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Buying A Boxer Puppy? Finding Your Puppy -- Buying From the Breeder The conscientious breeder plans a breeding to reproduce the best characteristics of an outstanding sire or dam. His guide is the official AKC Standard of the breedthe written "blueprint" that helps keep the breed uniform for generations to come. You can find the breed standard, revised in , at the American Boxer Club website: www. The more common disappointments for pet purchasers come from commercial sources--especially pet shops that often buy puppies from the infamous "puppy mills" that take little notice of the quality or health they are producing. The pet store or dog broker will sell you a puppy with a breeder's name attached to the paperwork--but this puppy may easily have been born in a puppy mill. The reputable breeder, on the other hand, will not only be able to demonstrate the pedigree and registration papers, but will also show you either the sire or dam themselves, or pictures of the parent who may be owned elsewhere. Though the mere presence of "papers" does not guarantee good health, conformation, or temperament, you will most often find these attributes in the puppy who has been raised with loving care in the home or kennel of a conscientious hobby breeder. The serious breeder often strives to produce a potential "champion. Sometimes the distribution of white markings alone may make the difference between the so-called "pet" and show-potential puppy. The pet puppy will have benefited from the same proven bloodlines, nutrition, and medical care as its "champion" littermate. His breeder will have health tested the parents and done the best he can to insure good temperament, soundness, and longevity. Here is your best buy. Boxer magazines publish ads from breeders. The American Boxer Club web site www. Usually any time after weeks. Many states have regulations regarding minimum age. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6-year-old youngster? Remember too that the puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest. Don't forget that adult dogs, already trained, also make ideal pets. While much can be told at six to eight weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer. Male or Female? This choice is a matter of personal preference. Both males and females make admirable pets. Breeding is a serious committment of time, energy, and money, and not to be taken lightly. If breeding is not anticipated, it may be appropriate to spay or neuter your dog. This procedure is best done as your Boxer approaches adolescence. Please be aware that these surgeries should be discussed with your veterinarian as to safety of anesthesia and any long term effects other than sterilization. Spayed and neutered animals are not eligible to compete in the conformation ring but may be shown in performance events. Check this list! Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth. Optional removal of front dewclaws fifth toes is done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws. Ear cropping is customary and appropriate but not required--it is a matter of personal preference. Uncropped ears are permitted under the breed standard. If cropped, this procedure is done under general anesthesia, usually between six and nine weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes arrangements. The breeder also advises regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles may still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring. Consult your veterinarian for advice. Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health. Papers the Seller Should Furnish: a. A three or four generation pedigree signed by the seller. There should be no extra charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each. The registration from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's individual registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder s. There are two ways to register puppies for the first time: 1 Limited Registration If the puppy is not to be bred, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder may check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder and only the breeder can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Records the Breeder Should Furnish: a. Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Vaccination protocols are evolving even among the medical professionals. Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid store-bought preparations which can be dangerous. Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day. They love spending time with their owners and letting their playful and fun characters shine through. They are eager to please and very loyal dogs. Originally Boxers were bred to be working dogs, which is why they have such high exercise needs and energy to spare! Common health problems in Boxers Boxers are intelligent dogs who are very loyal to their families. Sadly, like many other purebred dogs, they are prone to certain conditions. If you are thinking of buying a Boxer puppy , make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by certain conditions. Some of the conditions Boxers may develop include: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS — this can cause severe breathing problems in some Boxers with shorter faces. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Eye problems — such as corneal ulcers due to the shape of their skulls and prominence of the eyes. Heart problems — such as cardiomyopathy or aortic stenosis. Before breeding, parents should be screened. Skin problems - such as warts, skin tags, skin allergies and soreness in skin folds around the face skin fold dermatitis. Certain cancers. If you want to minimise the risk of your dog getting problems, you can read our advice on choosing a pedigree dog. Caring for your boxer Boxers are fun and active dogs who can be high maintenance due to their exercise needs. If you love getting out and about walking, they could be a good breed for you! A large secure garden is a must if you have a Boxer so they have plenty of space to blow off steam. Boxers can be very boisterous so do better with an experienced and patient! Boxers and barking Your Boxer is likely to make noise and how much they do make will be down to their training and personality. Boxers are naturally very good guard dogs and so are more likely to bark to make their owners aware of any comings and goings around the home. Training and socialisation Boxers are clever dogs but can be boisterous, so positive, reward-based training from a young age is really important. Boxers mature a lot slower than other breeds, so having a large amount of puppy energy in such a big dog can be challenging for some owners. You need to handle your Boxer with a firm but fair attitude and make sure you are patient and consistent. They can be boisterous so make sure you train them not to jump up at people from a young age. Boxers love human company so can develop separation anxiety if left alone. If they are alone or bored, they like to chew which means your furniture and belongings will be at risk! Exercise Boxers are very high energy, active dogs who love playing and being involved in everything going on. They keep their puppy attitude longer than most dogs so you might find your Boxer rarely has a calm moment at home! Your Boxer will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing around and exploring. You should also give your Boxer plenty of time to exercise off lead somewhere secure so they can have a good run around. On top of this, your Boxer will also need regular, short training sessions. They will also need lots of playtime and free time in the garden to do what they want. Grooming Boxers are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have short fur which only needs a weekly brush to keep it in good condition. As with any dog, you should expect your Boxer to shed throughout the year, more so in spring and autumn. A regular hoover should be enough to keep on top of it. Due to the excess skin around their faces, Boxers are at risk of developing a condition called skin fold dermatitis. Boxers and children Generally speaking, Boxers are good around children of all ages given the right training. An adult only home or one with teenagers is better for a Boxer. Always supervise your dog with children and vulnerable adults. Puppy socialisation classes are a great way to get your pup used to new dogs. Early socialisation will help your dog get along well other dogs as an adult. They may get along OK with a cat they have grown up with, but you should always supervise your Boxer with smaller pets. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your Boxer should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. Remember to leave a gap between eating and exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Get ready with the ear plugs, because Boxers are known for loud snoring! Boxers originated in Germany in the s so are considered a fairly new breed. Getting a Boxer Do plenty of research before getting a Boxer. These playful and lively dogs keep their puppy ways well into their adult years so need an understanding owner with plenty of time and patience! Boxers can be really loving in the right household and will love spending time with you. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Boxer. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Boxers are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Why only through a reputable breeder? All dogs have a history of carrying certain genetic defects or disease common to their breed and Boxers are no exception to the rule. Some of the more common problems inherent in the boxer breed are Cardiomyopathy, Aortic Stenosis, Bloat, Cancer, Canine Hip Dysplasia and Histiocytic ulcerative Colitis inflammation of the colon. He will choose to breed only dogs from good bloodlines that have a healthy pedigree, free from these common problems, therefore greatly increasing the chances of producing a healthy dog. Stay away from pet stores! Some people are tempted to buy a puppy from a pet store. I caution you to stay away from these places as they purchase their dogs from puppy mills. These breeders have absolutely no interest in the boxer breed. They could care less about there bloodline or their health for that matter and are only in the business to make a lot of money. That little boxer puppy in the pet store window may pull at your heart strings, but the chances of these dogs being diagnosed in the future with one of the above mentioned defects or diseases is greatly increased when they are breed by one of these low life breeders. When you meet with the breeder there are a few things you should look for in helping you choose a puppy. The majority of boxers sold in the U. There are certain characteristics in a puppy that you need to look for to increase your chances of bringing home a boxer pup that will exhibit good behavior, have a great temperament, and be a great companion for you and your family. When you meet with the puppies for the first time look for one that is happy to see you and is not afraid to come to you. Avoid any pups that shy away from you or keep their distance. A puppy that is overly aggressive to its siblings will probably be a bit more difficult to train so you would want to rule these pups out also. This should narrow things down considerably. Now with the remaining