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Are you in search of affordable French Bulldog puppies? Look no further! Our main goal is to help you find the ideal and perfect French bulldog puppy for sale in your area. You can buy a healthy cheap teacup French bulldog puppy for sale today by browsing through our French Bulldogs Available for sale page History of cheap French Bulldog puppies Despite what its name may imply, the french bulldog was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. 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That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive. You have this option only for younger not ready to go yet puppy. Voucher expires in a 5 years. We apologize for this strict rule but we care about our babies and where they end up, loving and caring homes is what we look for, where our babies are treated like family members not breeding stock. French bulldog puppies high champion quality with documents AKC Here are all the puppies together who are not ready yet, they have just one vaccination and wait for the second shot. We have made these pictures for you to let you see how we take care of them. After couple hours of playing in back yard they come back inside and they have huge room, beds, toys… they play little bit more and go to sleep. 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We've had her for 2 days now and she is adjusting well to her new home. We recommend boxermompupsaz. Dave and Debbie Phx. Cheryl was extremely helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. I would recommend her to anyone looking to find their nest boxer puppy. Kona is a great addition to the family! We just adopted Rock fawn male boxer on Jan 20th from Cheryl, we are so happy with the service and great care they gave our boy! We are so blessed to have found the and brought us our new boxer, We had Sparky for 12 years and we just fell in love with the breed. We are very happy with our whole experience with this breeder and would recommend them to all. Thank you again I have been a Boxer fan my whole life. My mom bred Boxers back in NY. I love that sweet face, silly personality and wiggle butt you can only have with a boxer! We recently had to put our girl Reese down at 12 years old. We didn't know if we were ready.My boss recommended I reach out to Cheryl, as she had just gotten a pup from her a month before. I did and Cheryl took the time to find out what color, gender and timing we wanted to have a puppy. She kept me posted on available litters and when I could expect a new baby. Cheryl was very good about answering all the new mom questions I had and was very patient. Within 3 months of putting down our deposit we were the proud parents of Riplee! Our crazy, beautiful Seal puppy. We could not be happier with her. She is bright eyed, sweet and full of energy. Michelle Phx So here we are.Boxer parents again. Doris has went to the vet with our Yorkie for vaccinations. Low and behold there was a 6 month old boxer more than likely from Cheryl there that jumped and played with my wife as the story goes. She came home and was crying. Prior to us moving here, we had two boxers. Once you have a Boxer your life will never be complete without a Boxer jumping around, slobbering and those eyes.That day after the vet my sole purpose was to find another Boxer. I searched Phoenix not knowing we had the best breeder here in Tucson! I called Cheryl and we actually went to a visitation for other parents to be that weekend. We got to play, snuggle and bathe some of the pups. Miss Cheryl was busier than a one legged man in butt whooping contest. It was Amazing. So we chose to get a pup from the next litter. We too started getting texts at like am. We chose Princess Tessa. She is home with us now and we love her so. The anxiety was killing us like a kid around Christmas! Could not wait for that day Tessa came home. Thank you Cheryl for making us whole again. Tessa is happy and doing well. If you want a Boxer, please call Cheryl! We decided that we would get a boy and a girl. It had great information on it and lots of pictures so we could see how the dogs were taken care of. We got lucky and Cheryl had a pick of the litter male available first. Moose has been a blessing to us as he reminds us daily of our old boy we lost. We then waited for our girl to be born from Khalessi and Bama Boy. We finally went to pick up Poppy a few weeks ago and the two have been inseparable ever since. Cheryl also gave us a nice starter kit for both dogs and provided the microchip for the dogs. We would definitely recommend her if you are looking to get a boxer in the near future. Working with Cheryl was absolutely amazing and you can truly see that she honors the work that she does each and every day. She cares about these animals and she keeps her promises. We purchased a beautiful female fawn boxer this past February after she was born into a litter last December. The price was also very reasonable and Cheryl went above and beyond our expectations. Our baby boxer Bella is an absolute gem and beyond everything we thought she was going to be. Thank you Cheryl and God bless you. We were thrilled to find Cheryl in Tucson. I loved that we could see her previous puppies on the website as well as the expecting parents. Even the sales contract was online to help us understand what to expect. We felt comfortable making a deposit and waiting for the right puppy to come along. Cheryl communicated throughout the process and she was responsive to any questions we had. Love at first sight! He has melted our hearts as well. He is very handsome too, clearly has good genes! Highly recommend obtaining a boxer puppy from Cheryl! Great experience and great dogs! Michelle- Phx Cheryl is great to work with, she was very helpful with all my questions. Would definitely work with Cheryl again, if I was crazy enough to get 2 puppies at the same time again! When she passed in December, we did the math and calculated that putting in a deposit on a pup in February would be perfect timing for a new summer family member. Best laid plans.Eddie "Cue Ball" McDonald came home just in time to keep us company and get the best puppy pampering and bonding experience ever during quarantine. He's brought so much love and joy--and much needed entertainment and exercise--into our lives, and has been exactly the happy, healthy, smart, good boy we hoped for. Cheryl was so kind and great to work with, and her love for the animals is very clear. We'd recommend working with her anytime! Leigh - Tucson Would definitely recommend Cheryl when purchasing a puppy. She was there for us during the good and not so good times. Cheryl is a very knowledgeable breeder, she is a compassionate and loving human being. I have already been recommending her here in Willcox. Thank you so much for Buckshot Cheryl. She kept us up to date through the entire process. When it came time to pickup Ava, she provided us with a little goody bag to give Ava the best start! We are so happy we added her to our family. She is already bossing her big brother around and they love to snuggle. Racheal in Phx Hi, Cheryl! My husband has wanted a Boxer dog since he was a kid. We finally got into the golden stage with our family -- kids all the perfect age, big house with a big back yard -- and we decided to go for it. I happened upon Cheryl's site and immediately reached out to her. We got in touch over the phone and had the greatest conversation ever. She answered every single one of my questions and helped me feel so comfortable! I could tell right away that she'd been doing this for a long time and that she truly cared about her dogs. It was so comforting! It would be a whole lot worse though if we didn't have Hondo and Duke around to keep us company. Thank you, Cheryl, for everything! We could not have asked for a better experience! Michelle- Phx Cheryl is such a pleasure to work with. We bought our first boxer from her almost a year ago. Dex has such a great temperament and Cheryl does a great job at socializing her puppies. We couldn't be more pleased with Dex. In fact we had such a great experience with Cheryl that when we decided to get a friend for Dex and more Boxer love for us, we contacted Cheryl and we bought our little girl Remi basically over the phone. Cheryl sent us some pictures of her and we fell in love. Over the next 2 weeks Cheryl was great with sending videos and pics before pick up day. We have gotten a lot of compliments on Dex and Remi Kristen We contacted Cheryl through her website, we were not sure we wanted to travel to Tucson but after looking at her pups online we were interested. There just was nothing in Phoenix. Either they didn't have the mom or they didn't have the dad, we weren't interested. So we drove down to meet Cheryl. She was well into breeding and knew a lot about the boxer breed. She didn't have any puppies available at the time as they were all sold. But we came on a visitation day, we were impressed with her puppies. She said there would be a couple of litters coming up if we were interested. We wanted a flashy female. She called us in a couple weeks and said she had one come available and we could have her in 5 weeks, we could come and see her in a week so we jumped at the chance. Cheryl kept us updated and sent pictures once a week. Very very impressed with Cheryl and feel we gained a friend as well as our dear Daisy. Cheryl thanks again! Janet-Phx Cheryl was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Getting a puppy from her was the best experience. From getting to meet the parents then getting updates on puppies along with pictures. Even visitations with them while we were waiting to take him home. I will definitely be coming back. We love our Onyx more than words. Lynette-Tucson Cheryl Galloway is absolutely amazing and the quality care she puts into breeding boxers is absolutely amazing. She truly cares about what she does and we are over the moon with our baby Boxer Bella, born December .I highly recommend Cheryl. She definitely has a passion for what she does. Thank you again Cheryl! Lois-Phx Cheryl was amazing through every step of the way!! She is VERY knowledgeable and takes great care of all her dogs and puppies. She was very honest and accommodating with all my questions and fantastic at responding to my MANY requests for pictures and videos of our girl : Our little firecracker is FULL of personality, well-socialized, and came home knowing how to use the doggy door bonus! Domino is the perfect addition to our family, and there is no doubt that we know just who to contact when we are ready for another. Can't thank you enough! Kim Phx We had a great experience! Cheryl and boxermompupsaz. Great communication leading up to the sale, great payment options and very friendly to deal with. Our pup was in excellent health,,he had current health record and all of the proper shots for his age! Adam and Jodi in Tucson I found Cheryl on line when looking for a boxer puppy after losing our best friend Rookie. Cheryl was friendly and kind on the phone but when we met her in person I was taken by her knowledge and her professionalism as well. Mugsy was born to Lexi the night before Thanksgiving. Cheryl texted me all night long starting at 10pm until am until all 9 pups were born. You might not want to do that but I asked and Cheryl delivered! After Mugsy was born we came out several times for visits. The puppies were all healthy and clean and full of personality. When we picked Mugsy up Cheryl sent us home with a care package with everything we would need to get us through the first week just in case we forgot anything. She thought of everything! New toys, food bowls, collar and leash, first aid kit, basic medical supplies. Because Cheryl socializes her pups so well, Mugsy came home already using the doggie door. Cheryl is warm and caring and she loves her pack. All that we met had great temperaments and were living long healthy lives. Mugsy is part of our family now and we know Rookie would approve. Thanks Cheryl for a great experience. Working with Cheryl was wonderful! From the very beginning she was very open to communication and tons of questions from us. She was patient when we explained we had to wait because we lost our dog in February. We were able to go meet Cheryl and a few of her dogs, just to put a face to the name. She is open to any questions and very knowledgeable about the Boxer breed. Once we found out a litter was due, she kept us informed on the due date and sent pictures of the pups immediately! We were so happy! Even for the first weeks, Cheryl sent pictures of our chosen pups and videos! Which made my day! I would recommend Cheryl to anyone seeking a Boxer to add to their family! Shelley W. While we were waiting for our little Kai in December, we decided to adopt Meka Gucci one of your retired females in October. Meka is such a sweetheart and gets along with the family. Then in December we were able to bring Kai home. They get along so well, and they're so much fun to watch. They sure bring a lot of joy and happiness! Thank you for what you do, we know for sure who to go to when we need another boxer or two! Thanks again! Pam and Bob Surprise Az. .Cheryl was wonderful to work with. I was very lucky that when I called her she had just had a litter of pups available! And I have Lucy. We had decided on getting a brindle girl, and when the litter came, Cheryl let us know. We came for the first visit and saw that she had a boy still available. And of course we couldn't leave him so we ended up with two puppies. We love Luke and Leia so much and Cheryl was so easy to work with. If ever we are looking for another puppy, we will come back to Cheryl. When I was ready for another pup, I knew Cheryl was the one to call. I had expressed my interest in an older Boxer that was retiring and needed some love. It was so special to have the opportunity to adopt little Scout's dad, Buddy has absolutely completed the home and he is the most loving and gentle dog in the world. It means so much that you chose and trusted me to take care of this sweet boy, he is beyond spoiled and so very loved! Thanks for all you do! Xoxo Kenzie,Scout and Buddy Hey Cheryl, I have gotten two dogs from Cheryl and have really been pleased with the service she gives and you can really tell this is her life passion. Cheryl always explains what she has done for the puppies she brings into your life and really wants her puppies to start out right with you. Cheryl is always willing to give you advice and always willing to answer questions. I would highly recommended Cheryl and her puppies to anyone. Thank you Cheryl Sincerely, P. Mongo and Brawley are doing great and getting along. I lost my beloved boxer a few years ago and was ready to get another one. I love the breed and how they bond with their families. The previous breeder was no longer breeding, so I decided to try Cheryl because of the reviews. She did not disappoint. She let me and my daughters come down to pick our pup, spent time talking with us and telling us about the parents and their temperaments. Our puppy, is a puppy and full of boxer energy, but she has already bonded with me and comes near if she feels I am upset, she is amazing with my 2 year old. Shannon-Chandler Cheryl is a total joy to work with, and an awesome breeder. It is obvious how much she loves her dogs. They all have great and gentle personalities as well as being physically beautiful. She clearly explains the process to transfer CKC registration and microchip ownership information. She sends your puppy home with a great starter bag that includes a dog pillow, a leash and collar, stuffed toys, treats etc. We would highly recommend Cheryl as a breeder. Our little Bella is now four months old. We take her everywhere and she always draws a crowd of admirers which she graciously soaks in. We are so very blessed because of Cheryl and her beautiful babies. My husband is retired and the house was just too empty without Damien. I hated not being greeted by my fawn colored kidney bean when I would get home from work. So we talked and decided we would get a Boxer from a breeder. We found Cheryl and we feel so fortunate that we did. The first Boxer we got from her is Lil-Bit and she is retired and the sweetest girl ever. She's laid back and very protective of myself and my Husband. Loves to just be with us and go on walks. We also got a brand new pup and his name is Sam. He is almost 9 weeks old and very smart. I had many questions about his shots and was super concerned about the Parvo virus. He already had three shots and was wormed when we brought him home. Cheryl told me to have visitors take off their shoes before they enter my house and wash their hands before touching the pup. I went as far as buying shoe covers! She is always available for questions or to just run something by her. She really loves her dogs. I truly believe that this is her calling, just by the way she is with all of them. You could not find a better person to buy a Boxer from. Cheryl lets you visit whenever you want, unless one of her girls is delivering. She stays home with them the whole time, You also bring home a huge bag of goodies when you bring your pup home. Food,bed,toys,collar and leash and so much more. Every Boxer I ever get will be from Cheryl. So I googled and found Cheryl. I decided to surprise the family for Christmas and Cheryl made this such an easy and fun experience! She was very informative and willing to be on call for any help I needed. Our baby Petunia is healthy, adorable and smart. If we ever decide on another puppy, we will definitely be calling Cheryl again. Julie- Chino Valley Cheryl is not only an amazing breeder but a kind heartened and sweet women that is passionate about her boxers. This is a late review but there is no better time then now to share my experience. I had to