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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What are "mismarks" in Labradors? Color oddities "mismarks" have occurred from time to time and have been well documented throughout the breed history of the purebred Labrador Retriever. Such mismarks have includes black and tan markings, brindling, some white markings and ring-around-the-tail markings. It is unknown as to whether mismarks appear because of recessive genes from generations ago or whether they are the result of a spontaneous mutation. Although mismarks occur naturally in Labradors, these mismarks are rare. Breeders attributed this to previous interbreeding of Labradors with Gordon Setters during the early history of the breed. Because this trait was considered undesirable as a characteristic of the breed, breeders chose not to breed individuals expressing the trait in hopes of reducing frequency of its expression in future offspring. Because this allele is recessive, it may be passed through many generations before a breeder is aware that the allele is present. This explains the low frequency of expression of this trait in the current Labrador population. Brindling describes alternating expression of black and red color in the hair throughout the coat. There are several possible causes for this fault that occasionally appears in Labs. Alternatively, brindling in Labs may be the result of what geneticists call a mosaic. A mosaic indicates differences in the somatic tissue of heterozygotes that come about during mitotic division of somatic cells recall from above that somatic cells are those that make-up the body. There are two possible ways by which an individual may become a mosaic. The first is called chromosome nondisjunction by which during division into daughter cells, one of the chromosomes fails to separate from its duplicated chromosome. As a result, one daughter cell receives an extra chromosome and the other receives an unpartnered-chromosome. In either situation described above, the daughter cells of these altered somatic cells will contain the same alterations. As a result, one will observe a mosaic or brindled pattern of normal color mixed with color produced by the altered somatic cells. This condition has been reported in a Lab showing mosaic black and yellow coat color. Rather, this coat characteristic was attributed to a chromosomal alteration as described above. Some white is permissible under the AKC standard and is fairly common. There are several conditions that can produce white hair in Labs. Some of these conditions are determined by color genes and others may be caused by environmental factors that effect melanin production. Certainly white hairs and even patches are easily traced throughout the history of the Labrador Retriever. White Spots To analyze the reason why some black Labs have only a few white hairs on their chests or undersides, while others have white spots or patches, it is best to first understand that all Labs are white the condition of having no melanin. The gene loci for color control both the color of the pigment as well as the distribution of melanocytes throughout the body of the Lab. Therefore, in a black Lab, although color is determined by alleles at the B locus, alleles at the A and E loci determine even distribution of the color over the entire surface of the coat. Therefore, although all Labs should be homozygous for the S allele at the S gene locus, some may still express white hairs on the chest, bottom of the feet and under the arms and groin areas. Bolo Mark "Bolo marks" get their name from champion Labrador, Banchory Bolo, who lived from .Bolo was the first dog in England to earn dual championships. He passed these bolo marks white hairs on the chest or feet on to further generations of Labradors. These marks are not considered a true mismark. Labrador puppies with odd markings could absolutely be mixed-bred puppies. If you consider a mismarked Labrador please educate yourself and make sure the breeder is someone you trust. A yellow lab only appears when the dog has the color gene, "ee. Think of it as a black lab dipped in yellow when it comes to how the coloring works! These are possible gene combinations that will get you a yellow lab with a black nose: eeBB, eeBb The black Labrador Retriever is the first color recognized in the breed, also one of the most popular dogs of all time. The "B" gene has an important role, as does the "E" gene. There cannot be two little "e" genes in a black lab, because that would mask the color and make it yellow. These are possible gene combinations that will get you a chocolate lab: EEbb, Eebb The fox-red Labrador Retriever has the same genetic makeup of a yellow Labrador. The difference is the darker coat color. Through selective breeding, labs can become darker or lighter over generations by choosing the darkest pup from the bunch. The intensity gene varies with labs, and a fox-red lab has a high intensity, "I" gene. While the fox-red lab has a high intensity gene, the white lab has a very low intensity gene, "i. The Dudley Labrador Retriever in simple terms is a chocolate lab wearing a yellow lab's coat! Dudley's have the same "ee" gene as yellow labs with black noses, but they do not have the dominant "B" genes shown in black labs or carried by yellow labs. Instead, they have two "bb" genes. Large breeders avoid Dudley's by never breeding a yellow lab to a chocolate lab how the dudley is made but this significantly restricts the gene pools. Dudley's can have intensity as dark as fox-red or as light as white. The possible gene combination for a Dudley lab is: eebb Dilute. The Champagne Labrador Retriever from a genetic standpoint, is a yellow lab. This can be fox-red, white, yellow, or dudley The difference is a completely different gene that all Labradors have. The dilute gene, seen as "DD" or "Dd" in standard Labradors. Champagne labs have two recessive copies of the gene, being "dd. They can have any of the yellow gene combinations, but with the "dd. The Charcoal Labrador Retriever is a diluted black lab, much how the champagne is a diluted yellow lab. This beautiful dark grey color is seen when a black labrador carries two recessive copies of the "d" gene. An entirely different gene called "K" is responsible for these beautiful markings. All labs have the K gene, but different variations give different results. If you are lucky enough to find a Brindle lab, they are more likely to be a black lab with some brindle marks on their legs. Our own dog Rylee carries the gene for this! This is very uncommon in Labradors, and most breeders that discover the gene in their line, avoid it all together since the dual coat looks far from purebred. But don't fret! Mahner Labs Tomahawk, Wisconsin mahnerlabs gmail. Proudly created with Wix. When both parents have contributed the gene, the pup has lighter tan colored fur above the eyes, around the muzzle, on the chest and legs. Another gene found in Labradors causes tan speckling on the legs and muzzle; this is called brindle. Black and tan and brindle Labradors can be registered with the American Kennel Club, but they can not compete in the show ring as these colors are considered undesirable to the breed standard. The Guiding Eyes breeding colony has been derived in part from the Whygin Labs, a prominent kennel that was very successful with show and hunting dogs in the s. Some of the black and gene coloring stems from the Whygin line. Because we breed for optimum guide dogs, our primary criteria are confident, easy to handle dogs with excellent health and a sturdy conformation. We do not remove dogs from our breeding colony if they produce these coat colors. These pups have the same temperament and health traits as their solid colored littermates. Additional information on coat color inheritance: Black, chocolate and yellow Labrador coloring are the result of the interaction of two genes commonly referred to as the E yellow gene and the B brown gene. A dog with ee two recessive copies of the yellow gene is yellow. The B gene is turned off. This turning off or hiding the expression of another gene is called epistasis. For dogs with Ee or EE, the B gene is turned on. A black dog results from BB or Bb. A chocolate dog results from bb Another gene present in all Labs is the K gene, which has several variations. KB is responsible for solid coloring, as we see in nearly all Labradors. The most recessive version of K is ky; two copies of ky will allow another gene, A agouti, to express itself in a number of patterns commonly seen in other breeds, such as tan points. A single copy of KB is epistatic to, or sufficient to hide, all the genetic information of the A gene. Nearly every Labrador retriever has two copies of KB. Any of these dogs that are not yellow ee will have tan points. Nope, not a Rottweiler, Doberman or Dachshund! Just an incredibly well-bred Labrador retriever with beautiful coloring. You can click on the links above to jump straight to a section that interests you. Or, keep reading to learn everything about the unusual black and tan Lab! The exact appearance of a black and tan Labrador will depend on the specific mismarks they have. These tan markings are most often on the legs, muzzle, eyebrows, and chest. This type of mismark often leads people to compare the black and tan Lab to the Rottweiler breed or the Gordon Setter. However, tan markings can vary from one mismarked Lab to the next. Some may only have a single tan paw, whilst the rest of them is a solid color! Others may have tan coloring in the form of brindling. The only time you will notice extreme differences is when a Lab puppy is not actually purebred. DNA testing is the most accurate way to learn whether or not your Lab is purebred, but you can also increase your chances by getting your puppy from a reputable breeder. Are Black and Tan Labradors Purebred? However, the gene for this coloring is recessive. So, a Labrador puppy needs to receive one copy from each parent in order to show black and tan fur. As long as those two parents are also purebred Labradors, the resulting black and tan Labrador puppy will also be purebred. You can ask to see pedigree papers of purebred Lab puppies. But, it is possible for purebred Labs to have this black and tan marking. As you will now know from the information so far, there are two ways that a breeder will be able to achieve black and tan Labrador puppies. When a black and tan Lab is purebred, they often come about by accident. Other breeders may try to mimic and recreate this pattern by breeding a Labrador with another purebred dog. This could be a lighter colored dog, such as a Golden Retriever, or one with the desired markings, like a Rottweiler or Gordon Setter. Many of these breeders will sell their dogs as mixed breeds. But, occasionally, some may try to pass their puppies off as purebred Labs. The best breeders will prioritise health and proper care over all else — including fur color. Can Black and Tan Labs Compete? Although a purebred black and tan Labrador can be registered with the AKC, they cannot compete in any shows. Their coloring falls outside of the permitted breed standards. In fact, the only mismark that is accepted for show is a small white patch on the chest. A black and tan Labrador can make a brilliant family pet in the right home, just like any other colored Lab. Are Black and Tan Labradors Rare? As we know, a Labrador puppy must receive two copies of the necessary recessive gene to show black and tan coloring. Even then, not all puppies in such a litter necessarily will be mismarked. Or mismarked in exactly the same way. Especially if this description comes with a massively inflated price tag. Reputable breeders will often charge no more for mismarked puppies. In fact, some may even reduce the price of these Labs, since they will not qualify for show. Before searching for a new Labrador puppy, research the best way to find a reputable breeder. Here are some links that will help you:. His pedigree is here Pedigree. Contessa's pedigree is here. We put a lot of energy into raising puppies. We are involved with them from birth. They are loved all day long. They are exposed to children, adults, older dogs, loud noises, household items, scented to wings, duck calls, a early start with obedience and potty training. Our lab puppies are well on their way to being potty trained before they're placed in their forever homes, as we've incorporated the misty method. Labrador retriever puppies will have a complete puppy packet including information on shots, worming schedule and medication that has been given, that you will need to share with your vet. A written guarantee, and the basic schedule of sleeping and feeding that the puppy has been raised on will also be some of the information in your puppy packet. AKC Northern California labrador puppy Breeder All of our labrador puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club with limited registration , micro-chipped and ready to be enrolled in the AKC ReUnite program before they go into a new family home. This service is included in the purchase price of your puppy. Our labrador puppies are also sent home with a supply of their current food and feeding schedule. We feed large breed puppy food to insure they grow up healthy and avoid any problems with dysplasia as recommended by the AKC. We also send them home with a receiving blanket that has been with them for some time. It has the scent of their litter-mates and their mother to ease the transition to their new home. Contessa Rose Da Serra. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is recessive and therefore requires each parent to contribute the black and tan gene to an individual for the color to show up. It can modify a black or chocolate Lab to have lighter tan markings in the usual locations of a Gordon Setter, Doberman or Rottewieler. There is also a brindle coloring that Labs can have. We see it less often. Labs with brindling have tan speckling on their forelegs, muzzles and chest. However, they can be registered with the AKC American Kennel Club and these color choices are available on the registration slips. Take a look at these pictures of Billy one of our readers Black and Tan Labrador Retriever: Another trait I noticed was a small white spot on some of the black labs in our group. If you know of any other unusual traits found in purebred labs please leave a comment or let me know. I have received many images from others who own purebred black and tan labs and brindle labs. Moving forward I plan on appending the new images to this post. He is a kindly dog. He loves child and he learn fast. He grow up with two child. We looked for a dog for our son, who suffers from selective mutism. And we find the right dog. He is tomorrow 19 weeks old. Brindle Lab Puppies I saw the pics of the brindle lab dogs on your site. One has just a bit on the paws, another has it on his paws and a little on his chest, the other one has it on his paws, chest face and neck. They are so pretty. Have any of you heard of or seen a black and tan Labrador Retriever. If so tell us a little bit about your experiences in the comment 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Conclusion Kennel Club Breed Standards The Kennel Club standards state that the average height and weight of a German Shepherd is slightly different for males and females. A male German Shepherd is on average between 24 and 26 inches tall while weighing 71 to 84 pounds. A female German Shepherd dog is usually smaller and between 22 and 24 inches tall, weighing between 62 and 68 pounds. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. The biggest difference between the two generally is how much they fill out. While there are a few inches between them, males tend to be stockier and thicker in the shoulders than their female counterparts. German Shepherds tend to have two different lines, the show standard dogs and then the working dogs. Show standard dogs are a little leaner and tend to have a sloped back end that angles towards the ground. Working lines of German Shepherds are more straight-backed and tend to be quite a bit stockier so they have more muscle. They can grow a little larger and can weigh significantly more. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy stage can last anywhere between five and six months but for larger breeds like the German Shepherds, it usually lasts six months. Larger breeds of dogs need longer to develop and mature than smaller dogs. Smaller breeds will reach their full size often within the first year while German Shephards take longer to stop growing. A German Shepherd puppy photoshoot. They only have the ability to taste and touch so they can find milk but rely entirely on their mother. A newborn puppy will be between 3 and 6 inches and still have plenty of growing to do until they are fully developed. Between then and 2 months of age, a puppy will double in size and their senses will continue to develop. Their eyes will open and their motor skills will get increasingly better so they can explore their environment more. This is the period where they will start to develop their personalities. At this time, there is usually a size difference between the litter mates that becomes more apparent as they grow. The bigger ones at birth will often be able to muscle in and get more milk so they develop to be a little larger and stronger than the rest of the litter, while the opposite is true for the smaller puppies. When puppies leave their mother at 2 months old, their next month is filled with a lot of changes as they usually go into their new homes. This is when a litter may be given different food , and different routines and environmental changes may have an impact on their growth rates. This puppy stage will last until 6 months of age when your puppy will learn to develop and bond with your while growing. At this age, they may seem to get taller practically overnight as they can grow quite rapidly. By the time they reach 6 months they can be between 15 and 18 inches tall. Adolescent Developmental Stages When a German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, they become an adolescent. This can be a particularly challenging period for both owner and dog. You may notice they start to test boundaries more and you may have spent the last few months perfecting their recall only to have it go right out the window and have to start from scratch. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Sometimes dogs even have growth spurts that leave them with their rear taller than their shoulders but over time, this should balance out. A good diet and not overdoing exercise are vital during this period to make sure their bones and joints are growing well and not being overly stressed during their bouts of zoomies. Adulthood Smaller breeds of dogs will reach adulthood between 1 and 2 years of age but larger breeds need more time to develop and will continue to grow until around 18 months of age. