german shepherd puppy habits

german shepherd puppy habits

A bunny hopping gait or loose walk. Trouble getting up from a nap Difficulty walking up or down stairs to greet you. Other common Lab joint problems include osteoarthritis from old age and not necessarily hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which can result in lameness of the front legs. Always consult your veterinarian if you see the symptoms of Labrador hip dysplasia. X-rays and a full exam are necessary for proper diagnosis. Dog hip dysplasia surgery for severe cases in medium-to large-sized dogs can be expensive. In most cases, rehabilitation services can also be costly and postoperative care can be long and arduous. Age may keep your dog from being a good candidate for surgery. Non-surgical treatment options often have no age restrictions. Dog hip braces, such as the Ortho Dog Hip Hound brace , support the low back and hip area for mild to moderate hip dysplasia. The purpose of the Hip Hound brace is to stabilize the hip and lower back areas by holding the head of the femur in the hip socket. This reduces grating of the bone, which allows for post-surgical healing or pain-free exercise. Braces come in all sizes so you can find one that is perfect for your pet and allows for maximum support. Is a Hip Hound Brace right for your pup? Designed for dogs who suffer from arthritis and mild to moderate hip dysplasia. Since Labs are prone to joint issues, your dog may be diagnosed with elbow dysplasia Fragmented medial coronoid process. A veterinarian we work with has used the Ortho Dog Hock Holder brace for the hind leg over the elbow joint. We recommend you give it a try! This breed already loves water so much, you may not be able to get them to stop swimming! A stone or thorn stuck in the pads Nerve damage Genetic disorders. This is a genetic condition that causes the joint to become malformed. This causes lameness and pain from a relatively young age. Some dogs require surgery such as a hip replacement and some dogs may have to take medicine for the rest of their lives. Most reputable breeders now do screening for the conditions to help reduce the chance of it being inherited. Lameness in older dogs Lameness in older dogs is often due to arthritis setting in. This is a very common condition in older dogs and affects the joints, mainly the knee, shoulder and hips. Elderly dogs may benefit from nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatories and complimentary therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture. Lameness in younger dogs Lameness in younger dogs and puppies can be due to several reasons. Weight management Weight management is very important when it comes to preventing your dog becoming lame and if you think your dog may be overweight you could call the vet nursing team at Vetfone for advice on this or contact your local vet practice and enquire about their weight clinic. Diagnosis of lameness by your vet Your vet will give your dog a thorough examination and take a full history from you. The vet will determine where your dog is most painful and check for any abnormalities of the bones or joints. Your vet may want to perform a few tests, including x-rays or even a blood test. It will be important for a veterinary professional to know the age of your pet as there are specific complaints that affect puppies and young dogs and older dogs. If the vet recommends an x-ray, then this will be performed under General Anaesthetic. This will allow the vet to move the limb about to get a good view without causing pain or discomfort. The dog will usually stay with the vet for a few hours and come home that same day depending on the diagnosis. When your vet has looked at the x-rays they will decide on the next course of action. Sometimes they may need to refer your dog onto a specialist vet such as an Orthopaedic vet or a Neurologist. If the exact cause is not known, a period of exercise reduction together with anti-inflammatories and pain killers may be required to see if the lameness improves. Weight management if your dog is overweight and contributing to the lameness. For more serious causes broken bones, slipped discs orthopaedic or neurological surgery is required. Prevention of lameness Lameness can arise during normal everyday activity. Serious injuries such as being hit by a car or falling from a height can be avoided by keeping your dog on a lead until it is safe to let them off. Be aware of genetic issues that affect some pedigree breeds. Inspect their paws and pads regularly and remove any debris. Use foot covers or a barrier ointment on the pads during the winter months to stop the salt and grit hurting them. Limit how much you exercise a dog that is still growing to prevent joint problems. Elderly dogs need less exercise and if you notice them slowing down seek veterinary advice in the first instance. You may want to consider using nutritional supplements that contain glucosamine or chondroitin to help support the joints as the animal ages. Frequently asked questions about dog limping How can I tell if my dog is lame? Your dog may be slowing down a bit on walks and may start struggling when walking up the stairs. You may notice him walking on three legs or doing a little skip when he walks. How can I tell if my dog has pulled a muscle? If your dog has pulled a muscle you may notice him limping or walking on 3 legs. He may hold his leg up when he is standing still or sitting. You may also hear him whine or cry and may go off his food if it is very sore. How do I tell if my dog has cut its paw? You may notice that your dog is bleeding or he could be licking his paw excessively. He might not want to put weight on it and he may whine or cry if he is in pain. How can I tell if my dog has broken a bone? Your dog may be whining or crying as a break or fracture of a bone is usually quite painful. They will probably be holding the leg up but may attempt to put a little weight on it. The leg may become swollen and will probably be sore to touch, if your dog can tolerate your touch then gently check for any heat coming from the leg. The leg may also appear floppy. How can I tell if my dog has hip problems? You might notice your dog limping or slowing down on walks. He may have trouble going upstairs and downstairs and might be reluctant to jump up. He may have an abnormal gait the way his back legs move when he walks , or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different. Some dogs develop a swaying motion when walking if they have hip problems. How do I tell which leg my dog is lame on? It is sometimes difficult to tell which leg is causing your dog to be lame. The most obvious way is if the dog is not weight bearing or holding the affected limb up when he walks, sits or stands. If he can put weight on it then watch his whole body when he walks — sometimes a dog will lift his head slightly when he uses the sore leg and put his head down when he uses the leg that is fine. Can I walk my dog if it has a limp? You should rest your dog for at least two days if you notice a limp. Rest means lead exercise only and short 5 minute walks at a time. Stay with them in the garden and even put a lead on to restrict their exercise and help them if they need to go upstairs, downstairs or jump up anywhere car, sofa, bed etc. Is my dog in pain? Signs of pain in a dog can vary greatly. Some dogs are very stoical and brave while others are more delicate. You may hear your dog whining, crying or whimpering. You may notice the dog is licking the affected area or sometimes an area nearby. Some dogs go off their food and may be more clingy and attentive than normal. On the other hand, some dogs will become more distant and want to be on their own if they are in pain. Sometimes the subtlest changes in behaviour or demeanour are enough to tell a vigilant owner that their dog is in pain. If you notice a limp after exercising it may be that the dog is doing too much at once. You could try shorter walks more often, rather than one long walk and if there is no improvement then you could call us at Vetfone to help assess the lameness. My dog is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little hop or skip when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it. It could be a simple strain so try resting your dog for a day or so but if you think your dog is in pain then you should contact a vet. My dog is limping on its foreleg. You might have noticed your dog is reluctant to go on walks or is favouring one side more than the other. If there is nothing to see, try resting him for a day or calling us at Vetfone One of our nurses could help assess the lameness to see if you need to contact a vet. My dog is limping when it gets up after resting. In older dogs this can be a sign of arthritis. The joints become stiffer as the dog gets older. You may notice that after a few minutes of walking about the lameness improves. In dogs that are still growing it can be the sign of other joint problems. At Vetfone we can help assess the animal over the phone and let you know if we think you need to contact a vet. Finding the cause of lameness in your dog As noted above, the causes of lameness in dogs can be wide ranging. This process will hopefully rule out the more serious cases which must be dealt with by a vet and leads to advice on what you should do next for your pet. Our UK based Registered Veterinary Nurses will ask you several questions designed to assess triage the condition You will need to be with the dog as we will ask you to check a few things while you are on the phone to us We will ask if you how long the dog has been lame for and if you know how the injury happened We will ask you to touch the affected leg and feel for any swelling, heat or pain and to look at the leg and paw in case there are any cuts or abnormalities to see. Call us at Vetfone or visit Vetfone if you are unsure or worried and our expert nurses will advise you on what to do next. If the situation does not merit a trip to the vet, we will give advice for managing the situation at home. If the lameness is caused by a simple sprain or strain, then 48 hours of rest and restricted exercise may be enough to improve the situation drastically. Your dog may have a small cut on his pad which, if not bleeding or infected, may be fine to treat at home with some rest and a clean with saline solution. If the situation is more serious we will advise that you contact your vet. It started over Xmas when he was x16 weeks so we took him to the vet and she put him on medacam for a week and we rested him. Think it happened after one long walk over Xmas we always stick to the 5 min rule but we with friends and their lab that day. Will keep a close eye on him this weekend and may have another visit to the vets. Click to expand.How is Harvey doing now? My boy started limping left foreleg at six months old, almost three months ago. In the middle of a leash walk. X-rays saw nothing. Vet reckons it will go away on its own by 18 months when he stops growing and we have him on 10 minutes timed exercise on the flat either off lead at the beach or on lead in our front yard or on a woods trail. His limping is better than it was but if he jumps around too much like over enthusiastic visitor greeting or has any sudden stops so playing fetch is out he limps harder for hours and we rest him. Neither me nor the vet can get a pain response with flexing, palpitating etc. Her best guess was the growth plate in that leg might be causing pain. I had thought it might be a shoulder injury but as I said no pain response so I might try letting him swim again. Stopped allowing swimming in case it was his shoulder. Whatever the problem is, it is easy to ask the person. However, what do you say to a dog limping on back leg? With dogs, getting an explanation is not always an option. Sometimes the limp is gradual and worsens over time. It can happen overnight, or you may even watch the accident happen. It can be very worrisome to watch your dog limp in pain. What is worse is not knowing what happened or how to help the poor creature. What is Canine Lameness? If you discover that your dog suddenly finds it hard to walk, there is a chance it is canine lameness. Why is my Dog Limping? Dog limping, otherwise known as canine lameness, is mostly a sign or result of an underlying condition. Dogs usually limp in order to prevent putting pressure or weight on the abnormal, painful, or injured limb. The extent of the joint discomfort causing your dog to limp is dependent on the condition, age or activity of the dog. The following are possible reasons your dog is limping. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture If you are a soccer fan, you may have heard of ACL in players. ACL is the acronym of Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and tearing it is a common injury among dog conditions. The result of this is usually the dog limping on the hind leg. What is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament? ACL is a fibrous band found in the knee, going from the thigh bone to the shin bone femur to the tibia. It functions to prevent the bones from shifting inward or forward when the knee is working. There is a second cruciate ligament called the Posterior Cruciate Ligament, which is bigger and more powerful than ACL. Although it can also be injured, it is not as susceptible as ACL because of its power and location. PCL tear is a rare injury. Working together with two other major ligaments in the knee, the PCL and ACL aid proper movement and keep the bones moving properly to prevent injury. Are some breeds susceptible to ACL injuries? There are two main breeds of dog that are more prone to getting an ACL injury. The Pug and Shih Tzu are two breeds that belong to this group. Another worrisome situation is how unfortunately prone these dogs are to discolagenosis, a progressive deterioration of the joint collagen. This defect makes them more vulnerable to such conditions. Regardless, any dog can injure or rupture their ACL. Injury to this ligament sometimes happens if a dog goes through strenuous physical activity without adequate preparation, such as leaping onto surfaces or circling while standing. When a dog is limping on its hind legs due to the tear of the ACL, the cause is usually an unexpected injury. The pain can be agonizing and may make your dog unable to put any weight or pressure on the back leg or to rest it lightly on the floor. This is their technique for minimizing tension on the knee and relieving the pain. In some cases, inflammation or swelling may occur on the knee but can be indistinguishable. The visible signs of a ruptured ACL are dependent on the level of the injury — if the ligament is partly ruptured or totally torn. How can they diagnose the rupture of Anterior Cruciate Ligament? To determine the extent of an ACL injury, the particular dog type must be considered. For the test, the vet will attempt to shift the tibia forward while keeping the femur intact. If the ligament is torn, the tibia will yield to the force with minimum resistance because there is no ligament to keep it in position. Since this procedure can be unbearable without anesthetics, the vet will probably keep the dog sedated. Performing a radiograph may not reveal evidence of rupture, but it can show the indications of osteoarthritis that occur in the first weeks following the tearing of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The presentation of the knee worsens, causing irregularities on the joint surfaces and deteriorating the prognosis. This is the reason that visiting the animal clinic as soon as possible for evaluation and detection is very important. In more severe cases, and depending on the facilities available in the clinic, an MRI or arthroscopy may be needed. Part of the treatment course could be physiotherapy rehabilitation such as laser therapy or water movement sessions, both intended to lessen inflammation. In addition, the animal may be placed on a diet course to prevent them from adding weight or becoming obese. The diet will also help the restoration of the articular cartilage and prevent arthrosis at all costs. They may also recommend a daily exercise routine for the dog. The animal should not be allowed to walk on terrains such as slippery floors, ramps and staircases that could worsen the situation. In more severe cases, a surgery may be necessary. Surgery is only performed only when necessary because it is expensive and recovery can be difficult. Because abrupt movements can worsen the condition, the leg will be bandaged and the dog will require much rest. In addition, the dog will be put on a proper diet to prevent obesity and improve their chances of a full recovery. If left unchecked, ACL injury may affect the prognosis. Other ligaments may tear, especially is the dog is old. Something lodged in paw Imagine what your life would be like going about with no shoes — running all over the neighborhood, in the woods, on the grass. Your feet would get dirt in no time. It could be a pin, rock, burr, or thorn. Dogs with long hairs sometimes get their own fur tangled between their toes. Panosteitis This is the inflammation of the bone and is sometimes caused by genetic disorder. Exhaustion Too much physical activities like rough play, fetch, or even a long run in the field can make your dog exhausted. Their