group you want to hold them one by one in your hands. Look for the puppies that like being held by you and appear to be very calm in your hands. These puppies would most likely be your best choice. After all, the breeder has already spent 10 to 12 weeks with the puppies and could be very helpful in helping you make your final decision. When you think you have your winner just take a few minutes to examine the puppy. You want a pup that has a nice shiny coat as well as clear eyes no discharge or cloudiness and is free from fleas or ticks. Boxer color choices Boxer dogs basically come in 3 different types of coats; Fawn, which is tan to dark brown with white markings on the legs, face, chest and underside and they may have black markings on the face that looks similar to a mask. Brindle, which is similar to fawn with the addition of a black coat over the base tan or brown that, gives the boxer the appearance of being striped. White, or may be white with some small patches of fawn or brindle called checked. The reason the tail is docked is to prevent injury of the tail when they mature. Another common procedure performed on boxers is cropping of the ears. I personally prefer the un-cropped look and most breeders will give you the option of having this done. Male or Female? No offense to my female readers, but most of the experts believe that the male boxer makes for the more affectionate in the breed. This makes a lot of sense when you think of all the hormonal changes a female dog can go through. Another thing to keep in mind is if you are introducing your boxer into a home with another dog. Your dogs are more likely to get along if they are of the opposite sex. Just go with what you prefer. My boxer, Tori was a neutered female and lived in our home with another female and she was just as sweet as could be. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:.

The intellect, faithfulness, and energetic disposition of the Poodle are combined with the loyal and cheerful attitude of the Bedlington in this breed. Both parent breeds are hypoallergenic, making this combination ideal for persons who suffer from dog allergies. Read on to find out more about the Bedoodle. This is thanks to their unique appearance, which includes both the long body of a terrier and the shorter legs of a poodle. The Bedoodle is a crossbreed that has an appearance of a small, fluffy dog with a long, low-set tail. They have smooth, long, and curly fur. The coat is thick and dense. They have a medium-sized head, arched back, and short muzzle. The coat color of this breed ranges from black, brown, red, or tan to white with patches of brown or black. The coat color can also be mixed with white in some cases. The size of this breed varies depending on how it was raised as a puppy. Some may grow to around inches while others may grow to around inches tall at adulthood. The average weight of these mixed breed dogs is around pounds. Is The Bedoodle Hypoallergenic? The Bedlington Terrier and Poodle mix is a hypoallergenic dog. Their parent breeds are considered hypoallergenic themselves. The Bedlington Terrier is a small, short-haired terrier that has a silky coat with a thick undercoat. They have an inborn tolerance to various allergens and are considered to be hypoallergenic. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and energy. Here are 5 reasons why the Bedoodle is the perfect family pet: 1. The Bedlington Terrier Poodle mix is a happy, energetic, and playful dog that can adapt to any lifestyle. The breed is apartment-friendly, which means they can live in small spaces too. They are also easy to train because they are smart dogs with an eagerness to please their owners. They are agile and active dogs which mean that they can keep up with children without getting bored or tired easily. Is The Bedoodle Good with Children? There are mixed opinions about whether Bedlington Terrier Poodle Mixes are good with children. Some people think that these breeds can be good with children but others think that they need to be supervised. Bedoodles are very active and playful. These dogs have a lot of energy and love to play with children. However, they may not be the best dog for households that have young children. They can be rambunctious and a bit too high-spirited for small kids. Bedlington Terrier Poodle mixes can be good with older children if they are taken care of properly from a young age. They need to be socialized from an early age so that they behave well around children. Bedoodle Training Needs Bedoodles are a breed of dogs that were bred for companionship and assistance with tasks like housework. They are known for their intelligence, sociability, and calm nature. It is important to provide a good environment for your Bedoodle to grow into their potential. A bedoodle needs to be trained at an early age and they need to be housebroken. They also need lots of love and affection, as well as training and exercise. Dog training is a complex and tedious process. It is important to understand how your dog learns best before you decide on how often you should train them. Some dogs learn better with repetition, while others prefer novelty. The best ways to train your Bedooodle are not just limited to the typical methods. There are a few things that you should keep in mind when training your dog to be a good companion. Some of these include: 1. Keep your dog on a leash while walking them so they can get the attention they need. Make sure that you have plenty of time for playtime with your Bedooodle and make it fun for them. Try not to overfeed them, but do make sure that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. Make sure you always use positive reinforcement techniques when training