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. As they mature into adulthood, they will gain weight and muscle which means they may finish up taller and significantly heavier because of that muscle. At 18 months your German Shepherd could be 60 pounds but by two years they can easily be up to 80 pounds. Environmental Factors While genetics plays the most important role in predicting how big or small your puppy will grow, there are some external factors that can help your dog grow up fit and strong as they develop. Choosing the best food for a German Shepherd can be tricky — they eat a lot! Some people make food for their German Retrievers at home. Nutrition plays a vital role in the development of young dogs and getting that balance right is going can play a role in bone and joint health as well as how they grow. Dogs with a poor diet can have a lot of issues later in life. A puppy will need a diet specially developed for their age as younger, growing dogs will need a higher protein content than an adult dog diet that is no longer growing. Conclusion Understanding how big your dog is going to grow and when they stop growing is key to balancing their diet, exercise, and maintenance needs. While your dog is growing they need extra care, extra protein in their diet and their exercise should be managed. If a young dog does too much strenuous exercise there is a chance it will impact their still developing joints. Knowing the age your dog becomes fully developed will help to protect them against injuries. All in all, your German Shepherd will reach their full height and weight by the time they are 2 and a half years old at the latest. 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. Females continue to fill out until about the 2-year mark, while males take a bit longer by putting on weight until the 2. But can you tell how big a German Shepherd will get before then? What other developmental milestones should you keep an eye on with your pup? We answer both those questions and more here. While there are tons of backyard tricks to help you determine how big your German Shepherd will get, the truth is that none of them really work. The best way that you can make a guess is to take a look at their parents. If you want a small German Shepherd, try to find one from two small parents, and if you want a large one, try to find large parents. The average size of a German Shepherd largely comes down to genetics, but if you have a purebred GSD, then they should fit into these parameters. Fully grown male German Shepherds typically stand about 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 66 and 88 pounds. Females tend to be a bit smaller, standing between 22 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 49 and 71 pounds. This large discrepancy in size generally comes down to genetics. But how much does a German Shepherd typically grow in the first year, and how much can you expect over the next year? By the 1-year mark, most German Shepherds are near their full height. Males typically have another 25 pounds to add over the next year, while females typically have about another 20 pounds to pack on. Teeth Did you know that your German Shepherd goes through two sets of teeth throughout their life? Around 12 weeks, they start to get their adult teeth, which means their baby teeth only stick around for about 3 months! Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Sexual Maturity If you have pups of different sexes in the same home, you need to be aware of when your German Shepherds can reach sexual maturity. Most male German Shepherds will reach some level of sexual maturity by the 6-month mark. This is a big deal if you have an unspayed female pup in the house. On the other hand, females can experience their first heat anywhere from the 6-month to the month mark. If you have unneutered males in the house, this is a pretty big deal. Image Credit: lancegfx, Pixabay Final Thoughts When you have a growing German Shepherd , it can seem like they get bigger every day and like the growth will never stop. While growth might happen for longer than you were expecting , what we can promise is that it will slow down. But did you really get a German Shepherd expecting them to be a small dog? Your German Shepherd is going to grow, and you knew this when you got them. Related Reads:. Every puppy will grow at a different rate, and these figures are average guidelines. A 6-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between lbs for males and lbs for females. Similar to most large breeds, GSDs have their most intense growth spurt between 2 to 6 months of age. At 7 months, their growth rate slows down considerably until they reach full adulthood at 3 years. This growth is nominal from the two-year point to the three-year point an inch or less. On average, fully grown German Shepherds are 24 to 26 inches tall for males and 22 to 24 inches for females. Males will weigh between lbs, and their female counterparts will weigh lbs. Most GSDs are assumed to be fully grown by the end of the second year. Whether a GSD is expected to grow beyond the second year can depend on how big the dog already is. Not all German Shepherds are built alike because not all of them are bred alike. You can also refer to a GSD growth chart and check for consistent lag or lead. Additionally, paw size can be an indication of future size, although this is unreliable. This also applies to the weight category as well. If your dog is a few lbs over the standard weight, he might weigh as much more by the third year. Weight fluctuates even past the complete development, though. And that brings us to the alternative scenario: what if your dog is not consistently smaller or bigger than the projected growth chart? If you notice that your dog is an inch smaller at one stage and half an inch smaller at the next, chances are, your dog is experiencing regular growth spurts as any other German Shepherd except that he is shorter by a set percentage. In that case, you should refer to the percentage of full weight or height in the German Shepherd growth chart. I had a pretty good idea of how big my German Shepherd would be from seeing her parents when I initially visited the breeder. However, there can be a convenience concern. A dog who is too big might be impractical to keep for some. This allows you to decide with more room to maneuver later on. You should lean more heavily on the diet adjustment for a dog younger than six months and exercise adjustment for an older one. If your dog is younger than 18 months and is overweight compared to the growth chart, two factors could contribute to this mismatch. These factors are mutually exclusive, and usually, only one is true. The second is that he needs better consumption to energy use ratio to come to the ideal weight. But how do you tell if your GSD is overweight because of health or due to his genetic predisposition? If both size and weight are greater than what the growth chart indicates as the standard, then your dog is simply the bigger kind, and you can chalk up the additional weight to natural body size. The key is to discover this sooner than later. Discovering early that your German Shepherd needs more exercise and better diet management means you have to go easy on him during physical training. German Shepherds have growth plates made of soft tissue that leaves room for limb bone growth. And if your dog runs or even goes on enthusiastic long walks outdoors, his growth plates might be at risk. I have a post covering exercises for younger GSDs in detail but below are some principles that will help you decide your own exercises for German Shepherds whose growth plates are open. Avoid high places — The growth plates section makes it self-evident that you should keep your dog from jumping. So definitely no skipping rope for your chubby best friend. Interestingly, such games also decrease running speed as dogs are more deliberate in processing where the hidden prize is. The dog will move, and he will move a lot. This means your furniture should be ready for a heavy dog; you should have a place wide enough to accommodate a crate and a crate large enough to have headspace well above the full-grown height of your GSD read my post on best crates for German Shepherds. German Shepherds have a lot of momentum. A pile of muscles zipping around the house can cause a lot of damage, so training early is crucial. Your German Shepherd might look like he can take on anything, but he belongs to a breed prone to diseases. You must be willing to put in the required extra care when raising and living with a German Shepherd. Remember, German Shepherds are smart, which makes them easily bored. Having a companion means the two dogs can engage each other, provided that you have trained them well. An average German Shepherd will be fully grown around 18 months old, although some will continue to grow until 24 months, eventually reaching full adulthood at 3 years of age. German Shepherds grow the most between 2 and 3 months. This is when they have a huge growth spurt. It can also lead to an increased risk of developmental orthopedic diseases. Proper nutrition, exercise, and monitoring can help reduce these risks. A German Shepherd is generally considered a large dog breed. To know if your German Shepherd is too skinny, you should not easily see the ribs or effortlessly feel them underneath the skin due to no fat. You should also be unable to feel the hips, shoulders, spinal cord, or tail base. You can also check the growth chart for any huge differences. To know if your German Shepherd is overweight, you will have difficulty feeling the ribs through the layers of fat. It will also be hard to feel the hip bones, shoulders, and spine, and you should be able to locate the tail bones where the tail joins the back. Check the GSD growth chart as a guide. Neutering a German Shepherd puppy will not stunt growth. Once a belief but now disproven by studies , early-age neutering of dogs does not affect growth, and German Shepherds still grow after neutering. Recovery is also faster in puppies than in adult dogs. German Shepherds do not gain weight after being spayed, nor do they become obese. They will also still grow after spaying. Your German Shepherd might be small due to genetics. Other causes are a poor diet with insufficient nutrients or small portions with not enough calories. Illnesses, a sensitive stomach, or anxiety can be a factor, along with extreme exercise, such as working dogs who need extra calories. Your German Shepherd might be so tall if its ancestors and lineage were also tall. Larger dogs will take longer to develop until they reach adulthood. Final Thoughts German Shepherds grow big and grow in stages with the rates of size and weight increase varying. Finally, make sure to help your dog lose weight if he is over the expected weight but is not over the expected height, as this indicates unhealthy weight. Related Posts You May Like:. The German Shepherd is a breed that has been maintained through very specific standards. Based on these standards, meeting a specific length-to-height ratio is more important than meeting the typical height and weight milestones. Generally, GSDs are expected to have a length-to-height ratio of .Here is a basic guide to German Shepherd growth stages. At this stage of their lives, the puppies are deaf and blind. They are dependent on their mother to survive. Puppies steadily grow at a rate of grams a day, depending on their size and the size of their mother. Transitional Stage The transitional stage is the second German Shepherd growth stage. It starts when they are 2 weeks old and ends when they turn 4 weeks old. During this stage, their first milk teeth start to come in. They can also see and hear during this period. They will start to wag their tails and walk around, even though it may seem wobbly and unsteady at first. They will also start to eliminate on their own. During the transitional stage, puppies become more independent and begin to explore their surrounding area on their own. Socialization Stage At this stage, socialization is critical for puppies. The socialization period takes place between 3 weeks and 12 weeks. During this stage, it is important to introduce them to as many loving, friendly humans and animals as possible so they learn how to socialize properly. The socialization aspect is crucial at this stage, as German Shepherds are social animals. Juvenile Stage The juvenile stage lasts from 3 months to 6 months of age. This is the time when your German Shepherd will become even more independent. They will like to explore their surroundings and wander around. They start to lose their puppy teeth during this stage and grow adult teeth. The stage usually ends when the dogs start to reach sexual maturity. Adolescent Stage The adolescent age starts when the German Shepherd is about 6 months old. This is when certain hormonal changes that are associated with sexual maturity begin to occur in the dog. This stage lasts for a longer period since it usually ends when the dog is 2 years old or around that time. Females usually go into heat between months of age. Males will begin roaming, mounting, and marking during this time. Typically, your GSD will have their adult teeth around 6 months of age. Adult Stage German shepherds take some time to reach full adult maturity Females do mature a little faster than males as mentioned above. At the end of this stage, your German shepherd is fully grown. Do keep in mind that every individual dog can be different from the average. They may develop differently at each stage. Conclusion Being mindful of the growth stage your German Shepherd is in is helpful when dealing with a young pup. Similarly, during the socialization period, they may need different care since they should be exposed to more things. Additionally, German Shepherds seem to grow overnight as puppies. So if you have ever wondered when does a German Shepherd stop growing, I hope this article provided you with some insight. Discover the truth behind German Shepherd growth stages. What I have learned from my own experience. The German Shepherd is a large breed dog, and they will continue to mature up until they reach 36 months. However, they can start to mature at the age of months and continue up to three years before they are fully mature. This is for both females and males. Fully mature. Your puppy will spend its first year growing up and its second year growing out. Your puppy will be as tall as it is going to be by the time it is about 12 months old. Once your dog has reached its maximum height, it will still have some growing to do. How much should German Shepherd puppies weigh? With my experience of breathing multiple litters of German Shepherds over the years. I like to take this question a little bit further, so you can have a better understanding about puppy weight. The bigger question should be… It depends on how the Breeder feeds the puppies. They will always keep a good eye on how the pups are developing so they keep them healthy. Here are a few pictures of puppies. This was a great litter of puppies. Everyone puppy he sold the people were so happy with their puppy. All the pups had a super loving temperament and training comes easy when you breed good blood-line puppies. This is a black sable collar. Roughly weight would be, 9-week old puppies weigh. I have had male puppies that weight up to 50 lbs. How long do German shepherds live? My personal experience with my own dogs. They have lived up to 15 years of age. Just like in humans. Now, I will share with you what will play a big part in keeping your German Shepherd healthy, is how you feed them and exercise them. Always use good food and plenty of vet checkups when needed. You should always get your dog check once a year. With my own experience after breeding multiple German Shepherd litters. The bloodlines have a great part and playing with their ears standing up. I have seen German Shepherds with floppy ears, known form as a lazy ear, which terms English grammar terms that you probably heard people saying. This can varies from dog to dog but generally between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age. I tell my customers. Take a look at the pictures above these puppies are 5 weeks old. I like you to remember this too. German Shepherd puppies are born with floppy ears. Anywhere from 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age, the ears start to stand on their own. But sometimes things can happen like-Occasionally, pets are born with deformed ears that normally should stand erect but do not. The answer is no. I would never cut a GSD dog ear and less there was a danger to their life. I had never heard of any German Shepherd ears being cute before. This is something you should discuss with a licensed veterinarian. Now, this a popular question for new German Shepherd owners. First, you need to understand. Do you have a high-energy dog or low energy dog? This is the same for a puppy or older dog. If you have a high-energy- GSD-dog you will need physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis. My friend Tonny just got a new German Shepherd and call me to ask, when will she calm down? She always brings me her ball to play. I told him to put her on a leash and teach her to lay down. This can be done when your eating dinner, and watching TV. This is done with training when you can supervise her. Meet- Nora. My friend Tonny, made the mistake of playing ball in the house with his new GSD puppy when she was weeks-old. And now she is 6 months old. Playtime is for outside the house. This why his dog brings him the toy all the time to play inside the house. This is what he taught her. Now the house became a big backyard for his puppy, and this is why she will not calm down inside the house. There are a lot of German Shepherd owners that do this with their puppies. If you always playing with your puppy- inside the house how will they ever learn to calm down? This behavior is not hard to break. He just needs to be consistent with his training. German Shepherd Growth Stages. True is, all puppies go through growth stages. My German shepherd princess is nine years old and she is still a super high-level energy dog. That comes from her breeding and blood-lines. This what working dogs do, is work. You may have heard some say, your dog needs a job. Now remember every German Shepherd has a different temperament, and temperament in dogs is energy level. I was out training my German Shepherd princess last week, and this man was watching me why I was working with her, and stop to talk with me and said he had a dog just like mine and it was a good thing that he owned 15 teen acres land at the time because he could not imagine living the city with a high-energy dog. Anyway, short post today but I just wanted to put the information out there. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Dennis. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.

