english bulldog puppies houston area

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If you are looking to bring a new puppy into your life, it is important to learn about the different sizes and needs of pets to ensure that the pet you are getting works out for your family. Mini Australian labradoodle puppies for sale can be beneficial to many households. Here are some of the benefits of selecting mini Australian Labradoodles near me. Mini Australian labradoodle puppies for sale tend to grow no more than 14 to 16 inches in length and weight around 16 to 25 pounds. Someone who lives in an apartment, condo or other small dwelling may want the companionship of a dog, but they may not have a lot of space in their home or a large yard to provide for a larger dog. In these cases, a smaller dog is perfect. A smaller dog needs less room to roam, allowing those who are in smaller spaces the ability to own, love on, and have a small dog as an acquaintance. Mini Australian labradoodles near me may also be a great companion to those who are elderly or have disabilities. Controlling a large dog while out on a walk requires strength and force. Not everyone has the strength to control these larger dogs. A smaller dog does not require as much strength, and most people can easily pick up these smaller dogs if they needed to. Are you ready to learn more about mini Australian labradoodle puppies for sale and if they are right for you? Reach out to us at South Florida Australian Labradoodles with all the questions you may have. Proudly created with Wix. Our goal for the future is to always strive for excellence in our breeding practices in order to maintain the integrity of the breed and protect the Australian Labradoodle now and into the future. All of our breeding dogs have DNA profiles completed and on file. Both clubs recognizes that not all dogs identified as Australian Labradoodles are the "real deal". The certifications are an effort to make clear the identification process available to those interested in purchasing a true Australian Labradoodle. We are proud to be producing Puppies with PurposeTM! We are dedicated to producing the finest multi-generational Australian Labradoodles descending from the two original line, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor bloodlines of Australia. Our mission at Read's Australian Labradoodles is to strive for excellence in all we do, protect the integrity of Australian Labradoodles by always upholding and exceeding the value of quality over quantity! Our focus is to breed quality dogs that are healthy, free from genetic issues with non-shedding, allergy friendly coats, that make great family pets; as well exceptional emotional support, therapy and service dogs. All of our puppies are raised with their mama in the middle of our home with our three fantastic, dog savvy children our puppy whisperer's , following Puppy Culture and other puppy imprinting protocols, allowing for the foundation that is critical for developing their amazing gentle and loving temperaments and preparing them for the world. All of our adult dogs in our program live in trusted amazing guardian homes, to insure they have a wonderful lifestyle, where they will continue to live when they retire. All of our puppies are raised personally by us, in our home. Sweetly Retired Stormie G. We take so much pride in our doodles. They are the funniest, smartest, cutest, little guys, so much personality. Bred for their wonderful temperament, intuitive nature and overall character; they are non-shedding and don't carry doggie odors. They undergo temperament testing and a host of socialization opportunities are provided as grands come and go, neighbors drop by for cuddles, kitchen noises, loud televisions, children running about, birds singing and dogs barking; extra cuddles, visits by the other doodle family members and on and on. All of our dogs live here in the house with us. Guardian puppies live with their own loving families but visit often. Mama doodles are whelped here and baby doodles are appropriately exposed to a busy family lifestyle. All of our doodles receive the best in health care, as puppies themselves, before breeding, during and after, because we quite simply just love them to pieces and they deserve it. They have a team of vets, health testing, repoduction management, attend NC State Therinology clinic for ultrasounds, progesterone testing, cardiac testing, etc. So if you see a tear drop or two as you close the door, know that it is the love that has been there before. Sweet puppy of mine you'll always be, heartbreak it is to say goodbye to thee, know that my prayers are with you and your new family. Blessings sweet puppy.We wanted a well-bred puppy, that would be a healthy, happy, member of our family. Fisher has exceeded our expectations.Not only did she ensure an excellent pedigree, she took the utmost care of the pups, after they were born. Thanks to her socialization, the beginning of crate and house training, and tons of love, Fisher acclimated to our home and family right away. We got a steady stream of videos and pictures, as well as results from temperament testing. We knew him before we ever brought him home and she even had us send items that had our scent, to familiarize him with us! Communication was open and encouraged. The whole process was something we'll always treasure. Labradoodles are great dogs and Lake Blue is a great breeder, worthy of these pups. Willa's litter Stormie's litter. Thank you! Look no further! Our free litter notification email is the perfect way to stay up-to-date on our latest and greatest litters of adorable labradoodle puppies! As a reputable Labradoodle breeder , we take pride in producing top-quality Miniature Labradoodle and Medium Labradoodle puppies that embody the best qualities of the breed. One of our primary focuses at Mountain Creek Labradoodles is to provide hypoallergenic dogs that are non-shedding, making them an ideal choice for individuals and families with allergies or asthma. Our breeding program emphasizes the development of Labradoodle puppies with coats that are allergy-friendly, ensuring a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. We understand the importance of giving our Labradoodle puppies the best possible start in life. That's why we offer a labradoodle puppy training program that sets our Australian Labradoodle puppies on the path to success. From an early age, our puppies receive specialized training and socialization, laying the foundation for their future development as well-behaved and well-adjusted family members. At Mountain Creek Labradoodles, we prioritize the health, temperament, and overall well-being of our Labradoodle puppies. Our breeding dogs undergo extensive health testing to ensure that only the best genetics are passed down to the next generation. This dedication to responsible breeding practices helps to minimize the risk of hereditary health issues, giving our customers peace of mind when bringing home one of our precious puppies. Our Miniature Labradoodle and Medium Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, receiving round-the-clock care and attention. We believe in the power of early socialization and stimulation, as it plays a crucial role in shaping their personalities and ensuring they grow into confident and well-adjusted companions. When you choose a Labradoodle puppy from Mountain Creek Labradoodles, you're not just selecting a pet; you're becoming a part of our extended family. We provide ongoing support and guidance to our customers, even after they take their new furry friend home. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and satisfaction sets us apart as a trusted source for Labradoodle puppies. If you're ready to welcome a Labradoodle puppy into your life, look no further than Mountain Creek Labradoodles. With our years of experience, dedication to breeding excellence, and unwavering commitment to the health and happiness of our puppies, we are confident that you will find your perfect companion within our remarkable selection. Contact us today to begin your journey to finding the Labradoodle puppy of your dreams. Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links.

Lifespan Sociability Before we get into the American Bullador puppy years, it is important to note that designer breeds can be hard to predict as far as their temperament and personality. What we do know is that this hybrid came into existence sometime in the s to create healthier offspring of their purebred parents. Typically, when a breeder decides to create a new hybrid, it is generally to eliminate any health defects that pure breeds may suffer from. Although the jury may still be out on whether or not this works, it is true to say that your puppy can take after either parent in the personality department. As far as the puppy years, these adorable little tykes are energetic, playful, and frisky. They will get into plenty of mischiefs and should be trained as early as possible. On the other hand, they will quickly adapt to your family, and even as youngsters, they are even-tempered and make great companions. If you have a large fenced-in yard that is secure, this pup will be more than happy to spend the majority of their time outside. Providing them with a doghouse and other entertainment will only add to their outdoor glee. Just keep in mind, we do not recommend leaving these pups outdoors overnight. Appearance When mixing two purebreds to create another breed, it can be difficult to determine which parent the puppy will take after. What is cuter than that? This allows water to roll off their thick fur without it saturating them down to the skin. They are very intelligent with a calm demeanor. They make great companions and watchdogs, and they have a lot of energy to spend running around with you and your family. This breed comes from working-class purebred parents, so their daily life should be full of activity and tasks. You may have noticed that this dog has a couple of contradictions within their nature that make them interesting. The first anomaly is their love of the outdoors. As we mentioned, this breed enjoys outdoor time, yet on the other hand, they do not like extended periods alone. It is important to check on your dog often, and play with them if you are going to be leaving them in the backyard. Also, make sure that you never leave them by themselves overnight. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are good with children, however, they need to be socialized early in life. Due to their Bulldog ancestors, they can have a touch of aggression. It is equally important that you teach your kids how to interact with your dog safely. When a child plays rough or yells loudly, your protective pup can go on the alert thinking that something is wrong. In that case, they can tend to be aggressive, as mentioned. Typically, this does not happen often, but you should be aware if you have small children. Other than that, this is a dog that will enjoy spending time with the family. They like the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This pooch will do well with families that are very active and have time to spend with them outdoors. Even better, if you can provide your Bullador with tasks such as running after a ball or other fun activities, they will be even more content. They enjoy meeting new friends, running around with other dogs, and generally being social. When it comes to being in their yard, however, they are more opt to distrust strangers. Whether it be another furry face or a two-legged friend, your Bullador is going to be slightly distrustful and standoffish. This breed makes a great watchdog and is very alert, therefore, it is important to train them early so they do not overreact to visitors. Even with appropriate socialization skills, they are still likely to bark at a new face. As far as other pets in the home, this again has a lot to do with their early socialization and training. On the Labrador side, they are very calm and obedient. The Bulldog is a bit pricklier. There usually is not an issue, but you want to ensure that they are familiar with other animals before you bring a smaller pet, such as a cat, into your home. Now, however, you want to take a look at some of the other aspects of their care to ensure that this dog will be within your means to take care of properly. When taking on any pet, you become responsible for their overall well-being. This includes their diet, training, health, grooming, and happiness. Ensuring that you will be able to not only financially but physically take care of this animal is important. Take a look at the other care requirements for the American Bullador below. They will most likely be able to eat between three to four cups of food per day that you can spread out morning and night. For the most part, this dog has few food sensitivities or allergies that you need to watch out for. Of course, each dog is different, and it is important that you speak with your vet about the best diet for their health, age, and lifestyle. Most medium to large-sized dogs that are moderate to highly active require a diet that is high in protein. Nutritious meals that offer lean protein, healthy fats, and natural fibers are the best. It keeps their energy level high, their digestive system running smoothly, and their metabolism working properly. You also want to ensure that your dog is getting the other vitamins, minerals, and supplements that they need. These things can include antioxidants for their immune system, fur, and skin health, probiotics for their gut health, and various other vitamins to support their teeth, bones, cognitive function, and many other areas of their well-being. You also want to keep in mind other food that you give to your pet such as treats. These little snacks should be just as nutritious as their normal meals. Look for options that are organic with little added sugar. A post shared by Monty monty. They are very energetic and without an outlet for their excess energy, they can become bored and destructive. That being said, you want to take your pup on at least two minute walks per day. They will also enjoy going on bike rides, hikes, and jogs with you. As we have already mentioned, this pup enjoys a lot of outdoor time and should be given this opportunity daily. They will have fun with toys and other entertainment. It will allow them to get out of all the restlessness they may have. Make sure to go out and check on your pet several times while also stopping to throw a ball around for a few minutes to keep them engaged. For example, Labradors are very intelligent, even-tempered, and ready to please. Bulldogs are also very intelligent but tend to have a more stubborn streak. In fact, the Lab also has some stubbornness, and if you happen to get a pup that is closer to the Bulldog in nature, training can be difficult. In general, this breed does well with a lot of positive reinforcement. The earlier you start training, the better. Just keep in mind, a lot of patience will be needed. You want to keep their training sessions short and rewarding. If they become bored or feel that they are being punished, they will be less likely to follow your commands. Obedience, behavioral, potty training, and socialization are the four major training points that you want to cover when they are puppies. This type of dog also looks for a leader, so you must train them with a firm yet fair hand. Anger and aggression on your part will only have the opposite effect of what you are looking for, yet consistency with an added treat or two will give you great results. At the end of the day, this is a pup that is eager for your approval, so they will pick up quickly on what makes you happy. They tend to have dense, short fur with low shed. They should be brushed weekly with a bristle brush to get rid of as much of the excess fur as possible. During the shedding season, you may want to brush them daily as their thick fur can catch the loose hair making an even bigger mess. You will also want to clean your Bulladors ears weekly with a cotton swab and ear wash. You want to check them for excess wax and mites, as well. Teeth brushing should be done as often as possible. Doing it daily is recommended, but we understand it is not always possible. It is important to keep tartar and plaque build-up to a minimum, however. This breed does well with dental treats which can cut down on daily cleanings. You will also need to take care of their nails, which are thick and grow quickly. For