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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located near Kingston, Ontario, we raise our dogs on 20 acres of land and with our 5 young children. The puppies are well accustomed to a family setting before they go home. All our German Shepherd puppies are raised with quality care from day one to insure a happy, confident, well balanced temperament. They are around children, cats and smaller dogs to make sure they will acclimate well with any kind of household. Our German Shepherd puppies are black and red in color. German Shepherd puppies for sale come current on their vaccinations, are dewormed and microchipped. We offer a health guarantee, life time support, a vet health certificate, CKC registration papers and a useful German Shepherd puppy starter package. We are located on 20 acres of land, where our dog are free to roam. Our dogs have wide open spaces and are not confined. We strive to give our dogs the best lives we can offer them. Family run with five children, our dogs and puppies are well accustomed to family life already. Accepting Puppy Reservations for Fall Information about planned litters available on Please, I kindly ask you to take a moment to review my FAQ page before contacting me, I greatly appreciate it, I promise to do my best to get back to you as quickly as I can. Thank you in advance. Thank you so much. Or email me, at winbakfund rocketmail. Be sure to check out what they have to offer! Including Boarding, Grooming, Raw Food sales and beautiful indoor training facility for all disciplines! Meagan also offers Puppy classes and behavioral herding. Wild Wilds German Shepherds is a small breeding operation, German Shepherds have been our passion since .We are located on a beautiful 45 acre farm in Arthur, Ontario. Our dogs are members of our family, they share our home and are not kenneled. Puppies are raised in a loving enviroment, and are exposed to various ages of children and everyday situations. We are very proud of the puppies we produce and keep the best interest of our dogs first and foremost at all times. We are out and about competing with our dogs in Obedience, Herding and Tracking. We strive to produce healthy, well-adjusted babies that will mature into awesome active family members. Our pups can excel at any discipline, including obedience, tracking, herding and agility. Please be aware puppies are sold on non breeding agreements only. We also have a return policy, which requires our puppies be returned to us if circumstances are such you are unable to keep the puppy for any reason. This policy also applies to puppies that are flying to their new homes. We are constantly seeking improve the pedigrees of our dogs. Our puppies are large, square, structurally correct, and true to type. We urge all prospective Clients to educated themselves about Working Line GSDs and to appreciate these are intelligent and athletic dogs that require both mental and physical stimulation. They are NOT couch potatoes. OFA certified for hips and elbows and testing for Degenerative Myelopathy. We are very proud to begin using Embark to test our dogs. Please continue to check in for updates. We are happy to provide references and welcome visitors by Appointment. Please take a few moments to read thru the additional information available on the FAQS page If you are interested in hearing what our past puppy clients are saying about our dogs, please check out our Again a heartfelt Thank you to everyone that took time to write one, it has been so great.I teared up several times!! Your time is greatly appreciated. If I haven't already contacted you about a testimonial but you would like to send one please do so! We are very proud to be members of :. New Puppy Arrivals! We only work with proven bloodlines and that produce strong, healthy, and irresistibly cute puppies. The quality of our dogs comes from the fact that our female German shepherds are bred only once a year in order to give them the rest and attention they deserve. Ulvilden German Shepherds has been raising and breeding dogs since .Let us put our experience to work for you. German Shepherds Breeder Ulviden German Shepherds was founded in with the goal of providing the highest quality dogs to qualified owners. German shepherds can be the kindest, most protective, and most loyal breed of dog there is, but we knew that pairing them with the right owners was what made the difference. We combined our knowledge of breeding with our love for dogs to create the most respected and accomplished breeding kennel in Canada. They truly are our best friends. Since we began breeding puppies and providing male and female dogs for breeding, we have expanded across Canada. We started by offering German shepherd puppies in Saskatchewan but slowly spread out, and now we offer purebred puppies and dogs in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and the rest of the nation and internationally. Stud Service Available to Select Females A well bred German Shepherd and Customer satisfaction are our top priority A Member in good standing of: the Canadian Kennel Club "Untiring, always zealous for duty, always attentive, always ready to serve, such is the character of our shepherd dog. Showing 1 - 36 of 36 resultsPage 1 - 36 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. The pups have been raised with a large family on a farm and experience socialization with dogs, people, large animals, All puppies are full black with broad massive heads. They are going to be large tall with stocky muscular build. They are friendly and good with children. They are black, tan and redish. Our German Shepherds are eager to learn, easy to train, Straight backs. We are a small family-owned dog.He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. They are both on site as they are our family pets. Mac, the father, is a black.Please Contact German shepherd puppies Barrie Absolutely beautiful and extremely intelligent Three month, old, king size, German shepherd puppy with stunning, mahogany, black, and long coat. Potty trained and crate trained with all of the shots.They have a plush coat and are extremely strongly built boys! The pups have the personality to.They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.The mom is the bigger beige one in the photos. The dad is also completely beige. Great and knownfor being a nanie dog, a.We have 4 females and 2 males One male and 1 female up for your consideration. Mom is an all black with.All 1st year shots, Ready for their new home. Mom is 50Lbs, Dad 70Lbs, light brown puppy is larger than black puppy who has her.They are very friendly pups growing up with other animals and children. The father and mother of the pups are also.Ready for their forever home October 8th. They will be CKC registered, microchipped and first set of shots before going to their new home. Born July .Mom and Dad have excellent temperament and are.Our Luna gave birth to 12 amazing all black puppies. Their father Romeo unfortunately passed away before they were born. Romeo was a big boy who.They will leave with full vet check, first vaccines and deworming. Mom is a black DDR shepherd and dad a black and tan long hair shepherd.The female is black and the.Meera is the most beautiful and striking pure black Shepherd I have ever laid eyes upon. He came from a reputable breeder. No health issues and up to date with his vaccination. He is.He is the most wonderful, gorgeous, loving, loyal, healthy dog who.Will be ready to go to their forever homes oct 9. Mother is sable black German shepherd.The father.Showing 1 - 40 of 46 resultsPage 1 - 46 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. All puppies are full black with broad massive heads. They are going to be large tall with stocky muscular build. The pups have been raised with a large family on a farm and experience socialization with dogs, people, large animals, They are friendly and good with children. They are black, tan and redish. Our German Shepherds are eager to learn, easy to train, Straight backs. We are a small family-owned dog.He was born on June 22nd and is 9 weeks old. He eats solid food and use puppy pads already. They are both on site as they are our family pets. Mac, the father, is a black.Art Deco era? Possibly Spelter. Please Contact German shepherd puppies Barrie Absolutely beautiful and extremely intelligent Three month, old, king size, German shepherd puppy with stunning, mahogany, black, and long coat. Potty trained and crate trained with all of the shots.Visit Website Below to Order Now! They have a plush coat and are extremely strongly built boys! The pups have the personality to.They were born on June 22nd and are 11 weeks old. They eat solid food and use puppy.The mom is the bigger beige one in the photos. The dad is also completely beige. Great and knownfor being a nanie dog, a.We have 4 females and 2 males One male and 1 female up for your consideration. Mom is an all black with.All 1st year shots, Ready for their new home. Mom is 50Lbs, Dad 70Lbs, light brown puppy is larger than black puppy who has her.They are very friendly pups growing up with other animals and children. The father and mother of the pups are also.Ready for their forever home October 8th. They will be CKC registered, microchipped and first set of shots before going to their new home. Born July .Mom and Dad have excellent temperament and are.Our Luna gave birth to 12 amazing all black puppies. Their father Romeo unfortunately passed away before they were born. Romeo was a big boy who.They will leave with full vet check, first vaccines and deworming. Mom is a black DDR shepherd and dad a black and tan long hair shepherd.The female is black and the.Meera is the most beautiful and striking pure black Shepherd I have ever laid eyes upon. He came from a reputable breeder. No health issues and up to date with his vaccination. He is.He is the most wonderful, gorgeous, loving, loyal, healthy dog who.Boots have.Will be ready to go to their forever homes oct 9. Mother is sable black German shepherd.The father

Without training to curb your pup's aggressive tendencies, a relatively harmless little Lab can quickly grow into a large and potentially dangerous adult. Step 1 Take your Lab pup out for a brisk walk or jog on a leash and play engaging games like fetch and hide-the-toy with your little furball. Tug-of-war games are discouraged for any dog with any hint of aggressive tendencies. Labradors are a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise to burn off their extra energy. They love to swim, which may work well if you have a pool -- but don't forget a doggie life jacket for safety. A bored puppy who isn't properly exercised burns off this energy through destructive means, such as chewing on furniture -- or your limbs -- as part of his "play" behaviors. Labs are notorious for chewing on anything and everything around them. While this behavior is not necessarily aggressive to start with, it can lead to aggression when your dog reaches adulthood. If your Lab thinks that biting people or animals during play is okay as a pup, he'll continue to bite people as his jaws get stronger, a situation that can have serious consequences. Step 2 Play with your Lab puppy using chew toys, not your fingers or hands. If your Lab nips your hand during play, loudly say "Ouch! Do this each time your dog nips or bites you until your dog learns that nipping leads to something unpleasant: an abrupt end to the fun and attention. Reward proper behavior that doesn't involve biting with a tasty treat and praise. Step 3 Spray a taste deterrent on your hands or ankles, depending on which body parts are the target of your Labrador pup. These sprays taste bitter and unpleasant to your dog, and when biting or nipping at you results in this yucky taste, it will deter him from nipping at you in the future. Continue to spray your limbs and clothing for two weeks until your pup ceases his attempts to nip or bite you. Step 4 Enroll your Lab pup in a puppy obedience class to teach him basic good manners and to socialize him around strangers and other dogs. Your Lab may not be aggressive around you or your family, but may show aggression toward other animals and people. Labs tend to be protective dogs, wary of strangers, especially as they get older if they are not properly socialized as puppies. Puppy obedience classes expose your dog to strange people and dogs in a positive manner, so he views them as something good. Your dog will also learn basic commands that make it easier for you to control him, decreasing the chances of aggressive behavior. The American Kennel Club offers special classes for puppies called the S. Puppy Program, which stands for puppy socialization, training, activity and responsible owner. Classes are offered around the country and last at least six weeks, depending on how quickly your dog responds to the training. Step 5 Spay or neuter your Lab prior to six months of age, the age at which most pups reach sexual maturity. Labs grow very quickly, and become large dogs by four months of age, according to Veterinary Partner. These pups grow into a to pound adult within the first year, an imposing and potentially dangerous size if your dog is aggressive. The sex hormones present in an intact male dog -- a dog who hasn't been fixed -- increase his aggressive tendencies and dominant behaviors. Step 6 Take your Lab pup to the vet for a checkup if he begins showing signs of aggression, including nipping, growling or snarling. Sometimes a medical condition such as hypothyroidism, an infection, a seizure disorder or an injury can make your dog irritable and more likely to become aggressive, according to the Labrador Retriever Rescue. Step 7 Feed your Lab puppy with his food dish in your lap or you can hand-feed him bits of dry kibble. Not only will your dog bond with you during this experience, but it prevents food and possessive aggression from developing or worsening. Dogs who guard their food dish can snap at you or family members unexpectedly during feeding. Have other family members feed the puppy as well to get your dog used to being submissive to everyone in the home. Slip a treat into your pup's bowl while he eats to also help discourage food aggression from developing. More Articles. Aggression in Labradors Dealing with Aggression Labradors are not usually an aggressive variety. However, there are several factors which may contribute to aggression in labradors. Personality and genetic disposition are not usually the main influences. The early life experience of pups in the 'first fear imprint period, Aggression against the pup by family members or other household pets is highly influential to the way that a dog will respond throughout its life. The secondary influences include sex, age, size, hormonal variation during pregnancy and anxiety. Anxiety in pups must be placated with secure affection and positive discipline. Socialisation from 8 weeks of age is also critical for the healthy development. Do not use physical punishment. This can increase the intensity of your dog's aggression. For general health reason, particularly in later life, we do not recommend this prior to 8 months of age. Types of Aggression Animal behaviouralists classify patterns of behavior and the circumstances in which they occur. This is done to determine the dog's motivation and the cause of the behaviour: Dog to dog - Pack order aggression is one of the most common forms of aggression in dogs. They are pack animals, and they relate to humans as members of their own pack. If your dogs are fighting, do not get in the middle. Interrupt the aggression using water in a spray bottle. Dog to human aggression occurs as the result of intimidation or physical intervention by people, your and old, adult and child. Redirected aggression can occur when an aggressive dog, particularly a male that redirects its aggression from the source to another. When an owner is restraining a dog by pulling him back the dog may retaliate. Dominant dogs often redirect their aggression towards pack subordinates or children of equal size or smaller. Dominant dogs will defend their pack area including a home, room or yard. House and feed your dogs separately if they are fighting with each other. Remove contentious objects like bones and toys. Gender aggression particularly between adult males involves territorial and dominance disputes. Inter-female aggression occurs most frequently between adult females living in the same household. This will be apparent if one female is pregnant. Predatorial aggression is directed towards quick-moving stimulus, like a car or bike. Anything considers as prey, usually other weaker species can be the object of this aggression. Pain induced aggression occurs when a person attempts to touch a painful area or when injections are given. Fear induced aggression occurs when when the dog senses that it is cornered or trapped and cannot escape. A fearful dog is often the victim of an owner uses severe punishment common. Active and unpredictable children may induce this type of aggression. Never allow small children to have unsupervised access to any dog no matter how passive the dog may appear. Children and adults should avoid interacting with dogs that are eating. They should never tease or hurt dogs. Keep your dog confined when unfamiliar children are present Maternal aggression may be directed toward anyone that approaches a bitch with puppies or in false pregnancy. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. They love everyone. Sound familiar? The Reactive Labrador The reality is that there are individual Labradors who are reactive and use aggressive behavior at times. The reasons or motivations for their behavior will vary. But one thing is true of all of them: aggressive behavior is totally normal. All dogs can use aggression to a greater or lesser extent depending on their individual temperament and experiences. Just like every person can lose their temper or slam the occasional door in frustration. When working with a reactive and aggressive Labrador the aim is not to suppress the behavior. How we do that varies depending on the likely emotion underlying the reactive behavior. Warning Signs of Reactivity in Labradors Generally canine social etiquette is ritualised and aimed at diffusing tension and avoiding conflict; aggressive behavior carries a risk of injury and is therefore a last resort. Dogs will show early warning signs that they are feeling uncomfortable in a situation. These include turning or moving away, yawning, nose licking, and their pupils will dilate. If they are prevented from moving away, then they are likely to increase the intensity of their signals. Moving on to snapping and biting to get their point across. If the dog learns that the smaller signals are ignored, or if the intensity of the trigger is too high, then they will respond with the more overt behavior. They will start barking, rushing towards in an attempt to drive the trigger away, snapping and biting. The aggressive behavior in the image below is cued by the handler. These are a couple of the indications that this is a learned response. If the dog may be in pain then providing suitable pain relief is essential. Reactivity From Frustration Another common motivation for aggression, but one that is often mistaken or forgotten, is frustration. A frustrated dog is likely to show fewer of the lower level signals of discomfort. Although lip or nose licks are common in times of conflicted emotions such as wanting to greet but not being able do because of the lead, or a fence. If your Labrador is bouncing on the end of the lead, weight forward, ears pricked, tail up, and barking with a high pitch then they are likely to be a frustrated greeter. One who may behave more appropriately off lead when they can greet as they like. Many frustrated greeters, however, are socially inappropriate. Rushing at other dogs and ignoring any signs from them that they are less than enthusiastic about the approach of 30kg of happy Labrador. They may well end up being snapped at, or worse, by the dogs they bounce on. It is not uncommon for dogs whose reactivity manifests first as frustration to develop elements of fear-based aggression after being told off by other dogs for their social ineptitude, leading to considerable conflict of emotions around other dogs. Dogs who become extremely frustrated around other dogs, or when denied things that they want, may well redirect their frustration on to the nearest object they can find. The lead, the person or dog standing next to them, or a toy if one is available. Providing a suitable outlet such as a tug toy is one way to manage the situation in an emergency. Does Predation Create an Aggressive Labrador? It is worth mentioning that predation is also a common motivation for aggressive behavior. Labradors are not traditionally associated with catching and killing prey. But actually it is not unusual to meet dogs who are aroused by fast moving objects. Such as bicycles, running people and the more obvious small furry animals and birds in our fields and hedgerows. Again, if the desire to chase is thwarted then any resulting aggressive behavior may well be frustration-related. This is despite predation being the initial motivation for the behavior. Is Reactivity in Dogs Medical? There are several techniques that can be used to modify aggressive Labrador responses. Before considering any of them it is essential to rule out any underlying medical issue. Pain or illness which may be contributing to the aggressive behavior. Pain is the most obvious cause. So if your dog appears stiff, reluctant to move or uncomfortable at times then discuss this with your vet. It can help to take video of the movement, gait, or situations that concern you. This will mean that your vet can see exactly what is happening, in a way they cannot recreate in clinic. Even if a clinical exam does not identify a source of potential pain it can be beneficial to trial a short course of pain relief. Make sure you note any changes in behavior or movement. Pain which occurs when playing with other dogs can often be at the root of the onset of dog:dog aggression; equally aggression towards people can be triggered by pain or the fear of pain on being stroked, or moved from a resting spot. As well as pain there are medical issues which in themselves increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior so a thorough vet check is essential. Especially in cases where you seem to have an aggressive Labrador without warning. The behavior has developed suddenly. This helps them relax and improves their general welfare. They are no longer on edge anticipating something which scares or arouses them. And also stops them practising the behavior that we want to change. Every time your Labrador reacts aggressively they are strengthening the neural pathway. This makes that behavior more likely and harder to change; it becomes their default and may well be used in situations away from the initial trigger in the future. Aggressive behavior which has generalised in this way is much harder to change. If your Labrador is reactive towards other dogs on walks, whatever the underlying emotion behind the reaction, then try to find alternative places with fewer dogs and keep your distance by turning around calmly before your dog can react. Or look for a local space such as a riding school or dog training centre you may be able to hire for safe and secure walks. Reacting To Reactivity It is important to note that if your dog does react aggressively, whatever the situation, scolding them or correcting them will not help them learn what you do want them to do instead. In fact it may well make things worse, as they then become concerned about your reaction as well as the thing that triggered their behavior in the first place. Instead, calmly move them further away from the situation until they are at a distance where they can be calm themselves. If possible let the dog look at the scary, or frustrating, thing and reward them with tasty treats for being calm. This also helps them start to change their emotional response; so that the dog that scared them is now associated with tasty treats instead. We will next take a look at ways of changing emotions and behavior in the medium to longer term. Aggressive behavior is a normal part of social interaction. In some cases the genetic tendency of a dog to be fearful, anxious or easily frustrated, or the length of time they have been practising their aggressive behavior, will limit the progress you can make with them. You will need patience, and a willingness to accept that their needs are different from those you might have expected when you brought them home. Your Aggressive Labrador There is an increasing understanding of the needs of sensitive dogs, and many more trainers and dog places offer activities that are perfectly suited to dogs who do not wish to run and play with other dogs, or who would rather have a bit more space around people. Scentwork and tracking are ideal, as are activity classes which offer lots of different options, from trick training to fun rally. This should involve acknowledging and working to change their underlying emotional response, not simply suppressing the aggression using punishment. There should also be a focus on enabling them to manage themselves in arousing situations, so that, in time, they can make the right choice without needing direction for you. Many dogs will also need help to learn the correct social skills around other dogs. Your Labrador is an individual, with individual experiences and genetics that make them unique; their behavior modification plan should be as individual as they are. Even if you are able to manage the day to day behavior modification training alone, the benefits of working alongside someone who can provide objective feedback, advice on the next steps and support are invaluable. High value food is usually the obvious choice. This can quickly change his emotions from wanting the other dog to go away to wanting them to be around so that he gets the really yummy treat. This is usually done in conjunction with DRI so that he can start to learn how to behave appropriately and be reinforced for polite behavior around other dogs. At all times your Labrador should be working at a distance where they are not reactive, and gradually moving closer to their trigger when they are ready to do so. Any signs of low-level fear or anxiety should be respected and the distance between the dogs increased until the fearful dog is comfortable. To continue working with a dog above threshold is stressful for your dog, counter-productive and risks an aggressive response. Options for Helping your Reactive Dog One of the main criticisms of BAT is that it relies on your Labrador feeling empowered, or relieved, by the other dog moving away in response to calm behavior from your dog. In learning theory terms this is negative reinforcement i. This suggests that he was uncomfortable beforehand, even if only marginally. CAT and flooding are far more extreme in their use of relief as a reinforcer and should be avoided. Examples of this include sitting automatically before their lead goes on, or waiting calmly without being told when you open the boot of the car. This is particularly useful with frustration-related aggression where learning to stay calm when denied access to things he wants is the key skill your Labrador will need to learn before you can work on his manners around other dogs. As with any kind of training or behavior modification, finding a trainer whose skills and knowledge are suitable for your reactive Labrador is key. You must have confidence that they have a range of appropriate tools available to them, that they are able to accurately assess and respond to your dog and that you would like to work with them. This article has only scratched the surface of the options and techniques that are available to help you and your reactive Labrador, but good help is out there. Sian Ryan is an expert Animal Behaviorist based in Cambridgeshire. With several years of training experience and after completing her MSc, Sian worked as a behavior counsellor and trainer in the University of Lincoln Animal Behavior Clinic, where she was able to apply her MSc research in to Self Control in Pet Dogs to her behavior and training work. Sian owns and runs the Developing Dogs Training and Behavior Centre in Cambridgeshire, as well as giving seminars and workshops nationally and internationally. Her first book, No Walks? No Worries! Older puppy aggression Most puppies are through the worst of the biting phase by about four months old. After about six months of age, some puppies begin to show signs of fear aggression. This means that they may growl or snap at strangers who approach or try to touch them. The way to avoid this behavior and raise a friendly puppy is to thoroughly socialize your pup. You should follow our socialization steps as soon as your puppy arrives in your home Nipping and rough behavior in bigger puppies Some aggressive puppies at around six to nine months old have a resurgence of nipping and rough behavior. Often ending in tears when children are involved. This kind of biting is almost always linked to inappropriate play. Often involving children. Dogs, especially young dogs, are not great at reading behavioral signals from small children and vice versa. There is a bit of a language barrier here, and children can get hurt. The article on playing safely with your Labrador will help you with this. True Aggression in Puppies It is important that you also know how to recognize and deal with true aggression. Genuine aggression is very rare in small puppies and is almost always linked to extreme fear. A puppy that bites from fear will normally attempt to hide and withdraw first. The frightened puppy will normally growl fairly quietly and try to avoid contact before he bites, whereas the playing puppy will initiate contact and growl more and more fiercely once the biting game is underway. A frightened puppy will also often give off a distinctive musky smell. Helping a frightened puppy If you find your puppy cowering under a chair and not wanting to be touched, you can be sure that someone or something has really frightened him. Remove the source of fear toddlers, and other dogs are common culprits and take your time over reassuring him. Fetch some nice food, and tempt him out. He may need plenty of cuddles for a while, but try not to worry. Most puppies are very resilient and soon bounce back from an unpleasant experience. Aggression in older puppies It can be hard to know when an older puppy is truly being an aggressive puppy. Most commonly, biting and rough behavior in older puppies is due to the causes discussed above. True aggression in older puppies is normally caused by fear and anxiety due to insufficient socialization. Socialization To avoid this kind of aggression it is vital to socialize puppies carefully, so that they are not afraid of anything. Although there may be a genetic element to some dog aggression, socialization is your biggest tool in raising a happy calm friendly puppy. Some dogs will guard beds, chairs and benches. Resource guarding should be treated using positive reinforcement Resource Guarding Sometimes, aggression in older puppies is due to resource guarding. This is clearly not to do with play. An aggressive puppy may growl when people approach his food bowl, or his bed for example. Some aggressive puppies also guard stolen socks, or trash picked up on their walk. This is all classed as resource guarding. How to train an aggressive puppy Some years ago, people believed that resource guarding could be trained out of puppies with dominance and pack leadership strategies. We now know that these techniques only suppress the problem and make the dog feel more threatened. They can be extremely dangerous and lead to bites and ultimately the destruction of the dog. Positive Reinforcement Modern training techniques use positive reinforcement and counter conditioning to change the way that dogs feel about having people near their food and other resources. With most resource guarding problems, especially in older puppies and adult dogs, it is best to get professional help from a behaviorist. Your vet should be able to recommend one. Aggression towards other dogs As with dog-human interactions, it is important to be aware that puppy growling and gentle biting at the other dogs in your house is normal puppy play. Keep an eye that the older dog is not getting frustrated, and separate them if needed — but try not to worry about the puppy noise! You may find our guide to introducing a puppy to an older dog helpful. If, however, your older puppy or dog is being aggressive to other dogs it meets, you may want to consider help from a behaviorist. Puppy Aggression Causes Dog to dog aggression occurs for a variety of reasons. You may need help unpicking the cause, before trying to fix this problem. In the meantime consider keeping your dog on a leash when other dogs are around. And remember — punishing your dog is known to make this problem worse. Life with an Aggressive Puppy Growling and biting are not usually signs of aggression in puppies. Noisy, aggressive-looking, play is a developmental phase that all puppies go through. With your help, it will soon be over. Serious aggression in small puppies is rare and usually only occurs in puppies that are terrified, and that have been prevented from hiding. So rest assured, no matter how fierce your little puppy sounds when he hangs on to your shoes or attacks your fingers, it is not a sign of true aggression. It is normal puppy play. More serious problems Most puppy owners will be reassured by this article, that their puppies growling and nipping is not a sign a an aggressive puppy, but is a normal phase of puppy development. However, if you are concerned that your older puppy or adult dog is showing true aggression, or that they may bite you in a way that causes genuine harm, seek help. A canine behaviorist can assess your dog and advise you on how best to retrain them. Your vet will be able to put you in touch with a behaviorist. Aggressive Puppy and Children Remember, children are particularly at risk from dog bites. If you are concerned, minimize interactions between your dog and children. And always supervise their time together. Research shows that most people find it hard to predict when their children are safe around a dog, and when to worry. Your vet is an important point of call for an aggressive puppy or dog. But in 33 years of experience with Labradors and we always had at least 5 you had the alpha bitch, the alpha male, and everything in between. Or even intelligence, but found it to be an every-changing organism that is fascinating to behold. Timeline and PBS have many great documentaries. Most I find on Youtube. And we certainly want to curtail any play biting in one day if every family member is consistent with our recommendation on play biting. Thus, you need to understand true aggression and merely puppy play biting or growling. Its very interesting to observe. Between two unfamiliar adult dogs, this play should not be encouraged on their first meeting. This is something to take slow. It can easily turn dangerous if your dog or the other suddenly shows any aggressive body language like pulled back ears or snarling. This is for dogs that know each other WELL. They may or not ever play like that. Some have more play drive and will be happy to play with you OR their other canine family mate. It will end badly. So encourage your child to STOP whenever the pup jumps or bites and freeze. If they are unable to apply the proper force or consistency to the training, you may have to jump in and assist. Starting early with understanding dog socialization and stopping bad habits early will save you that 24 month old BRAT that has never been trained or corrected. For info on correcting this behavior, go to either the link above from our Youtube channel or find additional talks on similar topics on our blog. Labradors, with guest blogger, Olivia Stanley.