muscles get sore like humans. If this is the case, your dog will recover in no time after resting. Animal or insect bite There are venomous spiders whose bites can affect the nervous system of your dogs. Ticks also carry Lyme disease that can cause limb dysfunction. Sometimes, it could be a bite from another dog. Also, the bone may have fixed in a position a bit different from how it was. This typically happens in cases where the dog suffered complex fractures and needed plates and screws to fix the bone back in place. This can result in serious distress to the animal and limp. In serious cases, you may require the expertise of a veterinarian to help reduce the nail. In contrast, if you had a recent visit to the groomer and the dog is limping, there is a possibility that the nail was cut too short. You will need to wait that out. Injury ache This is perhaps the most common reason of limping in dogs. Dogs are mostly hyperactive, and each activity puts them at the risk of sprains and injuries. Your first guess should be injury if your dog starts limping out of the blue. It could have gotten its leg in a snare or struck by a large item. Normally, the limping should get better within a day or two. However, if the injury is severe, it could take weeks to heal. Infection Open wounds, skin cuts, nail beds, or incisions usually cause infections. You need to take care of the infection immediately after you notice it before it worsens. Panosteitis Also called wandering lameness, this condition is quite rampant among growing large breed puppies between five to 12 months. Pain and lameness sometimes are likely to pass from one limb to the other for a duration of weeks or months. These symptoms can continue until the dog is 20 months old, after which they disappear completely. Dysplasia Elbow and Hip Dysplasia are conditions that can likely make your dog limp in distress. Dysplasia is a hereditary disease that loosens the joint and causes subluxation. The consequence of this varies from total reluctance to put weight on the limb which could cause serious lameness , to minor instability without any significant pain. Some breeds such as toy breed dogs and Yorkshire Terriers are susceptible to the luxating patella. Actually, many small dogs go through their lifetime with Luxating Patella and never have an episode of pain or arthritis, nor does it alter their lives negatively. In some cases, it could worsen into a deleterious situation that may necessitate surgery or adequate treatment. A dislocated knee can also be a result of an accident or physical mishap. Aging or Osteoarthritis As the years pass, the musculoskeletal system of dogs gradually becomes weaker. It becomes harder for them to jump, run, and play like before. Since they are naturally hyperactive, they may try to exert themselves beyond their strength. A preventive care treatment course can help to manage osteoarthritis effectively. Nerve damage If your dog suffers nerve damage, the leg could become paralyzed, causing lameness. As they walk, the bad foot will drag on the floor uncontrollably. Nerve damage is a common sight in dogs with diabetes mellitus. Dogs typically whimper in pain in such cases to draw your attention. Tumors or cancer One occasional routine check you should perform on your dog is finding strange lumps or growths. These lumps are not always harmful, but in some cases, they could be an indication of cancer. The most common of these is bone cancer osteosarcoma , predominant in larger dog breeds and can develop quickly. This condition can cause pain, limping, or even death if not treated in time. Degenerative Myelopathy DM is a degenerative condition that affects the spinal cord of older dogs. The early signs of the disease include lameness and weakness. This condition often worsens to paralysis. If your dog is limping on its back leg, the first thing you need to do is check to know the extent of the problem, since canine lameness can be minor to severe. You need to ascertain if your dog would even attempt to put weight on the leg or refuse to place weight on it at all. If the injury is not extensive such as serious bleeding or compound fracture, you can conduct a physical examination at home. What can you do if your Dog is Limping on its Back Leg? You can perform the following treatments on your dog: Use mild heat or cold: First, ensure your dog is lying down comfortably. Use heat pad taking care not to burn its skin , or a bag of iced up vegetables on the joints to reduce soreness or swellings. Apply massage: Dogs with sore or irritated joints will find a massage comforting and soothing. Massage is generally considered the natural way to manage mile lameness. You can also use natural arnica with the massage to provide substantial pain relief. A good example is Boneo Canine. One of the compositions of Boneo is lactoferrin complex, which has been identified to be effective for reducing inflammation and strengthening the skeletal system. Avoid carbohydrates: Consuming foods high in carbohydrates such as wheat, corn, rice, soy, millet, and potato can worsen the inflammation. Preferably, search for high-quality dog food with beef or real chicken as its major ingredient. This is a more nutritious option for your dog. Restrain movement: If the limping is serious and your dog shows signs of acute distress, you should keep it under restraint for a few days. You can put the dog in a crate with an orthopedic mat when you are not around. Prevent them from sleeping on the bed or elevated areas where they could try to jump off and hurt themselves even more. Stop exercising the dog: Dogs limping on back leg should be made to rest for a couple of days or weeks until the limping abates. After it subsides, you should keep them in restraint for one or two more days before you proceed with minimal exercises such as supervised walks. Get pain relievers from your vet: In some situations, aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered to the dog in low dosages. Before using any drug however, ensure you contact your veterinarian to be sure there are no side effects. In more severe cases… If your dog is suddenly unable to raise its body, walk, or seems to be going through excruciating pain, then the lameness is severe. Total inability to put weight on the affected limb can be an indication of conditions such as severe muscle injury, broken bones, or puncture wound. Complicated situations usually require immediate attention or sometimes surgery. If this happens, ensure you take your dog to the animal care center immediately. When moving the dog to the vet, you should be careful enough to prevent more complications. If you own a large dog and it can still walk, let the dog walk gently to the car, then drive straightaway to the veterinarian. You can have the dog sit in a crate lined with paddings to restrain its movement. If the dog is small-sized, find someone to hold him while you drive to the animal clinic. Unless your dog has a structural deformity that limits its proper movement, in most situations, limping only starts when the dog is suffering from a significant level of discomfort. If your dog goes about its normal routine, aside from the limping, then the injury is probably not severe. In this case, you can apply any the suggestions we proffered for less severe cases. If the pain continues, take your dog to the nearest veterinarian. It can help reduce joint inflammation and strengthen their bones and joints. Dog limping is one of the most popular reasons for vet visits. You should pay close attention and provide the necessary care as fast as possible. After consulting with pet nutritionists and veterinarians from all over the United States, Alpha Dog Nutrition finally made it's debut. Our highly specialized formulas are now available to hunting dogs throughout the world. Limping in dogs is quite common. Limping occurs when your dog cannot walk normally due to pain or weakness. He may walk slowly or with difficulty and will usually favor one leg. There are two types of limping that your Lab may experience. Some types occur gradually over time, whereas sudden lameness happens quickly, usually after an injury. Some cases are minor and can be treated at home, whereas others will require professional medical help. Overexertion Too much of a good thing, such as fetch, intense running, or rough play with other dogs, can leave your Labrador sore and hobbling with a muscle strain. However, most dogs will recover quickly after a couple of rest days. Look out for your Lab incessantly licking his paw. Burns caused by scorching sidewalks or frostbite can also cause your Labrador to limp. Get your dog some booties or paw protectors in extremely hot or cold temperatures. Toenail Injuries Examine your Labrador for ingrowing or overgrown toenails, as these can cause discomfort and pain when they dig into the skin. My dog once had a dewclaw injury, so make sure you also keep these trim. Insect Sting or Animal Bite Stings and bites can cause limping. Your Lab may raise its paw if stung by a wasp or bee. Bites from other animals can cause injury and also lead to infections. Fracture A broken leg should be suspected if the limping occurred suddenly. Broken bones may not always be visible. Sprain A sprain is the result of a stretched or torn ligament or tendon. It can be caused by something as simple as jumping off the couch and landing awkwardly. Your Labrador will be reluctant to put any weight on his paw or leg. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Dysplasia is a common hereditary condition causing hip and elbow joints to become loose and move out of position. According to the OFA, .Osteoarthritis Older and larger dogs are more at risk of this chronic painful disease. It results in joint inflammation caused by cartilage deterioration. Signs include lameness, stiffness, or difficulty in getting up. My dog Willow has osteoarthritis of her lower spine. Her initial symptoms were lameness of the rear leg and difficulty getting up from a lying position. However, she manages it pretty well along with her hip dysplasia with prescribed medication, and exercise adjustments. My vet recommended these, they get excellent reviews online, and they seem to work for her. She has the Big Barker , which is the only dog bed clinically proven to reduce joint stiffness and pain. You can read my comprehensive review here. Cruciate Ligament Injury or Disease This is where damage is caused to one or both cruciate ligaments that hold the knee together. Limping is usually the first sign of a cruciate problem and can be caused by turning awkwardly, jumping, or twisting. It can occur suddenly or be progressive. It is common in dogs, but Labrador retrievers are three times as likely as other breeds to have patellar luxation. Infection An infection of the paw or leg can cause your Labrador to Limp. He may lick and chew the site and may need to take antibiotics. Lyme Disease This bacterial illness transmitted by certain ticks can cause intermittent lameness. Degenerative Myelopathy Older dogs are at risk of this inherited disorder that affects the spinal cord causing a gradual paralysis of the back end. Symptoms are weakness, lameness in the hind legs, and incontinence. Panosteitis Wandering Lameness or Growing Pains This condition affects the long bones of the legs due to painful inflammation. Panosteitis tends to affect growing large breed pups, aged months, including the Labrador. A shifting lameness from one bone to another is caused and can occur over several weeks or months. Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy HOD This is a bone disease occurring in fast-growing large dogs, usually between 3 and 5 months old. The Labrador Retriever is one of the breeds predisposed to Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. Signs will be a slight limp and pain in the affected bone. The shoulder is most commonly affected, but it can also appear in the elbow, hip, and knee. It occurs when large puppies grow too quickly. Limping, lameness, and pain are symptoms. Labrador Retrievers are predisposed to Osteochondritis Dissecans , but the genes involved have not been identified. Dwarf dog breeds having a short, stout appearance are most commonly affected. Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis This disorder of the immune system causes inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. Your Lab will be reluctant to walk — or he will hobble on one or more legs due to the pain. Diabetic Neuropathy If diabetes is left untreated, excessive glucose can cause progressive weakness or paralysis due to nerve damage. However, this condition is rare in dogs. Congenital Limb Deformities Abnormally developed limbs can cause limping in your dog. These are pretty rare, and this study on the congenital deformities of the distal extremities in three dogs highlighted that little is known about the causes. Osteosarcoma bone cancer Bone tumors can rapidly grow, causing limping and pain, particularly in leg bones. Limping can vary from mild to severe. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Why is My Labrador limping takeaways 1. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint becomes misaligned. It causes pain and lameness in the affected leg. The symptoms usually appear between 6 months and 2 years old. Dog inherit the predisposition to hip dysplasia from their parents. Labradors and hybrid Labradoodles are prone to this preventable disease through improper breeding. Your puppy will have trouble walking if it has hip dysplasia. You need to get an X-ray done on both hips at least once before they reach 1 year old. There are no known non surgical cures for this disease so make sure you keep up with regular checkups. This disorder results from abnormal development of the pelvis and legs. The bones of the pelvic region do not form correctly and instead fuse together prematurely. This creates problems with weight bearing and movement. Arthritis in dogs can also cause limping Dog arthritis the joints of a dog become inflamed, swollen or painful. The most common type of arthritis that affects dogs are osteoarthritis which causes inflammation in one or more of their joints. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, gouty arthritis and crystal-induced arthritis. Genetics plays a role in whether a dog develops arthritis. Age also contributes to its development. Older dogs are more prone to develop arthritis than younger ones. Weight also affects arthritis; heavier dogs are more susceptible to arthritis than lighter dogs. Activity levels play a part in the progression of arthritis. High activity levels increase wear on joints, while low activity levels decrease wear on joints. Diet can influence joint health Dogs who have had an injury such as surgery, trauma or infection will be predisposed to developing these conditions. A Labrador as a guard dog 3. Infections can make a dog limp — especially ones involving bones Infections of the foot or paw are commonly caused by bacterial infections. This includes bacterial infections like staphylococcus bacteria, streptococcus bacteria and yeast infections. These infections tend to affect the skin around the paw pads and sometimes spread into other areas of the body causing fever and lethargic behavior. In addition to causing pain and swelling, these infections can lead to lameness if not treated properly. Infectious diseases like parvovirus and Lyme disease can affect joints and muscles causing pain and inflammation. Your vet will know what tests to order to diagnose these conditions and treat accordingly. Trauma to the foot or paw A traumatic event can lead to swelling and bruising in the area where the injury occurred. In addition, the muscles surrounding the site of the injury may tighten up due to fear or stress. As a result, the leg becomes stiff and sore. Common trauma to dog feet include Abrasions — A small wound caused by a sharp object such as a nail or splinter. Bruises — A bruise is an injury to the soft tissue under the skin. It may be caused by a blow, fall, or other impact. Bruising occurs when blood vessels are broken and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. Contusions — Contusions are bruises that are larger than a bruise. They are caused by a blunt force, such as a blow from a fist or another object. Sun burn in dogs or heat burn from hot asphalt 5. Dog Toenail Injuries can make a Labrador limp The nails of dogs grow continuously throughout their lives. However, there are times when the nails begin to look longer than normal. These changes happen naturally over time. If the change happens suddenly, however, then it could indicate something wrong. Toenails should never be trimmed too short because there is a blood vessel and nerve inside the nail. Trimming them too long or not trimming them can result in broken nails. Happy Labrador! Patella Luxation Patellar luxation is a common condition affecting many breeds including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Dobermans and of course — Labs Labs are times more likely to have this than other breeds It involves the kneecap becoming dislocated out of place. This can cause severe discomfort and lameness. Dogs can sprain a muscle and this can make them limp Muscles can become strained through exercise or playing rough with your pet. The most common places for strains to occur are at the elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. Strains usually heal themselves within three weeks — but if it is not improving or becomes exacerbated you will need to consult your Vet. Over exertion can make a dog limp Exercise causes our bodies to work harder which leads to increased heart rate and breathing. Our legs also get tired quickly so we must take breaks often during physical activity. The exact same is true for dogs! An over fatigued Lab can limp for a while due to muscle exhaustion. Give them a few days of rest and your Labrador will be back in tip top shape soon. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 9. Insect Bites can make a dog walk funny or limp It is common for dogs to run into nature and the creep crawly insects that populate it. Through no fault of their own Labradors LOVE to explore grass and nature — which runs the risk of being bitten by ants, bees or wasps. Most of the time a dog insect bite is not a huge concern BUT sometimes they do leave behind nasty infections on the bite site if the dog licks or chews it. You should always seek veterinary care if you see any signs of infection after having been stung by an ant or bee. FAQ — My Lab has had surgery recently and is now limping? Luckily your Vet is only a phone call away So please contact us today if you think your puppy is limping. An older Labrador limps A reader Sara emailed in to tell us about her elderly Labrador dog just turned 10! As a result, she walks differently than before. Her stride length is shorter and her steps are wider apart. She loves the outdoors — but we know not to push her too far. Labradors are prone to a variety of conditions that can cause pain, including hip dysplasia, arthritic pain, and infections. Make sure you get regular checkups to ensure that your dog is healthy. Dog arthritis is a very common condition that can affect any breed. Bridie is a proud Goldendoodle mom! Part-time health worker, life-time dog writer and lover. She loves to help people best care for their puppies. Load More.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Labrador retrievers are beloved family members. But too much of a good thing—food and treats—can lead to many potential health problems. If your Labrador Retriever is starting to get a little pooch in his belly your might be thinking how much should my lab weigh? But there are many factors that enter into what determines a healthy weight for your particular lab. And female labs should weigh between 55 and 70 pounds and be between .But keep in mind that even healthy labs may fall outside of these guidelines. There are many variables that enter into why a dog is a particular weight, including the following: Genetics. The parents and family tree of a lab determine his potential size and structure. Diet and nutrition. In order to reach his potential, a lab requires the proper diet for his stage of life and activity level. A lab who is a couch potato will generally require fewer calories than one who is active. Female labs usually weigh less than male labs at the same life stage. English vs. American Labrador Retrievers Although there is no recognized separate breed of English and American labs , in reality there are distinctions regarding their breeding. English labs are bred for the conformation ring and generally weigh in at the higher end of the desired range for labs. And they may weigh even 20 more pounds than American labs without being overweight. American labs, aka field-bred labs, are bred from working lines, in order to hunt. They are leaner and more muscular than English labs. There is no definitive guide stating that labs of certain colors weigh more than others. But their breeding and function enters into whether a lab will weigh more. Black Labradors. Black labs are found in both English and American labs. But an English-bred lab is likely to weigh more than an American lab is. Chocolate Labradors. They are more likely to be from conformation lines than those from working, field lines. So chocolate labs are more likely to be at the higher end of the weight spectrum. Yellow Labradors. They are found in both show and field lines, so there is no likelihood that a yellow lab will weigh more. Other colors. Although not a recognized color, red fox labs are generally American, field-type labs. What Is an Ideal Lab Weight? Muscle weighs more than fat does by volume. Body condition and general health determines what your lab should weigh. Labrador retrievers usually reach their full height between nine and 12 months of age. There are nine different levels that are measured. And you gently palpate the dog to feel how much fat covers those areas. In the first three levels of the chart, a dog is determined to be too thin. Ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones are prominent. And there may even be muscle wasting. There is no to little discernible body fat. And there is an obvious waist and abdominal tuck. In the ideal range, levels four to five, ribs are palpable without excess fat. The waist is easily noted when viewed from above. And there is an evident abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. In the last four levels of body condition, steps six to nine, the dog is too heavy. And the dog has a discernible but not prominent waist when viewed from above and an apparent tummy tuck when viewed from the side. The last three steps range from the ribs barely being palpable to massive fat deposits over the body with no abdominal tuck and even abdominal distension. So you really need to determine where your dog is along this scale. If in doubt, check with your vet to determine whether your lab is an appropriate weight for his age, size, and activity level. So expect them to keep weighing more during that period. Factors regarding how large a lab will get include: Genetics. Generally larger parents and lineage means larger lab puppies. Paw size. Of course, as a lab gets older, he should grow. During the first six months, a lab has rapid rate increases, including growth spurts. On average, a puppy will gain about two or so pounds per week. So a five-week-old puppy will be about 10 pounds and a week-old puppy around 26 pounds. Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Also the last meal of the day is several hours before bed time. The principles are the same. How much should my 9 week old puppy weigh? Your best guide to whether or not your puppy is growing properly is how he behaves and feels, rather than what the scales say. As a rough guide, many 9 week old lab puppies will weigh between lbs or a couple of pounds either side of this. Check out our puppy growth FAQ for more information. Puppy weights may also vary quite considerably between the two different types of Labrador field and show and even between individuals from the same litter. Potty training a 9 week old puppy Nine weeks is often the point at which people start to worry about potty training progress, or rather, lack of it. Perhaps you are taking your Labrador puppy outside after every meal, and every time he wakes up, but he is still making puddles all over the house. So what is going on? Nine week old pups have very poor bladder control, and short memories. He is still very much a baby and will need your help in this department for some time to come. Your role is to restrict his access to areas where mistakes are most likely to happen, through the use of baby gates or some other kind of temporary barrier. You will also need to take him outside before his bladder is over flowing which might be every twenty minutes at certain times of the day and to generally ensure that every wee goes in the right place. Check out our complete guide to potty training for more information. This is such a common concern, and often arises for the first time at about nine weeks. The puppy is settled in his new home, his shyness has worn off, his confidence is back, and he is ready for some fun. Concerns arise, simply because most people do not realise just how ferocious Labrador puppies seem when they play. Puppies bite hard and make a lot of noise and this is usually quite normal. Check out this article on puppy aggression to reassure yourself that you have not bought a vicious wild animal into your home. How much to feed a 9 week old puppy Many puppies, especially Lab puppies, are very greedy and wolf down every morsel you provide for them. Puppies like this will eat far more than they need and quickly become obese if you let them decide on quantities. You also need to bear in mind that every brand of puppy food is different. You can then add a little more to each meal if the puppy is not gaining weight steadily, or reduce the meals a tiny bit if he is getting too plump. However, if your puppy normally eats heartily and suddenly goes off his food, all food, then he may be unwell. Have a chat with your vet if you are concerned, especially if your puppy misses more than one meal. On the other hand, if he is quite happy to eat an alternative menu, the chances are he is simply exercising his right to an opinion. I strongly recommend you ignore this, and simply take his bowl away. You can offer the same meal later when the puppy is more hungry. If you are interested in feeding your puppy on a more natural diet, you may enjoy our guide to raw feeding: Raw feeding for dogs. And provided that you use modern methods, which are great fun for dogs of all ages. Fortunately this is not a problem at all, because a nine week old puppy does not need a walk. What he needs is space to trot about and play. And your yard or garden is probably suitable for this. So, you have all the time in the world, in which to introduce your puppy to his collar and lead. Let him wear a collar for a short while each day. Clip the lead on from time to time and let it trail. Distract him with food and cuddles. Occasionally pick up the end and encourage him to follow you. Just drop your email address into the box below: Socializing your 9 week old puppy We have known for several decades that puppies need to be exposed to different types of experiences before they are three months old , in order to become confident and fearless. Yet far too many puppies are kept at home, away from the world in those important first few weeks. Socialization is all about raising a friendly confident dog, and proper socialization helps to avoid problems like fearfulness and aggression. That means taking your puppy to lots of different places, carrying them in your arms or a carrier, to avoid contact with potential sources of infection. Enrolling your puppy in a well-supervised, modern force free training class can be a great way of building social confidence too. Studies have shown that puppies enrolled in classes before 20 weeks of age are less likely to be fearful than puppies kept at home. The same goes for houses you regularly visit with only dogs that you are confident have been recently vaccinated. Leaving a 9 week old puppy alone during the day is not a good idea. At this stage of their life they have only been in your home for a short time, and are still settling in. They need constant supervision for toilet training, and are probably still learning to be happy in their crate. Can I bathe my 9 week old puppy? But Labradors being Labradors, there is bound to come a point when you have a sticky or messy pup on your hands! Just use a gentle shampoo designed for puppies, and try to make the process fun for your little one. You might find the kitchen sink or a large plastic bowl is a lot less scary than the great big family bathtub.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Cairnoodle Highlights The Cairnoodle loves to play, but at the end of a long day they make a great lap dog, too. The Cairnoodle is a fairly easy breed to train. Consistency is key when training this breed. Daily training sessions that last minutes any longer can cause disinterest and backfire as far as creating progress are key to helping this breed retain good manners and stay on track. Basic obedience classes may help if you are a first-time dog parent. The Cairnoodle is usually a good fit for beginner dog parents. Without proper stimulation, the Eskipoo will grow bored and frustrated, regardless of how much love there is for them. Additionally, this breed can develop separation anxiety. Dog parents who are frequently home or able to bring pups to work are a good match for this breed, although not a requirement. This breed still craves mental stimulation they can find through training, scentwork activities, and other forms of enrichment. These breeds can be prone to behaviors humans find frustrating, like excessive barking and chewing. When understimulated, they will make it endlessly clear they are bored. Cairnoodle History The Cairn Terrier is descended from ancient breed of Scotch Terrier that was only developed as a separate breed in the 19th century. At the time, they were primarily distinguished from their Scotch Terrier brothers by their coat color. In the s, the Cairn Terrier was established as a wire-haired small Terrier of the Skye group in various colors, with the exception of white, which was designated for the West Highland Terrier. The Cairn is often confused for the Scottish Terrier, but the Scottie holds a more diverse genetic makeup, having a large gene pool history. The Cairn Terrier was limited to the Isle of Skye. The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed specifically for hunting waterfowl. Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into their own breed in France. Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. Although the Standard was used for duck hunting, the smaller varieties had use as well — while many kept them as lapdogs, they were also talented truffle hunters. The Poodle Club of America was founded in , but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in .Cairnoodle Size The Cairnoodle is a small-sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors from their combination of parent breeds. They will usually have a thick but curly-haired coat, along with floppy, curly-haired ears. Some individuals may favor their Cairn Terrier parent and have less curls, more of a wiry texture. They will often be — tan, brown, or black, but they may appear in other colors. Without exposure, this devoted breed has the potential to become reactive to perceived threats. Training any dog consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life and yours as an adult. Cairnoodle Health If the Cairnoodle originates from a responsible breeder, they are often healthy. However, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed. Hip Dysplasia. Poocan Description The Cairnoodle is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Cairn Terrier and the Poodle. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She was named Bryn after her brindle coloring, which has changed from a darker grey when I first got her, to a very light grey, and now she is getting some cream to her coat. Her coat is very soft, I expected her to be more wire haired. She is four months old and weighs 7 lbs. I am expecting her to get to be about 12 lbs. She has a personality and a mind of her own! She isn't afraid of anything. She is curious about everything, always trying to get into things and find out what she is missing out on. Her favorite thing to do is to learn new tricks; she is incredibly smart. She is only four months old and already knows how to sit, lie down, dance, shake, give kisses, and to walk on two legs. She's learning how to crawl, play dead and sit pretty currently. I take her on walks every day , just to get some of that energy out! She excels in her puppy training class, which has certainly calmed her down. She is always ready to play, even if she's exhausted! She loves playing with other dogs, no matter what size they are and loves children, esp. I'm pretty sure the milk on their chins lures her in. She pretty much loves anything that moves. Her favorite toy is actually a cat toy, which had batteries that she can chase around. Overall she is a very lovable, well behaved, but very mischievous puppy. I am SO happy that I found her. My life has completely changed because of this little one! She is extremely independent, but does love to be around people all the time. She has the stubborn terrier personality and she loves attention. She is very intelligent and has been a wonderful addition to our family. The first picture was taken when she was about 3 months and the second was taken at 6 months. She is very smart and has lots of energy. We are in training right now to be a therapy dog. Lifespan Sociability Cairnoodles are energetic dogs. However, most of them inherit the laidback nature of the Poodle, requiring little exercise. On a scale of , the Cairnoodle gets a respectable score for energy. This dog inherits their intelligence from both of their parent breeds, making them easy to train. However, house training these dogs can be challenging for many owners. The lifespan of the Cairnoodle is slightly above the average lifespan of most dogs. This is mostly because Cairnoodles are quite healthy. Being designer dogs, they suffer fewer health complications than purebreds. They also come from a relatively healthy lineage, as their parent breeds are not prone to many diseases. For these reasons, the Cairnoodle scores well for lifespan and health. Cairnoodles are affectionate. However, they like being the center of attention and exhibit an interesting mix of sensitivity and stubbornness, inherited from the Poodle and Terrier, respectively. These traits give them an excellent score for sociability. They have an alias. The Cairnoodle is also known as the Poocan. They have ancient history. The Poodle, the other parent of the Cairnoodle, has ancestors that date back thousands of years. Poodles are sweet, sensitive, and demand attention. Poodle owners need to stimulate their dogs mentally and physically because these dogs are known for being extremely intelligent and agile. They get along well with children and other pets. On the other hand, the Cairn Terrier is feisty and a bit stubborn. They have an instinct to burrow into the ground, and if they are not trained well as a puppy, they will exhibit these traits in adulthood. The Terrier does not get along well with other dogs. With mixed breeds, it is difficult or near impossible to predict temperament even with dogs of the same litter. That said, most Cairnoodle dogs exhibit a healthy mix of the two parents. If your Cairnoodle leans more toward their Terrier side, training them will require you to be firm. If they lean more toward their sensitive Poodle parent, training should be positive , or else they will withdraw from you and exhibit negative behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are prone to separation anxiety , and when bored, they will get destructive. Chewing on upholstery and pooping in shoes are common examples, but their intelligence can inspire even more devious deeds. However, their gentle temperament allows them to get along well with kids and family members. Their small size makes it unlikely that they will knock over children or elderly relatives. However, your Cairnoodle will get along well with your other pet because it has no natural prey instinct. A post shared by ECHO life. Diet, exercise, grooming, and training will influence the lifespan of your pet. One and a half cups of food, split into two or three servings a day, will be enough even for the most active of dogs. But you must keep an eye on their weight. Obesity can bring a host of health issues for your dog that include diabetes, decreased liver function, and damaged joints. If you are unsure of what to feed your dog, visit the vet. They will instruct you on the right diet and when to feed your pet. As a mixed breed , their behavior is difficult to predict. If your Cairnoodle takes after the Poodle, they might be mellow and laidback, requiring only moderate exercise and mental stimulation. If they take after the Cairn Terrier, they will enjoy being outdoors and will require at least an hour of exercise every day. Chew toys will also keep your dog entertained indoors. Most Cairnoodles do not inherit the stubbornness of the Cairn Terrier, but the trainer still needs to be firm and consistent to effectively train the dog. As with all other dogs, the sooner training is done, the easier it will be and the better the results will be. However, their fur needs to be brushed daily to avoid matting and tangling. Do not bathe your dog unless you deem it necessary, and even then, use a gentle dog shampoo. Also, make a point of taking them to the groomer once every six weeks. Minor Conditions. It originated in the s and has been growing in popularity due to its ability to adapt to a wide range of living situations. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, the Poodle parent breed can get quite expensive, and you may need to pay more depending on availability. You will also most likely need to get your dog spayed or neutered and will need to pay for regular vet visits to keep your dog healthy. You will also need to purchase food, treats, toys, and plenty of accessories to keep your pet healthy and happy, which can cost quite a bit over time. It has plenty of energy and likes to play and go for walks. It tends to dig, so you will need to designate an area of your yard, or you will find holes everywhere. The Cairnoodle is intelligent and will pick up on your habits and routines quickly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It can help keep family members entertained for several hours with its clowning and desire to keep your attention. Yes, the Cairnoodle gets along well with other dog breeds and will even befriend cats if they allow it. However, it will likely chase after any rodent pets you have, so it may not be the best choice if you own mice, ferrets, or even rabbits.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Texas is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. Your English bulldog will love exploring the garden and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love getting some fresh air and seeing the sights from a different perspective. Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Texas? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. We are dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. The group has been dedicated to the breed since , as a component of Lone Star Bulldog Club. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue accepts Bulldogs from owners who can no longer keep them, as well as retrieves Bulldogs from shelters and other undesirable situations. Each Bulldog in the program is lovingly cared for in a foster home until the perfect forever family for that specific dog is found. Every Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs and more. We take all these factors into consideration when making a forever-home match. Adoption is a coordinated process between the coordinators, fosters and applicant. We work together with our knowledge of the dog to find the best home. When you apply, you might have a particular dog in mind. But please understand, that dog may already be in the process of being adopted by an approved family who has been waiting weeks to be matched with the right dog. But they would prefer to be the only thing with fur in their home. They still make a wonderful companion and deserve a loving home. For your convenience, they have been designated as Forever Single on our website. If you plan on only having one dog, we hope you will consider one of these. Since most of our volunteers live in the North Texas area, it is easier on us and the applying family if they live in this area. Because of this, our out-of-state adoptions are incredibly rare and only in neighboring states. If you are ready to submit your adoption application, please complete the Adopt A Bulldog Application. A volunteer will then review your application. This process can take some time, and not every home is a suitable home for a Bulldog, so please be patient. You are not buying a dog. My name is Monty and I am famous! Yesterday, my photo was all over social media and friends were begging someone to save me. The shelter said I had to be out by …. Why adopt WB English Bulldogs? Travel Nanny Services Optional As experienced and reputable breeders; at WB English Bulldogs, we understand that the transportation of your English Bulldog puppy is one of the most important things. British Bulldogs Breeder in Dallas since We at WB English bulldogs take into consideration that all puppies we place in new homes must have excellent conformation, good health and amazing temperament. Microchip ID Optional We offer a more secure form of identification for your pet that is safer and extremely more effective than common pet tags. Our happy customers who chose our in cabin nanny services! English Bulldogs stand out for their unique appearance combined with a heart of gold. Their wrinkled face, stout stature, and gentle eyes are not just adorable but also exude their loving nature. How big do English Bulldogs get when they grow up? English Bulldogs, though compact, have a sturdy and muscular build. Males typically weigh between lbs, while females usually range from lbs when fully mature. Their size makes them suitable for both apartment living and homes with yards. Are English Bulldogs good with children and other pets? English Bulldogs are renowned for their gentle, patient nature, especially with children. They often become protective of younger family members and coexist harmoniously with other pets. How often do English Bulldogs need exercise? A daily walk of about minutes helps maintain their health, manage their weight, and keeps them mentally stimulated. Play sessions in a fenced yard or indoors are also appreciated! Are English Bulldogs easy to train? English Bulldogs have an inherent eagerness to please their owners, making training a rewarding experience for both parties. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, they can learn commands, tricks, and good behaviors, enhancing your bond with them. English Bulldogs and British Bulldogs are the same? The breed is commonly known as the Bulldog. How to buy an English Bulldog puppie? Browse Our Selection: Explore our website to view available puppies. Need More Information? Our team is here to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Prepare for Your Puppy: Once your purchase is complete, ensure you have all the essentials ready at home for your new furry friend, from food to a cozy sleeping area. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about care, feeding, or health concerns. Thank you for choosing WB English Bulldogs. Do you ship to other cities in the USA or to other parts of the world? Yes, WB English bulldogs offers shipping services for their English bulldog puppies to any major city within the United States. They ensure that transportation considerations, including breed conformation and temperatures, are taken into account before arranging the transportation of the puppy. So, distance is not a barrier for those looking to get their dream puppy from WB English bulldogs. If there are any further questions or concerns about shipping methods or in-person pickups, the breeder encourages prospective customers to reach out to them directly via their provided phone number. English Bulldogs are medium-sized, robust, and muscular dogs. Adult male English Bulldogs typically weigh between pounds kg , while adult females usually weigh around pounds kg. In terms of height, English Bulldogs generally stand about inches cm tall at the shoulder. Regular check-ups and a balanced diet can help ensure that an English Bulldog grows to its optimal size and maintains a healthy weight. English Bulldogs are sturdy and muscular canines. Typically, adult male English Bulldogs weigh between pounds kg , while adult females tend to weigh around pounds kg. However, individual weights can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, and health. Our Blog.

German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Tennessee would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary If you want to adopt a German Shepherd, you have numerous alternatives in Tennessee. However, we understand that adoption requires a significant amount of time, work, and patience on your behalf. As a result, we prepared the list to spare you the trouble of looking for German Shepherd Shelters near you. Our objective, as usual, is to identify people who want to adopt a homeless dog. Other States. Our Goals To adopt companion animals into loving homes. To evaluate the temperament of each dog to determine its suitability to his or her new adoptive family. To reinforce basic training, socialization and house manners. To provide needed medical care and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are received for all adoptable dogs, including spay and neuter. To promote education about responsible pet ownership, including the spaying and neutering of pets, and the humane and respectful treatment of all animals. To encourage responsible action to reunite lost pets with their owners. To establish a network of foster homes working to ensure comfort and assistance of all German Shepherd Dogs in need. When each dog leaves our care, it is our goal that they go to a home where they: Are loved as a member of the family. Are well cared for. Are receiving the proper mental and physical stimulation. Are receiving the daily interaction and affection they need. Whether it's medical or boarding bills, food, toys, treats, crates, supplements, special supply needs, or surgery, every penny is used for them. No amount is too small. Won't you please consider either a one-time donation or a monthly sponsorship. We and the dogs will thank you, plus it is tax-deductible! Keep checking back. Well, we have excellent news for you! Although the Bluetick Coonhound is the official state dog of Tennessee, residents of the state also love German Shepherds. So, we put together a complete description of the mission, features, adoption, and contact details of each. The Rescue is primarily dedicated to saving purebred German Shepherds. However, they also save dogs from East and West regions when the need calls for it. Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue has established a cordial working collaboration with other animal welfare and control agencies in the area. This collaboration promotes a smooth rescue of dogs from shelters where they would otherwise be euthanized. The Rescue also accepts stray dogs and those surrendered by their owners. Collaborating with the Rescue Middle Tennessee German Shepherd Rescue is a foster and volunteer-run organization that relies on donors to afford the best care for rescued dogs. As such, you can be part of their mission by fostering, volunteering, donating, or adopting a German Shepherd. To adopt: Head to the Adoptable Dogs page and find your probable match. Email the Rescue at [email protected] to request an adoption application or send a direct message on their contact page. Other steps of the adoption process will follow once you submit the application. If posting a mail works better for you, address it to Nashville, TN .The Rescue began in the East area but expanded to the West in after noticing a growing need to save dogs in Memphis and the surrounding areas. Unique About the Rescue As the name indicates, the Rescue was founded to save German Shepherd dogs in imminent danger. These are dogs from high kill-shelters, stray dogs, or those whose owners can no longer cater to their welfare. Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue works with clear goals that entail: Evaluating the temperament of rescued dogs in order to fit them with the right adopters. Training rescued dogs in social skills and appropriate house behavior. Educating dog owners on responsible dog ownership to promote better dog-owner bonding. Collaborating with the Rescue Imminent Danger German Shepherd Rescue relies on foster families and volunteers to provide care to rescued dogs and place them in the best homes. You can be part of this rescue network by becoming a foster or volunteer. You can also make monetary or item donations, including dog beds. For a more long-lasting collaboration, consider adopting a German Shepherd to provide the pet with the warmth of a loving home. The adoption process starts with completing an application form. A background check will then follow before you are given an appointment to meet the dog. If you want specific details about the adoption process, send an email to [email protected]. It was registered in as a charitable organization. The Center takes its name from two attorneys, Mark Williams and Lindsay Young, who helped raise funds to build the state-of-the-art center. Unique About the Center Young-Williams Animal Center started as a simple center but has grown with the increase in demand for animal welfare services in the area. With a vision of securing a home for every pet, Young-Williams Animal Center strives for a healthy animal-human bond and active community involvement to promote animal welfare and help eradicate pet homelessness. Collaborating with the Center The presence of committed volunteers and fosters at the Center ensures success in rescuing and rehoming dogs. These generous animal lovers donate their time and services for the good of the pets. If you want to be part of their mission, you can: Become a foster. Volunteer as an individual or group. Make a donation. Adopt an animal. When looking to adopt a German Shepherd from Young-Williams Animal Center, you will follow the general adoption process for all dogs. Click on the picture of a dog that interests you to read the bio. The rest of the adoption process is completed once your application is approved. As a requirement, you should: Allow the adoption personnel at the Center to contact your vet. Have a fenced yard. Alternatively, follow their daily activities on Facebook or write to Lisa at [email protected]. German Shepherd Dog Clubs in Tennessee There are many other dog rescues in Tennessee where you can adopt a German Shepherd or collaborate with the rescue to ensure the welfare of the dogs. Creating a connection with these rescues is easier if you are part of a German Shepherd Club in Tennessee. Helpful German Shepherd Articles If you just want to learn more about the amazing German Shepherd breed, our website has a wealth of resources that will help you become a better owner and build a stronger bond with your furry friend. Our articles offer valuable insights into topics such as nutrition, exercise, grooming, and behavior.

