them basic commands and house manners. Start now with basic obedience training to avoid later behavioral issues. Eventually, your active, adult GSD will need at least 2 walks of 45 minutes each source. Other great ways to exercise your German Shepherd puppy include working on their balance, enjoying mental stimulation, and playing gently with toys they love. Until your vet clears your dog as having their bones fully fused this is around 12 to 18 months of age , activity should be cautious and slow-paced. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish. Limit and monitor on-leash walks and activity while your German Shepherd is growing. When walking on a leash, allow them to Walk at their own pace Stop and start as they please Sniff around leisurely to explore the grass, flowers, and trees Lay down, roll around, and dig in approved digging places Use a no-pull harness with a design that allows for natural shoulder movement to avoid unnatural gait development. Try this padded no-pull harness on your German Shepherd to avoid any neck injuries to her while she is young. This design also limits pulling and helps teach nice leash walking manners. The handle on the back of the no-pull harness makes it easy to grab your pup to stop them from running into a hazard or just to catch them! Read more helpful information on the benefits and disadvantages of using a harness or a collar to help you choose the right equipment for walking your new puppy. There are plenty of other ideas to try with your new baby German Shepherd. Even better? You can find so many ways to learn what your new German Shepherd puppy likes to play with for their fun and games! Keep reading for a German Shepherd puppy exercise chart and specific, step-by-step fun games to keep your new pup happy and healthy. Exercising puppies heavily too early in life may lead to joint damage. This is especially likely in large breeds with rapidly growing and heavily loaded joints, such as your GSD. High-Impact Activity to Avoid Jumping, especially from couches, furniture, or cars Twisting such as chasing a toy that wildly moves in many directions Exercising over hard or uneven ground especially sidewalks and asphalt Keep exercise short and frequent, as this is more beneficial than long, infrequent periods of activity. Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Sep 06, Puppies need exercise to develop healthy bones, muscles and hearts. Exercise goes a long way to help curb anxiety and behavior issues related to boredom. But you may have heard that too much exercise can be harmful. How much exercise is necessary, how much is too much, and what kinds of exercise should you be doing? As a general rule, your puppy knows best. Normal puppy play is okay, and you should never feel as though you should stop your puppy from playing on its own accord. Short walks are also okay, as long as your idea of a short walk isn't 3 miles every morning! Short games of fetch and tug are also okay. Fetch is especially hard on the body because most dogs rapidly accelerate to go after the ball and rapidly decelerate once they get to it, so good throws is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises. Tug is also hard on the body, so minutes is plenty in conjunction with other acceptable exercises as well. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise. Just make sure your puppy doesn't ingest too much water while swimming. It's also recommended that you not play fetch in the water because dogs can accidentally ingest a lot of water when retrieving toys thrown into bodies of water. Examples of exercises that are too rigorous for puppies are long hikes, running steps, long games of fetch, long walks, running, jogging, weight pull and pulling carts of any kind, wearing vests with anything over a few ounces in it for anything other than a short stroll, flyball, and inappropriate amounts of agility training. All of these things are stressful on soft, growing bones and joints and can result in hip and elbow dysplasia and musculoskeletal deformities, diseases and injuries. As a rule of thumb, don't exceed 5 minutes for each month of the puppy's age of acceptable exercise no more than twice a day. For instance, 15 minutes of exercise twice a day is ideal for a 3-month-old puppy, while 20 minutes twice a day is ideal for a 4-month-old puppy. As a general rule, you can start building up puppies to adult levels of exercise once they turn 9 months of age if they're not expected to grow over 25lbs. By a year they can be exercised as an adult as long as you properly build up their stamina. For medium and large breeds, you can begin to build them up to adult levels of exercise by 15 months and it's safe to exercise them as adults once they turn 18 months old. German Shepherd dogs will naturally travel in a cantering-lope rather than a slow walk. That means that it is imperative that you train your puppy early on how to walk on a leash by your side without pulling. German Shepherds are a powerful breed and are capable of dragging handlers who aren't strong enough to hold them back. Eliminate the possibility of a physical tug of war by relying on solid training instead. Remember, exercise is also great for keeping hip and elbow joints stabilized in German Shepherd Dogs. Many large breeds are known to suffer from hip and elbow problems later in life, but dysplasia seems to unfairly target the German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help to build muscle around joints to protect them. The more muscle, the less stress on the joint. Make sure you keep your puppies lean, well hydrated, and wait an hour or two after your puppy eats before exercise. If you stick by these rules, you lessen the chances of hip and elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, strains, sprains, ligament injuries, bloat, obesity, heart disease and arthritis. Also keep the temperature in mind and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stop exercise if your puppy no longer wants to play or stops to rest and everything should be fine. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Puppies Establishing an efficient exercise routine for a German Shepherd puppy is extremely important for your GSD to live a healthy lifestyle. While there is no exact science to knowing your German Shepherd puppy exercise limits, it is best to slowly ease into a routine and your puppy will gain stamina over time. Dogs are creatures of habit and love a routine. Accordingly, if you normally walk your puppy first thing in the morning, your pup will start to expect and look forward to those morning walks as soon as you roll out of bed. Try and establish an exercise routine that you can maintain long term, so your puppy can grow to learn the routine. The American Kennel Club UK recommends two exercise sessions of 5 minutes per month of age during puppyhood 1. When Allie was a puppy, I found short walks multiple times a day worked well. I started Allie with short minute walks times a day as an 8-week-old puppy. This served two purposes, to get some of her energy out, as well as getting her used to walking on a leash. Finding the Right Length of Walks for Your Puppy Although there are many recommendations as to how long to walk your German Shepherd puppy, it is best to look to your puppy for clues on its limits. Start with 10 minutes, 2 times a day. If you find your puppy is still a ball on energy increase it to 15 minutes, or you can add in a third minute walk. You want to find the walking time that is right for your individual GSD puppy as all puppies are all different and will require different amounts of exercise. Keep in mind, that it can be dangerous to push your German Shepherd puppy beyond his or her limits at a young age. If your German Shepherd puppy show signs of being tired or exhausted, stop the walk immediately and allow your pup to rest. Final Thoughts Establishing a solid exercise routine for your German Shepherd puppy is an important step in establishing the framework for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to walks, I would include short play sessions in the yard with a ball or play with toys in the house as well. The most important thing with walking a German Shepherd puppy is to start with short walks and play sessions and build on that process as your puppy grows. How much exercise does your German Shepherd puppy need? Your puppy does not need nearly the amount of exercise an adult dog does. Adult German Shepherds require two hours or more of exercise every day. And within that time, the duration of exercise depends on intensity. Your dog would not spend an entire two hours performing high-intensity exercises unless in formal training. A typical routine would include 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous exercises such as jogging, vigorous playing, or other activities. Some examples are practicing Shutzhund, preparing for herding or agility trials, or learning search and rescue. The remainder of the time dedicated to exercise, you should spend on training, ongoing socialization, and moderate- and low-intensity activities. You can include warmup and cool down in a moderate or leisurely walk. Keep in mind any puppy who is not full-grown does not need to engage in rigorous exercise for extended periods. What is the five-minute per month rule? However, one rule that makes sense as a loose guideline, is to exercise your pup for five minutes per month of age. You can do an exercise session twice a day. If you bring a GSD puppy home at ten weeks old, your exercise guideline would tell you to work with her for about .A six-month-old puppy , which you may be tempted to treat as a miniature adult, should still only get about half an hour of exercise twice a day. By 10 or 12 months , your Shepherd is up to his quota of nearly two hours split into multiple sessions during a day. However, you should still limit jumping and long-distance running until you are sure your puppy has finished growing. How do you know when your Shepherd puppy has stopped growing? This closure signifies your dog has finished growing and can engage in exercises that may be too strenuous for bones that are softer when lengthening. Once growth plates close and the joints no longer have laxity from extreme youth, you can take exercise to the next level. How can you tell if your Shepherd has stopped growing without a radiograph? According to Animalso. Use particular caution with certain working lines as they may not reach full maturity until the age of three years. Even though Czech and Eastern German lines have lower incidences of hip dysplasia than show dogs, you still need to treat their growing bones with care. Common beliefs notwithstanding, if you neuter a German Shepherd at a young age, the decrease in testosterone generally will delay growth plate closure. You will notice that neutered male German Shepherds are often taller than their unaltered counterparts. Therefore, assume if you neuter your dog, he will physically mature a little later. Mentally he will mature worlds ahead. How does hip dysplasia affect German Shepherd puppies? Hip dysplasia is a growth abnormality that affects most large-breed dogs and many small breeds as well. As you likely know, the hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the thigh bone or femur, and the socket is the acetabulum or cup in the pelvis. In dysplasia of the joint, the femoral head grows at a different rate than the socket. Rather quickly, the femoral head no longer fits correctly or congruently within the socket, affecting function and causing scrapes across the protective cartilage, according to ACVS. Inappropriate looseness of the joint exacerbates the condition by allowing too much movement within the joint. Depending on the severity, affected puppies and dogs may show mild to life-altering symptoms. Signs of joint laxity or looseness usually occur first, although they may go unnoticed. Visible space between the head of the femur and the pelvis — Sometimes you can feel the excessive