your Bedlington Poodle Mix. This includes giving them a treat when they do something that you like and praising them for a job well done. Also, the most important consideration for training is starting when your dog is still young and learning from you. Bedoodle Exercise Requirements There are a few requirements to consider when considering the exercise requirements for a Bedlington Terrier Poodle Mix. Bedlington Terriers have a high energy level and need to be exercised regularly. Take them for brisk walks 2. Play with toys 3. Play fetch 4. Take them running in a field or park The Bedlington Terrier Poodle mix is a very active breed. They need plenty of exercises, but they are also prone to certain health conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat. Here are five tips on how to groom your Bedoodle. Brush your dog daily to remove dead hair and dirt. Bathe your dog when needed to keep the coat clean and shiny. Clean their ears once a week with a cotton ball soaked in a vet-approved cleaning solution. Brush their teeth at least twice a week with toothpaste specifically for dogs. Check their nails every week for signs of infection or damage. Brushing your Bedoodle can be another challenge. Make sure you brush your dog regularly. Use a firm bristle brush and do not use a wire brush as it can cause damage to their fur. You can also use a soft-bristle brush for the face and neck. Skin problems: Bedoodles are prone to skin problems such as hot spots and sensitive skin that can be aggravated by strong sunlight or dry air. Eye problems: Bedlington Terriers are prone to eye problems such as retinal dysplasia and distichiasis. Poodles also suffer from various eye problems such as cataracts, tear staining, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , glaucoma, and optic nerve hypoplasia. As a result, Bedoodle can inherit these diseases too. Joint problems: The Bedlington terrier poodle mix may have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia as well because they are prone to certain types of osteoarthritis and other joint diseases. Respiratory problems: Bedlington Terriers are known to have breathing issues that can lead to severe respiratory diseases. The same can be said for the Bedlington Terrier Poodle mix. Heart disease: The Bedoodle can have a high risk for heart disease because of the genetic predisposition for certain types of heart diseases within their lineage. The life expectancy of this mix breed is between years old. What Is the Price of A Bedoodle? The price of the Bedlington Terrier Poodle Mix varies depending on the region you live in. This crossbreed dog has been around for quite a while and is still going strong today. There are many places where you can buy this mixed breed dog. You can find them for sale at pet stores, online, or even through classified ads in newspapers or magazines. The social media platform has become a hub for people who are looking for this dog breed. The Bedlington is a small terrier with a long body, and the Poodle is a medium-sized dog with a curled tail. This mix has gained popularity among those who love dogs that are small but have big personalities. They are known to be playful and energetic and can be perfect for families with children as they tend to get along well with kids. It is important to remember that not every breed of dog is suitable for every family and situation. To know more, check out other articles on the Bedlington Terrier and the Poodle. Thank you for reading the article. What do you think of this small energetic dog? Is Bedoodle the breed of your choice? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Posted Under. Although it remains calm around guests, it will not hesitate to alert you if it senses anything unusual. It makes an excellent playmate for kids with whom it has been raised. It can coexist with other dogs if introduced to them during puppyhood. However, adult Bedlingtons are known to be aggressive toward members of the same sex, and so should be cautiously exposed to them. Like most terriers, the Bedlington likes to dig and chase small animals. It is a lively breed with high stamina, and its swimming speed almost equals to the pace at which it runs on land. Care Exercise Since it is a hardy, sturdy breed with moderate levels of energy, it needs a fair amount of regular activity. Take your dog for a hike or play a game of fetch in a safely fenced yard. Although it is lively outdoors, it remains calm in the home. You can take help of a professional groomer for clipping its fur and achieve the lamb-like appearance. Basic grooming requirements include occasional nail care and regular dental hygiene. Health Problems Some Bedlington Terriers may be affected by health conditions including copper toxicosis, retinal dysplasia, patellar luxation, renal cortical hypoplasia, or distichiasis. Socialization It needs to be socialized at a young age to lessen its aggression toward other dogs. Gradually expose your pet to other dogs using a method it is comfortable with. You may take it for a leashed walk in public or invite friends to come to your home with their dogs. Reward it with treats and praises once it shows interest in the other dogs. Getting your dog to stop digging Since your Bedlington Terrier is a natural digger, you should allow your dog to dig in a specific place in the yard rather than trying to stop it. You may also intensify its activity level and challenge it physically so that it does not feel like digging or jumping. Feeding It needs a nutritious diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat. You may give your Bedlington about one and a half cups of quality dry food on a daily basis. Later, the dog featured in an issue of LIFE magazine. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet. So, you should get a Poodle! They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Bedlington Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. Poodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Bedlington Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. Below is the list of where the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are most similar: Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier do not have the tendency to drool. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier can tolerate hot weather. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier get along well with other dogs. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are very friendly towards strangers. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier adapt well to apartment living. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are good for new dog owners. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are highly intelligent. Both the Poodle and the Bedlington Terrier are very playful. Poodles come in three main size categories. These three size categories are referred to as the three varieties of the poodle. Poodles of different varieties are basically the same except for their size differences. The poodle varieties based on size categorization are: Standard Poodles: Standard Poodles are the biggest of the poodle varieties. Adult Standard Poodles are 24 inches to 27 inches tall and weigh between 38 pounds and 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles: Miniature Poodles are mid-sized poodles. An adult miniature poodle grows to weigh between 10 and 20 pounds 4. Toy Poodles: The Toy Poodle is the smallest official member of the poodle club. Although there is a smaller poodle variety that is smaller than the toy poodle. Adult toy poodles are no more than ten inches tall withers. In weight, a toy poodle will grow to be about 4. There is another variety of poodle that is not recognized in the USA but is recognized in Europe. This poodle size variety is called the Moyen Poodle. In size, the Moyen Poodle is smaller than the Standard poodle but bigger than the miniature poodle. See below the figure that compares the different poodle sizes: On the other hand, Bedlington Terriers weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Bedlington Terriers are 15 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown. This is because the temperament score for the Bedlington Terrier is .The American Temperament Test Society ATTS is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds. Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners. The average temperament score across all dog breeds over breeds is .With its temperament score of .We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of Standard Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of Miniature Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of Toy Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources. To know about standard poodle prices and standard poodle buying advice, check out our article on standard poodle cost. To know about miniature poodle prices, check out this article on miniature poodle price. To learn more about toy poodle price and for toy poodle buying advice, check out this article on toy poodle price. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 11 Bedlington Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources. The Poodle is more expensive than the Bedlington Terrier. Regular brushing, trimming, and clipping of the curly coat A Bedlington Terrier may not be right for you. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Bedlingtons have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics. If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up. The dynamic terrier temperament. Most terrier breeds are remarkably similar. The same words are used over and over — quick to bark, quick to chase, lively, bossy, feisty, scrappy, clever, independent, stubborn, persistent, impulsive, intense. But some terrier breeds are more so than others. Overall, as a breed, Bedlington Terriers tend to be in the lower-to-middle section of the terrier spectrum. But of course there are some individual Bedlingtons who will be in the higher end! Providing enough exercise. Bedlingtons don't need miles of running but they are lithe little athletes who love to run at full speed. They need a large enough fenced yard to break into a gallop. Frequent trips to the dog park are recommended. Running away from you. Like all dogs, Bedlington Terriers must be taught to come when called. But I would only count on this breed obeying his training in an enclosed area. Bedlingtons should not be trusted off-leash. These dogs are runners, they are blazing fast, and the risk is too great that they will take off at full speed after anything that runs. Potential animal aggression. Bedlington Terriers are much less scrappy toward strange dogs than many other terrier breeds. But despite their soft lamb-ish look, they can be a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. Because of their hunting heritage, some Bedlingtons have instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. The family cat is usually fine, but not pet rodents. Potential barking. Terriers are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. Independent temperament. Bedlington Terriers must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Many terriers are stubborn and dominant they want to be the boss and will make you prove that you can make them do things. To teach your terrier to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Bedlington Terrier Training page discusses the program you need. Potential defensive reactions. If you need to physically chastise a terrier, and you go beyond what THEY believe is a fair correction, terriers as a group are more likely than other breeds to growl or snap. As an obedience instructor, I'm always extra careful when putting my hands on a terrier for a correction. I do not recommend terriers around small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw. Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children. Bedlington Terriers require a lot of coat care. Regular brushing, and also clipping and trimming every few months. Note that this breed is low-dander and light-shedding, but not NON-shedding. If you're allergic to dog dander or hair, you might be okay with a Bedlington. Or not. A Poodle is the safest breed for allergic people. Finding one. Very few Bedlington Terrier puppies are born each year, and very few adult Bedlingtons are available from rescue groups. You will need to get on a waiting list for either a puppy or an adult. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. Bedlington Terrier puppies are dark in color, but as they age their fur lightens. Bedlington Terrier The Bedlington Terrier has been described as resembling a lamb. Bedlingtons carry what is known as the greying gene , a dominant trait carried on the G locus. Although most modern breed standards call for the dog's topknot to be lighter than its body, when the breed was first being formed there was at least one prominent breeder, Mr. Pickett, who believed that the topknot should be darker, not lighter. Bedlington Terriers —like Poodles— have been referred to as a nonshedding , hypoallergenic breed. Bedlingtons like the groomer and are cooperative under clip. Bedlingtons are sharp and plucky. Their bark has been called hound -like [9] and has been compared to the firing of a machine gun. Many a dog was killed or had to be destroyed after hunting badgers. A good hunting dog knew to keep its distance from the badger until the huntsmen arrived. Younger or inexperienced terriers would attack the badger, usually with horrific consequences. Limb amputations or lower jaws ripped off by the more powerful badger were common. It is unknown if the judges of the time were aware of this practice, or if they cared. Inbreeding is a concern, since some dogs "[having] been bred in and into a damaging extent. Excepting these problems, Bedlingtons are generally a very healthy breed. Copper toxicosis , also known as copper storage disease and copper overload syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disease that is characterized by an accumulation of copper in the liver.

What Is a Brindle Boxer? The brindle Boxer is a Boxer dog that sports a tiger-striped coat pattern. Its coat has a light-colored base coupled with distinctive stripes of a darker color. The unique appearance of brindle Boxers is primarily associated with a particular recessive gene. Brindling is not unique to the Boxer breed. In fact, there are dozens of other dog breeds that exhibit this eye-catching coloration. Some of them are the French Bulldog, Basenji, and Greyhound. In Boxers, brindling comes in a handful of assortments. A brindle Boxer can be classified based on the shade and color of its coat. Light brindle, golden brindle, fawn brindle, mahogany brindle, and red brindle are some classifications. Moreover, brindle Boxers can also be classified based on the intensity of the brindling pattern on its coat. For this, there are three main classifications: tiger brindle, reverse brindle, and mahogany brindle. Furthermore, there are also the so-called flashy brindle Boxers. These are brindle Boxers with white markings covering at least a third of their bodies. Brindle Boxer dogs are medium-sized pooches with a squared-off build. These dogs have tight-fitting fur, relatively slender limbs, and a slightly sloping topline. On some occasions, a Boxer may also resemble a Bullmastiff. The brindle Boxer comes in a wide variety of coat colors and coat marking combinations. Needless to say, these dogs are pretty diverse in terms of their overall appearance. One thing that brindle Boxers have in common is their full-grown size range. On average, adult brindle Boxers weigh .More often than not, slight weight and height difference is noticeable among male and female Boxers. Males are typically a few pounds heavier and a few inches taller than their female counterparts. In total, there are eight different types of brindle Boxers. These types are mainly based on the different possible Boxer colors that can exhibit brindle markings. Light Brindle Boxer Dog From the name itself, the light brindle Boxer dog is the lightest shade amongst the brindle Boxers. Its coat color is close to tan, just a few shades lighter. Light brindles have dark stripes, which may or may not be accompanied by white patches on the chest area. Often, these dogs are almost indistinguishable from the fawn brindle Boxer. In fact, an untrained eye will find a hard time telling them apart! Fawn Brindle Boxer Dog Speaking of the fawn brindle Boxer, the bossy-looking dog from the image above is a fawn brindle. Its color is closer to the yellowish-tan color fawns are known for. Fun fact: the highest chance of breeding a fawn brindle Boxer is when a non-brindle fawn is mixed with any brindle Boxer. Its coat color is often described as deep, rich, and bold. A mahogany brindle Boxer has nearly the same coat appearance as the Treeing Tennessee Brindle. If a brindle Boxer has at least one-third of its coat covered with white patches, it is automatically considered a flashy brindle Boxer. In fact, there is no such thing as a purebred black Boxer. This color is a very dark shade of brown. Are Brindle Boxers Rare? In