In fact, I like to say that Goldendoodles—no matter the color—are every shade of happy! So what shade of happy will you bring home? Why are there so many Goldendoodle colors? First, to understand why there are so many colors of Goldendoodles, we have to meet the Goldendoodle parent breeds—the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. Since the Goldendoodle also know as the Groodle or Golden Doodle is a hybrid or a cross breed between the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, they benefit from many characteristics and physical traits of both breeds. This includes coat color. The Golden Retriever parent breed brings shades of golden—from light golden to dark golden—to the mix. But when it comes to color variation, the Poodle parent breed is at the head of the doggo class. According to the AKC, there are 11 official standard Poodle colors and 16 more color combinations. The Poodle sports apricot, red, black, chocolate, silver, and white coat colors—just to name a few. Cream If you like the color of vanilla ice cream, sweet cream, or toasted marshmallows, you may be drawn to the warm ivory color of the cream Goldendoodle. Cream is one of the classic Goldendoodle colors. Both the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds bring a wide variety of cream-colored coats to the Doodle mix. Plus, even among cream Goldendoodles there are many variations of colors. Curious to know more? Find out nine surprising things you may not know about the cream Goldendoodle. Apricot Somewhere between red and cream, sits another popular Goldendoodle coat color: apricot! This color is deeper and warmer than cream. Apricot Goldendoodles could almost fall in the red color family, but their coloring is really lighter and brighter and deserving of its own color category. Where does the apricot Goldendoodle get its warm, peachy cream coat color? Again, the Poodle gets the paw wave. According to the AKC, apricot is an official breed color of the purebred Poodle. Red Fall leaves. Christmas sweaters. Crunchy red apples. So many good things come in red…including Goldendoodles. Plus, some Golden Retrievers lean more toward warm, golden red, too. Depending on genetics, the red Goldendoodle can range in color from warm, brownish reds to deep ruby reds to cinnamon red. As my red Goldendoodle has matured into a senior Goldendoodle , her red coat color changed to look more like cinnamon and sugar. Would you like to know more about red Doodle dogs? Check out my complete guide to the red-iculously cute red Goldendoodle. Chocolate or brown Chocolate is a fitting name for brown Goldendoodles. Like the yummy treat, they come in a wide variety of colors and are sweet through and through. Chocolate Goldendoodles range in color from warm cocoa brown to rich, dark chocolate. Some chocolate Goldendoodles may even have a reddish hue. Chocolate Goldendoodles get their warm, rich coat color from the Poodle side of the family. According to the AKC, breed colors for Poodles include both brown and cafe au lait i. These two spectacular colors of Poodles give our Goldendoodles many variations and shades of brown. White White is an official breed color for Poodles, so it makes sense that white is a Goldendoodle coat color too. This color is a shade lighter than cream and gives these Goldendoodles the look of a summer cloud or a squishy marshmallow. Also, white is the base color for two-colored Goldendoodles, which are called parti Goldendoodles. More on that at the end of this article. This is a hefty topic, but in a nutshell, the article explains that genes associated with deafness in dogs also link to coat color, especially white coats or pigmentation. Also, it explains that breeds with white pigmentation are most often affected. Our Goldendoodles are counting on us to protect their future and be their voice. Black Yes, there are black Goldendoodles! Black Goldendoodles are less common than their red, apricot, and cream Goldendoodle counterparts. It all comes back to the parent breeds—the Golden Retriever and the Poodle—and coat color genetics. You can get my full scoop on why black is less common and 14 more things you may not know, in my full story on the black Goldendoodle. Also, you may be wondering whether black Goldendoodles change color. Because Goldendoodles are a cross breed, every dog is unique and every coat is different. That said, many black Goldendoodles may gray or fade, especially around the face and muzzle, as they mature. These two types of Goldendoodles are unique color patterns or markings rather than colors. Parti Life is a parti with a Goldendoodle! Usually, a parti Goldendoodle is part white and part one other color. The second coloration may be almost like a patchwork of color, and appear any where on the face, body, legs, paws, tummy, and tail. Phantom Color is not what makes a Goldendoodle a phantom. A phantom Goldendoodle has a primary coat color for most of the body and a secondary color that distinguishes the eyebrows, chin or muzzle, chest, paws or legs. The secondary color is almost like patches, but they appear on specific areas of the body. For example, a phantom Goldendoodle may have a black coat color with cream-colored markings on the eyebrows, muzzle, chest or throat, and paws or legs. The difference between a parti Goldendoodle and a phantom may seem subtle. Both the parti and the phantom may be two colors. However, the difference is in the markings. No matter what color of Goldendoodle you add to your pack, with your love, time, and attention your Goldendoodle will bring every shade of HAPPY to your life! Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. An infinite number of colors for the Goldendoodle puppies! There are many different possibilities that your resulting Goldendoodle puppy could be, and if you know the parents, you could probably make a good educated guess on what your puppy will look like. For example, if one parent is brown and the other parent is black, most likely the puppy will be a really dark, chocolate brown or black. It really all depends on the genetics and which fur colors hold more dominance than the other. In some cases, the colors will turn out to be both brown and black, like phantom, or black and white. Types of Fur When you mate a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, usually there are three different types of fur. This coat needs frequent brushing to prevent knots and tangles, and these coats are more often on the low-shedding side of the spectrum. This does not mean that a Goldendoodle that has a wavy coat will never shed, but they shed much less than their Golden Retriever parent. The curly coats come from the Poodle side of the family tree, and you can tell very quickly when you have your puppy if the fur has more curl than not. These coats need frequent brushings as well. Straight coats come more from the Golden Retriever side of the Goldendoodle. As you can imagine, these types of Goldendoodles shed a lot, so if you are allergic to dog hair, this would not be the type of Goldendoodle to have in your home, as you will be cleaning up a lot of fur. When you breed a Goldendoodle with a Poodle, the fur will typically get curlier, just like the type and texture of a Poodle, and increasingly non-shedding. And the same idea will happen when you breed a Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever, except the hair will be more straight, long, and will naturally shed a lot more. When you breed a Goldendoodle with a Goldendoodle, the fur you get as a result depends on what gene the parents gave. The resulting puppy will have hair that looks more like a Golden Retriever than a Poodle. Thinking about your future Goldendoodle puppy can be a lot of fun —you have the color you can think about, which the possibilities are endless, and even fur to guess between curly, wavy, and straight. The main traits people find attractive about the Goldendoodles are the low shedding, hypo-allergenic coat, coat color varieties, and the adorable ragamuffin look of this breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden Retriever has three standard colors: dark, golden, and light. There might be more we have yet to discover, but we will keep this article updated as we find more. Below, we look at different Goldendoodles colors with pictures and the differences in each. We also discuss what makes each color unique and so recognizable. Your Goldendoodle coat type will depend on the kind of curl gene they inherit from each parent. If you are curious to know what coat type and color coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have, you can perform an at-home DNA test to find out. Curly coats are the most popular coats in Goldendoodles and are seen more frequently in F1B and F3 breedings. These types of coats are considered to be the most non-shedding kind. A characteristic trait, if you will, of this hybrid breed. They tend to have more shedding than Goldendoodles, who carry furnishings, and they look more like Golden Retrievers. To ensure you have a proper coated Goldendoodle, you need to DNA test the parents or puppy before getting one. If you have a family with allergies, a Goldendoodle with an incorrect coat is not the best match for you. Long hair is a recessive trait, which means that for a dog to be long-coated, the FGF5 gene needs to be inherited from both parents. The Goldendoodle coat should be about 2 to 3 inches in length. Coat Color Changes In Goldendoodles Dogs of any age, gender, or breed can experience pigment changes in their skin and coat. Generally, puppies will change color as they mature, especially light and medium color Goldendoodle coats. The exceptions are black and darker brown Goldendoodles. However, these can still change to grey, silver, or blue if they carry the recessive gene. Goldendoodle coat changes pictures. Typically, the final coat color of a Goldenpoodle will settle and stay when they reach 4 to 6 months of age. That is when puppies lose their puppy coats, according to the AKC. Did you know feeding the wrong diet kibble to Goldendoodles can dramatically affect their coat, skin and health, and overall health? Chapter 2 All Goldendoodle colors in pictures Goldendoodle Colors Here is a compilation of the most popular, not-so-popular and rarest Goldendoodle colors. Brown Goldendoodle. This pattern is also referred to as chrome and mismark. The white is typically found randomly on the face, chest, and legs, without any discernable pattern. The dominant color can be any color. On Goldendoodles, the coat is usually a brown or black base, with light red and brown stripes. This is a rare pattern that is a result of a recessive gene. Merle Goldendoodle Image Credit: emcoops, Shutterstock The merle pattern is not a natural pattern found in Poodles and technically only occurs when a Poodle is bred with an Australian Shepherd. It can sometimes happen in Goldendoodles when breeding two Goldendoodles together. At least one parent must be merle, but two merle parents bred together should never be done because the offspring are likely to be born deaf or blind or with other defects. Parti Goldendoodle Image Credit: maceyhurley, Shutterstock The parti pattern is typically white and another color. This pattern results from a recessive gene and is rare in Goldendoodles. Phantom Goldendoodle Image Credit: Kevin Butz, Unsplash A rare pattern, the Phantom , consists of a base shade, usually solid black or chocolate, and a lighter color. The lighter color tends to be found on the muzzle, around the eyes, and legs. The most common Phantom color variation for the Goldendoodle is black and tan. But the lighter highlights can be other colors, such as red and silver. Both parents must have the recessive gene for the puppy to inherit this pattern. Tuxedo Goldendoodle Image Credit: Brian C Lafleur, Shutterstock The Tuxedo pattern is similar to the Parti except that the white is concentrated on the chest, belly, and hind legs, giving the dog the appearance of wearing a tuxedo. Many Goldendoodle puppies are born with one solid color that might lighten as your puppy ages. This is primarily due to the Poodle. The AKC recognizes 11 colors for the Poodle, and they can come in 16 other color combinations not recognized. Golden Retrievers only have three recognized colors , which are dark golden, golden, and light golden. But underneath all of that fur and regardless of the color, the most important thing is that they are in good health and are well-adjusted. See also:. There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Black For even more variety, there are patterns of these colors found in the Goldendoodle, including parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Merle is a varied coat pattern. While a beautiful color, the merle gene can cause blindness and deafness if two parents carrying the merle gene are bred together, so merles should be bred only by very knowledgeable breeders who test for the merle gene and understand the genetics involved. Brindle patterns appear as stripes, the color and the width vary with each dog. With careful breeding, breeders can now produce litters with predictable coat types and shedding propensities. One of the things that many people find attractive about the Goldendoodle is the low shedding and hypo-allergenic qualities of the coat, and the adorable ragamuffin look of the Goldendoodle. No longer do you need to rely on the generation of a Goldendoodle to determine appearance or shedding intensity! This is why some Labradoodles have short coats in the early generations, whereas Goldendoodles do not. Curl KRT71 gene Goldendoodles can be curly, wavy, or straight. They inherit their number of curl genes from their parents. If a breeder tests the parent dogs for the curl gene, they can better predict the appearance of their puppies. Even more interestingly, genetic technology has taught us that furnishings are what confer the low- to non-shedding coats on our Goldendoodles that help make them such optimal family dogs. Based on Mendelian genetics, this educated guess was often just that—a guess about the odds. This is when the use of notations like F1 and F1b came about and what has caused many people to think they need to know the generation to guess about furnishings. In the recent past, new commercially available tests have been developed that allow us to genetically test our parent dogs for furnishing genes and other coat genes as well, such as curl so we can better predict coat type in puppies. This is much, much more accurate and dependable than the old Mendelian filial F1, F1b, etc. The gene responsible for furnishings is dominant; so by testing the parent dogs DNA, it can be determined if a breed pair will produce puppies that all have furnishings, or if there will be some puppies with an incorrect or Golden Retriever like coat. Dogs with one copy of the furnishings gene Ff or F IC are lower shedding than dogs without furnishings. Dogs with two copies of furnishing genes FF are typically non-shedding. If you have a family with allergies, a Goldendoodle with an incorrect coat is not the best match for you. Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. J Hered. The Shedding gene is still relevant for shedding for NON-furnished dogs short facial hair , but have no impact for shedding for our furnished Goldendoodles. Even a Goldendoodle with two furnishings genes does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to a particular dog. Allergies are very complex and shedding is just one of the components that factor in the equation. Consider that dander, saliva, proteins, and allergens carried on the dogs coat, etc. As you can see, there is a lot of science that goes into the selection of breeding mates to produce the ideal Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle Association supports its Member breeders by providing access to the latest research and guidance from experts in fields such as breed development, canine reproduction, and puppy development. This is a widget ready area. Add some and they will appear here. For all other questions: Email: admin goldendoodleassociation. Your membership helps to fund research and development regarding health, genetics, puppy development, and more. Member Application.

The Labradoodle is one of the most popular, well-known Doodle breeds and for many reasons. Thank you, Poodle genes! Since the Labradoodle comes in both Standard and Mini sizes , almost anyone can expand their family with this adorable Dood. This includes extensive health and genetic testing to rule out any hereditary illnesses that the offspring may inherit. As a result, their puppies are much less likely to inherit any genetic conditions that could seriously alter their quality of life, or even lifespan. In addition to that, pay attention to what type of health guarantees the breeders offer. Generally, responsible breeders offer one or two-year health guarantees that cover any serious genetic conditions that the parents have been tested for. Of course, make sure that the health warranty comes in written form with your puppy purchase documentation. All of these organizations require their members to adhere to their highest standards of health testing and ethical breeding practices. In addition to that, they provide their members plenty of resources on responsible breeding, and help share the best and newest breeding practices amongst their members. Moreover, if you know anyone who has recently adopted a Labradoodle in Minnesota, you can always ask around to hear more about their own personal experiences with various Labradoodle breeders in the area. Choosing a breeder is a time-consuming task that requires a fair amount of work and research on your end. At Grace Kennel, their dogs and puppies are their number one priority. Their goal is to raise puppies with excellent conformation and temperament. They raise their puppies in a loving home environment, where their pups receive lots of love and attention from birth and up until adoption. As you would expect from an ethical breeder, they rigorously test all of their parent dogs. In fact, many of them do therapy work as well. Their puppies sure come from great bloodlines in terms of health and temperament! What Makes This Breeder Unique? They socialize and train the puppies as early as possible. This includes early potty training, basic manners and obedience, and regular grooming. Our doodles live a 'dog's life'. Originally bred to be allergy friendly service dogs they are smart, calm and love to be with people. Whether it's laying by the pool in the summer or bounding along snow covered paths in the winter conveniently snow blown by their human dad , running through the woods or barking at the deer passing through the yard it's all about the fun! On any given day you can watch the doodle parade with at least 3 puffy tails wagging and noses to the ground as we wind our way through the neighborhood. Our dogs are allergy friendly, sweet with just the right amount of spunk and scrupulously health tested. Labradoodle puppies come with a 2 year genetic health guarantee and we will be available as a guide throughout the life of your puppy. Please visit our puppy page to learn about our current litter and plans for future puppies. You can also contact us today by using the button below. Our promise to raise healthy, happy puppies We take every step to ensure that your puppy has a great beginning. A high-quality diet, vet checks, daily exercise and a happy home life in our home or forever family give our parents a great head start. Prenatal checkups, ultrasounds and x-rays ensure that moms and puppies are safe and ready for the big day! Some experts believe that days are a period of rapid neurological growth and development. We stimulate the puppy's nervous system with position exercises ENS and jumpstart their sense of smell ESI by introducing distinct smells. Our play areas challenge the puppies physically and mentally to overcome fears and obstacles during problem solving playtime. There are wobble boards, climbing steps, boxes to explore, tunnels to run through, agility sections, toys and balls to chase. Sound desensitization begins at three weeks. Before puppies go home, they are exposed to our regular home environment. Most master the stairs. Outside, we wander our several fenced acres, encouraging them to be dogs while learning valuable skills. Follow the leader, coming when called, hiding in the woods and playing with mom are the most fun! Your puppy is carefully handled from birth to provide loving human contact while respecting the bond between momma and puppy. In the critical first 8 weeks we strive to help the puppies become well- adjusted little doodles who easily transition to their new homes. We take special pride in knowing each puppy individually. Before puppy selection we provide a detailed description of each puppy. We know who is frisky, who loves to play 'keep away' and who's the charmer. Your puppy is hugged and loved by grandchildren and selected visitors to begin their socialization. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The Labradoodle is a fantastic home dog. They have a super affectionate personality and love to be in the center of the action. They are incredibly smart and enjoy playing but are often not pushy. Their keenness and intuition allows them to judge when it is play time and when it cuddle time. It is important that these dogs are introduced to the world, other people, and canines early on. We choose to socialize our puppies by playing with them throughout the day, going to a Assisted Living facility, and occasionally to daycares and schools. Mini Labradoodles are generally a great choice for a first-time dog owner, a family, a service dog, a school program dog, or a guide dog. At Puppies Up North, we began holding, loving, cuddling, and socializing our puppies from day one. Training a Labradoodle is an easier task than most dogs. Their eager-to-please personalities and intelligence make them both attentive and happy in learning. Their overt friendliness, intuition, and slight sensitivity mean they respond best to positive reinforcement. This means teaching tricks and games. Crate training is exceptionally successful with this breed. Labradoodles are exceptional with all families, young and old. They have a fun-loving personality, eager-to-please attitude, with the adaptability to match your lifestyle, makes them the perfect family companion. Here are the 6 best Labradoodle breeders in Minnesota. With their rigorous screening process for breeders, PuppySpot ensures that all puppies are bred in trustworthy and ethical conditions. Additionally, they offer a health guarantee for all puppies and provide ongoing support to buyers to help ensure that the puppies are well taken care of. This support includes helpful information on training, nutrition, and other important aspects of pet ownership. PuppySpot also offers transportation options for buyers, making it easier for them to receive their new puppies, regardless of their location. With these services and their commitment to responsible breeding practices, PuppySpot is a fantastic choice for those looking for Labradoodle breeders in Minnesota. Heather, who spends time with the furry kids, is originally from Connecticut and has been in Minnesota since .Heather places a premium on the health of Labradoodle puppies and offers a three-day general health warranty. Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles, Minnesota, will give you a full refund if your furry pet develops any of the problems mentioned above after you take them home! They are dedicated to creating healthy, attractive dogs with decent temperaments. They hope to find a loving home for their Labradoodle puppies , where they are well-fed and never have to see a shelter. Hidden Valley Doodles are bred primarily for health and temperament. Thus their parent breeds are examined before crossing. Because of their great temperaments, their canines are prospering as fantastic therapy and service dogs. Their Labradoodle pups come with the following features. Age-appropriate vaccinations Examined by a veterinarian and backed by a two-year health guarantee Microchipped Vitamins and a package of dog food a package stuffed with unique delights This breeder has been growing great service and companion dogs for more than a decade, as well as grooming dogs and cats for over 30 years. For more than 15 years, the owner also worked as a horse trainer. The dewclaws will be removed, but this breeder will not dock the tails. All Labradoodle puppies will be vet checked, dewormed, and have their first set of shots before going to their new homes. Labradoodles on the Lake only plan to breed a specific amount of litter per year to keep the lines healthy and give each puppy the attention they deserve. This breeder raises mini Labradoodles and mini Goldendoodles, mini golden Cockerdoodles, and Cockapoo. Their miniature Labradoodles are renowned for their intellect, calm demeanor, devotion, and graceful walk. They have affectionate personalities and enjoy being in the middle of things. They are extremely intelligent and enjoy playing, although they are rarely demanding. They chose to socialize our puppies by playing with them all day, taking them to an Assisted Living facility, and occasionally taking them to daycares and schools. Mini Labradoodles are often a fantastic choice for a first-time dog owner, a family, a service dog, a school program dog, or a guide dog. All puppies are super healthy, joyful, and confident and are provided with: All immunizations as well as all boosters. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle 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! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Forest Lake Minnesota and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Minnesota? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Minnesota. Many dogs are said to be good for allergy sufferers, but our Aussie Labradoodles are truly hypoallergenic and non-shedding. Friendliest Dispositions Labradoodles have a reputation for friendliness, and these dogs simply love doing whatever their families love doing. Perfect Family Pet Doodles adapt and thrive in so many different living situations, from big families with a lot of kids to retirees and everyone in between. Labradoodles are famous for getting along with everyone, especially kids! Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in Minnesota To meet the sky-high demand for our Labradoodles without sacrificing the wellbeing of our dogs, we decided to form an elite network of Doodle breeders who share our love of dogs, as well as our vision. Better for our customers, better for our dogs. Highest Minnesota Labradoodle Breeder Standards For maximum health and happiness, we have strict guidelines for limitations on both the age and number of litters for our mommy Doodles before retiring them from breeding. Plus, both our puppies and parent dogs live in the absolute BEST conditions possible. Elite Minnesota Labradoodle Genetic Lines Uptown Labradoodles are known for being healthy and even-tempered, from litter to litter and puppy to puppy. We put a lot of effort into minimizing the risk of illnesses and genetic diseases while simultaneously bringing out that awesome Doodle personality.