If your poodle has recently become pregnant, there's likely one question plaguing your mind: What color will my poodle puppies be? Believe it or not, you can actually predict—and even control—the coat color of your soon-to-be poodle puppies! These tests are used to help dog breeders make more informed decisions and manage the traits of their litters. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. Understanding Dominant and Recessive Genes: The First Step in Predicting Poodle Puppy Colors Determining the color of your poodle's puppies isn't as easy as it may initially seem because of one factor: hidden genes. Here's the thing about poodle parents: alongside the colors they display as adults, they may also carry the genes of other colors that have been passed along their ancestral tree. Poodles —and dogs in general—can carry either dominant or recessive genes. In some cases, they can carry both. They're usually identified by capital letters; e. Recessive genes are overruled by dominant genes. If a puppy has inherited both dominant and recessive genes, he'll appear as the dominant color but will still carry the recessive color. Black is a dominant color, so if one of the poodle parents is black, there's a high chance their puppies will also be black—unless they're carrying the Rufus gene, in which case the puppies may appear red. But this is where it gets a bit tricky. If a black poodle carrying a brown gene is mated with another black poodle carrying a brown gene, there's a possibility that some of their puppies will be brown. This means that the pup has inherited both copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. This makes the pup a recessive color. For a poodle to be born with a recessive color, he must have two copies of the recessive gene. For it to be born with a dominant color, he needs only one copy of the dominant gene. Solid-color coats are also dominant genes. When a solid-colored poodle gets together with a parti-color or piebald poodle, most of their pups will either be solid-colored or have residual white markings. Note that this rule doesn't apply if the solid-colored parent carries a parti-color gene. If a puppy inherits two copies of the piebald gene, he'll be born with a lot of white in his coat. How to Determine the Coat Color s of Poodle Puppies According to Parent Coat Scientists have yet to master the science of dog color genetics, so coat color predictions are just that: predictions. Still, researchers have determined some possibilities and likely outcomes depending on the poodle parents' colors after decades of testing. If either of the parents has a hidden gene, the color predictions can go in a completely different direction. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Still, genetic testing is the only way to test a puppy's coat color before it's born. They also determine possible genotypes. Here are some locus types found in dogs , as well as possible genotypes: E Locus L Locus determines the relationship between the Black dominant gene and the Yellow recessive gene. The Yellow gene represents a variety of light colors, like reds, creams, apricots, and whites. This second color can be anywhere on the dog, meaning that few Parti Poodles ever look alike. Of course, all of these colors are variations and mixes of each other, achieved by the clever use of dominant or recessive genes. Poodle breeders really know their subject, creating some stunning new hues in recent years. Apricot Poodles are the rarest of all, usually set against black points, meaning that their noses, toenails, eye rims, and lips will be black. They also have beautiful dark eyes, sometimes of a deep amber color. They come in different tones, which often results in apricot being mistaken for red or even cream. This is no surprise, as the apricot color is a faded version of the red coat due to a recessive gene. Most apricot Poodles will have a light orange topcoat with an undercoat of a faint cream color, though each individual dog may have a different hue. If you have one of these cute dogs, consider yourself lucky! There are very few of them anywhere in the world, and they always turn heads when they appear at shows or in the street. You can get apricot Poodles in all the usual sizes, but if you want one for yourself, you might have a wait on your hands. The black Poodle is a favorite in the show ring with its black points eyes, paw pads, lips, and nose. Beneath that dark fur, it will most likely have dark gray skin that complements its coat. True black Poodles will hold their color rather than fade. Despite this, they are all registered as being black at birth! As we saw at the start of our article, this artificially boosts the number of black Poodles, giving the impression that they are more popular. In terms of temperament and character, black Poodles are no different from any other. Some Poodle owners might argue against this, claiming that one color displays better or worse qualities. However, there is no scientific proof of this. Photo from: toyharlequinjallu Yes! The Parti Poodle can have a two-tone black and white coat. Each one is unique because the patches are irregular and randomly spaced across the body. With a Parti Poodle, you definitely have a one-of-a-kind! Solid black and solid white are the most common Poodle colors, with other colors being added in recent years. However, the Parti Poodle is not a new innovation, as famous paintings exist that prove them to be at least years old! These two-tone beauties likely disappeared from the scene as fashions dictated that solid colors were more desirable. So, while you might not be able to enter them into dog shows yet! Do Poodles Have Black Skin? A black Poodle usually has dark gray skin, whereas blue Poodles might have a bluish tint to their skin. A white Poodle might have pink, silver-gray, or bluish-black skin. The genes that control skin pigmentation are different from those that contribute to the coat color. However, some serious Poodle enthusiasts regard them as faults, preferring to see solid pigmentation. Poodles often have more skin showing than other dogs because the coat is clipped in a variety of styles that expose it. Obviously, a solid block of color looks neater than a mottled skin, but this really comes down to personal preference and whether you plan to submit your dog to the critical eyes of dog show judges. One note of concern is that skin exposed to sunlight will darken over time. Poodle owners need to exercise care, as sunburn is a real possibility. Even worse, the dog may be at risk of skin cancer. Miniature Poodles measure 10 and 15 inches at the withers shoulders and, oddly enough, weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. The great thing is that they keep all the admirable qualities of the larger dogs but are more suited to smaller properties and apartment living. Also in their favor is the fact that they are very easy to train. Their main mission in life is to be your best friend. Of course, if you want to go smaller still, you could look for Teacup Poodle puppies, although these are really just undersized versions of the mini. The actual cost will depend on where you get your pup, and you have several choices when it comes to this. You could approach an established Poodle breeder, a backyard breeder, or a puppy mill. Reputable breeders generally follow high standards of ethics and will always be open and honest about their business. They have a reputation for providing inadequate accommodation for their dogs, poor-quality food, and failing to implement health screening or genetic testing. This leads to undernourished pups with a range of health conditions. Bear in mind that reputable breeders often make a loss on some litters. The cost of a single pup might be high, but breeding pups is an expensive business when done properly! Alternatively, you can always try to adopt from a shelter or rescue center, which will be significantly cheaper. You might have a long wait, though, as these pups rarely find their way to rescues and shelters, and when they do, they are usually snapped up pretty quickly. Black Yorkie Poodle Photo from: whiningpinotyorkiepoo These dogs just keep getting cuter! If you love Yorkies, then a Yorkie Poo designer breed might be just the thing for you. And a black Yorkie Poodle is almost too adorable for words. All of these toy, mini, or teacup dogs are great for modern living, especially in urban settings and apartment life. However, they are also suited to many other lifestyles because they are so small and portable. They are kid-friendly and a good choice for first-time dog owners. In terms of size, they weigh between 3 and 14 pounds and measure between 7 and 14 inches at the shoulder. And finally, because of their Poodle genes, they are a great choice for allergy sufferers! Yes, they can. Two Poodles of the same color can produce a litter of pups with a variety of colors. However, two black Poodles will never produce white pups. Red Poodles are a fairly new addition and were only accepted by the AKC in .For many years, it was thought that the red color was associated with the apricot coat. However, breeders and other experts now believe that a separate gene is responsible, which they have named the rufus gene. Although the gene that causes black fur is dominant over all the others, a black Poodle can be bred with a red Poodle to produce red puppies. Breeders sometimes introduce a black Poodle into a red Poodle breeding program to help keep the points dark and to darken the red fur even further. Silver Poodles are highly sought after but extremely difficult to find! Some dogs have the fading gene that changes the coat color as the dog ages. A black Poodle with this gene might gradually turn to blue or silver by the time they reach two years of age. This is known as coat clearing and can happen to any Poodle. Just like blues, the silver Poodle will be solid black when it is born but will begin to fade. It is a diluted version of the gene that provides a black coat. The difference with silvers is that their coats clear much more quickly, with the silvering showing on their paws and faces, usually starting at around six weeks of age. This is another color that is difficult to breed, as it is a recessive gene. To guarantee that you get silver Poodle pups, you must have two silver parents. The ideal silver Poodle color is pale platinum, but this is notoriously difficult to achieve, even for experienced breeders. Do Poodle Puppies Change Color? Most of them do! As we said above, clearing is common, with dark coats fading or lighter coats becoming darker. This will depend on which genes are dominant or recessive. One clue is to look at the points eyes, eyelids, lips, paw pads, and nose to see what color they are and to check the color of the parents. It is interesting that the AKC and other kennel clubs allow for such variety in coat colors, as many other breeds of dogs are strictly limited when it comes to color. It seems that the Poodle has been given special permission to be as colorful as possible. This is good news, as it means that there is a wonderful range of beautiful Poodle colors to choose from. Are Brown Poodles Born Black? No, brown Poodles are usually born a deep, dark brown color. Admittedly, some will be so dark as to look black. However, they will often fade to a range of lighter colors, such as the cafe au lait, cream, or silver beige. True brown Poodles will not fade and will remain a deep, rich brown color all their lives. They will have dark amber eyes and liver-colored points. As with other colors, the tone will vary with each dog. You may have a chocolate-colored dog or one that is a much lighter brown. Blue Vs. Blue and silver Poodles both start life with a black coat that starts to fade. This usually starts when the pup is one year old but can take up to two years. As for size, the Standard Poodle must be at least 15 inches at the shoulder. They will weigh between 45 and 70 pounds, which puts them in the medium to large category. Like most other dogs, the males are larger than the females, and the coat color has no bearing on this. Speaking of their coat, we should say a word or two about the fancy clipping styles. When they assisted hunters, they were expected to dive into cold water. Their furry coat was kept thicker around the areas that needed to be kept warm, while the shaven areas reduced the drag while the dog was swimming. Many Poodle owners choose a different style these days, but that coat is still prized for its allergy-friendliness. It all comes down to personal preference. Summing Up In modern times we have become more adventurous, and we expect more variety in our lives. And this extends to the colors, shapes, and sizes of our doggy friends! So, we have red, blue, apricot, silver, cream, and coffee-colored Poodles. In the beginning, we hinted that we would focus on the black Poodle, and we make no excuses for this as black dogs often experience unfair treatment in favor of lighter colors. However, it has to be said that all Poodles are brilliant, whatever their color. They are smart, loyal, fun, playful, obedient, and affectionate. They are good with kids and great for people with mild pet allergies. So, if you are considering getting yourself a Poodle, you have a range of colors to choose from. Although, you might find it a challenge to find a red or an apricot one. You could get a silver, cream, or blue one, or even a cafe au lait. You could settle for a plain old white Poodle, like most other people. Or you could get that lovely, inky-black dog with its beautiful dark eyes and shiny coat. Silver beige White Apricot - This and red were two of the last colors recorded for this breed; so they are the newest and quite interesting. An apricot can produce a red. Some apricot Poodles are so light that they appear to be cream, however you will notice a red tint to the hair. A true apricot poodle will have some points or black spots on their skin. Liver points are acceptable but not preferred in the U. All blue Poodles are born black and then "clear" lighten as the pup grows. This often happens within the first year but this change can take place as late as 2 years in some cases. For this reason, many blue Poodles are registered as black. The outer coat of a blue poodle is usually as dark as that of a black, but hairs at the root is a mix of colors. The amount of each color depends on the age of the dog. In middle-aged dogs, medium brown predominates. True blue Poodles will have black points and dark brown eyes. Brown - A brown Poodle is a deep, dark color and in no way can be confused with Cafe Au lait which is much lighter. Pure brown Poodles must have liver points and dark amber eyes. Brown is created by the bb gene, as opposed to the BB gene of black Poodles, and therefore will have no black pigment anywhere on the body, including the eyes and nose. Cafe Au lait - This is a shiny light tan color and some confused this with silver beige. It is not uncommon for the pup to be born brown and 'clear' to this color. A Cafe Au lait should have liver points and dark amber eyes. Black - A true black Poodle is a deep ink black. The dog's coat will have zero blue or silver tinting and not have any white or silver guard hairs. The face when shaved will be deep black, as well. A true black will not "clear" or "fade". Blacks will have black points and dark brown eyes. See More: Black Poodles. Silver Beige - This is a diluted brown, therefore a true silver beige Poodle is born brown. By 6 weeks, silver beige will appear on the face and paws with a full coat change by the age of 2 years. The dog will have liver points and dark amber eyes. Red - This only became an official color in and now many breeders in Canada have come together to form the Apricot Red Poodle Club. A true red will have black points. Read about the fascinating history of reds here: Red Poodles. Silver - A true silver Poodle is born black and "clears" by the age of 2. However, you will know a true silver by the age of 6 weeks, when the face and paws "clear" and the rest of the coat will follow in suit over the next year or two. Silvers will have black points and dark brown eyes. This color is a diluted gray, caused by the silver allele V gene. White - Most white Poodles are a pure, snow white. However, some breeders will dub a white tinted with apricot or beige as being white. A bit of black spotting is acceptable on a white, however there should never be any ticking in the white. The ticking gene is a totally separate gene that makes the coat appear dirty. Gray - While a Poodle can be born gray and stay gray, it is also not uncommon for a black Poodle to turn gray at the age of years old. Cream - These Poodles will have black points; you'll know that a Poodle is cream and not Silver Beige or Cafe au Lait if his nose is black. It is the Cch gene which causes an otherwise brown Poodle to be cream. Color Changes When a Poodle puppy is a solid, one must understand that many variables can affect what will become the adult coat. When a pup keeps the same color coat, this is known as "holding". However, many Poodles 'clear'. To clear means when the coat fades or lightens to another color. A lightening of the coat does not necessarily occur evenly all over the coat, rather Poodle color will often hold more on the dog's ears and the thicker guard hairs. Cafe Au lait Poodles are born dark brown and change to cafe around the age of 2 yrs Blue Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years Sliver Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years Apricots are often born a dark shade that lightens by the age of 2 years Many owners can become confused as their Poodle takes on a completely different color as they grow. For example, a blue Poodle puppy could be misinterpreted as black, although a reputable breeder should be able to know the difference. If that puppy has parents with parti in the bloodline, as the coat clears during the first 2 years, other colors may appear and the once black looking puppy who was actually a blue parti becomes a parti with a wide array of possible colors. Fixing a Dull or Yellowing Coat It is common for a Poodle's coat to dull, become brassy or yellow as the dog matures. Sunlight, air pollution and constant bombardment of minuscule debris are at work here, in addition to the natural aging process cycling out a duller color than a Poodle once had. At all times, each hair strand is in 1 of the 3 phases: Growth, rest or release. Therefore, it is a gradual process.Owners may not notice a difference in the richness, depth and shine of the coat until the process has been going on for a while and enough hairs have grown in faded or dulled to make a drastic difference. The key to fixing and maintaining a beautiful color on a Poodle is to use a color enhancing shampoo. There are some great ones manufactured specifically for canines. In addition, while in general one does not want to use a human product on a puppy or dog, as long as the PH balance is correct, it most certainly can be used with excellent results. When a black, blue, or brown dog has the mutation in this gene, they gradually fade in color as they grow. Not all black, blue, or brown poodles have the mutation, but some do. You will begin to see the change in color starting at a months of age and it is usually complete by the time the dog is mature. In some dogs there may be small changes throughout the life of the dog. Skin Color Skin color can change as well. The most common reason for a Poodle to have a change of color on the skin is exposure to sunlight and this most commonly happens on the belly. It is not uncommon for a pink belly to have darker spots appear. An owner should be concerned if those darker spots are raised above the skin and should have the dog's veterinarian take a look at any raised, dark areas. In the monthly Poodle blog Topic of the Month , you'll find new, helpful articles on a regular basis. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. In the past, these dogs were culled as an attempt to remove them from the gene pool. This did not work, and as simple recessives they pop up often even in seemingly all solid bloodlines. Just one copy of dominant black KB will cause a dog to be black or brown. Seal and ghost tan are potential exceptions, but we're not getting into that just yet. The pattern produced will depend on what the dog has on the A locus. The 4 genotypes on the A locus in order of dominance are; agouti aw , sable ay , phantom at , and recessive black a. Agouti poodles are breathtakingly beautiful. Certain poodles are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "phantom sables". This isn't genetically possible, and oftentimes these dogs are in fact agouti, and may have characteristics of both a phantom and sable dog. A sable dog can be nearly solid cream, or appear agouti. Often, they will be mostly solid cream or apricot with black ears and tail, along with black hairs mixed in on the back. Sable puppies change significantly as they grow. The only thing you can guarantee is they won't be the same color as an adult as they are as a puppy, and that they will be gorgeous no matter the final pattern! It produces the pattern most commonly associated with breeds such as the doberman or rottweiler. Phantom poodles will usually have tan "eyebrows", cheeks, chest spots, lower legs, and under the tail. It is striking and beautiful! There are also modifiers that can cause what we call creeping tan or saddle tan which can cause the tan areas to grow and spread, much like what is seen in some German shepherds. This modifier is still being studied and isn't fully understood. It is unique as it doesn't produce a pattern, but actually causes the dog to be just black or brown. This is one reason color testing is important. A solid black dog could produce patterns very unexpectedly in a breeding program. Combinations Patterns can be produced on a dog at the same time. You can have a dog that is both parti and sable. The dog would have the white areas to the coat, and the colored areas would be sable. The same goes for brindle. That would cause the colored areas of the coat to be brindled. You can have a dog that is parti, phantom, and brindle. This would be a parti colored dog that also had tan points, and within those tan points there would be striping. There are many possibilities and combinations. It all depends on what the parent dogs both express and carry. Two such patterns are seal and ghost tan. Both of these patterns will express occasionally in dogs that are genetically dominant black. For some reason in these dogs the pattern from the A locus leaks through and expresses in a unique way. If a dog is sable or agouti on the A locus, this pattern will show up slightly. If they are phantom, you will be able to see faint tan markings. It does seem to be inheritable as some poodle breeders are breeding these dogs and getting consistent results. People want to know what color puppies they will get if they breed this color to that color. All you can do is make a guess. With some research and knowing the background of your lines, one can make a more educated guess, but once again its just a guess. I have spent a lot of time and effort to study pedigrees and colors but even I am still learning. Especially when it comes to the multi colors its all still a guess. Vet gen does have a DNA test that will supposedly tell you the color genes that your dog carries. I will warn people that you should never bank all your money on that test. I have known of quite a few people that have tested their dogs and gotten strange colors in their litters that were not even talked about in the test. I am also unsure if this test takes into account the multi colors. I am going to take this page and talk about what I have learned and what I have had personal experience with colors. First off what you personally are breeding for in color, is what you have to take into account. Just throwing 2 poodles together and hoping for the best is NOT good breeding practices. Once you have established that two dogs are proper breeding material and that they offset each others faults, then you have to take into account, color compatibility and what you are working towards in color. Most reputable breeders you will find will specialize in certain colors. Trying to work on too many colors at once can become frustrating and confusing, even though the temptation is great! Just throwing 2 colors together can seriously destroy the colors and their points pigment of the nose, lips, eye liner, and pads are considered the points. All other colors should have black or self colored points. This also comes into play when talking about Multicolors and mixes of the above colors. You can pretty much count on a Sable ALWAYS carrying the fading gene and that the puppy will not stay the color that it is when it is born. There may be a color hidden there that you did not know about and need to consider. Its a good way to tell the recessive color genes in your dog. This includes the parti colors. This is why many breeders think blues are a great basis for a breeding program, depending of course upon what colors you are breeding for. Mixing of these colors will cause incorrect pigment on the points since the brown shades have liver colored points and Red, Apricot, Cream, and White should all have jet black points. Breeding red or apricot to silver causes the color to fade even more than they already do as the silver and blue colors carries the fading gene. True I have bred blue to red before due to the fact that was what I had to work with at the time. But if you are truly working to deepen and darken reds and apricots and produce beautiful dogs that hold their color, you do not want to introduce any more of the fading gene into these already fading colors than you have to. These colors once again will introduce the fading gene into your browns that you are trying to keep dark. These colors will ad a yellowish tone to your whites. However, there are some breeders out there that do breed for creams and off whites by using these color combinations. Other than the absolute DO NOT's listed above, how you combine colors totally depends upon what your end goal color is in your breeding program. When using a black every few generations in a red breeding program you will hopefully help to keep dark points on the puppies and also to darken their color. HOWEVER, be very careful what colors are in the background of said black that you do not inadvertently introduce more of the fading gene. Many people consider a color bred red to have apricot in the background. This is because apricot is a dilute of red so still in the same color family. HOWEVER, do not forget that this apricot causes more fading gene to be present in your reds, so the fewer apricots used the better to keep the color. Breeding true blacks to a brown is a great way to help reduce the fading that we see in most browns. HOWEVER, once again be very careful what colors are in the background of said black that you do not inadvertently introduce more of the fading gene. Remember white is already a fading color so breeding it to another fading color will not hurt the color. You really do have to be careful when breeding whites as it is easy to loose the pigment in the points. Putting a Silver, Blue, or Black in the background will help to keep these points nice and dark. Your best chances exist when one parent being bred to these colors is a silver. I would stay away from using whites, as I have said above, or you will have to worry about pigment on resulting white offspring. When it comes to color and pattern breeding in the parti colors and by parti I mean the old definition of more than one color , it is VERY difficult to say what you are going to get. This is probably due to breeders here in the US focusing on the solid colors for so long and looking down upon the parti colors as something that is undesirable. NOTE: If you are breeding for a specific color pattern it is recommended to breed like pattern to like pattern for best results. It is very hard to say though how heavy of markings you will get in a breeding as of yet. I have had very heavily marked piebalds that have been bred together and have produced piebalds will very little spotting at all. Since each and every piebald has a unique pattern and no two are alike its very hard to guess at how the genes will come together. You also have the new trend of people trying to produce heavier marked piebalds. These piebalds are know as true Tuxedos a dog that has white in a bib around the neck that may or may not go all the way around the neck, totally white on the belly and up into the chest, white on the legs that may extend all the way up to the elbow and or knees, may or may not have white markings on the face or head, and with the rest of the dog being predominately the darker color. There are many breeder out there that are incorrectly calling their abstract mismarked poodles a tuxedo. These puppies are usually produced from solid dogs or a solid bred to a piebald and not from two piebalds bred together. They are heavier on the dark color than the white but still are considered to be a piebald and are produced by piebalds. Once again your best chance of getting a tuxedo is to breed to a tuxedo. However you will also get regular piebalds in the litter. Since these tuxedo piebalds are just a heavily marked version of a piebald, the exact formula of breeding to get these markings is still being worked on. It all depends upon what the background of that phantom dog is and if that dog will carry the piebald gene. If the phantom carries the piebald gene I have found that the phantom gene is recessive to that of the piebald gene. If the phantom does NOT carry for piebald, then usually what you will get is a mixture of heavily abstract mismarked and even solid colored puppies. Every once in a while you will get a phantom patterned puppy but as I said it seems to be recessive so that would mean that the piebald would carry the gene for phantom. Puppies produced from such breedings are usually referred to as parti factored. Meaning that they carry the gene for parti. However this is still debated among parti people. Genetically they should carry for parti regardless, however when some of these parti factored are bred to a piebald they will not produce piebald puppies. It all will depend upon how these recessive gene line up in the produced puppies. Also remember that you can breed a pair together one time and get totally different results the next time they are bred together. Some colors seem to be more conducive to producing piebalds when bred to solid colored dogs such as white and silvers. It is still unsure as to why these solid colors seem to produce piebalds more than others but is speculated to be because they are recessive colors and not dominate to the piebald color. I personally have noticed that blues will tend to produce piebalds as well as other parti colors when bred to a parti patterned dog. Once again I believe this is because blues carry the gene for all colors. Once again as with the piebald puppies it may or may not come through in your breeding. It depends upon how the recessive genes line up. Also as with the piebalds there are some colors that are more conducive to producing phantom when bred to a solid than other colors. There seems to be a link between the phantoms and the red poodles. It is unsure what the correlation is yet but there is a lot of speculation. I have also noticed that whites and silvers will allow the phantom gene to come through. Also surprisingly I have known of quite a few solid blacks that will throw phantoms that have not had phantoms in their background that we know of. Many of these solid blacks have had a lot of red in the background, which leads us back to the correlation between reds and phantoms. If you look at the dogs that were used to create the poodle, such as the Portuguese water dog, you will see where these abstract markings come from. Abstract markings are called mismarks by many of the older breeders. I find that the term abstract used by the UKC is a lot more pleasing to most people. Contrary to the belief of the old time solid breeders this is not a flaw but something that is in the poodle genes from the beginning as I explained above. These dogs will usually have white on the chest, some white on the feet or toes and may or may not have white markings on the face or head. In the old days all the parti patterns were lumped into the mismark category, however today we know that the abstract gene and the genes for the other parti patterns are separate genes. Since most dogs carry for the abstract, you can get abstracts in any litter, whether its solid bred to solid or solid bred to another pattern. On the other hand I have bred to poodle that were abstracts together and gotten some of my most beautiful solid colored puppies. You do have to be careful as these solids will then carry this gene recessively and if you are working to produce only solid colored puppies you will have to breed accordingly. It is unsure as to where that particular gene originated but I believe this gene too comes from the dogs used to create the poodle breed. I have found that most brindles are produced from a blue parent. Once again this would go to show that blue carries for everything. Brindle bred to brindle will produce almost nothing but brindle as this gene seems to be quite dominate. Brindle bred to a solid color will usually produce a litter with mostly brindles and a few solids. These solids produced WILL carry and produce brindles. The brindle pattern can be produced in a variety of colors. SABLES Sables have also been around since the beginning in poodles and in my opinion is a difficult color to reproduce. A sable bred to a sable is of course your best bet to produce sable but it does not always result in sables. I have seen two sables bred together and the result was nothing but solid colored puppies with no markings what so ever. I have also noticed that many sables will come from a blue parent just as with the brindle pattern. I have also seen sables produced by solid silvers and whites. It is difficult to try and tell someone how to breed for sable when not much is known about the sable gene. I also do not know of a lot of breeders out there breeding just for sable. Like piebald markings on the body and phantom markings on the face, or a brindle with abstract markings, or a piebald with brindle or sable being the spotting color. These are the most difficult to determine where they came from. Its all in how these usually recessive genes line up. Sometimes they appear out of seemingly thin air. Until more is know about how the parti genes combine, and more test breedings are done to try and produce more multi patterns, its almost impossible to tell someone what to breed together other than the obvious combinations that may or may not produce the desired effect to produce a multi patterned parti. Just for an example, many people think that breeding a piebald to a phantom will produce a dog with piebald markings on the body but phantom markings on the face. Where this may have been the way some have been produced in the past, it will usually not result in a multi patterned dog. Article written by Keisha C. It just wastes my time and yours. I do not have any puppies or adults for sale. All articles on this site unless otherwise states are written by me, Keisha of Arpeggio Poodles. Articles by other people have been given their due credit. I am sorry I have to post this but I am finding my articles being stolen and being placed on other peoples sites. All photos are sole property of Arpeggio Poodles unless otherwise noted. Reproduction of photos without express written permission is prohibited! All pictures and graphics unless otherwise stated are of my own design. Please do not take them. Most of the information on my site is from my own views, opinions, or research that I have done. Where appropriate I have sited my sources and links to their sites. Do not take my opinions as that of a licensed vet. Any person that relies solely on my information does so at their own risk. Thanks for all the support! We have reached so many visits that our counter that only goes to 1,,, has started over for the 6th time now. Thanks everyone for making this site such a success! This site is dedicated to my Mother and Father. Bless you both. I know you are happy once again being reunited. Thank you for being my friends, my teachers, my heros and my parents. I miss you both greatly. Your loving daughter. Solid colored Poodles are the same color all over with no markings. Poodle Colors Black — Black is one of the most popular colors and many Poodles seen in the show ring are black. A black Poodle has black fur, black points pads, nose, lips, and eyelids , and dark grey skin. A black should be easy to recognize right? Silver or blue pups also appear black when they are very young. A true black Poodle will remain black throughout his life and will never fade. White — White is the color that many people think of when they think Poodle. In fact, I have spoken to many people who thought that all Poodles were white! White Poodles are born white unlike creams and apricots who sometimes fade to white and always have black points. Cream — Cream is the lightest color of the red series, lighter than apricot. Many cream pups will eventually fade to white. Most creams will have slightly darker areas on their ears and tails. Apricot — Apricots and creams are quite hard to tell apart, but apricot is a slightly stronger, warmer color with the ears appearing almost red. Many apricots have a darker stripe running down their backs. Apricot Poodles often fade to cream with age. The points should be black. Red — Red Poodles can vary greatly in shade from rich dark red to almost apricot. Red is very striking and coveted by many people but red often fades and some dogs that are red as pups end up only slightly darker than apricots. Brown or Chocolate — Brown Poodles are born a rich dark brown color and all the points are also brown. Blue — Blue is a beautiful color but as pups blue Poodles are black! As they get older, they will become more of a muted shade and end up an ashy or charcoal color. A blue Poodle is lighter than black but darker than silver. Silver — Silver Poodles initially look black but when you shave their noses as many breeders do at a few weeks old you will see that they are grey underneath. Silver dogs take a few years to reach their final color. Silver Beige — Silver beige pups have brown points and look like brown pups at birth. You will not see the true color unless you shave them or look into the roots of the hair where you may see creamy undertones. As adults, they are often slightly darker than the silver beige Poodles. Poodle Patterns Patterned Poodles are very striking and are growing in popularity although they are rarely seen in the show ring where the solid colors seem to take precedence. Some die-hard Poodle fans look down on these multi-colored beauties and it has even been suggested that Poodles that are not solid-colored are not pure. You may be surprised to know that the original Poodles were parti or multicolored and solid-colored coats were produced by selective breeding. Multicolored and patterned Poodles are making a comeback and I for one, am very glad to see this. What could be more splendid than a Poodle of many colors? Parti Colored — Parti colored Poodles are one of the most popular and eye-catching of the multi-colors. Parti Poodles are predominantly white with patches of any other Poodle color irregularly placed all over them much like a piebald horse. Parti Poodles can also fade like many of the solid-colored dogs. For example, a puppy that appears black and white at birth may turn out to be blue or silver and white. A black and white or brown and white parti Poodle with ticking can look particularly beautiful, almost as if he has a sprinkling of frost over his coat. Tuxedo or Abstract — A tuxedo Poodle is technically a parti-color. Rather than having irregular patches of color the tuxedo is predominantly solid colored but with white markings on his chest, abdomen, and paws. Many tuxedos also sport a white blaze on the head or muzzle and a white tail tip. Phantom — Phantom Poodles are also predominantly one color but have points of another color much in the style of a Doberman or Rottweiler. Most Phantoms are black or chocolate with tan points but can also be silver or blue with tan, cream, or white points. Sable Poodles have coats that are usually a shade of brown though can be blue or silver with black tips. Sable pups change color completely by the time they reach adulthood with the original color remaining on the ears and around their face. For this reason, you should never choose a sable pup based purely on color as what you see is most definitely not what you get. Brindle — Brindle is a very common pattern in the dog world but is most often associated with other breeds, such as Danes, Mastiffs, Boxers, and Greyhounds. Not Poodles! Brindles can be any color but what sets them apart is their tiger stripes. Dominant and Recessive Genes This is where it becomes tricky. Others are recessive overruled by dominant genes. When we talk about color genetics, we use the terms Genotype and Phenotype. Genotype means heredity so all the genes the dog has got from his parents. Phenotype is how he appears, so the color that he shows. If a dog has inherited both dominant and recessive genes he will appear as the dominant color but may carry genes for the recessive color. Black is always dominant, and this must be considered when breeding black Poodles as a dog carrying black will appear black unless he also carries the Rufus gene when he will appear red but may also carry brown. If the recessive brown gene is carried and the black dog is mated to another black dog also carrying brown, there is a possibility that a brown puppy will be born. This happens because the pup has inherited two copies of the recessive gene, one from each parent. For a dog to be a recessive color he must carry two copies of the recessive gene as we must remember that dominant always overrules recessive so only one copy of the dominant gene is needed to make the dog display a coat of a dominant color. Recessive genes bring complications to breeding for color as they can stay hidden for generations before making a sudden appearance. White, whilst being considered one of the standard Poodle colors, is still a largely unknown gene and as of yet, there is no test for it. This means it is unknown whether it is a recessive or dominant color. The gene for a solid-colored coat is also a dominant gene. Where a solid-colored dog is mated to a parti-colored or piebald dog there is more chance that most of the pups will be solid-colored or have residual white markings. Unless the solid-colored parent also carries the parti-colored gene. If a pup inherits two copies of the piebald gene it will show a lot more white in the coat. If it only inherits one copy it will display much less white in the coat, if any. Hidden Genes Hidden genes are exactly what you would expect from the name. They are genes that the dog carries but does not express. A dog will express the color of the most dominant gene that he carries but if he also carries recessive genes for other colors these are the hidden genes. Put very simply if you have a puppy born that is a different color to either of his parents that is because he has inherited two copies of a hidden gene carried by both parents. To express a color that is recessive the dog must inherit two copies of the gene. What Colours are possible from different coloured parents Predicting what colors, you will get from any two particular parents is extremely difficult as color genetics is still not an exact science. However, we have determined some of the possibilities and likely outcomes. Remember that the color of the pups depends on many factors including hidden genes. We must presume there are no hidden genes in this instance and simply look at the color that is expressed:.

