german shepherd puppies for sale in detroit

It gives an estimate of the risk for painful osteoarthritis OA of canine hip dysplasia CHD later in life. With this information, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended by the PennHIP-trained veterinarian. It has been extremely helpful to me as a breeder to OFA-certify my dogs. If the breeders have been breeding a long time you should see lots of names.You are supporting puppy mills if you buy a dog with these registries as they are mainly for puppy mill breeders, You know what you get with AKC because of record inspections and DNA. All Buyers should beware! Both are breeding females that are not German Shepherds they looked like husky crosses but are registering them as German Shepherds and the registry does not care. I have personally seen it and so have many others. Are you looking for size? Here are some pointers! Most breeders of large german shepherds exaggerate by 50 lbs and several inches or more! Vet certified weight means nothing if you can't call the vet! Size means little if temper , health and longevity are not there! We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! Our dogs are hand picked from top German breeders and are from world class West German bloodlines. We are conveniently located 40 miles from Ft. Worth and approximately one hour from Dallas TX. We are proud of our Kaiser facility and all of our outstanding dogs. Each of them is a special part of our family. It takes a great deal of experience, education, and knowledge about the breed to successfully produce world class German Shepherds. My husband Paul and I work together to ensure the highest breed standards are met. Our goal is to continue to not only meet those standards but to improve the breed. They are hand picked from top German breeders and are imported. They are from top West German bloodlines. Selective breeding program to produce superior offspring. We produce a limited number of litters each year in order to personally assure the very best care possible. Healthy puppies and adult dogs is a top priority to us. Our adult dogs have been DNA tested for degenerative myelopathy. Their hips and elbows have been certified as normal. We do a great amount of education with our new puppy owners regarding GSD growth and development, health maintenance, the importance of ongoing socialization and many other important topics about the GSD breed. We make it a practice to stay in touch with our puppy owners for ongoing education and support. We love to see our pups grow into amazing adult dogs as part of a loving family home! We also have a professional trainer available. She has worked with many of our puppies and their new families with outstanding results. She is warm, patient and loves what she does. She is careful and has a loving touch for her puppies; each one captures her heart. She has been extremely helpful to us when we have not been certain about next steps for our pup. Kaiser is not a puppy factory, but a caring, loving, thoughtful, and well read about the German Shepherd breed. So grateful for Terri and Kaiser pups!

Dedicated to a Healthy Legacy. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. Subscribe to get news on litters! We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. We moved to Florida in .Throughout my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My Boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. Made in America. All of our puppies are proudly made in America. All the food and everything we use to raise up our puppies is made in America. All products in our kennels are made in America. God bless our troops. Proud to be American citizens. Jesus is Lord! He is featured on our MALE page. To have our boxers be everything they are meant to be we knew we must start with a good foundation. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. AKC Boxer Breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC Boxer puppy. Looking forward to working with you. Enjoy the journey! Files coming soon. A new look for: americanboxerpuppies. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Through my life I've had boxers. Had other breeds but always came back to the boxer. For their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. My boxers are champions and their heritage is champions or have been in the show ring. God bless our troop! Listons Boxers. AKC Boxer breeder. Florida, the sunshine state, the perfect place to own a AKC boxer puppy. Our web site americanboxerpuppies. They have areas to exercise and play. We have top of the line breeding. Our boxers are related to one of the top boxers in the US. From our home to yours we strive to have you bring home a healthy and well balanced puppy. A Furever Friend Boxers are fun loving, playful and ready for a venture. They love to snuggle and great with children. Email Address. My husband is no stranger to boxers, as his parents were boxer breeders in Killduff, Iowa. I was introduced to my first boxer in .In an office conversation, I mentioned my husband's love for boxers. Shortly after, a co-worker showed me an ad for a boxer for a 1-year old boxer. We interviewed twice with the family and were awarded the privilege of owning the dog--Bogie. We tragically lost him shortly after. I swore off dogs-especially boxers. It was a painful experience for our family. In October , on a trip to Cow Palace, I stopped to visit my brother who had a litter of 4-week old boxer puppies. I should have never fallen for his trap. One look at those boxer puppies and I had to have one. Being the first to see them, I got first choice. I took many pictures of Kadie to bring home to the family, and of course, they too were smitten. Kadie will always be our special girl. We love to take every opportunity to educate boxer families on the breed. We feel very blessed to have had great success in the years we have been breeding professionally. Our thanks to the extended CinniBon family members and families who have adopted puppies from us. Since

Frozen veggies and fruit Exploring Their Surroundings Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Their heightened scent receptors drive them to explore things around them, including household items and even your fingers. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Curiosity is a healthy habit for Goldendoodles, but biting should not be part of the process. However, if your new best friend is doing damage while exploring its surroundings, you must puppy-proof your home until they learn proper manners. Playing Dogs will instinctively bite and nip when they play with littermates as puppies. If this behavior is left unaddressed, mature dogs will continue to bite during playtime. Playful biting is not always harmful, but it can be if it gets out of control as your Goldendoodle matures. A Goldendoodle getting a belly rub from his owner. The Resolution When Goldendoodles bite during playtime, you must correct the behavior immediately. Give your pet a stern no command, and offer them an alternative to biting and chewing. Some dogs respond well when owners stop playing with them after biting and leave the room. This breed is intelligent and will quickly learn that biting is not welcome. Boredom Goldendoodles are smart dogs requiring adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. If your pet is not receiving enough engagement throughout the day, it will become bored and chew or bite. Some animals may even bite at your hands and feet to get your attention when bored. Goldendoodle with fresh haircut on a white background. Although boredom can be prevalent in the first couple years of your Goldendoodles life, it can still be a concern for some mature dogs. In addition, try offering your pet toys to help stimulate their mind, like treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These products will provide the mental exercise they need and keep them from being bored at home. We'll do everything we can to make sure you and your dog are happy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Unfortunately, some dog breeds, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This hybrid dog enjoys the company of its humans and can show anxious traits if you leave them home alone all day. The Resolution If your Goldendoodle is biting you before you leave or when you return, they may have anxiety issues. Proper kennel training and routine exercise with mental stimulation can help calm your pet down when you need to leave them alone for an extended time. Lack of Training Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, and many dog owners will let some typical puppy behaviors, like biting, slide. A boy trains a Goldendoodle at the park. This hybrid dog breed is extremely energetic and needs proper training to follow your commands. The Resolution For Goldendoodle biting that happens due to a lack of training, you can still turn it around, even with adult dogs. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent and loves to please its owners. Always remember to use a stern no command when they bite, offer alternatives, and reward them when they act appropriately. Soon, your Goldendoodle will have the proper training and better manners you want in a pet. Scared or Fearful Some Goldendoodles bite when they are scared or fearful of something. For example, if your pet is afraid of loud noises or certain people, they may lash out by biting. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. This fearful behavior can get out of control and inflict harm to people or animals without proper coaching as your dog matures. The Resolution Dogs who feel safe are less likely to bite when a frightening situation occurs. Owners of Goldendoodles that bite can use various methods to help eliminate this behavior, depending on the reason for their fright. Some ways to help your pet are: Scared of thunderstorms — use a thunder jacket. Frightened about meeting new people or animals — use slow, short introductions. Afraid of loud noises — offer a crate as a safe space with treats and positive attention. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Therefore, a dog who suddenly bites its owner may have underlying health issues. Animals will do this to scare people away from handling them where it hurts the most. If your Goldendoodle bites when you try to pet it or handle it, it could be dealing with pain from an illness or significant injury. The Resolution If you have ruled out other causes for your Goldendoodle biting behaviors, the next step is heading to your local veterinarian. You want to ensure your pet does not have a health condition that is causing them pain. Your vet may conduct x-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out physical fractures or serious illnesses that may produce pain for your dog. Final Thoughts Of course, everyone loves a well-behaved Goldendoodle, but sometimes your pet needs a little extra training and support to learn good manners. Once you can pinpoint the reason for the behavior, you can use these successful methods to keep it from happening. You may need professional help from a trainer or veterinarian, but once your Goldendoodle knows how to behave, you will have a terrific and loyal 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. Goldendoodle puppies are adorable and playful creatures. But like with any puppy playtime can quickly turn into a nipping, chewing free for all that can leave you feeling like a chew toy. Goldendoodles puppies usually bite because of teething and as a form of play. Older dogs may bite due to aggression or habit. Biting and chewing should be discouraged at an early age to prevent unwanted behavior. The key to stopping this unwanted behavior is understanding why Goldendoodles bite and how to discourage, and if possible, inhibit them from doing so without being harsh. Earlier on, it might just nip playfully at you, which comes across as rather cute and ticklish. However, the nipping soon turns into full-fledged bites, which could hurt and are not so pleasant anymore. Both parents — the poodle and the Golden Retriever — excelled at retrieving things from the water or anywhere else, so it is simple to comprehend why Doodles like to use their mouth as often as they do. Whether it is a human or any other animal, nipping and biting form an integral part of the game and should be taken sportingly. In the process, if the Doodle gets hurt, it will most likely yelp and expect to be persuaded. How would you react? An eruption of new teeth is often accompanied by an itching sensation in the gums, which the pup tries to relieve by biting. Constant itching can be quite irritating, so it would be unfair to blame the puppy for seeking relief, even though it implies biting everything in sight. To help your pup, provide it with plenty of chewable toys, stuffed or otherwise. Teethers full of water are also good options as the Doodle can keep biting at it and experience satisfaction and relief. You can even improvise by filling a sock full of stuff and letting your Doodle have a go at it. Alternatively, give them an empty bottle that rolls around and can be chewed at without suffering any significant damage. Biting Can Be an Aggressive Behavior By nature, Goldendoodles are not aggressive unless indicated by you as the pet owner that they can get away with it. Given that dogs are pack animals, aggression is an innate trait. However, the good news is that it can just as easily be controlled through early training and positive reinforcement. To this effect, aggressive biting can be maintained at the puppy stage or even later through firm and consistent training. Goldendoodles do have all their teeth by this time, and if they are still biting, it is probably out of habit. Since this implies that the Doodle is biting out of habitual compulsion rather than any specific objective, it needs to be stopped. From your end, discourage the behavior by distracting it from a biting session and getting involved in other activities. With all this talk of biting you may feel concerned about having a Goldendoodle around kids. In my article, Are Goldendoodles good with kids , I explain all the reasons why they are great to have around children. Discouraging Goldendoodles From Bitting or Chewing Biting can turn into an unpleasant scenario for you, especially when the Doodle grows older. Not only could it impact your relationship with an otherwise adorable and intelligent pet, but it also transforms into destructive chewing if not controlled or rectified in time. Teach how to Smart-Chew — Praise and reward your pup every time he latches on to a chewable toy or a bone that is meant for the purpose. At the same time, please do not ignore that it might be chewing your slippers because the Doodle might take it as an affirmation and experiment with all the other footwear at home. If it refuses to let go, keep your slippers out of reach till it gives up on them and finds something else to do. Firm and Consistent Training — Suppose you catch your Doodle in the act, do not be harsh physically or mentally while reprimanding. Instead, draw it away from the object, praise it on letting go and explain gently not to repeat the behavior. Final Thoughts Remember that it is normal for Goldendoodles to bite while playing, and a simple act on your part of hitting on its face or waving your fingers and toes in front of It will only encourage this behavior. Lastly, do not stop playing with your Doodle just because it may have bitten or nipped once. Instead, address the issue and teach and train that playing can be just as fun without biting or nipping. Diane is a lifelong owner of Labs, Retrievers, a Poodle, Labradoodle, and, more recently, a Goldendoodle. She loves dogs and enjoy's taking her Goldendoodle Nala for walks in the woods with her daughters. Recent Posts. Goldendoodle puppy teeth can be painful, and puppies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Goldendoodle puppies usually stop biting when they are months old when their adult teeth have grown. Goldendoodles are bred to retrieve things, and their mouthy tendencies need bite inhibition training. Bite inhibition training should involve the same method that puppies learn with their littermates. It involves a loud squeal, stopping the play, and ignoring the puppy for up to a minute. Play dates with other puppies can also help teach bite inhibition. Giving puppies frozen fruits, teething toys, bully sticks, and engaging them with chew toys can help deter biting related to teething. Having new teeth pushing through your gums is uncomfortable, and chewing on things can help reduce that discomfort. Tasting things is also another way that puppies explore the world. Without hands or opposable thumbs, their mouth is the best way to determine the texture and firmness of an object. Additionally, Goldendoodles are the product of two breeds that were bred to retrieve things from the water. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were both bred to collect birds that hunters had shot. That means a tendency to hold items in their mouth was actually bred into them. Goldendoodles tend to be inherently mouthy, so you will have to teach your puppy to have better bite inhibition reducing how much force they bite down with during play. The younger your puppy was when you brought them home, the more difficulty your Goldendoodle may have with bite inhibition. Teaching Bite Inhibition When left with their littermates long enough, puppies learn that biting a playmate too hard causes the fun to stop. To teach your puppy bite inhibition, you have to do what their littermates would have done. Anything else — yelling, bopping the puppy on the nose, continuing to play — reinforces the biting behavior. So next time your Goldendoodle puppy bites you, think like a puppy yourself. Squeal, stop, and ignore. Play Dates Playing with other puppies is also an excellent way for your Goldendoodle puppy to learn bite inhibition. When they bite another puppy too hard, that puppy will let them know. Make sure all puppies are up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations before letting them play together. More Ways to Stop Biting Not all biting is related to a lack of bite inhibition. Teething is a significant factor that causes puppies to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Provide plenty of chew toys in different textures and shapes. Teething oil or gel can help soothe sore gums. Play tug of war with your puppy gently. Fill a Puppy Kong with peanut butter, then throw it in the freezer. The cold will soothe their gums while they chew on the rubber, and working on getting out the peanut butter keeps their brain engaged. Give your Goldendoodle bully sticks to chew on while you are around to supervise. Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to dangerous rawhide, but puppies may swallow large pieces if left unsupervised. You need to use different techniques to manage this type of biting compared to teething or play biting. Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the puppy started to bite you. Continue brushing your puppy while they struggle. Try to get the puppy to bite the brush rather than your hands, but still try to keep brushing. Once your puppy stops fighting and biting, reward them with praise and a treat. If you stop brushing your puppy every time they bite you, your Goldendoodle learns that biting makes bad things stop. Play provides crucial bonding between a Goldendoodle and their people. The goal is to teach them to play nicely, not to discourage playing with you at all. These things are likely to encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet. Hitting a puppy for playful mouthing can make them bite harder. It can trigger your puppy to play even more aggressively. It can also make your puppy fear you or create real aggression. Avoid all punishments that might hurt or scare your puppy. That encourages your puppy to jump after the hand or foot and resembles play. If your puppy likes to bite your feet when you walk, you can try spraying your feet with a bite-deterrent spray like this one. Eventually, they should learn to turn that urge to bite toward their toys instead of your skin or clothing. Encourage non-contact forms of play like fetch and tug of war. Rough play with your hands tends to entice your puppy to bite. Luckily, though, there are many things you can do to discourage various types of puppy biting. With a little bit of time and consistent training, puppy bites should be a thing of the past by the time your Goldendoodle is 7 to 8 months old. Do Goldendoodles Chew Furniture? Often though, this joyful time is marred by painful nips and bandaged hands. A biting phase is all too common in puppies, but it should not be what defines your relationship. How do I get my Goldendoodle puppy to stop biting? Provide the puppy with a variety of teething aids to help soothe sore gums. Consistent bite inhibition training will teach your puppy that biting people is unacceptable, as will refusing to interact with or give attention to an actively biting puppy. Most of all, remember to be patient as your puppy gets through this frustrating and painful time. When they bite, divert their attention with a chew toy. If biting continues, walk away and ignore. Everything you need to get started and help your dog reach his full potential. Temperament, sizes, generations, and coat types. Necessary supplies and feeding guidelines. Reward-based training. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Common behavioral issues and possible health concerns. Grooming and total body care. And much, much more! Eliminate the guesswork and pick up your copy today! Unfortunately, gnawing on fingers and toes is completely normal puppy behavior. All puppies, not just Goldendoodles, go through a biting stage, but thankfully, it does not last very long. So, what causes the urge to bite and chew on everything in sight, including your poor fingers and toes? While there is likely no pain when the puppy teeth are lost, there is probably a lot of discomfort as the adult teeth push through the surface of the gums. Puppies often seek relief by chewing on anything and everything within reach, including you. Exploring Puppies explore much of the world around them with their mouths. They learn about different tastes, textures, and sizes by putting items in their mouth. They discover which items are fun to chew on slippers — delightful! Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition controlling the intensity of their bites from their littermates and their mother. This is one reason why a puppy should stay with the breeder as long as possible. When a puppy bites too hard while playing with a sibling, the other pup will yelp and stop playing. The puppy quickly learns that the fun ceases when he bites too hard. If he makes the same mistake with his mother, the puppy will receive a firm correction from her, and he will likely not do it again. Seeking Attention Puppies love all types of attention. Some quickly learn that biting leads to attention, even though it is often negative and in the form of discipline. This is called unintentional negative reinforcement. Genetic Makeup Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, used to create the beloved Goldendoodle, were bred to be outstanding water dogs, skilled at retrieving waterfowl. You can learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. The desire to have things in their mouths was intentionally bred into them. This trait is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles, particularly puppies. As is the case with most retrieving breeds, the intense need to chew and carry things in their mouth sometimes equates to excessive mouthiness in young puppies who are still learning what is acceptable and what is not. Providing your Goldendoodle with sufficient daily exercise is a key component in eliminating unwanted behaviors, like biting. How much is recommended? Check out this article. For most puppies, the biting begins to taper off as teething come to an end, usually around 7 — 8 months of age. By this age, almost all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and the chewing, biting, and nipping urges greatly diminish. By the time your puppy has finished teething, more maturity should be evident as he nears adulthood. When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing and transition to adulthood? Find the answer here. Many puppy behaviors, such as whining, submissive urination, and biting begin to disappear by this age. Get Your Copy Today! Try offering frozen pieces of carrot, banana, or strawberry to soothe sore gums. Frozen blueberries are great too. Many puppy teething oils see on Amazon are available to numb tender mouths. Provide a wide variety of puppy chew toys multipack on Amazon of different shapes and textures. A puppy Kong can be packed with a treat like peanut butter and frozen. The natural rubber satisfies the chewing urge, the cold numbs the gums, and working to access the treats inside provides mental stimulation. Reasons why your Goldendoodle might be biting Goldendoodles have the generous heart of a golden retriever and the intelligence of a poodle, yet sometimes even these hybrid fur-babies can, unfortunately, turn to biting. Consult your local vet or professional dog behaviorist who will be able to better guide you on how to fix this problem. How to stop your Goldendoodle from biting Goldendoodles , characterized by their intelligence, energy and loyal nature, can undoubtedly be a joy to have around. Unfortunately, their rambunctiousness can lead to biting if they are not taught how to behave. The good news is that there are plenty of constructive ways to prevent your Goldendoodle from biting. Lastly, keeping your pup engaged with playtime, taking your goldendoodle for a run , and mental stimulation will help stop them from getting bored which can turn into bad behaviors such as biting. Tips for training your Goldendoodle not to bite Goldendoodles are renowned for their intelligence, good nature and sense of playfulness. This can make training a goldendoodle not to bite a challenging but rewarding experience. To begin, it is important to be consistent with commands. Make sure that your goldendoodle understands what you want it to do and that it is aware of any changes in its routine to ensure effective training. Try rewarding positive behavior with treats or toys, or a calming bath , as this will reinforce the desired behavior and discourage your goldendoodle from biting out of frustration. Finally, remember to give lots of love and attention when the dog succeeds so that you can successfully teach them not to bite! Although Goldendoodles are typically gentle and loving family dogs , they may bite for a number of reasons. Training your Goldendoodle not to bite can be a challenge, but with patience and consistency you can get through to them. By following these tips and working on positive reinforcement training, you can help your dog develop into a well-behaved member of your family. Related posts:. Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good. Understanding why Goldendoodle puppies bite and what to do about it? By: Matt Last Updated: December 9, Whether they are exploring, playing, or teething, Goldendoodle puppies may bite frequently. They are naturally curious about the world and do not know their boundaries. Unfortunately, this often leads to biting people or inappropriate objects. Many resources explain why puppies bite, but each breed is unique. Goldendoodle puppies are friendly, playful, eager to please, and intelligent. These traits can help you determine the best method for training your puppy to stop biting. He may be teething, playing, or exploring. Exploring As puppies, Goldendoodles understand very little about the world around them. Everything is new and confusing, and they want to learn as much as possible. Just as human babies bite unfamiliar objects, puppies do the same as they explore the world. New textures are exciting, and biting something new helps them understand what it is. They also have no idea whether biting is acceptable, and their confusion grows when they are allowed to bite some things but not others. People and other dogs do not react well when bitten, but biting objects does not elicit the same reaction. Until trained differently, Goldendoodle puppies assume that biting is an appropriate way to explore their worlds. Teething When puppies grow a little older, their baby teeth fall out, and their adult set grows in, which often causes swelling and an itching sensation. Goldendoodle puppies will bite anything in sight to ease this pain. If your Goldendoodle puppy is teething, it is better to redirect him to chewing an acceptable object rather than trying to eliminate the biting. You can find tips on training and ideas for teething toys later in this article. Playing Throughout puppyhood, Goldendoodles use their teeth to play with other dogs. They find that most other dogs accept nipping during playtime. However, they must learn how hard is too hard. With small puppy teeth, many dogs will not argue against this form of play. Over time, they will push the limits and face natural consequences. When they bite another dog too hard, that dog may bite back or stop playing. During future play sessions, the puppy will begin biting more softly. If your puppy learns to bite softly when he is young, you can reduce the risk of him harming another dog with adult teeth in the future. They typically bite due to lack of training, fear, or pain. Lack of Training If your Goldendoodle bites in response to denied access, such as when you stop playing with him, skip his walk or take away his toys, he may need training. Without proper training, Goldendoodles may resort to biting as a means to an end. Adult Goldendoodles can still undergo training to eliminate biting, but it can be more challenging to train adult dogs than puppies. Fear Biting is a common response to fear for dogs. An invasion of space can cause a dog to become overwhelmed and lash out to create space. Likewise, startling a Goldendoodle may cause him to bite. When startled awake, dogs can be disoriented and bite the perceived threat. Pain Dogs who are sick or injured are more likely to bite. The pain often overwhelms and scares them, and they may bite if touched. A drastic or sudden change in behavior may indicate an injury or illness. Training a Goldendoodle Puppy Not To Bite Luckily, it is much easier to train a Goldendoodle not to bite when you begin training him as a puppy. Remember that puppies have short attention spans, so it is crucial to provide the consequence immediately after your puppy behaves appropriately or inappropriately. Training Using Distraction Techniques Distraction techniques are ideal for puppies because they are excitable and have short attention spans. If your Goldendoodle puppy is biting an object to ease teething pains, redirect him to a more appropriate outlet. First, you must state a command to alert your puppy that he is not allowed to bite the object. If you redirect to a toy, make it seem more interesting than the object he is currently biting. If you redirect to an activity, such as a walk, keep your voice enthusiastic. Finally, praise your puppy for switching his focus. Praise is the key to effective training, especially with breeds like Goldendoodles that are eager to please and intelligent. Training Using Shaping Shaping is the concept of gradually changing one behavior into another. Puppies who teethe on furniture, shoes, or household objects can benefit from this technique. In this case, your goal is to train your puppy to stop chewing random objects and begin chewing designated chew toys. You must be consistent during this process. As soon as you notice your puppy chewing the wrong object, bring him to the chew toy. Teething Toys and Exercise Puppies with several outlets for their energy are less likely to bite. Goldendoodle puppies should receive plenty of mental and physical stimulation daily. This breed especially enjoys: fetch, walks, jogs, hikes, dog parks, and running around in the yard with family or other dogs. Goldendoodles can also benefit from teething toys such as: Nylon bones and toys Interactive toys that keep your dog on the move Teethers filled with water.