space when you cannot see it. Crying out in pain — Even if it has not progressed yet to degenerative joint disease, joint looseness can be painful. Abnormal gait — Your puppy may appear to bunny hop in the rear legs or exhibit other gait abnormalities that you would not classify as obvious lameness. Lame — Your dog will show lameness if she is in pain. Difficulty getting up or laying down — Your puppy may even show consistent reluctance to get up. Decreased interest in playing, especially if it involves running. Exercise intolerance — Your pup will play, but not for as long as you would expect. Maybe your dog seems to tire easily. Difficulty negotiating stairs — Joint looseness greatly affects the athleticism of your dog. Will not sit square — Many trainers advocate you enforce your dog sitting square as a sign of true obedience. Dogs with hip issues, they are unable to sit comfortably unless their hind legs are to one side or the other. Joint laxity can be difficult to judge in young dogs. Puppies have a greater degree of laxity than adult dogs to accommodate growth. Joint laxity should limit how long you walk a German Shepherd puppy , especially one under six months old. Joint laxity means your puppy will experience significant instability when walking, predisposing her to stumble and fall. Signs of osteoarthritis mostly manifest as pain, dysfunction of the joints, decreased range of motion, and even grinding sounds as the leg moves. Degenerative joint changes, believe it or not, can occur in puppies only several months old. German Shepherds do not typically have a problem with obesity. Although it seems counterintuitive, too much nutrition is not an ideal thing for the GSD. If a large-breed dog grows too quickly as a puppy, he can be more vulnerable to hip dysplasia if he already carries the genes. The dilemma comes with balancing exercise requirements and nutrition, so you have a happy and fit puppy who is not overweight but also does not overexert herself. How does exercise affect hip dysplasia? Although hip dysplasia has a large hereditary basis, over exercising a puppy can exacerbate the problem in a dog who might not otherwise develop any symptoms. It is important not to allow your puppy to run excessively or jump during her growing months. Moreover, if your puppy has excessively lax joints, overstretching during long and strenuous running or launching and landing for jumps can cause direct injury to the hips and surrounding soft tissue. Your puppy can also injure her growth plates. An X-ray at an early age gives you an idea if your puppy is already showing the effects of DJD or degenerative joint disease. Your veterinarian may be able to advise you further if your exercise program is too strenuous for your puppy based on any changes in the joints. How do you know your puppy overexerted himself? You may occasionally find that your puppy overdoes it. Perhaps you took him to a birthday party for his Labrador friend, and you did not have the heart to break up their play session. Most of the time, a play date that gets out of hand or a walk that runs over the anticipated time allotment will not cause any permanent damage. You can assess your pup the following day for signs of overexertion and know to take it exceptionally easy for the next day or two. Listen to your puppy Although you should leash-train your GSD at a young age, starting as soon as you first bring her home, there is much to be said about freeform exercise. The biggest benefit of your puppy exercising a good part of her time in the early month off-leash is she can self-regulate her activity. You will notice when puppies are tired or become sore, they will stop dead in their tracks. Make sure your puppy is in a safe environment, and she can engage in fairly unrestricted exercise on her own. When you are walking your puppy on a leash, under no circumstances should you push her to go beyond the point where you are dragging her, or she sits down and refuses to move on? You may have to carry her the remainder of the journey. As your German Shepherd approaches adolescence at five to seven months old, you will have to monitor his exercise more because what he can do will begin to exceed what he should do. Running over rolling terrain for miles or training strenuously for pursuit work is not ideal for an immature Shepherd and can be potentially harmful. Best length of time to walk a German Shepherd puppy: you know best! When facing the question of how long should you walk your German Shepherd, use the rough guidelines of five minutes per month of age a couple of times a day. Otherwise, allow your pup to dictate her level of tolerance for playing and romping. You can spend additional time with your puppy building a bond through affection and play, while still limiting duration. Your pup will need some time during the day to herself and sleep. This video shows the progression of a puppy and how his exercise abilities change. It perfectly illustrates how the young Shepherd dictates how much exercise he can tolerate. Notice, in the beginning, the interaction with his owner is a large part dependent on easy contact. As the puppy progresses in age, he gradually attempts more. If you watch puppies even three and four months old engaged in self-directed play, their actions are marked by frequent pauses to rest or think about the next move. Rarely will you see a German Shepherd laying still, but as in the video, puppies will take time to rest if left to their own devices. Swimming is a great form of exercise, but not all German Shepherds love water. This video shows that just because your German Shepherd puppy is not on a leash does not mean you are not walking her. Training should take up a good portion of your walks or exercise sessions, whether on- or off-leash. As much of a brilliant pupil as this puppy is, her session should not be longer than 15 minutes. Notice her yawn, which can be a sign of tension or a wandering mind, indicating the exercise should move to something else or stop.