put down my old boxer of 15 years back in April and I was distraught. After a couple months I branched out, looking for boxer breeders. I'm so glad I found Cheryl. She responded to my text right away and I was set on the last male puppy in Luna's litter. Cheryl was attentive and sent updated photos of baby Apollo, all the way up until pick up. She was kind enough to meet my boyfriend and I half way, on her way to Phoenix. Baby Apollo is now 19 weeks old. He is a great addition to our little family; very healthy, happy, goofy and spunky. I'm so thankful for Cheryl. We might come back for second addition soon! Nicoletta- Az. My Husband and I knew we wanted a puppy for our family. We have always adopted from a shelter, but now with 4 small children and one on the way we decided to find a breeder. The minute we made contact with Cheryl we knew that we were working with a person who loves her dogs and her puppies. Our sweet boy Leo is just the most amazing puppy and we are all so in love with him. From the first day that I contacted her, she sent tons of photos, videos and had quick responses to my emails and texts and she always had the puppies best interest at heart, which I absolutely loved. We can tell that our puppy Aspen was so well taken care of and loved because of how attached to Cheryl she was every time we went and visited her. I would recommend Cheryl to anyone looking for a purebred boxer that is very well taken care of and loved. Cheryl, thank you for our precious new puppy and her amazing going home bag and gifts. We love Aspen so much! Rivers Family It all started back in early December as my wife and I were wanting to get a second boxer as we had to put our Boy down in , we have a female 6 year old boxer named Delpheena Rose. Cheryl contacted me back saying that she has a litter due in late Dec. Well the puppies were born and on we got the best present, we got 1st pick of the pups! We picked the all black male boxer. We were so excited, starting putting names on a list and name after name we just couldn't pick one. We asked if we could come and meet our puppy and Cheryl welcomed us to come and meet our boy. The puppy was 2 weeks old when we went to meet our baby. Love at first sight to say the least, we chose the name "Dexter". I have to say that being able to go and meet the puppy was one of the best things we did. We ended up going to see Dexter twice and then at week 7 and one day we picked Dexter up. We are so happy with how well Cheryl takes care of these babies. I would totally recommend Cheryl to anyone who is looking for one of the best additions to the family. We will be getting a second puppy in the future. Marc and Megan I am so happy I was able to find Cheryl and her pups. I had a horrible experience of losing my brindle baby and best friend of 8 years. We rescued her from the streets and gave her love and I never thought I would lose her. Well, when I found Cheryl, i knew i had to get another puppy. I have been in love with my puppy since we went to pick her up. She is amazing, she has adapted very well and she loves seeing us walk thru the door after a long day of work. I will forever be grateful for Cheryl for giving my new baby girl and myself a new chance. We will definitely be going back to you!! Just got Firulais! I contacted Cheryl months after losing my best friend Winslow, a rescue boxer who had to be put down do to lymphoma. I was sure I wanted another boxer because a home is just not complete without one. I found Cheryl online. Having always done rescues I was nervous, but Cheryl had great info about her and her dogs and all her reviews were glowing. Cheryl responded to my and email right away and asked to put Winslow's picture on the memorial page. She asked if I was ready for another puppy but understood if I wanted to wait. She told me Midnight and Buddy had just had a litter. She sent me photos and I fell in love with Wyatt. Cheryl encouraged us to come see Wyatt right away. She worked hard to coordinate with us and brought Wyatt and even his mom Midnight. It was obvious Cheryl loves and cares for all the dogs she has. Both were happy, healthy and social. We got to see Wyatt every week and even met his dad, Buddy, and his siblings on and off her property. He was always clean, and on schedule for shots, de-wormer etc. Cheryl would text me photos, videos, and updates. Wyatt even got his nub nipped by a litter mate and she made sure he was looked at and cared for. We picked Wyatt up to bring him home and Cheryl literally gave us everything we needed. At 18 weeks Wyatt is an active, healthy, playful, loving puppy who is great with people of all ages and other dogs. Thank you so much Cheryl! As someone who doesn't trust easily and as someone who always had rescues, I can say this was a great experience. I wish all breeders were as responsible and caring as Cheryl. Someday Wyatt may get a sibling and we will be using Cheryl! Thank you Boxer Mom Pups Az! Christina Amazing! We now have a happy, healthy and very special little girl. Cheryl is one of a kind, she takes great care in making us feel apart of the whole experience from birth to take home. The pictures during the first weeks the visits and take home care package. We will never buy from anyone else. Thank you so much for our new baby girl, Zoey! They came home with us Dec 4th. What a wonderful delight they are- healthy happy puppies. Cheryl does a wonderful job with her breeding! If you are in the market for a puppy- Cheryl is definitely the place to go. She loves her Dogs! Not a typical breeder.Yvonne - Tucson Cheryl is not your average breeder. She cares about everyone of her puppies and she makes sure they go to the right homes. We just got not one but two puppies and I couldn't be happier!! We met and picked our first one at 4 days old and fell in love with another one while we had visitation of the one we originally picked!!! When the 7 weeks finally came so we could take our babies home. Cheryl had a bag full of needed items as well as pillows to make the transition easier!! I will definitely keep in touch with how our babies are doing and would love to see new puppies as they are born!! My whole experience was amazing. I recommend Cheryl to everyone. My nephew and daughter both are proud owners of Cheryl 's boxers. I consider her a friend now! I will be in the market again SOON! Shawnee - Tucson Boxer Mom I want to thank you so much for our wonderful puppy Angel we got from you a couple years ago. You were so helpful and when she got lost, you were so helpful in reminding us about the microchip and got her BACK! You have been there anytime we have an issue and referring your vet they are Great! Just recently Angel had 6 puppies and you were on the other end of the phone the whole time, offered to come over if there was a problem. Everything went well, pups all found loving homes. Thanks again for your help. So glad you have this section for us to tell our experiences, I am sure I'm not the only one! April - Tucson Dear Cheryl I want to let everyone know I have purchased several dogs over the years, and have never met a more compassionate person as you. You really want whats best for your pups. We will certainly refer you to anyone interested in purchasing a Boxer puppy. Our pup came with a starter kit. It even had some things in there for me! It was much more than I expected. We brought Honey home and didn't need to go to the store to buy anything. You were very through in selecting what we would need our first night at home with our new puppy. Also, your Memorial page is very thoughtful for those of us that have lost a canine companion. He is such a good puppy and great addition to our other Boxer Lola. The starter kit you sent him home with shows how much you love your dogs and want the best home for them. Thanks again for all the pics and updates you sent me prior to us bringing him home! Sheryl - Scottsdale Cheryl was so amazing to work with and we would do it again in a heartbeat! The initial conversational was great, she took the time to ask us our needs as a family and helped match us to the right pup; Sigourney is exactly that, the perfect boxer girl. Cheryl also sent pictures and updates during the waiting period which was immensely appreciated. Pick up day went smooth and we had a peaceful time chatting with her for a bit. Her goodbye with Sigourney touched our heart, her love for all her dogs and the puppies were palpable. Sigourney's temperament is amazing. She is happy, calm and patient. She is doing great with all three kids and all under 5yrs old! She truly is a little ball of joy. We recommend and will continue to recommend Cheryl to everyone who genuinely wants a happy, healthy boxer paired with the best experience. We look forward to the future, God Bless! My daughter named her Baja. You were wonderful in keeping us up to date with pictures and helpful with our questions. It was such a pleasure to have met you. I will definitely recommend you to other people. It was a wonderful experience and Cheryl is a loving, caring breeder. Our puppy Coco is a beautiful, healthy and a joyous addition to our family. We highly recommend her puppies! As a lifelong boxer owner and lover, I have to say this was my best breeder experience ever. From my initial contact to email to the day I picked Max up, Cheryl was so responsive to questions, sent lots of pictures and updates as Max grew with his siblings. When I first went to meet Max not only could I meet his parents, but a lot of her adult boxers. I knew right away this was a great place. Every dog adults and pups were clean, friendly and happy. Sure enough Max has that same great temperament as his parents. It is hard to find breeders who are truly loving and care so deeply to better this great breed. This is the only breeder I know who actually holds the pups till 9 weeks just to make sure the 2nd round of the 4 puppy shots is done. In addition Max came home with all the info I could ever need, plus a great goody bag with treats, food, food bowl, and some of his favorite toys. Along with a surprise for us! I could have found 50 breeders closer to my home, but will never get another pup anywhere but from here and would recommend them to everyone. I can't thank Cheryl enough for completing our family! Mesa, Az. I want to thank you so much for giving us the most awesomest experience in finding our new family member. Being able to visit with our new pup throughout the weeks was so great, bonding with her and seeing her grow. All of your dogs were so great and after meeting them the first time I knew I made the right choice coming to you. I could tell you take pride in breeding and raising such wonderful dogs. You made this such a pleasant experience. I look forward to keeping in touch and we are so proud to be apart of boxermompupsaz family!! Thank You, Thank You!! Shannon O. Tucson We want to thank you so much for Lego, he is the perfect addition to our family. From the moment we met you till we picked up Lego, you were great! You gave us a lot of advice and answered our questions and concerns. Even now I know I could call and you will be there to help. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience. Stevie H. Tucson On an odd rainy day in February, I met up with Cheryl at the vet's office to meet Valentino, when I saw the puppies I could not decide which one so I adopted them both as love is not for sale. There were only 3 in their litter and Romeo was already reserved. Teddy and Valentino named so due to being born on Valentines Day are the love that we needed in our family. Let me tell you, sometimes they are very mischievous, rambunctious and can be down right stubborn. With that being said, I would not trade them for the world. Valentino is the leader, he has gotten into the sink and stole a defrosting London Broil. How did he get into the sink? Maybe he stood on Teddy's back. I can imagine them doing this, they are THAT intelligent. Well dinner was a little late but I was more concerned about his sensitive stomach. Teddy loves being on my white Italian leather sofa, he loves it so much that he smelled something probably crumbs and tore a hole right into the shoulder of it. I spent a Saturday sewing it up, while arguing with Teddy. He has claimed this sofa as his own. This is the love that I speak of. No matter what they get into, just one look at those sad eyes and I am a big bag of mush. They are the cleanest babies I have ever seen. They love to play in the mud and I let them! They are my babies. They are so smart, I lock them out of the doggie door and they will clean themselves, when finished they knock on the door. They loves kids! They use to jump on them but I have trained them that babies cry. So now they walk up and allow them to pet them while they wag their stumps and drool thank goodness Walmart has an endless supply of baby wipes. They are very territorial,nthis is our fault. We have kept them all to ourselves. We love them so much. Cheryl, the cost that we paid for them is nothing to the joy that they have brought us. The wagging stump waiting for us after a bad day, they love us unconditionally, to hear them "talking back" when one of us tells them to " Go to bed", it is priceless. Thank You Cheryl for doing such a good job with your breeding services. The Reades Tucson We found Boxermompupsaz. Cheryl bent over backwards to give us a few chances to meet our new family member before we brought her home. We had to drive a few hours to get there and were thankful for that. Our care package was a fun "treat" to go through too. Charles's personality?? I can't say enough about her. She is our second dog with our other boy being "not so friendly to other pups BIG dog", Charlie walked in and took his heart along with his toys, but somehow knows how to back off when she needs to. She is smart, loves to please and the most adorable dog we have EVER seen! Apart from out first born boy of course! Thank you Cheryl. We recommend Boxermom to the moon and back! Angela A. Tucson Thank you so much for our beautiful sweet and snuggly little Lily. We are so grateful to have met you and been given the opportunity to adopt her. She is adapting nicely to her new home, but misses her mama, brothers, sisters and of course you! She's got quite the personality. We will keep in touch and share your site with our friends, family and neighbors who are interested in boxer pups. I can't thank you enough for the experience and being so kind and helpful during this whole process. Best of luck to you always. Jill C. Phoenix Follow Us. Very real potential for health problems and a short lifespan A Boxer may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Boxers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. More traits and characteristics of Boxer dogs If I was considering a Boxer, I would be most concerned about.Health problems. Most Boxers, unfortunately, do not live a long life. This is partly due to unwise breeding practices such as inbreeding and linebreeding, which are more likely to pass along defective genes. It's also partly due to the deformities in their structure, especially their shortened face. An alarming number of Boxers die of cancer or heart disease in middle age. Other health concerns include eye diseases such as corneal ulcers , digestive diseases such as ulcerative colitis , hypothyroidism, itchy allergies, skin tumors, and more. Prospective Boxer owners should be aware that they might be taking on expensive health problems over their dog's lifetime. Read more about Boxer Health. Boxer sounds. Boxers are not quiet dogs. Now I don't mean they're yappy! Not at all. But they do vocalize with grumbles and grunts which owners find endearing and also snorts, snuffles, and snores which bother some people. Only you know whether you're one of those people. Gassiness flatulence. All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. Boxers who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness. Many Boxers, especially those with loose lips, slobber or drool, especially after eating and drinking. You seldom see Boxers in obedience competition. They have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many Boxers are passively stubborn and will brace their legs and refuse to do what you want them to do. Some want to be the boss and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show your Boxer, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Read more about Boxer Training. Older Boxers can be quite mellow, but most young Boxers up to about two years old romp and jump and play with vigor, and things can go flying, including small children or infirm people. Potential dog aggression. Most Boxers are fine with other family pets, including the family cat. But many Boxers are dominant or aggressive toward strange dogs of the same sex, and a few Boxers view cats as prey. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. They aim to please and will when they have an active companion that gives them direction. A Boxer Dogs Temperament When choosing a dog, their temperament is one of the most important characteristics to know. A dogs temperament can make all the difference in determining if it will fit the dynamic of your home: Single owners, family with kids, or household with other pets. Lucky for you, Boxer dogs make good pets for these home dynamics when properly trained to socialize with other pets or people, know how to expend their energy and are given direction for their natural curiosity. Is a Boxer a Good Pet for Adults? Once a boxer dog is placed with its owner it will grow a strong bond. Boxers become very loyal and work hard to obey commands. They are very affectionate dogs and extremely protective of their owners. This is what make them such great companion animals for any adult owner. Boxers are easy to train and will obey commands given. As an owner though to keep their energy in check you will need to take them on daily walks and plan quality activities for them to burn off their energy. Otherwise a Boxer can become bored and stubborn. They desire quality attention and should receive it. If they do they will always be your best friend through thick or thin. Are Boxers Good Pets with Children? A standout attribute of boxers is their patience. This patience translates to a dog that can take the constant barrage of love and rough play children may give. This type of loyalty is very desirable which makes them a wonderful dog for families. To foster and grow this affection it is important that you provide training early to your boxer and fill its life with love and praise. Boxer dogs feed off this love and will reciprocate to its owners. A well trained and loved Boxer will watch over its family and protect it. Its in its nature to do so and has been breed as a loyal animal. Boxers are renowned for their immense courage and being fearless in the face of danger. Boxers love to serve and serve those they love, including your children. Boxers have been breed as the warrior dog which meant they were the guardians, protectors, hunters, and even involved in dog fights. This can make a Boxer seem like a poor choice when trying to answer the primary question if Boxer dogs are good pets. In reality these attributes gained from breeding, years of training and conditioning if instilled valuable characteristics in a Boxer. Boxers are loyal, patient, loving, and trustworthy. Not just to people but can be with other family pets when trained. This specialized training will focus on the Boxers social skills. Not only to people need to know how to communicate and work with others from various backgrounds but so do dogs. When a Boxer is trained to be social it may still remain curious and show an inquisitive nature around new pets but it will be less aggressive. Bulldogs can become close friends with household pets, even cats. That small piece of training can be the difference maker in a peaceful home or all out war between your pets. The right time to train this skill or any others is while the Boxer is still in its youth. By introducing new animals to the adolescent Boxer throughout its training, the Boxer will quickly learn how to co-habitat with other pets. Ongoing praise and guidance is needed to show that household animals can co-exist with one another. Your Boxer can learn to live peacefully with other household pets and play nice. Boxers can have a lot of energy that can overwhelm other pets and make them feel smothered. A few other items to be aware of. A non-socialized Boxer can be aggressive towards other male dogs, they have a tendency to chase cats, and may view small pets as chew toys. For the most part these attributes are more prevalent in a poorly trained Boxers. All animals need guidance and proper training. With the right direction your Boxer can become more sociable to other animals. Training a Boxer Dog The great thing about training a Boxer is their intelligence. They are highly intelligent, patient and quick learners. Boxers want to please and are excited to learn, especially in their youth. These teachable attributes are exactly what you look for in a dog. Having the right attribute ingredients to train a pet successfully is half the battle and for a Boxer they are ready for the challenge. But if a Boxer is not trained early this can be extremely problematic. A Boxer needs and requires adequate training to socialize well with strangers and other animals. Their high energy and curiosity requires discipline and direction. Otherwise they can become very stubborn and protective. Barking will also become a bigger problem. When starting training, plan to do so while the Boxer is young. Instilling these habits and work ethic at an early age will help any future training that will take place. Be sure to be firm in your training and consistent. Your Boxer needs this continued support to succeed. While your Boxer is young it is very important to work on its socialization. Take your puppy out and let it interact with other dogs, animals, and people. Stepping outside the confines of the home can nurture is curious spirit. It will also help your Boxer behave for guests, when walking, or when it is left home alone. Make sure to get out a lot or have tons of visitors during the Boxers adolescence to promote this healthy form of growth and socialization skills. Boxer Dogs Longevity It can be easy to get attached to a pet and the Boxer is no exception. Once a bond is formed between the owner and the Boxer you treat your dog like family. The joy that comes from this companionship is immense but with joy there is always grief. Boxers are not immortal and their average lifespan is very similar to other large dog breeds. On average a Boxer can live between 10 — 12yrs. With that in mind it is always best to love and lost than to never love again right? A well trained, socialized Boxer will bring joy and a different form of appreciation than you have experienced in the past. Now to make sure that your Boxer reaches that average of 10 — 12yrs or possibly exceeds it depends on your level of care. Are you committed to walking your Boxer every day? Are you committed to being actively involved with the Boxer meaning playing games, grooming, and building a loving relationship with one another? Will you feed your boxer a balanced diet that focuses on its needs and not necessarily its wants? Dogs always want people food but you have to be the responsible adult sadly and show restraint most of the time. The secret to a healthy Boxer revolves around these 3 before mentioned things: exercise, diet, and love. Boxer Dogs Common Health Conditions Boxers tend to have various health problems because of their flat faces, larger size, and genetics from their breeding. It is important to know what health issues may arise when deciding if Boxer dogs are good pets for you. Here are a few health issues that you would deal with and others that are potential risks: Boxers Flat Face A shortened face can cause snoring, difficulty sleepy and other health problems as your Boxer ages. But this labored breathing can be a sign of Brachycephalic Syndrome. This is a known breathing and heat regulation problem. The shortened face can make it difficult for a Boxer to eat and breath regularly. They tend to gulp in more air when eating which can lead to excessive gas. These bowls are great at preventing bloating and gassiness that ensues from eating too quickly while gulping in a lot of air. Slowly eating food can also prevent the more serious gastric dilation volvulus which is where the stomach twists back on itself after eating too quickly and gulping too much air. Review the parents health history for breathing problems. Always ask to see the parents as well so you can listen to their breathing. If the Boxer parents are quieter and more natural in their breathing this is a great sign that your pup will also inherit these good genetics. Boxer Heart problems Heart issues are very common to Boxers, in fact congenital heart disease is a higher risk in Boxers when compared to other dog breeds. To prevent or identify heart defects seek the advice of a Veterinarian. A vet can detect heart murmurs and conditions specific to your pet. Many heart problems can be identified early so maybe before forking over money for a new Boxer puppy it may be wise to view the health history of the parents. Heart conditions are genetic meaning they can be passed down to offspring. Specific heart conditions to be aware of: Restricted blood flow between the heart and the rest of the body Weak valves preventing the normal flowing of blood Boxers High Risk — Cancer Because cancer can be a risk in your Boxer it is good to look at the parents health pedigree to see if this has been an issue. Female Boxers are especially at high risk of mammary cancer. A good pedigree is a better indication of a cancer free life. Hip Dysplasia occurs from poor bone development which leads a loose hip joint. This looseness will cause arthritis in the hip joint and increase in both severity and pain over time. To learn more on hip dysplasia read Do Bulldogs get Hip Dysplasia? And What to do! Even though it focuses on bulldogs, the symptoms of the health condition and steps to take to care for it are almost identical. Other Common Health Conditions in Boxers Boxer dogs can also have health concerns with bone inflammation, eyelids, and even epilepsy. Expect health costs when adding a boxer to your family but when weighing the love and devotion a Boxer will give you this should tip the scale in the favor of getting a Boxer. If a Boxer is adopted be sure to find and visit a Veterinarian on a regular basis. A Veterinarian can spot potential health concerns early and provide treatment needed by your pet. The likelihood of catching health concerns increases as your visits become more regular and you follow your Veterinarians advice. You have made it through this Boxer review and helpful it put your mind at ease and helped you with your decision making. You should be a step closer to deciding if Boxer dogs are good pets for you. Boxers require an active lifestyle, structure, attention, love, and a responsible owner. But if you are up to the challenge and these high expectations you to care for a Boxer fantastic! A Boxer is a whirlwind of love and will fill your life with great joy as you embark on growing your family with the addition of this pet. Good luck! Post Views: .If you have a Cimarron Boxer and would like to leave a review and picture, please do so below. Great family dog. Loving personality. No health issues. Cimarron Boxers was very professional to work with. Would definitely use them again. Rene Madeiras Bona This handsome boy is five years old today! We love you Zeek Von Cimarron!!! They are great camping buddies, Great with kids and grandkids. Kenny Thompson Clyde E litter is 1 year old today! Colin Lee-To Freya, our 7 month old boxer is a joy to have in our lives! She is spunky, sweet and a very smart girl! Thank you Cimarron Boxers for sharing her with us! Penelope is beautiful and an amazing personality. Great with every human and animal soul. Sweet as sugar, smart as a whip, and a beautiful boxer. And a real strong facial profile and perfect physique. But most of all, a kissy, lovey, loyal, extremely affectionate girl. I fell in love with Finn in from the picture that Christy had on her website. A few weeks later he was ours!! They are the best parts of my day!! I just wish I could share more pics with you!! Thanks, Cimarron Boxers for giving us all great family dogs!! Our Hanna is almost 11 and Falcon is 8 months. Both are great family dogs and have good temperaments. Minimal health issues and vet visits for both, Hanna being older has had some recent concerns which are being managed and she is doing well. We had good communication with the breeder from when we picked out our pup to when we got it home. We love our Cimarron Boxers! We love him to pieces! Kaitlyn Denopoulos We have gotten 2 pets from Cimarron Boxers, wonderful healthy, happy pets when we picked them up. Christie and her husband are wonderful to work with, providing great updates on the pups until they are ready to go to their forever homes. Highly recommend!! Jenny Javers Our beautiful Sage. She is the queen of the house, no doubt. Little sleepy in this pic. Just back from the beach! Love her, thank you Christy and Jonathan. He is doing great and being spoiled. I am working on getting a better set of photos but he seems to know when I am trying and either lays down looking away or runs up and sits in my lap looking at the camera from about an inch away. Thank you and your family again for the opportunity to have such an amazing puppy to my family. Sweet, feisty, and super smart. We just adore her and loved working with Cimarron. Thank you, Christy, for letting us raise one of your beautiful babies. Janice Mesli We got Beau and loved his temperament so much, we were lucky to be able to get his sister from another litter Lily, a year later. You can tell they came from the same parents. They are attached to each other. Such an amazing part of our family. Danelle Stipes This is Sita! She is perfect in every way and is the best pet sister to her human siblings. We can take her anywhere and she is the life of the party. I flew out to pick her up and brought her back to Washington state just in time. I met Cimarron Boxers at the airport and I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. He is my baby and Cimarron boxer she was great to work with. Leslie Parkins We have two boxers from Cimarron and they are the light of our lives! Everyone that sees them, comments on how beautiful they are and we have to agree!! Cristina Viola We have two babies from them, a 9. I love working with them! He is a healthy, happy, and engaging 80 lb 21 month old male. We live in AZ and flew out to pick him up just as Covid struck in March ! Let us know how your puppy is doing and send us a photo! Great for kids, loyal, loving and protective but not aggressive in my experience. Fun loving breed that loves to cuddle. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Andrea The most loyal and fun loving yet stubborn babies on the planet! They are happy, friendly dogs that are easily trained and aim to please their human. My boxer lived 10 years. I miss him every day and soon I will begin again with another of his breed. Such loyal companions and the best of watch dogs, ever. I adore them.I love red fawn.Id like to come fet on soon! Id like a beefy girl or boy Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Johnna Trone Yes, my family and I have had two boxers are less boxer passed away in March we are looking to fill our furry family pet again. My wife and I have be married 60 years, and we had boxer dogs until six years ago, when we lost out last boxer at sixteen years ago of natural causes. I have had a Boxer really my entire life. Her birthday just passed. If you really want to have a family dog that comforts, protects and is adorable, get a Boxer. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Maggie Boxers are a great family dog and very playful, but can also be protective. I have had Boxers all my life and every one has been excellent! I greatly recommend this breed to you and your family. No other breed I trust more with children then the boxer. We love Our Duke. They have huge personalities and with training can be quite obedient. Mine is very protective and takes a couple of minutes to get used to new people. However, she is great with children and very patient with them. They have a lot of energy and would be a great fit for someone with an active lifestyle that has time to wear them out. Their size is perfect as well. They are big enough to be intimating as far as protection goes, and small enough to travel with and meet weight restriction for certain living situations. He was very hyper as a puppy and required a lot of exercise, as all boxers do. As he got older, he calmed down but when I wanted to play or go for a walk, he'd get up for me. They're extremely loyal and are great with kids once they have grown out of their main puppy stage. Even when they're old, they're like big babies. Not a lot of grooming is required other than their nails and face wrinkles along with other normal grooming requirements. I do not recommend getting a boxer if you won't give your companion a lot of attention and if they don't have enough room to run around. He lived 10 years and died of lung cancer. He was raised in a no smoking house and ate life abundance dog food his whole life. He was my best friend, loyal, sociable and very obedient. He was high energy until he died. He was confident and was not shy. Our guests were his guests. He was a blessing to our home. She was the most even tempered, kid friendly dog I have ever met. Even though she could be skittish, she never once nipped or was aggressive toward humans or other dogs, and play-fought with puppies. She was friendly toward every guest we ever had and loved to play with tennis balls. My mother bought Roxann after my father died. They are fantastic with children and very protective of their people. Sweet, loving personalities. Boxers are as good as it gets. We took her to the vet on 3 15 .She is perfect. Ruth and her husband have a friend that will drive your puppy to you. And believe me it was great. I will be looking for another boxer next year I will call them first. Other than. Being 4 pounds under weight which the vet is not concerned about she is perfect thank you for our new addition to the family. Thev are. Sweet, smart, beautiful, loving, protective, funny, did I mention living pups ever!!! The 2 we have now are pretty dry mouthed, but.They have a not unwarranted rep for stinky flatulence,however, ours have been on boxer breed specific food since we got them as babes and that seems to make a huge difference from the ones I grew up with. They are big, lovey lap dogs.My girl, Trixee, likes to sit on my shoulder when I'm propped up in bed watching tv at night awww. They love people and often wan t to greet everyone by jumping up on them. I've found this to be a hard thing to teach them not to do, but you just need to train them to sit before anyone can say hello. Anyone familiar with the breed will say let them jump, I know how exuberant they are and it's ok? So you must be watchful for this with small children, as they really love kids. If I'm watching a video of my grandaughter on my phone, Pip and Trixee both start looking for her. They love babies and are very gentle and protective of them. My husband grew up with English setters and we had 2 lovely girls that we were heartbroken to lose. He's a Boxer man now, and always showing me pictures and such on his tablet. Get aBoxer, or better yet.You won't regret it! Loyal is to say the least. Very active so this keeps the family active!! Most lovable breed of dog we have ever had. Keep a check on health. Keep up on all health visits. If you are thinking of bringing a boxer into your home. Ask yourself if you are ready to put on a seatbelt and hang on for the best ride in your life!!!! Me and my family will always be Loyal to the Boxer breed!! They will truly change your life for the better!!! This was hands down the best dog that I have ever been around. The intelligence, intuitiveness, temperament, playfulness, protectiveness, and the massive amount of love and joy these dogs have to offer you cannot be understated. Extremely loyal, active, smart and great with kids. As soon as my heart recovers from this most painful loss, I will be getting another German Boxer for my children to grow up with. Hands down the best breed you can own in my opinion. They are such a living and loyal family member who can always make you smile!! They have such a unique personality and will always love you as much as you love them? Excellent temperament. Great athleticism, but needs 1 to 6 miles of exercise a day. Excellent cold weather, but limited to 65 degrees F. Excellent latent protection qualities, they sense when necessary vs. Plays well with others, human and others i. Beautiful souls with so much personality, will eventually break your heart as you will never forget them. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by robert Ward Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Odette Feuerschwenger Yes I have owned 2 boxer and loved both so very much I am ready to commit myself to my pet Please send me information on a female boxer that you have for sale. For the first 2 years she's was very active and very strong willed. She needed exercise daily to held work off all that energy. She's was like a 23rd old child. She's never did bite but she's most definitely had a presence about her. I never had to worry in my home or when walking her. She's let me know if there was anyone around. I miss her greatly and I'm alone now and am looking again for another female. Such a beautiful breed and I will love to adopt one someday! Love the breed. On a farm and lost one last fall at twelve. He has healthy and active his whole life. His sister is 13 and active and healthy but losing sight slowly. Would love to have a pupp around her. She mothers every animal. They are children to me, not, dogs. They have the best dispositition than any of the bigger breeds. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Suzanne I have a female boxer that is all that and a bag of chips, I had a male for only a short time, I would like a boxer puppy and a rott pup, I love both breeds, and understand the breeds. Goodwin Jr. She was so sweet and gentle and great with my daycare children. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by scott wickwire ive had two boxers i just had to put my last one down to rest last sat, he had cancer throughout his body really bad and i cannot stand to see animals in pain at all and i did not him suffering any longer, but yes would give the breed a 5 star rating , they are most definetly very smart loves children very family oriented dog loves attention Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Patricia Persello Love my boxer. He is 8 years old. Never has shown aggression. He learns fast. He stays within 50 feet of me. He's not had to be leased for 7 years. Never leaves the yard. Loves all other animals. He died suddenly of a heart attack at our feet while sleeping. He was our 3rd boxer and I wouldn't get another breed for all the money in the world. They were great with our two boys growing up and now great with our grandchiidren. Our other boxers lived to be between 11 and 12 and even though their life expectancy is not as long as smaller dogs this breed gives you so much love and big wet kisses I cant describe the joy. The only issue is that they are so loveable but so big they love to jump up on people and this is something that you need to teach them as puppies. I cant wait to go on Saturday to pick up our fourth boxer. I feel guilty getting one so soon after Baxter just passed on Saturday suddenly but our hearts have been ripped apart and I am sure that little Buck will help us heal faster. Goofy, personable, people pleaser so very easy to train as long as you establish dominance, awesome with kids and all kinds of animals. He is VERY energetic but loves his naps. He does require quite a bit of patience, especially in the beginning. He is completely harmless. Even though he is not exactly a small breed, he is convinced he is a lap dog. I never have to worry about guests or kids coming over or even coming up to him while on a walk. He loves all people, dogs as well. He doesn't do too well with separation. He can get bored easily, and with all of that energy make sure you take your boxers for walks and supply him with plenty of toys because he can get a bit destructive in the house if he isn't entertained enough. Although in the beginning it was a little tough, he is obedient and well trained now. I would recommend this breed to anyone with a little patience, and a lot of love to give. I am a certified occupational therapy assistant. My 12 year old son and I would love to have a boxer to train. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by William farrow All around family friend guard dog loyally has no limits smarts picks up on requests almost instantly sometimes the goof and above all my best little buddy love him after having him for 8 years can't imagine life without my little buddy tobie Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Yes. Forresttucker Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Fran Words that come to mind when thinking of my experiences owning a boxer; loving, hysterical, protector, smart, and dedicated. Such a great breed. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Sha Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Elaine Ficociello My first memory is coming home from the breeders in the backseat of my parents' car with my boxer pup, Bonnie on my lap with her ears and tail bandaged from being cropped. I was a little over 3 and she was a tad over 8 weeks old. The stories of her gentleness and bravery are too many to share here, but when we moved to Calif. They bonded instantly and were inseparable until her death of old age years later. My brother who was born after we gave her to my Uncle so he never knew her was so moved by the family stories of Bonnie that he has had 6 boxers - the first named Bonnie of course. His children have grown up with these great, fun, friendly and loyal dogs their whole lives. I guess we are a dedicated boxer family because we have experienced and observed the greatness of the breed for years and can say from experience that they are close to the perfect dog. The best dog I ever owned, easy to train they're very intelligent , fiercely protective and excellent with children. He was a lover. Just make sure it's from good stock. Inbreeding ruins the pedigree chain. He was the best dog I've ever had. Passed miss him every day! Loyal , playful and , very protective of their humans. Great dogs around kids. Also one of the smartest breeds around. Just looking to see if there was any breeders around Roanoke, Va. Eismont Have a boxer named Destiny. She is my baby. Loves to be cuddled but also likes play time. You really have to watch for over breeding and such because Heath problems will arise. Hickson Love the brindle boxer looking for male had a female miss her dearly. Frank 13 S. Main St Boxers are very loving and easy to train. They liked to play and take walks. They want to be where you are at all times. And where are you located? They are the most fun, loving, protective, caring, well-trained, family oriented, great with kids, and a true companion. I wouldn't picture a different breed for my family. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Erika I have had two boxers and they have both been the best dogs ever loyal and protective they were always very gentle with our babies when they were small and even as they grew I can not given enough praise to this breed I just love their little wiggle butts. J Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Paul Schmitt My boxer was very special and loving gave lots of kisses and loving to both my wife and me. Will be looking to buy a puppy sometime in the middle of May .Have had 4 boxers over the years. My boxer lived for 11 years and will definitely get another one. Must loyal, great with children, very intelligent. They are loyal gentle loving yet very protective. Best dog ever. But since i cant have that, we are def. I recently had to unexpectedly put my 7 yr old boxer, Gunner, down last month due to finding out he was in the chronic stages of cancer. One look at him and I was already attached. Boxers have a very human-like personality and are smarter than some people I know, not to mention the unconditional love they have for family. They are hands down the best breed of all. They are smart, goofy, playful, impish, loyal, affectionate, great with kids I have young kids and the dogs adored them and great watch dogs. What I love most about them is they stay puppy-like for a very long time. But they are stubborn and they do like to jump, they require good training, a lot of exercise and attention. For a first-time buyer they might not be the best fit. I have had 3 Boxers and two of them did have cancer. Boxers are prone to cancer. But I did put them both through radiation and they both lived another 5 years cancer free! Even though they are prone to health issues and their longevity isn't what us Boxer lovers would want, their personality makes it all worth while and I wouldn't get any other breed! He is the most amazing dog, such a great personality and so lovable. Tyson truly brings joy to everyone he meets. Boxers are awesome and charasmatic dogs and I would reccomend anyone to purchase or adopt one if you want a little light in your life. I also had one dog bred twice in her life and another champion line boxer bred once. Love the breed and everything about them. Great with Children, Perfect for adults and normally great with other animals! Easy to train and will be a lifetime best friend! What more can you ask for!? We got our 1st boxer off Greenfeild Puppies 6yrs ago and put her down due to Cancer and just got a 2nd Boxer off Greenfeild Puppies 3weeks ago and both hands down are the best dogs we ever had and we have had many different breeds over the years! So with that said.Rating: Boxer Breed Review by stephanie Boxers are wonderful dogs and great with kids! I have had boxers for the last 15 yrs. Looking to get another one. It's the first dog that I've owned and I am so glad that I went with a boxer. He is like a family member and I could not be happier with him. I don't think that I will ever own any dog other than a boxer in the future. They enjoy being around people and other pets. Great around children and other dogs; pulls a bit on leash when encountering squirrels very strong ; loves to give very wet kisses; seldom has any "dog" odor. Brush their coats, bathe them once a month, and brush their teeth. Can't go wrong with this breed. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by ivette richardson best family dogs ever great with children,protective and kind a dog that will make you laugh! Rating: Boxer Breed Review by vicki g i have had alot of different breeds, but the boxer is by far the greatest, i have a fawn male and female boxer now, they are just so funny to watch. Mine are so loving and do anything they can to get attention. I currently have a 2 year old male. In ,my first boxer sadly passed. He was a great friend. After 4 years I knew I had to have another boxer to make my life complete. Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Debra Latella I have had various breeds of dogs my whole life, but I cannot imagine my life without a boxer. This is my second boxer and the first one I got from Greenfield Puppies. She was, by far, the best dog I have ever had as part of my life. I miss her every day and am grateful to have found her. This breed is strong, clowns, loyal, and obedient with the proper training. This breed does need to be trained, as with any dog, but because of their size and strength, you need to be in control. That said, they also love everyone, especially children. Great family dog. Very lovable, loyal, and great with kids and other animals. I have one that is a year old. His name is Dozer. We bought Dozer from a breeder listed on the greenfieldpuppies website. He has a great bloodline and has been very healthy. I plan to get another one soon. My rescue boxer Tory just died on Sunday and I miss her so much. Their happy, loving, loyal, obedient, and very affectionate. There like Lays potato chips you just cant eat but one! Personality plus! Rating: Boxer Breed Review by Nicole Boxers are absolutely the best breed, I prefer females because they are easier but males are good too. They are just so silly and goofy and loyal and loving, you will forever be laughing and full of love once you bring a boxer into your life. Getting mine was the best choice I ever made, I laugh constantly. Great dogs, very expressive faces, great family pets! We have had many dogs but this breed by far has been the easiest to train and the most playful. Esh he is black and white when we got him I saw his parents he is built just like his dad and a great dog I think if a family really want a dog that will bond well with all u got to get a BOXER they are the best. I have a Boxer that is one great dog! I am thrilled with his personality and he keeps me on my toes with his energy.

We offer short term visiting. We have more than 20 years of breeding experience with Cocker Spaniels, Rottweilers and Boxers. We search high and low to find the best homes to suit our dogs. From time to time we have older dogs for sale, some are retired breeding stock that are waiting to become a couch potato! For Pet - Only homes, They are spayed or neutered. Some are rescues that we acquired due to families moving and can't take them or abandoned pets. All have been vet checked and are healthy and ready to go to their forever home. Let us know what you're looking for and we'll try to fit you with the right companion. We also have several males up for stud service, and breed back to our male pups on request and approval. When you choose your new companion, our relationship doesn't stop, we are available for any questions or concerns you may have just call or text. I have helped over the phone and in person with the birthing process with new moms and owners. We love getting pictures and visits as the pups grow. We enjoy getting your feedback on our testimonial page about your experience with us. Bad Az. American Bulldogs of Tucson, AZ. English Bulldog Description The Bulldog is a small-statured, medium-sized dog, originally bred for working with bulls but trained and bred to fight bulls for sport. This practice began in England in the s and throughout Europe until the mids. Its distinctive undershot bite allowed it to hang on to the bull with amazing strength. Discover more about our English Bulldog puppies for sale below! The shuffling gait is a result of this selection since the dog needed to be able to withstand severe shaking and thumping without having its spine or ribs broken. Bulldogs can move swiftly and make sudden leaps, which accounts for their surprising agility and cleverness. The coat is glossy and fine, with standard colors including, red, white, yellow or a combination of those. Young bulldogs are full of energy, but they slow down as they age. Their appearance makes them great watchdogs, but their personalities make them huge lovers. A Bulldog that understands its place in the human pack with thrive with all people including kids. The English Bulldog is described as very affectionate, dependable, gentle with children but known for its courage and bravery. This breed is good with family pets , but some English Bulldogs can be combative with strange dogs especially if their owners are not present to lead them. Bulldogs are very people-oriented and will seek as much love and attention as they can get; in fact, these dogs require a lot of affection from their owners if they are to thrive and be happy. This breed snores very loudly so buyer beware. This is a trait that these dogs are famous for and it is just a fact of life for them. Most English Bulldog puppies also drool and slobber so they are messy eaters, but most owners find these qualities endearing in their bulldogs. They are also prone to flatulence, especially when fed food other than their regular dog food diet. A once ferocious and tough dog — through select and skilled breeding — the bulldog has become a docile and loving pet and cherished member of countless families. The bulldog is beloved for its patience and affection for children making it an excellent family pet known for being jovial, charming and at times comical though messy. The breed is devoted, obedient and always willing to please, yet preserves its own independent brand of stubbornness present in the bulldog breed. Most of them are pleasant or even aloof towards strangers; however, some can be hostile to unfamiliar dogs, though the breed is compatible with most household pets. The fact is dogs are much happier when they know they follow their human. English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating so their owners are best to show strong leadership and understand alpha canine behavior. This is not a dog to drive around within your car, especially in the Arizona summer months. The breed is prone to mast cell tumors , skin infections, and hip and knee problems. See store for details on a specific puppy. American Canine Association.