Sign up for BoxerBriefs to get news delivered right to your mailbox! Get them early for holiday gifts! We are an organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of Boxers in the metropolitan-Atlanta area, and to provide support and education for Boxer owners. We are operated and managed by a group of dedicated volunteers, and we are funded by adoption fees, fundraisers, and gifts from generous donors like you! Atlanta Boxer Rescue, Inc. If you are interested in adopting a Boxer in Atlanta, you've come to the right place. Take a moment to learn about the Boxer breed, including some of its history. When you are ready to move forward, familiarize yourself with everything you need to know before you adopt. Some Frequently Asked Questions are answered on our site as well. We strive to support your adoption to make it a success for you and your new Boxer friend. All of our Boxers have had a check-up with a veterinarian, been spayed or neutered, and brought up-to-date on vaccinations. We have also done our best to evaluate our Boxers for temperament, socialization, and house-breaking. We are always looking for great volunteers to help us. If you are interested in being a foster home for a Boxer in need, thank you! The number of Boxers that we can save depends on the number of willing volunteers like you. Please complete our Foster Application or contact us for more information. We have a lot of resources to help you. Sign up for our newsletter , contact us about any questions or concerns you might have, or seek comfort if you've lost your Boxer friend. We can't do this without you, so please consider a donation or a purchase from the ABR Store! Available: Now Hey everyone! Chance was an owner surrender to the animal shelter and was in rough shape. Along with a really nasty skin condition, he was emaciated, had an upper respiratory infection, UTI, GI worms, and heart worms. It was clearly evident he had been neglected and abused. He got treated and well fed with a heaping side of love and care so he could be ready to meet his new family. Even though he had a rough patch, he still loves and want to be loved. He is a true velcro Boxer and want to be with you and cuddle. If he can't cuddle, he will be at your side, waiting for your attention and to look into your soul with those big, chocolate eyes. He wants to do whatever you do and be where you are. He is such a joy to be with. He had a good life before his previous owner, so he was already neutered and knew manners and commands. He is very smart and love treats, so I he picks new things up fast. He is house broken and know to stop something if mom says "uh-uh no" or "leave it" in her firm voice. He doesn'tt chew anything and doesn't counter surf. He only barks at delivery people. Chance can share his people, toys, and his bed, but please let him have his food to himself - he didn't always have food and worries. Chance knows the up and down commands, though he won't get on furniture unless you tell me it is okay each time. He also know sit, stay, come, and shake. Chance walk easy on a leash and loves his walks. He corrects easy with voice commands and gentle pressure on the leash. Sometimes, something fun to chase goes by and he wants to get it. He uses a harness and that helps him learn not to do that. He is already much better at it, except with cats and rabbits - those are too exciting. Some of his favorites include car rides, walks, being outdoors, toys, and cuddling. Part of his past was being crated all day, every day without bathroom breaks, enough food, or play time. So please let him play often, with lots of exercise. Also, Chance can not ever be crated at home, the vet or boarding except in emergencies and with medication. Crating triggers panic attacks for him specifically because of his past. The good thing is, he is such a good boy free roam, you don't need to crate him! Chance very much likes dogs and wants to play, but his foster Boxer brother is really old and can't play. He plays with his people and neighbor dogs. Chance does a good job, but can miss some doggie signals and will need help learning all of them for playtime. He acts like a big puppy, so he could knock down or step on little children with his zoomies. He does love all the rubs, pets, hugs, cuddles, ear smooshing, kisses, and scratches you can dish out. He also is happy to be lifted for a bath, car ride, or vet exam, though. We know some of the abuse in Chance's past was done by a man. He is scared of some men - not all men, but certain actions done by men trigger memories. He is not scared of the women and kids he has met. It took Chance a few days to trust him, but I love my foster dad now. He now trusts that his foster family will only let safe people in the house and will steer wide of men on walks doing any of those scary things like swinging a tool or carrying a load overhead. Chance now enjoys walks and visitors to his house. Interested in me? If so, fill out an application and mention Chance. If you are already approved, just email the adoption coordinator and ask to be added to my list. Please consider a donation to help with Chance's medical care.

We have answers. Just start by typing in a search for a French Bulldog Albuquerque or something similar, then find a pup you love the look of, connect with the breeder, and take it from there. In no time at all, you could be meeting your new dream puppy! What sort of character traits do French Bulldogs have? If you are looking for French Bulldog puppies for sale Albuquerque, these little dogs are a lot of fun. They are super cute, very friendly, and a bit goofy too. Why do breeders charge more for French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are quite special dogs. They have narrow hips that make natural reproduction difficult, so they have to be artificially inseminated, and pups need to be delivered by C-section. There is more work and skill involved for French Bulldog breeders in Albuquerque, which leads to higher prices. Can I go and pick up my Frenchie puppy in person? All the Albuquerque French Bulldog breeders and companies in our network are experts at arranging transport for pups. You can just meet it at your nearest major airport! If you find your puppy nearby, make arrangements with the breeder to work out the best way to pick it up. Why should I not just get a dog from a shelter instead? While shelters can be a great option, they are not always ideal for people looking for French Bulldog puppies for sale in Albuquerque. But we are not anti-shelter, and the important thing is that you get your dog from a humane source. All the French Bulldog breeders Albuquerque in our network go through a strict vetting process to ensure they are qualified and experienced. They also provide all the details about your new French Bulldog for sale in Albuquerque along with its health and behavioral history, so you can be sure we take transparency seriously. Will one walk a day be enough for my puppy? Take them out once a day, and make sure they get some playtime back at home, and this should help to ensure your dog stays healthy. How can I be sure my new puppy will be in good health? You want to know that your puppy is in good health when you are choosing French Bulldog puppies Albuquerque, and the businesses and breeders in our network will provide a complete health check covering ears, eyes, teeth, and everything else. However, you should still take your dog to your vet for an initial checkup when it arrives. Many people with pets look for French Bulldog puppies in Albuquerque. These friendly little dogs tend to get on well with other pets, which is one reason French Bulldogs for sale Albuquerque are so popular. Just make sure you are there to supervise them, and soon they will all be the best of friends. Will I have to groom my Frenchie? Most dogs need grooming, and Albuquerque French Bulldogs for sale are no exception. Just give them a regular brush and a bath to keep their coats looking and feeling great, and that should be fine. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in New Mexico? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in New Mexico work? French Bulldogs New Mexico were bred in England to be companion dogs, and were eventually bred further in France, giving them their name! Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? Most breeds of dogs are bred naturally. However, French Bulldogs in New Mexico have to be bred by artificial insemination by veterinarians who are trained for this. The French Bulldog breeders in New Mexico, businesses and companies also need to take their Frenchies to the vet so that their French Bulldog puppies in New Mexico can be delivered by C-section. This is quite a process, which makes Frenchies a more expensive breed. How does Uptown work? Just hop on board and look through the selection of French Bulldog puppies for sale New Mexico that the New Mexico French Bulldog breeders, businesses and companies in our network have on offer. Then choose the Frenchie you like, and travel arrangements will soon be made! How does Uptown Puppies view transparency when it comes to breeding puppies? Not all pet stores in your area offer purebred New Mexico French Bulldog puppies for sale or designer puppies. How do I know that my puppy will be healthy? All the breeders, businesses and companies in the Uptown Puppies network give their French Bulldog puppies for sale in New Mexico thorough health checks before sending them off to you. Is it enough to walk my dog, or do they need more exercise? Still, it must get a lot of time outside in the sun playing, walking and running for its mental health as well. Do you recommend specific food for my dog? French Bulldogs for sale New Mexico need to get the best nutrition in their bodies to keep their organs functioning well, and their brains functioning optimally. What is the difference between a purebred dog and a mixed breed dog? A New Mexico French Bulldog for sale is a purebred breed. This is done so that their temperaments, personalities and looks stay in their bloodline from litter to litter, and generation to generation. What is the best way to train my French Bulldog? New Mexico French Bulldogs for sale are intelligent and need special kind of training. Second, you must give a lot of physical praise and rewards. Third, you must introduce a crate. Fourth, you must socialize your puppy and lastly, command training sessions must be short. Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?