the most part, you will have to trim them down every two to three weeks. However, if your pup gets a lot of outdoor exercise, they can be filed naturally. As far as baths, this can be done on an as-needed basis. Remember, your pup has a waterproof coat. This means that if you saturate the undercoat and skin beneath, it can take a long time to dry out. Try to keep shampoos to a minimum in the colder months, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. For the most part, hybrids tend to be healthier than their purebred parents, yet there is nothing to say that they will not develop some of the more common ailments of the parent breed. Take a look below at some of the more serious and minor conditions the America Bullador may face in their lifetime. American Bulladors are a unique crossbreed with a charming personality and loving temperament Understanding their characteristics can help prospective owners make a well-informed decision Traits covered include appearance, exercise needs, and health issues. American Bulldog Lab Mix: A Brief Overview These medium to large-sized dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and charming personalities. When it comes to appearance, the American Bullador can vary significantly due to the mixed nature of their parent breeds. They can range in height from 20 to 27 inches cm and weigh anywhere from 60 to lbs kg. Common coat colors include black, brown, white, tan, and brindle, giving these dogs a diverse range of looks. The temperament of the American Bulldog Lab Mix is a blend of the best traits from both parent breeds. They are known to be affectionate, loyal, and protective, making them wonderful family pets. They require regular exercise to keep their minds and bodies healthy. A daily walk or play session at the dog park will help ensure your Bullador stays in top shape. In terms of health, the American Bulldog Lab Mix has a generally strong constitution, with a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. However, like any mixed breed, they can be prone to certain health issues inherited from their parent breeds. Regular veterinary checkups and a well-balanced diet will go a long way in maintaining their overall well-being. So there you have it, a brief overview of the fascinating American Bulldog Lab Mix. This one-of-a-kind dog is sure to turn heads and become a beloved companion for those lucky enough to welcome one into their home. Temperament and Personality Traits This unique hybrid can exhibit a diverse range of temperament and personality traits depending on the traits inherited from its parent breeds. Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly, affectionate, and obedient nature. They are intelligent, easy to train, and make for excellent family pets. On the other hand, American Bulldogs can have a stubborn streak, but they are still known for being affectionate, protective, and loyal companions. Given the mix of these two breeds, a Bullador can potentially inherit any combination of these characteristics. They may also possess a sense of humor which makes them entertaining pets to have around. When it comes to energy levels, the American Bulldog Lab mix can be quite energetic as both parent breeds are known for their athleticism. However, this hybrid may also have a more relaxed side which makes them adaptable to various living situations and activities. To ensure a well-rounded and well-behaved Bullador, early socialization and consistent training are essential. In summary, the American Bulldog Lab mix can be a delightful addition to any household thanks to its unique blend of temperament and personality traits. While their exact characteristics may vary depending on the specific combination inherited from their parent breeds, their potential for affection, loyalty, and gentle protectiveness makes them a popular choice among dog enthusiasts. In this lovely breed, expect both loyalty and charisma combined with an agile, athletic, and sturdy build. Since this is a mixed breed, the Bullador may exhibit physical traits from both parent breeds. They typically stand between 17 to 25 inches in height, making them a medium to large-sized dog. In terms of color, the Bullador can be found with various shades, including black, brown, white, tan, or even a beautiful brindle pattern. When we delve into its body structure, we see that these dogs tend to have muscular frames, with a bit of a resemblance to their Labrador parent, yet a stockier build from their American Bulldog heritage. One thing is for sure: the American Bulldog Lab mix is truly one-of-a-kind. These robust and active dogs make wonderful companions for active families, gracefully bringing both protective and affectionate qualities to every relationship. As a result, they require a consistent exercise routine to maintain their overall health and happiness. A well-exercised Bullador will be less likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, and digging. On average, these dogs need about 1 to 2 hours of exercise and activity each day. This can include activities like long walks, jogging, swimming, and playing fetch. Because both the American Bulldog and Labrador are strong and sturdy breeds, the Bullador will benefit from regular strength-building exercises as well. Obedience training, agility courses, and puzzle toys are great ways to engage their keen intelligence and keep them mentally sharp. When it comes to exercise, variety is the spice of life for an American Bullador. Be sure to mix up the activities to prevent boredom and keep your dog engaged. Health Issues and Lifespan This mix generally has a lifespan of 10 to 16 years. However, just like any other breed, they may be predisposed to certain health issues. The parent breeds of the Bullador come with their unique health concerns. For the American Bulldog, this includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cherry eye. On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart diseases. With that being said, the Bullador offspring may inherit some of these health conditions. An active lifestyle can help prevent obesity-related issues, which are common in both parent breeds. Regular vet check-ups are also vital for early detection and prevention of potential health problems. Some Bulladors might experience joint issues due to their size, which typically ranges from 50 to 90 pounds. To keep their joints in tip-top shape, consider providing them with joint supplements and a comfortable bed to rest on. In conclusion, while the American Bulldog Lab mix does come with some potential health concerns, this breed can still lead a relatively healthy and happy life. Proper nutrition, exercise, and routine check-ups can help ensure that your Bullador stays in the best possible shape. Remember, every dog is unique, and genetic factors will play a significant role in determining the health of your American Bulldog Lab mix. Be prepared for the unexpected, and enjoy the delightful companionship of this affectionate and protective breed. Due to the combined traits of its intelligent and active parent breeds, training and socialization for this energetic mix should begin early in its life. Early Stage Socialization: weeks During the early stages, focus on socializing your American Bullador puppy with different people, animals, and environments. Expose them to various experiences and situations to help them grow into a well-rounded and confident adult dog. Proper socialization at this stage is key to prevent potential aggression and anxiety issues later on. Potty Training: At this young age, begin the potty training process. Be patient and consistent, and offer positive reinforcement such as praise and treats for progress with potty training. Crate training can also be beneficial to help your pup understand the appropriate time and place for bathroom breaks. Chewing and Biting: American Bulldog Lab mixes are known to have a strong chew drive, so teaching them proper chew habits is crucial. Provide them with appropriate chew toys to redirect their chewing urges. Exercise and Cool Temperatures: Exercise is essential for this energetic breed mix, but remember to keep them active during cooler temperatures to avoid overheating. Their stocky build and short muzzle can make them more susceptible to heat-related issues. Remember that individual puppies may vary in temperament and learning abilities. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are your best tools for raising a well-rounded, happy, and obedient American Bulldog Lab mix. Grooming and Care Caring for your Bullador mainly involves regular grooming to maintain a clean and healthy coat. However, if your dog has a thicker Labrador-type coat, you may need to groom them more frequently. This helps remove any dirt and moistens the hair, making it easier to brush. After wiping their coat, go over it thoroughly with a grooming glove or comb, starting at the shoulders and working your way downward and backward. Be sure to follow the natural lay of the hair for the best results. Bathing is another important aspect of Bullador care. As a general guideline, bathing your Bullador once a month should suffice. When it comes to nails, be sure to trim them regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Remember that grooming and care go beyond just physical maintenance. Ensuring your Bullador receives proper exercise and mental stimulation is essential for their overall well-being. As a mix of two athletic breeds, the American Bulldog and Labrador Retriever, your Bullador will benefit from daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys to keep them happy and healthy. Feeding and Diet Feeding your American Bulldog Lab mix a well-rounded and nutritious diet is essential for ensuring their overall health and well-being. Typically, an adult Bullador may require around to calories per day, split into two or three meals. Be sure to monitor their weight and adjust their daily caloric intake as needed. Try to keep treats to a minimum and opt for healthier options, like dog-safe fruits or vegetables. In addition to protein, incorporate healthy fats into their diet to support skin and coat health. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for this. Look for dog food formulas that include sources of omega-3 fats like fish oil or flaxseed oil. Finally, keep an eye on any potential food allergies or sensitivities your Bullador may have. The breed, also known as the American Bullador, is a unique cross between an athletic American Bulldog and a loyal Labrador Retriever. Adopting from a rescue organization is another excellent option. Many American Bulladors find themselves in need of a forever home. When finding a breeder, keep the following points in mind: Reputation: Look for breeders with positive reviews, recommendations from other dog owners, or a good standing with dog clubs and breed-related organizations. Health: Reputable breeders prioritize the health of their dogs, performing necessary genetic testing and providing appropriate healthcare. Living conditions: A responsible breeder raises their dogs in a clean, comfortable environment and provides adequate socialization and stimulation. In conclusion, adopting an American Bulldog Lab mix can be a rewarding experience. Whether you choose to adopt through a rescue organization or find a reputable breeder, always prioritize the health and well-being of the dog. Both parent breeds have a long history. The American Bulldog originated from the English Bulldog, which can be traced back to 5th century England. Labrador Retrievers were first bred in Newfoundland, Canada, and are known for their exceptional waterfowl retrieval skills. The appearance of an American Bulldog Lab mix can be quite diverse, thanks to the various coat colors and patterns inherited from their parent breeds. You can find Bulladors in black, brown, white, tan, and brindle colors. American Bulldog Lab mixes are known for their affectionate and protective nature. However, they can also be slightly stubborn, so be prepared for some patience when training your Bullador. Bulladors are usually medium to large-sized dogs. The weight of a male Lab ranges from 65 to 80 pounds, and females weigh between 55 to 70 pounds. The height of a male Labrador Retriever ranges from .The size of a Bullador can vary depending on their genes, but you can expect a sturdy and athletic companion! Now that you know a little more about this fascinating mixed breed, you can confidently share the wonders of the Bullador with fellow dog enthusiasts! Just remember to keep your sense of humor intact when explaining that their stubbornness is just part of their charm. American Bulladors, also known as Labrabulls, are a mixed breed combining an American Bulldog and a Labrador Retriever. They are typically medium to large-sized dogs, with males weighing anywhere from 70 to pounds and females ranging from 60 to pounds. Their height usually falls between 22 to 26 inches. How long do American Bulldog Lab mixes typically live? The life expectancy of an American Bulldog Lab mix is generally between 10 to 12 years. What is a typical coat color for a Bullador? The coat of a Bullador can vary due to the mixed breed nature, but common colors include black, white, brown, yellow, and brindle. Their coats are usually short and smooth, which makes grooming and maintenance relatively easy. Just remember that these dogs might shed a bit, so be prepared to do some regular brushing. What kind of temperament can you expect from the American Bulldog Lab mix? Confident and intelligent, the American Bulldog Lab mix is known for its friendly and loyal disposition. They are usually energetic dogs that love to play and require regular exercise. These dogs are also known for being protective of their families, making them great watchdogs. However, early socialization and consistent training are essential for well-adjusted and well-behaved Bulladors. Are American Bulldog Lab mixes good family pets? Yes, American Bulldog Lab mixes generally make excellent family pets. Their friendly, loyal, and protective nature means they are great with children and other family members. How much do American Bullador puppies typically cost? Share this:. Black, brown, white, tan, brindle Suitable for: Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, protective Since this dog is a mixed of two very different dogs, it can also be difficult to determine what a mixed breed will act or look like. However, the dog can only inherit traits from either the American Bulldog or the Labrador, so we can make broad predictions. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. This is mostly to cover their vaccinations and medical needs, which can be somewhat expensive for these puppies. Adult dogs will likely cost about the same and may be easier to find. Many will be more than happy to call you if a dog that matches your description comes through the door. Getting your pup through a breeder will be more expensive. However, the price will depend on the parentage of the puppies. Typically, they are friendly with people, even to the point of being a little too friendly. Early socialization is important to prevent your canine from becoming over-excited every time that someone new shows up. They are typically affectionate and loveable. However, they are not lap dogs by any means. These canines are quite active in their demeanor. They want to play frequently and tend to hold onto their puppyhood longer than most dogs. They can be a bit protective of their family, which can lead to aggression. Some of these dogs may make good watchdogs, but others will simply be too friendly. They are courageous and loyal. Whether that overcomes their friendly nature depends on the dog. These dogs may be incredibly stubborn, or they may not be stubborn at all. This is the area where you will see the most difference, even between puppies in the same litter. It simply depends on what parent they take after the most. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Whether this dog is a fit for your family depends largely on how active your family is and how much time you have available to commit to a dog. As larger dogs, American Bulldog Labs need quite a bit of training to ensure that they are well-behaved around people. Socialization is also important to ensure that they understand that strangers are not a threat to their humans and to lessen their protectiveness. These dogs are affectionate and playful. However, they do require quite a bit of exercise and time. Because of their large size, these dogs are good for little children as well. Just be sure to supervise, as these canines can get excited and accidentally knock kids over. However, the child is likely not going to hurt these dogs, which prevents the likelihood of pain- or fear-based biting, the most common type of biting in dogs. They can, but their tendency to be territorial can throw a wrench in their relationship with other dogs. Typically, proper socialization will leave you with a canine that at least tolerates the presence of other dogs. Early socialization is important and required. We absolutely recommend puppy classes for these dogs. While American Bulldog Labs are not hunting dogs, they do like to chase things. This can be a problem for pets like cats and even chickens. These dogs are not particularly good with livestock animals. Early socialization can help, but you should still be careful regarding cats and similar animals. They are quite large, which means they eat more compared to some other canines. You should preferably purchase a high-protein food with plenty of meat. Avoid fillers and unnecessary carbs, like high amounts of grains and veggies. You should be careful when feeding these dogs as puppies. We recommend a puppy food that is specifically designed for large breed puppies, as these will contain extra nutrients that these larger dogs need to grow. You should avoid overfeeding puppies, though, even if they seem to act hungry all the time. It is extremely important to stick to the correct feeding guidelines when your dog is little. Outside playtime is extremely important, though you should keep them in a fenced-in area. These dogs can learn a reliable recall sometimes, depending on the level of their stubbornness. These dogs are typically quite good at agility competitions and enjoy playing a variety of games. They are quite intelligent, which you can use to your advantage while exercising them. Teach them games like hide-and-seek to exercise their body and minds at the same time. They are fast at figuring out what you want them to do. Often, these dogs have some level of stubbornness. The rare American Bulldog Lab may have no stubbornness at all and readily do whatever you ask. But most will at least consider whether they want to follow a command or not. Some may be incredibly stubborn and only respond when something is in it for them like food. Due to their high energy levels, these canines are extremely play-driven. You can usually use toys to play with them instead of treats. The same basic training principles apply. Ask them to do a command, and when they do, throw the ball or play tug for a moment. The playtime acts as the reward. This is a great way to wear them out and do training at the same time. They do shed quite a bit, so occasional brushing may be needed to lessen the amount of fur that ends up all over your home. They may need an occasional bath if they get obviously dirty, but this will only be necessary if they roll around in mud or something similar. As for all dogs, regular teeth brushing is recommended. You should also check their ears for built-up debris regularly, though this is less of a problem for this breed. Their nails will need to be trimmed regularly. However, due to their high activity, they may need them cut less often than some other breeds do. They are less likely to inherit genetic conditions because they are drawing on a larger genetic pool. However, they are still prone to a few conditions, mainly due to their size. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, as there is a great deal of weight being put on their hip joints. This can be quite serious for some dogs, while others may have no symptoms at all. Proper feeding during the puppy years is extremely important to prevent this. They may also develop conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and skin allergies. However, these are rarer than they are in other breeds. Male vs Female While males may be a bit larger, these dogs vary so much that it is hard to notice differences between sexes. It is also hard to predict any differences in temperament and behavior. These dogs may be completely trainable or absolutely stubborn. Because of the temperaments of each parent, this mixed breed may either be easy to train or extremely stubborn. There will be large differences between puppies even in the same litter. Likely, none of the puppies will be quite as stubborn as the American Bulldog. However, none will be as trainable as a Labrador either. Most puppies will be somewhere in between, but extremes on either side of the spectrum are possible. Solid colors are rare in this mix. While the Labrador Retriever mostly has solid colors, this mixed breed often does not. This is largely due to the genes from the American Bulldog, which almost guarantees that the puppy will end up with markings of some sort. Of course, solid colors are possible but this is rare. Their exercise needs will vary. The American Bulldog is an active breed that is known for short bursts of energy. The Labrador Retriever is the exact opposite. They have a great deal of endurance that allows them to go for a long time. The mixed-breed puppies can end up anywhere in the middle. They do best in active families that have plenty of time to exercise and train them. They are typically friendly but do require socialization to get along with strangers and other dogs. They may be stubborn or extremely trainable, depending on what traits they inherit from their parents. Either way, they are extremely smart and enjoy playing games like hide-and-seek. Because they inherit a larger pool of genes, they are much healthier than either of their parents. Proper feeding in the early years can go a long way toward preventing hip dysplasia, which they are somewhat prone to due to their larger size. We recommend this breed for active families with plenty of extra time. These dogs get along equally well with younger and older children, so they are good dogs to grow up with. Featured Image Credit: JNix, Shutterstock Written by Kristin Hitchcock Author Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. She currently resides in Tennessee with four dogs, three cats, two fish, and a lizard, though she has dreams of owning chickens one day! Bulladors tend to be friendly, loving, and playful dogs that make great family pets. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. Bulladors tend to be affectionate and loving dogs with a gentle, sweet nature and an energetic, playful personality. They tend to get along fantastically with children as well as other dogs and other pets. They can have a prey drive. So, you will want to socialize them with smaller pets in the household. Although they are open and friendly, they will usually bark to alert you of people or animals nearby. They can be protective, but are generally more interested in making friends. The Bullador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They do best in homes with fenced yards where they can run. However, if you dedicate the time to giving them the exercise and mental stimulation they need, they can adapt to apartment living. They tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. If they have more of a flat face like their English Bulldog parent, they will be very sensitive to heat and may have difficulty breathing in cold weather. They are devoted to their families, so they do not like to be left alone for long. Because of their prey drive, they can have an urge to chase. As such, you should only let them off-leash in securely fenced areas. Even if they are trained off-leash, they may decide to ignore your recall commands if they get excited and caught up in chasing something. Potential health conditions to be aware of in the Bullador include skin issues, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the genetic and health history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests that have been done. If a Bullador inherits the snub-nosed face of the English Bulldog, they can have difficulty breathing and will be extra sensitive to heat. Bulladors are also one of the breeds at risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become serious very quickly and can be fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Although a Bullador can pick up on things quickly and can be easy to train, they also tend to be stubborn at times. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners to handle alone. But, puppy training classes can help. Not only do they reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. The Bullador has a short coat that will shed moderately year-round. Brushing this coat weekly or a few times a week is usually enough to keep your Bullador comfortable and their coat healthy. Bathing is occasional and on an as-needed basis. When you are checking them, ears should be clean, dry, and free of debris. Because dental care for dogs is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Regular checkups and cleanings at your vet are an essential supplement to your efforts. The Bullador can range from a moderate to high energy level. They generally require a lot of activity to be happy. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely be up for more activity as long as you are. They tend to be athletic dogs, so once Bullador puppies finish growing and developing, you can try a bunch of different activities with them. Hiking, swimming, playing frisbee, and more can all be great activities for a Bullador. They will likely also love taking trips to the dog park. A fully-grown Bullador usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Bulladors generally live for years. Bullador Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Bullador page! Currently, we do not have any Bullador puppies available, but we can alert you when new Bullador puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

No shots, not fixed or declawed. Pets near Johnstown, PA - craigslist. Lawrenceville -For Sale-Two bedroom brick house. Pets near Chambersburg, PA. Find it via the AmericanTowns Bucks County classifieds search or use one of the other free services we have collected to make your search easier, such as Craigslist Bucks County, eBay for Bucks County, Petfinder. Black and white cats name is Alina, other ones name is Reese. Willing to meet and will come with everything we have for them. Maine Coon Kitten to a good home. Please do your research on the breed before inquiring - his rehoming fee is not cheap. Also you can search our Pennsylvania Classifieds page for all state deals. Pets near Lehigh Valley, PA. Pet Classifieds PA Pennsylvania. Pets allowed and smoking allowed, but outside. Smaller dogs Dishes not included. ISO friendly cockatiel! Pets near York, PA - craigslist. He is extremely affectionate, loves attention, and is great with kids and other cats. Here are some from nearby sorted by distance — change search area. Pets near Fredericksburg, PA. Pets near State College, PA. Litter box, tower, food and litter. Search for pets for adoption at shelters. Pet Classifieds Pittsburgh. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. For more details, please feel free to contact us : email: HawkValleyBoxers gmail. Join millions of people using Oodle. Family raised, tails docked and dew claws got rid of and first shots. Why buy a Boxer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Boxer puppies in Denver who need a home. Located in Denver, PA, we continue to strive to bring the best out of the breed, taking extra effort to keep the qualifications of the 5 Star Breeder Award. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Denver, CO Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Denver, CO Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly. Boxer breeders, along with all other breeders, are all strictly screened by the team of PuppySpot. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity. Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Boxer Breeders in Colorado. AKC Boxer Puppies for sale. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. We are the leader in the Denver area for puppy quality and sales. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving. Boxer puppies for sale in Denver CO. Transportation to Denver, CO available. Below is a sample search of our Boxer breeders with puppies. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Denver Colorado. Boxer For Sale in Colorado .The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. Look here to find a Boxer breeder close to youColorado who may have puppies for sale or a male dog available for stud service. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified. Boxer puppies for sale in Colorado from trusted breeders. Welcome to Hawk Valley Boxers! Boxers for Sale in Colorado Springs. Great Dane Puppies looking for new homes! He's a 14 week old cockapoo sweetheart. We take pride in raising happy, healthy Boxer puppies that make great family companions. Boxer Puppies for sale in Denver, co from top breeders and individuals. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Denver. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. So before you continue on your search for a Boxer breeder in Colorado, check out the link below. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by hunters for chasing large game. Boxer puppies for sale Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Denver Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. I'm a playful love bug who just loves all the love and attention from my humans and I cant wait to find a forever home of my very own! When I first mee… more. Below is a sample search of our Boxer breeders with puppies for sale. The puppies sold from our store come with an unsurpassed health guarantee. Our Dog Breeder directory is the ultimate source of listings for breeders in North America. Greet our Boxer puppies available in Denver, CO. Colorado Pit Bull Rescue. We take pride in raising happy, healthy Boxer puppies that make great Boxers Denver, Denver, Colorado. I have a very sweet, loving personality. Most Popular Boxer Puppy for Sale Names for We've compiled the top 20 male and female Boxer names for after analyzing Boxer puppies for sale. I already have my first set of shots and wormings ready to go to my forever home. Boxer puppies and dogs If you're looking for a Boxer, Adopt a Pet can help you find one near you. The American Boxer Club was established in .PetzLover helps you to find your lovable pets to your home. Share this listing: Breed: Boxer. Full blooded, AKC registered boxer puppies 3 weeks old. Boxer puppies for sale in Denver, CO from trusted breeders. Denver: Boxer Breeders. Tails docked, dew claws removed, and will have first shots. She was surrendered from a backyard breeder in Texas and had several litters so she is ready to find a home of her own in Colorado. Bullboxer Pit Puppies for sale and adoption. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Every puppy is up to date on their vaccinations and dewormings. Our nonprofit, volunteer-run rescue has been finding forever homes for boxer and boxer. Boxer puppies for sale Denver, Colorado. Denver Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Denver, CO Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Here at Beyond Beautiful Boxers we breed with a purpose and that is focusing on the future of the Boxer Breed. Boxer puppies in Denver, CO. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Denver, CO. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Or willing to drive for delivery within 15 miles. Visit our website for more information: www. He loves other dogs and cats too but they. Boxers Denver Denver CO. For more details, please feel free to contact us : .Nice Boxer Puppies for sale. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Denver. Anything LookWeird? Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Colorado Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. Best Boxer Breeders in Colorado! The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Make sure to do research on th MORE. If you are looking for puppies for sale or a particular stud dog in your area you can also check our puppies for sale and stud dog sections We provide a free lising service for Boxer breeders to advertise their puppies in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins and anywhere else in Colorado. CO Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Colorado Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Ready march 1st, located in Florence, Co. Boxers for Sale in Denver. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Please email for additional information! Will be ready for their furrever homes March 6. If you are looking for puppies for sale or a particular stud dog in your area you can also check. Set alert. Ho-Bo Care tries to find permanent and caring homes for these animals. Our small group consists of people who care for the homeless, abused, and unwanted Boxers. Boxer For Sale in Denver .Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Denver, CO. I am found on western slope however would provide to Denver if interested. We are excited to be able to utilize the newest technology in genetics and health care to be able to produce boxer puppies that have less health issues and live longer lives. Boxer puppies in Colorado Springs, CO. All puppies are vet checked prior to their arrival and we deal exclusively with U. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Boxers! Breed an arrow icon. Boxer, Colorado » Coal Creek. New Pet Alert from AdoptaPet. What is This? Yes, I would like to receive communications from the Petco Love regarding their lifesaving work. By signing up for the New Pet Alert, you are allowing Adopt-a-pet. You can also optionally sign up to receive email communications from Petco and Petco Love as well. You can save up to 15 New Pet Alerts, and you can cancel or change them at any time at adoptapet. In fact, together with Petco and our community partners, we help find homes for thousands of dogs, cats, and rabbits and other pets every week. Learn More Let Petco store associates be your post-adoption support network. Petco's Welcome to the Family New Pet Parent Starter Guide provides new pet parents substantial benefits with hundreds of dollars worth of coupons for everything a new pet needs. And our Petco store partners will be there today, and every day, to answer all those new pet parent questions and make sure every adoption is a successful one. If adoption isn't possible for you right now, don't worry. You can still be part of our lifesaving work by making a donation. Not sure about adoption yet? Learn why it's a great way to welcome a pet into your home-and how we can help. Life Span Did You Know? Although this breed is very popular, it is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As long as they are well-socialized, Miniature Goldendoodles tend to make excellent family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they will alert you of strangers at the door, they tend to warm up quickly as they are more interested in making friends and receiving attention. Mini Goldendoodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their smaller size makes them a great fit for apartment living or for bigger homes with yards where they can run. As long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well. These little dogs tend to do well in just about any climate. However, like any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their smaller size, you may need to gear up with some dog-friendly winter gear when temperatures start falling. Because this dog breed is loyal and people-oriented, they love to be in your company and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. This means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early on. Instead, make sure your new Mini Goldendoodle puppy has an active role in your life. If you do need to leave them alone for a bit, make sure they have some comforting toys or challenging puzzles to keep them from getting bored. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests and clearances that have been done. The Mini Goldendoodles is a highly intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly and is eager to please. They tend to be sensitive to tone of voice as well. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, a Mini Goldendoodle will strive to be obedient and impress you and tends to excel at almost any task. These traits make the Mini Goldendoodle one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Daily brushing is recommended to remove tangles and prevent mats. Bathing is occasional and can often be relegated to the dog groomer that is recommended you visit every weeks. The groomer can help handle some of this during visits, but you will still need to do some maintenance at home between visits. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing, plus cleanings at the vet as needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Although the parents of this breed have a lot of energy, a Mini Goldendoodle tends to sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough for them. But, they are also likely to match their energy level to yours, so be prepared for some bursts of energy as well as plenty of cuddling on the couch. Fully-grown Mini Goldendoodles usually stand inches tall at the shoulder. A Miniature Goldendoodle puppy can vary in size based on the generation of the dog. The result is generally a dog that will range from pounds. Looking at the size of the parents for an F1 or F1-B puppy can be a good indication of what size to expect in a fully-grown Miniature Goldendoodle. Mini Goldendoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Goldendoodle Article.

Welcome to Sunshine Acres, where our Goldendoodle puppies enjoy interacting with our family throughout each day. As experienced, ethical Goldendoodle Breeders we help match many families to their wonderful Irish Goldendoodle puppy. What are you looking for in your new puppy? A walking buddy, a cheer-giver, a friend of children? In your quest for a healthy, loving Goldendoodle, we can help match you with your ideal puppy. We are available with tips and advice to make the choosing easier since we interact with each puppy daily since birth. Let us know what characteristics you are looking for in your Goldendoodle puppy so we can point you to the puppies or litter that best matches those traits. Our puppies are born here. They are lovingly raised by our family. Because of this, we know not only their individual health history and temperament, but the history of their parents. We are glad to be a source of knowledge for you, not only before your Goldendoodle puppy comes home, but for the many years after, as well. Relationships are important to us and we are interested in watching our puppies integrate into your families and your lives. Featured Puppies. Millie is pounds an inches at the withers, Jax is pounds and inches at the withers. The offspring are expected to be 20 to mini pounds. The puppies will go home October 7th. Females Males 1 Francis, GH purple 1 Open 2 reserved for GH 2 Open We take a processing fee of now by PayPal, zelle, venmo, cash, credit card or personal checks to secure your pick position, which comes off the total when you pay your balance at puppy pick up. Puppy selection and go home is hosted on the same day. The processing fee is refundable until puppy births or you are not provided a puppy from your designated litter due to our part. Otherwise the processing fee becomes transferable to a future litter of your choosing. Paymet for balance at time of pick up is accepted by cash, venmo, PayPal, zelle and all major credit cards only, no personal checks accepted at final payment. Puppies go home at 8 weeks on utd on age appropriate shots, dewormer, veterinarian checked, micro chipped, potty training to a doggy door beginning at 4 weeks of age, puppy food Purina Pro Plan lamb and rice formula small bites , blanket with litter scent, snuggle puppy, benebone puppy chew toy, tick flea and heartworm preventative for the first month and intestinal parasites preventative for the first three months, completely loved and pre spoiled with a 1 year health guarentee. We offer a discount for puppy training through Baxter and Bella and 1st month free for puppy insurance through Trupanion. Our puppies are raised by the puppy culture protocols. We do a weekly updates with photos, weights and progress reports. Each puppy is cleared by our veterinarian prior to leaving Texas Doodles. Puppy selection process is hosted at our home in Kountze Texas in person or via FaceTime if distance is an issue. Puppies are picked up in person at our residence unless prior arrangements have been made. We offer puppy ground transport through reliable carriers, meet at Houston area airports, fly in cabin with Southwest Airlines or American Airlines via cargo. We can quote rates for all options. We use Embark and OFA when health testing our parents. This is a pet price only with no breeding rights. Breeding rights are considered after an approval process.

Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The final size of a German Shepherd is dependent on the gender. In terms of height, the difference between male and female German Shepherds is more marginal. Males reach 24 to 26 inches while females reach 22 to 24 inches. To predict the final weight of your German Shepherd puppy you can do a few things. First, get information from the breeder on the parents of your pup. Their adult height and weight will be a great indicator. Second, you can follow a German Shepherd growth chart as presented in this article to give you month-by-month estimates. If not, more growth is coming. A male German Shepherd weighs between 71 and 84 pounds with a height of between 24 and 26 inches while a female German Shepherd weighs between 62 and 68 pounds with a height of between 22 and 24 inches. You can measure the height of your German Shepherd at home. Take a measuring tape and measure from the withers to the ground. To get accurate measurements, ensure that the dog is standing straight on a flat surface. If they cannot stand still, get a family member to help you hold them. As German Shepherds grow through the stages of their life, they also develop more health risks. Puppyhood The first stage is puppyhood. It can last anywhere from 5 to 6 months, but most of the time, German shepherds finish puppyhood by their 6th month. Within these 6 months, the puppy will experience six stages. Each of them will help these puppies learn various things. They will start being able to smell, taste, and hear. They may also become prone to developing trauma. For example, if they are exposed to sunlight at this point, they may fear the sunlight throughout their life. They might not listen to you, or they may not come if you call them. The best approach for this is to ignore these actions. Regardless, after this stage, they can already play with you. They will energetic, active, and hardworking. The next stage, adolescence, will then enter their life. Adolescence The adolescence stage typically starts in the sixth month of your puppy. The following are the milestones that a German shepherd typically experiences in this stage. Your best bet is to ignore their fears. For example, they may not be able to do things that you taught them before. In this stage, your dog may display some more aggression. Adulthood The adulthood stage starts from 1 to 3 years since the birth of your puppy. You may also find that their size will already be that of a typical German shepherd adult. However, they may still grow bigger than their current size. But this time, the growth in the weight and height of your dog may not be as noticeable as before. So this might be the answer to the question — how big do german shepherds get? This stage will also cause the German shepherds to be more active. This is so that they can remain in high spirits. It typically occurs when the German shepherd reaches six to ten years. Dogs that enter this stage may be considered as seniors rather than adults. Unfortunately, this stage will focus on the health of your dog. Senior German shepherds will exhibit signs of health issues, such as joint pain, decreased stamina, and especially hip dysplasia. Knowing about this is helpful since you now know that they need to be sent to the vet more often once they enter this stage. Through these four stages, their weight and height will change. However, there is an average weight of German shepherds and the next topic shows how long German shepherds can grow. Spaying removes the ovaries from female dogs while neutering removes the testicles of male dogs. Both procedures are common and conducted by a vet. The procedures are designed to calm your dog as they enter adolescents as well as protect them from health conditions such as ovarian or testicular cancer. If conducted at the right time, spaying or neutering should not impact the growth of your German Shepherd. The recommended age to spay or neuter a German Shepherd is from 6 months to 24 months. If conducted too early, growth may be affected as reproductive hormones are connected to growth hormones. Also, German Shepherds are heavier because they have more muscle while Belgian Malinois are leaner. On average, a male Belgian Malinois has a height of between 24 and 26 inches with a weight of between 60 and 80 pounds while the females stand at a height of between 22 and 24 inches with a height of between 40 and 60 pounds. On the other hand, a male German Shepherd weighs between 71 and 84 pounds with a height of between 24 and 26 inches while a female German Shepherd weighs between 62 and 68 pounds with a height of between 22 and 24 pounds. German Shepherd Height Chart Just like with their weight, German shepherds stop growing typically reach the end of their growing process as they reach their first year. They will still grow after this point, but not as much. Male 1-month old German shepherd: .Female 1-month old German shepherd: .While the American Kennel Club does not have a standard for weight, German shepherds are typically longer than tall. To be exact, the ideal proportion of their length to height is .For example, if a female German shepherd is .If your dog is not of this proportion, then there might be an existing problem. To learn if your German shepherd is of the right proportion, multiply the length of your dog to 0. The result of this will be the ideal height of your dog. You should also check your German shepherd for yourself rather than relying on numbers. Both of these are under the underweight category and are bad proportions for your dog. Ideal: What you should aim for is the Ideal weight of a German shepherd, which is 35 kilograms for a male and 30 kilograms for a female. Such dogs are also prone to panting due to too much stress. For example, you can find out if your dog is underweight by checking their sides if their ribs are visible. If they look like a barrel of some sort, then your guess is right. Some cases may lead to their appearance being not too obvious. But if the layer of skin is too thin, they are underweight. And one of the best ways to do this is to change their diet. Slowly transition to providing higher fat content. A simple trick for this is to mix their normal food with that of higher fat content. Overweight: When it comes to overweight German shepherds, you should simply cut off their food. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than female German Shepherds. Nutrition The type of diet that you feed your puppy can affect their growth. Giving your dog a properly balanced diet that meets their developmental requirements is essential in ensuring that they achieve their optimum growth. Most people may feed large portions of food to their German Shepherds because they are large dogs, however, you should note that overfeeding can lead to unnecessary weight gain causing diseases such as osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia. Younger puppies require about 20 minutes of exercise per day while older dogs need between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise per day. When your dog is in their growing stages, do not overexercise them as they could develop joint and ligament issues. Slow walks are recommended when your puppy is less than 5 months old. From 5 months onwards you can introduce jogging and trekking. A German Shepherd puppy is usually about 1 pound 0. But this can change based on things like the size of the parents and the size of the litter. German Shepherds are big dogs that can grow up quickly in their first few months. At 8 weeks old, they can weigh anywhere from 5 to 9 kg and be between 6 and 10 inches tall at the shoulder. At 6 months old, a German Shepherd should weigh between 44 and 60 pounds and be between 15 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder. To grow and develop in a healthy way, a puppy needs to eat well and get plenty of exercise. Talking to a vet can help you figure out what size and weight your dog should be, and you can then make changes to their diet and exercise routine as needed. The German Shepherd is a large breed of dog, but not a huge one. The American Kennel Club AKC breed standards say that a male German Shepherd should be inches cm tall at the shoulder, while a female should be inches cm cm. Males should weigh between 65 and 90 pounds 30—40 kg , and females should weigh between 50 and 70 pounds kg. Even though German Shepherds are not considered giant breeds, they are still strong and muscular dogs with a strong, agile build. The scale goes from 1 to 9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being very fat. When you look at them from above, you can see their waist behind their ribs, and when you look at them from the side, their stomach is tucked up. This is important for their overall health and well-being. The feeding frequencies vary as your puppy grows. During the weaning period, they eat four times per day then after the age of 8 weeks old, they can eat three times per day. As your German Shepherd grows, there are common conditions that may affect them and you need to be aware of them. Bloat is a common condition because German Shepherds have deep and narrow chests. Bloat causes the stomach to fill up with gas and it can be life-threatening if not treated. If you notice signs such as salivation, retching, enlarged abdomen, and restlessness, contact your vet immediately. Another condition that is prone to German Shepherds is skin allergy which may be caused by food or fleas. Changing to a different brand or protein source can cause itchy and inflamed skin. Fleas cause skin allergies through their bites as well as excretion. Other conditions to be aware of are thyroid disorders, seizures, progressive retinal atrophy, and osteoarthritis. Since German Shepherds are medium to large-sized breeds, they can experience growing pains that may last from two to five months. Since your German Shepherd will be fully grown at the age of two years, they may experience episodes of growing pain during the growth spurts periods. The severity and length of time will vary, but if it signs of lameness, pain, discomfort, and limping last longer, you should contact your vet. Your vet may recommend surgery or medication depending on the condition. German Shepherd Genetics and Common Health Problems Even though German Shepherds are healthy and active dogs, there are health conditions that they are genetically predisposed to as a breed. Understanding the potential health problems your dog might face will enable you to take care of them in a better way. The following are some of the genetic health problems that affect German Shepherds: Sloped back — if your German Shepherd has this condition, their knees and hips come closer to the ground leading to your dog having a triangular shape and not rectangular. Other symptoms include shuffling when walking, excessive angulation of the hindquarters, and lack of muscle balance in the hind legs. Hip dysplasia — this is a common condition that happens when the socket and ball of the hip joint do not grow at a similar rate when your German Shepherd is a puppy. It leads to limping, reduced activity, pain in the hind legs, and bunny hopping. Degenerative Myelopathy — this condition affects the spinal cord and causes progressive paralysis and weakness in the hind limbs. It causes difficulty getting up, falling over easily, and the paw knuckles of the hind legs scraping the ground when walking. It may cause excessive bleeding after surgeries or spontaneous bleed from the mouth, nose, and reproductive tracts. While dogs within this range are preferred for breeding and displaying, the breed standard does state that dogs outside of this range may be considered. Although the AKC establishes breed standards, individual dogs may deviate from those criteria in terms of size and look due to variables including heredity, food, and activity. Rapid growth can also cause digestive and metabolic problems, like bloating, being overweight, and not being able to use insulin properly. Make sure to measure snugly but not too tightly, and add an inch or two for comfort. How big do German shepherds get? Can they get any bigger? These are just three of the countless questions asked by German shepherd owners. That way, you can ensure that your full-grown German shepherd is normal. Therefore, a pup may grow larger or smaller than the other. This article looks at the standard German shepherd weight and a height chart so owners may be able to understand their dogs better. If you do suspect any health issues based on your monitoring, you should contact a vet straight away. German Shepherds are beautiful, loyal companions. As owners, do your duty to ensure they live healthy and fulfilling lives. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. How about some details regarding their feeding habits, behavior, medical needs, grooming regimen, and exercise requirements? In this section, you will find everything you need to know to keep them healthy and assist with things such as toilet training and teething. She will discipline them and make sure they learn to be independent. They then begin to go to the toilet independently and venture away from mom. At week 8, they play, can be housebroken, and bark when startled. The famous GSD ears will start to stand up, and you can begin leash and crate training. They must be handled and groomed and realize that human commands and dominance are the norm. During this time, the mother will nurse the pups until they are old enough to begin eating puppy mush , which is softened kibble. Allow puppies to eat as much as they like at each meal. At 6—8 weeks, their first shot from the vet is due. Smith, Shutterstock 12 weeks is a turning point for your pup. Their coordination will come on in bounds, as will their learning and social skills. They will be eager to learn but easily distracted, so have plenty of patience. If you become angry, it will stunt development if they become fearful of you. Your pup is officially into the juvenile period now. All of his puppy teeth should be developed by now and are normally very sharp. So, beware of your fingers when playing. At 12 weeks of age, puppies can start to eat three to four set meals a day with measured amounts. Purpose-made dog-approved chew toys are best, not teddy bears or old shoes. As they grow through this period between three and six months, GSD puppies are more juvenile than babies. They will be more boisterous and energetic. But on the plus side will feed easily, be more friendly with animals and people alike, and more than likely be housetrained if you have managed them correctly. They will be stubborn at this age when training and could ignore you, or not come when called. The best approach is to ignore any sassy attitude and only praise and fuss when back to being obedient. His internal organs and systems are fully developed and functioning as they should, while the skeleton is still growing. His full set of adult teeth should be present and correct. Your GSD is now becoming independent and will want to roam different areas and interact with their world on many more levels. Be aware that they could weigh 50 lbs at 6 months, so caution is needed with control and safety as they explore. He may also seemingly forget commands that he has been taught. It is best to ignore, not mollycoddle, any fearful reactions to new things to not reinforce the negative behaviors. By 6 months of age, you can reduce the feedings to three per day, now paying attention to the total calories consumed. Between the ages of 4—6 months, he will shed his puppy coat too. He might still be a bit goofy, gangly, and stubborn when it comes to training. German Shepherd females are reaching sexual maturity at this age. They may have their first estrus heat period. So, be mindful of letting them off the lead during this time if other dogs are around. At 9 months, your GSD can be tested for heartworm and treated if needs be. Speak with your vet about this for more detail. You can add small amounts of solid adult formula into the puppy food to get him used to the texture. Making it the optimal time to stimulate them as much as you can with obedience training and work activities. Your GSD should be comfortable in all situations, and with all types of company as their bond with humans should be well established. Their unique personality and quirks should be apparent and set them apart as your dog. They will have developed vocal and body language traits that you recognize and use for their needs. If male, he will be reaching sexual maturity and cocking his leg when urinating. He might also be looking to challenge dogs and humans for the title of pack leader. The key to cementing all your hard work so far is to be consistently firm with any boundaries he tries to push. By 12 months, they should be on adult formula only. German Shepherds stop growing between 2 and 3 years. This is when they fill out too. It starts to slow at around the age of 1, but he will continue to grow until he reaches maturity. During this time, they are considered to be adolescents. This is the same for their mental maturity too. This is the same for all German Shepherd types. Females tend to mature faster, both physically and mentally, than male German Shepherds. There are different stages within this time frame before maturity. And these are the neonatal stage 1—2 weeks , the transitional stage 2—4 weeks , the socialization stage 4 weeks to 3 months , the juvenile stage 3—6 months , and the adolescent stage 6 months to 2 years. Research has shown that neutering dogs can affect their growth. But how exactly? But early indications show that early neutering can increase the length of time that the bone grows. Meaning potentially taller dogs. But this also poses questions about whether this affects the joint alignment and whether it can cause any problems. And for the German Shepherd breed and his heightened propensity for hip dysplasia, this is a concern to be aware of. But waiting for full skeletal maturity also poses risks. Because neutering for females can reduce mammary cancer. If spayed before her first heat, it can eliminate the chances of this type of cancer altogether. As they will be able to offer you tailored advice for your German Shepherd. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth The dangers of growing too fast can affect their skeletal development. Conditions caused by growing too quickly are joint dysplasia and osteochondrosis. By feeding him a kibble that is designed for large-breed puppies will help control the rate at which his bones grow. This is because they have the optimum ratio of calcium and phosphorus levels in the food. So, always feed him large-breed puppy food during his developmental stage. This is most common in German Shepherds, but also in some Labrador Retrievers. It is an inherited disorder of growth hormone deficiency, and it will make the affected pooch always appear puppy-like. Growth Distinctions of Different German Shepherds. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. When your German Shepherd is the ideal weight, you can feel their ribs, although they are not easily seen, and they are not covered in a layer of fat. There should be a defined waistline when your dog is viewed from above and a noticeable tummy tuck when they are viewed from the side. Underweight German Shepherds While German Shepherds are growing, they will be thinner and look gangly until they fill out in adulthood. It is sometimes recommended to keep your growing German Shepherd marginally underweight but not unhealthily thin while their joints grow and strengthen. Purina defines two levels of underweight: thin and slightly underweight. Thin: Ribs, hips, and spine are easily felt, and there is no fat covering the sides and back. There is noticeable muscle loss around shoulders and thighs, an overly pronounced waistline from the top view, and an overly pronounced tummy tuck from the side view. Slightly underweight: Ribs can be easily felt, hips and spine may be slightly visible if your German Shepherd has shorter hair, but there is no fat covering. There is an obvious waistline from above and a marked tummy tuck from the side. If your German Shepherd is underweight or thin, speak to your veterinarian. It could be that they are just growing quickly, often becoming lightly underweight after a growth spurt and then putting weight on until the next growth spurt. You may just need to change their food or feed them larger and more frequent meals. However, their low weight may indicate parasites or another underlying medical condition. Elderly German Shepherds can struggle with being underweight. This is why senior dog foods typically have a higher calorie count. Overweight German Shepherds It is important to prevent your German Shepherd from becoming overweight while they are growing. Extra weight on developing joints and muscles can cause problems. German Shepherds can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is worsened by excess weight. Other excessive weight-related conditions include diabetes, pancreatitis, heart problems, respiratory problems, kidney disease, and arthritis. Related: German Shepherd Joint Problems: All You Need to Know Your German Shepherd is not likely to become overweight in the first 9 months of their lives because their growth rate easily matches their calorie intake. When your German Shepherd reaches 9 months, growth slows down significantly, and you may need to adjust their food quantities to account for this sudden reduction in calorie requirements. A helpful tip is to switch to low-calorie treats during this stage, especially considering training needs to intensify, and people often use treats for positive reinforcement incentives. And instead of switching to a calorie-restricted food or reducing the amount you feed your German Shepherd, speak to a veterinarian about switching from puppy food to adult food. Purina defines four levels of overweight: slightly overweight, markedly overweight, obese, and clinically obese. Slightly overweight: Ribs can be felt slightly, but there is an obvious layer of fat covering the ribcage and back. There is a slight waistline when viewed from the top, but it is not clear. There is a slight tummy tuck towards the hind legs when viewed from the side. Markedly overweight: Ribs are not easily felt, and there is an obvious layer of fat over the ribcage. There are fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. Obese: Ribs are difficult to feel because of the fatty layer covering them. There are significant fatty pads along the lower back and at the base of the tail, making the waistline absent when viewed from above. And the tummy bulges outward and sags slightly when viewed from the side. Clinically obese: Ribs cannot be felt under the fatty layer. There are significant fatty pads around the neck and legs, along the lower back, and at the base of the tail. The waistline is absent when viewed from above. The tummy significantly bulges and sags when viewed from the side. Miniature German Shepherds are much smaller and have completely different development requirements and problems. Final Thoughts The weight and growth charts provided in this article are designed to provide guidelines for the developmental milestones your puppy should be reaching in the first years of its life. Male German Shepherds are bigger and heavier than females, and from weeks old, these differences become apparent. Although males and females have different weight and height targets at each stage, they should hit the same percentages of their adult weight at the same age. If your puppy is slightly above or below the average weight or height at a given age, it does not mean that there is a problem. However, if your German Shepherd puppy starts to fall more and more behind, or if they miss other developmental milestones other than weight and height, it may indicate an underlying medical condition, and you will need to take your dog to see a veterinarian. Deficiencies in weight can compromise growth and the general condition of your German Shepherd, and excess weight can cause joint injury and other serious medical conditions. Keep all of these things in mind and be observant of your growing pup and how you approach feeding and training in accordance. By doing this, you will ensure that you have a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted German Shepherd for many years to come!

Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. Changing food without gradual transition will probably result in an upset tummy and possibly diarrhoea. Why do I feed my dogs and puppies dry kibble? The better brands have been scientifically developed by experts for growing puppies. They contain the correct amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants the puppy requires. The puppy maintains a healthy weight. There are as many opinions about the best diet to feed your dog as there are dog foods. Your choice may come down to what suits your lifestyle or what your Vet recommends or based on your past experience or recommendations from others. I do know however, from the many dogs I have had and the many foods I have tried with them, that feeding mainly a quality dry kibble like Royal Canin or Hills Science and giving them chicken wings, or chicken frames or raw meaty bones a couple of times each week is easy, keeps them in excellent health and generally avoids tummy upsets and diarrhoea. Helpful Tips If you are introducing your puppy to new food, be sure to do it gradually, introducing a little of the food each day and slowly increasing the new food as you reduce the old food. Be consistent with what you feed them or their tummy will get upset. Talk to your Vet about what they recommend to feed your puppy, and follow their recommendations for food quantities. An overweight puppy or dog will end up with health problems. Clean fresh water must be available to your dog at all times during the day. Wash their food bowl and water bowls regularly to minimise bacteria. Chicken wings or chicken frames and raw weight bearing bones are great to feed your puppy a couple of times each week - great for their teeth, and to help when chewing everything in sight is an issue. You cannot give your dog only raw meat. Got more questions? Do some research - find reputable websites and also post questions on our Facebook group , the community and ourselves are happy to share our experiences and help where we can. Cooked bones can splinter and get caught in their throat. Do not feed your puppy chicken necks. Wait until they are 12 months old before introducing chicken necks. Not only will mealtimes become a pain, but you might accidentally feed them something that may make them unwell. Put them outside or on a lead away from table where they can have their own meal. Keep rubbish bins, inside and outside, secure from your puppy. This is a wonderful place for puppy to explore all these amazing smells. But you are asking for trouble and possibly a very costly trip to the vet as a result. Chocolate amongst other things, is poisonous to puppies and dogs, make sure all the members of your family are aware of this, especially children who want to spoil their new puppy. Most Labradoodle puppies are ready for adult dog food around the age of 16 months. The dietary needs of growing puppies are different from that of adult dogs. For this reason, puppy foods are formulated specifically to support their rapidly developing bodies. Getting too much or not enough of certain nutrients can cause serious health problems and affect their development. Labradoodle Puppy vs Adult Food Labradoodle puppies need about twice as many calories relative to their body weight compared to an adult dog. They require more protein to support growing muscles and a different mineral balance for their rapidly developing bones. Puppies also digest food and absorb nutrients differently. Likewise, an adult dog should not eat puppy food. They contain too many calories for a full-grown Doodle and could lead to obesity or orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Swapping Puppy Food for Adult Food Once your Labradoodle has reached maturity, you can transition him to an adult formulated dog food. For the next few days, mix equal portions of each food. Finally, after several more days, serve only adult dog food. The amount you should feed a Labradoodle puppy depends on their age, weight, genetics, and activity levels. Portion sizes also depend on the type of food and how nutrient- and calorie-dense it is. Most commercial foods come with feeding recommendations on the label. Make sure to divide the total daily amount into multiple feedings spaced at regular intervals throughout the day. The smaller and younger your Labradoodle puppy is, the more often he needs to be fed. Puppies under three months are particularly at risk for hypoglycemia. After this, you can change it to two meals. Underweight puppies can benefit from staying on puppy food for a little longer than average. As there may be another underlying health issue contributing to their low weight. But in some cases, the Poodle parent could be a Miniature or a Toy Poodle and will be considerably smaller. The best way to determine if your Labradoodle puppy is the right weight is to run your hands down his sides. If the ribs are protruding, he may be too thin. Most people choose commercial dog food, but raw and homemade diets are becoming more popular. Puppy nutrition requires a delicate balance. If you decide to prepare meals, work with your veterinarian to ensure they contain everything a growing Labradoodle needs. If you are not sure whether your puppy can have eggs , or cheese, or some other human food as a treat, you can search this site for more information. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Dry food or kibble is the most popular kind of commercial dog food. When choosing from the myriad choices available, select a high-quality formula made specifically for puppies. Choose a kibble that lists a quality meat protein as the first ingredient. Avoid brands that have large quantities of carbohydrates, such as cereals, corn, and soy, as well as any that contain artificial colors, sweeteners, and flavors. This will differ a little between brands, but as a general rule for your Labradoodle around 16 months is the right age to switch. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Wet Food While kibble is usually a better option for Labradoodle puppies, wet food does have some advantages. Loose stool can also be the result of a wet food diet. Labradoodle puppies require a diet formulated to support proper growth and meet their nutritional needs. Depending on the parentage, Labradoodles will reach maturity between 10 and 16 months. Once they are fully-grown adult dogs, they have different requirements and need adult dog food. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Within a few weeks you should be able to tell if they would be content with changing to 2 meals per day. Some dogs will be happy with 1 meal per day from about the age of one year onwards. However this is a decision that should be made on a pup-to-pup basis. Your puppy will need to have access to plenty of fresh water. Our Labradoodles enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables. These include blueberries, apples, bananas, strawberries, pumpkin, beans, peas, and carrots. They also thoroughly enjoy eggs cooked or raw , tuna, sardines, and the occasional dollop of yoghurt. Our dogs enjoy a balanced and grain-free dog food, coupled with good quality fresh meats. If choosing to feed dry food, there are fantastic quality brands available. It is very easy to make food yourself for your dog when feeding your Labradoodle puppy. This enables you to give your dog a good variety of nutrients. You can search for recipes on the internet that would suit your dog, or ask your vet. Be aware of the additives that some pet foods may have in them. These can often have a negative effect on their long-term health. Raw bones are also fantastic for Labradoodles, including ribs and chicken necks. Ask your local butcher for a nicely cut dog bone suitable for the size of your pup. Your puppy will love a good bone to chew on, they are often obsessed with chewing anything and everything at this age! Bones are a great source of calcium, as well as acting as a fantastic tooth brush for dogs! We avoid feeding our dogs high-lactose forms of dairy, such as milk and cream, as these can cause gastrointestinal issues of varying severity. We also abstain from giving our pups lactose-free puppy milk. This is nutritionally redundant in the presence of a balanced diet. Our dogs do, however, thoroughly enjoy a treat of cheese or the occasional splash of yoghurt. Hypro Premium Australian made, ensuring freshness is a great option for your puppy. It is nutritionally balanced and high quality. Your puppy will be used to this already, having eaten it at our home. Another firm favourite is Vets All Natural, a rehydratable and biologically appropriate option that is mixed through raw meat. Labradoodles by nature are not greedy or voracious eaters, and will only eat if they are hungry. You can weigh your puppy regularly to keep a track of their growth. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocados, onion, garlic, and all cooked bones this list is not exhaustive. Never feed your dog cooked bones as this can be fatal due to the bones splintering within the dogs intestinal system. For further questions, or for ongoing support after taking a Bluefields pup home, please contact us.