Recognized by both the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club , this mixed breed, as with any mixed breed, will receive its traits from either one its parents, making no two Gerberian Shepsky puppies the same. Standing about 26 inches tall and weighing up to 85 pounds, this mixed breed is bound to draw attention when out for a walk. With a mixed breed, it can be hard to determine the exact look as the genetic makeup will vary, but for the most part, the head will be medium in size, with almond-shaped eyes and a lean body built for power. It's the second most popular dog breed, equipped with a domed shaped face, square-cut muzzle and extremely strong jaws. Originating in north-eastern Siberia, the breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family. Stands inches tall, with females measuring slightly less. Stands 18 to 24 inches tall, with females measuring slightly less. A Husky, for example, is known to be very friendly, calm and gentle for its owners, often leery of strangers, taking quite some time to warm up, while a German Shepherd is often considered to be more hyper, active and a lot more alert, being a lot more protective than that of a Husky. Both dogs are considered to be hardworking as this is due to their ancestry and will always want to please their owner, regardless of what it takes. Regardless of the breed mix, a puppy should be well socialized and trained at a young age to avoid troubles in the future. This mix is known to be intelligent and hardworking, showing traits from both sides of their parents. Learning commands very quickly, even with minimal training, these dogs are known to be natural pack leaders and are often considered demanding, bossy and at times, a pinch stubborn. If you avoid training, you could find yourself with a very hard to control dog in the future. Grooming Again, based on the genetics, the grooming will vary. Seeing both parents have a double, dense coat, it should be brushed at least two times per week to avoid matting and tangling, and if at all possible, a professional grooming session at least once a month. Tips to know A German Shepherd Husky is known to be a very active breed, meaning it will not be suitable for an apartment or condo-like setting. This dog tends to do best in a large, fenced-in yard where it can roam freely and stretch its legs by running from one side to the next. While a cool climate is ideal, if your dog lives in a warmer-than-average climate, then shade and water should be left out at all time and their outside time during the warmer months should be very limited. The average lifespan, combining the two breeds, can be anywhere between 10 to 15 years. Being active, these dogs can escape just about any unsecured backyard, even if you have a fence installed. Heterochromia, a unique condition found in both a Husky and German Shepherd, results in two different eye colors, and this breed has been spotted with this trait. They make great exercise partners and walk miles without tiring out. Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info. Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Intelligent, loyal, hardworking, protective, loving, and affectionate. CONS Stubborn, needs frequent and intense exercise, needs regular grooming, and lots of potential health problems. The initial appeal of the Shepsky lies in their majestic coats, soulful eyes, and wolf-like appearance. This designer dog breed is sure to turn heads when you bring them anywhere. When do Shepsky ears stand up? While the answer may seem simple, the truth is that it can vary depending on the individual dog. For some dogs, the ears will begin to stand up soon after birth. For others, it may take a few months for the ears to fully stand up. In general, however, most Shepsky ears stand up by the time they are six months old. Some people mistakenly believe that the Husky mix should have a very narrow, pointed nose like a Siberian Husky. However, the German Shepherd has a much broader nose than the Husky, so the mix should have a broad but not overly heavy nose. What color are Gerberian Shepsky dogs? German Shepherds are traditionally brown and black, while Huskies can come in a variety of colors : white, gray, brown, red, blue, and black. The Shepsky coat color is usually mixed. Shepsky eyes can be blue, black, or brown. Since both breeds have fairly medium to thick coats, they can shed a considerable amount. If you plan on adding a Shepsky to your family, be sure to invest in a quality hair brush and vacuum to minimize the mess of their shedding. Both breeds thrive in colder climates, so if you or someone you know has dog allergies, be mindful that their shedding can exacerbate allergies. An adult male Shepsky will stand 22 to 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds, while an adult female Shepsky will stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 40 to 70 pounds. How big does a German Shepherd Husky Mix get? Generally, Shepskies will stand 20 to 25 inches tall. Males are usually 22 to 25 inches tall, while females are usually 20 to 24 inches tall. How much does a German Shepherd Husky Mix weigh? Generally, German Shepherd Husky Mixes weigh 40 to 80 pounds. Males are usually 50 to 80 pounds, while females are usually 40 to 70 pounds. When does a Shepsky stop growing? Shepskies generally reach their full adult size by 18 months of age. How fast does a German Shepherd Husky Mix grow? However, mixed breeds can be more difficult to identify. Siberian Huskies have thick, double coats that are usually white or light in color. German Shepherds, on the other hand, have shorter coats that are typically dark brown or black. Siberian Huskies have pointed ears that stand erect, while German Shepherds have floppy ears that lay close to the head. Siberian Huskies are typically lighter and more slender than German Shepherds. They also have longer legs in proportion to their body size. This is what German Shepherd Husky Mix looks like. At least one of the many variations! Whereas Huskies are known to be vocal , independent, energetic, and highly affectionate. Both breeds develop deep, formidable bonds with their owners and are hesitant to let you out of their sight. Because of this, both breeds are known to suffer from separation anxiety. Given their size, strength, and intelligence, training is crucial. Sometimes, Shepsky mixes will adapt more of the German Shepherd personality, or vice versa, might adapt more of the Husky personality. Training and Socialization German Shepherds are more protective and have natural guard dog instincts, so socialization is very important at a young age. Huskies can sometimes be more destructive, so lots of play and physical stimulation is important at a young age. Temperaments and personalities will vary from pup to pup. This designer breed is notoriously known to have the emotional, mental, and physical capacity to go to the ends of the Earth for their owners. Look at this happy German Shepherd Husky Mix! While this varies from dog to dog, they can be absolutely wonderful in multi-pet households, and will extend their protective natures to their little dog or cat brothers and sisters. On average, you can expect your Shepsky to live between 10 and 14 years. While some Shepskies can live long, full lives completely happy and healthy, both German Shepherds and Huskies independently are prone to a variety of health issues. Are Gerberian Shepskies Smart? German Shepherds are known as the third smartest dog breed in the world, according to Stanley Coren , a professor of Canine Psychology. Scent Tracking and Quick Mastery One of the reasons German Shepherds are so intelligent is because of their ability to decipher and track scents. This is Archie, a 3 year old Husky and German Shepherd mix. Huskies: A Mix of Playfulness and Emotion Huskies are more known for their vocal personalities, hilarious antics, and outgoing natures. Also according to Stanley Coren, they rank 45th in terms of most intelligent dog breeds, tied with Bichon Frises and English Toy Spaniels. Emotional Intelligence and Communication While they may not learn tricks as quickly as other dog breeds and their curiosity can land them in peculiar situations, their smarts lie in emotional intelligence. Huskies are quick to vocalize their needs and wants to their owners. Though Huskies can be stubborn and independent, they lead with their hearts, making them the ultimate furry friends. The Shepsky: A Blend of Traits The Shepsky is relatively easy to train, but their personality and intelligence can boil down to which parent they take after more mentally. They are generally considered to be a highly intelligent crossbreed. However, all in all, you will have a naturally intelligent dog that is eager to please you as best they can! Further reading: Can a husky be a police dog? Are Gerberian Shepskies Active Dogs? Both German Shepherds and Huskies are known to be some of the most active breeds. Both breeds are incredibly active and love to run. They have a higher need for regular and vigorous physical activity than most breeds. Regular exercise will also prevent them from becoming destructive or anxious due to inactivity. Their energy levels need to be exhausted to reap the full benefits of all they have to offer as companions. Ideal for Active Individuals They are a suitable match for someone who lives a very active lifestyle. If you love to go on regular hikes or runs, the Shepsky will make an excellent and motivating workout buddy. Must read: How much exercise does a Husky need? Both German Shepherds and Huskies are known for their loving nature. They are fully committed to their families and equally protective of them. They also have a fairly high threshold for stress. They will often make wonderful companions and protectors for children. They are all-around fun-loving, sweet, and loyal. Further reading:. Large and in charge, taking the beauty and active lifestyle of both breeds, this dog is fiercely loyal and protective. So, if you are looking to add this spirited designer breed to your family, you may be wondering how much a German Shepherd Husky mix costs. Mixes with registered parents will be more expensive. We have put together a comprehensive guide to the cost of a German Shepherd Husky mix. This includes the cost of the puppy, start-up costs, feeding, and upkeep. Read on to learn more! What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Husky mix? To determine the cost of buying a German Shepherd Husky mix, you should consider age, breeder reputation, documentation, health record, litter size, and location. Although a cheaper dog may be tempting, you may pay more in the end if the breeder has not taken good care of the dog. Age Shepskies are ready to leave their mother and littermates at about 8 weeks old. The youngest ones will be the most expensive because this is the most desirable age. As the puppy gets older, the price may become a bit cheaper. Breeders tend to have several litters of puppies staggered over time. If they have a puppy who is a few months old from a previous litter they often lower the cost of that puppy when a new litter is born. You can also rescue older Shepskies. Adult Shepskies are usually vaccinated and cost less than a puppy. They may or may not be well-trained, depending on the previous owner. Breeder reputation You will pay more for a well-known breeder. The better the breeder, the more demand there is for their dogs. So, this will cost more. Also, if the parent dogs are well-known, their puppies will also cost more. You should always check to see what kind of reputation a breeder has. Some breeders keep their puppies in poor living conditions. Look at reviews online or ask others who have completed business with them. Documentations German Shepherd Husky mixes are a fairly new designer-breed that were first bred in the s. However, it is important to get offspring from pedigreed parents. Ideally, you want a first-generation dog with one full-blood German Shepherd parent and one Siberian Husky parent. When purchasing a Shepky, ask to see the parents and their documented pedigree to assure you are getting a first-generation German Shepherd Husky mix. Second and third generations may lose much of their designer look. They can also be less healthy because of selective breeding. Health record A dewormed and vaccinated puppy will cost more than one that is not, but this cost is worth it in the end. If you get your puppy without these medical checks, you will have to get them on your own. The vet bills will end up costing you about as much, if not more than the additional adoption cost. If you adopt Shepsky puppies from a shelter, they often go ahead and neuter them, which will be factored into the cost. Also, reputable breeders screen their parent dogs and their puppies for health defects, which ensures you have a healthier dog. These costs get transferred to the buyer, but they are worth every cent. Location Some places have a higher cost of living, and as such, the cost of a Shepsky will be higher in those places. Also, if you travel a long distance to get your dog, you may have to factor in those costs. In general, both the German Shepherd and the Husky are pretty popular breeds, so their offspring are usually readily available in most locations. You can check local breeders and online pet-finding sites to find Shepskies near you. Litter size Larger litter sizes are usually more difficult for the breeder to sell. So, if you can find a breeder who has a large litter size, they may give you a deal. You can also sometimes negotiate with a breeder to adopt two puppies for a slightly cheaper price than getting each one individually. This can help you save on the overall cost of the adoption, and it will give your puppy a companion. Coat color Shepsky puppies come in a variety of color patterns, but generally, they have a combination of two colors. These can be black, white, cream, brown, red, or blue. Most people prefer German Shepherd Huskies which have a combination of white and another color, which may drive up the cost of that particular coat color. Gender Female dogs usually cost more than males, whether you are getting a puppy or an adult. Females cost more because they are able to provide many litters of puppies throughout their lifetime. Since they can get pregnant, they will have more medical costs throughout their lives. Even the process of spaying a female is more costly and invasive, adding to the cost of the female. Males will be slightly cheaper. How much should you expect to pay for a German Shepherd Husky mix? However, prices will vary according to how popular Shepskies are in your area. Papers refer to the proof that the parents were registered as purebred dogs. This ensures you are getting what you are paying for. However, this is not an ideal place to adopt from. You would risk getting an unhealthy dog. Price of Shepsky adults Instead of buying a puppy, you can opt for adopting an adult Shepksy. Adult dogs will already be trained, easy to fit into a busy lifestyle, and cost less both initially and in the long run. You can find these at local shelters. There may be listings for them on pet rehoming sites, as well. These dogs will already be neutered and have had vaccinations. The only downside is you may not be able to verify whether they are first-generation Shepskies. The start-up costs will be the most expensive, afterwards, the ongoing costs will be more affordable.