Quality Goldens for family companions, obedience, and show. I breed Golden Retrievers that have been carefully chosen to produce family companions with excellent temperaments, good conformation and that are intelligent and easy to train. At Carriage Hill we believe in striving to produce the best goldens we can therefore we breed to produce the breed standard and all of our golden's have clearances from OFA on their hips, elbows and heart as well as testing on their eyes by an ophthalmologist. At Carriage Hill we specialize in helping you to pick a puppy that will be a match for your family, and providing support on how to care for your new family member. I feel the most important part of pet ownership is that you train your puppy, I will show you how to use everyday games to prepare your puppy for training and to help establish yourself as the Alfa in the family. You should plan on taking your puppy to a minimum of two training sessions, first the puppy obedience class when they are 12 weeks old and then beginners obedience. Each of these classes are usually once a week for 8 weeks and are a essential part of responsible pet ownership. I sell all of my pet puppies with a limited registration from AKC, this means that you will need to get your pet either spayed or neutered. All of our golden puppies are socialized with our family, have had their first set of puppy shots, are wormedtwice, and their dew claws are removed. We usually plan 2 - 3 litters a year. Browse through the rest to see pictures and information about Stormy and Bode our males, and our Golden Girls. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Are you looking for Puppies For Sale in Edwardsville? Give us a call at All puppies can be picked up at our office in Atwood, IL. We are pleased that you have taken the time to visit us, and we look forward to finding you the perfect puppy. We have a large variety of dog breeds, mostly designer breeds, and are very careful in our breeding programs. Each pet parent is carefully selected, and as they grow older, we make sure they are OFA certified and health tested. If possible, all pups are registered; however, not all designer breeds are able to be registered. We are able to offer this variety because of our commitment to assisting local breeders in the Central Illinois community. Please feel free to call us with any questions or any requests you might have. Are you in the Edwardsville, Illinois area and are looking for ethical breeders that offer puppy adoptions? If you have been searching Google for "puppy adoptions near me", then you are in the right place! Are you interested in having adorable puppies for your family? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. We offer the best puppies in Edwardsville, Illinois. All puppies can be picked up at our office in Atwood, IL. All parents and puppies are up to date on all necessary vaccines. We only breed from strong and healthy adults. We help the breeders with education and emphasize to them that proper care and nutrition are the key to healthy adults and puppies. We have answers. What are Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Edwardsville like? A Golden Retriever is a beloved breed of dog renowned for its friendliness, intelligence, and beautiful golden coat. Golden Retrievers are often used as therapy or service animals due to their outstanding temperament and graceful obedience. Families with young children often choose Golden Retrievers as their canine companions, because they have a reputation for being gentle and loyal. While these dogs love to exercise and spend time outdoors, they are also content to lounge in the house and curl up at their owners' feet. Will Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Edwardsville cause me to have allergies? Golden Retrievers are considered a fairly non-allergenic breed of dog, with many owners reporting few to no allergenic consequences to owning one. However, it is important to be aware of exactly what types of allergens you may be sensitive to when considering adopting a Golden Retriever dog. For instance, if you are prone to allergic reactions from dog dander, you may want to think carefully before getting a Golden Retriever. What's the best dog food for Edwardsville Golden Retriever puppies for sale? While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, there are several factors you should take into consideration. When looking for food, high-quality ingredients are key. Make sure to read the label to ensure the food is free of chemicals, fillers and other additives that could be harmful to your pet. Protein should be one of the first few ingredients on the label, and look for sources like chicken, turkey or fish. Am I ready to adopt Golden Retriever puppies in Edwardsville? Start by getting the right equipment such as a lead, a collar, a dog bed, dishes, a crate, and water containers. Check the home for any hazards that could harm your new pet. Make sure to remove any sharp objects, choking hazards, and toxic ingredients in the form of cleansers, medications, and plants. Your home should be pet-proofed to prevent accidents. What sizes do Golden Retrievers for sale in Edwardsville come in? Golden Retrievers come in one size, which is medium. They typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and stand inches tall. While their overall size and weight may vary slightly depending on other genetic factors, both male and female Golden Retrievers are generally the same size. Some may appear larger due to the coat being longer or thicker, but this doesn't alter their true size. It's also important to note that size and conformation can influence Golden Retriever temperament, energy level, and health. Do Golden Retriever puppies near Edwardsville like to swim? Golden Retrievers absolutely love to swim! Not only do they have long, waterproof coats, but they also have webbed feet and a love for water. Whether it's splashing around in a pool, fetching a ball in a lake, or just playing with their owners, Golden Retrievers can easily spend hours upon hours in the water. They are often referred to as the " water dogs" because of their enthusiasm and abilities. Are Golden Retrievers in Edwardsville good with kids? Yes, Golden Retrievers are typically good with kids. These dogs are known for their gentle and tolerant personalities, which combine to make them fantastic family pets. They also have an abundance of energy, making them great playmates for children. They will likely form a loyal bond with their owners and any kids they live with. Not only will their riders bring joy, but they will also provide children with their own loyal and loving friend. Therefore, with the right attention and socialization, Golden Retrievers are a great choice when it comes to looking for the perfect pet to keep the kids entertained. How many minutes per day do I need to train Edwardsville Golden Retrievers for sale? The amount of training time needed for a Golden Retriever varies depending on many factors. Generally, a minimum of minutes of training per day is recommended for basic obedience and socialization, with an additional minutes of focused activity such as walking, running, or playing games. If you are looking to train the Retriever more extensively, then you could look into minutes of training daily.

Breeds The link has been copied! Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they are a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This hybrid breed is known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coat, which has led many people to believe that they are hypoallergenic. In this article, we will explore whether or not Goldendoodles are truly hypoallergenic. Dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin, and it is not actually the fur that causes allergies. While Poodles do tend to produce less dander than other breeds, the amount of dander a dog produces can vary based on factors like genetics, grooming habits, and diet. Additionally, some people may be allergic to other components of a dog's saliva or urine, which can also cause allergy symptoms. If you are considering getting a Goldendoodle and have allergies, it is important to spend time around the breed before making a decision. Spend time with different Goldendoodles to see if you have any allergic reactions, and consider talking to an allergist to discuss your options. What is a hypoallergenic dog? Before we dive into the question of whether Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, let's first define what a hypoallergenic dog is. A hypoallergenic dog is a dog breed that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who suffer from allergies. This is because hypoallergenic dogs have a low-shedding coat, which means they produce less dander and saliva, the two main allergens that trigger allergies in humans. It's important to note that no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. While some breeds may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction, there is no guarantee that a person with allergies will not react to a hypoallergenic dog. What is a Goldendoodle? A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. This hybrid breed was first introduced in the United States in the s and has since gained popularity due to their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. Goldendoodles are available in a variety of sizes, from miniature to standard, and can have different coat types, including wavy, curly, and straight. They come in a range of colors, including gold, cream, black, and chocolate. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? So, are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? The answer is: it depends. While Goldendoodles are often marketed as hypoallergenic, the reality is more complicated. This is because Goldendoodles can inherit traits from both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle , and these traits can affect how much dander they produce and shed. Poodles are often considered to be a hypoallergenic breed because they have curly, non-shedding coats that trap dander and prevent it from becoming airborne. This can make them a good choice for people with allergies. However, not all Poodles are hypoallergenic, and the same is true for Goldendoodles. The amount of dander a Goldendoodle produces and sheds can vary depending on a number of factors, including: 1. Coat type: Goldendoodles can have a variety of coat types, including curly, wavy, and straight. Curly coats are more likely to be hypoallergenic, as they trap dander and prevent it from becoming airborne. Wavy and straight coats are more likely to shed dander and may not be as hypoallergenic. F1 Goldendoodles are the result of breeding a Golden Retriever with a Poodle, while F2 and beyond Goldendoodles are the result of breeding Goldendoodles with other Goldendoodles. Multi-generational Goldendoodles or double doodles are more likely to have consistent traits, including coat type and shedding, which can make them more predictable in terms of hypoallergenicity. Size: Goldendoodles come in a range of sizes, from mini to standard. Smaller Goldendoodles may produce less dander and shed less than larger ones. Individual variation: Just like people, every dog is unique. Some Goldendoodles may produce less dander and shed less than others, even if they have the same coat type and generation. If you are considering getting a Goldendoodle and have allergies or live with someone who does, it is important to spend time with the dog before bringing them home. What Does Hypoallergenic Mean? Before we can determine whether Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, we need to define what we mean by the term. Hypoallergenic refers to substances or materials that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. In the case of dogs, hypoallergenic means that a dog is less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to pet dander. Pet dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin that dogs and other pets shed regularly. It also includes saliva and urine, which can stick to the skin and fur and cause allergic reactions. People who are allergic to pet dander can experience a range of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. While there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog, some breeds are considered to be more hypoallergenic than others. This is because some breeds shed less dander than others, or have coats that trap dander and prevent it from becoming airborne. Why Are Goldendoodles Popular? Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular over the years due to their friendly and sociable nature. They are a crossbreed between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, and were first bred in the s. Goldendoodles were initially bred as service dogs, but they quickly became popular as family pets due to their hypoallergenic traits. Goldendoodles are known for their affectionate and friendly personalities, making them great companions for families with children. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a popular choice for first-time dog owners. Additionally, Goldendoodles come in a range of sizes, making them suitable for people with different living situations. What causes allergies in dogs? Most people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to the dander and saliva of dogs, rather than their fur. Dander is made up of tiny flakes of skin that dogs shed, and it contains a protein called Can f 1, which is a major allergen for many people. When a dog licks itself, it deposits saliva on its fur, which can also contain allergens. When a person who is sensitive to these allergens comes into contact with them, their immune system overreacts and produces histamines, which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Tips for living with a Goldendoodle if you have allergies If you have allergies but still want to live with a Goldendoodle, there are several steps you can take to manage your symptoms and keep yourself comfortable: Keep your home clean: Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning can help reduce the amount of dander and allergens in your home. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and consider using an air purifier to help filter out allergens. Groom your Goldendoodle regularly: Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of dander and hair that your Goldendoodle sheds. This can be done by brushing them frequently, giving them regular baths, and taking them to a professional groomer to have their coat trimmed. Designate certain areas of your home as "off-limits": Consider keeping your Goldendoodle out of certain areas of your home, such as your bedroom or any other room where you spend a lot of time. This can help reduce your exposure to allergens. Consider allergy medication: Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications can help alleviate symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion. Consult with an allergist: If you are considering getting a Goldendoodle but have allergies, consult with an allergist before making a decision. They can help you determine if you are allergic to dogs and recommend treatment options. Final Thoughts Remember, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Even if you take all of these steps, you may still experience allergy symptoms around your Goldendoodle. However, with proper management, you can still enjoy the company of your furry friend without compromising your health. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Twitter Pinterest Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? Get a Doodle! With so much swirling around hypoallergenic dogs, it can leave even the calmest Goldendoodle doing zoomies trying to sort out the facts from the hype. But no fear! Photo: Canva Getty Images Goldendoodles are adorable! But are they hypoallergenic? Are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? No, in the strictest sense, Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic. What causes allergens to dogs? Most people assume that dog hair is the culprit when it comes to dog allergies for pet parents. Photo: Canva Getty Images Dog allergies? Saliva is one culprit. So, even if a dog is completely hairless, he or she still produces dander, urine, and saliva, which equals the possibility for allergens. The dirt on dog dander and saliva and pee All that protein found in dander, saliva, and pee looks like this: Dander dead skin is a particularly bad actor because it can float around in the air. Since it becomes airborne, we humans breathe this in. Turns out yes! That depends. Can you be allergic to Goldendoodles? Since Goldendoodles, like all dogs produce dander, saliva, and urine all containing the protein that causes allergies , there is a chance you could be allergic. Are Goldendoodles shed free? Because Goldendoodles are a hybrid or cross breed, there is more variation among the breed. That means there is more variation in the amount of shedding too. Some Goldendoodles shed almost as much as their high-shedding parent breed the Golden Retriever. Some Goldendoodles shed minimally more like their Poodle parent breed. For more on this subject, check out my article, Do Goldendoodles Shed? Strategies to keep allergy symptoms at bay You know just how amazing it is to have a dog in your life. If you have allergies, are there things you can do? In our own family, what we assumed was a dog allergy was actually an allergy to things that dogs bring into the home—tree pollen, grass pollens! Are you allergic to your dog? Or, like my family, are you allergic to allergens dogs bring inside from outdoors? You visited an allergist and pet allergies have been confirmed. Your dear Doodle dog is a family member. Let me assure you, you are not alone. Or, on the flip side, only only .These numbers just reiterate how important dogs are in our lives, how dogs are family members, and how much pet parents are willing to put emotional connection in front of the physical symptoms of allergies. As fun as DIY Goldendoodle grooming is at home, I can assure you that the hair and dander will be flying. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Also, vacuuming and wet mopping are better than using a dry broom, which gets all those dust particles flying. Replace carpets and rugs with hardwood floors, which are easier to care for. Carpets are a great place for all the dander to snuggle in and get comfortable. Delegate the tasks! Teach your Goldendoodle puppy not to lick your face or skin. Again, dog saliva is a substance that can produce an allergic response in people. Beyond hypoallergenic: 2 other surprising considerations There are still other options to consider! Here are some hidden gems you may not have thought about… 1. Research suggests female or neutered male dogs are more allergy friendly Consider adopting a female dog or a neutered male dog. As I was researching information on the topic of hypoallergenic Goldendoodles, I ran across an interesting report on dogs and allergies. According to Dr. It May Only Be the Males. A dog allergy vaccine for pet parents Interestingly, if you do have severe allergies to dogs, there may be another solution in the future. Weighing the pros and cons can help you plan for a new furry family member. Or perhaps avoid the devastation of rehoming a beloved new furry friend. Ultimately, only you know your situation best. Do you have a Goldendoodle and suffer from pet allergies? Share your story. We can all learn from each other. For something to be considered hypoallergenic, it must be relatively unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in someone. This allows the dander dead skin particles to stay embedded within the hair instead of being released into the air. See Also: Click the image Did you know? It is the dander from the skin that causes allergies to flare up. So, Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic or Not? Goldendoodles are not hypoallergenic, as no dogs are. These all can be carried around by their hair, which is why those with allergies might find themselves flaring up more around heavy-shedding dogs. They will just be less far-reaching. Yet, there is a little wordplay involved here because, according to the experts , for something to be considered hypoallergenic, it must be relatively unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in someone. Breeds — such as Poodles — that have longer, single-layered hair, which is less likely to shed as frequently as those with shorter, fur-like double-layered coats, are less likely to trigger an allergy response because they keep those crazy proteins to themselves, so to speak. Similarly to the question of whether Goldendoodles shed or not , how likely an individual Goldendoodle is to trigger an allergic reaction really depends on a few things. It depends on its generation , how its genes are expressed, and how much it sheds. As mentioned previously, Poodles are considered hypoallergenic. And even though Golden Retrievers are not hypoallergenic in the slightest, there is a fair chance a Goldendoodle can be, just so long as the breeder is doing everything right. This means more Poodle genes and a greater chance of a low-shed coat. Just be aware that while you are less likely to suffer a reaction, there is still a chance. However, there are plenty of other things you can do to make this even less of a risk: How to Minimize Allergies Caused by Goldendoodles Desperately want to bring a Goldendoodle home, but worried about your allergies? Besides choosing the best generation for your situation F1b , our best advice… Grooming. Here are a couple of Goldendoodle grooming tips to help with allergies: Bathe Them Often… Frequently bathing your Doodle will significantly reduce the allergens caused by dander. Brushing helps extract dirt, loose hairs, and dander from the hair. See Also: Click the image Time for a Haircut! It is said that Goldendoodle hair never stops growing, so there will undoubtedly be some allergens lurking around no matter how often you bathe or brush him. Because of their fast-growing, lengthy hair, Goldendoodle haircuts ought to happen frequently. You might even consider investing in your own grooming tools to save money on grooming. That being said, there is a way to hedge your bets by picking out a pup that has more than the standard amount of Poodle genes as per a knowledgeable breeder. Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Enroll Now What other tips do you have for reducing allergies caused by Goldendoodles? Let us know in the comments below! The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. What Does Hypoallergenic Mean? So, Are Goldendoodle Hypoallergenic? Technically, no dogs are hypoallergenic, even if a dog is completely hairless it will still produce dander, which can then cause allergies. The important thing to note here is that while yes, Goldendoodles are low shedding and about as close to hypoallergenic as you can get , technically speaking, they are not hypoallergenic. Though, while they are not technically labelled hypoallergenic, owning a low-shedding breed will significantly reduce the risk of allergy. Goldendoodle Coat Type Impact on Hypoallergenic Traits One important aspect to consider when it comes to the shedding of a Goldendoodle, are the unique coats they can have. For example, Goldendoodles that have curly, or wavy coats, are the least likely to shed as they carry the most commonalities with that of a Poodle who barely shed at all. Therefore, it is essential that you understand the differences between the coats, and how they each will shed differently. When it comes to what the options are for Goldendoodles, there are essentially 3 main coat types straight, wavy, curly , and it will depend entirely on the parental lineage to determine which coat type they will receive. For example, if a Goldendoodle has more poodle genes, it will likely result in a curlier, less-shedding coat though this is not always the case. At the end of the day, mother nature works in mysterious ways, and thus it becomes almost impossible to predict which coat your doodle will have. Straight Coat Goldendoodles Straight coats tend to look very flat and smooth in texture similar to a Golden Retriever. Straight coat dogs DO shed. They are the least hypoallergenic. The F1 Goldendoodle generation is most likely to have a straight coat. Some wavy coat Goldendoodle will appears almost straight coat in appearance. F1b Goldendoodle are the most likely to be wavy coat. Because the coat is so wavy, it will require regular brushing to keep it matt, and tangle free. This coat is low shedding, and is as close to being a completely non-shedding coat as possible. The wavy fur type is also one of the easiest to take care of, but will still need to be groomed weekly. The wavy coat will have more straight hair around their muzzle, whereas Goldendoodles with straight fur, are more likely to have tidy hair around their muzzle. F1b and F2 Goldendoodle generation dogs will be the most likely to have a wavy adult coat. This coat is usually a non shedding coat. A reputable breeder will often be aware of the genetic markers of their dogs and can predict coat type. Every Goldendoodle breeder is seeking the waby coat Goldendoodle adult coat. The tightness, and curliness of the fur are the main factors contributing to the resemblance. And they are actually the most non-shedding coat of the 3, resulting in the most allergenic-free coat of them all. With that being said, the grooming needs for this coat are quite demanding, as you will need to commit to brushing them every day to prevent matting, or tangling. A fun feature this coat has is that it actually carries more hair on the top of the muzzle, almost making a curly-styled moustache on the sides of the nose. This facial hair is known as furnishings and wavy coat Godlendoodle dogs will have it also — it comes from the Poodle genetics. With that being said, there are some easy ways you can make a significant impact in creating a better environment for you, and your furry friend! Grooming a Goldendoodle as a Allergy Reduction Strategy One excellent way to help minimize the risk of allergies is to take your pet to a professional groomer every weeks so that they can deal with the mess of having to bath, trim, and brush the dog. A Goldendoodle dog shaking itself dry after a bath. However, likely even more important than bathing your dog, is brushing them. It is essential that you take responsibility as a pet-owner to brush frequently, as not only will it help to eliminate any shedding, but also helps break up dust, pollen, dirt. Goldendoodles are more prone to hair mats than most other dogs. Regular House Cleaning Works to Reduce Dog Allergy Outside of brushing, and bathing your Goldendoodle, you can also help to prevent the risk of allergies by regularly cleaning your house. Wavy coat F1b Goldendoodles are typically non-shedding while still maintaining that teddy bear look. After brushing your dog, take about minutes to just go around and dust off any surfaces around the room. From all the dander you just brushed off of the pup, there is a very good chance that a lot of these allergen particles are going to land on the furniture throughout the room. So, wait about 30 minutes after brushing for the dust to settle , and just go in for a quick dust up afterwards. After dusting around the room, you should then just try to vacuum or sweep up any remaining dander or hair that may be laying around. Simply taking the time to dust, vacuum, and clean around the home can make a dramatic difference when it comes to dealing with Goldendoodle allergies. Allergy Fans Actually Work The final option which could deem beneficial for you and your Goldendoodle is to purchase an allergy fan, or an air purifier specifically built to filer out unwanted air pollutants. In general, when you have pets, it is advised that you replace your filter more often months, rather than months , as to cut down on the amount of allergens being recycled throughout the house. Investing in a good-quality air purifier can also help to remove the majority of aggravating air particles that may be settled into the walls, floors, and furnishings of your home at this point. Companies such as Dyson, Honeywell, Phillips, and others manufacture tremendous products that are built to handle a variety of different allergens throughout the home including pet allergies. Comparing a Maltipoo vs Goldendoodle Adopting a Goldendoodle The good news is that you can absolutely adopt a hypoallergenic Goldendoodle, as there are a variety of shelters, and Goldendoodle rescues that are perfect for adoption. The most important part of this process is really taking the time to get comfortable with the dog before bringing them home, spending loads of time around them beforehand. So, if you are looking to adopt, spend a little time with the Goldendoodle first, all rescues and most breeders will allow you to visit and spend at least an hour or so, so just look for signs of allergy then! The Golden doodle breed is about as close as they come though consider a Sheepadoodle or Cockapoo This is just one of the many reasons why Goldendoodles are such an amazing hypoallergenic dog breed for any pet-owner, from their level of cuteness, right down to their grooming requirements. They are a super friendly, easy-going, and relatively easy to clean doggo, so much so that they would make for a great companion for anyone in need of a family pet, or a 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. Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. They are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. Thanks to their poodle heritage, they shed little and are hypoallergenic. Goldendoodles make an ideal family dog due to their extreme friendliness and social personality. They vary in fur types, colors, and size, so there's no doubt that you'll be able to find one that suits you. Read on to learn more about these high-spirited dogs that'll brighten your day! Their adorable name was coined in .While not officially a registered breed of their own, Goldendoodles are considered a "designer breed" because each of their parents is a purebred, but different breeds from each other. Poodles don't shed and are very athletic and intelligent, while Golden Retrievers are lovable and playful family dogs. The mix makes the Goldendoodle a great choice for a lifelong pal, especially for those with mild pet allergies , though no dog is completely hypoallergenic. It should be noted, again, however, that Goldendoodles are a mixed breed, and it's difficult to tell which traits they will eventually inherit. After all, every dog is a unique individual, regardless of breed. Continue to 2 of 11 below. Get a Goldendoodle! It is important to realize, however, that all dogs have dander dead skin cells , saliva, and urine, where allergens exist, so there is no guarantee a Goldendoodle won't set off an allergic reaction. Regular baths and grooming sessions can help reduce the chances of your pooch setting off your allergies. Continue to 3 of 11 below. With a heritage of two retrieving breeds, Goldendoodles love to play fetch, accompany you on a jog, race around the dog park with the other pooches, or tussle with the kids. These dogs are great companions for active families. There are several different sizes of Goldendoodles, depending on whether their poodle half was toy, miniature, or standard, and their weight and size can vary from 15 pounds up to 60 pounds depending on their parents. Most love going on long walks, runs, and hikes with their owners, but of course you'll need to pace yourself if your Goldendoodle is on the small side. If you like bringing your pup along on outdoor adventures, consider the Goldendoodle for your next dog. Continue to 4 of 11 below. This breed loves to socialize and be near their owners; marry that with a penchant for playfulness, and you will have a buddy to enjoy plenty of time together in the park. They love to play with children as well, and a good romp in the backyard is a great way to burn off some energy from both your kids and your pet. And because this is an intelligent breed of dog, you can easily teach your Goldendoodle not just basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, but also tricks like roll over, shake, and dance. Continue to 5 of 11 below. They also typically enjoy spending time interacting with other pooches at doggy daycamps or the local dog park. But it doesn't have to be all hustle and bustle with your pet. Although this doesn't make them the best watchdogs, their calm demeanor is part of what makes this adorable canine so friendly. Continue to 6 of 11 below. In general, however, they have thick coats that are medium-to-long. Many people choose to have their Goldendoodle trimmed every few weeks, similar to poodles. This is especially helpful if your dog has longer, curlier hair that's prone to tangles. If you prefer to keep your Goldendoodle natural, it's important to brush the coat regularly to remove tangles and debris. Continue to 7 of 11 below. That's not surprising when you consider that both poodles and golden retrievers were originally bred to serve as retrievers for hunters shooting ducks. Your Goldendoodle will be thrilled to join the whole family for summer fun at the beach, lake, or swimming pool, but be sure to provide your pooch with a doggy life vest in open waters, and teach him how to enter and exit a swimming pool by using the steps. But you'll want to stand clear when your Goldendoodle decides to shake off all that water! Continue to 8 of 11 below. They can be orange, cream, dark brown, gray, or black in color, although most are golden. Some Goldendoodles are somewhat darker along their upper body, with lighter hair along their chest and belly. Some are even multiple colors. Aging Goldendoodles can sometimes seem to "fade" a little in color. Continue to 9 of 11 below. While the first of these dogs were bred from golden retrievers and standard poodles, producing fairly large offspring, there was soon demand for smaller versions of this popular canine. Today, there are three basic sizes of Goldendoodle, each depending on whether the poodle parent was a toy, mini, or standard poodle. The mini Goldendoodle is around 15 to 16 inches in height and weighs less than 30 pounds. The medium Goldendoodle, which is the most common size, ranges in height from 16 to 20 inches and can weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The standard Goldendoodle is the