You may find yourself on the dog food isle trying to make sense of all the ingredients, types of foods and categories. And all you want to know is… How often and what should I feed my Pug? Every dog is different, every type of food has its specific quantities and it even varies between brands. Start simple and figure out all the details and methods. I have collected information about the different types, brands pros and cons of dog feeding to try and give an unbiased as much as I can look, so you can make a better-informed choice which will be right for you and your Pug. Remember, people care deeply about their dogs and will often get very emotional about the health and feeding they chose. Having been the owner of a pet store, I have learned that although I have my personal preferences and very good reasons for them, others may have different choices and they believe they are the right ones for them. There are a lot of issues to consider. How Many times a day should I feed My Pug? A mature Pug can easily live a healthy life with one meal which provides all his nutritional needs. In most cases, it is more convenient for both us and the pug to split this to two meals. If your Pug had a full meal in the morning, be sure he will nag you like crazy in the afternoon. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need, relative to their size, a larger quantity of food so it is better to break it up to three or even four meals a day. If you are around your Pug all day and prefer to give 4 meals a day to a mature dog, there is no harm in it, as long as the overall daily quantity stays the same. Free Buffet or Set meals? Pugs are notorious for becoming overweight and need to be limited to a set amount. If your Pug is not typical in that sense, you are welcome to put the full daily portion in the bowl and see how long it lasts. One more reason for set meals is monitoring. You want to know how much you Pug eats. If you want your Pug to lose weight, you need to know how much he is eating in order to cut down. On the flip side, if your Pug is not eating the usual amounts it may be an indication of a medical condition. What food do Pugs Eat? Pugs love food. They love treats, dry food, wet food, table scraps, raw meat, cooked meat, spicy meat and meat gone bad. In rural areas and farms, they may have also got more meaty scraps. Our Pugs who grew up with Emperors and Royalty were probably treated to high quality scraps. Today, dry bagged kibble or canned wet food are the standard for most homes, although there is a growing number of people and companies promoting more natural diets of either raw or cooked food for dogs. Every type of food claims to be the healthiest, more appropriate, tailored and nutritional. Kibble Kibble is the most common dog food available and has become the staple for the average dog. Pros of Kibble The makers of dry food claim it has the most balanced and scientifically based formulas to provide the best nutrition for a dog. They also tailor these formulas to dogs of different size, breed, age or other needs. Even the most discerning dog owners should be able a composition to satisfy them. The ingredient list is unclear and misleading. There are numerous food recalls yearly. There are websites dedicated just to keep up with the recalls. Teeth are going to need cleaning. Wet canned food Aside from the meatier texture and the higher water content, there is little difference between kibble and the canned, wet counterpart. The ingredients can be similar and so are the health benefits. Some dog owners report that wet food makes for softer stools when fed exclusively. Many dog owners will give a combination of wet and dry food. Home cooked As with human food there is a growing number of people fed up Pun intended with commercial and over engineered food. Raw food Also called the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods , the idea behind it is that the dogs digestive system has not evolved as their behavior, and much like wild dogs or wolves, they should eat the equivalent to small animals they would pray on in nature. Since dogs are also scavengers this diet will include some vegetables, berries etc. The pros As with the home-cooked diet, you have total control of ingredients and quality No preservatives, additives, fillers etc. You need to learn how to make, takes time Ingredients like bones and internal organs may not be available in your area. Can be pricy. Even More expensive if buying ready and frozen. Takes freezer space Raw Disclaimer I am a little bias towards raw food. I used to own a pet food store specializing in raw food for cats and dogs and I have been feeding my own Pugs raw food for over twelve years. Obviously, I am very happy with the raw diet and its outcomes as switching to dry food would have been easy and cheap. I believe it is the better choice for myself and my dogs. I believe I have presented the facts fairly objectively as far as the other feeding options go. There is no standard or way to measure what natural is and what the added value of it is other then the origin of it. Natural color could come from some secretion of an insect. Special Needs Puppies These little ones need the most nutritious and high-quality food you can find. If you want to find an economic way to feed your dog, please do it later in his life. Allergies Pugs are relatively sensitive to allergies. In some cases, this is due to an external source such as home detergents, but more often than not it has to do with their diet. There are a few brands that you can try with low, or no grain. If you are feeding your pug home cooked food or a raw diet, taking the carbs and grain out would be easy. Our Pugs were and are on a raw diet from day one and we never had any issues with allergies, except for one time. We started noticing that Preston had pinkish skin around his paws and around the nose fold. Since we owned a pet food store specializing in raw food, at the time convenient, I know we tried different types of meats, but nothing helped. It took us some time to realize the cause. We had our baby daughter at the time, and since she was very close and intimate with Preston, and he was eating raw, we made sure to wipe his mouth and feet with baby wipes after every meal. The baby wipes were the culprits. We switched them both to hypo-allergenic wipes and the skin went back to normal… Hip Dysplasia Pugs are ranked as one of the breeds with the highest chances of suffering from Hip Dysplasia. This can lead to trouble in walking and running and arthritis may follow as well. If your Pug is suffering from Hip Dysplasia to any extent you may want to either supplement their diet with Chondroitin and Glucosamine or to choose a brand that is made for joint support. Vets and nutrition. Having said that, if I needed nutritional advice, I would go to a nutritionist and not to my Doctor. The nutrition training vets get in many schools is provided by agents of the commercial food companies who are bias at best. Skipping meals Dogs will sometimes skip a meal. It is natural for them as food is not something that was always available on daily base. It is not typical for Pugs but it may happen. If it happens it will probably be a one meal deal. If your Pug misses a few meals in a row you may want to consult a vet. Treats and snacks I try and think of treats and snacks the same way I think of candy for my daughters. If the amount of treats your Pug is rivals the actual food, in quantity, you should reconsider or at least re calculate it. If you are using kibble both at meals and as treats for training, and your stubborn Pug ends up consuming a lot of treats, just take it off the next meal. The same goes for snacks. They should be a part of the total daily feeding and not extra. How long can a pug go without eating? An adult Pug can probably survive many days without food, but no Pug would stand for it. Unless your Pug has a medical condition, he will surely let you know he is hungry. Do make sure that your Pug is not deprived of fresh drinking water at all times. More so if the weather is hot and if he is on a dry food diet and has no other source of hydration. What if my Pug is overweight? Pugs love to eat and have a tendency to eat too much. A chubby Pug is very cute, but at some point, it becomes a health issue. Overweight Pugs may suffer from a wide range of conditions and or aggravate others. Conclusion Food is an important part of your Pugs life and will directly affect his health and well-being. Do make sure you know what your Pug is eating, the quality as well as the quantities. Actually, yes. This is an actual condition called Eye Displacement or Proptosis. It is not a common occurrence but with extreme trauma or circumstances it may happen. In most cases the condition is treatable. More on the condition here… Are Pugs Loving? Pugs have been bred as companion dogs for over two thousand years. Being with people is almost in their DNA. So yes, Pugs love to cuddle, snuggle and just be in contact or as close as they can to their human friends. More on Pug Love here. Aug 25, Share An important part of taking good care of your Pug puppy is making sure that they are properly fed and that they get all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and if your Pug is like most, they seem to like anything that they are fed. Luckily, there are many commercial foods available on the market. There is also the raw doggy food diet that seems to keep getting more popular as time goes on. But what kind of dog food is right for your Pug? How much should you be feeding them? What will the dog not eat? Are there special considerations for a senior Pug? The answers to these questions and more can be found in our Pug feeding guide below. What you do decide to feed your pooch should be based on the quality of the food, no matter the type, and your personal feeding preferences. Here is what can be on the table for your Pug. Image credit: PxHere Commercial Dry Food Kibble Commonly referred to as kibble, commercial dry dog food is the most common and widely available option on the market. Manufacturers of this type of food work hard to balance the ingredients and create a completely balanced nutritional profile for dogs like your Pug. In fact, some brands, like Royal Canin, offer puppy and adult foods made just for Pugs. Whether you choose a dry dog food made just for Pugs or one made for dogs in general, it should include real meat or animal meal as one of the first ingredients on the list. The upside to commercial dry dog food is that it is affordable and easy to administer. It is also typically easy to store for the long term without worrying about it spoiling. The downside is that it tends to be dehydrating, so water should be available to your Pug throughout the day. Commercial Wet Food Commercially made wet dog food tends to be more nutrient-dense than dry food because it contains fresher ingredients and usually has fewer grains, if any at all. Most wet foods have real whole meat or seafood and broth as the first ingredients. Sometimes, veggies are thrown in for good measure, but many are meat-centric to meet the high protein needs of your growing Pug. Wet food is not as easy to store as dry food is, because it must be refrigerated after being opened. However, Pugs tend to enjoy the flavor and texture of wet food more than dry. Wet food is also a little more expensive than dry food, especially when trying to feed Pugs that are full-grown and in their prime. Raw Food A raw food diet is said to result in better digestion, a healthier coat and immune system , optimal dental health, and less susceptibility to allergies among other things. A raw food diet typically consists of quality meat, a source of calcium such as bones , animal organs, and a lower fat count than most commercial foods offer. Feeding your Pug a raw food diet will take commitment and a strong understanding of the nutrition that they need. This type of diet can be expensive and can require storage space in the fridge and freezer. It is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian to put together a complete meal plan to follow if you choose to go this route. It is a freeze-dried raw food supplement that is delicious and nutritious. The process requires about a day of cooking in the kitchen, but the time that you spend in your kitchen should yield enough food for your pooch to eat all week long. You will just have to store the leftovers in the fridge each day until the entire batch has been offered and consumed. Homemade dog food usually consists of whole meat like chicken, eggs, fish oil or flaxseed, brown or white rice, possibly vegetables like carrots and peas , and maybe even supplements of some kind. It depends on what kind of recipe you decide to follow. Any recipe that you consider feeding your dog should be approved by your veterinarian first. But you can quickly tell whether your pooch is being underfed or overfed by checking out their physique every day. If your dog is underfed for too long, you could notice signs like lethargy and an unwillingness to interact with family members. If your dog is overfed, they may succumb to problems like diabetes. If you find that your dog is getting underweight, start feeding them up to an extra cup of food each day. Reduce the amount by up to a cup if your dog is getting pudgy and out of shape. To help avoid under and overfeeding your dog, follow the feeding directions on the packaging of any commercial food you buy for them. If you decide to go the raw or homemade food route, your veterinarian can provide you with a feeding guide. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. Extra immune support is also typically present in puppy food. Once Pugs become adults, they are not as active as when they were pups, and they are not growing at exponential rates, if at all. Therefore, they need food with less protein than what puppies get. Pugs can typically switch to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12 months because much of their growth will be complete at this time. The tricky part is the actual process of switching your pooch from puppy to adult dog food. If not done slowly and intentionally, switching to a new food can cause digestion issues for your dog that could create messes around the house. Lethargy and nausea may follow. Finally, offer only adult food. There are many reasons why your Pug might seem like they do not have an appetite. The first thing to consider is whether you are overfeeding them. If your pooch does not want to eat their last meal of the day, they could simply be full and satisfied. However, other issues could lead to a pup not eating such as: Dental Problems. If your Pug has a toothache or some other kind of dental problem, they may not be comfortable eating. Check for red gums, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth. If something unusual is detected, consult your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Recent Vaccinations. Vaccines can cause side effects, including a lack of appetite. So, if your Pug does not seem to want to eat for a day or two after getting vaccinated, this is normal. Uncomfortable Surroundings. If your pooch goes on an adventure with you and is expected to eat their meal in a situation that is not familiar to them, they may pass on the meal altogether in favor of waiting until they get to what they feel is a safe space to eat. Even if your dog seems fine in every other way, a lack of wanting to eat could mean an illness of some kind is brewing. If you cannot find any other reason for a lack of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Adult Pugs will generally eat about a cup of dry commercial dog food each day or the equivalent, although certain differences might scale this amount up or down as time goes on. Here are the most important factors to consider. Active vs. Sedentary More active dogs will require more food than those that tend to be sedentary. If your pooch takes multiple walks every day, spends a great deal of time playing with kids throughout the day, or enjoys outdoor time with family members each afternoon, chances are that your dog will need a little more food than the average pooch. If your pooch takes only one short walk each day and spends most of their time lounging around the house, chances are that they should be fed as sedentary dogs. Spayed vs. Neutered Sometimes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered eat more than the average pooch. This is because they tend to be more active and excitable, which results in the need for more calories to support their energy needs. Pregnancy Pregnant Pugs need up to twice the amount of food that an adult dog would need. Instead of feeding your pregnant dog puppy or adult food, consider a food designed for all life stages that indicates its suitability for pregnancy. This type of food offers more protein and fat than adult food to support the extra growth they go through, but not as much as puppy food, which could make them overweight after the birth. What Foods Are Bad for Pugs? Image By: Momentmal, Pixabay There are a few foods that you should never feed your Pug to ensure their good health and to avoid serious problems like poisoning and even death. Here are a few food items that should be avoided at all costs: Alcohol. This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily. But the sad part of the story is that just like any other dog, pugs get obese very quickly. As they say, you become what you eat. Since the pug is a tiny dog, even one extra pound will affect its appearance. For this reason, it becomes important to keep a check on what your pug is eating. The present article talks about the feeding guidelines of this adorable dog: How much is too much? It is very important to feed your dog the correct amount of food to ensure that the pug is getting enough calories for proper growth. Any deviation from the right amount will led to health problems in a pug. Age, activity, metabolism and build of a dog are the major factors on which the amount of food which should be given to a dog depends. Also, the type of food you are giving to a dog is another important factor. If you are feeding home cooked food to one pug and commercial dog food to another dog with same age, build and activity level, it is not necessary that both of them will consume the same amount. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy pug should be given 1 ounce of food per one pound of body weight. For adult pugs, the amount is halved. What about calories? A pug puppy which is in his growth phase requires more calories than adult and senior pugs. On an average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight while an adult pug requires 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Senior pugs need fewer calories because of slow metabolism and less activity level. Free feeding is not recommended to the pug. The following table illustrates the right feeding regime and meal frequency for pugs: Age Amount of food given at one time No.

Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Colorado Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Colorado? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Colorado? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Knowing how to identify and treat underlying issues is the key to getting your goldy's tresses back in tip-top shape. Luckily for you and your furry family member, the culprit usually is hypothyroidism. As in humans, this disease can cause serious issues if left untreated, but it is very easy and inexpensive to test for and treat. If your pup is losing hair evenly over entire portions of the body especially the muzzle and tail , this likely is to be the diagnosis, and all you'll have to do is give your furbaby a pill once a day to get things back to normal. A few more troublesome diseases can give your doggy an unconventional 'do, and to add to the confusion, some share other initial symptoms with hypothyroidism. These include Cushing's syndrome and Alopecia X. Both conditions are rare in Golden Retrievers, but if your pup's thyroid test comes back inconclusive, your vet will want to consider these and run further tests. Allergies and Irritations Our fair-furred goldy friends are prone to allergic dermatitis and hot spots. Not only do these look yucky, they are very uncomfortable. If the skin is red, acned, broken or crusty, suspect an allergy. Regular grooming and flea control can help nip hot spots in the bud. Keep in mind that your retriever's thick double coat can trap debris near the skin, causing unsightly and painful sores later. But wait! Too much grooming also can be at the root of your pet's untimely baldness. This can be self-inflicted a bald spot from licking or scratching that aforementioned trapped debris , or a clipper injury in which case you should fire your groomer -- and do not shave a golden, as their double coat keeps them cool in the heat as well as warm in the cold. A Case of the Icky Yucks This is kind of a chicken-or-egg issue: germs can cause irritation, leading to scratching, injury and hair loss; and scratching can cause an injury, which gets infected, leading to further scratching and hair loss. Infections can be bacterial or fungal, including the famed and badly named ringworm yes, we know, it's not really a worm , but all can cause bald patches on your afflicted pet and require veterinary treatment. Creepy Crawlies The most disturbing and dangerous, and definitely the grossest, cause of doggy hair loss is mange. Mange means that microscopic or nearly so mites are munching on your friend. This can be demodetic -- caused by mites that always are on every dog, everywhere. The problem isn't these mites, it's an underlying immune issue that is letting them grow out of control, and that needs veterinary treatment. If your pet truly is unlucky, though, he may be sporting a case of sarcoptic mange, which is highly contagious and fatal if untreated. This absolutely must receive medical attention at the earliest opportunity. If your pet has mange, hair loss usually is patchy, scaly, flaky or crusty, and possibly bloody and scabby, too. More Articles. Tom Thorpe Blog Golden Retrievers are known to have thick and fluffy coats. The most common reason behind it is seasonal shedding. However, it can also point to poor diet, parasitic infestations, health issues, and more. In this post, I will discuss each of these potential reasons and what you need to do about it. Golden Retrievers are quite high maintenance dogs, so you need to pay a lot of attention to their coat. Just remember that coat health is more than just brushing and bathing. It also involves proper diet, regular vet checks, and more that I discussed below. Losing a small amount of hair is normal for Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers will have a thick and fluffy coat during the winter season. This is considered normal as your Golden Retriever sheds its thick winter coat to grow a shorter version for summer. However, this shedding must be even. Poor diet Another possible culprit here is poor diet. With this, your Golden Retriever will have normal histamine content on its skin. This means less itching and scratching. This vitamin aids in the utilization of protein, so your Goldie can have thicker and healthier hair. All of these nutrients can be sourced from a complete and balanced diet. Parasitic infestations Photo Credits — Advantage Petcare Parasitic infestations are one of the most common reasons behind coat problems among dogs. The following are the most common parasites reported in many Golden Retrievers: Fleas. The itchy bites will push your dog to lick, chew, and scratch the affected areas. Like fleas, tick bites are itchy, and they can trigger infections that will cause hair loss among dogs. Mange is an umbrella term for all skin infections caused by mites. As the insects burrow on the skin, your dog will lose hair. An affected Golden Retriever will experience unexplainable weight loss, thinning hair, and lethargy. This problem only becomes worse as time goes by, so early treatment is crucial. Thyroid problems Hair thinning among Golden Retrievers is also attributed to conditions like hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism will lead to unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, dull and thinning hair, and dark skin pigmentation. Some Goldies will also have thickened facial skin and a lack of heat periods. The vet can provide oral thyroid hormone replacements to equalize the hormonal imbalance. A change in diet and lifestyle is also necessary to minimize the effects of this thyroid problem. Allergies and infections Photo-Credits-iStock. These allergies can lead to hair thinning, among other problems. Since Golden Retrievers love playing outdoors, they are prone to atopic dermatitis. Most affected Goldies have inherited the predisposition to this allergy from one of its parent dogs. Another common allergy among dogs is food allergies. It then wrongfully attacks the body, which will lead to skin problems, hair thinning, diarrhea, and more. Moreover, many Golden Retrievers also suffer from a condition called Staphylococcal hypersensitivity. In most cases, this hypersensitivity occurs in Golden Retrievers who are also suffering from thyroid problems and inhalant allergy. Remember that each Golden Retriever is unique, and so is its allergies. Stress Yes, even stress can cause hair thinning in dogs. Over time, your Goldie will lose patches of hair until it gets bald. Moreover, stress and anxiety can also develop compulsive behavior among dogs, including hair pulling. And since Golden Retrievers are prone to anxiety, they are at risk of developing these problems. But what causes extreme stress on Golden Retrievers? The most common is being left alone for long hours. However, massive changes like moving to a new house, welcoming a new pet, or passing a loved one can also trigger stress. Pregnancy and lactation Due to hormonal shifts, both dogs and humans can experience hair loss during pregnancy. This condition is temporary and will likely stop after the puppies have been weaned from the mother dog. Pregnancy can deplete your Golden Retrievers nutrition, which can lead to poor coat health. Heavy shedding out of season will occur because of this. Take note that shedding due to pregnancy can linger up until the nursing period of your dog. Old age Photo-Credits-Wikimedia-Commons. This is due to the diminishing hormone levels typical to a senior canine. While this is somewhat inevitable, proper care can help delay the onset of age-related hair loss. Also, senior Golden Retrievers are prone to health problems, which can thin their coat further. At this point, your dog needs regular vet visits to help treat the health conditions before it gets worse. How can I stop my Golden Retriever from losing too much hair? Still, you can do something to prevent your dog from losing too much hair. Fish oil capsules are a great choice here. You should get a hydrating dog shampoo that will ease irritations and remove dirt that could trigger allergies. For ticks, fleas, and mites, a broad-spectrum topical preventive will provide month-long protection for every dose. Meanwhile, regular deworming treatments are also necessary to prevent the proliferation of heartworm, ringworm, tapeworm, and so on. You should take your Goldie to the vet for routine checks, regardless if it has a health problem or not. This way, the veterinarian can diagnose a health condition even before it causes adverse symptoms like hair thinning. Self-medicating your dog at home may do more harm than help. Lastly, always keep your home clean, especially if your Golden Retriever has a severe history of atopic dermatitis. A clean home is also beneficial to you since dust and dirt can trigger allergies in humans. However, this hair loss must be even and not in patches. You also have to check if your dog is chewing or licking the area excessively. Adverse reactions to shampoo, food, medication, and other external substances can also result in localized hair loss among dogs. Q: Why is my Golden Retriever shedding too much hair all of a sudden? This might be due to hormonal imbalances, parasites, and infections. Q: On what months do Golden Retrievers get their hair thin? A: Golden Retrievers shed the most during fall and spring. This is due to the changing seasons as the dog readies its body for the extreme winter and summer weather. Lots of grooming is needed here to prevent matting. Q: Do worms cause dogs to have thin hair? In the end, its coat will look dull, thin, and brittle. This condition can be due to regular heavy shedding or poor diet. However, you should also rule out other possibilities like health problems, compulsive behavior, pregnancy, and old age. All of these factors can cause hair thinning in dogs if not addressed right away. Golden Retrievers are double-coated canines. They have a waterproof topcoat and a downy, soft undercoat. Their coat gets thinner for the summer, and they grow thicker fur for the winter. Is my Golden Retriever shedding too much? Certain factors can contribute to how much shedding your Golden Retriever is experiencing. But some health issues might be the reason why your Golden Retriever is shedding more than average. Allergies Goldens with allergic reactions to food, pollen, or even their shampoo, tend to have loose hair follicles. What encourages scratching is their irritated skin. Dogs with allergies can also suffer from itchy eyes, ears, paws, armpits, and private parts. They might also be prone to ear and eye infections. If you notice your pet excessively licking her body parts, it can be a sign of hypersensitivity. If you notice an infestation, please avoid going to the groomers! Use anti-tick and anti-mite shampoos or insecticides. You also want to clean their bedding and any areas they frequently lie on. Stress Like humans, stress can cause excessive hair loss in dogs, especially those who are extremely sensitive and have anxiety. Even loud noises coming from construction nearby, or a change of scenery or routine can be such a hassle for your fido. An under-stimulated dog can also be stressed, so she should always have plenty of exercise. If you still see clumps of hair falling out from your Golden Retriever or collecting in some parts of the house, it might be time you bring her to the vet. Hormonal changes Sterilizing your dog will increase shedding due to hormone fluctuation. Expect your newly-fixed Golden Retriever to shed more in the coming months, which is more noticeable in males. Pregnancy and lactation can increase shedding, as well. You can give her a supplement, but the hair loss should be a normal thing. Poor coats that shed easily can be because of thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism can be treated if diagnosed early. Watch out for warning signs, including unexplainable weight gain, cold intolerance, and lethargy. Medication Is your dog on any form of medication? Some, such as corticosteroids , can increase shedding. If that is the case, speak to your vet and see if you can try a different brand instead. How to minimize Golden Retriever shedding All mammals lose their hair, even humans. Brushing can do most of the job Brush your dog daily with a slicker brush! If daily brushing seems like a chore, it can be done three times a week, at the very least. Bathing can help remove loosened fur through massaging. This will help with cleanup and stop your pipes from clogging. When he paddles through the water, the current will wash them right off. Just make sure you rinse the chlorine off once your Goldie gets out of the pool. Believe it or not, diet has a good and bad effect on their coat Healthy dogs often have healthy coats. You can avoid specific health issues by picking the right diet for your Golden Retriever. Avoid fillers in the recipe and make sure their kibble is made from high-quality ingredients, like protein. Omega-3 oil is also great for their coat. You might need to try out different brands to find one that is suitable for your Golden Retriever. She should also have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration leads to dry skin, which can cause itching and hair fall. Does shaving a Golden Retriever help with shedding? No, it would be best if you never shave your Golden Retriever or any double-coated dog. It will damage their fur and can even cause skin problems. Shaving means removing their protection against elements and their ability to adapt to weather changes. This can increase the risk of heat strokes and sunburn. Do note that some professionals and owners do not encourage the use of de-shedding tools, like Furminators. As an alternative, they recommend using a pin brush, along with an undercoat rake. If you prefer de-shedding tools, we advise that you only use it on your Goldie once a week. If you have the basic grooming tools, you can do it at home or bring your pup to a trusted groomer for some pampering. They usually use a high-powered dryer, which can remove much of their loose fur and effectively reduce shedding for a few weeks. A wet-tissue sweeper will do for wooden, laminated, or tile flooring. Swiffer is a popular choice on Amazon. Lint rollers or lint brushes are also a must-have in every household with a shedding pet like the Golden Retriever. Do Golden Retrievers shed more than Labradors? The only difference is that Labrador Retrievers require less grooming because they have shorter fur. Your decision will depend on how much you want a Golden Retriever of your own. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. But why does it happen. Your Golden Retriever Could be losing hair in clumps due to a bacterial infection called hot spots, a hormonal imbalance called hypothyroidism, an allergic reaction, dry skin or other skin issues, or poor nutrition. Your dog will regrow the hair normally after treating the issue. Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here — Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats! Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find. Find my list of recommendations here. Why is Your Golden Retriever is Losing Hair in Clumps Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders, so finding hair around the house is quite a normal thing for golden retriever owners. However, finding clumps of hair is not normal, and neither is having their hair coming out in clumps while brushing them or even petting them. If you notice that clumps of hair are taken off their coats while brushing them or find their coats missing batches of hair, you should try to first identify the cause why your dog is losing this hair and then look at the possible treatments. Before we start, is your dog losing hair only on their face? If so, check out why dogs lose hair around the eyes here. Your dog will also be sensitive to the touch as their skin will be irritated. What is it? Hot Spots are a bacterial infection that caused the skin to have red inflamed skin lesions. They may contain pus and they appear rather quickly, they could appear literally overnight. Treatment: To treat the hot spots, you will need to soothe the inflamed areas and help your dog recover. Here are the steps to treat hot spots in dogs: Shave or clip the area to get air to reach the infected skin and dry it. And to uncover how bad the damage is, most of the infection could be hiding under matted hair. Make sure to shave the whole area. If the infection is severe, you should leave the shaving to your vet. Use cool water and a gentle skin cleanser to clean the area. Cool compress the infected area two to four times daily with a cool wet washcloth Use medications as prescribed by your vet. They may prescribe oral antibiotics, special shampoos, or topical drying sprays. Use and E-collar on your dog To prevent the scratching. Hypothyroidism How to Tell: Common signs of hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers include the loss of hair or the thinning of it, dull hair coat, excessive shedding or scaling, weight gain, a reduced ability to tolerate the cold, and overall reduced activity. Usually, hair loss happens all over the body with the exception of the head and legs, and is not accompanied by skin redness or itching. Some dogs will have their skins become thicker and will see an increased skin pigment in areas of friction such as their armpits. They may also have ear pain with redness and bad odor, and they may also develop itchy skin that results in sores on the body. Larger breeds — such as golden retrievers — are more prone to Hypothyroidism than smaller dogs. Treatment If you suspect your dog has hypothyroidism, you need to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. If your vet indeed diagnoses your dog with hypothyroidism, he will prescribe oral replacement hormone for the dog. Unfortunately, Hypothyroidism is not curable, but it is manageable with the medications. Your dog will need to take the replacement hormone for the rest of their lives. For 4 to 6 weeks after the diagnosis, your dog will take the medication twice daily and their fur will start to regrow normally, and most dogs will then have their dosage lowered to only once daily for the remainder of their lives given that their condition remains stable — which is the norm. These are 7 tried and tested home remedies that have proven effective over the years and have never failed me or the hundreds of people I recommended these solutions to. Allergic Reactions How to Tell Allergic reactions take little time to show themselves, so you simply need to take a look back at what your dog has eaten or touched in the last couple of hours to have your suspects. Common symptoms of allergies in dogs, or allergic reactions, include Itchiness, scratching, swelling of their face, lips, ear flaps, eyelids, or ears , diarrhea, vomiting, and sneezing. Dogs can have allergic reactions to certain foods or certain chemicals as do humans. The most common food allergens in dogs are protein, and especially proteins from dairy products. Dogs can also be allergic to beef, lamp, gluten, chicken, and chicken eggs. Dogs can also have allergic reactions to certain chemicals that can be used in their treats or in their shampoos. They can also have allergic reactions to certain materials used in things that they come in contact with frequently. Treatment You can give your dog Benadryl diphenhydramine , Zyrtec cetirizine , and Claritin loratadine to relieve the allergic symptoms. Beware that these antihistamines can cause some dogs to be drowsy and others to be hyperactive. Dry skin is a problem that can have many root causes. Your dog can also have a dry skin as a symptom of a larger problem such as mange or other skin issues. By the way, If you think your dog has dandruff because of something else, check out why does your dog has dandruff and 6 solutions here. Treatment Find out what is causing your dog to have dry skin and fix the issue. Do you live in an especially hot and dry place? Consider getting a humidifier Your dog can also have dry skin because they are having too many baths, in this case, just slow down. You can find out how often should you bath your golden retriever here. I recommend checking it out as I explain the difference between different baths types, winter and summer baths, and give you some good tips on how to bathe your golden the easy and effective way. If you suspect your golden is suffering from dry skin because of an underlying health issue, take them to the vet for a diagnosis. Common Causes You Already Know About There are other causes that could be causing your golden retriever to lose hair in clumps such as bad nutrition, fleas and ticks, and bad grooming. However, just in case. Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Updated: June 26th, This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here. How Much do Golden Retrievers Shed? In a word: lots. These beautiful dogs shed hair moderately throughout the year. For many golden retrievers, this shedding ramps up twice a year during the spring and fall seasons. If you want to research a broader range of pet vacuums check out the best vacuum cleaners as tested by ModernCastle. You should expect a lot of hair to escape from your golden at this time as they blow their coats, ready to grow in entirely new ones for summer and winter, respectively. Why do Golden Retrievers Shed? Golden retrievers are one of a few dog breeds that are equipped with a double coat, composed of a thick, downy undercoat and an oily, waterproof outer coat. This amazing duality is what makes the golden retriever so resilient to different weather types and able to spend lots of time outdoors and in the water. The undercoat adapts to the weather and the temperature needs of your dog — during the cold winter months, they will grow an extra thick undercoat, before shedding much of it during the spring. This is why shedding is so heavy during spring and fall: in spring, your golden is getting rid of their thick winter coat, and in fall getting rid of their lighter summer coat to make way for the cold winter coat growth. As a general rule, the hotter the place you live, the more your golden retriever will shed as they need less hair to stay warm. Most shedding in golden retrievers is entirely normal and natural, although there are a few health reasons that can contribute to heavier shedding than normal. Another issue that can cause increased shedding is parasites — particularly fleas and ticks. Make sure that your golden retriever is up to date with their flea and tick prevention treatment and consider investing in some anti-parasite cleaning sprays and shampoos. Stress can also cause increased shedding in golden retrievers — for instance, moving home or a change in the family dynamics. Although golden retrievers will always shed some hair thanks to their double coat, there are some tips and tricks you can use to ensure that the shedding is minimal and manageable. Firstly, you should commit to a daily brushing schedule. This will allow for you to remove the dead hair straight from your dog before it falls off and becomes entangled in your carpets and furniture. It will also reduce any matting and tangles. That means feeding your dog a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding anything that they could be allergic to, or low-quality dog food that is stuffed with filler instead of nutrients. As well as reducing shedding, it will also reduce the opportunity for matts and painful tangles. Absolutely not! This will leave your dog at risk of sunburn and heatstroke and will affect the way that their hair grows back. Many hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss in Golden Retrievers. Causes of Golden Retriever losing hair in clumps are dry skin, parasites, hypothyroidism, allergies, hot spots, poor nutrition, and other health conditions. Common Golden Retriever allergens are dairy protein, beef, lamb, gluten, chicken eggs, and chicken. Golden Retrievers may also be allergic to chemicals that are commonly used to produce dog shampoos. In addition, Golden Retrievers may also be allergic to certain materials. Allergic reactions in the form of hair loss in clumps take some time to manifest. Parasites Hair loss in clumps as a result of parasites is undoubtedly quite alarming. However, your Golden Retriever may be losing hair in clumps because of microscopic mites. This discomfort causes your Golden Retriever to vigorously scratch, bite and lick themselves — ultimately leading to them losing hair in clumps. Symptoms of parasites are hair loss, itchiness, lesions, dull fur coat, visually seeing parasites, and red skin. There are two types of parasites internal and external parasites. When Golden Retrievers age, they typically develop alopecia or hypotrichosis. On the other hand, as your Golden Retriever ages and loses hair, their hair does not grow back as quickly as it did when they were younger. This is because their cells also age, and cell activity reduce when dogs get older, which contributes to gray hairs and increased hair loss. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland receives a significantly lower amount of thyroxine hormone than it requires to function normally. Even though this can affect Golden Retrievers of various ages, this condition primarily manifests in middle-aged Golden Retrievers between 4 to 10 years old. This fact has yet to be scientifically explained, but neutered Golden Retrievers are more susceptible to this condition. Hypothyroidism is caused by an immune-mediated disease — lymphocytic. Fortunately, this condition is not life-threatening. Treatment for hypothyroidism includes your Golden Retriever taking oral medication for a large portion of their life, and in some cases, it would be for the rest of their life. Do not be surprised if your dog falls asleep with no wounds by wakes up with quite a few all over his body. Hot spots are generally triggered by your Golden Retriever scratching, licking, and nibbling at the infected area to ease the irritation. If the wounds are not treated and are left to dwell, your Golden Retriever may develop a secondary bacterial infection. Dry skin can also be a symptom of a more severe skin condition. Generally, people say that you should bathe your dog only as often as necessary, but when you have a Golden Retriever, the situation is a bit different. Golden Retrievers have fur that attracts toxins, dirt, and dust. This means that you need to bathe them slightly more often. When your Golden Retriever is losing hair in clumps, they need their skin to be soothed and cleansed, so you need to bathe your Golden Retriever between 2 to 3 times a week. Medication Suppose your Golden Retriever has a disease or other medical condition that causes them to lose hair in clumps. In that case, you can see a medical professional who will prescribe the necessary medication to help your dog. If your Golden Retriever is not getting the necessary nutrients, their hair will fall out in clumps because they are not supported by the appropriate nutrients. Organic Food is nutrient-dense and healthy for your Golden Retriever. Many organic food brands ensure, as far as possible, that their food does not cause your dog to experience an allergic reaction. A change in diet takes a while for you to see the difference; however, you can rip more benefits by making the necessary changes as soon as you can. Remember that the longer you refuse to make the required change, the more your Golden Retriever is in discomfort. Supplements Sometimes your dog cannot get all their necessary nutrients in the correct amount simply from their dog food. In such situations, you should consider getting some nutritional supplements for your dog. Supplements such as fish oil contain omega-3 fatty acids. Shampoo Failing to bathe your Golden Retriever correctly results in a mite and tick infestation. To help your Golden Retriever lose hair in clumps, you need to introduce medicated shampoo to their grooming routine. The longer you take to identify the cause, the longer your Golden Retriever will be in discomfort. Early diagnosis can spare you and your Golden Retriever a whole lot of trouble. Your veterinarian would also be able to tell you exactly how you should go about treating your Golden Retriever. These collars are long-lasting and last up to months. You can use these collars alongside your normal ID collars. Old Golden Retriever loses their hair because of aging, skin allergies, dry skin, poor diet, parasites, infestation of fleas, and certain health conditions. If your Golden Retriever manifests abnormal shedding, you should consult a vet. Your Golden Retriever could be losing hair because of medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or an allergic reaction. In some cases, your Golden Retriever may be losing hair due to age, parasites, dry skin, or skin infections. After your Golden Retriever gives birth, it is normal for her to lose hair. The loss of hair is an aftermath of being in labor; however, you should consult your veterinarian if she displays other symptoms along with losing hair. Your Golden Retriever could be losing hair on their tail because of flea allergy dermatitis. It is usual for your Golden Retriever puppy to lose their hair because it is part of their growth. They lose their puppyhood fur, and their fur is replaced with stronger strands. However, if they lose an excessive amount of fur, it may indicate a medical issue or poor nourishment. Conclusion When your Golden Retriever is losing hair in clumps, it could be the result of poor nourishment, and in some cases, your Golden Retriever may be a symptom of allergies, a disease, or parasites. When you notice that your Golden Retriever is losing hair in clumps, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Ensure that your dog does not suffer unnecessarily by having them diagnosed as soon as you can. That said, piles of their golden mane can create a hairy situation—especially if your work pants get in the way. Weekly brushing will help you mitigate hairy couches and unsightly pant bottoms and give you an opportunity to bond with your pup. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing golden retrievers before bath time. During their youth, golden retrievers are often bundles of energy. Pay attention to age — When your dog is a puppy, use a soft brush until their full double coat has grown in. Then, you can start to use a slick shedding-specific brush that can rake their undercoat. We recommend: A large pin brush — Most of your brushing on a golden retriever should be done with a pin brush. The wide and sturdy bristles of a pin brush are essential for raking out debris your golden retriever probably gets into some messes! Getting a golden retriever into the tub can sometimes be an adventure all on its own. These dogs were bred to fetch ducks from lakes, so they have evolved coats that are highly water resistant. Step 3: Rinse twice — Once again, golden retrievers have really thick coats! Just go with it. Step 5: Towel them dry — For a bit of extra pampering, you might also try a canine blow dryer. Suggestion: Try a Foaming Shampoo Bath time with a golden retriever can sometimes turn into a wrestling match. While that kind of sounds like fun, there are times when we all wish shampooing the pooch was a little easier. And as you now know, healthy coats lead to less shedding. Tumbleweed-like furballs are what you signed up for when you adopted a golden retriever. We also know that it can be hard to keep your golden retriever off the furniture and out of your bed. These buddies just want to be around their humans. However, golden retrievers are super smart, love positive reinforcement and, like all dogs, are happy to have their own space. By training your golden retriever to sleep in a dog bed instead of on the furniture , you can keep most of their shedding in a designated area. When Do Golden Retrievers Shed? Double-coated dogs will shed some fur year-round, but there are two particular times of the year when their shedding is at the most extreme. In the spring — During the spring, your golden retriever will shed their thick, winterized undercoat in order to make way for a lighter weight summer coat. Just in time for allergy season! In the fall — Just as summer starts to fade, your golden retriever will get rid of that lighter undercoat in order to replace it with a thicker winter coat. Of course, this timeline can change depending on your local climate. That means that dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors will have more pronounced shedding cycles, whereas homebody indoor dogs can end up shedding consistently throughout the year. If you notice heavy shedding, especially out of the golden retriever shedding season, or that their fur appears to be thinning, that could be a sign of golden retriever skin issues or any other health concern. As such, consult your veterinarian if you notice irregular pet hair loss. The shampoo sprays on, foams instantly, and rinses fast—which makes cleaning up almost as fun as getting dirty. With storefronts on Amazon , Chewy , and Petco , Vetericyn is now easier to find than ever. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: American Kennel Club. Golden Retriever Coat Care. Why do dogs shed?