This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin! Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More Are you looking for top-quality Goldendoodles in South Carolina, but not sure where to start? But when trying to find ethical Goldendoodle breeders in South Carolina, your head might be spinning with all the endless options available out there. Due to the extremely high demand for Goldendoodles, the market has also attracted unethical breeders and puppy mills who all claim to specialize in this crossbreed. Health screening is the best way to reduce the risk of the puppies inheriting any genetic conditions , as ethical breeders only mate dogs who have passed all the tests with great results. With that being said, ethical breeders also offer health guarantees that covers any serious genetic conditions that the parent dogs have been tested for. Health guarantees usually cover the first 2 years from adoption. Many Goldendoodle breeders in SC have posted customer testimonials on their websites, but we recommend you also look for reviews on Google, here at Doodle Doods , Facebook, Yelp, or Reddit. Their breeding dogs all live in loving guardian homes and all of their puppies are born in a safe and nurturing home environment. Lynne Whitmire, the breeder behind Fountain Falls Goldendoodles, has taken part in Puppy Culture and Avidog training programs and has developed her very own puppy raising protocol that gives them the best start in life. They also introduce the puppies to early potty training and crate training. And, of course, all puppies are socialized and introduced to all sorts of household sights, sounds, and situations. What Makes This Breeder Unique? In addition to that, they stay on top of the latest research and take part in breeder conferences at least once a year. Why are we an exclusive Goldendoodle breeder? We are proud to provide families with healthy and well-socialized Goldendoodle puppies for sale. We breed Goldendoodles because this type of breed makes ideal family dogs. They are a combination of Poodle and Golden Retriever, which means they are intelligent, trainable, and have loveable personalities. These puppies also come from health-tested parents to ensure your new companion is in the best of health. We raise Goldendoodle puppies in our home with the utmost love and care. What are F-1B Goldendoodles? These canines are known for their friendly, loving nature. They also have hypoallergenic fur and come with a lifetime health guarantee and support. You can view the parents of your Goldendoodle puppy on our site. Each of our beautiful adult dogs have a profile that features their coloring, coat, personality, and generation. This generation is highly sought after for being mostly non-shedding, making it an ideal choice for families with severe allergies. The careful selection of parents also ensures the puppies have the beloved teddy bear look. We offer mini and medium-size Goldendoodle puppies. Our Miniature Goldendoodles are less than 30 pounds and our Medium Goldendoodles are about 30 to 50 pounds. We hope the topics below help you get to know us better as you learn about our breeding style and puppies.Doodles of NC can personally deliver your puppy no matter where you are located in the U. Learn more about how we raise our puppies and our pricing. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Central South Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!

By Emily A. Fassbaugh, DVM on Oct. They can determine if your dog needs to be professionally examined and treated. Here are some common dog eye problems and signs to look for. Common Dog Eye Problems Dog Eye Infections Dog eye infections can affect the eyelid, the conjunctiva pink part inside the eye , or the eye itself. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs: Yellow, green, or red drainage from the eyes Swelling, crusting, and hair loss on the eyelids Very red and swollen conjunctiva and whites of the eyes Your dog squinting or holding their eyes closed Your veterinarian may do an eye stain to check for injury to the cornea. The treatment involves giving your dog eye drops to heal the infection and relieve inflammation. If there is an infection of the eyelid, your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics. It occurs most often in brachycephalic flat-faced dogs, such as English Bulldogs and Pugs , and in giant dog breeds with droopy eyelids, such as Bullmastiffs and Newfoundlands , but it can happen to any dog. Always take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have cherry eye. When cherry eye in dogs is mild, an anti-inflammatory eye drop can occasionally cause the tear gland to return to its normal position. However, most of the time, surgery is required to replace the tear gland behind the third eyelid. Unfortunately, cherry eye can come back after a dog has surgery. Glaucoma in Dogs Glaucoma in dogs is increased pressure in the eye. Normally, fluid flows in and out of the eye to maintain pressure. Early signs of glaucoma in dogs include eye pain or redness and visible vessels on the whites of the eye. Early glaucoma is treated with medication to decrease fluid production in the eye and allow for better drainage of fluid, reducing the pressure. If the medication cannot control the eye pressure and the pain, your veterinarian may recommend removal of the eye, also called enucleation. This may sound extreme, but dogs can still have a great quality of life without the affected eye. To help avoid eye loss, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of glaucoma. You will see these symptoms: Green or yellow discharge from the eye Squinting or holding the eye closed Rubbing the eye because it is painful or itchy The whites of the eye will be red or bloodshot, but the cornea will typically be clear Conjunctivitis in dogs is triggered often by an allergy or, rarely, a virus. It is treated with a bacterial eye drop or ointment, and sometimes, a steroid is used to reduce inflammation. It usually clears up within a week. Take your dog to the vet so they can be evaluated and prescribed the appropriate treatment. Ectropion in Dogs Ectropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid droops or folds outward, away from the eye. Some breeds of dog can naturally have mild ectropion, including Bullmastiffs , Bassett Hounds , Bloodhounds , Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Spaniels. It is often not a problem, but it can result in chronic inflammation, dry eye, and eye infection in some dogs, so take your dog to the vet if they are exhibiting any of these signs. Surgery can correct ectropion in dogs. Entropion in Dogs Entropion is a condition of the eyelid that causes it to roll inward. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. In chronic cases, it can cause permanent damage to the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. Entropion in dogs can be fixed with surgery. Visit your vet to determine the best option for your dog. Cataracts in Dogs In dogs with cataracts , the central part of their eye appears cloudy because the lens has lost transparency. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes. Cataracts can be inherited or caused by other diseases. One cause of cataracts is diabetes, as the excess glucose causes the lens to swell. The lens can eventually rupture and cause uveitis, or severe inflammation in the eye. A dog can also develop cataracts as a part of normal aging. Additionally, they can form because of inflammation or infection inside the eye. Depending on the size and the severity of the cataract, some dogs may lose significant vision and become blind. See your vet to have the underlying cause of the cataract identified so your dog can be treated accordingly. In some breeds of dogs, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers , strabismus is congenital and common; this does not require treatment. However, if a lazy eye comes on suddenly, always seek veterinary assistance. A sudden lazy eye in dogs can signal a neurological problem that affects the balance system, or it could be caused by a mass in the ring of bone surrounding the eye. Treating lazy eye in dogs relies on addressing the underlying cause. A dog with a corneal ulcer will have cloudiness in the front of the eye. There may be green, yellow, or clear discharge. Corneal ulcers in dogs can be caused by an injury or infection, or they can result from inflammation of the cornea due to chronic dry eye. Corneal ulcers are very painful, so the dog usually squints the eye closed and may rub at it. Seek treatment from the vet as soon as possible to help make your dog more comfortable. Treatment involves giving your dog an antibiotic eye drop and using an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from rubbing their eye, causing further damage. Some dogs require surgery to heal the ulcer. It contains the cells, called rods and cones, that absorb light signals to send to the brain. The retina is what ultimately allows all mammals to see. All diseases of the retina cause blindness. There are inherited retinal diseases seen in Irish Setters , Briards , and the Papillon. Other causes of retinal diseases in dogs include: High blood pressure. Retinal Dysplasia Entropion By familiarizing yourself with these conditions, their symptoms, and their treatment options, you can prepare yourself for any doggie health emergencies. After all, part of being a pet parent is understanding that sometimes our animals get sick. It can present itself early on during puppyhood or become more evident with age. Labs are just one of many dog breeds affected by this condition. This type of atrophy can lead to total blindness. PRA is a degenerative illness, meaning it tends to become more debilitating over time. However, by recognizing the symptoms and taking early action, pet parents can minimize the adverse effects of PRA. Common Symptoms Unfortunately, some of the most common symptoms of PRA only occur after many retinal cells have already decayed. This means that your dog may already be partially blind by the time they start exhibiting noticeable symptoms. Still, dogs that seem uncoordinated or that often bump into objects may be exhibiting early signs of this condition. You may also notice that your Labrador Retriever struggles to find their toys or locate the entrance to your home. Dogs that generally struggle with their vision may have PRA, but the only way to know for sure is to take your pup to the vet for diagnostic tests. High-quality breeders regularly perform genetic testing on their breeding pairs to ensure healthy litters. Purchasing a pup from a disreputable or inexperienced breeder can result in puppies with PRA. If you are getting your dog from a breeder, you have the right to ask for all their health forms related to the parents and even past litters. They should be able to provide you with proof that the dogs are as healthy as possible. If you suspect that your dog may have PRA, your vet will perform a standard series of eye tests. If they cannot rule out PRA, they may recommend genetic testing to confirm or deny the diagnosis. Sadly, there are few ways to reverse or stop the damage that PRA causes. Still, this condition is not painful. Pet owners can implement helpful tools, introduce new training tasks, and practice patience. This may mean introducing specific sound cues for everyday tasks, reducing home layout changes, and adding protective gates around your home or swimming pool. Overall, the best possible treatment for dogs with PRA is thoughtfulness and affection. Many times, a blocked or inactive tear duct is to blame for this condition. Some breeds are prone to inherited KCS as their genes lack the information to help their bodies generate and maintain healthy tear ducts. However, an