brushing a goldendoodle puppy

brushing a goldendoodle puppy

These pups are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please. Black Labs are also known for being loyal, protective, and devoted to their families. In addition to their great personalities, Black Labs are also excellent athletes. They excel at agility and obedience trials, and they make excellent hunting and retrieving dogs. Black Labs are versatile dogs that can fit into almost any lifestyle. They do very well with children. The breed is usually tolerant of climbing and tugging by small children and love to be spoiled. This confident yet tender pup is social and easy-going around new people. Black Lab Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years — our Black Labs for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Black Lab puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both hereditary conditions that can cause joint pain and mobility issues. Allergies are relatively common in dogs, and Black Labs are no exception. Symptoms can include itchiness, redness, and hair loss. Exercise-induced collapse is a relatively rare condition that can be triggered by strenuous activity. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, and collapse. While these health concerns can be daunting, many of them can be effectively managed with proper care. Finding a Black Lab puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. They are also one of the most popular breeds in the United States, in part due to their beautiful black coat. And while the coat does require some maintenance, it is relatively easy to care for. Weekly brushing will help to remove dead hair and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy. Labs also benefit from occasional baths, which will help to remove any dirt or debris that has become trapped in their fur. Meet Black Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. His pedigree is here Pedigree. Contessa's pedigree is here. We put a lot of energy into raising puppies. We are involved with them from birth. They are loved all day long. They are exposed to children, adults, older dogs, loud noises, household items, scented to wings, duck calls, a early start with obedience and potty training. Our lab puppies are well on their way to being potty trained before they're placed in their forever homes, as we've incorporated the misty method. Labrador retriever puppies will have a complete puppy packet including information on shots, worming schedule and medication that has been given, that you will need to share with your vet. A written guarantee, and the basic schedule of sleeping and feeding that the puppy has been raised on will also be some of the information in your puppy packet. AKC Northern California labrador puppy Breeder All of our labrador puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club with limited registration , micro-chipped and ready to be enrolled in the AKC ReUnite program before they go into a new family home. This service is included in the purchase price of your puppy. Our labrador puppies are also sent home with a supply of their current food and feeding schedule. We feed large breed puppy food to insure they grow up healthy and avoid any problems with dysplasia as recommended by the AKC. We also send them home with a receiving blanket that has been with them for some time. It has the scent of their litter-mates and their mother to ease the transition to their new home. Contessa Rose Da Serra. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us We are a family breeder located on a 6 acre hobby farm in the beautiful hills of Western NY. After a mini goldendoodle became part of our lives, we knew we had to be a part of the doodle world. We have searched long and hard for the perfect dogs and are so excited to introduce you to our Bernedoodles. Our dogs are members of our family and we can't wait to help you find a new member for yours. We believe in bringing you the best dogs that are healthy, loving, loyal and family oriented. Specializing In: Currently we are specializing in traditional tri, phantom tri and parti tri colored F1 and F1b Standard and Mini Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles combine the athleticism and intelligence of the Standard Poodle with the calm, laid back and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. With good breeding, the resulting puppies are beautiful, playful, affectionate, loyal, sweet and sometime quite comical. They are low to no shedding and tend to be allergy friendly. Full grown, our Standard Bernedoodles will weigh between between 80 lbs. Our Miniature Pups will weigh between lbs. My Bernedoodles are usually black, brown and white in a vaiety of color patters. I am also looking at adding a blue Merle to my pups. I love all Bernedoodle colors and work hard to breed puppies that are beautiful and have great temperaments. Some can have the taller but more slight build of the poodle, others have the stockier build of the Bernese. Their coats come in a variety of styles as well. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat, which are low to no shedding. Some can also have a curlier coat more like the poodle. Generally, the curlier the coat the less likely it is to shed. With little to no shedding, Bernedoodle coats can get matted. They need to be brushed regularly and clipped every few months. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. I currently do not breed F2 Bernedoodles. They are all about people and are happiest when they're spending time with their families: playing, cuddling, and making us laugh. The puppies are raised in our home, being snuggled daily by our children, and come with a 12 month genetic health guarantee. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Long Island New York and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. Available: Now Hey everyone! Chance was an owner surrender to the animal shelter and was in rough shape. Along with a really nasty skin condition, he was emaciated, had an upper respiratory infection, UTI, GI worms, and heart worms. It was clearly evident he had been neglected and abused. He got treated and well fed with a heaping side of love and care so he could be ready to meet his new family. Even though he had a rough patch, he still loves and want to be loved. He is a true velcro Boxer and want to be with you and cuddle. If he can't cuddle, he will be at your side, waiting for your attention and to look into your soul with those big, chocolate eyes. He wants to do whatever you do and be where you are. He is such a joy to be with. He had a good life before his previous owner, so he was already neutered and knew manners and commands. He is very smart and love treats, so I he picks new things up fast. He is house broken and know to stop something if mom says "uh-uh no" or "leave it" in her firm voice. He doesn'tt chew anything and doesn't counter surf. He only barks at delivery people. Chance can share his people, toys, and his bed, but please let him have his food to himself - he didn't always have food and worries. Chance knows the up and down commands, though he won't get on furniture unless you tell me it is okay each time. He also know sit, stay, come, and shake. Chance walk easy on a leash and loves his walks. He corrects easy with voice commands and gentle pressure on the leash. Sometimes, something fun to chase goes by and he wants to get it. He uses a harness and that helps him learn not to do that. He is already much better at it, except with cats and rabbits - those are too exciting. Some of his favorites include car rides, walks, being outdoors, toys, and cuddling. Part of his past was being crated all day, every day without bathroom breaks, enough food, or play time. So please let him play often, with lots of exercise. Also, Chance can not ever be crated at home, the vet or boarding except in emergencies and with medication. Crating triggers panic attacks for him specifically because of his past. The good thing is, he is such a good boy free roam, you don't need to crate him! Chance very much likes dogs and wants to play, but his foster Boxer brother is really old and can't play. He plays with his people and neighbor dogs. Chance does a good job, but can miss some doggie signals and will need help learning all of them for playtime. He acts like a big puppy, so he could knock down or step on little children with his zoomies. He does love all the rubs, pets, hugs, cuddles, ear smooshing, kisses, and scratches you can dish out. He also is happy to be lifted for a bath, car ride, or vet exam, though. We know some of the abuse in Chance's past was done by a man. He is scared of some men - not all men, but certain actions done by men trigger memories. He is not scared of the women and kids he has met. It took Chance a few days to trust him, but I love my foster dad now. He now trusts that his foster family will only let safe people in the house and will steer wide of men on walks doing any of those scary things like swinging a tool or carrying a load overhead. Chance now enjoys walks and visitors to his house. Interested in me? If so, fill out an application and mention Chance. If you are already approved, just email the adoption coordinator and ask to be added to my list. Please consider a donation to help with Chance's medical care. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? Things that will make a difference to the price are the experience and location of the Atlanta Boxer breeders, as well as the markings and coat color of individual pups, as well as their pedigree. Can I just choose puppies from Boxer breeders in Atlanta? Definitely not! You can easily arrange to pick your new bundle of fluff up at any major airport. How do you screen breeders of Boxer puppies in Atlanta? At Uptown Puppies we have a rigorous vetting process that we use to make sure we only work with the cream of the crop when it comes to businesses with Boxer puppies for sale Atlanta. Once accepted, every partner in our network also needs to sign our binding Breeder Pledge. Is Uptown Puppies different to other networks with Atlanta Boxers for sale? We definitely are! Rather than being led by marketing dollars, we concentrate solely on the reputation and experience of individual businesses. What is a puppy mill? Sadly, puppy mills place more importance on profit than animal welfare. Tragically, pups born in mills are far more likely to suffer from illnesses and behavioral issues than pups from reputable breeders. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Atlanta right now? Connect with the recommended businesses and companies within the Uptown network and prepare to be dazzled by the seriously cute puppies that are just waiting for their new homes! Where are Boxer dogs from originally? While the history of the Boxer can be traced back to B. C the breed we know and love today came into being in 19th Century Germany. These charismatic, intelligent, and fearless dogs soon became prized for their abilities as working dogs - which of course includes guarding. They have been a well-loved breed ever since. What will the average Boxer be like? Boxers love fooling around with their families although they can switch into guard dog mode in a moment if they feel you need protection. Are Boxers good family dogs? An Atlanta Boxer for sale will make a wonderful family dog. Their loyalty makes them a wonderful choice for watching over children and adults alike. This, combined with their fun-loving nature and high-energy personalities makes them the perfect choice for active families looking for an all-round companion for every adventure. Are Boxers easy to train? Training a Boxer for sale Atlanta can be a joy thanks to their eagerness to please combined with their intelligence.

As both of his parents are shepherd dogs, the blue heeler german shepherd mix is a very active and energetic dog who would need a lot of playtimes and mental stimulation. Appearance of blue heeler mix german shepherd Like any other designer crossbreed, a blue heeler mix with german shepherd will shape up based on the dominant genes. They can look like a German Shepherd or a blue heeler or somewhere in between. Still, the below traits should likely be present. Body: They have a strong and muscular long body with broad shoulders. Face: They have a lean face with a medium to long, deep muzzle. Ears: They have erect pricked ears. Coat: They have a thick double-coat between short to medium coat length. They can come in varying colors but a mix of blue and tan is the most popular. This is a wide range and where any dog would fit would be based on whose genes are more dominant. Lifespan: They typically have a lifespan of 9 to 14 years. Check out another Blue heeler mix — Cowboy Corgi The temperament of blue heeler german shepherd mix Blue heeler german shepherd mix are working dogs that carry the traits of driving cattle. They love being engaged with work or play. And if they get bored, they may find something by themselves which could be destructive. Blue heeler german shepherd mix will thrive on human companionship. So if you are planning to leave your dog alone for a long time, this would not be the right dog for you. Here are a few of their personality traits that you should be aware of. Needs a dominant leader ACD and GSD mix may take the position of the leader of the pack if the owner is not a consistent leader. Energetic and agile Blue heeler german shepherd mix has a powerful body and are extremely energetic and agile. They would need a lot of playtimes and running or else would get bored. This is because both the parents of this breed are working dogs who were used to drive cattle. They would enjoy being active in some work which may mean both physical and mental stimulation. If they are not engaged actively, they may devise something of their own like chewing or scratching things that you may find destructive. Loyal and obedient They are loyal to their owners and family. Given proper training, they can be highly loyal and obedient companion dogs. Excellent guard dogs These dogs are fearless, territorial, aggressive, and wary of strangers. This makes them excellent Guard dogs. Intelligent but stubborn These dogs are intelligent and learn training commands easily. But at the same time, they can be obstinate as well with their free-thinking. Strong willed Blue heeler german shepherd mixes are strong-willed and confident dogs. They need an experienced dog owner who can be in charge else they would be ready to take up the position of being the leader in the pack and be aggressive to others. High prey drive Both the parents of Blue heeler german shepherd mix have a high prey drive. This can lead them to go after smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or cats, etc. It is a must for them to be socialized since puppy age to other pets, children, and strangers. Avoid if you have young children Blue heeler german shepherd mix, if properly trained, are good family dogs who do well with older children. Though for families having children aged 7 years or less, we would not recommend them. They have a high prey drive and are considered aggressive. Young children may not know how to treat them with respect. Noisy — depends? Although the blue heelers are not known for being vocal, german shepherds do have a bad reputation for barking for their needs or if they are left alone for long. Experienced dog owners only With their wary to stranger attitude, prey drive, intelligent mind, and independent thinking, they are not recommended for a first-time dog owner. Not apartment friendly Blue heeler german shepherd mix is a very active, energetic, and agile dog. He would need a fenced yard to play and run for venting out his energy and hence not recommended for living in apartments. Care Nutrition It is recommended to give 1. You would need to adjust the diet based on the size, age, and activity level of the dog. Meat is recommended for them as a source of protein. If you do make up your mind for this food, we would recommend to slowly start mixing in your dog food before completely replacing it to be sure that your pooch is not allergic to the ingredients of this dry dog food. But they will shed heavily when their inner coat blows out. They can have a dense inner coat and a short or medium-sized outer coat based on which parent breed gene is more prominent. It is good to groom him daily but at least twice in a week is recommended. Regular grooming would help to massage the skin to produce oil and keeping the coat healthy. It will also promote bonding between the owner and the dog. This will also aid in keeping the hairs contained as the loosened or dead hairs will be removed by the brush reducing the chances of hairs spreading everywhere. It has got great reviews from dog owners and is very easy to groom. Its self-cleaning feature is great and makes removing hairs from the brush hassle-free. Blue heeler german shepherd mix needs bathing once in four to six weeks or when you feel he is dirty or smelly. Frequent bathing may lead to dry skin and other skin related ailments. Choose a natural oatmeal based shampoo. You should also need to clip his nails once every month. This would help to minimize the risk of nail splitting which could be very painful to the dog. Exercise Blue heeler german shepherd mix is an extremely agile dog who needs a lot of exercises and playtime. They need lots of mental and physical stimulation. If you are an active jogger, he would be an ideal companion. Just the daily walks may not suffice the needs of this active and energetic dog. He can play all day and hence it is recommended for folks who have a fenced yard where he can vent out his energy. Training They are smart dogs and are easy to train. They will learn the commands quickly. At the same time, they can be obstinate due to their independent thinking. So you should start the training since the beginning. Here are a few tips to train a Blue heeler german shepherd mix. Start the training at puppy age. Start with simple commands like sit, stay, and stand. Positive reinforcement training works better with them. We recommend obedience and crate training as a must for them. Obedience training helps to make them follow your commands and subvert their aggressiveness and high prey drive. Crate training helps them to feel safe when alone. They should also be socialized early with other dogs, pets, and humans so that they can become a well-adjusted dog. Health They are generally healthy crossbreed dogs but they can be prone to certain health issues. It is not necessary to have the disease but as a responsible dog owner, you should be aware of what disease your dog may be prone to. This can be painful in various intensities in different dogs but finally leads to Arthritis. This can be inherited and dogs having this medical condition should be neutered. Elbow dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is an inheritable medical condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint in the dog. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA This is a disease that leads to gradual blindness. The dog would start to lose his night vision first and then slowly it leads to complete blindness in a couple of years. This again can be inherited and the dogs having this should not be bred. Deafness This is a genetic disease prone to Queensland Heelers and can be passed upon. This could affect single or both the ears. How to get a Blue heeler german shepherd mix puppy? So you do not want a lazy pooch and have made up your mind for a Blue heeler german shepherd mix, let us look at how you can find a puppy for you. It would not be an easy task to find this designer dog breed. You should check first for the local shelters of blue heeler and then GSD ones and check if you can see this crossbreed. There might be a dog waiting for a new life. Though you may not know the details about him so it is best to spend some time before finalizing and taking him home. Pros and Cons. Thus, it can be quite a challenge to find this hybrid. However, if you are eager to get one as a pet, you can refer to the following lists to find possible sources of this lovable pooch. Listed below are platforms where you can possibly find a German Shepherd Heeler mix: Lancaster Puppies — Lancaster Puppies is a website where you can browse puppies of almost any breed or hybrid for sale. There are AKC-registered pets available on this site as well. You can use multiple filters to speed up your search. Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies is a platform where you can find puppies for sale from all over the United States. They also show information about each breed or hybrid they advertise. They are offering Blue Heeler mixes, so be sure to check them out. PuppyFinder — Puppy Finder is a website where you can use search filters to find pets. Each puppy or litter they offer is described well through their posts. You can try checking out our top picks of German Shepherd breeders to broaden your options when finding a German Shepherd Cattle Dog mix. Apart from buying from a reputable breeder, you can also adopt a rescue dog if you prefer a much cheaper option. They are dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming German Shepherds and GSD mixes while also ensuring that the adopted dogs are happy in their new homes. They have been rescuing Australian Cattle Dogs and their mixes for the past ten years, and they make sure that each dog is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. They also aim to educate about the importance of sterilizing pets. You can inquire to see if they have a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix on hand. You can also check out our top picks on German Shepherd rescues to have more choices in your search for the Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix. This guide will equip you with the ins and outs of adopting a dog. There are also details about the requirements that adoption centers set as well as a few tips to give you a head start in applying for adoption. However, enough preparation and self-assessment should be done before bringing home one. Here are the advantages of owning a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: Highly intelligent: Blue Heeler German Shepherd mixes are well-known to be intelligent dogs, just like their parent breeds. Despite being stubborn at times, this highly skilled pooch is very trainable and can be obedient once disciplined. Positive reinforcement training is an excellent way to teach them. Great guard dogs: Both German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs are excellent guard dogs due to their loyalty and protectiveness. The same goes for their crossbreed. This hybrid will not hesitate to defend its owner or family. Excellent workout companion: As discussed, the Heeler Shepherd mix is a very active and energetic dog compared to other pooches in the canine world. This dog is a great partner for people who have an athletic lifestyle or love outdoor activities. Overall handsome appearance: The mixture of the German Shepherd dog and the Australian Cattle Dog definitely makes sense. The compact but athletic build of the Blue Heeler and the noble and stoic stance of the German Shepherd combine to create a good-looking hybrid. Thus, this furry pooch demands regular grooming. Regular brushing is a must when keeping this hybrid. Has aggressive tendencies: A hybrid of strong character, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can show signs of aggression. But this usually only happens when the dog feels threatened. Proper training and socialization are keys to good canine behavior. Can be stubborn: Despite being an intelligent pooch, the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can be quite a challenge to train if it fails to recognize you as a master. Obedience training and showing a firm hand can let this dog know its place. Extremely active and energetic: As mentioned, the Heeler Shepherd mix is a dog packed with energy, all thanks to its very active parent breeds. Before owning this hybrid, you must be prepared to provide it with a regular playtime schedule and a place to frolic. Hopefully, the list can help you in deciding whether a German Shepherd Heeler mix is the right dog for you or not. High; requires up to minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for active families that can take good care of them Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require high-quality food depending on activity level Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, bloating, deafness, eczema, epilepsy, hemophilia, and cataracts Blue Heeler History Image Source: Ezio Ricardo Martins — pexels. They are known for their herding skills and are often used as working dogs on farms. Blue Heelers are also popular pets and make excellent companions. Blue Heelers were first bred in the s and were used as working dogs on Australian farms. They are intelligent and loyal dogs and make great companions. They were originally bred in Germany for herding and guarding sheep in the late s. German Shepherds are now used as working dogs in a variety of fields, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs. They are intelligent, hardworking, and protective dogs. GSDs make great family pets. Their coloring is predominantly black and tan, with the saddle patterning seen in German Shepherds. They may also have some white markings on his chest and feet. The mix typically stands around inches tall and weighs pounds. Their coat is thick and weather-resistant, making them a great choice for those who live in colder climates. They have the characteristic straight tail of the Australian Cattle Dog, as well as the pointy ears and broad face of the German Shepherd. Overall, they make impressive dogs that are sure to be a favorite among many people. These dogs are loyal, protective, and intelligent. They make great family pets and are excellent with children. Heeler Shepherd Mix are medium to large dogs that range in size from 35 to 80 pounds. They have a short, thick coat that can be black, brown, white or a mix of these colors. Their ears may stand up or hang down, and they have long tails. Temperament If you are looking for a dog that is both active and protective, the Blue Heeler cross German Shepherd may be the perfect breed for you. This crossbreed is known for being loyal and intelligent, making it an ideal watchdog. However, as with any dog breed, it is important to understand the Heeler Shepherd Mix temperament before bringing one into your home. The Blue Heeler and German Shepherd mix is an energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. If left to its own devices, this crossbreed can become bored and destructive. However, with proper training and socialization, they make great family pets. This breed is also known for being protective of its family and home, so it may not be the best choice for those who live in a small apartment. Feeding As with any mixed breed, the Blue Heeler Shepherd mix can inherit traits from either parent. The Blue Heeler is a high-energy dog that needs a diet that will sustain that energy. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbs is ideal. The German Shepherd is a large dog that requires plenty of protein and calories to support its growth and development. Training One of the most important things in Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix training is to be consistent. If you are tough one day and then lenient the next, your dog will become confused and may not respond well to training. Be firm but fair, and always stick to what you have taught your dog. This will create a strong foundation for German Heeler training. Another important tip is to use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog when they do something right, such as sit or stay. This will help them to understand what you expect from them and will make training more enjoyable for both of you. Blue Heelers are intelligent dogs, so be patient with them. They can grow quite a bit in their first year and will need regular trims to keep them looking their best. Make sure to find a groomer who is experienced with German Shepherd Heeler Mix, as they can be a bit more challenging to groom than other breeds. It is important to be aware of these conditions and to seek veterinary care if your dog begins exhibiting symptoms. Some common signs that your dog may be sick include lethargy , loss of appetite, and difficulty walking. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Blue Heelers are also at risk for bloat, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists on itself. This can happen if your dog eats too fast or drinks too much water after exercise. If you notice your dog acting strangely or appearing in pain, contact your veterinarian immediately. Bloat is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Cancer is also a concern for both Blue Heelers and German Shepherds. The most common types of cancer that affect these dogs include lymphoma, skin cancer, and bone cancer. It is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with German Heeler and to seek veterinary care if your dog begins exhibiting any symptoms. By providing your dog with regular check-ups and preventive care, you can help reduce the risk of disease and ensure that they live a long, healthy life. Does Blue Heeler and German Shepherd mix make good guard dogs? Blue Heeler Shepherd Mix makes great guard dogs. They are loyal and protective of their family and home. They will bark and alert you when there is someone at the door or when something is not right. Heeler Shepherd mix makes excellent watchdogs and will protect you and your property. If you are looking for a good guard dog, a German Shepherd Heeler Mix is a great choice. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive? They are very intelligent and have a high energy level. They need a lot of exercise and training. Some people think that they are aggressive , but this is not true. They are just very protective of their family and home. If you are thinking about getting a Blue Heeler German Shepherd, you should be prepared to give them the time and attention they need. They will be a great addition to your family. How much does a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy cost? Blue Heelers are bred for their herding abilities and make great working dogs. German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are known for their intelligence and obedience. If you love the outdoors and being active, then the German Heeler is definitely the right dog for you. They are a high-energy breed that loves to run and play fetch. They are also very loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent guard dogs. The downside to this breed is that they require a lot of physical stimulation and can be very stubborn. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great choice for families who are looking for an active and loyal dog. However, they require a lot of exercise and training, so be sure you are prepared for this before bringing one home. They will make a great addition to any family who is willing to put in the time and energy needed to care for them. Conclusion The German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix is a hybrid dog that combines the best of both breeds. These dogs are intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions. They make great family dogs and are excellent with children. Blue Heelers are known for their herding instincts, while German Shepherds are known for their obedience and trainability. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Lifespan Sociability In terms of energy and trainability, this breed is one of the best that you could bring home. The one area that a hybrid breed like the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix lacks is sociability rating. Both parent breeds are strong-willed and protective. There is a good reason for that. This breed was originally bred to protect flocks of herding sheep from predators. They were servants for farmers and not considered companions. However, as humans grew closer to these animals, they still thrived in a work environment. These dogs contain the same blood as Dingo dogs. Dingoes are free, wild dogs that are native to Australia. It is extremely rare to find a domesticated Dingo. They prefer to live wild, free lives, which is why Heelers have a bit of a wild look to them as well. These dogs are very intelligent and catch onto training fairly quickly, but only with owners who are persistent enough to handle their strong-willed nature. Poor socialization could lead to issues with children, strangers, or other pets. They do tend to bark a lot, and obedience classes could do this breed some good. These dogs are not suitable for cities or apartment living. The amount of energy they have pairs best with families who own a good chunk of land that allows them to run around and patrol the property. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, not all dogs are the same. Puppies who grow up with the kids and are around other pets and animals a lot tend to adapt just fine to those around them. It is recommended to give active dogs of this size about 1. Divide this amount into two separate meals so that they eat both in the morning and at night. Cattle Shepherd mixes are happiest when they are given a specific job to do. The bare minimum amount of exercise they require is 1 hour, but they do a lot better when they have at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. This level of activity is much easier to achieve when they have lots of land to explore. In other words, they are not suitable for apartment living. The biggest issue that owners face when training a Cattle Shepherd mix is breaking through their willpower. Brush through their medium-length hair once per week to remove any loose strands. They also benefit from a bath once every week or two since they spend a lot of their time outside. Keep the nails trimmed by using a sharp clipper. If you start the grooming routine when they are young puppies, then they are cooperative as adults. Any responsible breeder should be happy to share the results of all pre screening test results on both parent dogs. Ideally, you should also take the time to meet and interact with both parent dogs before making a lifetime commitment to a new puppy. Breed Characteristics What can you expect when you decide to welcome a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix dog into your life? What will your new dog need from you? What type of personality and temperament can you expect? How much exercise will your new puppy want and need? How about brushing and grooming needs? German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix weight and height The German Shepherd dog can weigh 50 to 90 pounds and stand 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulder tops. The Blue Heeler can weigh 35 to 50 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. Depending on what generation your hybrid puppy comes from, the potential weight range can be anywhere from 35 to 90 pounds, which is quite a wide range! If we look at averages without factoring in gender, the most likely outcome is a hybrid dog weighing around 60 pounds and standing around 20 inches tall. The first thing to remember is that both of these dogs are true working dog breeds. Most working dog breeds have naturally high energy levels and love staying active. Both make great family guard dogs, will be protective of their home and family, and will need mental as well as physical stimulation. A German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy is going to crave athletic outlets and an active lifestyle. Whether you involve your dog in canine athletics or put your pup to work, these dogs are born to work long hours with dedication and diligence. While puppies sleep a lot , you need to be prepared to devote at least two hours per day to running, playing, and caring for your adult dog. German Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix exercise and training German Shepherds and Blue Heelers have been deliberately bred through generations to work hard, long hours every day of their adult lives. The only way to know when your dog is finished growing is to have your veterinarian do X-rays of the long leg bones. What your vet is looking for is the closure of the soft growth plates at the top of each leg bone. This typically occurs at the age of 12 months or older. Once the growth plates have closed and hardened, your dog is done growing. At this point, you can train for canine athletics, K-9 protection work, or herding. With a highly intelligent dog like the German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix, only use positive reinforcement training methods like praise, treats, pats, and playtime. These dogs will bore easily if training sessions become repetitive or drag on for too long. For best results, add new skills to each training session and keep the sessions short, fun, and extremely positive. The first thing dog owners absolutely need to know about both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler is that each dog has the classic working dog coat. A working dog coat is a double layer coat that serves two purposes: protection and insulation. This outer coat layer protects the dog from bites, sunburns, windburns, and from being drenched in the rain. Year-round, the working dog coat sheds lightly to replenish itself and keep all the guard top hairs functional. So your German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix will definitely shed. The best way to control shedding is to do daily de-shedding and brushing. In fact, bathing too frequently can strip the outer layer of the coat of some of its water-repellant, protective properties, so you want to bathe sparingly. Young children, in particular, might find this upsetting or stressful. The German Shepherd Blue Heeler may not be the best choice in this case. Understanding Hybrid Breeding By Dog Generation As Breeding Business explains, there are several different generations that a hybrid dog breeder can choose to focus on. A breeder can specialize in multiple generations and may indicate the differences between litters on their website. This can help you decide what generation of German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy you would like to add to your family. F1 An F1 generation hybrid breeder focuses on the earliest stage of hybrid dog breeding — crossing two different purebred dog breeds together to produce puppies. F1 puppies would have one purebred German Shepherd dog parent and one purebred Blue Heeler dog parent. The F1 generation is arguably the most interesting generation for dog breeders. Another puppy in the very same litter may inherit just the opposite blend of traits. F1b F1b generation dog breeding typically pairs one purebred dog parent either a German Shepherd or a Blue Heeler in this case with one hybrid dog parent here, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix. In this breeding stage, the breeder is refining for preferred traits, whether they be for appearance, temperament, or some combination thereof. As an example, if you need your dog to grow to a certain size, you would want to work with a breeder who focuses on F2 stage or later dog breeding. F2b The focus of an F2b breeding program is once again further refinement to the new hybrid breed through back-crossing. F3, et al With each later stage of a hybrid dog breeding program, the puppies grow more and more uniform in every way. For the right family or individual who wants to lead an active lifestyle with a dog by their side, this mixed breed dog may make a fabulous companion canine! The average German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix will reach a weight of 60 pounds, and a height of 20 inches. In actuality, your dog could be significantly smaller, or much larger. It depends on what parent breed it takes after most. Potentially, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix could be between 35 and 90 pounds, and 17 to 26 inches. The reason for this is the size differences between the parent breeds. While the German Shepherd is long and tall, the Blue Heeler is shorter and stockier. A fully grown German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix can be quite a big dog. On average, it will be smaller than a purebred German Shepherd. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix good dogs? As an intelligent breed, they respond best to positive reinforcement. However, they can also get bored easily. When you want to train your dog, you need to take care to keep the sessions energetic. Give lots of positive feedback, keep the training short, and mix up what you do. Due to the working dog heritage, a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix needs a lot of exercise. Long walks, and plenty of mental stimulation, are necessary to keep them happy and healthy. German Shepherd Blue Heeler mixes are loyal dogs, who can be protective. They respond well to commands, but hate to be bored. Are Blue Heelers good family dogs? Due to their size and power, their confident intelligence can be difficult to handle. The Blue Heeler also has a tendency to nip at the heels of livestock, and humans. This comes from their history as herding dogs, and often happens around running children. While the nipping may not be painful, it can be distressing. Young children, in particular, may find being nipped at upsetting. Blue Heelers should be socialized from a young age to get them comfortable around children. Many of these traits can be seen in the Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix. These dogs are loyal, and this can become protective. As German Shepherds can be aggressive, the mix has a potential for boisterous behavior. Are Blue Heelers aggressive toward other dogs? As working dogs, they have bundles of energy. Because of their working history, Blue Heelers will look for a leadership role. Around other dogs, they may try to establish dominance. Blue Heelers have prey instincts, meaning they try to hunt smaller animals. Socialization helps curb this behavior. A Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix also needs to be socialized with other dogs. Otherwise, they can display the same dominant tendencies. Do Blue Heelers like to cuddle? Instead, look for other ways to show your Blue Heeler how much you care. Although they may not crave a cuddle, there are still plenty of ways to show physical affection towards your Blue Heeler. Otherwise, give them lots of petting. Start at a young age, to get them used to human contact. There are times when you can perhaps expect a cuddle with a Blue Heeler. However, they have as many differences as they do similarities. This can make choosing a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix puppy challenging if you want certain traits in your new canine companion. To ensure you select the best and healthiest puppy you can find, select one from a trustworthy breeder. You can also request that your chosen pup undergo DNA testing to know more about its heritage and any potential health problems. Make sure you provide it with two to three cups of premium dog food during each feeding. The right food will help nourish your dog and give it additional protection to fight back against certain illnesses. Hills uses only high-quality ingredients that are enriched with vitamins and amino acids and have an excellent anti-oxidant profile. It reduces digestive problems caused by gluten and has enough vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your pet healthy. Taste of the Wild asserts that their kibbles are a healthy approximation of what canines in the wild will eat. It uses lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The company only uses natural sources of antioxidants like apples, spinach, and pumpkin. They also use the cold-press process to ensure that all the healthy goodness is preserved. Taking good care and helping your dog stay safe is what every responsible dog owner wants. If your dog is a bit older, try to get any product from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppies have a bit different food requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little munchkins in the best puppy food brands list. You should discuss any change in the diet plan with your vet. It loves to remain active and play all day. As a responsible owner, you should make sure that you can provide it with the necessary physical activity and mental exercises it needs to stay healthy and happy. The exercise needs of this mix will depend on which parent breed it takes after more. While the GS needs considerable exercise, it pales in comparison to the massive amounts of activity that the Blue Heeler requires. The energy levels of the German Shepherd Blue Heeler make it a good pet for a physically active owner or families who love the outdoors. While this dog that loves doing different activities, running along its owner as they jog or ride a bike is a favorite. Older kids will undoubtedly appreciate all the games they can play with this dog, but its enthusiasm might make them too rough for younger children. Your mixed breed will need a minimum of two walks a day. Aside from that, it will also need ample space to run around and play to release its seemingly boundless energy. Playing a game of Tug of War and Frisbee will bring happiness to your dog and strengthen your relationship as well. There are three types of toys that are ideal for your Blue Heeler German Shepherd cross — puzzles, chew toys and tug toys. Here are some of the best toys for your dog: Kong XXL: The classic chew toy from the company that specializes in sturdy dog toys since the 70s. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes for your dog to try out. Place the pole in your yard and watch your dog tug and play with the attached rope. Watch your little buddy spend hours twisting and turning this toy to reach the treats. Ultra Ball: This virtually indestructible toy can be used for both outdoor and indoor play. Chuck it and watch your dog leap and run after it. HDP 18 ft. Dog Training Tunnel: If you have a large yard, a training tunnel is a good investment. It will simply soak up knowledge, making it easy to train. While this dog will learn commands easily, its innate stubbornness means it should be trained early. As a puppy, it will have a tendency to be wary of strangers and become possessive of its owners. This is not surprising as the parent breeds are family-oriented and dedicated to protecting its family. These are traits that it can carry until adulthood if it does not undergo obedience training and socialization early. Without the right training and exposure to other people and dogs, your German Heeler puppy will not learn to obey commands. In time, their protective, defense-based personality could hit extreme levels. It needs consistent, solid training and a lot of activities to exercise its mind and body. Positive reinforcement is the way to go. Use treats and praises during training. Harsh words and punishment-based strategies will only make the Blue Heeler German Shepherd aggressive. Be a strong leader. You need to step up and give your dog the leadership it needs. Proper training and socialization will lead to a well-adjusted and happy German Shepherd Blue Heeler puppy. But this crossbreed will thrive if placed in the capable hands of an experienced owner who has already dealt with strong-willed working dogs. German Shepherd Blue Heeler and Families When it comes to families, a German Shepherd Blue Heeler crossbreed will blossom under someone who has the proper training and experience in handling large and powerful working dogs. This is an athletic dog that will be happy to either help out with ranch and livestock duties, or to go hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors with its human. Newbie dog owners and families with young children will find the Blue Heeler German Shepherd too much to handle. If you want the industriousness and easygoing personality of a German Shepherd and the enthusiastic and affectionate ways of the Blue Heeler, then their hybrid offspring is the perfect dog for you. This dog will likewise be happy in families with older children and those who live in homes with enough space to run around. If you think you have room in your life for this unique dog, you have to step up and be the strong alpha it needs. You should make sure you can provide it with the love and attention, as well as the physical and mental care it needs. This is a relatively new crossbreed, with a limited history. However, we can look to the parent breeds to learn more about these dogs. Both the German Shepherd and the Blue Heeler share a similar history. Both were bred to be herding dogs, primarily to be used on cattle ranches. He then spent the next 35 years refining the breed, while promoting it and forming the first German Shepherd club in existence. As commercial husbandry took over, and the need for herding dogs declined, the German Shepherd retained its role as a working dog. The Blue Heeler was also bred to herd cattle, but this time in Australia. The breed was developed through a complex mix of breeds including Collie, Dalmatian, Black and Tan Kelpie, and even a feral breed known as the Dingo. Thus, you could end up with a mix that looks more like a German Shepherd, or more like a Blue Heeler — and anywhere in between! There is always some variability with mixed-breed dogs like this, so keep that in mind. With that said, we can look at the details of the parent breeds to get a good idea of the general appearance and size that a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix might take on. The German Shepherd is a large dog, weighing between 50 and 90 lbs and measuring inches tall. The Blue Heeler is short and stocky and generally smaller, at pounds and a typical inches tall. Thus, you can expect your Australian Cattle Dog German Shepherd mix to be somewhere in the middle — around pounds, and inches tall. Again, this varies from dog to dog and is difficult to predict! As far as their coats, both parent breeds have thick double coats to protect them from the elements. Both dogs tend to shed a lot, particularly in the spring as they prepare for the warmer months. Temperament Traits The German Shepherd has a confident, intelligent and courageous temperament. On the other hand, the Blue Heeler has an alert, curious and watchful personality. Both are extremely loyal and protective. These tendencies can be both positives and negatives at the same time. Their intelligence and confidence makes them able to accomplish incredible feats, but can also make them stubborn and difficult to train. In short, this mix needs an experienced owner. If not properly trained and socialized, this breed can be aggressive and is prone to guarding tendencies. Early and frequent socialization is very important! One need only to look at the purpose these dogs were bred for, and what they are used for today. Both breeds are herding dogs for large animals, designed to both herd and protect large groups of big animals. They are excellent at what they do, but these instincts can make them difficult to keep in domestic situations. This breed can make for a good family pet, for the right situation. While they are generally okay around children, they should always be supervised. That said, this mix can also make for a loving, and fiercely loyal, companion dog. When push comes to shove, they will not hesitate to protect their family, making them excellent watch dogs. For experienced owners, this breed can make for a good family pet. With that said, they are definitely not the easiest breed to train. Training should start early, and be conducted often. Positive reinforcement training is the most effective way to train your dog. Socialization is also important — both with other dogs, other animals, and with humans. This mix is not naturally outgoing. So, socialization is even more important than it is with many breeds. Ideally your pup should be trained and socialized from a young age, for best results. This is also a fairly high-energy breed that will need plenty of exercise. Aim for at least 2 long walks per day, and ideally mix in some higher-intensity exercise like running or hiking. You should also seek to give your dog mental stimulation by giving them challenging tasks. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix loves to have a job to do! Blue Heeler and German Shepherd Health This mix is generally fairly healthy, with an expected lifespan of years. Although, like any breed, some health concerns are possible. The German Shepherd brings with it a high likelihood for back problems due to the intense slope of their back. Hip and elbow dysplasia is also common in both breeds, as are certain eye problems and allergies. Some of these conditions can be tested for, and some cannot. To maximize your chances of getting a healthy pup, try to source your dog from a reputable breeder, or adopt an adult dog. They might just be because blue heelers usually have beautiful shiny coats and black masks, so when you breed them with another breed that also has the same markings it stands to reason that their puppies will too. What is a blue heeler? In the past, they were used for herding cattle but now mostly as family pets or police dogs. These are large sturdy dogs standing at cm tall 20 inches weighing around 20 kg 50 pounds. They have a thick coat that can be either short or long and can be blue, black, red, or speckled. They have a characteristic black mask across their face. What is a German Shepherd? They are also large dogs, standing at cm tall 24 inches and weighing around 30 kg 75 pounds. They are bred as working dogs but are now popular as family pets too. They come in a range of colors including black, tan, and sable. They have a long coat that needs regular brushing to keep it looking good. So, when you put these two breeds together you get some pretty impressive puppies! Not only do they inherit the good looks of both parents but they often inherit the good characteristics too. This means that they are very intelligent and active, which makes them great all-rounders! Many people like to keep these mixes as working dogs because of the endurance and stamina they inherit from both parent breeds. They make excellent farm dogs and can be trained to herd cattle in much the same way as their parents do. Appearance: The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix inherits the color of their parents, with a speckled or mottled blue coat. The mask is usually black but can become more prominent as they get older just like the Aussie Blue Heelers. They are often brown eyes but sometimes inherit the amber or green eyes of one parent breed or another. This breed gets its height from the German shepherd parent, measuring about 20 inches tall 60 cm with an average weight of around 75 pounds 30 kg. So you can see that these puppies are going to be quite large dogs, like their parents. They need plenty of both physical and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored or restless. Training should be positive and consistent, using treats and rewards to encourage desired behaviors. Basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down are a good place to start. Physical activity is also important for these active dogs. A good hour-long walk or run every day will help keep them in good shape and burn off energy. Playing fetch or Frisbee in the yard is another great way to get them moving. Agility courses or even just regular playtime with other dogs can provide plenty of exercises. In addition to exercise and training, Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix also needs a lot of attention. They do not like being left alone for long periods and prefer to be with their family at all times. They are very loyal dogs who crave attention from the people they love. This can result in separation anxiety if you have to leave them home alone for too many hours each day. This breed also loves children and is typically very gentle with them. However, because of their intelligence and high energy, it is important that they get plenty of quality time from any small humans in the house to help channel their boundless energy properly. If not socialized properly it may get protective over certain members of the family or become aggressive. As with all dogs, proper socialization and training from a young age are important. They need to be taught not to chase people or other animals and should learn the basic commands such as sit and stay. Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix can also get protective of their family and territory if they are not properly socialized with friends and strangers. If their coat is short and dense, then they will require very little grooming. However, if their coat is long and fluffy, they will need to be groomed regularly to avoid mats and tangles. No matter what their coat type, Blue Heeler German Shepherds Mixes should always be brushed at least once a week to remove any dead hair and keep them looking healthy and clean. They may also need to be bathed occasionally, depending on how active they are and how much dirt and mud they get into. Nail trimming and ear cleaning may also be necessary from time to time. Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mixes do not have a characteristic dog smell and are not known to drool or to have any body odor. However, if their coat is long and fluffy they may get mud and twigs stuck in the fur around their paws sometimes. Health Problems: Typically, they have similar health concerns as their parent breeds, but some ailments may be exacerbated by the hybridization. Both breeds can be prone to PRA progressive retinal atrophy , detachment of the retina, cataracts, and glaucoma. The condition of progressive retinal atrophy results in partial or total blindness for your dog which develops progressively over several months or years. The other conditions result in blindness in one or both eyes. Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common problem in German Shepherds, and it can also occur in blue heeler German shepherds. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Ear Infections: Ear infections are another common problem for both breeds of dogs and can be a problem for blue heeler German shepherds as well. Ear infections should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as they are noticed in order to prevent further damage to the ear and possible hearing loss. Other Health Concerns Other health concerns that may affect blue heeler German shepherds include epilepsy, diabetes, thyroid problems, and cancer. All of these conditions can occur in either purebred or crossbred dogs, so it is important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian regularly. Personality And Behavior: The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is bred for its intelligence and working ability, so you can expect your puppy to be bright and full of energy. They will need plenty of exercise and training or they may become destructive. These dogs are loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs. They are also very good with children. You can expect your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix to be quite energetic and dominant. Sometimes, this dominant nature can make them aggressive or overly protective of their family. They are not exactly shy but they do need socialization from an early age to help them feel more comfortable around strangers. Like most herding breeds, they can be reserved but remain loving and loyal to their family. But there is a high chance you will find it for less if you choose to adopt instead of buying from breeders. Nutrition Requirements: One of the best ways to make sure that your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix gets the right nutrition is to consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. However, there are some general nutritional guidelines that all dogs should follow. First and foremost, your dog should have access to fresh water at all times. In addition, they should eat a balanced diet that consists of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Dogs need between 18 and 30 percent protein depending on their age, activity level, and breed. Good sources of protein include meat, eggs, fish, legumes, and cottage cheese. Dogs also need plenty of healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, brown rice, and quinoa. And finally, Blue Heeler German Shepherd mixes need healthy fats like Omega-3s to help keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny. Good sources of Omega-3s include salmon, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds. A healthy Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix needs between 60 and minutes of exercise per day. This can be in the form of a long walk or jog, playing fetch in the park, or going for a swim. By providing your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, you can help them stay healthy and active for a long time. Both of its parents are well-known for being good with children and being loyal and protective companions. Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies are usually very friendly and love to play. They are also very intelligent and learn quickly. As they grow older, they will be loyal and protective companions to their families. If you are looking for a family pet that is easy to train and loves to play with, a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dog may be the perfect dog for you. Just make sure you are prepared to handle the high energy levels of this breed! However, some health problems that can be shortened to years. They get along great with other animals and children. They are also very loyal and protective of their family. They are a great dog for active families who love the outdoors. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a great dog for families. They are loyal and protective of their family and get along great with other animals and children. They are also very active and love to be outdoors. This makes them a great choice for families that love to be active and spend time outdoors. This breed can be very protective of its family. They are good watchdogs, but not the best choice for guard dogs. They love to please their owners and are easy to train. It is important that they receive a lot of attention from their families. If you work all day or your family is inactive, this dog will not be happy living in your home. Socialization needs to happen during the first year of life, before 12 weeks old, and after 4 months old the most critical times. This breed should also get along well with cats if properly introduced at a young age and if they are raised with them. Pros of having a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: 1. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is a very good guard dog as it is alert, intelligent, and agile enough to prevent an intruder from entering the house during unauthorized hours. This breed of dogs is also used as military or police dogs due to their strong physique and sense of duty towards protecting their master against any harm whatsoever. As it has a high energy level, needs lots of physical exercise such as jogging or playing ball games with you which will release all the tension built up in his mind due to work or monotony. This breed is the best to keep at home with children because it loves them and they love it in return. They are very clean dogs which also makes them non-allergenic for people who have allergies to dogs. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix does not bark unnecessarily due to its highly intelligent nature once trained properly by owners so that they warn their master of any unwanted intruders or suspicious movement outside instead of barking continuously which could be irritating for the family members living in one apartment after a certain hour at night. It has a long life span of 12 years or more due to its high immunity levels against diseases, infections, colds, etc. Cons of having Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix: 1. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix is very expensive and not easily available at pet stores or animal shelters. It needs constant companionship and without it can become destructive by chewing furniture, shoes, wires, etc. Owners need to be committed to spending time with this breed to avoid any such incidents from happening. As it needs lots of exercise, it cannot be left alone for long hours during the day when its owners are working and would require someone else to take it out for a walk or play games with it in the yard. Otherwise, it can develop neurotic behavior which is very difficult to train out of the breed. The Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix cannot be left alone for long periods at home because it has a dominant personality and could harm other pets around without any warning. It is always advisable to keep the other pets away if they are smaller in size or even cats as these two could become their food due to their hunting nature. To avoid any mishap happening, owners should not allow this breed untrained by themselves because it can snap suddenly without any reason causing physical injury to family members living with them or strangers coming to visit them unexpectedly. Since this breed enjoys chasing running animals like squirrels, rabbits, etc. They are loyal, and protective and make great family dogs. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for both experienced and first-time dog owners. However, as with all breeds, there are some things to consider before bringing one of these hybrids into your home. First and foremost is their size — they can be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them. Finally, they do have a reputation of being aggressive with other dogs and animals — especially if not introduced to them from a young age — so take extra care when taking them out in public. However, with the right training and socialization, it should not be too much of an issue. It is very hard to imagine our life without this cute, cuddly family member. They are just perfect for many reasons. They are loyal, compassionate, and have the ability to understand their owners even before you speak a word! The breed gets its name from its blue-grey color which makes it resemble a heeler dog. Heeler mixes are lovable pets with usually medium energy levels so they can be great companions not only for active individuals but also for people whose physical activity level is much lower. This type of dog needs consistent training and socialization in order to stay obedient and friendly towards both strangers and other pets, especially cats or small dogs which they might perceive as prey. As for other characteristics, the Blue Heeler Mix is devoted to its family and has a tendency to form an excellent bond with kids. These dogs like children as much as the kids love them! The answer to this question is not a simple one. However, it is generally safe to say that Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix dogs can be aggressive, particularly if they are not well socialized from a young age. This is because both the German shepherd and the blue heeler are bred for working purposes, and as such, they can be quite independent and strong-willed. If these traits are not properly managed, they can lead to aggression in dogs. It is therefore important to ensure that your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix receives plenty of socialization and training, especially if he will be around children, as these are the two groups who are most likely to provoke an attack. Additionally, it is important to remember that both parties in this crossbreed had their temperament breed into them, so even if you give your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix constant love and attention throughout its life, they may still snap at another animal or human without warning. If your Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppy is exhibiting signs of aggression, it is important to take steps to correct the behavior as soon as possible. One way to do this is by enrolling them in a good obedience class. This will help to teach them how to properly behave around other people and animals. You can also try using positive reinforcement methods such as treats or praise to reward your dog for good behavior, which will help to establish a strong bond between you and your pet. If all else fails, you may need to consider using a muzzle when out in public until you can get the aggression under control. What activities are not recommended for Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix puppies? Although they are very adaptable, these dogs do best in a home or apartment with a large yard. This is especially important for this breed because of their size — adults can reach up to 70 pounds! They will want to run around outside until they drop from exhaustion, so make sure you provide plenty of space. If you live in the city or apartment, do not get this breed. Post navigation.

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. This is done in order for German shepherd owners who are looking to have their German Shepherd Dog as part of their family, but are unable or unwilling to have the German Shepherds that are required for Police work. This combination has many positive points, one of which being the qualities both breeds share. For example, both German shepherds and golden retrievers make great guard dogs. They are protective by nature and will protect you if they sense danger. If this sounds like your type of canine companion then read on to learn more about how you can find golden retriever cross German shepherd puppies for sale, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix puppy for adoption and German shepherd Golden retriever mix dog breeders. Parent Dogs: The German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs with a strong desire to work, which makes them great candidates for police or working-dog duties. They were originally bred in the German state of Bavaria during the 19th century to herd sheep, guard property and act as an all-purpose farm dog. German shepherds are extremely loyal and protective of their owners; you could even say they sometimes overreact about protecting you if they sense danger. This loyalty has also turned German shepherds into popular family pets today. Golden retrievers on the other hand were developed by hunters in Scotland during the 19th century as a gundog. Golden retrievers were bred to be an obedient and loyal dog, which meant they made great companions for hunters who needed a dog that could fetch lost game and return it without damaging the meat! While German shepherds make great guard dogs and golden retrievers make great hunting and retrieval dogs, German shepherd and Golden Retriever cross breeds or German Shepherd Golden retriever mix can bring together the best qualities of both breeds — obedience, loyalty, friendliness — into one pup! If not provided with enough exercises German shepherds can become destructive and hard to handle. German shepherds are a large breed so they require a significant amount of daily exercise, but Golden retrievers have been developed as family dogs throughout the years and have retained their desire to please people which also makes them great candidates as working dogs. This breed was originally bred in Germany by crossing German Shepherds with Golden Retrievers because the dogs were used to work on police and military duty. They were later exported to America in the s but this did not stop them from becoming popular across the world. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a wonderful type of dog to have. If you live in a temperate climate, this type of German shepherd mix is the perfect size for roaming around your yard and playing fetch. Golden Shepherds can be quite energetic, but they are very smart dogs. They are sweet and will make wonderful companions. They are active, trainable, obedient and intelligent; they often make perfect military or police working dogs. They will even be good with children if the owner trains them early enough between months old. This breed is popular because it can fit into many types of households without any problems. They only sleep about 10 hours every day and will fit right into your lifestyle. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes are usually very protective of their owners and will fiercely protect both children and the home front from strangers. They can be trained as police dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs or as pets. Physical Appearance Golden Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with long golden fur. You might find that the Golden Shepherd has the same appearance as other dogs, but because its hair can be difficult to maintain, it should not grow too long because you will notice the difference in the physical appearance immediately. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is one of the most popular family pets around the world, along with Labrador retriever family pet parents. The Golden Shepherd has a nice square face that covers its nose and jaws. Its ears are small and medium in size, listening to the instructions given by caregivers closely. Golden Shepherds have a long neck with good length. When seen from above, the head of the ear is slightly pointed down towards his eyes. This shape looks like an inverted triangle when viewed from above. Their hair can be short or long depending on your preference as their caregiver. Some people say it will look better if their hair is longer because they give them an elegant look. Basically, they are one of the best family pets, caring, loving, and loyal. They are highly intelligent too which makes them always fun to play with kids or other pets in the house. Temperament of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. These dogs are good-looking, friendly with children, make them the perfect choice for your family. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a high activity level so sometimes these dogs need extra physical activities to keep them free from boredom. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. They are active, friendly and love both children and other dogs! A quick note about their care requirements- these pups require someone who will be with them all day due to separation anxiety which you can take steps towards solving by creating an environment that does not make the animal feel alone or suddenly abandoned when left at home for long periods such as taking them out regularly. This individual needs regular exercise such as running around with friends after work; this helps release endorphins making it more likely one would stay healthy. However, like any other dog, they can become ill and it is important that you do everything possible to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy for as long as possible. Common Health Issues Of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix No breed is perfect and the popularity of a certain breed only means that there will be more dogs with problems. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US, with over 30 years ranking first among all breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. The most common problem in German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness and arthritis later on. If possible, buy from a good breeder who has tested their animals for hip problems. You can also have your own dog tested when it is old enough. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is generally a healthy breed, but there are some conditions from either side of the family that may develop. Some of these include: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV — formally known as bloat — where the stomach becomes extremely enlarged and twisted, this is fatal if not treated immediately; owners should know the symptoms and be prepared for an emergency situation or know what signs indicate this condition so they can seek medical attention at once if their pet exhibits them. The causes for this life-threatening problem are still unknown but it mostly affects deep-chested dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. Hip Dysplasia — dogs with this condition will walk with a peculiar gait that is noticeable once you know what to look for; they often have difficulty rising from sitting positions and seem uncoordinated. There are many possible causes but if your dog suffers from hip dysplasia it can significantly reduce his quality of life by causing him pain and discomfort, it may also shorten his lifespan. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD — this sounds very complicated but all it really means is that the articularilage of the joints does not fully cover the ends of the bones; it is more common in large breed dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. You should brush your pet daily so you can find out if the problem lies with his diet because there may be no need to wash him more often than usual. Best Diet For German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is a large to giant dog with an average weight of 65 pounds and 20 inches in height, but the designer dogs are known for their flexibility in terms of size. So, what kind of diet does your pooch require? Well, there are some things you should know about his age, breed, and health condition if any… which will help you decide how many calories he needs on a daily basis. Golden Shepherds are known to be more active than the average family pet. A Golden Shepherd loves to exercise- more or less- depending on its energy level. Also, keep in mind that she will need more calories as she grows older. Sometimes these foods can harm your pet. Adult German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix should be fed 3 times a day. However, if he eats very slowly, you might consider adding 1 or 2 extra meals because the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a tendency for over-eating which can lead to obesity very quickly. Obesity is harmful to any dog breed and can decrease its lifespan drastically even by 5 years. In fact, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix has a double coat which means he will blow his undercoat once or twice per year and lose huge amounts of hair in the process. This makes him a poor choice for those who suffer from allergies as it can be difficult to control dander and loose hair around your home. However, these dogs do tend to require less grooming than many other breeds as their coats are not as long as those on certain other working breeds like the German shepherd. Brush them only occasionally with a firm bristle brush; if you brush too often you may cause their coats to become matted. They are likely to be shy when they are young but with the right training, owners can help them become more confident in new situations. These animals will benefit from early socialization with lots of different people, dogs, children, cats, strange noises etc. Make sure you start this process as soon as possible after bringing your dog home. Exercise Needs Any dog, particularly a working breed like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, enjoys a daily exercise in the form of walks or interactive play with its owner. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix will need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day with his family. This dog needs time to run off-leash in a securely fenced area where he can explore new territory and work his muscles. Owners should never let their pets roam around unsupervised even if they are believed to have a good recall off-leash. It is also advisable that you take the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix for a long walk or hike each day to satisfy his need for exercise and additional stimulation from the environment around him. This dog will make a wonderful hiking companion as he loves being outside with his family, particularly on sunny days when he can frolic in the snow or swim in a lake. But owners should always remember to bring water along as some dogs may become dangerously overheated after an excessive amount of physical activity. Working on training new obedience commands or tricks is the perfect way to keep your pet busy while satisfying his primal instincts. First of all, know that there is no one perfect method to train every dog in the world. Each dog has its own temperament and personality, it responds better to some methods rather than others. The instruction manual for dogs does not exist because each dog is unique. Therefore, when working with your German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, you have to remember that even if I give you a bunch of tips here, they may or may not work for your dog. You will need to play around with the methods and see what works best for your new four-legged friend. Second, you must understand that although Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are both known as intelligent breeds, they come from different worlds. The Golden Retriever is an English breed and was bred to retrieve birds this explains their willingness to please and obedience , while the German Shepherd comes from Germany and was originally used by shepherds hence his protective instincts. Therefore, due to their origin and original task, these 2 dogs behave in completely opposite ways. For example, retrievers such as Golden Retrievers are used for hunting for birds in the sky, so they love taking things away and playing with them. Shepherds, on the other hand, were originally working dogs who needed to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is why you should do as much as you can to train your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix during his first 6 weeks of life or even earlier. His behavior will form during this period and anything that is not learned by then will become more difficult to teach later. On the other hand, if he learns something now it will be harder for him to unlearn it! Even though puppies are born with their eyes closed, they can still see just like cats and they start learning everything about their environment right away. Use this time wisely… Give him some space but make sure he knows where home is! This way he will learn how to find you when you call him or otherwise he may go looking for you when. You cannot imagine how often I see dogs who are lost because they followed a car or bike and never came back! Teach your puppy to walk on a leash as soon as possible, this will come in handy when you take him for a walk. This way he will learn how to behave around other dogs and people. This is because they are intelligent and have a lot of strength. The hybrid is also very easy to train because they use positive reinforcement training. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an ideal pet for people who do not want messy fur, drool or shedding because this hybrid does not suffer from any of these issues. They are also great with kids, other pets and strangers because they are naturally protective but will get along with anyone. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be great for active people. This is also the perfect breed if you live in a cold climate or if you want a dog that can work in the police or military. They are strong, loyal and easy to train. These dogs are beautiful, strong and intelligent which makes them very easy to train. They use positive reinforcement training methods that most people find effective. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be perfect for active people who enjoy working out because this hybrid combines the best features of both their parents. One of the main pros of this breed is that they have incredible leadership skills so they are trusted by police officers on duty in some parts of the world. Cons Of Having German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix Training and Socialization is a must with this breed, if not done correctly they can become aggressive towards people or other dogs, they are very protective of their family which can make them aggressive towards friends, strangers etc. They require a lot of exercise in order to burn off the excess energy they have. They are very intelligent dogs and can be stubborn at times which makes training them more difficult, if not done correctly it could lead to aggression towards other animals or people. They require a lot of attention and most likely will not be good for you and your family if you are gone often, they do not like to spend time alone. They can also become bossy or pushy which can lead to aggression unless the owner is able to control the dog. Another con is that they shed a lot although it is not as much as a German Shepherd, if you are looking for a low shedding breed this might not be the best match. If done correctly they can become the best dogs to own but if not they can become quite destructive or even dangerous towards strangers or other animals. Keep in mind that every dog is different so what applies to one may not apply to another. Take everything you hear about breeds with caution because there are always exceptions out there. For example, you can save money on spaying or neutering fees, and your pet will already be housebroken when it gets home. Additionally, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is known for being highly intelligent dogs who tend to get along well with children. It takes work, study, knowledge about genetics, and much more to produce healthy, happy dogs when crossbreeding. Unfortunately, not everyone who does their research ends up with a healthy pup. They may get a pet worthy of a loving home or a stud for a breeding program but they may also get an unhealthy hybrid whose life can be cut short by genetic problems. No one wants that. As one of the most popular hybrids, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is recognized as a hybrid of the world famous German shepherd and Golden retriever. This dog is usually referred to as a breed that has many talents. By studying more about this dog you will quickly realize that this is not only an intelligent but very loyal family pet with a good temperament. The father is always a German Shepherd and the mother can be either a purebred Golden retriever or another crossbreed such as Irish Setter, Labrador retriever, Siberian Husky, Labrador retriever, or any other breed with similar characteristics. This is a very popular dog breed that gained instant fame among celebrities, professional athletes, and ordinary people alike. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

For dogs, as with other animals including humans, an important function of play is instruction. Puppies use yelps of pain and refusal to keep playing to instruct each other about the differences between playful mouthing and painful biting. Expose your young dog to other animals and people in a wide range of environments so that normal social situations are less likely to cause fear. You may think you are just teaching your puppy to obey, but you are also teaching him patience. Dogs with poor impulse control are more likely to bite when their wants are not immediately met. Let your dog know this in the same way as a litter of puppies. The earlier you start this process, the better. Play with your puppy and allow her to mouth your hand. As soon as the dog stops mouthing or licks your limp hand, praise her and start the process again. If you sense your puppy is about to bite you again, quickly say "no" or "no bite. This is a great way to use positive reinforcement to teach your puppy that biting is bad. If making your hand uninteresting for play is proving insufficient, employ time-outs. Leave the room for seconds after yelping to make it clear that biting is not a part of play time. Extend the time-out and reduce your threshold for what constitutes a bite as your dog learns. Utilize the same techniques as in the previous step, but also: Substitute a chew toy or bone when your dog begins to mouth your skin. Have the toy at the ready and quickly present it to the dog. He will learn that these are acceptable targets for his mouthing instincts. Distract the dog with a treat in one hand while petting him with the other. This is particularly useful for dogs who tend to mouth or bite when petted. The lack of focus on the petting hand will become normal over time, even if there is not a treat to distract them. Enjoy non-contact play, such as fetch. Show your dog that there are many ways to play that do not involve her mouth on your skin. This simple procedure can not only prevent you from finding yourself with an undesired litter of puppies, but it can also reduce the roaming and fighting tendencies that can cause some dogs to bite. In answer to Anonymous If my children were teething, of course bloody not, for goodness sake. If however my child bit hard then I would tell them off! Firstly when any of my dogs were teething we had a numerous amount of chew toys, also when we play of course they mouth, and feel objects , they wouldnt of been squited for this!!!! And perhaps sometimes they a little too hard, the first thing I do is yelp, Ouch! If however she comes charcging at feet, chasing the children, and biting there legs jumping up like the OP has sugested I would use a water spray. My pup is 9 months old and is a laberbese. Bread as a disibilty dog. She is huge and not a force to beckon with, She is loving, attentive, happy, so soft, and most inportantly a very special pal to our son with special needs. So I would say if you think that spraying a squirt of water at biting is terrible then thats youre choice. Dont presume anything. Mouthing is normal, nipping when playing is ok to a point, taring trousers, running after ankiles and biting is not okay. In answer to Anonymous Aplogies for the spelling, it was a hot sleepless night.! Lastly We all raise animals, like children seeing you want to lump the two together very differantly. A few points come to mind with this post, 1 there is no such breed as a laberbese, am i right in presuming she is a Labrador Retriever x Bernese mountain dog? I can assure you that neither Guide dog puppies or Assistance dog puppies EVER have water squirted at them due to teething, or any other behavior come to think of it! American Pit Bull: Boxer Puppy Biting and Nipping When we talk about Boxer puppies biting children, both younger and older kids, toys or even biting at your feet, what most are actually talking about is nipping. There is a huge difference between the 2 words. A nip is a quick snap of the jaws, it can be done in the air close to a person or it can make skin contact yet it is a pinch type bite that often does not break the skin. Boxer puppies and even older dogs nip, not to attack someone, but to send a warning. The warning is not necessarily that of an impending attack… Boxer puppy nipping is done for one of several reasons: As play — Young pups are used to nipping at their littermates as a form of play and this may carry over as they transition into their new home. If a Boxer puppy is biting a lot, it may be an issue of the dog needing to learn the rules of the home and needing to learn that was used to be acceptable with other pups is no longer acceptable with his humans. A Method of Sending a Message — Boxer dogs of any age may nip for many reasons. Unable to vocalize, the nip is a message. Often it is a low growl, lasting just seconds, with teeth bared. In some cases, there will only be a growl as the dog lowers his back, hunches over and bares his teeth yet does not actually physically bite. On the other hand, an actual bite not a nip is a full force, aggressive action in which the jaws lock down and teeth puncture the skin. The dog intends to inflict injury and the person on the other end often receives it unless thick clothing gets in the way, etc. In the following section we will discuss how to stop a Boxer dog from biting in the sense that the dog is actually nipping and it is not a full force, aggression bite meant to do serious harm. Training to Stop Boxer Puppy to Stop Biting and Nipping Overview Many owners feel, and rightfully so, that a bite is a serious issue and a behavior that needs to be addressed immediately. For this reason, they feel that taking serious action is the only way to stop the behavior… and this is where things can go wrong. And this is because it does not teach the dog what he needs to learn. Yelling, hitting or otherwise intimidating a puppy or dog will only serve to make the dog afraid of his owner. Alternatively, some dogs will see this as a challenge. So, owners must choose: Fear or respect. For a happy, healthy environment in which humans and canines live in peace, the Boxer or any other dog should be taught to respect his humans, not fear them. In addition, for a dog that bites, physically isolating him will stop the problem short term…while the dog is taken away of course he is not biting anyone…. It is a huge mistake to miss out on a chance to train a dog to stop biting. Of course, in the rare chance that a dog is full out biting, causing injury and is clearly dangerously aggressive, the dog should be removed… And measures must be taken to keep the family safe from any potential attacks…but again, this does not relate to puppy nipping, play biting or nipping due to teething, etc. Training a Boxer puppy to stop biting takes a bit of mental will power. You may have heard this before: Ignore the puppy. There is no other way for a dog to interpret this, as it is canine mentality. His humans and any other animals in the home are his pack. Every single pack that exists has a leader. Having a leader is a defining element of a pack. Problems can arise when a dog does not have a clear understanding of who that leader is. Humans begin eating. Two to three minutes pass. Once the dog obeys, a delicious and healthy meal is set down for him. So, once a dog knows that his human is in charge, how does this training stop the Boxer from biting….? When a Boxer understands that his human s are his leader s , being ignored is akin to being rejected by pack. A dog will suddenly be very humbled. He will worry that his pack has turned their backs on him… he will question his behavior and, when done correctly, he will make the connection that his action of biting caused a major problem with his standing in his family…. If you were both on the floor, stand up. If you were holding him, place him down. If you were both sitting on the sofa, rise up. This means zero talking, absolutely no looking in his direction…nothing. As a Boxer puppy works very hard to gain attention of any one in the house, everyone even those who were not bitten should be completely indifferent to the dog. Allow 10 minutes to pass. Now, when you are doing this, 2 minutes may feel like 20, so take a look at the clock and then choose an activity flip through the TV, check your email, get a drink…do whatever you want, but do remain in the house so that your Boxer can see that you are ignoring him and wait it out. After those 10 minutes, it is time to speak to your Boxer, but not engage him in any activity yet. Many times, the puppy will test things out. Simply mull around near your dog, speaking a bit and acting matter-of-fact. Do not give praise. Wait things out for about 5 minutes. If your Boxer does not nip or bite at you, it will be time to go back to the position that you were in when the bite occurred. It is at this time that if your Boxer does not nip at you that praise and attention can be given. If the dog does bite again, the complete ignoring method of training must be done — this means that the dog is testing things to see if it was indeed his nip that caused his temporary outcast from the pack. How do you turn your puppy into a well behaved, sociable dog, and keep those Chompers off your skin? Bite inhibition training, or soft mouth training, is a fantastic way to get any puppy to avoid human skin, or not bite down when they do hit it. Imagine two small boxer puppy littermates, about 5 weeks old. At least for the next few minutes, that is, until all is forgotten and play resumes. He realizes he bit just a little too hard, and that is why play stopped for him. The Boxer pup has learned to control his bite pressure at least with other puppies! Your pup gets a little too excited, miss the toy, and clamps down on your hand! What are you going to do? Your solution here is a simple one. Mimic dog, or rather puppy, behavior! How would one puppy respond if the other bit him a bit too hard? Immediately stop playing your game! Drop the rope toy and walk away. The last thing your pup wants right now is for the game to stop. Your goal is very simple. Puppy Biting and Teething Your puppy will undergo two teething stages as the little one grows two different sets of teeth. The first stage happens at about three weeks, and there is no reason you should ever have to deal with it unless you bred your puppy. At about 12 weeks three months , the second teething process will begin and your boxer puppy will begin growing his permanent teeth! Your puppy will want to bite and chew. Human skin is just…. If your puppy does this, offer a chew toy instead. Puppy sized rubber Kongs make wonderful chew toys and tend to be very durable! Very few young puppies are powerful enough to break apart a Kong. Offer the toy if your pup starts chomping at those hands or toes during play! Teething puppies are going to bite no matter what you do. They might not be trying to play but relieve the discomfort they feel from the teething process. Stop play as soon as those teeth miss the toy and clamp on your skin. These are called aversives, or forms of positive punishment. Aversives are used as a form of punishment reinforcement. More often, a reward-based approach is recommended, or something the dog will enjoy. This is with adult dogs. Never, ever, scold or yell at your or any puppy! Even mild forms of chastisement or corrections are questionable. You only ever want to use reward-based enforcement techniques. Why are puppies so special, you ask? Why are they different from adult dogs? Your puppy could become permanently afraid! But why should you, anyway? Why does he even need to know how to control that bite pressure anyway? Socialize Your Puppy! This is probably more important than anything else listed in our article! Teach your puppy, while he is a puppy, that other people both adults and children mean only wonderful things! Introduce your puppy to all kinds of environments and as many friendly animals as you can! Introduce your little one to dog parks after he is vaccinated , crowds, and other public areas with strangers. Show your puppy that nothing he might ever encounter ever means him harm! Related topics of interest to our readers.