biggest size, with an average height of 22 inches and weight of 50 to 60 pounds. So whatever size dog you prefer, there's a Goldendoodle to fit. Continue to 10 of 11 below. For anyone needing a little cheering up, their happy demeanor will bring an instant smile to anyone's face. Goldendoodles also do well as medical alert dogs, which are service dogs specially trained to alert their owner or even call for help when the dog senses that their person is about to experience a seizure or that a diabetic is suffering from low blood sugar. Standard Goldendoodles can also work as mobility service dogs, which help people with mobility issues stand, walk, or balance better. Continue to 11 of 11 below. Groodles is one, while Doodles is another. This breed of dog is also sometimes referred to as the Goldenpoo. But whatever you call them, the Goldendoodle is an adorable, affectionate, intelligent, and lively breed of dog. These codes refer to the genetic makeup of your dog. How do you trim a Goldendoodle's face? For around the eyes, start with blunt-tipped scissors, gently trimming away the hair above them. Cut at an angle, like a downward V. Since the cut line will be blunt, a pair of thinning shears will help it look shaggier. Next, tackle the beard by brushing your dog's fur downward and creating an oval shape with the blunt-tipped scissors. Again, fluff up anything too blunt with the thinning shears. Then, brush the top upwards and trim away anything too long. Finally, brush her ears and trim away scraggly fur, finishing with the thinning shears. How long does a Goldendoodle live? Like their poodle parents, Goldendoodles are fairly long-lived dogs, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Do Goldendoodles Shed? Yes, Goldendoodles do shed to some extent, depending on what generation of Doodle you have. The Poodle parent, on the other hand, has a single, non-shedding coat. Non-Shedding vs. That said, a non-shedding dog can still be referred to as hypoallergenic. How so? Hypoallergenic is the term applied to something less likely to cause allergic reactions in sufferers. So, a dog that sheds very little is less likely to be a problem for an allergy sufferer than a heavy-shedding pup. Pet Dander The true cause of pet allergies in susceptible people is dander. Pet dander comprises dead skin cells, urine, and dried saliva that gets onto the dog when it licks itself. The allergy is triggered by specific proteins found within the dander, causing symptoms including sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and even asthma and breathing difficulties. When your dog moves around your home, he sheds dander onto your floors, furniture upholstery, and bedding. When anyone walks around your house, they disturb the dander, which then floats up into the air, where the allergy sufferer inhales it. Dog Hair and Dander Some dander is often stuck to the hair roots when the dog sheds hair. So, if an allergy sufferer comes into contact with that shed fur, the dander attached to it will kick off an allergic reaction. How Much Do Goldendoodles Shed? The answer to that question depends entirely on what generation of Goldendoodle you have. Which Generations Of Goldendoodles Shed? Breeders generally accept that F2 Goldendoodles are more likely to shed than other generations. These dogs have unpredictable coat types at best, and you must also remember that Goldendoodle puppy coats can change as the dog matures. So, your curly puppy could finish up with a wavy, relatively heavy shedding coat in the long run! Which Goldendoodles Shed The Least? If you want a Goldendoodle that barely sheds, you need to go for an F1B generation puppy. That said, an F2BB Goldendoodle is 8. However, second-generation backcross coats are very unpredictable, and some F2BB puppies turn out with straight or wavy coats. Brushing Goldendoodles need brushing thoroughly every day or so to keep their fur in good condition and prevent matting. Mats can be painful for your dog and often lead to skin infections. So, you must be prepared to spend time brushing your pet. Brushing your dog can also help to minimize shedding by removing loose hair and keeping the skin in good condition. Clipping or Shaving Most Goldendoodle owners find that having their dogs shaved or clipped every four to six weeks can be a highly effective way of minimizing shedding and preventing mats. You can do the job yourself at home or take your pet to a professional groomer who will show you many different hairstyles that could work for your dog. Clipping is also a good way of keeping an active dog clean and tidy. However, you still need to brush your dog daily to keep mats at bay. However, Goldendoodles are active dogs that enjoy getting down and dirty at the park or on the beach, so you might need to bathe your dog more often to keep him clean. If your Doodle has a skin allergy or very sensitive skin, your vet will recommend an appropriate product you can use. Diet A balanced, nutritious diet is essential for healthy skin. So, you need to avoid cheap dog foods that contain lots of fillers and padding, focusing instead on foods that include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are excellent for skin and coat health. Supplements and Treats Although good dog food will already contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, if your dog suffers from dry skin, he might benefit from taking a vitamin supplement. Supplements typically come in liquid or chew form, and you can get treats containing fish oils and a blend of vitamins specifically designed to promote healthy skin and coat. Deshedding Products Some Goldendoodles with straight or wavy coats have a thick double coat and need frequent brushing to remove excess hair. Frequently Asked Questions In this part of our guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Doodle shedding and how to manage it. Q: Do Goldendoodles smell and shed? However, that same curly fur is prone to trapping and holding debris and unpleasant doggy odors. Q: Are Goldendoodle coats high maintenance? A: Goldendoodle coats can be pretty high maintenance. If you have a wavy or straight-coated variety of Doodle, you can expect to brush his coat thoroughly every other day. Curly coats need brushing daily, especially if allowed to grow long. Q: When do Goldendoodles shed their puppy coat? A: Doodles tend to shed their puppy coats between four to eight months of age. Q: Do Goldendoodles shed more in summer or winter? A: Like their Golden Retriever parents, Goldendoodles have a double coat. In the late spring and fall, Goldendoodles shed their fluffy undercoat and grow a new one. That said, the more Poodle genes your dog has, the less he will tend to shed since the Poodle has a single coat. Q: What if your Goldendoodle is shedding more than usual? A: If your Goldendoodle starts losing hair, you should be concerned. Some health conditions and parasite activity can cause shedding. Other things, such as medications, grooming products, stress, allergies, and poor nutrition, can all cause your dog to shed his fur. My dog began shedding the fur from her paws. Clearly irritated, my poor pup nibbled and chewed her feet until they were red-raw. It turned out that Demodex mite s were the culprit. Fortunately, a course of the medication quickly cleared up the problem. Beware of bathing your Goldendoodle too often. Excess bathing can also lead to skin irritation that can cause your Goldendoodle to shed more. If you did, please remember to share the article before you go. What type of coat does your Goldendoodle have? Tell us in the comments box below! Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. Living with a dog is something everyone should experience. You envision becoming a fur parent to a Goldendoodle puppy, having a best friend, never being alone, and having a reason to get out and walk for some much-needed exercise. You dream of watching your kids learn about responsibility and compassion, and seeing them grow up with a canine sibling that will be a fond memory for life. Not only is it important when searching for a breed of dog that has the right temperament and exercise requirements for your lifestyle, but it is also equally important to determine if all the members of your family can tolerate the allergens a dog adds to the house. If you will be a first-time dog owner or you have added a child to your family since your last dog was around, it is important to do some easy testing to determine if adding a dog is a possibility. Any family member that is unsure about their compatibility with a dog due to allergies needs to visit with dog-owning friends. These visits should be indoors where their dog lives and allergens are at their highest concentration. Petting the dog, rubbing your hands on your face, and even allowing the dog to lick your hands are good first steps in determining your level of reaction to interacting with a dog. Document your reactions as well as the breed of dog, whether or not he sheds, and if you were licked and where. This information will help you determine if you are allergic only to dogs with specific traits. You may find that you are only allergic to shedding dogs or to saliva when licked, and if so, this opens the door to finding an appropriate non-shedding dog with which to share your space. All these contribute to the allergies you suffer when you give a dog some petting and cuddles. Those with severe allergies may be allergic to all of the above, while others may only have a noted allergic response when they were licked by a dog. When a dog sheds hair, dander attached to the hair follicle is released. Therefore, dogs that do not shed produce much less dander. Those allergic to saliva can avoid allowing a dog to lick them, so that is the easier of the issues to conquer. Wiping the paws and belly of your dog with cleansing wipes when he comes in from outside will help reduce reactions to things such as pollen. How Do Dog Allergies Manifest? Dog allergies usually come in the form of an itchy throat, watery eyes, and possibly skin hives. The symptoms will depend on your level of allergies and could even cause an asthmatic response for some. What Does Being Hypoallergenic Mean? In reality, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog as some people are allergic to all dogs no matter what. When we refer to being a hypoallergenic dog or breed, this just means it has less chance of triggering an allergic response. Non-shedding dogs produce less dander and less dander means fewer allergens left on the rugs, furniture, and clothes, and floating in the air. Therefore, families with allergy concerns have a much better chance of compatibility with a dog that does not shed. The correct answer to this question is no, they are not. Not all Goldendoodles are created equal when it comes to be non-shedding. A Goldendoodle must inherit two furnishing genes to have a non-shedding coat. This can happen by chance, but it is much easier to achieve using DNA and selective breeding. Certain generations of Goldendoodles cannot inherit two furnishing genes, and therefore, will be mild to moderate shedders removing them from the list of possible candidates for those who suffer from mild to moderate allergies. What Goldendoodle Generations are Non-Shedding? F1 Goldendoodles are the product of crossing a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Offspring inherit one gene from each parent for each trait. Because Golden Retrievers carry zero furnishing genes and Poodles carry two, all F1 Goldendoodles will inherit just one furnishing gene. Furnishing genes are not only responsible for whether or not a dog sheds, they are responsible for producing long hair on the muzzle of dogs. This gene is dominant meaning it will be expressed when its beneficiary only inherits one copy and this is why F1 Goldendoodles have fluffy facial hair. However, the lack of the second gene means F1 Goldendoodles will still shed some. The amount of shedding though will be less than that of a Golden Retriever who carries zero furnishing genes. When creating the next generation of Goldendoodles, one can cross two F1s or an F1 Goldendoodle back to one of the parent breeds. These generations are the F2 and the F1B respectively. The chart below will explain generations. Note the F1B generation that could have a Golden Retriever parent as it will provide no offspring with two furnishing genes and approximately half of the offspring with zero furnishing genes. A Poodle or a Golden Retriever bred to a multigen Goldendoodle also constitutes a multigen. In all these generations beyond the F1 Goldendoodle, it is possible to have offspring with zero, one, or two furnishing genes. For a breeder to produce entire litters that each carry two furnishing genes, DNA testing on the parents is required. If both parents carry two furnishing genes, then all offspring will inherit two furnishing genes. If one parent carries two genes and one parent carries one gene as in producing the F1B generation by crossing an F1 with a Poodle , statistically only half the litter will inherit two furnishing genes. This debunks the myth floating around that an F1B is the most likely generation to be non-shedding. However, just because a litter is a multigen litter does not mean all the puppies will carry two furnishing genes and be non-shedding. It is quite possible to create a multigen Goldendoodle that carries zero furnishing genes and this is known as a flat-coated Goldendoodle. These Goldendoodles typically will be moderate to high-shedding dogs. Desensitizing Allergic Reactions Many people go the route of getting allergy shots from their allergy specialists to help reduce the symptoms they experience when coming in contact with something that causes a reaction. For most, this is a viable option. Others use the exposure method and become desensitized over several months of constant contact with the allergen the dog in this case. As long as the symptoms are not severe such as an asthmatic event, symptoms will slowly diminish over time just as they would from the result of allergy shots. You already know that controlling pet allergens is possible and you are ready to accept the challenges of conquering the allergic response so you can enjoy close interactions with your Goldendoodle. Here are a few things that are within your capacity to do to keep your allergies at bay: Bathe dogs regularly. Your Goldendoodle will bring in allergens from outside. Bathing them often will help remove the pollen, dust, grass, etc. You can also take them to professional groomers and have that task completed by someone that is not allergic to dogs. Bathing regularly with a mild shampoo with moisturizers is recommended. Brush them regularly. The hairs that would be left around the house or on your clothes and furniture can be greatly reduced by regular brushing. This helps to capture the hairs in the brush eliminating them from floating around the house. Keep them off the couch and your bed. Giving yourself a place to relax that is allergy friendly is important. If a particular family member has a dog allergy, keep their bedroom door closed and have the dog sleep somewhere else at night. Keeping an allergy-friendly place available will allow the allergic person to have a space where they can escape the allergens. Vacuum often. Removing allergens that can become airborne or tracked around the house will help contain the allergens that cause a reaction. Replace the carpet with hardwood floors. Dog hair can become embedded in carpeting making it difficult to remove them all. Do not allow your dog to lick you. As much as you want your Goldendoodle to shower you with kisses, this might be detrimental to your relationship if you suffer from allergies. A breeder who tests and understands the results of these tests can produce non-shedding litters that are appropriate for those with mild to even moderate dog allergies. Taking a chance on accepting a puppy that may or may not carry two furnishing genes increases the odds that the puppy may not be compatible with all the family members who wish to enjoy the close companionship a loving Goldendoodle can provide. Have you considered getting a Goldendoodle but wondered, are Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? Has someone told you that a Goldendoodle suits you if you are allergic to dogs? There is a lot of misinformation out there about the famous hypoallergenic doodle dogs. Here we will bust some of those myths and explain why they are untrue. Then, we will discuss how they can be hypoallergenic and how to determine if they are the right fit for you. What Are Dog Allergies? A person allergic to dogs generally will have an itchy throat, watery eyes, and skin hives. But what causes these allergies? Dander is the skin that naturally sheds off throughout the day. Most animals and people alike shed skin cells throughout the day. All of these skin cells break down and turn into everyday dust. The same dust that is probably sitting on your furniture and in your carpets now. All dogs, no matter the breed, have pet dander. And there is no way to get rid of it. What Does Hypoallergenic Mean? A hypoallergenic dog, like the Goldendoodle, is a dog that does not shed a lot. A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. A Golden Retriever generally sheds quite a bit, while the Poodle sheds little. A Goldendoodle is a perfect mix because though they shed some, it will not overrun your home and clothing with hair like with short-haired dogs. The breed is also great because it combines the best personalities of a Golen Retriever and a Poodle. A hypoallergenic dog will still produce the same dander as a shedding dog. So if a person is genuinely allergic to dogs, these Doodle mix-breeds will be no different. If someone suffers from common allergies, having a dog that does not shed as much could be more hypoallergenic than a shedding breed. Other factors can determine if a dog is hypoallergenic, which we will discuss later. Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic because they do not shed like short-haired dogs, but they still have dander and saliva that most people allergic to dogs have their main allergies to. Everyone will have allergies to different things, so there are other factors to consider before deeming this dog a truly hypoallergenic breed. Dandruff Dogs of all breeds are starting to have more problems with food allergies. These food allergies commonly will show in signs of itching and extreme dandruff. There are no way of knowing if a Goldendoodle puppy will have allergies too until it gets old enough for testing. Dandruff can also be caused by lack of proper grooming. So, if you cannot keep up with brushing, washing, and trimming, your dog could get dry, itchy skin. If you are an allergy sufferer, this dander can cause flare-ups. Pollen and Dirt A Goldendoodle has hair like a magnet for pollen and dirt outside. These outdoor allergens can be hard to remove regularly, as routine brushing will not remove them. And you cannot wash your dog that frequently or you run the risk of drying out their fine hair. Keeping the hair short and maintained will help reduce pollen, dust, and dirt. This works by reducing the surface area available for these allergens to attach to and make them easier to wipe or rinse clean. Coat Type Goldendoodles with curlier coats that do not shed as much are considered more hypoallergenic than a wavy coat type. This is because curlier coats that are more Poodle-like hold dander differently than other types. This dander is kept closer to the roots of the hair and does not fall like wavy or straight hair types. This, of course, depends on coat length and how much your dog is brushed thoroughly. When your dog is brushed, these skin cells are released. The dander is also released by petting or scratching your dog. So, this is not a foolproof method for people with dog allergies. Allergy Severity People only mildly allergic to dogs have reported that Goldendoodles do well in their homes. They might have to take extra cleaning precautions like vacuuming or dusting more often, especially after grooming their dog. People with severe allergies to dogs generally do not do well with Goldendoodles, no matter how well the dog is groomed or how much cleaning is done. There is no one answer for if a person will be allergic to a Goldendoodle, but there are steps you can take to see if a Goldendoodle is right for you. But there are no guarantees that you will find the perfect doodle for your allergies, as this is a case-by-case situation. Identify Your Allergy Identifying your allergy will help determine if a Goldendoodle is an option. If you are allergic to saliva, a Goldendoodle is not the right choice because you can not stay entirely away from drool and saliva. But, if you are allergic to pollen that can get trapped in their fur, there are some steps you can take to reduce the effects it has on you, like shorter haircuts and more grooming. Spend Time With One If you are considering getting a Goldendoodle, spend time with one to see if you are allergic to them. And if you react, try again with a Goldendoodle with a different hair type. Some people have better luck with one hair type over the other. Talk To Your Breeder Talking with your breeder and having a close relationship with them will help you find the best puppy. They can tell you about all the coat types and any health concerns that the parents might have had, like dandruff or skin allergies. They can give you the family medical histories of both parents and the likelihood of your puppy getting those health concerns too. Good for you! Now there are a few steps you can take to ensure that those allergens stay minimal. Brush Frequently Brushing your Goldendoodle with an appropriate brush will help eliminate any shedding that they might have. It also helps break up dust, pollen, and dirt to be removed more easily. After Brushing Dust Dusting 30 minutes after brushing your dog will eliminate the pet dander from sitting in your home. This dust can be on furniture around the room you have brushed your dog in. It is best to pick a room where you do not sleep or eat. A smaller room that is not a primary traffick way is best. You will want to wait 30 minutes to give the dander time to find a resting place instead of still floating in the air. Vacuum or Sweep After Dusting When you are finished dusting, vacuum or sweep immediately to pick up any dander and hair that may have fallen to the ground. Ensure to get under furniture, too, as drafts can make hair and dander fall farther away from where you brushed your Goldendoodle. Grooming Taking your Goldendoodle to a professional groomer every weeks will reduce dander and other allergens sticking to his fur. During this groom, he will have a bath and hair trim that can both cut down on allergies. Replacing Your Air Filter When you have pets, they recommend replacing your filter more often. This is even truer for a person with allergies to pets. Replacing your filters every three months or sooner can reduce how many allergens are recycled through your home air conditioner. In Conclusion! These do not guarantee that you will never have an allergic reaction, but they can help reduce the likelihood. Always make sure that if you have severe reactions keep the medical supplies needed on hand for quick relief. As you can see, no dog can ever be hypoallergenic for everyone. But, overall, people with mild dog allergies have had good luck with Goldendoodles. Doodle FAQ.

An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article Once you go through the process of adopting a puppy , you can then have fun brainstorming dog names for the newest member of your family. But there can be a lot of pressure to find the perfect boy dog name for your totally cute dog , which is why we've done the hard work for you. Whether you just adopted a miniature toy dog or a large breed , these best boy dog names stretch across a wide variety of categories, from classy to funny , so we're sure you'll find one to match your pup perfectly. And after you've found the perfect moniker for your pup, we also have round-ups of the top girl dog names and best boy cat names. What to look for in a boy dog name? Before you hop into the boy dog name categories below, it may be good to take some time and think about what kind of name you want for your puppy. Do you want a shorter name or a longer one? Do you want his name to be easy to pronounce if you have young kids at home? Do you want a "human name" or a more traditional dog name? These questions can help you figure out what boy dog name not only matches his personality, but also makes sense for those who will be calling his name while playing fetch. Top Boy Dog Names Your pooch may be in good company with these trendy monikers. These male names topped the charts in , according to Rover. Getty Images. Can you give dogs paracetamol and what is the best pain relief for dogs? We speak to the vets to find out all you need to know By Lisa Joyner Updated: 16 March Are you wondering whether you can give dogs paracetamol? There are lots of pain relief options to help stiffness, soreness and muscle pain in dogs, but what pain relief is safe for pups and how much should you give them? What can you give a dog for pain relief? Paracetamol can be given to dogs, however it requires a different dose. It can be toxic to your dog if you give them too much. This must always be approved by a vet. However, before doing so, they will carefully calculate a safe dose, taking into account any health issues your dog has, and any other medications they are taking," PDSA Vet, Claire Roberts, tells Country Living. She tells us: "If you feel that your pet is in need of pain relief, you must seek advice from your vet — never give them human pain relief unless your vet has asked you to, some forms can be highly toxic. If your pet accidentally eats a human painkiller you should contact your vet immediately. A 20kg dog would need to ingest over seven mg tablets to suffer toxicity. For cats, one mg paracetamol tablet could be fatal. Paracetamol causes severe damage to the liver and red blood cells. Aspirin is toxic to cats, even at relatively low doses, so can only be used under veterinary supervision," Nick adds. Boswellia, White Willow and Devil's Claw are routinely used in dogs. Talk to a herb vet to get dosing right. Paracetamol can be highly dangerous if the wrong dosage is given. Remember to always dose with food and stop if there are signs of vomiting. The dose in Pardale V works out at 33mg of paracetamol for every kg of body weight, three times daily. Unknown What is a domestic dog? While these animals vary drastically in appearance, every dog—from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane—is a member of the same species, Canis familiaris. This separates domestic dogs from wild canines , such as coyotes, foxes, and wolves. A third of all households worldwide have a dog, according to a consumer insights study. This makes the domestic dog the most popular pet on the planet. Evolutionary origins All dogs descend from a species of wolf, but not the gray wolf Canis lupus , like many people assume. In fact, DNA evidence suggests that the now-extinct wolf ancestor to modern dogs was Eurasian. However, scientists are still working to understand exactly what species gave rise to dogs. When dogs broke off from their wild ancestors is also a matter of mystery, but genetics suggest that it occurred between 15, and 30, years ago. Perhaps wolves started down this path simply by eating human scraps. Many generations later, humans might have encouraged wolves to stay near by actively feeding them. Later still, those wolves may have been welcomed into the human home and eventually bred to encourage certain traits. All of this is thought to have unfolded over thousands of years. For instance, around 9, years ago , ancient peoples began breeding dogs that were best able to survive and work in the cold. These dogs would become the family of sled dogs—including breeds such as huskies and malamutes—that remains relatively unchanged today. Similarly, humans bred German shepherds for their ability to herd livestock, Labrador retrievers to help collect ducks and other game felled by hunters, and sausage-shaped Dachshunds for their ability to rush down a burrow after a badger. Many more breeds were created to fill other human needs, such as home protection and vermin control. Certain breeds have also been created to make dogs more desirable as companions. For instance, the labradoodle, which combines the traits of a Labrador retriever and a poodle, was invented as an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. Please be respectful of copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Left: A portrait of Lola, a two-year-old boxer-husky mix. Right: A portrait of Daisy, a five-year-old English springer spaniel. They can also help conservationists find and protect endangered species using their super-powered schnozzes. They assist search and rescue teams in the wake of natural disasters or reports of people lost in the outdoors. Dogs trained to warn of hidden explosives and enemies serve as allies in military operations. Other dogs assist police looking for jail escapees or the bodies of murder victims. Some partner instead with customs officials searching for contraband, from drugs to elephant ivory. Still others lead the way tracking down poachers , patrolling cargo ships for rats that might escape at distant harbors, or exposing forest insect pests in shipments of wood from abroad. They guide deaf and blind people, and they help people with autism and post-traumatic stress disorder manage with anxiety. Living with dogs Most dogs are a mix of breeds—in , one study estimated that only 5 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred. Just as dogs come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, these animals also come in a spectrum of temperaments. A bulldog might look fierce but be cuddly as a kitten, whereas a cute cocker spaniel might nip at your finger without thinking twice. This is why animal handling expert Jack Hanna recommends teaching children to always exercise caution around a dog they do not know. The point is it can happen. After all, the yipping and tail-wagging your dog performs when you grab a bag of treats are carry-overs from when its ancestors needed to communicate with other members of its social group. Chasing sticks and balls may be linked to the pursuit of prey, while digging at the carpet or a dog bed echoes how a wild canid would prepare its sleeping area. Editor's note: Bringing a dog into your household is a major responsibility. More than 1. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Photograph by O.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Free Bulldog Puppy Starter Kit! Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. German Shepherd puppies available in Colorado German Shepherd puppies available in ColoradoGerman Shepherd puppies available in Colorado Puppy development - Understanding the Stages Puppy Development - The Stages Explained Understanding the puppy development stages will help you build the personality and character you want in your pup, which starts with training at each stage of development. To have a wonderfully social dog, that isn't fearful or aggressive, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Probably one of the most important things you can do to achieve this is to get the right training at the right time. And that's not just for your pup; puppy parents need training too! You need to know how to integrate your puppy into the family and establish yourself as the pack leader. You'll see many behavioral changes during the life stages of your pup, some of which will no doubt test you, particularly when they reach the final stage - adolescence! Overview of Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages: 1. Neonatal Period at Weeks 2. Transitional Period at Weeks 3. Socialization Period at Weeks 4. Ranking Period at Months 5. Adolescence at Months Stage 1: Neonatal Period at Weeks The first stage of puppy development is when they are born. Most of us won't have our puppies at this stage but, if you are getting your puppy from a breeder, you may get the occasional picture from the breeder. At this age, puppies only have a sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period at Weeks You're still not likely to see your puppy at this age but the breeder will start to notice some more senses developing, such as their hearing and sense of smell. They'll also start to have their puppy teeth coming through and their eyes will begin to open. This is also the age when they start to develop their little personalities. They will interact with their littermates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little, and are able to bark. Stage 3: Socialization Period at Weeks This is the most important stage of a puppy's development. It's also the stage where the most critical changes occur, and guess what, you're probably going to bring your puppy home during this period! Most puppies go home to their new parents at the age of 7 - 9 weeks so understanding this stage is vital. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly, so let's break down this puppy development phase. This is also where you can separate the good breeders from the puppy-mill-type breeders. Note: At Centennial GSD, our puppies are born and raised in our home where their interaction with humans and other animals begins at birth and accelerates at 21 days old; the most critical time in early puppy development. Unfortunately, puppies that are from puppy mills usually sold in pet shops don't get the opportunity to develop a relationship with humans until you bring them home. This sets them back with socialization from the start and additional work is needed to enable them to become fully sociable dogs. Puppies that are born in kennels or outside are also unfamiliar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TV, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, washing machine, phones, talking, laughing, people dropping things, you name it! You'd be surprised by how much noise we make on a daily basis and how frightening that can be to a puppy that has been raised outside. Once the puppies are at least 5 or 6 weeks old you should, if possible, ask the breeder if you can schedule a visit to see the puppies. Most good breeders recognize that the socialization period has already begun and will gladly welcome future pet parents visiting the puppies. What you're looking for in the photos is evidence that the puppies are comfortable around humans and ideally that they are indoors, preferably in a household. If all you see are photos of the puppies in a kennel, or outside, then you may start off with problems with socializing your puppy when you get them home. If you can't visit, then question your breeder on what plans they have in place for the puppies to be indoors and meet new people between the ages of weeks. If they have no plans in place then I would seriously reconsider using this breeder as they are hindering the socialization period of these puppies. These puppies could easily become shy or fearful around people and noises , which could lead to a fear aggression problem. If you do visit the puppies at 5 weeks old you're likely to see some fun stuff. At this age, puppies are just learning to interact with each other and begin to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills as well as beginning to explore their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is now starting to develop so they will be interested in you and may well nip at you as their biting skills are developing too. Seek out ways to handle puppy biting appropriately. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects, and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner. If you have another dog at home you should make sure you introduce your puppy to your existing dog on neutral territory. When bringing a new puppy home it is also important that you puppy-proof your home for the sake of your puppy and your possessions! It is also a good time to start a program to get your puppy used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing. From the age of 7 weeks, puppies are more than capable of being able to be house-trained so make sure you start them off right. At this phase of puppy development, the little guys are developing their reactions to things a lot more. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and, as long as your breeder and you did a good job initially, should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! Previously they would play and bite with their littermates. Puppies will yelp when another pup bites too hard which provides feedback to that pup to bite softer. You now have to try and mimic this behavior to teach your puppy not to bite. This is called bite inhibition and is quite easy to learn and teach your pups. You'll also notice that they may start to wander off a bit as they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment a lot more. Be prepared for this at this age. That cute little puppy that you could take out for a potty break without a leash now needs to be on a leash! Generally, puppies at around 8 - 9 weeks old will not wander off but once they reach the age of around 12 weeks of age curiosity begins to take over and they will venture out or even chase a rabbit rather than stay close. Stage 4: Ranking Period at Months If you have another dog in your household you may start to see more ranking behavior from your puppy towards other dogs. You'll likely see him practicing his dominance and submission skills, which he may well practice on you too. If you haven't done so already, make sure you start a training program with your pup. At this age, your puppy is going to go through teething so watch out, as chewing is a big factor at this time. You may also notice that there is blood on his toys and chews or in his mouth during the teething phase. Sometimes a puppy's tooth doesn't fall out and the adult tooth will come in next to it. If you notice this in your pup, take him to the vet as it will need to be removed by the vet to prevent it from interfering with the alignment of his teeth and can also cause root infections. Your puppy is usually done teething by the age of 6 months but you can tell when your puppy is finished teething once you see the upper fangs canines come in as they are last. Stage 5: Adolescence at Months Adolescence in German Shepherd Dogs will begin around nine or ten months old and likely continue until they are two or three years old. Consistency is key at this point so is routine. Puppy Development and Fear Periods During puppy development, puppies go through fear periods, in fact, on average they go through 4 fear periods. These are approximately at the following ages: 1. Between Weeks 2. Between 4 - 6 Months 3. About 9 Months 4. Between 14 - 18 Months This is a very important part of puppy development, as if you handle this incorrectly, you could end up with an aggression problem for life. As your puppy enters a fear period, he will suddenly become frightened of something that he used to be OK with or used to ignore. His reaction could be hunched down, shaking, backing away, hiding, running away, or submissively urinating. Or, your puppy could display more pronounced behaviors such as growling, barking, hackles up, or showing teeth. Either way, once you recognize one of these behaviors at the age range mentioned above, you would be wise to stop taking your puppy to new places and introducing them to new things for about a week. And if you can, don't schedule any vet appointments during a fear period. Your new puppy can grow up to be everything you want if you recognize these critical puppy development phases so you can prepare and react accordingly. Puppy Development Wrap Up By understanding what each stage involves with your puppy's development, you can get a good idea of what to expect, both developmentally and behaviorally. You'll also be better equipped to provide your puppy with the right care throughout each phase. Finally, providing a stable routine, consistency, positive training, and plenty of socialization and exercise you are more likely to produce a well-balanced and emotionally stable dog. After all, it is these periods of a puppy's life that will shape his personality and character. Quite simply, puppy development affects behavior, and behavior, molds character. Content courtesy of Sharon Dianora. Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. Though they typically only average nine to thirteen years, those years can be very memorable and special to dog and owner. Along the way, there are several German Shepherd growth stages that they will encounter including several fun and exciting breakthroughs. They will go through many different levels of development stacking up in inches and packing on the pounds. German Shepherd Growth Stages: This article will cover in detail, all of the month-to-month growth stages including their size from 1 month old to 3-year-old. It will also include important milestones along the way. This is the puppy portion of the German Shepherd growth stages and these cute little fur balls are beginning their journey into the new world. They are independent, spry and ready to explore! They are starting to grow but stand no taller than half a foot. Cuteness Factor: Through the roof! Height: Male: 4 — 6 in 11 — 16 cm Female: 3 — 6 in 8 — 14 cm Weight: Male: 5. They stand up for the first time. They start exploring independently and playing. Bowel movements are partially controlled. Light barking and growling begin. Puppy teeth should be filling in. This is a good time to introduce them to some kibble. They may or may not be interested. Month 2: Socialization Growth Stage Once the fuzz balls reach month 2, they start socializing more with other animals and people. This is also the time that their little chompers should be complete. They have grown up a little but still remain under a foot tall. Cuteness Factor: Just look at my ears! Height: Male: 7 — 9 in 17 — 22 cm Female: 6 — 9 in 14 — 22 cm Weight: Male: 16 — 20 lbs 6 — 9 kg Female: 11 — 17 lbs 5 — 7. They start to bond with animals and people. Their mental development starts to speed up. Fear reaction begins. They are typically ready to find their forever home. Food: Weaning should be wrapping up at this age. They should transition to a diet of puppy kibble. One and a half cups total three times a day is recommended but stick to a solid schedule. Vaccines: Puppy should have distemper and parvovirus by this time. Teething will be in full force at month 3 and their adult canines and incisors will start to push through. Those cute little fluffy ears may start to go up and down. They will start to lose their puppy coat and you may notice a racing stripe on the spine where the adult hair is starting to grow in. At this point they have almost made it to the height of a standard ruler. Cuteness Factor: Equal to fluffy pillows! Height: Male: 9 — 11 in 23 — 27 cm Female: 8 — 10 in 20 — 25 cm Weight: Male: 22 — 30 lbs 10 — 14 kg Female: 17 — 26 lbs 8 — 12 kg Milestones: Ears begin to stand up. Teething stage begins and continues for several months. Lots of biting and chewing ensures. Potty training and socialization should be consistent. Puppy fuzz begins to be replaced with adult double coat of fur. Food: Two cups of puppy kibble total three times a day is recommended. Vaccines: DHPP which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are recommended. Month 4: At this point GSDs will be very playful and getting into some trouble. They have left puppy hood and become adolescents. Multiple skills will be developing as they learn, socialize and train. Height: Male: 11 — 14 in 29 — 35 cm Female: 10 — 12 in 26 — 31 cm Weight: Male: 35 — 40 lbs 16 — 18 kg Female: 31 — 35 lbs 14 — 16 kg Milestones: Ears continue to perk up. Teething continues as adult teeth come in. They continue to play and explore everything around them. Training continues as they constantly learn. Food: Puppy should continue to eat two cups of kibble total three times per day. Vaccines: DHPP and rabies are recommended. Month 5: At 5 months of age, they are still growing fast and should have gained close to 10 pounds. They are still in the juvenile stage and have plenty of energy to go around. They are looking much more like an adult but still have that puppy spirit. Ears may have perked up at this point. Cuteness Factor: Cute as pumpkin pie! Height: Male: 14 — 16 in 35 — 40 cm Female: 12 — 14 in 31 — 36 cm Weight: Male: 40 — 49 lbs 18 — 22 kg Female: 35 — 44 lbs 16 — 20 kg Milestones: Ears may be standing up. Adult features are filling out. They are at least half of their adult size. They are still teething. Sexual maturity begins to emerge. Food: Juvenile should still be eating around two cups total three times a day. Month 6: Adolescent Growth Stage At 6 months old, they are making their way into the adolescent part of the German Shepherd growth stages. They will be starting to get into their sexual maturity stage which will last until they are around two years old. Hormones will kick in and males will begin to mark their territory and look for females to mate with. Females may go into heat for the first time. Their adult coat should be completely grown in but it could take a bit longer. Cuteness Factor: Equivalent to a teddy bear! Height: Male: 16 — 18 in 41 — 46 cm Female: 15 — 17 in 37 — 42 cm Weight: Male: 49 — 57 lbs 22 — 26 kg Female: 44 — 49 lbs 20 — 22 kg Milestones: Ears should be standing up. Adult features are more filled out. They are sexually active and will begin marking their territory and roaming for mates. Teething should be close to finished and all 42 of their adult teeth should be almost grown. Full adult double coat of fur should be present. Food: Adolescent should be eating around two to three cups total two times a day. Month 7: At 7 months old , a German Shepherd should be well developed cognitively. Their sexual maturity continues, and your leg may just become their next mate. Some aggression may be present as their hormones go up and down. Their weight gain begins to slow down for the first time only adding around 5 pounds from the previous month. They are looking much more like an adult dog. Aggression and sexual maturity continue. Teething should be close to finished. Food: Adolescent should be eating two to three cups total two times a day. They are still maturing and could still be aggressive and bark or lunge at other dogs, kids or people. This behavior must be reined in with the proper training. Teaching them new tricks is a great way to curb their aggression. Cuteness Factor: Still able to melt your heart! Height: Male: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Female: 18 — 20 in 45 — 50 cm Weight: Male: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Female: 53 — 57 lbs 24 — 26 kg Milestones: Ears should be well formed and perky. They continue to transition into adulthood. They are still maturing, and aggressive behavior may be present. Teething should be finished, and all of their adult teeth should be grown. Month 9: At 9 months old, German Shepherds have reached most of their milestones. They should be sporting a full set of 42 adult chompers and some nice big perky ears. They are still maturing sexually and could be exhibiting aggressive behaviors, but training should be in full force. Cuteness Factor: Not puppy cute but still irresistible! Height: Male: 21 — 23 in 54 — 59 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 64 — 71 lbs 29 — 32 kg Female: 55 — 60 lbs 25 — 27 kg Milestones: They are still growing but only gaining a few pounds a month now. Month By 10 months of age, GSDs are still trucking along in the adolescent stage. They will still be acting like teenagers and may be getting into some trouble. Although clever and smart they will sometimes act clumsy and goofy. They are still learning and should be in training. Cuteness Factor: Cute and nutty like peanut butter! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 73 lbs 30 — 33 kg Female: 57 — 62 lbs 26 — 28 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Month Moving into month 11, German Shepherds are becoming more and more adult but may be stubborn. They may start to challenge their owner with respect to leadership. They need to know that you are in charge and that they must respect your commands. Training and reinforcement is crucial during this time period. Cuteness Factor: Cute enough to get out of trouble! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 57 — 62 cm Female: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 75 lbs 30 — 34 kg Female: 60 — 64 lbs 27 — 29 kg Milestones: They are still growing slowly. Month 1 year old German Shepherds are moving out of the puppy phase of the German Shepherd growth stages and into adulthood. By now they have most likely formed a strong bond with their owner. They may still misbehave occasionally but proper training should be paying off. Food: Adolescent should transition to adult food and be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: DHPP, rabies are recommended. Year 1. They are getting closer to sexual maturity. Cuteness Factor: Furry and plushness overload! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 55 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 79 lbs 32 — 36 kg Female: 60 — 66 lbs 27 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Food: Adolescent should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Year 2: At 2 years old, they should be well along in their journey to adulthood. With the proper training and socialization, they should be transforming into the alert, confident, courageous, loving and loyal German Shepherd companion that makes them so popular among dog owners. They are pretty much full grown at this point with only a few more pounds to pack onto their athletic frame. Cuteness Factor: Perfectly precious! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 57 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 84 lbs 32 — 38 kg Female: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but almost full grown. Vaccines: DHPP is recommended. Year 3: Adult Growth Stage Your German Shepherd is finally an adult with all of the beautiful characteristics and traits that people admire. They have reached physical and sexual maturity and are ready to brave the new world. Consistent training should have payed off. They should be calm and well disciplined. Height: Male: 24 — 26 in 60 — 65 cm Female: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Weight: Male: 79 — 88 lbs 36 — 40 kg Female: 66 — 70 lbs 28 — 32 kg Milestones: They are done growing. They have matured physically and sexually. Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and can be required by law depending on your state. A full grown adult German Shepherd will stand approximately 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 88 pounds on average. However, some German Shepherds will get bigger even getting over a pounds. Hopefully your GSD is in the correct range. Keep an eye out for any deficiencies during their growth. These German Shepherd growth stages should help you determine all of the proper measurements to make sure they are right on track in their development. Each stage in their maturation is important. Remember to give them a high-quality healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient training and socialization. These will all help lead to a stable and well-adjusted German Shepherd. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you have any experience with a growing German Shepherd? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males.