infected third eye gland can also cause KCS. Keeping your dog in an unclean kennel or boarding facility can result in KCS. With that in mind, proper hygiene and grooming are two ways that owners can prevent infectious KCS. However, inheritable forms are naturally far more challenging to combat. Common Symptoms When your vet checks for signs and symptoms of KCS, they tend to look for eye irritation and redness, as well as pus-like discharge near the corners of the eyes. Unlike some other eye problems, KCS is almost always present in both eyes at the same time. Still, to make an accurate diagnosis, your vet may perform several minor procedures. They might take a small tissue sample and have it analyzed for the presence of tear film, or they may utilize Schirmer Tear Test strips. Pet parents can also purchase and use Schirmer Tear Test strips to test for eye dryness. Not only are usage instructions included with every order, but each envelope features an easy-to-read scale. The majority of dogs with KCS need special eye drops to keep their eyes healthy. Pups with congenital KCS will likely need daily drops for the whole of their lives. However, dogs with an acute, infectious case of dry eye may be able to wean off eye drops once their infection has cleared up. Notably, this condition may not affect labs as often as it affects other breeds, particularly smaller ones. Breeds such as the Boston terrier and English springer spaniel tend to develop or inherit KCS far more than their larger labrador retriever relatives. Cataracts are far more noticeable than many other eye problems. In turn, the retina may struggle to process the light coming into the eye, resulting in partial or complete blindness. This condition often occurs during old age, but previous eye injuries and certain illnesses can increase cataract development. Additionally, some genetic markers may influence the onset of cataracts. The HSF4 gene seems to be one of the most influential markers of canine cataracts. However, testing for this gene can be challenging and expensive. Still, in most cases, the symptoms of cataracts are evident. Common Symptoms As mentioned above, cataracts are relatively easy to diagnose. In addition, unlike other forms of eye disease, cataracts are fairly noticeable. However, catching cataract formation during its early stages could help reduce overall treatment times and costs. Consequently, pet parents should watch for any discoloration in the eye , as well as any whitish change around the pupil. Conferring with a vet can help you determine whether your labrador retriever has cataracts. Diagnosis and Treatment Like many other types of labrador retriever eye problems, one of the best treatment methods for cataracts is prevention. Adopting a dog from a reputable breeder that screens for genetic diseases and abnormalities is crucial. However, owners of labs that are currently developing cataracts should seek veterinary counsel. In some cases, canine cataract surgery may also be an option. Vets often perform a physical examination to check for cataracts. Retinal Dysplasia One of the more common inherited eye problems that labrador retrievers develop is retinal dysplasia RD. While breeders can test for RD, helping prevent its spread to future generations, some breeders opt-out of genetic testing. This abnormal shape or design can result in partial blindness or vision difficulties. In many cases, a dog with RD will have strange folds throughout their retina. While many cases are mild and relatively treatable, severe cases can lead to total retinal detachment. When this happens, your lab will go entirely blind. That said, some dogs are born with a form of RD that disappears with time. If puppies fall ill while still in the womb, they may be more prone to developing RD. Visiting your vet is the best way to diagnose and treat RD. Consistent check-ups can help you determine the type of RD your labrador retriever has and how best to treat it. Generally, pet parents may struggle to identify the earliest symptoms of RD. A vet can use precise medical instruments to test for eye conditions, including RD. Depending on their age and the severity of their particular condition, these dogs may already be partially or totally blind. Be sure to take note of any clumsiness or confusion your dog exhibits. Walking into walls, getting lost, or bumping into new pieces of furniture are all signs of vision problems. That said, most vets will use an ophthalmoscope to check for retinal folds and attachments. Unfortunately, retinal dysplasia is not treatable, so if your labrador retriever is diagnosed with severe RD, the first course of action should be to have them spayed or neutered. Doing this will help future puppies from inheriting the condition. Secondly, you should do everything you can to ensure your dog has a happy and healthy life. For example, you may want to set up protective gates around your house, especially if you live in a multi-story dwelling. Entropion Entropion might be the most common eye problem that plagues labrador retrievers. Entropion is when the upper or lower eyelids roll inward toward the eye. Additionally, tiny particles of dust or dirt can become trapped between the eyelid and eye surface, causing pain and discomfort. Labrador retrievers may be prone to developing a case of entropion due to excess skin around the eyes. Older dogs may be slightly more at risk of developing this condition, as the skin around the eyes occasionally forms small folds. Left untreated, entropion can result in long-lasting vision damage. This often means pawing at the affected eye or repeatedly rubbing it against surfaces. Unfortunately, these methods typically only add to the problem. Dogs with entropion may also produce an excessive amount of tears and appear to be crying. In addition, their eyes may be swollen, red, and irritated. Additionally, some dogs squint and repeatedly blink when suffering from entropion. This is similar to how you might react if you got a small piece of sand in your eye. Early treatment often results in few veterinary costs, as mild acute cases might only require a few days worth of lubricating eye drops. Sadly, deciding to wait for veterinary care could cause your dog lasting pain and vision loss. Diagnosis and Treatment Vets can spot entropion from a mile away. The more challenging aspect of this condition is determining the level of damage caused to the cornea. Severe, long-term cases may require surgery, removing some excess skin around the eye, much like an eye lift. The best time to visit your vet is pretty much any time! Conclusion Labrador retrievers may inherit specific eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy PRA and retinal dysplasia. Older dogs also have a relatively high risk of developing cataracts as they enter their senior years. Dogs with malformed or injured eyelids can also suffer from entropion. That said, some conditions are hereditary, making them challenging to prevent. Still, there are helpful treatment options that can help labrador retrievers with eye problems enjoy a happier, more comfortable life. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. After all, vision is central to much of our interaction with the world. We also would hate to see this horrible event happen to our furry friends. Since dogs also have sharper hearing and smell than humans, they are actually able to adapt to blindness better than their owners. The retinal tissue, as the name suggests, eventually atrophies until the entire retina is dead and the dog is unable to see. If you remember from biology class, the retina, which is found at the back of the eye, is divided into rods and cones. These rods and cones turn visual stimulation into electrical impulses that the brain reads as sight. Rods are responsible for night and black and white vision, and cones are responsible for color. Contrary to popular belief, dogs actually can see some color, just not at the level of humans. PRA slowly attacks the rods of the eye, killing them and causing the retina to degenerate. However, it is also seen in puppies and older dogs. Unfortunately, the inevitable result is often total blindness for the dog. PRA is found in many different types of dogs, but Labrador Retrievers are prone to this disorder identified in certain genetic markers associated with the breed. Other breeds plagued by the disease include collies, Irish setters, miniature poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Briards, Mastiffs, Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies. Labs are more prone to a subset of PRA called central progressive retinal atrophy, which means they initially lose their central vision, but can often keep their peripheral vision for years before it finally fades away. There is a marked faulty development in a group of cells in the retina, which worsens over time and eventually spreads to the rest of the rods. If your Labrador develops PRA, you need to inform your breeder immediately to ensure they change their breeding protocol. Additionally, all of the siblings of the dog with PRA should not be bred. Other Causes of PRA While genetic deformities in the eye are the main reason dogs develop this disease, there are additional causes for progressive blindness due to the retina slowly dying. Long-term glaucoma, scarring and inflammation of the retina, or separation of the retina due to trauma. Metabolic issues from insufficient or excessive amounts of enzymes. Cancer from other areas of the body that spreads to the retina. Nutritional deficiencies: specifically lack of Vitamin A or E. Retinal infections that spread from other parts of the body. Adverse reactions to specific drugs or toxins. Dogs are actually very good at hiding their blindness and sharpening their other senses to adapt. Because of the slow progression of PRA, dogs have ample time to learn to rely more on their hearing, smell, memory of their surroundings and touch. PRA is usually painless, which means your dog just quietly learns how to get around in other ways as their visual world slowly fades away. There are usually no obvious outward signs around the eye such as squinting, redness or excessive tearing. Usually, the first signs that your dog is developing PRA is night blindness, which then progresses to total blindness even in the day. You may notice your dog is more reluctant to run the entire yard at night, and instead stays within the glow of the porch light. They may be afraid to go into a dark room, but will happily go into the room when you turn on the light. As the disease continues to advance, you may start to see changes in the eyes. The dogs pupils may be dilated or have a slow response to light. The best way to catch PRA early is with routine eye examinations from a veterinarian. An ophthalmologist can view the retina with an instrument called an indirect ophthalmoscope. With this tool, they will be able to see changes in the blood flow to the retina, the optic nerve and the tapetum. Another way to diagnose PRA is by electroretinography. This test measures the electrical impulses produced by the retina, similar to the way an ECG test measures the beat of the heart. Electroretinography is widely regarded as the best way to determine a definitive diagnosis. Since there are some nutritional components to this disease, you need to make sure you are feeding your pup the highest quality food to give them everything they need for proper eye development. Some vets promote certain antioxidant therapies to slow the progression of PRA, but as of yet there is no confirmed treatment or cure. Some dogs do develop cataracts in the later stages of PRA. Even if the cataract is removed, the true cause of the blindness is in the damaged retina. However, while blindness can often be traumatic for the owners, most dogs actually do just fine sharpening their other senses to still get around easily without additional stress. Conclusion Since this disease progresses slowly and is usually painless, the gradual loss of vision gives the dogs adequate time to learn to rely on their other senses and map out their surroundings. While it may be tempting to humanize this condition, dogs have much better senses of hearing and smell than we do. Losing their vision is usually not a traumatic experience as long as their surroundings remain predictable and they are with their loved ones. They need your guidance and love, not your pity and sadness. With a bit of research, owners can learn how to help blind dogs transition into a world where they rely on their other senses to lead happy, healthy lives. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. But I recently got a severe shock when I took my big yellow lab to visit my parents. This dog has the best personality in regards to loving people. He is totally devoted to me. My father is 92 and failing health leaves him very seddentary. But when I took him on the four hour trip to go there, I found out my dog is mostly blind. He is only four and a half, and is seemingly very healthy. When we got to there house He was so terrified, all he would do in crouch down on the floor and hold on for dear life. I could barely get him to go from the bedroom to the kitchen. .He was obviously not misbehaving, it was totally due to fear. Apparently, he has his own seeing eye dog. Breeders who take advantage of genetic testing and annual eye examinations are helping to prevent eye diseases. The most common eye disease in Labradors is a late-onset form of progressive retinal atrophy known as rod-cone degeneration prcd-PRA. Before the discovery of the gene mutation for prcd-PRA in , breeders often bred carriers and affected dogs without realizing they were passing the disease onto future generations. The development of the genetic test has helped to advance breeders' ability to test their dogs and make responsible breeding decisions. We never have to eliminate a dog solely based on its PRA status. The goal is not to eliminate carriers but to eliminate affected dogs. The chances are very high the pups will go blind before they are 10, and PRA is a completely preventable disease. Though the condition is considered rare, with around 3 percent of Labradors identified as carriers, it is devastating to those whose dogs develop the disease. Retinal dysplasia encompasses a spectrum of severities, ranging from focal or multifocal retinal folds to geographic retinal dysplasia and retinal detachment. Retinal folds typically are considered benign and have no significance unless they are associated with oculoskeletal dysplasia. These eye diseases, as well as others for which there are no genetic tests, prompted the Labrador Retriever Club to recommend annual eye examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists and testing for inherited eye diseases for dogs that are part of a breeding program. Puppies should have eye examinations around 6 to 8 weeks of age before they are sold to new owners to check for retinal folds and the possibility of oculoskeletal dysplasia. Eye examinations, in which results are registered through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Eye Certification Registry or Canine Eye Registration Foundation, are among the required tests for Labradors to receive health clearances via Canine Health Information Center certification. The retina, located at the back of the eye, takes the light gathered and focused by the other eye structures and converts it into electrical nerve signals to send it to the optic nerve and then the brain for interpretation. Besides Labrador Retrievers, the recessive gene mutation occurs in more than 20 breeds. Experts say signs of the disease are visible by physical eye examination when dogs are between 3 and 6 years of age. Owners may initially notice their dogs having diminished sight in the evening. In prcd-PRA, retinal receptor cells develop and function normally in early life, but at some point in mid to later life, they degenerate and die. There are are two types of receptor cells: rods and cones. The rods, which are responsible for vision in low light levels, die first. Thus, affected dogs may have difficulty seeing in dim light. The cones, which are more important for detail, movement and color vision, follow. A dog eventually loses vision in bright light until becoming completely blind. Physical signs of prcd-PRA are determined by ophthalmoscopy, and electrical signs are detected by electroretinography. Both appear much earlier than behavioral signs. Owners may notice that their dog's eyes glow. This occurs as the receptor cells die, leaving the retina thinner and thus allowing the shiny tapetum behind it to show through more. In addition, the pupil compensates for the lack of light reception by opening up wider. The added effect of the wider pupil and brighter tapetum makes the dog's eyes glow to the point that owners may be the first to notice something different. More often, however, it is a routine eye examination that leads to discovery of the problem. The good news is that DNA testing allows identification of carriers and affected and normal dogs. Helmers recalls having all the dogs in her kennel tested when the test was first offered. When the results showed two were affected, I spayed them and found good homes for them. I wanted them to be in good pet homes if and when they started to go blind. The disease is considered the canine version of retinitis pigmentosa in humans, which has more than genetic mutations, all resulting in identical clinical signs. We are interested in any outliers, such as prcd-affected Labradors that show clinical retinal degeneration by 3 years of age or that, conversely, show no clinical signs of retinal degeneration after around 9 years of age. These outliers will hopefully point us to modifiers that affect retinal degeneration and help us learn more about therapy for treating retinal diseases in dogs and humans. Angie was born blind due to the hereditary disease. Today, one would not suspect the 8-year-old is blind. Walsh is past president of LABMED, an organization that has helped fund and care for 1, rescued Labradors and Labrador mixed breeds since it was founded in .The Walshes couldn't help but fall in love with the blind, bowlegged puppy. She can figure out her surroundings in a matter of minutes and is a fearless explorer. We forget she's blind because she rarely bumps into anything. The retinal layer may fold over and prevent normal focusing. A few small folds seldom cause a change in vision, but larger areas may cause blind spots. Folds are noticeable in puppies from 8 to 16 weeks of age. Some folds may disappear in adulthood. The mode of inheritance for most retinal folds is not well characterized. Research by Greg Acland, D. Since OptiGen began offering the genetic test, more than 1, Labradors have been tested for the eye disease. OSD carriers, which inherit one copy of the mutated gene, often have significant retinal dysplasia, although silent carriers without retinal folds are possible too. Some dogs with retinal folds have the benign type and are not susceptible to OSD; however, without genetic testing for OSD, they do not pass an eye examination and are not eligible for CHIC certification. Their status changes if the owner shows test results indicating the dog is not a carrier for the OSD mutation. Annual eye examinations are the best way to identify affected dogs for earlier treatment and to avoid using them in breeding programs. Among the diseases without DNA tests is entropion, an eye disorder in which the eyelid and eyelashes roll inward in an abnormal inversion. Most cases are due to a dog's facial and eyelid conformation. Signs include excessive tearing, squinting, redness and facial rubbing. In severe cases, irritation of the cornea may produce conjunctivitis, keratitis or ulceration. Surgery, which can be expensive, corrects the disorder. I know dogs that had entropion surgery yet ended up in a breeding program, which transmits the disease to the next generation. Congenital cataracts are present at birth, whereas juvenile cataracts occur in dogs under 6 and senile cataracts in dogs older than 6. Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in dogs and humans. About breeds are affected by hereditary forms, and some breeds may develop more than one form. Little is known about the genetics of cataracts, a condition in which the clear lens of the eye used for focusing develops cloudy spots that gradually inhibit light from reaching the retina. The opacity inhibits the lens from focusing light onto the retina. As the lens gets cloudier, the light reaching the retina is reduced until a dog eventually becomes blind. Labradors are among the breeds prone to a type of juvenile cataract that forms under the lens capsule, or the sac-like covering of the lens, called posterior polar subcapsular cataracts PPSC. Fortunately, the PPSC type progresses slowly and seldom interferes with vision. Surgery to remove cataracts in dogs is almost identical to cataract surgery in humans. Advances in microsurgery make the procedure appropriate for younger, healthy dogs, resulting in more retained vision and greater success. Ophthalmologists who specialize in this surgery can take the lens out of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens, restoring vision effectively. Concerns about these diseases, plus others, prompt breeders to vigilantly have annual eye examinations and genetic testing in their breeding dogs. This practice lies at the crux of reducing eye diseases in Labrador Retrievers. Purina appreciates the support of the Labrador Retriever Club Inc. Test results from examinations by board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists will be entered in the registry and become part of the clinical database. Dogs with normal results will receive OFA eye certification numbers valid for one year. The addition of eye examination results in the OFA database makes OFA the most complete resource of canine health screening results in the world. OFA will share a percentage of its registration fees with ACVO Vision for Animals Foundation to support research leading to elimination of ocular diseases causing vision loss and suffering in animals. For information, visit the OFA website at: www. Written By Remi Audette Vision is precious to dogs just like it is to people. Unfortunately, like us, dogs can experience eye issues that affect their vision. Here are 8 common dog eye problems you should be aware of: Conjunctivitis One of the most common eye infections in dogs is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs are similar to humans and include redness, inflammation and eye discharge. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or an allergic reaction to smoke, pollen, perfume or other irritants. Conjunctivitis can be highly contagious to humans, so you should visit your vet for treatment options. Until it clears up, limit contact with your dog and wash your hands regularly. Cherry Eye Dogs have three eyelids, with the third located in the inner corner of their eye. Cherry eye occurs when this third eyelid prolapses out after it becomes inflamed, resembling a red cherry. With puppies under the age of one and certain dog breeds being most susceptible. Surgery is usually needed to repair cherry eye in dogs, so it is important to consult your vet. Cataracts Cataracts are clouding of the eye lens, which is progressively more common as dogs get older. Cataracts may also make the eye more prone to developing inflammation and conditions like glaucoma. Surgery is the only long-term treatment, which involves your vet removing the damaged lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs include pain, redness, cloudiness, eye tearing or bulging and dilated pupils. Causes range from eye inflammation, tumours or trauma. .This can lead to eye irritation, infection or other damage, including corneal scarring. Symptoms of entropion include redness, squinting and excessive tearing. Entropion is usually caused by genetics and is more common in certain breeds, especially short-nosed and giant breeds. Contact your vet if you suspect your dog has entropion, and they will treat it using antibiotics, artificial tears, temporary stitches, contact lenses to protect the cornea or entropion surgery. It is also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and symptoms include redness, squinting, excessive blinking, gunky discharge and eye pawing. Ensure you consult your vet if you notice these signs, as dry eye in dogs can result in corneal ulcers. They may suggest using artificial tears and immunomodulating drops. These ulcers can be caused by trauma or chronic dry eyes. If not properly treated, dog corneal ulcers can worsen and get bigger. Visit your vet so they can determine the necessary treatment, which may include ointment, antibiotic drops or eye surgery. Keep an eye out for any symptoms of eye problems in your dog and contact your vet if you notice any issues. If you suspect that your dog has eye problems, give us a call at 03 to get advice from one of our experienced vets. Cherry eye Entropion So what exactly are these issues and what should you do about them? Read on to find out. Corneal Damage There are plenty of ways your dog can injure their eyes and damage the cornea. They could scratch their eye with their nails trying to satisfy an itch. They might get poked by a branch as they are running past the bushes. Or they could get a bit of dirt or debris in them while playing outside. The signs of corneal damage can include redness and excessive tearing. You may also notice your dog pawing at the eye since it can be irritating and painful. If you suspect your dog has an eye injury, you should have a veterinarian take a look. They can assess the extent of the damage and recommend treatment, which could include antibiotic drops to help avoid infection. Dry Eye Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is quite a mouthful so we'll stick to calling it dry eye. This condition occurs when a dog's tear glands aren't producing enough tears to properly lubricate and clean the eye of dust and other debris. Dry eye can result in scratches, ulcers, and other problems with the eyes. Signs of dry eye can include redness, squinting, blinking, and pawing at the eye. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has dry eye. They may recommend applying sterile saline or artificial tears to your dog's eyes to help alleviate the problem. Pink Eye Conjunctivitis Like people, dogs can get pink eye with those familiar symptoms, including redness, inflammation, and gooey eye discharge. Pink eye can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. If it's bacterial, your dog will need an antibiotic eye solution to help clear it up. Pink eye can also be brought on by an allergic reaction or if something gets in your dog's eye. If your dog is allergic to something like a particular scent or cigarette smoke, you can try to keep them away from the irritant. In the case of outdoor allergies or hay fever, you can ask your veterinarian about using a saline solution or artificial tears to flush irritants from your dog's eyes when they come back inside. Eyelid Mass If you notice a bump on or at the edge of your dog's eyelid, you should have it checked out by your veterinarian. Fortunately, these masses are often not cancerous. They can be caused by issues including a cyst or benign tumor. Your veterinarian can help determine if the mass is cancerous and whether or not it requires treatment such as surgical removal. Cataracts If you notice that your dog's eyes are getting white or cloudy, cataracts may be to blame. This condition tends to show up in dogs as they get older, much like it does for people. Cataracts can also be a sign of an underlying illness, such as diabetes. Contact your veterinarian if you start to notice signs of cataracts in your dog's eyes. Glaucoma Glaucoma happens when fluid in the eye does not drain properly and causes pressure inside the eyeball. Symptoms can include redness, tearing, cloudiness, dilated pupils, and bulging of the eye. It can be painful and eventually result in blindness. Any dog can have glaucoma, but it is more prevalent in certain breeds including Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Chow Chows. Medications to control pain, decrease fluid production, and increase drainage can be helpful. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed. Cherry Eye Did you know dogs have three eyelids? The third one is normally hidden away in the inner corner of the eyelid. However, if the ligaments that hold it in place weaken, it can stick out like a red cherry from the corner of your dog's eye. This condition typically requires surgery to repair. Entropion Entropion is a hereditary eyelid abnormality that causes the eyelid to fold inward. When this happens, the eyelashes or hairs on the outside of the eyelid can rub against the cornea resulting in irritation and damage to the eye. It can also cause corneal scarring, which can interfere with your dog's vision. Signs of entropion can include squinting and excessive tearing. Healthy Eye Care for Dogs While you can't always prevent a dog eye problem, there are things you can do to help keep your pup's eyes healthy and injury-free. Schedule those check-ups — Routine wellness exams can help your veterinarian detect eye problems in the early stages even before you might notice them. Clean them gently — When you give your dog a bath , you can use a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean around they eyes. Wipe outward from the corner and be careful not to scratch the eye. If your dog has tear staining, which causes dark spotting in the fur around the eyes, you may need to clean them more often. Clip their nails — This can help prevent your dog from injuring their eye if they paw at their face. If you're worried about cutting your dog's nails on your own, ask your veterinarian or groomer to show you how or do it for you. Trim their hair — When you groom your dog , make sure the fur near their eyes isn't so long that it irritates them. Close windows when driving — You should never let your dog hang their head out the window of a moving car no matter how much they love it. You should also close your windows when your dog is in the car. Bugs, dirt, or other debris could fly in through the open window and harm your dog's eyes. If something does happen to your dog's eyes, a pet health insurance plan can help cover the costs of care. Get a quote for your dog. Does My Dog Have Asthma? If your dog is coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe, they may have asthma. To help keep your pup healthy, read up on preventive measures, symptoms, and treatment options. Email Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Then give them a treat. Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. I'm In See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. It could be something more than cuteness, though. Eye problems in dogs are no joke — dogs can suffer from a host of health conditions including glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, cataracts and more. Light enters through the pupil, and the iris controls the amount of light allowed in. Light then passes through the cornea and lens, which focus the light on the retina, a layer containing color-sensitive cones and motion- and light-sensitive rods, which convert light into electrical signals. The cones and rods send these signals via the optic nerve to the brain, which constructs an image from them. Dogs have only two types of cones, compared with the three types in human eyes. Dog eyes also contain structures not found in a camera, such as the gel-like vitreous humor that fills the eyeball and gives it shape. Canine eyes are different than human eyes in that they have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane, a thin whitish-pink tissue that protects the eye. The visual streak is a horizontal band in the retina right above the optic nerve; this area has the highest concentration of rods and cones, and vision is sharpest here. The visual streak varies greatly among breeds, and studies suggest that different breeds see the world differently. In dogs with long heads like wolves, the streak is wide, with the nerves evenly distributed. Even within breeds, the visual streak can vary from type to type. How Well Do Dogs See? All of these features equip a dog to be a good hunter under various light conditions. A rod-dense retina also makes dogs excellent at detecting motion and shapes. When a wide field of vision combines with a wide visual streak, as in a German Shepherd, a dog can see the whole horizon at once instead of having to scan the eyes back and forth as humans do. Short-nosed dogs, with their human-like area centralis, do appear to see well up close. Overall vision is also less sharp. Note: Some dog breeds are more prone to eye problems than others, and a mixed-breed with one of those types in the mix could also be affected. Conjunctivitis in Dogs Conjunctivitis is a condition in which the lining of the eyelids and the front of the sclera the white of the eye become inflamed. Treatment depends on the cause. Dry Eye in Dogs Dry Eye is when not enough tears are produced to keep the eyes properly lubricated. Small, flat-faced dogs sometimes have eyes that bulge so much that their eyelids cannot close, which makes the surface of the eyes to dry out. Dry eye may also result from an immune system reaction, an injury or a drug side effect. Dryness can be a serious problem for dogs because dry eyes are easily irritated and may develop conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers. If the cause is known, the veterinarian treats that as well. Most ulcers are caused by injuries, and treatment often involves antibiotics. Small dog breeds with very short noses and big eyeballs are more prone to eye injuries, says Dr. Samuel J. Most dogs with cataracts inherited the tendency to develop them. Diabetes , injuries, poor diet and aging can also lead to cataracts. Surgery is available to treat dogs with cataracts. Removing the lens allows light to again enter the eye. For best post-surgery vision, the natural lens is usually replaced by a plastic lens. Glaucoma In Dogs Glaucoma is the elevated pressure of the fluid inside the eyeball caused by fluid draining more slowly than it is produced. Dogs with glaucoma can experience damage to the retina or optic nerve. Most often, dogs get glaucoma because they inherited an eye structure that leads to poor drainage. Primary glaucoma has no obvious cause, and it affects both eyes although one eye may develop glaucoma earlier than the other. Secondary glaucoma is glaucoma that is caused by a dislocated lens, injury, tumor or other problem that decreases fluid drainage in the eye; it may affect just one eye. Glaucoma treatments include surgery, pills, eye drops or rarely removal of the eyeball. Although PRA strikes more than breeds of dogs, different genes are responsible. Therefore, breeds differ in the age at which the condition appears, how fast the condition progresses, and the ratio of males to females among affected dogs. Genetic tests for PRA are available for several breeds. Other retinal problems include detachment of the retina from the back of the eye, inflammation and abnormal development. Causes include infection and injury. Some retinal disorders have no treatment, while others can be helped by surgery or treatment of the cause. Small dogs may be more prone to retinal detachment. According to Dr. Vainisi, several small breeds of dogs, including Boston Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers and Shih Tzus, love to pick up toys and shake them hard. A dog with eye or vision problems may paw at or scratch their eye, squint, bump into things, become afraid of the dark, or be frightened in situations that did not frighten them before. The nictitating membrane may partially cover the eye. If your dog seems to have an eye problem, take them to the veterinarian right away. Your vet may have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and treat the problem immediately; if not, they may refer your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist, a specialist in animal eyes and their disorders. Only about veterinarians in the United States have board certification from the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. As a result, if your dog needs a veterinary ophthalmologist, you may need to travel to see one. Some, but not all, veterinary ophthalmologists see dogs only by referral. The bottom line: If your dog has an eye issue, make an appointment with your vet right away. Related articles. Labrador Retrievers Carl Palazzolo T Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds we care for at our hospital. They are predisposed to certain diseases though, so careful observation of your pets daily routine is important. Any significant change in this routine is cause for an examination. Our web site in the Diseases Section has detailed information on many of the diseases they are prone to. Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to hip dysplasia , a disease characterized by malformation in the hip socket, which eventually causes arthritis. The symptoms of this disease can vary, from a pet that is just not as active as it should be, to a dog that can barely get up after laying down. This breed also gets joint problems in other bones, particularly to the elbow joint and shoulder joint. Problems here are usually manifested by limping in the front legs. A physical exam and x-rays will help make the diagnosis. If your young lab seems lethargic, disoriented, or just not with it, especially after eating, it might have a liver disease called a portosystemic shunt. Unfortunately, the also can get a malignant cancer of the lymph nodes called lymphosarcoma. Please refer to our Learning Center to learn how to perform a lymph node exam. One of our doctors will help you find them. Active labs that run and jump vigorously are prone to tearing a ligament in their knee call the cranial cruciate ligament. This occurs where there is a twisting or tweaking motion. Symptoms range from a subtle lameness to complete limping. Labradors are also at risk for several eye problems including PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy , cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. All of these eye problems manifest themselves by a loss of vision. If we suspect one of these problems we will refer you to our ophthalmologist. Hereditary cataracts can also occur. Labrador Retrievers can also have an inherited deficiency in one of the clotting factors of the blood. Dogs affected with this disease may have symptoms varying from very mild to severe bleeding. If your pet bruises easily or bleeds excessively, this disease is a possibility. Hypothyroidism , a metabolic disease characterized by inadequate thyroid hormone circulating in the bloodstream, is common in the breed. Affected animals may also have various reproductive problems, including irregular or absent estrus heat cycle , and lack of fertility. Other hormone problems include Hyperadrenocorticism Cushings , Diabetes Mellitus sugar diabetes , and insulonima causing low blood sugar. Symptoms vary, and usually include excess drinking and urinating. If your Lab is underweight and regurgitates its food it might have an esophagus problem secondary to myasthenia gravis. This breed is prone to many skin problems , particularly allergies and hot spots. The usual symptoms are excessive scratching, flaky or bumpy skin, an odor to the haircoat, and hairloss. Also watch for a lack of pigmentation on the nose or flakiness to the nose. Run your hands over its haircoat daily because they can even get a malignant skin cancer called a mast cell tumor. These can appear as minor bumps or areas of inflammation, yet they can be highly malignant. A vast array of eye problems can occur. Any discharge, redness, swelling, squinting, or pawing at the eyes is reason for an immediate exam. Labs are also prone to ear trouble , which can be very painful without your realization. Any sign of head shaking, pawing at the ears, inflamed ears or odor requires veterinary attention. Daily checking for odors or discharge, and proper cleaning when needed, will help prevent this problem. Several different types of heart problems can affect them. Look for symptoms of lethargy, exercise intolerance, coughing, and poor appetite as a clue. Search for:. We are honored she chose an article she wrote for us for her submission, and thrilled to hear that she was recognized for it by the dog writing community. They smile, they seduce, and they are powerful enough to pry a pork chop right out of your palm. Labrador retrievers are prone to congenital and acquired eye disorders, and knowing what