About Us Experienced Breeders We have been successfully breeding quality labs since .It all began as a hobby for my oldest son that has grown to a small family business. Happy, Healthy Bloodline We live on a acre farm with 3 large ponds. This picture to the right is Samson. He was our first Charcoal Lab that produced several beautiful puppies. Our number one concern is producing great family pets. We have also produced some great hunting stock as well as service dogs in the past. A Furever Friend Labrador Retrievers are the best big dogs for the average family. This is a past silver puppy. This is Roxy's first litter. More info coming soon.See Available Puppies page for more info 6. See Available Puppies page for more info 5. See Available Puppies page 5. See Available puppies page 3. See Available puppies for more info 2. See Available puppies for more info 1. They were both born the first week of Jan .See Available Puppies for more info 5. See Available puppies for more info 5. See Available puppies for more info 4. Pics coming soon 2. Pics coming soon.See Available Adults page for more info 2. See Upcoming litters for more info 1. See Upcoming Litters for more info 1. See Available puppies for more info .See Upcoming Litter for more info .See Available puppies for mor info .See Available Puppies for more info .See Upcoming Litters for more info .See Upcoming Litters for mere info .See Available Adults for more info .This will be a chocolate litter .See Upcoming Litters for more info 9. See Upcoming Litters for more info 8. See Upcoming Litters for more info 6. See Available Puppies for more info 6. See Upcoming Litters for more info 4. This has been in the works for a few years now 2. More info to come soon.See Available Puppies for the latest info .Her name is Layla pics coming soon .See Upcoming Litters for the latest info 9. See Upcoming Litters for more info.See available puppies for the latest info.He is just a puppy now, but he will grow fast! See Available Puppies for more info. We tragically lost Hercules. See Available puppies page for more info 6. See Upcoming Litters page 6. See Upcoming Litters page 4. See Available puppies page for more info. Hoping to replace her in .See available puppies page. We are seeing awesome results! Please let us know what you think! See Upcoming Litters for more info. These breedings didn't take! She had one yellow puppy. She will be having a litter of puppies in November. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Email Address. We have answers. The Louisville Labrador Retriever puppies for sale on our site have pedigrees that can be traced back to their forefathers in Newfoundland. These clever and strong dogs were used to retrieve objects from fishing boats, by diving into the cold seas. The Labrador Louisville puppies are better known these days for being great family pets. Can Uptown help? We can definitely help! Our goal is to help you easily connect with Louisville Labrador Retriever breeders who raise the happiest, healthiest pups. Why is Uptown different from other places with Louisville Labrador Retrievers for sale? We want your puppy search to be memorable for all the right reasons. Are there any Labrador Retriever puppies for sale Louisville available now? There certainly should be! Labradors are the most popular breed in the USA, so there will always be breeders with available litters. A word of warning though, these little puppies get snapped up by new families extremely quickly. You can still access all their health details, and know that their breeder adheres to our Breeder Pledge standards. Do you sell puppies from the cheapest Labrador Retriever breeders Louisville? Do you recommend specific food for a Labrador Retriever for sale in Louisville? Will a Louisville Labrador Retriever for sale make a good family dog? Want to play in the backyard for hours? A Lab will too! Fancy snoozing in the sun for an hour? They will want to do that too! Their sweet natures mean they get along with everyone, other pets included. Are Labradors for sale Louisville easy to train? Labradors are clever and motivated, one of the reasons they make such great working dogs. They love learning new challenges and making their owners happy. Labrador Retriever puppies can be boisterous, so signing up for puppy training classes is a great way to socialize your puppy and teach them good habits. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .The distance from Louisville to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Kentucky state capital is 49 miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

Cut out a Valentine mail slot in your box the body. Adults only! Tape the lids on both your boxes so they are secure. I'm sure the dollar stores have similar boxes too. I already had my square box, but those are at all the outlet and dollar stores too. Or you can pay the extra couple bucks and go to craft stores such as Michael's or Joann Fabrics. They should definitely have them there. Hot glue the round box onto the square box to make the shape of your doggie. Cut your mop strings off of the mop. We needed two of them to complete our doggie box. Before you cut the moppies off, be sure to have a little fun first : Jossy came up with this funny idea. Too funny. Okay, back to the moppies. Here's what our mop heads looked like. Just simply cut the mop strings off the middle connector thingy okay, there is no official term for that! Now you have a pile of moppies! Lay your doggie on it's side and start hot gluing your moppies on the box. It doesn't matter which side you start on. You'll be doing all sides on the body the square box first. You do not have to run the glue the entire length of the string. Once you have laid the first layer down on that side, it will look like this. You will have the mop strings hanging over the box. Simply trim them off. Save the strings, you'll be able to use them! Then it will look like this! Yay, it's starting to look like something now. Continue doing this for each side of the body box. Put a second layer on all the sides you just finished. This is where your shaggy effect will come in. The first layer serves as a base, but the second layer is what's really going to make your doggie look like a doggie. Put a tail on your doggie. Lay a pile of moppies on the table and use another moppie to tie it in half. Then glue it together. Simply hot glue where the middles will meet. Then glue it to the box where you want the tail to be. Now start your first layer on the top of the body box the doggie's back. Again, you will be gluing both the top and the bottom of the string. You want this layer to be secure and serve as a base coat. Do NOT trim all of the strings! The hang over moppies will serve as your second layer on the back of the box, which is your doggie's butt : You will only be trimming around the Valentine slot. Glue the moppies right up to the round box the doggie's head. Now it's time to glue your first layer around the sides of your round box. Again, glue the top and bottom of the string, where it will lay on the round box. Use LONG moppies for this step. The hang over moppies are going to finish off your shaggy dog look! When you're done, it will look like this. Now it's time to give the doggie a chin. You need to glue the hanging moppies to the underside of the round box. Flip the doggie upside down. This isn't going to look pretty. Your job is to just get those suckers glued under there. So just start gluing the moppies. You're gonna have moppies on top of moppies and tangled everywhere. Like I said, it's not gonna look pretty. Just glue whatever you have to to get them all secure. But when you flip Fido over, viola! You have a doggie head! With a chin! Now it's really starting to look like a doggie!! Glue moppies to the top of your doggie's head. This is the only first layer that you will in fact be running a glue line for the entire length of the string. So DON'T cut them! Time to make the doggie's ears! Lay a pile of moppies down on the table and cut the pile in half. Then take a mop string and tie it tight with a double knot at the top of the pile. You want it to be nice and level because you will be gluing that end to the top of the head. Smear hot glue all over the end that you just trimmed and place it on top of the head where you want the ears. AW, now we have ears! Time to put the second layer on top of the head. Okay, this is different than anything you've done so far. It should be fairly random. You want it to look like a shaggy dog so there really is no way to mess this up. His hair is supposed to look messy and curly. You just want to place 2 or 3 beads down so that the hair looks three dimensional and realistic. Continue until you're done with the whole top of the head. Add ribbons on your doggie's ears. Just tie a simple bow and adjust until you have it looking the way you want it. And don't forget to tie a ribbon on his tail too! It's time to bring your doggie to life! Add his face! Glue on your googly eyes. Then cut out a nose and a tongue from the felt and glue them on. Now you have a face! Aw, look how cute! Posts may contain affiliate links see Disclosure. Thank you so much for supporting Artsy-Fartsy Mama! For the third year in a row, we lucked out on creating an original and fun Valentine card box to hold all those sweet notes from classmates! Unlike other years, this year we procrastinated making a Valentine card box and pulled off a night-before-Valentine's Day miracle. My daughter couldn't decide what she wanted, and we accidentally threw out all of our boxes a few nights before. Then, the heavens opened up and we had, once again - a corn dog box to work with! As you've seen from our other Valentine boxes, the corn dog box is apparently our destined go-to for Valentine's Day. Ours measured about 4 inches wide and 2. Use the utility knife and carefully cut out the mouth shape. Wrap the box like you would a regular present, but keep the seams on the back and the sides so they won't show on the front. Use clear tape, and try to keep all the edges as smooth as you can. Feel for the hole of the mouth, then carefully cut an "X" from the corners of the mouth. Fold the paper inside and tape it down on the inside of the box. In case you didn't know, you can upload your own. If you are also using a corn dog box, the image size shouldn't need to be adjusted at all. Don't have a cutter? No problem! You can totally cut out the puppy face by hand or even paint it on!! Cut the design out of black, pink and red cardstock and attach to the box with a glue stick, or my a quick-drying glue like Aleene's Tacky Glue. For a more realistic-looking tongue, glue the circled edge down and fold the other end into the mouth and tape it down on the inside. If you are like us, you'll know that everything can always use a bit more sparkle! We didn't have enough time since we procrastinated , but you can definitely spray your Valentine box with some glitter spray or Glitter Mod Podge and let it dry completely. Sorry we are posting a little too late for this year - but feel free to save this tutorial for next year!! I'd love to see pictures of your kid's Valentine box ideas, too! Feel free to post your pictures on my Facebook page! Scissors Hot glue gun Paint your wood box and let dry. Give it another coat. Once that is dry, coat your valentine box with Mod Podge and let dry. This is optional, but I think a perfect Mod Podge formula for this is the Sparkle. It will be the perfect bling for the holiday! Cut the pug head out of the foam based on the colors in the pattern. Place the foam pieces on a piece of thicker paper, foam, or even a cereal box. Glue or hot glue the pieces down. Add the wiggly eyes with hot glue as well — plus the nose and tongue. Once your pug face is complete, cut out the head and glue it to the front of the box, right below the clasp leaving the top unglued. The clasp should be able to operate behind the head. Cut out one large hot for the top of the box — and several smaller hearts of various sizes to add to the rest of the box. Then glue the rest of the hearts on the box — and add little accents to the hearts with the Sharpie. Let dry before using. Kids can place the box on their desk and let the Valentines fill it up! I love that you can use it year after year, and this cute little box is great for gifts or candy, too. This year, we will be decorating boxes and passing out valentines to everyone. Considering my competitive nature, I did not take this box-decorating lightly. I am still the new girl in the office, so I had to bring my A-game. Naturally, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration. There was one box in particular that caught my attention right away. It was a dog that appeared to be made out of a mop. I immediately began drawing up my plans to recreate this adorable pooch. Here are the supplies that I used to create the entire dog: Hot glue gun, yarn, packaging tape, masking tape, toilet paper roll, egg-shaped styrofoam, blue ribbon, googly eyes, red felt, and black pom-poms. I started by taking a strip of masking tape that was equal to the length of each side of the box I was going to use. I folded the yarn along the tape like the picture above. I did this for each side of the box and did maybe layers total. Then it was time to start cutting a hole on top of the box and form the frame of the head. I cut out the hole with a knife after tracing out the desired size. Then, this is where I had to get creative with the head. I hot-glued a toilet paper roll to the box to form a neck. I cut out an oval shape for the styrofoam head to set on with more stablility. I also had to use some q-tips to pierce the base of the styrofoam head and into the body of the box. I hot-glued this in place as well for better reinforcement. I continued to tape the layers onto the box with packaging tape so it would be less visible on the top of the body. I used scraps of yarn from trimming the other bits around the body to hot-glue onto the head of the dog. For the ears, I used q-tips and two cardboard cut-outs for the shape, and just hot-glued the strands of yarn to it. I tied smaller ribbons around each ear for looks. I also used a thicker ribbon for the collar around the neck. Then I just added the finishing touches of eyes, ears, and tongue to the head, and the dog was complete! Who knows, maybe next year, I will have another box to create. I hope you enjoyed my post today. It was so much fun getting creative for this project. Love always, It will be here before we know it!! Two string mops refills. I got mine at Home Depot but you might be able to find them at the dollar store. One shoe box for the body make sure the box is white, wrapped in white paper or painted white. This is going to be the head of your puppy. Cut a rectangular hole big enough for valentines to go into into the lid of the shoebox near the back of the head with the box cutter. You will want to cut across the body, not down. Place the lid onto the shoebox. This is the body. Take one mop refill and get ready to place it on top of the hot glue. Place the mop refill on the hot glue. It should hang down to touch the work surface. Give your puppy a haircut so the strings just touch the surface. Set excess strings aside. Be sure not to cover the rectangular hole we left for the valentines to go in. Create a tail out of the excess you cut off of the head refill by gathering the seam together and hot gluing the ends together. Then hot glue the tail into place on the back of the puppy. Next, to cover the thick seams of the refills, take some of the extra strings and glue down the seams until satisfied. Using more of the excess strings and hot glue, fill in around the body bottom of the box like the photo below. Place lid onto body, cut strings giving puppy a haircut and glue excess pieces into any blank spaces with hot glue until satisfied. Using your red and black felt squares, cut circles for the eyes, a heart for the nose and a cute little tongue. Glue nose on upside down and eyes appropriately placed above it. Then glue the tongue into place. Cut another piece of ribbon wrap around the tail and tie into bow. I hope you loved this little tutorial. Your little one and their classmates will love this adorable little puppy!

I have had White German Shepherds since .The white german shepherd has faced extermination since nearly their beginning in .However, it was, ironically, the evil German regime of the s that shaped a worldwide dislike for the White German Shepherds because they viewed them as a threat to what they considered the proper German Shepherd bloodline. With that being said, organizations began amending their misguided policies in the 's towards the WGSdog. You can research more into this, but point is they have faced genocide and they deserve to be here. They will give you their whole heart. Please be sure you can do the same. There are long hair and short hair WGSdogs. I have short hair WGSdogs. Some in my pack have longer hair than their neighbor, but mine are not their Swiss cousins that are the true long-hair. My pack ranges from sizes of approx 70 lbs, to lbs. WIth such a large spectrum within a small pack, saying an average just doesn't work. But if you want a girl you are probably looking at having a 70 to 95 lbs lady; and if you want a boy well anywhere from 70 to lbs. Many of my puppies have gone to live successfully in city apartments, yachts, ranches, suburbs, and everything in between. They are so intelligent and adapt to what you can provide, they just want your heart. Educate them. Play with them. Reward them. Enjoy their love for their family pack. The puppies are about 5 weeks old please contact xxx-xxx-xxxx Buy Now CKC White German Shepherd puppies I have 10 beautiful white German Shepherds puppies looking for their furever homes, they were born October 10th I've lowered the price to find them good loving xxxxx. They also come with CKC registration paperwork. Both parents are on site and grand parents as well. AKC paperwork ready for new owner. Puppies will have applicable immunizations upon going home. Please text Jeffery atxxxxfor more information. Kion is a healthy boy with all his shots update. If you are interested please contact me by email xxxxxx xxxx. House trained, crate trained, neutered, current vaccinations, wellness checkups, and a microchip. Shiloh is a sweet, playful, and sociable puppy. Great around all people, pets, and kids. He loves to play, cuddle, and go for walks. He comes with a crate, toys, food, food and water bowls. View Detail 12 weeks old German shepherd terrier mix puppy for sale Brown German shepherd terrier mix puppy with black markings. He is neutered, house trained, and crate trained. He is a lovable, sweet, playful puppy that loves kids, other dogs, and the outdoors. Crate and toys come with. Smart Purebred German Shepherd Puppies. Full of love and energy!! Parents on site. Text us at : xxx-xxx-xxxx for more information View Detail German Shepherd puppies We have 2 available male and female German Shepherd puppies. Text or call. He will come with his 1st, and 2nd shot and deworming. I have mother on site and pictures of dad. These pups are large boned, straight backed black and tan puppies. They have been bred for health and temperament. They are very outgoing,friendly, inquisitive and well socialised. These puppies have been bred on our working farm in the countryside. EMAIL xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. If you are interested in my puppies contact me. They are ready to go. All puppies are very playful, happy, communicative and independent. They are already beginning responding to individual commands and have recently started their hygiene training. All have been checked by vet, been de-wormed and jabbed all paperwork available. Healthy and well socialized male and female puppies ready now. Shipping available. Only serious inquiries only Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx2. Parents are on premise big and healthy. .Born Jan. The deposit is a non-refundable deposit that will be subtracted from the total sale price. Sire loves the water as well so he does dockdog sports. His bloodline isn't here on the East coast. .We were breeding for size so I decided to breed with this beautiful Liver Dam who's pedigree is show line. The parents has a amazing temperament. Sire is a working dog and Dam is a good sound well raised dog they both are very friendly with kids. Sire weighs 94lbs. Dam weighs 89lbs. Red Collar Shows confidence and a willingness to meet strangers. He shows confidence and ability to adapt to different situations. Has some dominant characteristics. Pink Collar She showed confidence and independence as well as the ability to accept leadership. Purple Collar Showed confidence and willingness to meet strangers and willingness to accept leadership. He should be very adaptable to different situations and shows a willingness to please. All of them show a willingness to please. Confidence and intelligence. None showed fear. They will do well in obedience. Aptitude Test was given to puppies Will deliver puppy in a 75 mile radius. .Serious inquiries only Text or Call Ed xxx-xxx-xxxx ampm View Detail Long haired German Shepherd Hi I am looking for a five star home for my five star long haired German shepherd called Max , this is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do , Max is my pride and joy ,I have had him since he was 7 weeks old ,I am having to re home him because of a stupid housing policy. If you have any questions plz don't hesitate to ask. Home raised, vet checked, first shots, dewormed. Socialized, happy, healthy pups. For more information, please View Detail Chunky German Shepherd Pups We have a lovely little of German shepherd puppies for sale ready for viewing pups raised in family home with children Puppies will be microchipped and vet checked Wormed to date AKC registered Contact us for more info and pictures.