What is a Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle? Toy poodles and Miniature poodles are the smallest size poodle from the poodle family. They love to curl up and cuddle on your lap but also are athletic enough to enjoy outdoor adventures such as walking, hiking, running, and swimming. They also enjoy lounging around the house and just being an intimate part of your family. Their smaller size makes them an excellent choice for apartment living and recreational vehicle camping. Their intelligence is the same as a standard poodle and even their smaller size is perfect for being excellent service dog candidates for people that do not require assistance from a larger breed dog. They are also excellent therapy dogs for hospitals, assisted living and nursing homes and schools. We have more than 16 years of breeding experience, working with clients in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and all parts of the United States. All our poodle puppies come from champion lines and go through extensive health testing to make sure our clients get puppies with premium pedigrees. At our farm in West Michigan, our toy poodle puppies for sale in Michigan and our miniature poodle puppies for sale in Michigan are born into a caring family environment that encourages their ready transition into loving homes. Each one leaves us fully up to date on healthcare and vaccines. To place a deposit for your own wonderful toy poodle pup or miniature poodle pup from us as quality toy poodle breeders in Michigan and miniature poodle breeders in Michigan go to our contact page! Reputable Poodle breeders in Michigan limit the number of litters their dogs produce every year. Breeders should get their dogs tested for congenital health issues. This process allows them to breed without worrying about future litters inheriting breed-specific diseases. The best breeders in the state should have plenty of knowledge about Poodles to help new owners prepare for life with their new puppy. Poodle breeders prioritize placing their puppies in appropriate homes by reviewing every application submitted by interested buyers. Poodle Puppies in Michigan Poodles are a popular dog breed that many people across Michigan and the United States love. Their intelligence, loyalty, and energetic temperament make them great for families with kids. Their curly, low-shedding coat comes in several solid and patterned coat colors. Poodles need regular grooming, so you should brush them daily and take them to a professional groomer every six weeks. Many Poodle breeders get their puppies accustomed to grooming at an early age. Poodles come in several size types : Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Some breeders offer Moyen Poodle puppies, a medium-sized variant developed from smaller Standard-sized Poodles. Most Poodles live about 12 to 15 years without major health complications. Although many people keep Poodles as show dogs or family pets, others use them as therapy dogs or hunting dogs because of their trainability. Conclusion Finding reputable Poodle breeders in Michigan can be daunting to some first-time dog owners. Thankfully, many of them throughout the state prioritize the health and safety of their puppies to ensure that they find perfect, loving homes. Similar Posts. Scroll down to content About Us As a top-notch dog breeder, my passion for canines runs deep, and my dedication to ensuring the well-being and happiness of each and every dog in my care is unwavering. With years of experience in the field, I take immense pride in the art of breeding and nurturing exceptional dogs that embody both physical excellence and remarkable temperament. I create a loving and stimulating environment that mimics a home-like setting for my four-legged companions. Understanding the importance of early socialization, I expose the puppies to various stimuli, experiences, and gentle training from the moment they open their eyes. This helps develop their confidence, adaptability, and overall mental and emotional resilience. Health and genetics are paramount in my breeding program. I meticulously select breeding pairs based on their genetic backgrounds, ensuring that they are free from hereditary diseases and possess desirable traits. Regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and a well-balanced diet are integral parts of my comprehensive care plan to ensure the puppies grow up to be strong and healthy. To enhance the quality of my breeding program, I collaborate with a team of veterinary experts, trainers, and behaviorists who share the same commitment to excellence. Together, we strive to produce dogs with exceptional conformation, intelligence, and temperament, making them suitable for various purposes, whether it be as loyal companions, agile competitors, or reliable working dogs. Finding the perfect forever homes for my puppies is of utmost importance to me. I carefully screen potential owners to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge, resources, and love to provide a nurturing and stable environment. I also provide ongoing support and guidance to the new owners, helping them seamlessly integrate their new furry family member into their lives. As a top-notch dog breeder, I believe that responsible breeding is a lifelong commitment to the dogs I bring into this world. I am always eager to learn and adapt to the latest advancements in veterinary care, training techniques, and breed standards to continually improve the quality of my breeding program. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the betterment of the canine world by producing healthy, well-rounded, and happy dogs that bring joy and companionship to the lives of their owners. We specialize and strive to produce healthy Companion, Therapy and Service Dogs with wonderful temperaments.

If not, here is the form! Get a bite of what is happening at WCBR, our dogs, our amazing adopters and all the incredible people that keep this rescue going! Email Address Woot Woo! We will never keep you chained or leashed to our list. You can run free at anytime, unsubscribe at the bottom of any emails you receive. We are so excited to have you in the fun! His love and compassion for Boxers was felt by those who had the pleasure of spending time with him. Ken loved sports and spending time with friends. He also collected sports memorabilia and other collectibles like Hot Wheels. He truly loved Milo, featured in the the photo with him. Every time we received a message from him he included a picture of him and Milo. He never gave up hope that some treatment would be the ultimate cure. He worked as long as he could and made his journey to the light in late June. His weakened system just couldn't fight any longer. He will be deeply missed by WCBR, and we wish his family peace with his loss. Thank you to so many who have donated to WCBR in his memory. Ken will forever be in our hearts. We need your help. The number of Boxers being surrendered by families and in the shelters is overwhelming. We continue to receive owner surrenders a week, along with multiple pleas from surrounding shelters for Boxers in need. So many Boxer are coming from families that are no longer able to financially care for them, just don't want them, many are dealing with illness or the Boxer's pet parent has passed away, and many just are moving. Without the funding or foster homes, sadly we have to turn away these surrenders. Please Foster, Fund or be a Forever Home. Vocality level 3 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament The Boxer is playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing; this dog is a perfect companion for an active family. Boxers can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. They may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets. Upkeep The Boxer needs daily mental and physical exertion. They likes to run, but their exercise needs can also be met with a good jog or long walk on leash. They do not do well in hot weather. Some snore. The coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy Suggested tests: thyroid, hip, cardiac Holter monitoring Life span: 8—10 years Note: Sensitive to heat. White boxers may be deaf. The drug acepromazine can cause severe reactions. History The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabenter Bullenbeiser. Bullenbeiser means bull-biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest. This required a strong but agile dog with a broad powerful jaw and a recessed nose. In England, the Bulldog was the favored breed for the sport, whereas in Germany large mastiff-type dogs were used. Around the s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisers with mastiff-type dogs for size, terriers for tenacity, and, finally, Bulldogs. The result was a tough agile dog with a streamlined body and strong grip. By , an entirely new breed, the Boxer, had been established. Although the exact origin of the name Boxer is obscure, it may have been derived from the German Boxl. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be employed as a police and military dog in Germany. By , the breed had become established as a general utility dog, family pet, and even show dog. The AKC recognized the breed soon after, but only in the s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the fourth most popular breed in America. Related Content.