to look for will help you get your pet the help he needs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy If your Lab seems to stumble when it gets dark, his night vision could be failing. Loss of night vision is a symptom of progressive retinal atrophy, or PRA, a group of inherited eye diseases that involve the deterioration of the retina. This disease attacks the rod cells in the retina, the cells that help the eye see in low light. You may suspect your Lab has this if his eyes have a reflective shine and he seems to have difficulty in dimly lit situations. Unfortunately, prcd is progressive, and your pup may eventually become blind. A veterinary ophthalmologist can diagnose prcd even before symptoms appear with an electroretinogram, a test that measures activity in the retina. Genetic testing can also be conducted with a simple blood sample. There is no treatment or cure or treatment for this disease, but careful breeding has made it less common, Dr. If your Lab has entropion, it will be obvious in the first year. His eyelid usually the lower one will roll in toward his eye. His fur and eyelashes will rub against the surface of the eye causing irritation, excessive tearing, and redness. You may notice that he squints or tries to rub his eye with his paw or on the floor. Entropion can be corrected with plastic surgery that removes a small slit of extra skin below the eye. In some cases, your vet may be able to train the eyelid to stay in the correct position by temporarily suturing the eyelid to the skin below, forcing it to roll out and away from the eye. Peiffer, who has three Labs at home. Cataracts If your Lab has cataracts, one or both eyes will have a milky cast to them. That cloudy appearance around middle age is caused by a change in the lens of his eye. Because cataracts make the lens opaque instead of clear, they prevent light from reaching the retina and eventually cause blindness. Researchers suspect that Labs inherit this common disease, but they have yet to identify the gene that causes it, Dr. Cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, also common in Labs, or by inflammation or trauma to the eye. This change is a bit like needing reading glasses in your 40s, Dr. Cataracts can be removed, but you should think twice before opting for cataract surgery, Dr. For some reason, dogs have a much higher rate of complication than humans do after this common eye surgery. A high percentage of Labradors will develop glaucoma after cataract surgery, even though glaucoma — unrelated to surgery — usually occurs in only 10 percent of Labs. In fact, one-third of all Labradors will develop glaucoma after the surgery, according to a paper published in the Veterinarian Ophthalmology Academic Journal in .He can still have a life worth living. Conjunctivitis is the term used for a contagious eye infection usually seen in dogs 18 months or younger and can generally be treated with antibiotic drops. But not all eye infections are contagious, and they can come from a variety of sources. Lisa Lomond, who sees dogs a month at her Los Angeles practice. Where you live may help provide a clue to the type of infection and the appropriate treatment, Dr. Peiffer said. For example, in the east, tick-borne Lyme disease can cause a secondary eye infection. In the southwestern U. In the Midwest, your Lab can be blinded and potentially die if he inhales infectious spores from the Blastomyces fungus. Retinal Dysplasia Your Lab can be born with retinal dysplasia and you may not even know it, Dr. In Labs, retinal dysplasia is associated with another syndrome called oculoskeletal dysplasia, he said, which can cause shortened limbs, a detached retina, and early blindness. As with prcd, a genetic test has been developed to detect the gene for retinal dysplasia. Selective breeding has helped to reduce the number of dogs born with the disease. You can promote healthy eyes with antioxidant supplements such as vitamins A, C, and E, recommended Dr. And remember that if your Lab does have a congenital or acquired eye disease that impacts his vision, he can still live a long, healthy life. However, you may need to adapt your lifestyle together. Most dogs who lose their sight learn to negotiate at home just fine, but rearranging the furniture will confuse them. Any of these presenting signs may represent something serious.

About us It all began in , when my husband brought home our first English Bulldog puppy. I didn't grow up with dogs, however my husband did and I quickly fell in love with our little Bulldog puppy, which led to where we are today. We are a small in home breeder of quality English and French Bulldog puppies. We are nestled in the small town of Millmont Pennsylvania on a 52 acre farmette, with plenty of peace and quiet to raise our dogs. We are also in compliance with AKC. .American Kennel Club. Our dogs are our beloved pets, and we strive to breed responsibly. They are family raised, well socialized and come to you happy and healthy. We are committed to the betterment of the breed by placing a priority on health, temperament, and conformation. Our priority is locating a loving and responsible home for each puppy. We will do everything we can to earn your trust and assure a pleasant adoption experience as well as offer lifetime breeder support. We make sure the puppies we offer are loved and spoiled from birth so they will be secure, happy dogs all their lives. These magnificent dogs will steal your heart with their comical antics and sweet personality. Our Puppies. Male and female puppies ready for sale. These puppies have been raised in a very calm environment and are used to with kids. Raised with lots of love and attention. They are up to date on all shots and Will make a very good companion to your family. Nice and Healthy! Wonderful disposition and outstanding pedigree. You are more than welcome to come see and pickup anytime! Shipping Included. Text me at xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details and pics. Puppies, health tested with excellent temperament. Male and female puppies ready to join your home with all paper. I can ship my puppies to you. Shipping Included, Please do not hesitate to Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx9 for more recent pics and more info. Our puppies are born in our home and are closely monitored. They are seen by our vet at fours days of age to have a health check, Puppies come with an up to date health record. Free Shipping Included. Text me at xxx xxx-xxx2 for more details. They are well socialized and raised in our homes with much love and personalities. They are potty trained and well socialized with kids and other big dogs and home pets. They are 12 weeks old now. First 5 Serious buyers will have Free Shipping. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx2. Puppies are home and potty trained. They are already dewormed, micro chipped, and up to date on all shots. Puppies are raised on hands, inside the house, living as family members. These puppies will make wonderful companions and as family pets. If interested, Please Text xxx xxx-xxx9 or email me for more details View Detail Quality Mini Bulldog Puppies available now Darling little puppies sure to capture your heart. Miniature Bulldog puppies make wonderful family pets as they are loving and kind. Flash and they are being raised in our home, where they are spoiled daily. Flash has been on a vaccination schedule and was seen by the vet recently with a perfect check-up.

Ready to go home Christmas ! It is first come first served, so we suggest getting on the list ASAP We are currently taking deposits on this litter. Call for details bolowe2 gmail. She is absolutely beautiful. Bailey is snow white and boasts a big beautiful block head. She has a wonderful, sweet temperament, and loves to be around kids and the family AKC Reg SS Elvis is stop-traffic handsome 2-year-old. Bring Fido over to romp and play with our two dogs. We love watching them play tug-of-war and chase each other. We have all the toys and they will have a huge fenced in yard to play in. After playing all day, we bring them in with our dogs to be loved and part of the family. Fresh water is available all day and night. All you need to bring food. Call with your questions bolowe2 gmail. There is nothing more relaxing than a well mannered, well behaved dog, whether at home or away. My 47 years experience in training dogs has thought me how to effectively train both puppies and adult dogs to become well mannered, loving family members. I specialize in Basic Obedience Training for all breeds. This is a 1 or 2 week extensive boot-camp at our home. Call for details: bolowe2 gmail. Heel It makes all the difference being able to take your dog for a walk, instead of your dog taking you for a walk. The best dog ever! Bo knows labs. Molly loves her time there. As a young teen, my mom brought home a male puppy Mowgli to be part of our family. He is now 9 years old and is the most loving, caring, and gentle Labrador. I jokingly even call him my brother. We have now had our little Dallas for over a year and he is our pride and joy. He is smart, loving, playful, and loyal just as we knew he would be. They do a terrific and thorough job at breeding with the utmost care and understanding of the breed. Bo taught our 6 month old Twinkle to heel, sit, stay, go to her place, and walk on a leash with comfort. His 47 years of experience in breeding, and training in a clean and loving environment really showed. When Twinkle returned to our family she was much better behaved, more enjoyable, and had a better understanding of basic commands. Bo and Grace Lowe raise their dogs and newborn puppies in their beautiful home where all our nurtured with TLC. These are special dogs. When you meet these dogs, you will understand. We have 4 puppies still available. Please view our current litters page for more information and Pictures! My name is Kurt and with over 40 years of raising white Lab puppies a new generation of my family is continuing on my long devotion of providing high quality white lab puppies to loving families. Over the next 6months our humble breeding service will be making these exciting changes. My daughter Lora and granddaughter Kayla will be working diligently to learn all the technical ins and outs as breeders but are not new to caring and raising pups. It is very important to us to maintain a balance that allows all of our dogs to receive the love and care they deserve because at the end of the day they are family, and their well-being is what is most important to us. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, inquiries, or reservation requests. We are more than happy to aid in any way that we can with your search to find the perfect pup to suit your family. Contact Information: Phone Text ok : Lora.We are extremely proud of our white Lab adults and the litters they produce. Check out our internet famous Loki! Use button above to access his Youtube Channel. Instagram: Lokilabradorlove. Model Worthy Pups!! Poucheze are a hoodie with a detachable pouch that allows you to carry your pet wherever you go. Check out Poucheze at www. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today! If you are looking for that special new labrador puppy addition to your family, we have a perfect blocky Lab Puppy for you. Our Snow White Lab Pups possess lots of bone, coat and that wonderful lab temperament. Just to clarify, the white shade coat is simply the lightest form of the yellow Labrador Retriever!! There is nothing rare about the white coat. This shade along with black pigment gives our puppies the look we so desire. The AKC standard states — yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream. We breed for the lightest shade of cream, which oftentimes many refer to as White or White Labradors. This slideshow requires JavaScript. Our pedigrees are strong with English show and obedience champions. We limit our breedings; selectively breeding for temperament, beauty, and quality. Our pups are sold as pets on a limited AKC registration. We as breeders produce yellow labs that range from snow white to cream in color. We stand behind the dogs we produce; always eager to hear from the people who have acquired them. You are welcome to visit our facility on weekends to meet our white labs. If you cannot make the trip to Tennessee we are proud to provide potential white lab puppy purchasers with pictures, pedigrees, and references. If you have questions or concerns, please fill free to contact us. We know there are many white Labrador breeders out there but do not settle for a puppy that does not have lots of bone, a big blocky head, and that nice thick otter tail. Always check out the sire and dam to make sure both possess these essential English Labrador characteristics! Puppies receive half of their genetic makeup from mom and half from dad. It is important that both parents display the characteristics you are desiring in a puppy. All white lab puppies are adorable but not all are equal. We offer yellow, cream and white Labrador retrievers for sale several times a year — usually 1 — 4 litters yearly. If you would like to get on our waiting list please contact us via email. We offer Lab Puppies for Sale to pet family homes. We select the most handsome studs for our white labrador program that have beautiful black pigment. These amazing white stud dogs produce some of the most gorgeous little white lab polar bear puppies you will ever see. Our English Lab Stud dogs are something to witness. Thank you so much for visit our English White Labradors website. All rights reserved.