brushing a goldendoodle puppy - Helping your dog to lose weight. Is My Labrador Fat? The best way to tell is by eye and touch. Have a look at your dog and compare him with the picture below of a healthy Labrador. Look at your dog from the side. Does his belly slope upwards towards his groin, or is it a level line from his front legs to his back, or even worse is it sagging down between his legs? Your Labrador should have an upward sloping line from the base of his chest, towards his back legs. Now look at the dog from above. You should be able to! Your dog should not be the same width all the way down his body. Look at your dog from the side again. Can you see any ribs? Run you hands along his rib cages firmly. Can you feel his ribs? If you can see ribs when he is standing still he is too thin. If you cannot feel his ribs at all with your hands he is too fat! As we have seen above, the best way to tell if you have a fat Labrador is by looking and feeling. The trouble with providing you with a number is that it can give a false impression. Depending upon whether your Lab is field or bench bred, short or tall, chunky or slight, male or female, will all make a big difference to their ideal weight for the individual. The average adult Labrador will weigh anywhere between 55 to 80 lbs! Male Labs usually being around 5 to 10 lbs heavier than their female counterparts. If you are still unsure whether your Lab is the right weight for his or her build having given her a thorough check yourself as described above, then the best thing to do is to pop down to your local veterinarian. They will be happy to let you know how much your individual Labrador should weigh. Why Is My Labrador Fat? So how did your slim little puppy end up as a fat adult Labrador? There are three common assumptions that people make when considering how their dogs came to be overweight. Does the dog need more exercise? Has he got some kind of medical problem? Or am I just feeding him too much at mealtimes or giving too many snacks? In general if your dog is overweight the real reason is simply that he has eaten too much. Or rather, been allowed to eat too much. Does my dog need more exercise? He may well need more exercise, but that is not why he is fat. He is overweight because when you take into account the amount he exercises along with a number of other factors, he has eaten too much. The exercise needs of your dog are an important but separate issue, which we look at in other articles. The important thing to remember is this: The less exercise you give the dog, the less you must feed him. Once put on, weight is hard to shift and it will simply go up and up over time. Medical causes of canine obesity Although most dogs who are overweight have simply had a few too many bites to eat, there are some medical causes for obesity which do crop up from time to time. Canine medical conditions that can affect your Labs weight include hypothyroidism, insulinoma and hyperadrenocorticism. If a medical condition is the reason then the weight gain will normally be sudden and unexpected. If you are concerned by sudden weight gain in your Lab when you have not been giving him more food, then a checkup at the vets is definitely in order. You may also find that your dog puts on weight after having been neutered. If this is the case you will need to adjust your feeding habits accordingly. However, for most dogs weight gain is a simple result of over feeding. My Labrador is always hungry People are often concerned because they worry that their dog is still hungry after eating his dinner. Here is an important truth: Most Labradors are always hungry. You cannot win this battle. These are greedy dogs and your Labrador will always want more food than you give him. No matter how much that may be. If your Labrador is overweight he really needs to eat less and he will get used to his new regime quite quickly. Are Fat Labs Less Healthy? If you have looked at your Labrador and decided he is overweight, you might be wondered whether that actually matters. Is it really worth the effort of ignoring those puppy dog eyes and whines for extra food? Slim dogs are healthier Being overweight predisposes you to an awful lot of unpleasant health problems. This is true regardless of whether you are a human or a dog. Carrying extra pounds can also make existing problems your dog may have worse. For example joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia can be exacerbated by having more weight to lug around. As well as joints and bones suffering from obesity related issues, increased body fat can also make your dog more likely to have problems with their organs including those needed for breathing and digestion. Just a bit of extra fat can have a host of unwanted consequences. Being a fat Lab puppy can potentially make your dog more likely to suffer from joint problems later in life. Slim dogs live longer Not only will a slim dog have a better level of fitness and a lower likelihood of becoming unwell, they will in all probability live longer too. Those Labs on the large food ration had a median lifespan of over 11 years old. Those on the smaller food ration lived to be over 13 years old. When you look at the difference which can be made in these terms, by helping your Lab to stay slim you could be giving him an incredible two more years with you! If he gets a lot of household scraps these may have to go too. If you use food as rewards in dog training, this should be deducted from his daily food allowance. It could also help to find healthier alternatives to your usual training treats. Bear in mind that if your dog is unwell, old or very young , it is sensible to consult your vet before tampering with his diet. It is also a good idea to have a chat with them beforehand if your dog is very overweight and has a lot to lose. Take a photo of him from above and from the side before you start. At the end of the three to four days, check the dog over as described above and ask yourself if he is still fat. If you think he has improved a little but needs to slim down a bit further, keep going for another three to four days then review the situation. Compare the photo you took a week ago and you should see some improvement. You may need to increase his food slightly in order to maintain his new slim figure and ensure he does not get thin. If the dog is not losing weight after a couple of weeks on two-thirds of his previous food allowance, you may need to cut his food down even further. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Eating too much is the main reason why dogs gain weight. It may be tempting to simply reduce the quantity of what you already feed your Lab. Therefore, you should purchase a prescription weight loss food through your vet. Prescription weight loss foods tend to contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals than OTC foods, decreasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Some weight loss foods are not very calorie-dense, meaning you can continue feeding about the same volume of food to your Lab without increasing its caloric intake. Labrador retrievers are known to eat enormous amounts of food. No matter how much you feed a Lab, it will always want more. If you have children, do not feed them when your Lab is around. Also, supervise your children if they feed your Lab; they may feed it too much and not realize it. Although your Lab now needs to eat fewer calories, you do not have to cut treats completely out of its diet. Instead, you can feed the occasional healthy treat, such as apple slices, unbuttered popcorn, and bits of bananas. They are usually high in sugar and fat. Keep a consistent meal time and feed the same amount at each meal time. Your vet may recommend trying a new weight loss food. Image credit: Phatthanit When your dog looks up at you hopefully with big, sad eyes, begging for a treat, it can be hard to say no — in spite of your best intentions for restricting your pet to a healthier diet. And one dog breed tests their owners more frequently, with more persistent begging than other breeds, according to a new study. Labrador retrievers were found to be more inclined than other dog breeds to beg for treats, and to generally engage in behaviors related to getting more food. And the reason lies in their DNA, researchers found. A genetic variation in Labrador retrievers means that they are more likely to seek out food. Image credit: Jane Goodall DNA evidence For the study, Raffan and her colleagues first looked at 33 Labradors — 18 that were fit and 15 that were obese — focusing on genes known to be associated with obesity. They found that the obese dogs were more likely to carry a variation of a gene called POMC that was "scrambled" in one spot, according to Raffan. The gene variant essentially omitted an "off" switch from hunger cues. After studying more than additional Labs, they found the POMC gene variation in about 23 percent of the dogs — approximately 1 in 4 Labradors is likely to carry this variant, the scientists noted. Not all of the Labradors with the "scrambled" gene were obese, but Raffan and her colleagues found that those dogs with the gene were more likely to beg and scavenge for food , according to surveys provided by their owners. An evaluation of 38 other dog breeds revealed this gene variation in only one other breed — flat coat retrievers, which are closely related to Labradors. If your dog is overweight — no matter what the breed — regulating food and increasing exercise are your best bets for a healthier pet. But Labrador owners should be aware that their dogs are hard-wired to pester them more about food, and are more likely to beg, Raffan added. That doesn't mean Labrador owners should just give up on trying to control their dogs' food intake — but there will be somewhat more effort involved, in order to resist the more frequent begging. Original article on Live Science. Live Science newsletter Stay up to date on the latest science news by signing up for our Essentials newsletter. She also reports on general science, covering climate change, paleontology, biology, and space. Her videos about dinosaurs, astrophysics, biodiversity and evolution appear in museums and science centers worldwide, earning awards such as the CINE Golden Eagle and the Communicator Award of Excellence. More about dogs. Almost two-thirds of dogs in developed countries are overweight, with Labradors having the highest rate of canine obesity. Now we know the secret to their insatiable appetite: mutations in a gene that has been linked to hunger in humans. They found that 23 per cent of the dogs carried at least one copy of a mutant form of a gene called POMC, which encodes proteins that help switch off hunger after a meal. For each copy of the mutant gene, a dog was on average 1. Babies with compromised POMC function are constantly hungry, and become obese at a very early age. The latest study shows that POMC in Labradors is more similar to ours, meaning these dogs may help us to better understand the importance of this gene in human weight gain. The team found that the mutant form is particularly common in Labradors that have been bred as assistance dogs, for example to guide people with sight problems. Because food is often used as a reward during training, we may have been inadvertently selecting and breeding Labradors that have this gene variant, which makes them especially interested in food. Chicken coop and compost scrap bucket — bonus! Food throwing toddlers— double bonus for a fat labrador! And of course so too have we! Dog friendly — tick can you be too friendly? Chicken friendly— still deciding whether our pet chooks are food or friends! Good health — all appears good other than his obesity! We are off to a great start! The Fat Labrador Diet Begins! September 29th First things first- a fat labrador weight check. Today is the day……. So off to the veterinary clinic we traipse, in search of some specially designed dog scales. Once at the clinic and with a little encouragement, Maxo ambles onto the scales. We watch on with bated breath as the digital display escalates and finally settles on the magic number of 45… A reading of 45 kg or 99 pounds! It is official- this fat Labrador is so overweight he falls into the clinically obese category!! Maxo is not a particularly big framed lab. He stands at 57 cm at the shoulder which is similar to the height of the average female Labrador retriever. Based on his height we calculate his ideal dog weight to be in the range of kgs lbs. These calculations are engrossing, right? So much so, that I am oblivious to the fact that my 3 year old son has located a basket of pig ear chews. Lincoln has proceeded to run around the vet waiting room holding two chews to the sides of his head, pretending to be a pig! He has been drooling and watching intently and spies his opportunity as my son drops an ear to the floor. My arm is wrenched by the leash, as Maxo excitedly pounces upon the ear. With an excited snort and spittle flying, Maxo devours the pig ear in 4 seconds flat. Having just devoured unplanned calories in under 4 seconds! There's no mistaking, the fat Labrador weight challenge has definitely begun. I'll have to up my game with this lab! Maxo has taken to his new home, new diet and new activity plan like a duck to water! At his recent weigh-in Maxo had lost a total of 3. Averaging grams per week 2. So how have we achieved these Labrador weight loss results? Well the same applies for dogs. This involved a general health check and a blood profile. Excess dog weight also predisposes to conditions such as heart disease, joint disease and diabetes. Veterinary checks for conditions such as these will enable any underlying conditions to be effectively managed so that optimal weight can be achieved. Fortunately for us, Maxo receives a clean bill of health on his blood test results! Dog weight gain comes down to a simple equation; if calorie intake is greater than calorie output, weight is gained. This equation had obviously been in action for quite while with out fat labrador. So to limit Maxo's calorie intake, a calorie-restricted obesity management food was selected. Specialized diet food for dogs should be low in fat and calories, high in protein to help dogs to feel full longer and maintain muscle mass. This food must be portioned to meet the daily calorie needs and allowance for your dog's healthy weight. Due to our busy lifestyle our personal preference is to feed dry dog food or kibble. From a practical point of view I find that dry food is less messy, easier to measure and easier to store. Learn more about dog diet food here. And treats you ask? You may think this is a little harsh but I beg to differ. The fast fix of a treat is soon forgotten whereas engaged play and our attention has a longer lasting positive experience. With our fat Labrador arriving to a clean slate; a household where there are no pre-set treat feeding habits. If your dog depends on treats, there are several tactics you can employ to reduce the number of treats you feed. Learn how to avoid pleading looks from your overweight labrador. Step 3: Restricted exercise levels suitable for a fat Labrador Why restricted you ask? Well in addition to lacking stamina, overweight and obese dogs are prone to joint injuries and heat stress when exercising. Being a fat Labrador, Maxo is especially prone to heat stress and he tires very quickly. Because of our hot climate, we walk Maxo early in the morning and late in the evening and try to incorporate a cooling dip in the local creek whenever we get the chance. Heaven for an overweight Labrador living in a hot climate! Currently Maxo averages 2 x 20 minute sessions of lead walking or swimming per day. As his fitness improves and his weight drops these sessions will gradually increase in time and intensity. See more about exercising overweight dogs. So there you have it.Maxo is losing weight due to a lifestyle makeover! And the funny thing is, we are also reaping the rewards. I had forgotten just how good it feels to end the day taking your dog for a walk. Water play and swimming are ideal past times for a fat labrador! Maxo has passed the halfway mark in his Labrador weight loss journey! Well done Maxo! He has now lost 8. And what a difference this has has made! Gone is our lethargic bear of a Labrador and in his place is an alert, active and shapelier version! Maxo is a very willing participant. Swimming is a regular favorite, as are off-leash romps with his friends down at the local creek. Sure, we still get the doe eyed and pleading puppy eye looks whenever there is food around and yes we do need to keep an eye out for his opportunist food seeking behavior especially around the kids! But this is just part and parcel of having a Labrador in the family. And it is up to us as his owners to stand firm and do our best for him by not giving in! It turns out that a good old belly rub and a bit of fuss is ten times more rewarding