Ask them to contact you if your dog is seen, but not to chase your dog in an effort to catch them. A friendly, confident dog is more likely to be found where people or other dogs gather. A shy, frightened or injured dog, or one lost in an unfamiliar area, is more likely to be hiding or on the run. Distribute flyers with your contact information to dogwalkers, mail carriers, joggers and anyone else who frequents the area. Post notices at grocery stores, laundromats, community centers, veterinary offices, dog parks, pet supply stores and other locations. Use local social media sites and missing pet registries to help get the word out. Otherwise, they may assume the animal is abandoned and needs a home. Bring in technology You may learn that your dog is frequenting an area, but is too skittish or traumatized to come to you or other people. Start placing food and water in a safe spot within the area your dog is known to visit a large plastic storage container turned on its side can protect the food from rain. Use a motion-activated camera to see if your dog is eating the food. Once you know your dog is visiting the feeding station and what time they typically show up, you can set a humane trap to capture them. Most animal control agencies and many rescue groups will have a trap you can borrow. Be sure to monitor the trap and quickly release any wildlife or other animal you unintentionally capture. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy Advanced search strategies Mission Reunite and the Missing Animal Response Network provide advanced search tips, online trainings and information on hiring a lost-pet recovery expert. Online search tips Most communities have Facebook groups for sharing information about lost and found pets. Search for groups in your area and post a notice of your missing dog. Share the post on your personal Facebook, Instagram or other social media accounts. Fellow animal lovers will likely want to help in your search. Petco Love Lost is a national database that uses facial recognition technology to search thousands of found pet listings from users and shelters across the country. Simply upload a photo of your dog to start the search. You can also try:. Download here: Free Lost Dog Poster Template Plaster the lost dog posters all over telephone poles in the area and make a large sign to place in your front yard or on your front door. Hang the lost dog flyer on bulletin boards, at local coffee shops and stores, vet practices, pet stores, animal shelters and animal hospitals. If you want to take this one step further, try car tagging as a means to help inform the community of your lost pet. There are many stories you can read online about how printed lost dog posters really helped reunite dog parents with their four legged friend. Even in the age of social media, paper flyers are effective. So use both digital and physical lost log posters for best results. These ideas may help you to bring your canine buddy home: Pay to put out a missing dog notice in your local newspaper or radio. Hire a pet detective or missing animal response specialist. Offer a reward, and be relatively generous. Call or visit animal shelters each day. Hire a sniffer dog to help you find your lost dog. Hang up lost dog posters at the vet in case your dog has been injured and brought in by a kind stranger. It can be easy to get discouraged if your dog goes missing for any significant amount of time. But many worried dog parents like yourself have been in your shoes and were eventually successfully reunited with their beloved dogs again. No matter if it takes hours, days, weeks, or months, do not lose hope that you can and will find your dog someday. Get a map and mark off your targeted search area to make your search more efficient. Gather a few close friends and family and others who know your dog to help you on your search. Split up so you can each cover a different area. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you search in the dark. Call your dog by their name. Continue checking that spot, in case your dog returns. Let them come back to you. Tell friends, family and neighbors to track together with you. Remember that you can share location with anyone for example, the police who can help retrieve your dog. What to do if you find a lost dog What if you are the one who finds a lost dog? Using calm body language , encourage the dog to come to you. Turning sideways and moving slowly can help the dog to feel less intimidated by you. Offering a treat can help. Do not chase or run after the dog. Try opening your car door and inviting the dog to go on a car ride in an excited voice. The dog may jump happily into the back of your vehicle. If the dog is aggressive or otherwise difficult to catch, contact animal control for assistance. Once you have the dog, keep them safely contained until you find their caretaker. A leash, fenced area, or room in your home are helpful here. Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water, fresh air and ventilation, and a comfortable temperature. Beware of heat stroke in dogs. Keep the dog separated from any other pets in your home for the safety of all animals involved. In case the dog is injured or sick, take them to a nearby animal hospital or vet for treatment. The vet can also scan for a microchip to identify the family of the dog. Note that you might have to cover any related costs. Make digital found dog posts and distribute them across your social media platforms. Register the found dog on a service like Petco Love Lost. This is especially possible in case the dog belongs to a rare breed. So when posting on websites like craigslist. Hint: If someone is claiming a dog is theirs, let them prove it by using their real name. How to ensure that your dog is never lost again: You would probably like to avoid this situation and prevent your dog from ever getting lost again. So be sure to do the following, to prevent your dog from getting lost again : Ensure your dog is always wearing a high quality collar with a dog tag that contains your phone number and address. Take frequent walks with your dog so that they get enough exercise and satisfy their curiosity and love for adventure. Keep your dog safe in a special dog seat or container during car rides. Check your gate or fence regularly for weak spots where they could possibly escape. Take photos of your dog so that you have them in case they go missing. The best case scenario for lost dogs Ideally, your dog would always be wearing a GPS dog tracker, which would let you to locate them within seconds. And sign up for the Tractive newsletter for more helpful information, plus special offers. Now you know how to find a lost dog. Share this article with a friend: Must reads. You have no time to lose, and starting early is crucial. The sooner you begin your search, the better your odds of finding your dog. Scour the neighborhood, and be sure to hit places that your pet has been before, like parks, stores, or common walk routes. Be sure to search your neighborhood at all times of day, not just during daylight hours. The best time to call for your pet is at night, and at dawn, as spooked dogs may only emerge when it gets dark or when fewer people are around. Also, search by foot and by car, if possible. You will be able to cover more ground in a vehicle. Make a flyer Make a clear, informative flyer to get the word out. Mention if your pet is on any medication. Include the address, neighborhood, state, and time of day. Your flyer should be clear, uncluttered, and detailed, but not too wordy. A pop of color will help make your flyer more noticeable. An example of a bad flyer. I have a lot of people messaging me with lost dog ads to share on dogsofnyc. For example, they display unclear photos, or are missing key information like the neighborhood the dog was lost in, etc. A good, clear flyer will ensure more people get involved, and more get invested. The more help, the better! Get the word out Getting the word out is a great way to involve your neighbors. Once the community becomes involved, it will be easier to muster help and organize search parties. The more hands on deck, the better. Here are ways to get the word out: In Person: Canvas the neighborhood with the flyers, taping them to poles, windows, and doorways. Your flyers should be clear see above and large enough to be read from 10 feet away. Put up your flyers at the following locations: Around the neighborhood in a 3-mile radius. Building lobbies. Losing your pet is traumatic. Your first inclination may be to panic, but you stand a far greater chance of finding your pet if you follow these simple steps. Prior to losing your pet: Take several color photos of your pet, identify the best one, and make multiple prints. On the back of each print write your pet's name, breed, age, approximate height and weight, and your name and phone number. Put these away for future use. Proper identification is your single best chance for finding your missing companion! There are several kinds of pet IDs available: collar tags, tattoos, or microchips. Microchipping is a great choice since most animal shelters and veterinary clinics will have a scanner, allowing them to scan a pet for its chip and trace it back to its registered owner. Please call the shelter at to confirm availability. When you first discover that your pet is missing, immediately contact all animal shelters and animal control offices in your area. By law, stray animals brought to a shelter are only held for five days - after which, if the animal is unclaimed, it can be legally adopted out to someone else. Don't wait around to see if your pet comes back on its own! File a lost report with every resource in your area right away. The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter's phone number is .Bring a photo of your pet to each animal shelter in your area. A photo is significantly better than just a verbal description because it allows the staff to make a visual comparison. For each shelter you contact, make a return visit every few days. While animal shelters try their best to match lost pets with their owners, the best way to find your pet is to actually walk through their kennels yourself. If you put up signs around town, make sure to use your pet's photo on the sign. Click the photo for details. If you are having issues scrolling, view the full list online.

How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. Translation missing: en. June 8, Liz Palika Dog breeders and behavioral specialists feel that the week range is the adequate age for most dogs to leave their mother for their new homes. Unfortunately, in talking with other dog trainers, behavioral consultants and behaviorists, we all agree we're seeing a trend of puppies leaving mom and littermates far too young. A puppy who leaves his mother and littermates at five to six weeks of age, or worse yet, even younger, is going to suffer for that throughout his life. Adopting Eight Week Old Dogs Is Typical The traditional age for puppies to leave their mom and littermates and go to their new home has been eight weeks of age. At eight weeks of age most puppies are able to eat well, no longer need to nurse or eat supplemental formula, are mobile, and are aware of their world. They are well socialized to the people in their household and hopefully have also met other animals in the home. They have been exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells and while they pay attention to these things, they are not afraid. At eight weeks of age these puppies are ready to leave their mother and siblings and go to their new home. Nine to Ten Week Old Pups are Typically The Best Age Since some puppies tend to go through a fear period at eight weeks of age an awareness of the world around them that can cause anxiety , many breeders and new owners would prefer to wait one or two more weeks. I brought home Hero, and before him Bones, at nine and a half weeks of age, because I felt that the puppies at that age were a bit more mature and ready for their new lives. One to two weeks can make a big difference. Other dog trainers and behaviorists agree: nine to 10 weeks of age is absolutely fine. In fact at this age, the puppy is past the eight week fear period, if he had one, and he's a bit more confident now. Developmentally, he's ready to learn, explore and figure out what his new life is going to be. Those who breed toy breeds especially, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, and other tiny dogs, will keep the puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. These tiny puppies can be quite fragile physically and may be slower to mature mentally and emotionally as babies. A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic. Not only do large breed puppies grow rapidly, they are also stronger and rowdy, potentially making it more difficult for new owners to bond with this excited, big puppy who is jumping, pawing and otherwise making life difficult. Also, a week-old large-breed puppy is still a dependent baby; by 12 weeks he's changing. It's much easier for new owners to bond with an eight—to week-old puppy. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy ; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together. To Learn Key Social and Behavioral Traits Puppies who leave their canine family too early will show immediate behavior problems. They will be fearful of many things and show a lack of confidence. They can also be slow to bond to people or will go the other direction, attaching so strongly to their new owners that they will panic when left alone. The ability to soothe himself, to relax when left alone, is missing with most of these puppies. Biting is common. The mother dog teaches the puppy to control his biting as do the puppy's littermates. When puppies go to their new home, some biting is to be expected, as all puppies experiment. But when deprived of these early lessons, the puppy will bite more and harder, and teaching him that biting is not allowed is more difficult. This important transition time ensures that puppies receive all the appropriate nutrition from their mother. This will support the long term health of the puppy. Additionally, interrupting the weaning process too early has behavioral side effects for young dogs. Suckling, even past the need for milk can be a source of comfort while a puppy grows accustomed to eating only solid foods. Taking Puppies Too Young is Illegal In Some States In 26 states , the age at which puppies may be separated from the mother dog or sold is defined by law. Of those, 22 say that puppies must be eight weeks old before they can be sold. Three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that puppies must be seven weeks old. Some states focus on the age that a puppy can be separated from his mother. Illinois, for example, requires that a puppy be at least eight weeks old before he can be taken from his mother. The laws vary as to who these laws apply to, with some focusing on dog breeders, kennels, and other commercial facilities. Other laws apply to anyone selling puppies, including those on Craigslist. Before buying any puppy, the more you know the better. If an unscrupulous person produces puppies and knows that he can sell them early at six to seven weeks or earlier and avoid paying for food, veterinary care, or other costs, then that cycle will continue. But if more people say no, then perhaps that cycle of human behavior can be changed. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in training, working, showing, and titling her dogs in many different types of ring sports. She is passionate about the breed as she adores rearing the next generation through selectively breeding only health-tested dogs from pedigrees known to have quality genetics. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Mother dogs, also known as dams, are often protective and guarded of their newborn litter. If your dam has abandoned her litter by refusing to nurse them or stay by their side, you will need to jump into action to make sure that the puppies thrive. There are a number of ways that you can encourage the mother to stay by the puppies, but you should also make sure that there are no medical problems causing the abandonment. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. If your dog has a close bond with you or suffers from separation anxiety, they may be leaving the whelping box to stay near you. While generally the whelping box should be located in a quiet and calm part of the home, if you suspect that this is the problem, you might want to relocate the box to an area where you spend most of your time. Nursing releases hormones that helps bond the mother and the puppies. If the mother initially appears disinterested in her puppies, you might be able to start the production of these hormones by introducing the puppies to her teat. To do this, command the dam to lay down and gently ease her to her side so that the teats are exposed. Hold her down gently. Be sure to comfort her with kind words and petting. Have another person introduce the puppies one by one to her teats to nurse. After a few times, you may be able to convince the mother to nurse on her own. If this does not work, you will have to feed the puppies by hand, using a bottle or syringe. If the dog nurses her puppies but refuses to warm or stay by their side, you will have to keep them warm yourself. Your vet may have specific instructions to help your dog based on her medical history, breed, and environment. If stress or anxiety is the problem, your vet can prescribe medication that might help your dog accept her puppies. You should tell the vet whether the mother dog is aggressive or indifferent to her puppies. Try to determine when the mother abandoned her puppies. For example, did she reject them at birth or did she stop paying attention to them after a week or two? If the area where the whelping box is located is noisy or busy, the dam might become stressed. This may cause her to stop nursing or to ignore the puppies. To help encourage a calm environment, make sure that the whelping box is in a quiet part of your home. There should not be much traffic through this room. If you have other pets, you should block their access to the whelping box. The presence of other animals may stress the dam out. You can start introducing your other pets to the puppies around 5 or 6 weeks. If you notice redness, swelling, pus, abscesses, or discolored milk, the dam might have mastitis. This makes lactation and nursing very painful for the mother dog. If it is severe, the mother can become aggressive towards the puppies or refuse to nurse. A vet can treat mastitis with antibiotics. You can help stimulate the flow of milk by gently pressing the teat between your forefinger and thumb. Be aware that if the dog is in extreme pain, she may become aggressive. If your dog refuses to nurse and starts pacing excessively, she may have milk fever. Milk fever, also known as eclampsia, may cause the mother to refuse the puppies. Symptoms begin with restlessness or anxiety. The mother may start to walk with a stiff or wobbly gait. This can develop into tremors, spasms, heavy panting, and fever. If you suspect that the dam is suffering from these symptoms, take her to the vet immediately. If untreated, it can lead to death. Take both the mother and the puppies to the vet. The vet will do bloodwork and other tests to determine what is going wrong. Occasionally, something might be wrong with the puppies, causing the mother to abandon them. Your vet may be able to help them thrive. The vet may also recommend that you feed and care for the puppies yourself. Dog Appeasing Pheromone DAP is a natural chemical signal that a mother dog releases when lactating to help calm and soothe her puppies. It has also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in adult dogs. If your mother dog is refusing to nurse her puppies, placing a DAP collar on her can help encourage her to accept her puppies. You can spray parts of the whelping box, but you should not spray the dam or the puppies directly with it. You can buy DAP sprays, diffusers, and collars online or at some pet stores. Your vet may also carry them. Puppies require around-the-clock care and feeding. They need to be fed a puppy-milk substitute every 2 to 3 hours. Puppies can be bottle or tube fed. Special puppy bottles are available from vets or pet stores, although bottle feeding can take significantly longer than tube feeding. Tube feeding is generally recommended, although you should have a vet show you the proper technique so that the puppies do not accidentally inhale and choke on the milk substitute. To feed the puppy, make sure that they are positioned with their tummy facing down. Hold the bottle slightly tilted down towards the puppy. The puppy should latch on. Let the puppy suckle until they are full. If the puppy starts to cough or if you notice milk coming out of their nose, stop feeding immediately. Cow or goat milk is not appropriate for puppies. You should use a store-bought puppy milk substitute. Some puppies may try to nurse and suckle each other in place of the mother. This may hurt the other puppies. If this happens, you may want to separate the puppies into different whelping boxes. For the first 3 weeks of life, puppies are not able to move their bowels on their own. The mother will lick them to encourage elimination and urination. In the absence of the mother, you will need to do this for the puppy. After each feeding, wet a cotton ball or take a pre-moistened baby wipe. Massage the anus and genitals. After a minute or 2, the puppy should urinate and poop. Puppies will start to go on their own by three weeks of age. Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature. You can suspend a watt light bulb over one part of their box to keep them warm. Heating pads may also be used to raise the temperature. Wrap the heating pad in towels or sheepskin. Always supervise the puppies while they are on the heating pad. The mother is responsible for socializing her puppies. It might help to find another dam who gave birth around the same time as your dam did. Introduce the puppies one at a time to her, and see if she accepts them. If she does, she may be willing to foster the puppies as her own. If you cannot find a foster dam, start introducing the puppy to other people after a few weeks to help the puppies socialize. Encourage them to play with each other as well. What action should you take? Newborn pups need to be with their mother and the maternal instinct usually means a mother dog will want to stay with her litter most of the time. She may also show signs of stress and in some cases may physically pick up and move the puppies away from her. Another clear sign of potential rejection is if you hear excessive cries from the litter. In extreme cases, a mother may kill and even eat her puppies. This is obviously a situation you will wish to avoid and why monitoring your dog throughout the early stages is a good idea. Reasons for Puppy Rejection There are a number of potential explanations as to why a mother dog would reject her litter of puppies, these include: No Recognition In some situations such as if a dog is particularly young or has her puppies by caesarean section, she may simply not associate the puppies as being hers. Stress If you dog encounters extreme stress either during labour or shortly after giving birth, this can trigger behaviours such as aggression and dissonance. Unhealthy Puppies Although domesticated, dogs still possess many instinctual survival traits from their wild ancestors. As a result, if a puppy is sick or weak your dog may instinctively abandon or even kill it. The theory is that a wild puppy that is sick or defective is unlikely to survive long so the mother will prioritise her food and attention to the strongest and healthiest in the litter. No Instinct A lack of a natural maternal instinct can be due to a number of factors and is most commonly seen in young bitches or those who were hand reared separated early from their own mothers. Illness or injury If a dog is at all unwell and suffering from injury or illness after giving birth, this can lead to rejecting a litter. Sometimes, mothers can contract mastitis which causes inflammation, pain and discomfort in the teats which will cause her to avoid nursing her pups. If the all the pups are feeding, this is a good sign. In situations where she is not with her pups at all or is showing signs of illness or injury, you will need to contact your vet immediately. They will need to assess both mother and puppies and will be able to advise of any illnesses they may need treating. Your vet will also be able to advise on the best formula to use if you need to hand feed the puppies. If she is showing signs of aggression towards them, remove them immediately as this could lead to a very sad scenario. When stress is the cause, there are certain aids they can help such as Adaptil. This is a natural pheromone that can help induce a calm state in your dog. However, your vet is best placed to inform you of other potential alternatives that may be available under prescription. Moving abroad with your dog or taking your pup on holiday? We are experienced pet travel specialists and we can help. Just get in touch! Welcome to the family, Pugnuts! Their mother Pugnella was back in her workshop inventing marvelous devices for home and factory, and Pugnacious was back digging holes in Surry and the surrounding villages in Hancock County. He had just settled into his chair with his pipe and the latest copy of the Ellsworth American when the puppies came racing in from the workshop. Round and round his chair they went. When they finally caught up with each other they tumbled into a big ball of paws and wagging tails on the braided rug. Let me tell you a story! Their father and mother had already told them many interesting things about the goings-on outside the house and the town. They were too young to venture outside, but were intensely curious about what was beyond the front door. Pugnacious took a sip of his tea while the puppies settled in. Pugnuts ran over, turning around and around before he lay down next to his brother. Then they all gave a big shiver and sigh, and looked up at their daddy with big brown eyes, pink tongues curling as they panted. In fact, your ancestors came from a land far, far away, over an ocean, a very long time ago. At the time of this story it was springtime, a time when the gardens were in bloom and people should have been happy. Winter was over and the days were getting bright and sunny. But in the kingdom, all was gloomy. You see, the Prince was sad and so were his subjects. In fact, the Prince was so unhappy he wanted everyone around him to be as sad as he was. He punished his farmers when it didn't rain, even though they couldn't do anything about it. He punished his cooks if his food was served too hot, and he punished his tailor if his clothes were too tight. He was despised by his people but nobody dared to tell him so. Even the trees and flowers seemed to droop in the gloomy rains and mists. One day the Prince was stomping around in his garden. Just as he was reaching a towering rage, he heard a tiny yip and snuffling noise from the other side of the courtyard wall. .He then heard a "shh" sound. The guards rushed out to the village, to the courtyard of the house next to the Prince's garden wall, and soon returned with a family of pot-makers. The Prince thundered, "Who are these people who would dare to interrupt the Prince's peace? We hope only to live our lives in peace and to serve you faithfully. Just then the the same yip and snorting sound that the Prince heard earlier came from a bundle held by the youngest potter's daughter Ping. Her eyes downcast, she folded away the cloth. When she drew back the cloth, the most marvelous face appeared. This was the first time the world had seen a pug. Staring up at the Prince was a fawn colored face with enormous and watery brown eyes. It was a dog with a funny pushed in nose. Her entire mouth was a bright shiny black. She was fawn colored, and she had short, stubby legs, a round belly, and a tail that curled so much on her back it looked like a pork bun. Her mouth was turned down a little and made her look a little sad. Her eyes captivated the Prince. She looked at him soulfully and snuffled a little. Then she rolled her eyes and curled her tongue and sighed, and looked at him again as if the entire weight of the world was on her shoulders. What was the pug's name? It was Ming Sue who established the standard for all of us. Now of course we are all known for our big eyes, doleful expressions, flat faces, and curly tongues and tails. He continued with the story. The Prince looked into those big brown eyes and was immediately under their spell. Ming Sue looked into the Prince's eyes. Her eyes shifted to the family of potters. Only she seems to understand the sadness in my soul. Ming Sue, heavy with her litter of puppies, waddled to the door and went with the guards as if she knew that this was where she was supposed to go in the first place when she came to the village. It was hard to believe that any animal would choose to be near such a sour and evil Prince. Ming Sue looked up at the Prince with her big brown watery eyes, and her doleful expression. She looked like a sad clown. The Prince laughed with delight! From that day onward, his kingdom was the happiest in China, and people came from far and wide to see Ming Sue. Soon Pugs were sitting at the feet of all the princes and even the emperor of China, and though the emperor wielded great power, his pugs wielded even greater power over him. He looked over to the kitchen door and saw Pugnella standing there listening. She padded over to him and gave him a lick on his head. Pugnacious T Findlay, father and storyteller, settled back into his chair, snapped open his newspaper to the editorials, and sighed contentedly as the fire snapped in the stove and the wind blew fluffy snow against the windows.

Shepherds selectively bred dogs to preserve the traits that helped with herding and guarding livestock. The resulting dogs were capable but showed variation in appearance and ability. In , the Phylax Society was formed to create standardized development plans for native dog breeds in Germany, leading to a trend to breed for both temperament and appearance. His show dog, Horand, was the first German Shepherd in the breed register. In the first half of the 20th century, the breed became strongly associated with Imperial and Nazi Germany as a symbol of purity and militarism. They were also used as guard dogs in the Nazi concentration camps. When the German Shepherd was introduced to the US in the early 20th century, it was a popular breed. Unfortunately, as more people acquired the dog, German Shepherds became associated with gangsters and bootleggers during Prohibition, leading to a reputation as a dangerous breed. For a brief period, the dog was named the Alsatian Wolf Dog to remove its association with Germany at the time. In , the British kennel clubs officially used German Shepherd. Red German Shepherds make excellent pets for a variety of owners. They excel at herding, service work, canine sports, guardian work, or just as a gentle family pet. These dogs are intelligent and easy to train, but they require socialization, boundaries, and consistency. With proper training, the German Shepherd is a loyal and loving companion. Conclusion The Red German Shepherd is a beautiful variation on the classic black and tan color. Beyond their rich mahogany coats, Red German Shepherds share the same skills and traits that make these dogs popular, including loyalty, bravery, intelligence, and diligence. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin! She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches. I had so many questions so I went ahead and did some research. Their uncommon coats are a rich mahogany red color combined with a deep black. While having a purebred red German Shepherd puppy may be a top concern for you, you will also want to ensure the dog itself is right for you, your family, and your lifestyle. The AKC recognises 11 color varieties for the German Shepherd, each with a specific registration code for dog shows. You can view most of these color varieties on Geliebt Shepherds website German Shepherd breeders. Black and Red German Shepherd puppies are typically show dogs because of their bloodline. Red and black German Shepherd Black and tan German Shepherd puppy History of the color red in German Shepherd puppies German Shepherd puppies originally had coats ranging in colors from dark to light, and even shades of red back in the s. Back then, they were not pet dogs. Instead they were bred in Germany to herd sheep. Some sables can feature red fur. Red and black German Shepherd puppies Source: images are courtesy of Rotterbarental German Shepherd breeders in Southern California Sable German Shepherds have banded fur, meaning the individual hairs have multiple colors in one strand. Red is fairly uncommon, but not impossible to find. The gorgeous red coat can show up in a variety of ways. The richness of the coat — Some German Shepherds will have a deep, rich reddish-brown coat, while others have more of a strawberry blonde color to them. How much red is on their face — Most red German Shepherd puppies will have black on their face, though some will have little to none. Age of the dog — Because German Shepherds grow fairly quickly, the coat color changes as the dog ages. Below is a chart showing the average weight and color change for red German Shepherds up to one-year-old. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.