Download our guide! We offer standard and fluffy Award- winning Award-winning bloodline, guaranteed health Every TomKings parent dog has passed a rigorous selection and examination process before we started our elite breeding program to build the healthiest and most Frenchie-authentic gene pool for our TomKings Frenchies. All of our adult dogs and puppies get the highest quality food and supplements to ensure immaculate health, and they are checked by our vet on a weekly basis. Our purebred French bulldogs come with a TomKings Health Guarantee, that is valid against all genetic illnesses. Instead, we treat all of our Frenchies as family members , let them roam freely in our vast green garden and rest with us in our house. Our Frenchie puppies can play as much as they want and we raise them by teaching all the good manners among dogs and people, including children. Maternal love 12 weeks of maternal love and professional care Spending 3 whole months after birth with their caring mother and siblings ensures that TomKings puppies develop a healthy dog-personality and a well-balanced nature. Before joining their new families in the USA and elsewhere, our Frenchies get all the puppy vaccinations, are dewormed and treated against parasites. They travel in a temperature-controlled and pressurized room not stacked on top of suitcases , and they are watched all along the flight. During layovers, the puppies are taken off the plane and placed in a pet hotel, where they are given fresh food, water and lots of pampering. They are sweeter than any airport scenes in romantic movies. Feel free to reach out to us any time with your questions or to share your joy: we answer you immediately 16 hours a day. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article. We take pride in our program because we breed healthy and happy puppies that will bring many years of joy to you and your family. Every dog in my program is a part of my family and is raised indoors with us so that they come to you well socialized and happy! We are located in beautiful Southern California. We are dog lovers and have been breeders of pure bred dogs for over 20 years! We specialize in brachycephalic breeds and always have. After many years we were introduced to the French Bulldog Breed. I think everybody should own one, or two, or 5! I have a vision for improvement of the breed. I believe in healthy dogs that can breathe well. Health is our first priority! Featured Puppies Learn more about our available puppies. I would recommend them for sure!! My first experience was delightful and the overall service was impressive. I highly recommend this breeder! This breeder is the real deal. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Once you apply, Milla will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Pricing is based on the structure, pedigree, color and overall quality of each individual puppy. On occasion, we have puppies ready to go right away. Go Home Date: 8 Weeks After Birth Puppies need time to nurse, grow and develop with their mother and littermates before they can join their new families. A newborn puppy should stay with their breeder, mom, and siblings as they develop physically and gain new social skills alongside their brothers and sisters. The age a puppy can go home depends on the breed, and even the individual, but generally is around two months. We produce all of the brindles in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , fawns and sables in golden, red, blue, chocolate, lilac , creams, pure coats and tan points in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , and pieds in ALL of these beautiful colors! Call Us Are you ready to own the most popular dog breed in the U. We appreciate you visiting our site, whether you have been here many times in the past, or if this is the first time you have paid us a visit. We hope that the time you spend with us will be enjoyable, and that you will feel it is worth your time and effort. Of course, we invite you to come back as often as time permits, as we have provided a lot of information regarding the French Bulldog, and we doubt if you will cover everything in one visit. Under Owner Information, you will find a lot of information to help you determine if the French Bulldog is the breed for you. There are also FAQs for New Owners, if you have made the decision to adopt one of these wonderful dogs. Under Owner Info, you will also find several products that we use and highly endorse. We then have the unpleasant talk about scammers, who are rampant in the puppy arena, especially regarding French Bulldog puppies. If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, there is a .It breaks our hearts every time we are contacted by someone who has been scammed, or nearly scammed. Please be careful. Lastly, under Owner Info, you will find information regarding our contract and our guarantee, which we believe is one of the best available, and it is the least we will do in the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of our dogs. Under Our Frenchies, you will find information regarding our breeding males, our females which have puppies on the ground, and retirees that are ready for their forever homes. We are very proud of the breeding male and females we have assembled. You can click on Former Puppies and scroll down to see a few examples of all of the various colors that Frenchies come in that we have produced in the past. We know that the different colors can be a bit confusing, so we have tried to make it as straight forward as possible. The only problem is that there are so many gorgeous colors that they come in, a decision regarding color preferences can be difficult .Also, under Our Frenchies, you can click on New Puppies to see all of our currently available puppies, along with a list of the litters that are born, but not yet introduced. We have placed multiple puppies in every state of the union except Hawaii, as they have a very long quarantine period. We have been using very responsible puppy nannies for years to deliver puppies to major airports all over the country, for very reasonable rates. We would love to work with you to place the perfect little Frenchie in your home. Some of our puppies, especially very specific requests, are placed with clients on our waiting list, but many are available to potential clients that are looking for puppies right away. If you are looking for a high-quality Frenchie puppy, please contact us and we will send information which will help you determine if we might be the breeder for you. We will do our best to help you adopt the Frenchie of your dreams. We do not post earlier videos. All of the puppies shown in the videos will have had their vet checks and will be available for adoption with the exception of a few that we may belatedly decide to hold back. Generally, those that we will be holding back will not be included in the videos. As a reminder to each of our Waiting List clients who have passed on prior puppies due to poor timing, when you are ready for your puppy, please let us know so we do not bypass your name when we are placing new litters. Meeting the puppy Nanny was easy and smooth at the airport! Hank was love at first sight. Happy Holidays! Just thought I would write to give you an update on our Dieter. Thank you again for doing what you do, and raising such amazing dogs! Dieter is loved by all who meet him, and he has met several people on his adventures this year. He is such a mischievous, but entertaining boy. He is the sweetest, craziest, cutest, cuddliest, puppy! Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update on Hank Mowgli. He is the center of every minute in my girls day. There were tears of joy and excitement — it was wonderful! Night went well — I had my hand in her kennel so she could sleep — she would make sure it was there and then fall back to […] Danielle, Rich and Rowan Hi BlueHaven!! Hope all is well! Rich and I would like to thank you for the care and love you put into your breeding program. Rowan is a healthy and fun-loving Frenchie! We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. All is well here. Originally, when we listed our preferred colors, we did not select brindle, but as you can see, once we saw GiGi, […] Catherine, Nick, Kolbie, Natty, and Dieter Dieter had an awesome first night. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to send an update on Pearl formerly Sinah. At nearly 4 months old now; Pearl is doing very, very well. She had her 3rd series of shots and vet check last week and is perfectly healthy.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. 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. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Below I'll list a few tips to help you choose your own GSD puppy by considering the following things, in no particular order: 1 Carefully look at the puppy's parents, all the littermates and any other relatives onsite - It's really important to make sure that both parents are friendly, healthy and active. One important thing to keep in mind, many nursing bitches can be a little "down" and maybe even undernourished when feeding a large litter of puppies, however she should still be friendly and curious about you. Another important tip: make sure both parents have been OFA certified. Chances are very high that you may regret bringing home a sickly puppy later. Overall, young German shepherd puppies should be playful, clean and odor-free, full bodied but not too chunky and have bright clear eyes, a clean nose, clean anus and a full hair coat no mats or bald patches. All puppies of any kind need their mothers very early on. They need them to nurse and they also need them as teachers to model behaviors for the puppy that they will need to know later on in life. It is also important to make sure that the puppies have gotten all their first vaccinations and wormings. Overall, the best time to get a German Shepherd puppy is basically sometime between eight to twelve weeks of age. If you find a GSD puppy that you want and is older than twelve to fourteen weeks just make sure that it has been received a lot of socialization with people and other "critters". The overall setup of the kennel area should be that of a well kept area for all the dogs and puppies. Never buy a puppy from a breeder that keeps their animals in dirty, filthy or nasty conditions. If you sincerely feel as if something is not right with the breeder, the breeders objective in selling the puppies, the surroundings or the puppy itself, step back. Give yourself time to really think about the entire situation. You never want to get a puppy of any kind on impulse! When you bring that new GSD puppy home, you want to be confident in the fact that the entire process of choosing a German Shepherd Puppy has been as stress free as possible and that you have just made the best choice for both you and your new GSD puppy because this is a new relationship that can last, easily, eight years or more. They had little pictures of cats on them. Then I took one out and he ran around in circles. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Due to their high energy and intelligence, they take lots of time and attention. They are also high maintenance in the grooming and exercise departments. Despite all the time they require, they are worth every minute. Their love and loyalty is unmatched and there is no greater companion than a faithful German shepherd dog by your side. Whether you own one or are planning to get one in the future, there are 17 items that you must have if you own a German shepherd. They are: 1. Good Quality Crate There are many good reasons to teach a dog to use a crate and very few excuses not to. Just a few reasons why crate training is a good idea include, they may be crated at the vet so being familiar with one will help them be calm; they may at some point in their life need to travel in a crate; during an emergency, they may need to be crated for their own safety; a crate is the perfect place to keep your dog when home repair is being done and other strangers are going in and out of the house; when recovering after illness or injury; it is a great training tool, a safe place for an unsupervised puppy. Strong Leash and Collar German shepherds are incredibly strong and very determined. The last thing you need is a collar or leash that will break at the wrong moment. Even better, owning several leashes and collar styles can come in handy. Some tools that can help are educational books, videos, clickers , tugs , treat bag , high value treats , crate, leash , and slip collar. Since German shepherds are so intelligent, there are many things you can teach them so these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Your plans will depend upon the tools you need so these are just the basics that everyone can use. Chews and toys German shepherds have powerful jaws and they love to chew, especially puppies. There are some companies that make durable rubber dog chews such as Ruff Dawg and Westpaw that are great for German shepherds. Some of these can hold treats to help keep their interest. German shepherds also need lots of exercise and love to play. You can do both at once by playing games of fetch, Frisbee , tug , and more. Nothing will make your German shepherd happier than spending time playing with you and their favorite toy. Good Brush German shepherds shed and shed a lot. To reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, a good deshedding brush is great and a slicker brush will also help remove loose fur. Shampoo and conditioner Despite their shedding, German shepherds are relatively clean dogs unless they get into something that makes them dirty. However, they will need to be bathed so a good Ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep them clean and remove dead fur. Since they are also known for their sensitive skin and some have allergies, there are special shampoos that can he kept on hand to reduce itching, seasonal dry skin, or to heal skin irritations. Fenced Yard German shepherds need lots of exercise and a place to safely run and burn off some of their energy. They also have a high prey drive and many love to chase small animals and such so a fenced yard will also help keep them safe should they encounter wildlife or see neighborhood animals. Healthy Food Notorious for their sensitive digestive systems, German shepherds do best on a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs and puppies. Storage container for food To help keep food fresh and preserve nutrients, an airtight storage container is perfect. They make them large enough to store an entire bag of food, which is a huge plus. But they are also yummy and fun and like all dogs, shepherds love them. Food and water dishes Depending on the dog, the best food and water dishes are either stainless steel or ceramic. If your dog likes to dig in their water, a heavy bottomed bowl can help reduce spills. If your dog eats too fasts and gulps their food, a slow feeder can help slow them down and make mealtimes more enjoyable. Some bottles have a built-in dish that the water squeezes into so they are super convenient. Our favorite is a bowl with a leak-proof lid for the car that also helps keep the water cool. Dog poop bags Another must for going out with your dog is a supply of dog poop bags. There are containers you can attach to their leash or you can just keep a supply in the car and put one in your pocket. Either way, to avoid embarrassment, they are a great to have on hand. Dog bed Since German shepherds are over 50 pounds when grown, they are considered large dogs. They love a good dog bed that is comfy but also supports their back and joints. Even if they sleep in your bed, their own dog bed is a great idea. Nail clippers Since German shepherds are so active, their nails should be kept trimmed unless they wear them down themselves. Even if you have someone else trim their nails, a good quality nail clipper is good to have on hand in case you need to trim or cut a nail. If you prefer, a nail grinder tool can be used. This is not a complete list but things to consider putting in your kit include the phone number for animal poison control, blood stop powder , bandages, ace bandage, Gas X and Benedryl, Zymox Otic Ear Treatment, etc. Tags and microchip One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to keep their Identification tags and microchip information up-to-date. With no way to reunite them with their family, they are lucky if they are rescued but many dogs are euthanized simply due to overcrowding or they are injured before arriving at the shelter. To protect your dog from becoming a statistic, always keep their ID on them and your contact information current. No one thinks their dog will be the one to get lost but, sadly, it happens all the time. We hope you find this list helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Puppies bring a lot of joy to the family, but they also need a lot of attention. You must be prepared with all the supplies your puppy needs before he arrives home. Some of these supplies are basic while others will depend on your lifestyle. Some of the essentials that a German shepherd puppy needs include; leash, food, beddings, toys, insurance, collar, microchip, id tag, food, crates, treats, poop bags, grooming tools, among others. It helps to locate you if your puppy goes missing. Collar Find a sturdy collar for your puppy. It should be adjustable to accommodate growth. Do not tighten the collar so much; there should be a space where two fingers can fit in well but no more than that. Leash A recommendable leash for a puppy should be stretchable to about 6 to 10 feet in length. Always buy a leash made of dog-friendly materials. Crate When your new puppy gets home, he does not know what is expected of him. He will poo or pee anywhere that he wants, and this means a lot of cleaning work for you. A puppy dog crate will spare you all that stress; let me stay in the crate and let him out only when he needs potty breaks. Never force him to enter a crate. Buy a big crate which will still be useful as he gets old. If you like traveling a lot, buy a crate that can easily be folded for easy transport. Bedding A crate without a bed is very uncomfortable. Buy washable and comfy bedding materials that will fit in the crate. Bedding that does not allow leakage has an added advantage as your puppy will pee on it once in a while. Check out these dog beds that you can buy for your German Shepherd. Puppy Food On many occasions, the breeder or rescue center will give you the leftovers or tell you the puppy food brand that the puppy was feeding on. It is important to continue feeding the same food for some time before introducing a new diet. Consult your vet for advice. Treats Healthy puppy treats are important when potty training your puppy, convincing him to enter the crate or when training basic commandments. Refer to your vet for advice on the ideal treats for your puppy depending on his health. Food and Water Bowls Buy food and water bowls that are easy to clean and heavy to prevent being dragged everywhere by your dog. Make sure that you clean them daily to avoid your puppy feeding and drinking contaminated food and water. Always have them in pairs in case you want to travel. Poop Bag Poop bags are needed when you go out with your puppy either in the park, swimming, hiking, or long walks. Microchip A microchipped puppy will be easily traced whenever he goes missing. It takes less time to reunite the owner and the puppy compared to the Id tag method. Buy the one with clear sides to see the remaining food. You should also buy Food scoops to help you to measure the right amount of food to feed your puppy to avoid overfeeding. A Dog House An outdoor dog house should be well sheltered to offer protection for your puppy. It should be big enough to allow him to stand and stretch comfortably. You should not keep your valuable carpet inside as he will shred it as he plays. Do not keep your puppy in the dog house in the first days of arrival, keep him inside a crate, and keep it near your bedroom. This will make him feel your presence hence reducing the night cries. Toys Buy all types of toys for your puppy like; tug toys, teething toys , toy balls, puzzle toys, and plush toys. They will help in entertaining, distracting, and mental stimulation for your puppy. Grooming tools To ensure that your puppy is neat and attractive, buy nail cutters, shampoo, canine toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, dog wipe, dog mouth wash, and combs. Reliable Vet Have contact details for a reliable vet for emergency cases and normal checkups. A Groomer and Trainer A groomer is necessary to assist you in keeping your puppy looking nice. A professional trainer will assist in training and giving remedies for some bad puppy behaviors. If you need to travel or go to work, a pet sitter and boarding facility will take care of your puppy in your absence. Always keep their contact details. Insurance Pet insurance reduces the cost of medical bills in case your puppy gets ill. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.