than being fed a treat anyway! And seeing just how far Maxo has come further motivates us in helping him lose his final 7 kilos to attain his target weight of 30 kg. Maxo tries not to look too smug about his fat labrador weight loss achievement! And with his move to the tropics our fat Labrador has discovered that there is a very tasty pay-off to the heat and humidity of this time of year… the mango season! All that was required for this discovery was an afternoon amble with one of his canine companions where Maxo observed his friend sniff out and devour a fallen mango. Up until this point Maxo had paid no attention to mangoes at all, but now armed with this tacit piece of doggy knowledge, Maxo has realized his own backyard bounty of mangoes on offer. But as it turned out, we were not imagining things! Showing off the fruits of his labor, Maxo would carry his mangoes to us and quickly devour them skin and all leaving behind a well denuded seed. I mean, how fattening can the occasional mango be? Well it turns out, if you eat enough of them they can be very fattening indeed- especially for a fat Labrador trying to lose weight! Nought, zilch, not one single gram!! Each mango alone can weigh up to grams. So in effect each mango eaten by our Labrador equated to about kcal consumed. Which meant Maxo was more than doubling his daily calorie consumption through fruit alone! So remember, everything that passes our dogs lips, contributes to their daily calorie tally. Maxo has done so well with his fat Labrador weight loss program and is now honing in towards his target weight. But there may be trouble on the horizon as I have recently spied some ripening passion fruit and banana in the garden and wonder how long it will be before Maxo is ready to develop his tropical fruit palate further! Despite his mango setback, Maxo makes great progress in his fat labrador transformation. February 23rd No longer an overweight labrador. Maxo has officially done it! He has achieved his healthy target weight!! We can confidently say our fat Labrador has successfully morphed into a fit Labrador! Weighing in at .Maxo can run, jump, swim and play- with energy to spare! No longer satisfied with tagging along behind his doggy friends, Maxo keeps up with the best of them and can now outrun many! Who would have thought? Instead of lardy, he is lean! Instead of fatigued, he is fit! And instead of tubby, he is terrific! Maxo has completely transformed! So much so that visitors often think he is a different dog! Having lost .His energy levels have sky rocketed and finally he is living a life befitting of a three year old Labrador! A healthy life full of energy and play. Go Maxo! From fat labrador to fit labrador. Maxo is loving his new lease on life. Want to achieve fantastic weight loss results for your overweight Labrador? Email Just look at Sampson — who in was reported to maybe be the fattest lab in Australia. At pounds, he was heavier than the average human male, and suffered from high blood pressure according to vets, which makes it hard for him to go for walks. Previously, Brian was a reporter at Vox and at National Journal. We need to talk about Labrador retriever obesity, the world's cuddliest epidemic. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, around 54 percent of all dogs in the US are overweight or obese. But Labs top the scales. According to a survey of veterinarians, around 60 percent of Labs they see are obese. While some pet owners may argue there's just "more to love," these overweight dogs suffer health consequences. Heavy dogs have a lower life expectancy and higher risks for heart disease, bone problems, and cancer. All dogs love food. But it seems Labs love food more than most, and it may be linked to their genes. Labs' gluttony may be linked to a genetic mutation "Plodding along with its giant belly this obese dog is more than twice its ideal bodyweight. It is amazing. One of them is a gene that codes for a chemical called POMC proopiomelanocortin. Changes in this part of the brain affect individuals in subtle, powerful ways. It could be what's prompting the dogs to be extra motivated to scavenge for food. Scientists know that humans who have trouble producing POMC also tend to have weight issues starting very early in life. And when the genes for POMC are knocked out in mice, they become obese. So the genes for POMC in Labradors were a natural place for Raffan and her colleagues to look for a biological explanation for the dogs' prevalent obesity. They also searched for a few other known genetic links to appetite, but POMC quickly became the prime candidate. They recruited a group of labs in the UK. Some were pets; others were service dogs. Raffan and her colleagues found that a mutation in the POMC gene — specifically a deletion of 14 base pairs — was highly significantly associated with heavier dogs. The P-value was. Usually smaller than. The dogs with mutation also scored higher on tests of their motivation to eat food. How could you not feed this face? And dogs with multiple copies of the mutation were even more likely to be fat. It's an almost linear response. It's quite striking. Flat-coated retrievers with the trait were also huskier, and were similarly motivated to eat with gleeful abandon. Just one mutation can influence how much a dog scavenges for food, for instance. Lab owners concur with the Labs' strong scavenging instinct. Answers included:.


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brushing a goldendoodle puppy - This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. You will notice that there is a range in both height and weight. Use the lighter weights for female Boxers and the heavier weights for male Boxers. This principle also applies to the variations in heights. Females tend to weigh less and be smaller in size than males. Between 6 — 12 months of age, Boxers are no longer considered puppies since they start to reach sexual maturity. Boxers are considered adolescents between 6 months to 24 months, and at 2 years old Boxers reach adulthood. They will continue to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. How long does it take for a Boxer to be fully grown? As a medium-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to reach their full size and weight than smaller dog breeds. On average, Boxers will grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. At 2 years old, Boxers are full-grown, reaching their full height and weight. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the breed standards. If your Boxer is less than two years old, he or she is likely still growing. Insider Tip: To estimate how big and heavy your Boxer will get, you can contact the breeder. Puppies rarely exceed their parents weight and height. Boxers above this average may be classed over-weight. Check with your vet to get an accurate diagnosis since more athletic dogs will have bigger muscles and will weigh more. It is important to recognize if your Boxer adds extra weight so that you can adjust his or her lifestyle. After, you just need to deduct your weight to find out how the weight of your Boxer. However, the bigger they get, the trickier it gets for them to stand still on such a small scale. Measure at the withers shoulder whilst standing. Try it out below:. This will be the age when Boxer newborn is fully weaned and ready to go to his new home. His world expands at this time. Some have a difficult adjustment leaving littermates and dam and transitioning to their new family. A planned introduction to the home will set a good foundation for introduction to other situations. Housebreaking should begin at this age. With an excellent plan and follow-through, expect it to take 4 to 6 weeks for your Boxer to be doing well in this regard. Command training simple commands can be worked in with housebreaking and other daily activities. For example a 2 month old Boxer puppy can learn to sit while his harness and leash is being put on and then learn that walking over to the designated chosen area equals a trip to the bathroom. Sleep may be erratic at this time and a Boxer puppy can sleep as little as 9 hours per day rare or up to 18 hours. Most will take quite a few naps during the day and then wake up 1 to 2 times per night. We've seen 2 month old little ones sleep right through the night, but it is rare - in these cases, the dog is able to enter deep REM sleep quickly and stay there, keeping the number of nap times to a minimum. This is the minimum age a dog must be in order to enter a dog show event. Many clubs, such as the AKC require a dog to be 6 months old; however if you truly want to show your Boxer, you may do so at 3 months with many other dog clubs. By this age, the pup has a good idea of his home environment and since the rounds of puppy shots are almost done, owners should plan on how they will proceed in regard to introduction to the world. To a dog, his world is as big as the owners choose. For some, it is just the neighborhood, for others it is the entire town! The reason that we say "plan" is because how a pup is introduced to other dogs, people and new environments affect how the dog reacts and responds. A planned transition to new elements is a huge part of Socialization Training. During this stage, some owners become a bit concerned if their Boxer is not barking ; however this is not a super vocal breed he makes lots of noises like groans and even some purrs, but doesn't typically bark at every little thing. A quiet puppy will often outgrown this and find their voice as they mature. It is at that time that a Boxer will bark when someone comes to the house, etc. By 1 year, if owners follow through, the Boxer is well trained, for both commands simple and complex and house training. Still, the dog has learned the basic workings of the world. He has been trained to know where his belongings are, who you consider to be friend or foe and is very used to his daily schedule. This is a great Boxer age, the dog looks young, still has the mentality of a puppy with playfulness, etc. You'll have a 40 to 55 pound 20 to 25 kg size puppy jumping on you and acting silly. Females will be on the lower end, males on the higher end. The body structure is slim, the chest is still relatively narrow. Over the course of this year, from the beginning of year 1 to the beginning of year 2, most will gain an additional 15 to 20 pounds 6. Height will increase. The most noticeable physical change will be the widening of the chest, a sure tell sign of a 2 year old adult. It is not uncommon for a Boxer dog to seem too skinny during a quick, temporary phase around this mark. Generally from 14 to 22 months old, a Boxer may have some visible ribs and appear too slim as he struggles to catch up to a quick growth spurt. For most, this is nothing to be concerned about. This is a huge milestone. At 2 years old, a Boxer is considered to be an adult. The dog will be at his adult weight and height. If you are offering commercial food, now is the time to switch to an adult formula. Temperament will gradually change. That playful puppy temperament will slowly turn more serious, but even older adults can have a sense of humor. That puppy that used to leap after butterflies in the field may change into the adult that stands proud and strong, scanning the yard for trespassers. The Boxer will now begin to age at a more steady rate. Still active, yet fully trained, this is a wonderful stage. By this age, status in the house if full established. Other family members may have come and gone kids off to college, a new roommate moves in, etc. However, if the dog was properly trained, he knew, throughout any changes, that his place was as Beta to his Alpha human leader. A Boxer dog is considered to be a senior at the age of 7 or 8 years old. Since there is no official age, it is the veterinarian who makes this declaration. Though, even if it has not been declared, with this breed typically living to a range of 9 to 12 years, 9 years is about as long as you can extend this before you dub your Boxer a senior. It is important to recognize this transition, so that geriatric care needs can be met. Regular visits will normally increase from 1 time per year to twice a year. Changes will happen once again to the diet, moving over to one that is a bit lower in fat, yet higher in fiber. This helps a less active dog maintain weight and fiber is one element that aids in digestion. A geriatric screening will check for kidney function. A Boxer dog with decreased kidney function should be fed a lower protein diet. The vitamin and mineral supplement will now switch to a senior formula as well. Don't let the senior age label fool you, Boxers at this age should still be taken for a daily walk for exercise , will enjoy outings to the beach, etc. One thing to keep in mind is that an older dog will sometimes have less tolerance for puppies and young children. It is a good idea to have a designated area for your senior Boxer to retreat to, should he desire.Older dogs still like to see the family and be aware of comings and goings, but will often want to retreat when youngsters or puppies are at play. Each dog has his own tolerance for the loud noises and commotion that accompanies younger humans and dogs. The average life span of a Boxer is years old. At this age, a senior dog most likely has lived through some health issues. A dog of this age will most likely have some arthritis. Movement may become difficult, it is suggested to have steps and ramps for the dog if he or she is used to climbing up onto your bed or the couch. The dog bed should be evaluated for comfort and support. An orthopedic bed is highly recommended. Any time after this age that your dog is still with you is a blessing. Some Boxers live late into their teens; however you should prepare yourself that your dog is nearing the end of his life cycle. Related: Oldest Boxer Dogs in the World - Though this breed generally lives 9 to 12 years, some Boxers have reached into their teens. Bruno's 14th week—20 weeks old, 47 pounds, 21 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. Although it had been a challenge to get Bruno to walk by another barking dog without him getting very excited and pulling toward the dog, I am happy to say he is getting much better with this. He has been learning to ignore and just walk. Bruno went on a walk with a week-old Shepherd puppy and of course his older sister Allie. All dogs did well, however Bruno was a bit harder to walk with the other puppy that another person was walking because he wanted to play. A half-hour into the walk he settled down and walked much more nicely. Bruno is just a pup with a lot of energy unlike my older dog Allie, who walks quite a bit slower. Allie the Boxer is 7 years old, has arthritis in both knees and has had two hip surgeries in the past. Therefore, while Bruno likes a fast pace, Allie needs a slower pace. In the beginning of our walks I feel as if I am constantly reminding Bruno to slow down with a short tug on the lead and dragging Allie along behind me, making her walk faster than she should. She seems a bit sore after a walk. I went out and got Bruno a dog backpack to help slow him down and make his walks more meaningful. I put a couple of water bottles inside the pack for Bruno to carry. Bruno tries out his new backpack for the first time. His very first reaction was "Mommy put a brand new toy on my back! A couple of short corrections and Bruno realized it was not a toy and started to walk very nicely with it on his back. Isn't he handsome?! Bruno's first walk with his backpack, and boy what a difference! I put two oz. Bruno appeared to be concentrating on carrying the pack and did not walk faster than his sister could keep up with. It's amazing how just a simple backpack can slow a dog down, giving them a sense of a job along with a better workout. Allie's also happier, as she can walk at her own pace. Bruno and Allie after their walk. Bad-Puppy Moments The only piece of furniture we allow Bruno to jump up on is the glider out on the porch. I was standing there when Bruno jumped up on it. He then started casually biting on it. He looked at me. Then he started chewing a different part of the glider! Once again, "Aaaatttt!! Dogs are all about the moment and what they are doing at the exact time of correction. I had told Bruno he was not allowed to chew the arm of the glider, so he decided to chew the base. Remember the half a sponge I found last week? Well, I found another piece to it, which shows promise that Bruno didn't eat the sponge, just chewed it all up and spread out the pieces. More Sponges Found What happened to my puppy breath? He looked so cute sitting there, so I went over and sat down next to him. Bruno gave me a big lick on the neck and YUCK, his breath smelled like a skunk! What were you into this time?! The next day, when I bent down to hug my big, cute puppy, his breath smelled like dog poop! Must you eat all that other crap?