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Feeding your puppy a high-quality , complete and balanced puppy food helps set him up for a long and healthy life as an adult dog. This raises a lot of questions for first-time and even veteran puppy owners, though. How much should you feed your puppy and when? When should you stop feeding puppy food? Get answers to these questions and more in our complete puppy feeding guide below. Our experts answer your questions and offer advice to help set you and your puppy up for success. What to Feed a Puppy When it comes to feeding puppies, there are a lot of factors to consider. Overall nutrition, breed size and the type of food all play a role. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs. Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Look for formulas rich in high-quality proteins to support their growing bodies. Fat and carbohydrates supply the energy active and playful puppies need, while calcium supports developing teeth and bones and DHA helps support healthy brain and vision development. If you have a large breed puppy, he may benefit from a large breed-specific puppy formula. Small breeds can also benefit from small breed-specific puppy formulas. Regardless of breed size, the food should be complete and balanced for growing puppies. The difference in formulas comes down to the unique needs of large and small breeds. Large dogs have a higher risk of developing joint problems, so a large breed puppy food should include proper levels of nutrients to support their healthy growth and development. Small breeds may prefer smaller kibble so they can more easily chew their food, which helps ensure they get all the nutrients they need. This results in a nutrient-dense, high-energy formula which adults and puppies need to support a healthy lifestyle. As you walk the dog food aisles, you may see both dry and wet puppy food s. This can make it harder to decide what to feed your puppy. Fortunately, as long as both the wet and dry formulas are complete and balanced for growing puppies, you can feed either one to your pup with confidence. You and your puppy may have a preference when it comes to dry versus wet. Feeding a combination of the two is also an option. Use the calories reported on the package to understand how much wet food will replace the dry and vice versa. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation. How Much to Feed a Puppy Now you know what to feed your puppy, but just how much food does he need each day? A Labrador Retriever will weigh more at maturity than a Russell Terrier , for example. So, the larger dog requires more food as a puppy. The chart below can help you determine how much dry food to feed your puppy. You should also review the specific feeding instructions on the back of his puppy food and consult with your veterinarian. Puppy Feeding Chart. Look for formulas that are high in protein with smaller kibble pieces, checking the label to ensure it is a complete and nutritious diet. Many people assume that there is no difference between puppy and adult food, but the difference lies in the nutritional value. Wet canned food is often something new dog owners ask about, though wet food tends to be better suited for smaller breeds. While overfeeding tends to happen way more, underfeeding can be dangerous as puppies are still developing. If your puppy is growing and is not gaining enough weight, consider adding a little more food. If your puppy seems to look a little round or bloated, overfeeding can be the cause. When to Switch from Puppy to Adult Food The switch from puppy food to adult food is an important process and needs to be done at the right time. The general consensus is to switch anywhere between 6 months to 1 year old, though it will depend on how well your Golden puppy has developed. As we discussed earlier, puppy food is very protein and nutrient-rich to support growth and development. However, adult food is different and can cause indigestion. If there have been no immediate signs of indigestion after incorporating the adult food , make the full switch over to it. First and foremost, if your puppy has suddenly stopped eating and will also not eat treats, call your vet as soon as you can. This can be a sign of a more serious condition and may need emergency treatment, depending on other symptoms. Thankfully, picky eating can be solved by switching to a new formula, protein source, or brand. Be careful not to try too many brands at once to avoid indigestion, especially if you are also changing the type of protein as well. Generally, the average amount of food an Adult Golden Retriever eats is around 3—5 cups a day. The problem is that each dog is different and will have its own specific needs. Factors like age, gender, energy levels, and lifestyle are all things that will increase or decrease the amount of food given. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian to prevent malnutrition or obesity, both of which can lead to more serious conditions if left unchecked. We recommend looking for a dry kibble formulated for large breed senior dogs, which will have nutrients to help support their heart and joint health. The amount will also depend on how active your senior Golden is, as well as size and gender. Again, the best option is to simply ask your vet for guidance on how much to feed. Golden Retrievers are naturally food-motivated dogs, so it may seem like your Golden is constantly hungry. Spotting the difference between a food-obsessed dog and a truly hungry dog is crucial, which can be done by observing any sudden change in their growth or appetite. Is your dog looking leaner than normal? Is your dog inhaling food at lightning speed? Since Goldens really enjoy mealtime, a slow feeder is usually recommended. This will also help prevent bloat and other similar problems from eating too fast. We also recommend a feeding schedule instead of free feeding, since dogs, in general, do best on a routine. Most dog food brands are perfectly safe for Golden Retrievers, but there are some things to avoid. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are fairly active dogs that will need quite a bit of food a day, especially for more active and athletic dogs. Feeding your dog the correct amount is crucial to a healthy and happy Golden, but it can be confusing with conflicting information on the internet. We made this guide and Golden Retriever feeding chart to make it easier to understand how to feed your Golden puppy, adult, or senior. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders by State page. What this means is that the breeder you are looking at is not actually breeding their own dogs, but rather, they are purchasing them from a kennel or broker. Kennels are often looked at as being lower quality because the puppies have often been bred indiscriminately and sometimes have health problems as a result. Breeders, on the other hand, are people who breed their own dogs and typically take great care in doing so. This is not to say that all breeders are good, but it is important to do your research in order to find a reputable breeder. Puppy mills are essentially large-scale breeding operations where profit is put above the welfare of the animals. The puppies that are born here often have health problems because they are bred indiscriminately and are not given proper care. What is the average price for a German Shepherd Puppy in Iowa? This question does not have a simple answer. Here are some tips on how to find a reputable breeder: 1. Ask your veterinarian for referrals. Good breeders typically have healthy dogs and work closely with their veterinarians. Spend time observing the dogs and ask questions about their health, temperament, and training. Make sure the breeder is registered with the American Kennel Club AKC or another organization that regulates breeders. This is not a guarantee of quality, but it does provide some assurance that the breeder follows some minimum requirements. Take the time to visit the breeder and assess his or her facilities and dogs. Review how puppies are handled and socialized from birth, as well as how they are weaned and introduced into their new homes. This is not a guarantee of substandard quality, but you should be aware of any formal complaints about specific breeders in your area. Make sure you receive a written contract guaranteeing the health of the dog, as well as certification that both parents were tested for genetic disorders. While many breeders are very busy, they should be able to set aside some time for you and answer any questions that you may have about their dogs or the process of purchasing a German Shepherd puppy. Seeing the facilities in person gives you better insight into how well your new puppy will be taken care of. If possible, try to meet both of the parents of your potential pup. If they only seem interested in selling their puppies instead of allowing visitors to inspect their operation, then look elsewhere. The puppies available through the Internet come from all kinds of breeders such as puppy millers and backyard breeders those who only breed one litter at a time. These dogs often suffer from poor nutrition and medical care leading them to health problems later on down the road. These dogs have often been abandoned or surrendered by their previous families and are in need of good homes. Many of the dogs available through rescue groups are already housebroken and know basic commands. A responsible breeder will be more than happy to provide you with the contact information of some of their previous buyers. These people can tell you firsthand about their experience with the breeder and whether or not they would recommend them. This usually means that the dogs are being bred indiscriminately and are not receiving proper care. This will give you a chance to see the dogs in person and ask them about their experience with the breeder. If the breeder is reputable, then their customers should have only good things to say about them. Meeting past customers will also give you a chance to see the puppies in different environments and judge their temperament for yourself. A good breeder will have a good veterinarian they use and will be happy to provide you with their contact information. A responsible breeder will also screen potential buyers to ensure that the dogs are going to good homes. Do you have any female dogs available for viewing? Are your puppies raised in a healthy environment? Do you offer any guarantees on your puppies? Will you provide me with a health certificate for my new puppy? Do you have references I can speak to? However, there are some telltale signs to look out for. If the parents are not available for viewing, it is likely that the breeder is hiding something. Another sign is if the puppies are kept in very poor conditions. The puppies should be clean and well-cared for and should have plenty of space to play. An unethical breeder may also try to pressure you into buying a puppy. They may also try to sell you a puppy that is not yet old enough to leave its mother. If you suspect that you are dealing with an unethical breeder, it is best to walk away. There are plenty of ethical breeders out there who would be happy to help you find the perfect puppy. A responsible breeder will screen their dogs for genetic diseases and will only breed healthy animals. You should also ask for a health certificate from the veterinarian. This can be as simple as installing a fence or kennel. Be prepared to spend time training your new puppy and socializing them with other dogs. German Shepherds are easy to potty train and will usually learn quickly. There are a number of ways to potty train your puppy. You can use pee pads, go outside or use a crate. Whichever method you choose, be patient and consistent. Crate training can be especially helpful in the early weeks while the puppy is still getting used to their new home. How to Stop Your German Shepherd from Barking Barking is a natural behavior for dogs and most owners will eventually have to deal with a barking dog. German Shepherds are particularly prone to barking and can be quite vocal. There are a number of things you can do to stop your dog from barking. You can try training the dog using positive reinforcement or use a bark collar. Thank you for reading. We hope this article was helpful. Steve is passionate about dogs and owns a french bulldog. German Shepherds for sale in Iowa Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Iowa with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Iowa. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois, just next door to the state of Iowa. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Iowa There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Iowa, from Des Moines to Waterloo, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in Iowa that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in IA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in IA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Iowa happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She teaches amazing and helps you understand how to take care of the dogs. As well as the dogs are cute and have a strong learning behavior. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. This breed is by far one of the most versatile breeds that are great companion dogs, loyal working dogs, or dedicated sports dogs. No doubt no matter what life your pup is destined for there will be no shortcomings in their mouthy and spirited personalities. Getting a German Shepherd Puppy is no quick choice but in this blog, you will find a list of reputable breeders in Iowa who might have that special pup waiting for your family. Here there are some German Shepherd Breeders in Iowa. This list is to help you determine the breeder you would like to go through but remember to always talk to them and make sure you know what you want from the breeder and the bloodline. Raising their puppies and taking the extra step, they handle their dogs from the start and introduce them to the busy farm life early so you have a solid and sound dog once they go to their new homes. Being dedicated to their German Shepherds the first step they take when sending them to any family is to get to know the people they are going to. When getting one of their German Shepherds does not stop with you receiving the pup as they are raised as family and the owners will share that and treat any current, prospective, and past puppy parents like family as well. And the care given to the pups is noticeable as they are raised underfoot and introduced to a variety of animals, dogs, and people to help develop early socialization. The care given to prepare the pups to go home is not lacking either as they will all go home with a health evaluation and current and up-to-date vaccines. Along with this, each puppy will have a two-year guarantee for any crimpling disease, such as DM, and they are also fully dewormed up to the time they leave for their new home.

German Shepherds can have three different varieties of coat: double coat, plush coat, and long haired coat. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight, short hair that lies close to the body. The long haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds that are family pets. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The most common colouring for a German Shepherd is black and tan; however, the breed can also appear in all black. Typically the coat is predominantly tan with black facial and saddle markings. In rare instances, German Shepherds can have white, blue, or reddish brown coats. These colours are not recognized by the breed standard, but do occur periodically. In fact, the white German Shepherd is actually considered a separate breed in some areas and is called the American White Shepherd. The German Shepherd is part of the working dog classification and has a strong proportioned build. Typically, the German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds 23 and 41 kg. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source It has a narrow and deep chest, and the front legs and shoulders are muscular and sloping. Its body is slightly longer than it is deep, measuring from the shoulders to the rump. Go to source German Shepherd puppies typically weigh pounds kg after the first month and will continue to grow steadily throughout their first year. By six months they will weigh approximately pounds kg. German Shepherds have very distinct pointed ears that are erect. They are long at the base and face forwards, making the shape of a triangle. As puppies, the tips of the ear may flop over slightly, but they will straighten as the dog ages. German Shepherds have a long and bushy tail that hangs down when the dog is resting. When a German Shepherd is alert or in motion, the curve of the tail is accentuated and the tail will be slightly raised. German Shepherds can be fairly aloof and reserved when first meeting new people. However, once the dog has formed a connection with their owner, they are extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but can be protective if they feel threatened. German Shepherds are high energy dogs and they need lots of daily exercise. If a German Shepherd is left a lone for long periods of time it will likely become bored and destructive. For example, the dog may start barking, chewing things, or digging. Make sure that your German Shepherd receives at least 1 hour of exercise each day. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable. They like to have a job or task to do, and you can train a German Shepherd to do a variety of different jobs. For example, German Shepherds are often used as "working" dogs, helping with search and rescue, drug sniffing and security, as well as providing aide and assistance to the visibly impaired. This is fun and stimulating for the dog. This breed is known to herd the sheep, count them, and keep them safe. This sense of possession make them apt for guarding a family. A pet can guard when he knows what all belongs to him and what does not. This ability helps a German Shepherd to differentiate between an enemy and the family. Protection to this breed comes naturally and that's why they are known as police dogs, too. German Shepherds are fantastic with your own kids and can act strange with the strangers and other kids. If you see a dog that you think might be a German Shepherd and are curious about the breed, approach the owner and ask. It is such a cute dog. I am considering getting one. Veterinarians will be familiar with the breed standard of most dog breeds. They will be able to easily examine the physical characteristics of the dog to help with identifying the breed. A licensed breeder will be able to provide you with paperwork that proves both parents are recognized as German Shepherds by the American Kennel Club. Make sure that you always use a breeder that is licensed by the American Kennel Club. This will also help to ensure that you are purchasing a purebred dog. There are a number of applications available that can help to identify different dog breeds. In order to use the app, simply upload a photo of a dog and the app will identify the breed. Once you receive the DNA test kit in the mail, open the package and carefully read all of the instructions. The instructions will provide you with steps on how to take a DNA swab and then how to return the results to the lab for testing. The kit will likely come with two swabs. They are both to be used on the same dog. Do the same thing with each of the swabs. Place the swabs into the plastic baggies provided. Then place them in the pre-paid return envelope or box. Once sealed, mail the results to the lab for testing. Approximately three weeks after you complete the test, you will receive detailed DNA results. Purebred German shepherds are also likely to follow the following standard measurements by the American Kennel Club. To be more precise, the ideal ratio of the length to the height of a purebred German shepherd is 10 to 8. However, purebred German shepherd puppies may not show such signs yet. This is because they are still far from developing them for their first six months. For example, they may not have upright tails since it straightens out through age. Any price that deviates from that is enough for suspicions. Speaking of a purebred German shepherd price, it might be helpful knowing that there are dogs with different price that resembles German shepherds. However, there are dogs that have the same appearance as well. Here are some of the dogs that are likely to possess similar trait with that of a purebred German shepherd: First up in our list is the Belgian Malinois. This dog breed is the most comparable in terms of appearance with purebred German shepherds. They have similar coats and style. King Shepherds are also similar to German shepherds, with the exception of their size and coat color. They are much bigger and muscular and only have sable as their color variation. However, Bohemian shepherds have undercoat, unlike German shepherds. Another cheaper breed is Northern Inuits. They are much larger than purebred German shepherd puppies, but a bit lighter. Their coat is typically pure white or black, with a face mask. Carpathian shepherds are not as similar to purebred German shepherds as the rest of this list, but they resemble a GSD enough to be used as a ripoff. Just like the Belgian Malinois, they will typically have black markings. There are many breeds that can look identical to the German shepherd pure breed. Testing a Purebred German Shepherd Testing a German shepherd pure breed through technical means is a surefire way to identify a purebred German shepherd. Registration certificates. Despite that, in the case of dogs from shelters, the caretakers genuinely have no documents to provide you. They might not even know where the dog came from in the first place. This leads us to try out other ways of testing purebred German shepherds. Genetic Testing Genetic testing has come a long way since its discovery. Now, there are many ways to check the details about the genes of even a dog. Most companies offering genetic testing have a whole database storing data of all the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is, therefore, recommended that you talk to your vet about it. They will naturally have more experience with blood testing purebred German shepherds than you are. Wrapping Up Purebred German shepherd is listed as one of the most lovable, and therefore, popular breed in America, and even in the world. Regardless, there are many problems with being unable to know if what you really have are purebred German shepherd puppies. We then tackled other breeds that are likely to be sold as a purebred German shepherd. Finally, you learned how you can test the legitimacy of a dog. At this point, you can easily steer away from the traps of the breeders into ripping you off your money. 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. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? They have a strong bond with the entire family and are untrustful of strangers. Also, German Shepherds are very protective of their families and their property, so if you are entirely new to this breed, you may need to reach out for added expert advice. Purebred German Shepherds are intelligent Due to their high intelligence, they are preferred as working dogs in police departments, rescue teams, and search crews. If you think your puppy can pick up your training quickly, chances are they may have a lot of German Shepherd DNA in him! Regardless, you will need to keep them disciplined and mentally stimulated. Can They Outsmart You? Purebred German Shepherds are naturally protective and possessive German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families and their territory. This trait will quickly manifest itself as protectiveness when a potential enemy is approaching. That said, a purebred German Shepherd will intimidate a potential threat to its owners and their property without questions. Consult experts Another great way to check if your dog is a purebred German Shepherd or not is to ask experts, such as veterinarians or previous owners. A skilled veterinarian can give you plenty of valuable insight into this breed. They can inform you of the physical characteristics of German Shepherds and their most common traits. A breeder can also help answer any questions you may have about your German Shepherd. You will want to get a puppy from an American Kennel Club licensed breeder. A previous German Shepherd owner could grasp what a purebred dog looks and behaves like. However, this method may be unreliable, as many mixed breeds seem to look and behave like a purebred GSD would. Check the registration certificate if you have it If you purchase a purebred German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you should get a registration certificate. Use dog identification apps Using dog identification apps is an innovative way to help you identify the breed of your dog by scanning a picture of a dog. All you have to do is to submit a picture of your pooch taken from your phone. Then these apps will do their analysis and return a short description of the breed as well as a match percentage of the breed. Of course, these apps may be a little more than a fun video game and are not as accurate as DNA tests. Besides taking a picture, you can also record a video or upload an image from your gallery. Share your results and compare them to the results of the community! Upload pictures of your favorite dog to our Social Feed and share them with other dog lovers! Have a look at the profiles and photos of other users, like and comment on posts from our dog community and filter them by date or popularity! All types of dogs are supported — mutts and purebreds, and everything in between. DogDNA Identify dog breeds by uploading a picture from your camera or photo library. We use advanced computer vision dog breed identifier technology to analyze the pictures and provide results on the possible breeds your dog could be. Conclusion Regardless of the result, your new furry friend deserves all of your love. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. This is because there are several other dog breeds with similar characteristics, like the Belgian Malinois, the Bohemian Shepherd, and the Dutch Shepherd, among a few others. There are also different types of German Shepherds , such as the working lines and show lines which have slightly different appearances. However, that does not mean identifying a purebred German Shepherd cannot be done. Test the DNA When you are grappling with the question of how to know if your German Shepherd is original, taking a DNA test on your dog is not something you want to do as a first option. Because DNA tests and test kits have a hefty price tag. The most straightforward bet when taking a DNA test on your German Shepherd is to purchase a test kit and follow the instructions on the package. Package the swab with the DNA sample in the provided sealable bag and mail it for testing. If you seek greater accuracy, go for the 2-pack option and use both with your GSD to check the consistency of results. You can identify if your German Shepherd is purebred by assessing your dog for these coat features. The outer coat should be dense, even though a somewhat wavy outer coat is permissible. The hairs at the neck are longer and thicker, while those on the head, fore face, and inside the ears are short. The paws and legs also have short hair, but you may notice slightly longer hair at the rear of the legs, on the hock, and along the pastern. Coat Color The coat colors of the German Shepherd are varied. The black and tan, sable , black and red, bi-color, and solid black variants are among the most common German Shepherd coat colors. The AKC advocates for strong-rich colors and disqualifies blue , livers, white , and faded German Shepherd coat colors even though GSDs with these colors can still be registered. Variations in German Shepherd coat standards should suggest the need to consider more than just the coat type and fur patterns when trying to make out if your German Shepherd is an original. Some of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherd you should look for include the following characteristics. Other features of a strong-build purebred German Shepherd you should notice include: An even built hindquarter and the forequarter. A noble look with a well-defined feminine or masculine gait for either case. A deep and narrow chest with sloping shoulders and front legs. Pointed Ears The pointy ears of a German Shepherd are among its most popular signature features. The GSD typically carries its ears erect, with the ear ends parallel to each other and vertical to the ground. But the ears of your German Shepherd may not stand erect until the teething period is over. If your GSD is at that teething stage, which ends around weeks 16 and 20, check to see if your dog has erect ears when it hears a sound, barks, or gets excited. Note that floppy ears in adult purebred German Shepherds can be a sign of ill health or the outcome of grooming routines. Also, breed standards usually disqualify a GSD with docked ears. A Long Bushy Tail The German Shepherd has a full and long bushy tail with the last interlocking bone extending to the hock joint. The tail is carried low rather than high and is smoothly set into the rump. A purebred German Shepherd should not carry the tail curled forward as though fearful. The curve can be more pronounced when the dog is excited or moving. You can read about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. A long and strong muzzle with a topline parallel to the skull. A black nose. A strong and muscular neck with smooth skin and no loose skin folds. Notice Their Temperament and Behavior Your purebred German Shepherd will present as a confident, fearless, and alert dog. Timidity, nervousness, and anxiety are not part of the intelligent and agile German Shepherd, originally bred as a herding dog. Any characterizing tendency to flee and hide behind the owner or handler should suggest that the dog is not a purebred German Shepherd. While your purebred dog will be friendly and loyal to you, it will show some aloofness towards strangers without, however, being aggressive or showing a lack of confidence. That could leave you wondering how a dog registration certificate can help identify a purebred German Shepherd. That should tell you if both parents of your German Shepherd were of the same breed or not. However, the information given to a dog registry is self-reported by the owner or breeder. The registry does not do background research to confirm the details but instead relies on the honesty of the breeder or owner. Experts with extensive knowledge about the breed are mainly veterinarians. Talk to a German Shepherd Breeder To determine if your German Shepherd is purebred, talk to a reputable breeder with years of experience with the breed. Reputable German Shepherd breeders will give you reliable info about: German Shepherd dog personality and temperament. German Shepherd registration and pedigree papers, especially if you are considering buying your GSD from the breeder. Talk to a German Shepherd Owner Someone who has owned a purebred German Shepherd for years has observed their physical and personality traits and can offer you valuable information about the breed. Go for a purebred German Shepherd owner whose dog you like and looks healthy and well cared for. Fulfilled GSD owners will be glad to tell you about their furry companions and probably show you photos and videos of their growth journey. Videos and photos of another purebred German Shepherd can give you specific details about physical features and temperament traits that you can look out for in your own dog. Original sketch of my German Shepherd Willow Talk to a Veterinarian Veterinarians not only deal with many dog breeds, but they also attend to many dogs of the same breed. As such, they have mastered characteristics proper to the GSD and will give you purebred German Shepherd facts and proofs from their own experience. Suppose you already own the dog that you are trying to identify as purebred. Alternatively, you can explain to the vet features and behaviors you have observed in your dog and have the vet tell you if they are typical of the breed. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Apart from being guard dogs, German Shepherds are known to be good for families with kids. They are also intelligent, obedient, and loyal to their masters. However, with an increase in backstreet breeding, it has become impossible to find a purebred German Shepherd that retains all the characteristics and features of its ancestors. The most familiar ones are long-haired and double coats. For standard breeds, the coat is often a double coat which is dense, straight, and short hair that is close to the body. Check the physical characteristics Here are some of the features you will examine to determine if the German Shepherd is purebred: Identify the tan and black colouring The first thing that captures your eyes when you see a German shepherd is its black and tan coloring. However, some are purely black. On normal occasions, the tan color covers a larger part of the body and black on the facial and saddle. Well, in rare instances, you can find a German shepherd with white, reddish-brown, and blue coats. This is not the recognized standard color although such coloration exists. The height lies between cm and it weighs around kg. Typically, this dog has muscular and sloppy front legs and shoulders. It also has a narrow and deep chest, making its body longer than its depth when you measure toward the rump from the shoulder. When you buy or adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it will weigh around 3 to 5 kg, and it will grow steadily from thereon. When the puppy is 6 months old , the weight will increase to about 22 to 26 kgs. Structure of the ear The ears of a German shepherd are very distinct; pointed and erect. The ear is long at the base and often faces forward, forming a triangular shape. The tail The tail of a German shepherd is bushy and long. It tends to hang down while it rests and curves slightly upwards as it moves or when the dog is alert. Examine the behavioural characteristics Loyalty You will notice the loyalty of a German shepherd as it grows to know you and your family. German shepherds can be aggressive , reserved, and fairly aloof upon meeting new faces whom they consider strangers. However, once you interact and get used to each other, they become loyal and friendly to their owner. Once left alone for a long time, they will become bored and destructive. This is the reason why they start chewing things, digging, and barking all the time. Therefore, you can spare at least one hour per day for some exercise. Related: How to stop German Shepherd from barking Test if the dog is trainable German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent, and they can be trained easily. Doing jobs or tasks is their thing and they perform the duty perfectly. A German shepherd can be the eyes of a blind person, help with search and rescue missions, sniff drugs, and help in upholding security. See if the dog is overprotective or has a sense of possession Do you know a German shepherd can herd your sheep? It herds them and ensures each sheep or goat is accounted for. Their sense of possession makes the German Shepherd a perfect family dog since it will always keep your family safe. Inquire about the breed from various sources. Being inquisitive will help you gaher sufficient information about the German Shepherd, and the information you get can help you know if your German Shepherd is purebred. Before purchasing any dog, you should get as much information about the dog as possible. This way, you will be in a position to understand your dog perfectly, and caring for him will be seamless. Certainly, the dog will be accompanied by the owner, and it is good you take your curiosity and approach the person to find more information. You can begin by complimenting the dog and follow by asking if it is a German shepherd. The owner will respond. Talk with a veterinarian. Your veterinarian has more experience and knowledge about dogs. These apps scan photographs of the dog and instantly give a response on which breed it is. While a German Shepherd may have the build, color, and strength of a German Shepherd dog, it may be a crossbreed with other dogs like Malnoise, Pitbull, and Golden Retriever. If you want to know if your German Shepherd is purebred, you should subject them to an evaluation test. One of the easiest and proven methods is to conduct a DNA test to determine its lineage and ancestors. Recent Posts. Conclusion 1. That said there are additional benefits to getting a DNA test for your pup and these tests are out there and readily available. All you need to do is purchase a kit online. Although the kit will likely come with two swabs, each kit is only meant to test a sample from one dog. These kits usually include sealable plastic bags to place the swabs in and a pre-paid return box or envelope. When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. The coat is typically dense and short and lies close to the body. This more typical look is only one of many of the purebred German Shepherd. A purebred German Shepherd can have three different varieties of coats, which are the double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The double coat is considered the standard of the German Shepherd coats, although many German Shepherds that are kept as family pets have a long-haired coat. Regardless, German Shepherds shed regularly throughout the year and require regular brushing and grooming. While the typical and often preferred coloring of the German Shepherd is tan and black, look for other variants in coloring. The next most common coloring of the German Shepherd is pure black, along with black and cream, black and red, black and silver, bi-color, blue, gray, liver, sable and white. Other Physical Characteristics There is a multitude of other physical characteristics that immediately makes a purebred German Shepherd stand apart from other dogs. These include: Distinct, pointed ears. This means your German Shepherd is going through the puberty stage, where they are teething as well as growing and developing cartilage in their ears. Along with the distinctly pointed ears comes the distinct German Shepherd head tilt which fans of this breed also tend to adore. A strong, proportioned build. Part of the reason the German Shepherd makes an excellent working dog is due to its strong, tall build. A typical German Shepherd is up to 26 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 77 and 85 pounds. A typical German Shepherd puppy weighs up to 10 pounds in the first month and reaches close to 60 pounds by the time they are six months old. A full, long, bushy tail. This is another cherished physical feature of the German Shepherd. When the German Shepherd is resting, their bushy tail tends to hang low to the ground. Behavioral Characteristics Putting aside their physical features, German Shepherds are largely known for certain behavioral characteristics — both positive and negative. These behavioral characteristics include: A high energy level. German Shepherds need a ton of daily exercise and preferably a backyard to let off some steam in-between walks. A strong sense of loyalty. They can be extremely protective of their families if they feel threatened which means that German Shepherds may not necessarily be the best choice for someone with no experience with dogs. A high level of intelligence. German Shepherds are extremely smart, making them excellent working dogs. You often see German Shepherds doing important jobs like assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue. German Shepherds benefit from training and obedience classes which also help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. A sense of possession. As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families. If your family is looking for a guard dog, a German Shepherd is definitely an excellent option. Due to their sense of possession, German Shepherds are also great dogs for herding sheep. Your German Shepherd may be fantastic with you and your kids but act standoffish or protective around other adults or children. This is where additional training is necessary to make sure that your German Shepherd is not acting unnecessarily aggressive or territorial. Asking Questions The simplest way to identify a German Shepherd? Ask questions! There are a variety of different sources you can ask about the German Shepherd, including: Talking with a breeder. Find a reputable German Shepherd breeder and ask as many questions as you can about the German Shepherd. Unfortunately, a breeder may not be completely forthcoming about negative information so really dig deep about the breeder before purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. Talking with a German Shepherd owner. Speak with someone that you know has a German Shepherd and ask questions. That said, exercise caution when doing so as the German Shepherd may not be overly accepting of a stranger approaching their owner. Talking with a veterinarian. Veterinarians can provide all kinds of valuable information about German Shepherds. If you already have a dog that you believe to be a German Shepherd but are unsure, ask your veterinarian to give you their opinion on whether they believe the dog to be so. Downloading an app. You are now able to download a dog breed identification app to identify a large variety of dog breeds. Additional Identifying Factors An additional identifying factor is unfortunately the genetic health concerns that come along with German Shepherds. German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, some more so than other breeds. These health conditions include degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask your vet about their experience in regards to German Shepherds and whether or not they think this breed would be a good fit for you. Conclusion German Shepherd or not, there are so many wonderful breeds of dogs out there that have an incredible amount to offer you and your family. Mary Nielsen I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. Color Colors have a significant role in portraying if a dog from German Shepherd is original in its breed or not. The variants found in colors of dogs from German shepherd breed are many, where eight patterns are most common — pure black, pure white, black and tan, etc. Source Though most of the colors are permissible, strong colors have a greater say. Also, lighter colors, off colors, pale and washed are not the ones you are looking for if you want a purebred german shepherd. In comparison, the other colors are said to vary from one country to another. Along with this, the forefoot and hindfoot are proportioned similarly for moving simultaneously in opposite directions. The shoulder blades have a vibrant melange with the upper arm, intersecting at a right angle. Though the limbs are straight, the angles are oval-shaped and not round. According to the source , the pasterns, sloping part of foot found between fetlock and hook, are springy and valiant, and they form a twenty-five degrees angle from vertical. Also, with regards to Hind Quarters, a pure german Shepherd would possess broad and muscular hindquarters where the upper thigh could subsequently meet the lower thigh in ninety degrees. The size of the head also matters and ought to be proportionate to the entire body size having a keen and intelligent expression. The head of a male German Shepherd dog is distinctly masculine, whereas the head is distinctly feminine in the case of a bitch female dog. The head is carried forward so high by the dog in times of great excitement and attention. Finally, the common expression is said to be quite composed as well as intelligent. Ears There are a few considerations to be kept in mind while reviewing the originality of the dog from its ears. The first consideration is regarding the drooping of the ears in puppies of every breed. Many proud German shepherd owners share for other breed puppies; the ears droop may be sideways while for pure German Shepherd, the ears droop straight downwards. As the pup grows to become an adult dog, it can be spotted in an instant because of the shape and sharpness of the ears. The size of the ears will also be proportional to the size of the entire head. READ : Top 10 interactive puzzle toys for german shepherds 5. Eyes The eyes of each dog have many stories to say. This adage applies to the breed of German Shepherd too, and one can judge if a dog is a purebred original one, with its eyes also. They do not protrude but are set slightly oblique. The color of the eyes is also preferred to be as dark in complexion as possible. Teeth The ideal original German Shepherd jaw has forty-two teeth, with the dentition, being twenty-two in the lower jaw, and twenty in the upper jaw. The upper and lower jaws are also strongly developed and have their blend in a scissors-bite. There are preferences in choosing with respect to dentition. Complete dentition is always desired and preferred. In the same way, a dog with an undershot bite cannot be considered as well. Coat Facts show that an ideal dog from a German shepherd breed has a double coat, which is of medium length and can be wiry too. But, most importantly, the double layer of coat needs to be plush, implying that a fluffy coat must be found beneath the outer coat, which in turn gives the fur some volume. However, shorter coats are also accepted from standards. With regards to the outer coat, it has to be as voluminous as possible, roughly textured, and in close association with the body. Feet According to a reliable source , the feet of the original German Shepherd is usually short, round, and possess compact and well-arched toes. The footpads are tough and thick, but not rough or chapped. The footpads are also short, and the nails are dark, small, and strong. Also, the dewclaws might be found in the hind legs but shall be removed-front dewclaws are not removed usually but can be removed. The rear dewclaws must be removed, if any is found, in a few days after the birth. Gait As per official AKC standard , German Shepherd dogs are basically trotting dogs that have a greater outreach and an effortless stride where the maximum possible ground is covered with minimal effort. Thus, the gait of a dog, for it to be original German Shepherd, must be smooth, effortless, and in a rhythmic pattern which is accomplished with the hindquarters offering a mighty forward leap, that marginally lifts the dog and takes the body forward. Tail The tail of an original German shepherd is fluffy, set smoothly into the hindquarters with the last vertebra extending till the hock joint. Also, if the dog rests, the tail must hang in a smooth slight curve like a sword. Meanwhile, if the dog is in motion, the tail lifts and raises with a highly pronounced curve. Also, it is a must to consider the fact that the tail must never curl forward beyond the demarcated vertical line. The amount of excitement, loyalty, assistance, commitment, intelligence offered by it is simply awe-inspiring. But, one must carefully analyze their physical features like gait, eyes, ears, head, foot, etc. Now that you have known about all the relevant information, we are sure you will be able to get the purebred dog easily. You may also check out different varieties of original german shepherd dogs before buying the right one! Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read.