german shepherd puppy habits - You will be getting his AKC full registration paperwork, along with vet records. Puppy will be microchipped. Ready to go to your home now! The price on the puppy is negotiable to some extent, no low balers. These dogs are expensive, and expensive to keep. Please do your homework. Puppy is guaranteed through contract for 12mo. Dewormed, shots, and well socialized. Male is full suited lilac, female 1 is lilac and female 2 is black tri. Potty training well. Transport available at buyers expense. View Detail English bulldog puppies I have 3 English bulldog puppies that are 10 months old. Prices are I also offer a payment contract lay-way if needed. For more information please contact me. I'm located in Bellevue nebraska xxx xxx xxx3 View Detail English Bulldog puppies Euphoric English Bulldog puppies ready for their new and forever lovely home. Good with kids and other pets been wormed and deflected vet checked 3 females 1 male very chunky ready to go. In excellent condition, good family pets. All injections given, also chipped. These puppies have great markings no breathing problems or health issues fantastic bone structure many champions in bloodlines EMAIL.And of course Guru s.View Detail Gorgeous Kc Bulldog Puppies Show quality meets colours in this fantastic breed Lola is our 3 year old beloved pet she live in our house along side with our 2 French Bulldogs and Bengal and my 2 older boys and my 11 month old baby that never leaves her alon.Prydainteirw are pleased to announce we have an outstanding litter available of 1 boy and 7 girls. These pups are ready to go to there new forever the boy and 5 girls have already been sold. These pups hav.View Detail Reduced!!!! They all has pretty baby doll faces with large eyes and short noses. They has very compact body and short legs! Contact for details.Interested person should email for more details. He has a very beautiful mask and is absolutely stunning. He has one blue eye and one brown eye. Current on de-wormings and vaccines. Coming due for his first rabies vaccine. You are welcome to come see him. We are also willing to meet with you within reason. Recent on all shots and loves the company of kids , toys and other home pets. We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about French Bulldog puppies for sale near Omaha? One of the most interesting things about French Bulldogs is their physical traits. Their compact bodies, large bat-like ears, and adorable faces make them one of the cutest dog breeds around. French Bulldogs are also incredibly playful. They love keeping active and being at the center of attention. On top of that, their calm and loving personalities make them a great companion for long walks and cuddles. Plus, they require relatively little grooming compared to other dog breeds. Their short coats can actually become quite smelly if not looked after but fortunately they are fairly low maintenance. Are French Bulldog puppies for sale in Omaha non-shedding? French Bulldogs do not shed as much as other breeds of dogs, but they are not completely non-shedding. French Bulldogs still shed a small amount of hair, and tend to need regular grooming and brushing to manage and reduce the amount of shedding. Additionally, heat, humidity, and seasonal changes can also affect the amount of shedding. Owners should offer French Bulldogs the necessary grooming sessions to keep their shedding under control. They may also want to seek advice from a professional groomer if shedding becomes excessive. What do Omaha French Bulldog puppies for sale eat? French Bulldogs should be provided with quality, nutritional food to promote a healthy lifestyle. It is important to feed your French Bulldog a nutritional, well-balanced diet such as dry kibble that will provide adequate protein, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids for their growth and development. Adding supplements like vitamins and minerals may also be beneficial. When it comes to treats, it still is best to stay within the same nutritious diet, so try to find treats that are made for French Bulldogs. How do I prepare to adopt French Bulldog puppies in Omaha? Preparing for a new French Bulldog is a thrilling opportunity! First, visit your veterinarian to discuss the best vaccinations for your pet and determine which products and services are recommended in order to keep your new bulldog healthy. Make sure to have their bed, food, food and water bowls, leash, and toys ready for their arrival and create an indoor space that is safe and comfortable. Consider enrolling in an obedience or puppy class to introduce your pup to safe and fun socialization or working with a professional trainer to get the most from the experience. Are French Bulldogs for sale in Omaha considered big dogs? French Bulldogs, though small in size, are confident and alert dogs. Despite their relatively small stature, they have a big personality and are known for making a great companion pet. Generally, French Bulldogs range in weight from fourteen to twenty-eight pounds, and up to sixteen inches in height, making them smaller than many of the more commonly known larger breeds such as German Shepards or Labrador Retrievers. As far as size and stature is concerned, French Bulldogs are considered a small dog breed. Are French Bulldog puppies near Omaha active dogs? French Bulldogs are known for being more on the laid-back side, but they still have plenty of energy and enjoy an active life. They are generally more content with shorter activities and may tire out quicker than other breeds, but this does not take away from the amount of enjoyment they can get from daily exercise. Are French Bulldogs in Omaha good for first-time owners? French Bulldogs can make rewarding and low-maintenance pets for first-time owners. Not only are they relatively inactive and low-energy, but they also require minimal grooming and bark less than many other breeds. Frenchies are also known for being incredibly loyal and affectionate, so they make great companions. That said, they can be somewhat stubborn and require consistent training in order to properly channel their behavior. All in all, while they may require a bit of patience and common sense, they are a great starter pet for the novice owner. How do I train my Omaha French Bulldogs for sale? French Bulldogs are intelligent and can learn quickly, making them an easy breed to train. You should also make sure the training is kept short and consistent, with plenty of praises for successful commands. Then we have some good news for you! Although we are not located in your state, we can get our Bulldog puppies shipped to you safely! For avid facebookers you will also be able to interact with siblings of your pup and watch how they grow! If you are looking for a perfect bulldogge, give us a call .I love to follow all of our friends and the adventures they have with their dawgs. Anyone else interested please do the same. Hes mellow, smart a huge :. We couldnt be happier with him and with Ary. Ary is always available to help answer questions of give advise and loves to keep up with his pups as they grow and beyond. In researching, we found Ary and the Olde English breed and could not be happier with the decision to get Bruce. Ary was incredible throughout the process, explaining everything we needed to know about the breed and the process of importing him into Hong Kong. He checked in with us several times before the flight and was in constant contact via text when we went to the airport to pick up Bruce, who arrived a little skeptical of his new surroundings but perfectly healthy and happy. The extent to which Ary cares about every one of the amazing dogs he sells is clear through his attention to detail and willingness to put in any extra effort to make sure his puppies get to, and stay in, good homes. He took to his kennel training and potty training so fast! In searching for our puppy, we did our due diligence researching online and then visiting your property in person. I was impressed with how happy and healthy all of your dogs are. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet the parents of our puppy; they both seemed to have great termperments. Thanks for a wonderful puppy! Lauren W. I recently adopted her from Ary, and it was great! Ary is so devoted to all of his dogs, he even knows them by their bark! His property is a dog haven, dog runs, kiddie pools, and toys for days! He truly loves what he does. When I heard that Ary had rescued a litter of puppies i had to take a look! I fell in love with them all, as i do with all of his litters! He knows the background of each and every one of his dogs, he is so knowledgeable about the breed and is always there to answer any questions i have about Pepper. I will definitely be getting another bulldogge from Ary in the years to come. Thanks Ary! Jenna S. Iowa Hey Ary We just want to say thank for are boy Kane. He one of the best we gotten. He is are first bulldogge and wont be the last. Im just glad you made my day by letting take Kane home to live with use. S im looking forward to the day we get are girl from you. He is pounds and a real joy to have around! Ary is so helpful and we are grateful for him introducing us to this wonderful breed. There really is no better breed of dog! If you are looking for a bulldog and you should be! Shane S. Cares deeply about the health and well being of his dogs. A quality breeder with amazing dogs!! Cinda G. Brea, CA Just want to start off by saying: Ari, isnt just a Breeder hes a good guy and now a friend of mine!!!! I bought a puppy from him last feb !!! Since that time he taught me a lot about the breed to the point where i want to start breeding oldies!!!! So if you looking for a quality olde you have came to the right spot…. For many of these beautiful animals, they face a life in cages or possible being put to sleep. Here at One of a Kind we are trying to do our bit to help these dogs, so we have created www. So, if you want to help out and give a beautiful abandoned dog a loving home rather than buying a puppy, please have a look at our rescue website. Follow Us on Social Media! Paypal Secured Payments.


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german shepherd puppy habits - Are male and female German shepherds different? The Neonatal Period. Birth-2 Weeks. In the first two weeks of their life your puppy is mostly helpless and fully dependant on their mother. Their mother will be responsible for feeding, eliminating waste and keeping them warm. The puppies will be able to taste, touch and feel warmth but their eyes and ears are sealed shut. You should see the following milestones hit in the first two weeks. What you should expect to see: Puppies Starting to Crawl Eyes and ears starting to open Teeth starting to appear By the end of the first two weeks your puppies should be able to stand up, albeit a little shakily and have their eyes and ears fully open. The Transitional Period. They will start to be able to control their body and temperature much better. They will start to interact with their litter mates but will still be largely dependent on their mother. What you should expect to see: Puppies Walking Well Puppies Interacting with you and their littermates Puppy teeth almost complete. The Socialisation Period 4weeks — 3 months The puppies will now have complete control of their body and will start exploring the world around them. The latter half of this period is the ideal time to rehome the puppies as this is when they are most susceptible to learning new things and they can start to be taught basic commands. Between weeks your puppy may start to display signs of some fearfulness. This is perfectly normal and will need to be nurtured Not encouraged by you. What you should expect to see: Start showing adult behaviours Wagging tails, sniffing bums Start to be able to be taught basic commands Ears begin to sit upright. The Juvenile Period 3months-6months Your German Shepherd puppy will become much more independent during this period. They will start to understand dominance and will explore their home to understand where their position is in the household. What you should expect to see: Female puppies begin heat cycles Ears now fully upright Males reach sexual maturity The Adolescence Period 6monthsmonths Most of your puppies social understanding and behaviours will have developed by this point but a reinforcement of these is still important. Your puppy will be at their most energetic and will require a structured training routine to help them to continue to develop. Males are considered fully grown at 36months whereas females reach this mark around 24months. You will know have an excellent, loyal family pet and companion to spend many years together with. German Shepherds are a medium-large breed. Females will grow to around inches and weigh lbs whereas the males will grow to around inches and weigh lbs. How many puppies is there in the average German Shepherd litter? German Shepherd litters Usually consist of between 5 and 10 puppies. How long do German shepherds live? The average life span for a German Shepherd is somewhere between 9 and 14 years. Other than the size difference already discussed females tend to be more affectionate than males where is male dogs are usually more protective of their surroundings and their families. Related Posts. The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Though they typically only average nine to thirteen years, those years can be very memorable and special to dog and owner. Along the way, there are several German Shepherd growth stages that they will encounter including several fun and exciting breakthroughs. They will go through many different levels of development stacking up in inches and packing on the pounds. German Shepherd Growth Stages: This article will cover in detail, all of the month-to-month growth stages including their size from 1 month old to 3-year-old. It will also include important milestones along the way. This is the puppy portion of the German Shepherd growth stages and these cute little fur balls are beginning their journey into the new world. They are independent, spry and ready to explore! They are starting to grow but stand no taller than half a foot. Cuteness Factor: Through the roof! Height: Male: 4 — 6 in 11 — 16 cm Female: 3 — 6 in 8 — 14 cm Weight: Male: 5. They stand up for the first time. They start exploring independently and playing. Bowel movements are partially controlled. Light barking and growling begin. Puppy teeth should be filling in. This is a good time to introduce them to some kibble. They may or may not be interested. Month 2: Socialization Growth Stage Once the fuzz balls reach month 2, they start socializing more with other animals and people. This is also the time that their little chompers should be complete. They have grown up a little but still remain under a foot tall. Cuteness Factor: Just look at my ears! Height: Male: 7 — 9 in 17 — 22 cm Female: 6 — 9 in 14 — 22 cm Weight: Male: 16 — 20 lbs 6 — 9 kg Female: 11 — 17 lbs 5 — 7. They start to bond with animals and people. Their mental development starts to speed up. Fear reaction begins. They are typically ready to find their forever home. Food: Weaning should be wrapping up at this age. They should transition to a diet of puppy kibble. One and a half cups total three times a day is recommended but stick to a solid schedule. Vaccines: Puppy should have distemper and parvovirus by this time. Teething will be in full force at month 3 and their adult canines and incisors will start to push through. Those cute little fluffy ears may start to go up and down. They will start to lose their puppy coat and you may notice a racing stripe on the spine where the adult hair is starting to grow in. At this point they have almost made it to the height of a standard ruler. Cuteness Factor: Equal to fluffy pillows! Height: Male: 9 — 11 in 23 — 27 cm Female: 8 — 10 in 20 — 25 cm Weight: Male: 22 — 30 lbs 10 — 14 kg Female: 17 — 26 lbs 8 — 12 kg Milestones: Ears begin to stand up. Teething stage begins and continues for several months. Lots of biting and chewing ensures. Potty training and socialization should be consistent. Puppy fuzz begins to be replaced with adult double coat of fur. Food: Two cups of puppy kibble total three times a day is recommended. Vaccines: DHPP which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are recommended. Month 4: At this point GSDs will be very playful and getting into some trouble. They have left puppy hood and become adolescents. Multiple skills will be developing as they learn, socialize and train. Height: Male: 11 — 14 in 29 — 35 cm Female: 10 — 12 in 26 — 31 cm Weight: Male: 35 — 40 lbs 16 — 18 kg Female: 31 — 35 lbs 14 — 16 kg Milestones: Ears continue to perk up. Teething continues as adult teeth come in. They continue to play and explore everything around them. Training continues as they constantly learn. Food: Puppy should continue to eat two cups of kibble total three times per day. Vaccines: DHPP and rabies are recommended. Month 5: At 5 months of age, they are still growing fast and should have gained close to 10 pounds. They are still in the juvenile stage and have plenty of energy to go around. They are looking much more like an adult but still have that puppy spirit. Ears may have perked up at this point. Cuteness Factor: Cute as pumpkin pie! Height: Male: 14 — 16 in 35 — 40 cm Female: 12 — 14 in 31 — 36 cm Weight: Male: 40 — 49 lbs 18 — 22 kg Female: 35 — 44 lbs 16 — 20 kg Milestones: Ears may be standing up. Adult features are filling out. They are at least half of their adult size. They are still teething. Sexual maturity begins to emerge. Food: Juvenile should still be eating around two cups total three times a day. Month 6: Adolescent Growth Stage At 6 months old, they are making their way into the adolescent part of the German Shepherd growth stages. They will be starting to get into their sexual maturity stage which will last until they are around two years old. Hormones will kick in and males will begin to mark their territory and look for females to mate with. Females may go into heat for the first time. Their adult coat should be completely grown in but it could take a bit longer. Cuteness Factor: Equivalent to a teddy bear! Height: Male: 16 — 18 in 41 — 46 cm Female: 15 — 17 in 37 — 42 cm Weight: Male: 49 — 57 lbs 22 — 26 kg Female: 44 — 49 lbs 20 — 22 kg Milestones: Ears should be standing up. Adult features are more filled out. They are sexually active and will begin marking their territory and roaming for mates. Teething should be close to finished and all 42 of their adult teeth should be almost grown. Full adult double coat of fur should be present. Food: Adolescent should be eating around two to three cups total two times a day. Month 7: At 7 months old , a German Shepherd should be well developed cognitively. Their sexual maturity continues, and your leg may just become their next mate. Some aggression may be present as their hormones go up and down. Their weight gain begins to slow down for the first time only adding around 5 pounds from the previous month. They are looking much more like an adult dog. Aggression and sexual maturity continue. Teething should be close to finished. Food: Adolescent should be eating two to three cups total two times a day. They are still maturing and could still be aggressive and bark or lunge at other dogs, kids or people. This behavior must be reined in with the proper training. Teaching them new tricks is a great way to curb their aggression. Cuteness Factor: Still able to melt your heart! Height: Male: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Female: 18 — 20 in 45 — 50 cm Weight: Male: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Female: 53 — 57 lbs 24 — 26 kg Milestones: Ears should be well formed and perky. They continue to transition into adulthood. They are still maturing, and aggressive behavior may be present. Teething should be finished, and all of their adult teeth should be grown. Month 9: At 9 months old, German Shepherds have reached most of their milestones. They should be sporting a full set of 42 adult chompers and some nice big perky ears. They are still maturing sexually and could be exhibiting aggressive behaviors, but training should be in full force. Cuteness Factor: Not puppy cute but still irresistible! Height: Male: 21 — 23 in 54 — 59 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 64 — 71 lbs 29 — 32 kg Female: 55 — 60 lbs 25 — 27 kg Milestones: They are still growing but only gaining a few pounds a month now. Month By 10 months of age, GSDs are still trucking along in the adolescent stage. They will still be acting like teenagers and may be getting into some trouble. Although clever and smart they will sometimes act clumsy and goofy. They are still learning and should be in training. Cuteness Factor: Cute and nutty like peanut butter! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 73 lbs 30 — 33 kg Female: 57 — 62 lbs 26 — 28 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Month Moving into month 11, German Shepherds are becoming more and more adult but may be stubborn. They may start to challenge their owner with respect to leadership. They need to know that you are in charge and that they must respect your commands. Training and reinforcement is crucial during this time period. Cuteness Factor: Cute enough to get out of trouble! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 57 — 62 cm Female: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 75 lbs 30 — 34 kg Female: 60 — 64 lbs 27 — 29 kg Milestones: They are still growing slowly. Month 1 year old German Shepherds are moving out of the puppy phase of the German Shepherd growth stages and into adulthood. By now they have most likely formed a strong bond with their owner. They may still misbehave occasionally but proper training should be paying off. Food: Adolescent should transition to adult food and be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: DHPP, rabies are recommended. Year 1. They are getting closer to sexual maturity. Cuteness Factor: Furry and plushness overload! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 55 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 79 lbs 32 — 36 kg Female: 60 — 66 lbs 27 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Food: Adolescent should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Year 2: At 2 years old, they should be well along in their journey to adulthood. With the proper training and socialization, they should be transforming into the alert, confident, courageous, loving and loyal German Shepherd companion that makes them so popular among dog owners. They are pretty much full grown at this point with only a few more pounds to pack onto their athletic frame. Cuteness Factor: Perfectly precious! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 57 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 84 lbs 32 — 38 kg Female: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but almost full grown. Vaccines: DHPP is recommended. Year 3: Adult Growth Stage Your German Shepherd is finally an adult with all of the beautiful characteristics and traits that people admire. They have reached physical and sexual maturity and are ready to brave the new world. Consistent training should have payed off. They should be calm and well disciplined. Height: Male: 24 — 26 in 60 — 65 cm Female: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Weight: Male: 79 — 88 lbs 36 — 40 kg Female: 66 — 70 lbs 28 — 32 kg Milestones: They are done growing. They have matured physically and sexually. Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and can be required by law depending on your state. A full grown adult German Shepherd will stand approximately 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 88 pounds on average. However, some German Shepherds will get bigger even getting over a pounds. Hopefully your GSD is in the correct range. Keep an eye out for any deficiencies during their growth. These German Shepherd growth stages should help you determine all of the proper measurements to make sure they are right on track in their development. Each stage in their maturation is important. Remember to give them a high-quality healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient training and socialization. These will all help lead to a stable and well-adjusted German Shepherd. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you have any experience with a growing German Shepherd? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. German Shepherd Development: From Puppies To Adults Posted on Last updated: Categories German Shepherds From early puppyhood to adulthood, German Shepherds undergo significant development that shapes their temperament, behavior, and physical abilities. As a dog owner, understanding the developmental stages of your German Shepherd is crucial to providing the right care and training. German Shepherd development consists of several stages. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Contents Final Thoughts German Shepherd Development and Growth Stages German Shepherd development refers to the physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur in German Shepherd puppies as they grow and mature into adulthood. These changes include the physical development of their muscles, bones, and organs, as well as their ability to learn and process information. Social development involves their ability to interact with other dogs and humans and to understand and follow social rules and norms. As a dog owner, it is important to understand the growth stages of your German Shepherd. Knowing what to expect during each stage can help you provide the best care for your furry friend. In the latter case, you need to know that the German Shepherd puppy depends on his mother for everything in these initial weeks. This includes food, warmth, and physical security. Here, your only responsibility is to make sure the dam is equipped with what she needs to fulfill her duties. As long as you feed the adult GSD right, she will be able to feed her babies and give them the warmth and company they need. You might notice that the puppies may seem asocial. Do not measure how the puppy interacts with other dogs for at least three to four weeks, which brings us to what you can expect within the next two weeks. This is where the puppy can wean off and not need a diet made up of milk exclusively. The puppy can consume solid food but is not too fond of it, especially if it is strange in texture. Your priority at this stage should be to get him to accept solid food without regressing to a diet of milk. There will be a social incentive in weaning off as the puppy will observe the litter he belongs to and notice a simultaneous change in feeding preferences. This brings us to a very important change: social interaction. I mentioned above that you should not worry about social disinterest up until the third week. However, by the fourth week, you should look for some interaction. If the puppy fails to acknowledge others in the litter or is getting shunned collectively, consulting an expert trainer or a vet can be helpful. Otherwise, the journey from being 4 weeks old to being adoption-ready is a long one, and it starts by accepting a human guardian. From weeks 4 to 5, the puppy is learning to accept a human usually the breeder as his guardian. Both dominant guardian and guiding guardian archetypes work in establishing yourself as the leader, but the dominant frame might box you into less palatable training tactics. German Shepherd puppies are quite intelligent, but a bulk of this cognitive ability is unlocked in two stages. The first is around the five-week mark. This could be the fourth or sixth week, depending on the individual puppy, but it is noticeable when the dog starts getting excited about other dogs. Of course, you need to be on schedule with socialization and carry-walks to notice this. Again, this explains why breeders usually keep the GSD puppies at this stage. Aggression issues can stem from excitement signaling menace. The opposite is true as well. Fortunately, professional breeders expose the dog to other dogs his age at this stage, and he learns to adjust how he shows and perceives excitement, making your life as a new German Shepherd parent much easier. But socializing your German Shepherd happens in stages as well. And of different ages. The wider the variety of people he gets to see and interact with at this stage, the more receptive he will be to people growing up. If your German Shepherd has seen only young people all his life, he might react differently to older ones and vice versa. This also applies to experiences. Exposing your puppy to experiences like car rides and ringing doorbells ensures that he will be calm in normal situations as he grows up. And in addition to getting your German Shepherd acquainted with normal stimuli like bells and travel, you must get him crate trained at this stage. Introducing the crate as a refuge and a secure spot as opposed to jail is a great way to get your GSD puppy to accept the crate. The more you delay this, the harder it becomes to crate-train a German Shepherd. If you want to check how his growth compares to the guidelines, head over to this article, When Do German Shepherds Stop Growing? This also includes a handy growth chart. This is a critical stage because if unchecked, your German Shepherd might end up hurting other dogs or be hurt by them. The watchful dog-parent in you that you were holding back has his chance to shine here. Make sure you keep a close eye on your German Shepherd and how he interacts with any other dogs in the house. The status-measuring step is one even adult dogs take when first interacting with each other. But at this age, dogs engage in prolonged status-measuring inquiry and either establish dominance or accept their subservient spot. You cannot force your German Shepherd to be the alpha in a relationship with another dog. GSDs are very physical, which is fine when two dogs play within the same breed. But if one of your doggos belongs to a relatively fragile lineage, you might want to consider some separation. If you are worried your German Shepherd playing too rough , click the link for some cool tips on how to limit rough play. The easier to walk your GSD is, the more enjoyable it will be for you both. This is better elaborated in my dedicated post on the fun exercises you can do with your German Shepherd puppy. At the same time, his physical energy levels are rising every day, which can be counterproductive as your German Shepherd can get uber-excited about physical activity. Make sure you have him on a no-pull harness instead of a collar-and-leash, so you can get him properly under control without hurting him. You can also see my other recommendations here. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. While looking through the different stages of growth you can see the rough size of German Shepherd puppies at different stages of their life by comparing the ages to a German Shepherd growth chart. Important Note: Once a puppy has been weened off milk it is essential that the puppy is given a high quality puppy food to ensure proper development. A lack of proper nutrients can result in ears not rising, smaller than normal dogs and health complications in later life. In my opinion Blue Buffalo Puppy Food is the best available on the market. German Shepherd puppies, as with all other dog breeds, are born with their eyes and ears closed. At this stage the GSD puppies are completely dependent on their mothers for care, food and the like and the newborn puppies are relatively immobile. A small section of the umbilical cord will still be attached to the German Shepherd puppy - this will dry up and fall off on its own within a few days. The first 3 days are the most critical in a GSD puppies life. Birth is the beginning of the neonatal period in GSD development and it lasts roughly 2 weeks. Typically the puppies will curve into a comma type shape when picked up. This is because their nervous system at this time is still very immature. Additionally, they can't eliminate unless the mother, or caregiver, stimulates their anus or urethra by licking or gently rubbing the area. Gentle, frequent handling by humans is very helpful from this age onward. As their nervous system development continues they will now also now arch their backs when they are picked up and held rather than curving into a more comma shaped position as before. Around Day 7 German Shepherd puppies now begin to crawl more readily and more often during this phase of GSD development. Short periods of daily handling and exposure to some stimuli can also be very beneficial to stimulate weight gain in the puppy, earlier eye opening, hair growth and motor development in all members of the GSD litter. The German Shepherd puppies eyes will appear to be blue in color at first even though they can't focus right now. They will be able to see shapes after about 2 weeks of age during continued GSD development. Around Day 14 The German Shepherd pups eyes and ears should be fully open by now and many may have their first incisor teeth beginning to erupt. The puppies should also be crawling quite well by this time. This is the beginning of the transitional period of GSD development which typically lasts about a week or so. This is also a period of profound changes in the German Shepherd puppies growth and development. The German Shepherd puppy will begin to be more independent from it's mom during this time. During this time the German Shepherd puppies will begin to eliminate on their own and should start walking within 2- to 3 days by about day 16 or so - very shaky at first, but with practice growing legs will soon become less wobbly. You can observe tail wagging as well as the beginning of play fighting. German Shepherd puppies will also be eliminating on their own by this time. Around Day 21 Around this date the German Shepherd puppy will move from the transitional phase into the socialization period of GSD development. By this time GSD puppies should be able to walk pretty well, with a more adult-like gait. They will also begin a more active exploration of their environments and that of their GSD litter mates. This period is thought to last from about 2. This is an extremely important time for the emotional and social development of the German Shepherd puppy. This is also a period of dramatic changes in your German Shepherd puppies life. This is the period in GSD development when puppies can form bonds with species outside of its own such as human beings. This is also the time when the puppy can identify their own species as well as being able to identify future social partners. Oftentimes, the peak of sensitivity to the formation of social bonds is described to be between 6 to 8 weeks of age. This is also called the fear period in GSD development! Around Week 4 By now social play becomes an important factor in GSD development and German Shepherd puppies learn how to interact with litter mates and adult animals of their species as well. They can also play with toys, play fight, play with humans and other animals and are beginning to eat other soft foods to supplement their mother's milk. Many times the GSD puppies are fearless during this time - exploring their environment and all that is about them. This is also a good time for continued exposure to new and novel things, to various people and other kinds of animals, all while the German Shepherd puppy continues to develop. The socialization stage is very important in the growth of GSD development, however it should be looked at within the context of the developing emotional system of the puppy. At around 3 - 5 weeks of age attraction responses in German Shepherd puppies are very strong. These kinds of responses begin to diminish between 5 - 7 weeks of age as fear responses begin to emerge. It is important to note that early socialization is tremendously important in the development of well-adjusted GSD puppies. During these few weeks, your German Shepherd puppy will also learn how to play and communicate with it's littermates, respond to humans it comes in contact with and how to get along safely in the adult dog world. Around Week 6 German Shepherd puppies begin exhibiting more adult like behaviors such as mounting of other litter mates and demonstrating dominance roles. Sniffing of tails and noses also becomes an important part of the greeting process among their canine peers. Between about 7 - 9 weeks of age the fear response may become so strong as to begin to overwhelm the attraction response. For other puppies the social motivation to make contact may very well overcome any wariness during this phase of GSD development. Around weeks 7 - 12 Among other things, this is an ideal age of socializing your German Shepherd puppy to humans, other animals and new surroundings and objects. It also a great time to learn such important skills as: leash training, housebreaking, crate training, accepting gentle handling and grooming and to accept human domination and control. The socialization period is absolutely critical in GSD development and acceptance of other animal species. If a GSD puppy is not exposed to horses, sheep, goats, other dogs, cats or small children before it reaches 12 weeks, it is likely it will never accept them. You may also observe that your German Shepherd pups ears are beginning to come up in some form or fashion. Don't be surprised by the wild and interesting shapes that they may take on as they mature. As the puppy goes through the teething process the ears will go up and down and will do all sorts of weird things - one up one down; one flopping to the left, the other to the right; both in the center, etc. This period is thought to occur from the end of the primary socialization period through sexual maturity. Motor skills are increasing for the GSD puppy. During this time the puppy is still refining both learning and social skills as well. While puppies in this phase can learn quite well, they are easily distracted and very hard to keep on task. This is an excellent time to start puppy kindergarten. This is also a good time to start being very aware of your GSD puppies ear carriage. Around 4 Months German Shepherd puppies will begin to lose their puppy teeth and will soon replace them with their adult teeth, generally starting with the incisors. Young German Shepherds will continue to learn about their environment and all the individuals in it throughout their social maturization process. This is often the time when older puppies are learning about their social relationships within the environment they live. Social maturity takes more time to achieve than sexual maturity. In the beginning of social maturity dogs will begin to display more mature, adult social behaviors. This time is thought to vary between breeds and from dog to dog and to occur anywhere from 12 - 36 months of age, especially in the larger breeds such as German Shepherds. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good place to start. If your German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing up by this time on their own it is a good time to consider taping them. Detailed directions for this process can be found here. Overall, most of the puppies internal body systems are nearly "adult" even though the skeleton is still growing and will for some time to come. In many respects your German Shepherd puppy is now a "small adult". The heart rate has decreased again to about 70 BPM and by the end of this month the GSD puppy should have a full set of adult teeth. Also an important milestone: German Shepherd females reach sexual maturity and have their first estrus heat period. If the GSD's ears are not up by this time you need to take action quickly to get them up before it is too late. Read the article on ear taping. Around 7 - 12 Months German Shepherd males reach sexual maturity and begin to hike their leg when urinating. It is important to be especially firm and consistent about setting limits and enforcing commands during this time since your older GSD puppy may challenge dominance of other dogs or humans during this stage. If the German Shepherd puppies ears are not standing on their own by this point, there is a good chance that they will never stand on their own. This is an ideal age in GSD development to start "Beginning" level classes of obedience training. Bonding to humans is now very firmly established and your German Shepherds vocal and body communications are now that of a more mature individual dog - and more easily understood, and well on their way to many years of happy companionship with you. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males.