Final Thoughts Origins of the Jackador At first glance, on paper, the Jackador might seem a little imbalanced. For starters, its parent breeds are significantly different in size and also have different temperaments. However, the more you look into the details of each breed, the more it becomes apparent just how much they have in common. A Labrador lounges on his dog bed Jack Russells, also called Parson Russells , are terrier dogs, standing as high as twelve inches. Initially bred for fox hunting in Britain, these small dogs are now popular as feisty and loyal pets worldwide. Labrador Retrievers are also well-loved pets but are better known for their preeminence as calm, friendly, family dogs. They are the most popular family dog in America. Although they can vary in size, they can get up to one hundred pounds and twenty-five inches tall. Like the Jack Russell , they were also originally bred as working dogs for hunting waterfowl. So, how did these two breeds end up mixing to form the Jackador? As a relatively new designer dog, the Jackador is not recognized by the AKC, but its growth in popularity may add to the push to do so in the near future. The Jackador tops out at twenty inches tall and around fifty pounds. However, on most of these dogs, you can recognize the distinctive, perky tail, a tell-tale trait of both Labs and Jack Russells. Black, brown, and cream are the most popular among the possible body colors. In addition, white markings around the face and chest, which are predominant in Jack Russells, are also typical. A good predictor of the body color of a Jackador will be the body color of its Labrador parent, who is usually the mother. For this reason, chocolate, yellow, or white is also possible coat colors. Typically, these dogs also have short coats, and thanks to their working-breed parents, the coats are water-resistant. Labradors have rounder heads, while Jack Russels tend to have longer snouts and overall pointier features. Jackadors can vary from one dog to the other when it comes to these visual characteristics. However, you can expect a strong, muscular body with a deep, rounded chest, which are common traits in both parent breeds. Initially, both breeds were bred as working dogs, which lends this mix a decidedly hard-working personality with high energy. Because of its working-dog origins, the Jackador needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and prevent destructive behaviors. Even though this necessitates extra involvement on the part of owners, Jackadors are also easy to train and highly intelligent. The breed abounds in loyalty from both sides and makes a fantastic family dog for children, as this breed is not aggressive. However, Jackadors, like all other breeds, should be adequately trained and socialized early on. They tend to be protective, and if not trained, can become overprotective. Comparing a Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle which breed is better? Health Conditions While these are generally healthy dogs that can live on average around fourteen years, they can inherit any of the issues that commonly plague their parent breeds. On the Jack Russell side, this means watching out for eye disorders like glaucoma or cataracts. Small dogs can also suffer from luxating patella, a kneecap disease commonly seen in older dogs, as well as hip diseases like hip dysplasia and Legg-Calve-Perthe disease. From the Labrador side, a Jackador could inherit a tendency for recurrent ear infections, heart disease, or progressive retinal atrophy, which leads to eventual blindness. As with many breeds, regular checkups at the vet and a proper diet helps ensure these issues are kept at bay. For many of the diseases affecting joints, keeping excess weight off can help protect against overt wear and tear, which can exacerbate issues. Is a Jackador the Right Fit for You? The most important consideration in whether a Jackador is right for you is the amount of time you spend with it. Whether you adopt a puppy or a full-grown dog , Jackadors need a certain amount of time and attention to behave well but also to stay happy and healthy. Without the right amount of time and attention, Jackadors can act out around the house and become destructive. They can also display unwanted behaviors, like aggression, overprotectiveness, and antisocial qualities, if they are not trained or socialized well. But for those with an active lifestyle who can devote a few hours daily to help exercise their Jackador and keep its mind sharp, then the breed can provide years of loyal companionship. Some Pomeranians are very small and like Jack Russells can end up in adoption shelters Where to Find a Jackador As with many designer breeds, these dogs are available as puppies from many breeders, both reputable and disreputable alike. However, if your heart is set on a Jackador, there is a good chance that you can also find one at a nearby rescue or humane society. Check in your local area to see if any nearby rescues are dedicated to the breed. Final Thoughts In the world of designer dogs, the Jackador might seem like an odd underdog. However, while the size of its parents are strangely mismatched, its personality is evidence of this great breed pairing. These highly intelligent, loyal, and active dogs make wonderful family companions and can sport a wide variety of colors and characteristics common to either side of its family tree. Many shelters and rescue organizations likely have Jackadors for adoption, so check with these organizations for a chance to meet your new best friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. To learn more about this crossbreed, it would help to look at the history of Labrador and Jack Russell. We will keep referring to the parent breeds' traits throughout the article to understand where this hybrid comes from and what to expect from it. Jack Russell Terrier The breed gets its name from John Russell, who bred these dogs in the early s to drive away foxes with his barking. They were bred to be hunting dogs and independent problem solvers. This is why JRTs are courageous and self-reliant. They can figure out their own ways to go about things and solve problems. The breed standard of JRTs varies because of their broad genetic make-up. Due to the distinction, the breed has even been divided into two separate breeds in England: one is Parson Russell Terrier, with longer legs, and the other is Jack Russell Terriers, having shorter legs. Labrador Retriever Labradors originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and were brought to England in the 19th century. They are hard-working dogs who used to retrieve fish and haul fishermen's boats from the water. Today, they serve society as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, etc. We've discussed seven uses of Labradors in a separate post. For the last 29 years, Labradors have been the most popular breed in the United States, and for good reasons. They are smart, friendly, playful, and charming. Their high energy levels and intelligence mean that they are easy to train and can work for hours without losing their focus. What do Jack Russell Lab mixes look like? Like all mixed breeds, Jackadors' physical traits vary greatly. They may look like anything between a small Labrador and a big Jack Russell. They're short-to-medium-sized dogs, usually bigger and heavier than their parent Jack Russell but smaller and lighter than Lab. As with any dog breed, male Jackadors are a bit heavier and larger than their female counterparts. Both of Jackadors' parent breeds have water-resistant coats, so Jackadors will likely be fond of water, but some may be afraid of water because of negative experiences at a young age. Their ears are usually floppy but can also be partially erect, and their legs are proportionate to their height, giving them an athletic build. Coat and Colors Labradors come in several colors like black, white, yellow, and chocolate. JRTs are available in standard brown and white colors. Usually, Jackadors' color is determined by Labs, though it's not always the case. The hybrid can have various colors, but popular ones include black, cream, and brown. So, it's safe to say that Jackadors will also be an active breed that will need lots of physical and mental stimulation. You'll also require chewing toys and perhaps some puzzles to keep them occupied indoors. Similarly, both parent breeds are also hunting dogs, which means Jackadors will have a strong hunting instinct. Training will help reduce this behavior, but it cannot be eliminated entirely. So, it's critical to familiarize them with other animals at an early age, or else they'll instinctively see cats and other small animals as prey. These dogs like to be around their family members, so it's not a good idea to leave them alone for long periods. Doing so can result in destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, urination, etc. Jackadors are usually not an aggressive hybrid. With proper training and socialization, they can become excellent family companions, though it's essential to introduce them to kids at an early age. They must learn to be gentle with children and not chase them. Jackadors can also inherit the loud barking from their parent JRT, which means they will like to make themselves heard. Lastly, like their parent breeds, Jackadors are very loyal, loving, highly energetic, and intelligent. Jack Russells have a mostly white coat, so Jackadors are likely to inherit markings on their head and chest from their parent JRTs. A white chest or partially white face is common in these dogs. Brushing your Jackador's coat once a week and bathing occasionally will keep him clean and happy. Increase the brushing frequency to once or even twice a day during the shedding season. Exercise Labradors are highly energetic dogs, and so are JRTs. As a result, you can expect Jackadors to be just as energetic and active. Be ready to devote lots of exercise and playtime as this hybrid will drive you crazy if you don't give them enough physical activity. Their small size can allow them to adjust to apartments - traditional Labradors not so much! However, you'll have to make up for the lack of physical activity in the form of more exercise and playtime. Having a decent-sized house with a backyard will make a massive difference as it'll give your Jackador space to roam in. Both of the breeds are also very intelligent, so they must receive mental stimulation as well. JRTs are independent problem solvers, and Labs are always eager to work, so consider getting toys, puzzles, and food dispensers for your pet. How much time does your pup need for exercise? Usually, 30 to 60 minutes a day is enough, along with long walks and some running. It's best to divide this period of activity into small chunks throughout the day. As we've discussed, Jackadors become bored and restless without their daily dose of physical activity. They will begin targeting your furniture and chewing everything they can, so they must run around, play, and tire themselves out. Are Jackadors easy to train? Labradors are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. This means they are highly trainable, and you can teach them to do virtually anything, so owners will not have much difficulty training Labs themselves. On the other hand, JRTs were bred to be independent. Like Labs, they are very intelligent and energetic. However, they tend to solve problems on their own and don't depend on their human partners. JRTs are also loud, and they instinctively chase anything that moves. When these breeds are crossed, the resulting Jackadors are also intelligent and energetic, but consistent, rigorous training is required when they're at the puppy stage. This is to make sure they only chase toys and balls rather than cats or other animals. Training is also critical for keeping their barks under control. The Jack Russell Lab mix isn't always suited to homes with small pets or young kids, but early socialization and training will ensure that they are friendly toward children and adults alike. Since both JRT and Labrador are hunting dogs, it's crucial to introduce them to other pet dogs and animals at a young age to avoid any trouble later on. Overall, you can prevent Jackadors' typical behavior issues through positive reinforcement training and physical activity. They'll also benefit from plenty of interaction with other animals and people of all ages from about 10 weeks of age. Are Jackadors healthy dogs? Jackadors are generally healthy, but they can be prone to any of the diseases that plague their parent breeds. It happens when the kneecap is not correctly lined up and usually causes lameness. It's a congenital disease, though the actual misalignment occurs later on in a dog's life. Eye disorders: JRTs are prone to several painful eye diseases like glaucoma abnormally high pressure in the eye , lens luxation displaced eye lens , and cataracts. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: This is another disease that usually only occurs in small breeds. It is similar to hip dysplasia and is often confused with it. In this condition, the ball of the hip joint is deformed, causing arthritis and wearing. Labradors Ear infections: The large, floppy ears can provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making Labs more prone to ear infections. This can be prevented by regularly cleaning your pet's ears. Heart diseases: Labs can suffer from a range of heart problems. The most common ones are chronic degenerative valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and heartworm disease. Progressive retinal atrophy: PRA is a group of genetic diseases that affect your pet's retina. The photoreceptors inside the dog's eye deteriorate over time, which eventually leads to blindness. JRTs are not very prone to obesity, but any dog can gain weight with the wrong diet and lack of physical activity. On the other hand, Labradors are voracious eaters and can quickly become overweight, so you should monitor the amount of food your Jackador eats, especially if he takes after his Lab parent. Since there's a huge difference between JRTs and Labs, it's difficult to suggest the exact amount of kibble your Jackador should eat every day. In any case, make sure you only give your pet high-quality dog food designed for small-to-medium-sized dogs. Feeding little and often is the safest option, which means you may have to feed your pet at least three times a day. After every meal, you should also give your dog enough time to digest it before taking him out. Check out my Recommended Products section to see which foods I recommend, including custom fresh food solutions you can order online! Should you get a Jackador? The Jack Russell Lab mix is best suited for families that can dedicate enough time and attention to their physical and mental needs. Jackadors can be an excellent companion if you have an active lifestyle, but if your family cannot devote a few hours every day, you'll probably be better off getting a calmer breed. As we've discussed, you don't necessarily need a large home or a backyard, though it's certainly preferred. Early socialization and training are also indispensable, so you'll have to spend extra time on these. JRTs were initially bred to chase away foxes with their loud, consistent barking, so your Jackador might be fond of his own voice. However, he may also inherit Labrador's calm demeanor, in which case you wouldn't have to deal with the barking that much. They may inherit all the best qualities of the parent breeds, or they may get the worst of both worlds. So, only bring a Jackador puppy home if you're ready to deal with whatever traits he will have. We're not trying to scare you, but you should be aware of this fact. Overall, if you're asking yourself, 'should I get a Jackador? Where to find a Jackador puppy Since Labradors and JRTs differ a lot in size, it's unlikely that any breeder will intentionally cross them. However, accidents happen, and Jackadors do exist. Contact reputable breeders around you and online, and inquire about this hybrid. Make sure only to purchase a puppy from a certified breeder and never from puppy mills or pet stores. This will ensure you get healthy puppies whose parents have been screened for diseases. You will probably have better luck finding a Jackador in shelters or online adoption centers. Start by looking for this hybrid in your local rescue shelters. They may or may not have a Jackador available right away, but you can talk to the staff, and they will probably be able to guide you correctly. Head over to Petfinder and other such websites to look for these dogs. Sites like the ones listed below are more likely to have a Jackador than local shelters or breeders. Jack Russell Lab mix lifespan What is a Jackador? Because of the drastic size difference between the parent breeds, the mother is usually the Labrador, and the father is the Jack Russell. But as this is a hybrid breed, it is difficult to predict which physical and behavioral traits the offspring will inherit from their parents. However, both breeds were hunting dogs, so we know this mixed breed will inherit the hunting instinct. Yet they have a rich history of being crossed by accident, due to how closely they have worked together on farms and ranches for generations. To understand this crossbreed better, we must look at the history of the Jack Russell Terrier and the Labrador Retriever. This small breed gets its name from Parson John Russell, who bred these dogs during the s as a baying terrier, meaning the dog would flush out the fox with its steady barking but never killed its prey. The Jack Russell worked alongside fox hounds covering extensive distances without slowing down, being independent thinkers brave enough to enter a fox den with an ability to dig. The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada. As well as a hunting dog, the Labrador Retriever also excels as a guide dog, therapy dog, and service dog. For nearly 30 years, they have ranked as the most popular dog in the USA. The Jackador is a small to medium-sized dog that is often a little bigger and heavier than the Jack Russell but smaller and lighter than the Labrador. Their ears are usually floppy but can be partially erect with their legs in proportion with their size giving them an athletic build. Both parent breeds have a water-resistant coat, so the Jackador will too. This cute cross combines a tiny dog with a large one. These puppies range hugely in adult height. The Jack Russell Labrador mix stands 16 to 20 inches high and can weigh anything from 25 to 50 pounds. Coat Colors and Patterns The Jackador can come in many colors, but notably black, brown, and cream. The Labrador tends to dictate the coat color, but you can often have a white chest or partially white face from the Jack Russell breed. Managing Grooming and Shedding The Jack Russell and the Labrador have short, water-resistant coats that are easy to maintain, so the Jackador will require brushing once a week and a bath when needed. Both parents are shedders, so during the molting season, your Jack Russell Labrador mix will be the same and require brushing more frequently. Your hybrid breed will also need their teeth brushed regularly, their ears cleaned, and their nails trimmed. Jack Russell Labrador Mix Temperament The Jack Russell and Labrador Retriever are working dogs bred for long hours in the field, so the Jackador will also be an active dog requiring plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They need to be introduced to small animals early as this mixed breed, from its hunting heritage, may chase after them as prey, especially if they take more after the Jack Russell parent. They can also inherit loud barking from their Jack Russell parent and like being heard! But like their parent breeds, the Jack Russell Labrador mix will be loyal, loving, energetic and intelligent. You need plenty of time to exercise and play with this mixed breed as they need two walks each day and lots of playtime so they can get rid of some of their energy! Both parent breeds are intelligent, with Jack Russells being problem solvers and Labradors eager to work, so consider getting chew toys, puzzles, and food dispensers to keep your pet occupied. When it comes to obedience training, it all depends on which parent your mixed breed takes after. With its eagerness to please, the Labrador is easy to train, whereas the Jack Russell is an independent dog who can solve problems independently, so it tends to have a stubborn and mischievous streak! Early socialization is crucial to ensure your Jackador is friendly and gentle towards other people and children. Are Designer Dogs Healthy? Mixed breeds like the Jack Russell Labrador mix tend to be far healthier than purebreds. However, they can be prone to some of the health issues that plague their parent breeds, so you need to be aware of some of these conditions, which include: Jack Russell Terrier. Brown, black, cream, golden, all possible with white markings Temperament: Outgoing, energetic, friendly, intelligent, independent Most Suitable For: Active single individuals, active families, possibly unsuitable for the elderly What Does a Jack Russell Lab Mix Look Like? It will likely borrow from both parent breeds for its overall physical appearance. The Jack Russell Lab will likely have triangular, folded ears, like the Jack Russell, and a short snout and button nose, like the Jack Russell Terrier. Luckily for those who like to get outside in the rain you mad bastards, you! You can expect your Jackador to inherit a solid color or a tri-color mix of brown, black, golden, or white in coat colors. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. Not much information is available at all. Thus, we look to their parent breeds to inform us about what to expect from a Jack Russell Lab mix. The History of the Lab The humble Labrador Retriever is up first in our foray into the parent breeds. The Labrador was first created in the s by mixed breeding between a St. The Labrador was originally bred as a sporting and hunting dog but is now primarily a companion pet. Although modern Labrador Retrievers are currently used in many countries as police dogs, disability-assistance dogs, and performing military functions. Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the Western world. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog in the United States! They were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in and have long enjoyed huge national popularity, mostly due to their multi-functional nature and the ability to be a loving and loyal companion pet. How Did Labs Come About? The Labrador Retriever is the evolution of crossbreeding between English hunting dogs and the St. Unfortunately, little corroborating information exists. The Jack Russell Terrier was bred by the Reverend John Russell, who produced the dog as a hunting dog to aid in the hunting of foxes. The Jack Russell was small and agile enough to follow the fox into its den and finish the kill. Jack Russell Terriers typically come in various brown colors, some lighter than others, mixed with black and white color patterns. While originally bred as a hunting breed, Jack Russell Terriers are more commonly found now as family pets. The Jack Russell Terrier is a beautiful family dog for the active family unit, requiring intense physical exercise. They love to run and play. This makes them largely unsuitable for the elderly and apartment-style living. They can sometimes exhibit disruptive behaviors like excessive barking if left alone for long periods. The Jack Russell was first bred by the Reverend John Russell in the midth century in England as Russell sought to create the perfect fox-hunting dog. The Jack Russell quickly caught on among hunting pet owners in the UK and has maintained steady popularity. The Jack Russell is one of the most challenging crossbreeds for owners, largely due to certain undesirable characteristics. Excessive barking and certain health conditions that include dental diseases. This hyper dog breed is still crossed with many other different types of dogs, however. Bo-Jack Jack Russell Terrier and Boston Terrier Interesting Jackador Facts To mix things up and give you some fun and exciting information, I wanted to provide you with a quick list of some of the top qualities and exciting information you may not know yet about the Jackador. She always needs to be around me and follows me around literally everywhere. The Jackador will behave very similar to this and is known to experience separation anxiety and form a strong bond and loyalty towards the pack leader in the home. To give you an idea of what I mean, I have a video on my YouTube channel explaining how my Jack Russell reacted when being left home alone in the beginning. Here it is. Similar to a Jack Russell Golden Retriever mix , the Jackador is full of energy and needs the ability to use it. Whether this is through exercise, play, or training , it is essential with a dog like the Jackador that you can provide your dog the ability to burn off this energy. This will help you avoid negative behaviors that stem from boredom or not having the ability to burn off some of that excess or pent-up energy. My JRT is consistently looking for animals in the backyard and trying to track them down. On the flip side, my yellow lab has almost no prey drive. With the Jackador, you have a good chance of getting the prey drive of the Labrador or a mix of both dogs reducing the overall prey drive of the Jackador. Especially if you take your time doing your homework and research before adopting. With some patience, consistency, and a routine schedule, you can test your Jackadors intelligence and begin training immediately after adoption. Most larger dogs do not live as long as smaller dogs. With the Jackador, you get a medium-sized dog with a lifespan capable of reaching well past the double digits. You can expect a Jackador to live on average for years. The Jackador has the potential and likelihood of becoming one of the best family dogs you can choose to adopt. Much like the Jack Russell Terrier and the Labrador dog breeds. Families looking for a loyal dog with a strong love and amount of affection for their families should be looking or considering the Jackador. Overall, this dog is excellent. The only downfall may be the training and supervision required to have a Jackador around young children or babies more on this later. Nonetheless, suppose you are looking for a dog breed with a strong potential for becoming an excellent family dog. The Jackador is definitely one of the best options you have. The most distinct behavior of the Jackador is going to be the energy and playful demeanor. Up next, the Jackador can also be somewhat stubborn during training and requires patience as the dog owner. Digging is also a concern with the Jackador. Both the Labrador and Jack Russell Terrier is known to dig in their early years during puppyhood. Additionally, the playfulness of the Jackador can lead to unwanted jumping on the company out of excitement or the craving for attention from anyone willing to provide it to them. Excessive barking may also be a concern with the Jackador until it is appropriately trained out of them. Without proper training and guidance, a Jackador may be an overwhelming dog breed for many owners. Especially first-time dog owners. On the flip side, with patience, proper training, a loving home, and some consistent routines, the Jackador can become one of the best dogs you could raise and have as part of the family. The choice and responsibility that fall on you are the points I am trying to make. Be sure to do your best and provide what a Jackador needs for the best results. I want to make sure you understand that the Jackador will do best when given plenty of chances to socialize and the more they are exposed to other pets and social situations. This is typically true of any dog. I highly recommend you begin the socialization process when your Jackador is young. This will help eliminate anxiety and potential issues as your Jackador ages and can help your Jackador become an excellent dog when exposed and around other dogs or animals in the home. Jackadors With Children and Babies Jackadors are not necessarily the best dogs with children or babies but not because of anything that is their fault. This is a hyper dog breed that tends to be a bit clumsy. It is essential that if you have young children or a baby, you supervise the interactions at the beginning with your Jackador. Aggression is not necessarily the concern. The concern is more based on jumping and rowdy behavior. With training and some discipline, your Jackador will learn what is permitted and not permitted around children or babies. This can be said about most dogs, so it should not come as much of a surprise to anyone reading. Work with them and show love, and you can absolutely adopt a Jackador whether you have children or babies today. Not to mention, it makes the process much more enjoyable for both you and your Jackador Now, with 3 years under my belt owning both parent dogs of the Jackador, I wanted to fill you in on a few other key things you should understand about the Jackador to determine if they are the right dog for you or not. Jackadors Demand Plenty Of Exercise With hyper dog breeds, you have to understand how important exercise is. This could be argued for any dog breed, but Jackadors absolutely need plenty of exercises. Exercise will help eliminate nervous behaviors and help your dog respond to all training and discipline in a better fashion. Not to mention, it is an excellent way for your Jackador to get additional socialization when they are young. With Jackadors, some joint or popular exercises you can consider include the following:. Not only for their appearance and temperament, but because they get the best of two different dogs, and they also tend to have fewer health problems! A Jack Russell Terrier Lab mix the Jackador is a small to medium dog that stands inches high and weighs between 25 and 50 lbs. Its friendly and intelligent nature makes it a great companion or outdoor dog for singles, couples, or families. We can tell you all about it in this article. Everything, from general information to history, to exercise needs and diet, to health issues, and more. Therefore, it inherits traits, both physical and behavioral, from both parent dogs. Due to the difference in size between both breeds, as a general rule, the mother is the Labrador, and the father is the Jack Russell. However, it could also happen the other way around. The Labrador has been a member of the AKC since as a sporting dog. Both Jack Russells and Labradors were originally bred as working hunting dogs. The Jack Russell Terriers hunted foxes and other smaller animals. Labradors were used to track and then retrieve animals, mainly water ones such as ducks. So Jackadors, as a cross of both parent breeds, have inherited the working hunting dog instincts and traits. And just as both parent breeds, Jackadors are highly social and loving, very intelligent and loyal, and full of energy. Plus, they are super cute! History of the Jack Russell Terrier Mixed Breed The history of a dog breed can do a lot to determine both physical traits and general temperament, as most dogs were originally bred for a specific purpose. That means specific traits were developed and favored over time until they became the norm. As a crossbreed, the Jackador has inherited traits from both Jack Russell and the Labrador. In order to get the full picture, we need to dive into the history of both parent breeds. He is the person that originally bred these dogs, back in the early s. The purpose of the breed was to drive away foxes and to hunt different types of small mammals. They were bred to be independent and intelligent, capable of solving problems by themselves. This is why Jack Russells, as a general rule, are courageous, active, and independent. However, throughout history, there have been many variations of the Russell Terrier. Later on, they spread to other parts of the world. They were originally bred as working hunting dogs, and their main job was to retrieve prey. Mainly, they were used in water environments, thanks to their excellent swimming abilities. Nowadays, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed of dog in the United States. They are also one of the most popular breeds overall worldwide. But they are still classed as working dogs. Today they are used as guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and similar. They are incredibly intelligent and high-energy. They are also one of the best breeds for families, as they are playful, gentle, loyal, and very sociable. Crossbreeds just kinda happen naturally sometimes. Then people catch on and start breeding them on purpose. What does a Jackador look like? The appearance of the Jackador can vary from litter to litter. They are generally a small to medium breed but this could be anything between a big Jack Russell, or a small Labrador. Basically, they can inherit any of the traits from both parent breeds, and can end up looking more like one, the other, or a perfect in-between. So in general, the Jack Russell Terrier mix will weigh between 25 and 50 lbs. They will have a height of between 16 to 20 inches tall. Also, male Jackadors will be slightly bigger than their female counterparts. They have an athletic build, with proportionate legs. Their ears will most often be floppy, but could also be partially erect, as it depends. As for the coating, both Labradors and Jack Russels have water-resistant coats. So Jackadors will also inherit this. Jackadors are big fans of the water. They will enjoy swimming , plus excel at this skill. There will always be some Jackadors who might not like water. This will usually be down to them having had a bad experience with it at a young age. As for the color of the coating… Labradors are either black, white, yellow or chocolate. Jack Russell Terriers are brown and white. The Jackador will be a mix of all of this, and will usually inherit the coloring of the Labrador parent. Most often, Jackadors are either black, cream, or brown. Temperament and Behavior of the Jackador Every single dog has its own unique personality. Nobody can say otherwise. However, different breeds of dogs will have different temperaments and behavioral tendencies, due to the instincts and traits that have been bred in through their original purpose and design. When it comes to the Jackador, the temperament is a mixture of both Labrador and Jack Russell. It very much depends on the parents. So one of the first things you should do is ask about the parents of your prospective Jackador! Overall, both Labradors and Jack Russell Terriers are working dogs. So the Jack Russell Terrier mix is incredibly active and inherently wants to be of use. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. This then leads to destructive or disruptive behavior. As a crossbreed between two hunting dogs, Jackadors will also have very strong hunting instincts. This means they could inherently chase cats and other small animals and will see them as prey. A Labrador is less likely to chase cats compared with a Jack Russell who has a higher prey drive. With people, Jackadors are incredibly friendly and loyal. They love being around their family, and will not do very well when left alone for long periods of time. This is because they need to be with company, and not alone. But they are very loving and affectionate and great for families. The only other thing to watch out for in Jackadors, apart from the hunting instinct, is the barking. These dogs make themselves heard and will be prone to barking. So training from an early stage will be needed to manage this. Grooming Needs of a Jackador Both Jack Russell Terriers and Labradors have quite short hair, which is water-resistant and easy to maintain. As such, Jackador dogs are pretty easy to maintain grooming-wise and should be fine with being brushed once a week, and bathed only when needed. However, both parent breeds are big shedders during molting season, so the Jackador will be the same. When it comes to shedding season, there will be hairs everywhere, and brushing will have to be increased to every two days, or sometimes even every day. Other than that, there are no significant grooming needs to be aware of. Exercise Needs of a Jackador Both parent breeds are working dogs with a lot of energy…so yeah, the Jack Russell Terrier mix is equally as high-energy and active. They will need a lot of exercise. This means they will need at least two walks a day, and plenty of playtimes to get that energy out. Around 60 minutes a day or so should do the trick! Luckily, their small to medium size allows them to fit into apartments, so you can keep a Jackador within a regular home. However, it is preferable for them to have some sort of garden. There they can have plenty of space to burn through their energy. Otherwise, you will have to dedicate a lot more time and effort to exercising outside of the house. Jackador dogs also need plenty of mental stimulation. Consider mental challenges like: Puzzle toys Training sessions that challenge their abilities and learning. If they do not get enough mental stimulation, the Jack Russell Terrier mixed dog will get bored. And when bored, they can develop destructive behavior such as chewing and scratching furniture within the house. They will also try to get your attention by misbehaving. Are Jackadors Easy To Train? The Jackador is easiest to train when they are puppies. That training needs to be rigorous and consistent to be effective. Both dogs are intelligent. Training is a big part of caring for a dog. It is very important in order to establish appropriate behavioral patterns, basic commands, and to provide mental stimulation. But how easy is it to train a Jackador? Well, Labradors are one of the easiest dog breeds to train. They are incredibly intelligent and super eager to please and obey. They can be taught to do almost anything, which is why they are guide dogs. Jack Russell Terriers are equally intelligent. But they are quite independent and prefer to solve problems by themselves. This means that they can be a lot more stubborn and mischievous, and a more stern style of training is required. Jackador dogs are a mix of the two, and it mostly depends on which parent breed they take after. They will be very intelligent and energetic, and they will really enjoy training. However, you will need to be very consistent and stern, and start the training process as early as possible, in order to ensure it is effective. Apart from basic commands and behavioral patterns, training for a Jackador should focus on reducing the hunting instinct, and limiting the barking. The training should start as early as when they are a puppy, and socialization should be incorporated into the training from about 10 weeks of age. The Health of a Jackador Different dog breeds have higher risks for different specific health problems and issues, so this is something to look into beforehand. Crossbreeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier mix, will inherit all of the health risks of both parent breeds. But the good news is that crossbreeds are a lot healthier overall, and the risk is significantly lower, as they do not tend to suffer from health issues as much. Nevertheless, you need to be aware of the main health problems of both the Labrador and the Jack Russell, so you know what to potentially look out for in your Jackador: The Health of a Labrador Ear infections: this can be easily prevented by regularly cleaning out the ears, and it is common in dogs with floppy ears. Heart diseases: the most common ones are chronic degenerative valve disease , cardiomyopathy , and heartworm disease. Progressive retinal atrophy: This is something that affects the retina of the eye, causing it to deteriorate over time and ultimately causing blindness. The Health of a Jack Russell Terrier Eye disorders: Jack Russell Terriers are usually prone to eye diseases such as glaucoma , lens luxation , and cataracts. Patellar luxation: this is pretty common amongst all small dogs. It occurs when the kneecap is not lined up properly, causing lameness. It will usually happen when they begin to get old. Legg-calve-Perthes disease: also common amongst small dogs, it is similar to hip dysplasia in that the ball of the hip joint is slightly deformed, causing arthritis and other problems. If you want to be able to know, in a more exact way, exactly which health risks are more significant in your Jackador, then the best way is to figure out the exact percentage of breeds in your puppy. Knowing if it is more Labrador or more Jack Russell will help you understand the health a lot better. And for this, you can simply take a DNA test, there are plenty available in the market, and you could also ask your vet for one. Food and Diet of a Jackador Figuring out the right diet for a crossbreed can be pretty challenging. This is especially true as Labradors and Jack Russell Terriers have very different diets, due to the difference in size. So you will instead have to figure out a unique diet plan that works for your Jackador, depending on which parent breed it takes after the most. It is worth noting that Jack Russell Terriers are prone to remaining athletic and fit all their life. But Labradors, on the other hand, can very easily become fat if given too much food! This is because Labs are missing the hormone that signals when their stomach is full. So make sure you give the right amount of food, and no more, and that it is high-quality and paired with plenty of exercise. So here is the important question: should you? Jackador dogs can be easily kept in a regular house or apartment, and they make excellent companions. Are you able to take good care of the Jackador, so that all needs are covered? If yes, then you can absolutely get one! If not, then try looking into a different breed of dog. To get a new Jackador puppy, you will have to find a reliable breeder, but these can be quite rare and can get pretty expensive as they are highly sought after. In all honesty, you will have a better chance of finding a Jackador if you look for one in shelters and adoption centers, where crossbreeds are a lot more popular. There are many online services that can help you look for a Jackador, and that will check different adoption centers and shelters automatically. Petfinder is one of the most popularly used and is very reliable. You can also check out this Labrador Russell Facebook page. Frequently Asked Questions How big will a Jackador get? The size of your Jackador will depend on whether it takes more after the Labrador parent, or after the Jack Russell parent, so the growth can vary quite a lot. The average size of a Jackador dog is between 16 and 20 inches in height, and between 20 and 50 lbs in weight. However, there have been cases of a Jackador being slightly bigger, although not by a lot. Are Jackador dogs good? The answer to this is pretty subjective, as it depends on what you consider a good dog to be like. Jackador dogs are friendly, intelligent, and very active. They are excellent companions and natural working dogs that can be easily trained. Plus, they are super cute and playful! Read More About Labradors.

History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

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