general, brindle Boxers are not considered rare. However, some variants of the brindle Boxers may be harder to find than others. For example, seal brindle Boxers are considered the rarest due to their unique genetics and difficulty to breed. Unsurprisingly, seal brindle Boxers often come with the highest price tag among all the Boxer dogs. These pooches typically sell for a few hundred dollars more compared to other brindles. Seal brindle Boxers are dogs with a nearly black-colored coat with dark striped markings. On a different note, it is a common belief in the pet community that white Boxers are the rarest, but this is far from the truth. Similarly, reverse brindle Boxers are also often mistaken as a rare color of the Boxer. While these pups are incredibly eye-catching, they are actually pretty standard. As for the rest of the brindle Boxers and other Boxer colors, in general, they are all relatively mainstream. This means it is pretty easy to find the Boxer color you are eyeing for! Like all dogs, brindle Boxers inherit their coat color from their parents. Genetically, a Boxer can only be either fawn or brindle. The color variations and flash markings in brindle Boxers are due to pigmentation cells. Statistically speaking, there is a significantly greater chance that a Boxer is born with a brindle coat rather than a fawn coat. The reason behind this is that a brindle coat is more dominant than a fawn coat. To review, a dog carries two sets of color genes. For Boxers, these are combinations of recessive fawn bb , non-dominant brindle Bb , and dominant brindle BB. Meanwhile, combining a non-dominant brindle Bb with a dominant brindle BB will result in brindle puppies. As you can see, breeding brindle puppies is relatively straightforward. While this is an overly simplified summary, this is basically what breeders do to breed brindle Boxers. In fact, all the color variants of the brindle Boxers are accepted by the AKC. The truth is, if you have a flashy brindle Boxer, you may be out of luck. In the latter part of the AKC Boxer breed standards, it is stated explicitly that Boxers with white markings covering at least one-third of the body shall be disqualified. That said, semi-flashy brindle Boxers should still be able to register with no problems. If you have doubts or questions regarding the breed standards, you may reach out to the AKC through their dog registration page. The perks of having your Boxer AKC-registered include eligibility in pet shows, agility contests, and more. Brindle Boxers are loyal, intelligent, and highly trainable. While these pooches may seem timid at first, they can get real boisterous at times! The brindle Boxer, much like the rest of the Boxer family, needs about one to two hours of exercise a day. This dog is perfect for you if you love exercising outdoors. Jogging, playing fetch, hiking, and swimming are activities brindle Boxers enjoy. However, it is worth noting that Boxers are intolerant of extreme temperatures. That said, be sure to work out with your dog outdoors only when the weather is good! If you have kids and plan to add a brindle Boxer to your family, you can do so with relative ease. Boxer dogs can get along with kids and pets as long as they are raised alongside them. However, it is crucial to train your Boxer to see your kids as a figure of authority. It will help if you do this early on while your Boxer is still a puppy. Another thing to take note of about brindle Boxers is that they drool a lot. This may or may not be an issue to you, but it is worth mentioning! On average, the Boxer is a pretty healthy dog breed. This lifespan applies to all Boxer colors, including the brindle Boxer. However, not all Boxers are born equal. Unfortunately, some Boxers are born with life-altering health issues or congenital conditions that drastically reduce their life expectancy. Aside from congenital issues, there are also other conditions to watch out for. Below are some of the common health issues of brindle Boxer dogs: Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a physical condition characterized by the misalignment of the ball-and-socket joint. This condition causes excruciating pain, deteriorating posture, or inactivity. Hip dysplasia is often genetic, and many breeders strive to eliminate this condition from their litter. Kidney Disease: Boxers are one of the dogs that are predisposed to chronic kidney disease. In fact, many studies suggest that kidney disease is inheritable in the Boxer breed. A Boxer with kidney disease will show signs of vomiting, sudden weight loss, increased urination, and increased thirst. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is the medical term used to describe an improperly working thyroid gland. A Boxer suffering from hypothyroidism will experience a slow-down in bodily functions. This condition manifests in the form of weight loss, slow heart rate, and high blood cholesterol. Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition in dogs characterized by an irregular heartbeat. This health issue is most evident in Boxers that are around two years of age. Cardiomyopathy needs urgent medical attention as it can lead to heart failure or even sudden death. This disease targets the nervous system of a dog and interferes with muscular control. Often, a Boxer dog with DM will find difficulty moving its rear quarters. Among the list of health issues in brindle Boxers, those mentioned above are the most common. As a Boxer parent, you must recognize the symptoms of these health issues early on. While some of these are curable, others are fatal. It is also essential to watch out for canine diabetes , canine obesity , and bloat. These are life-altering conditions all dogs are at risk of, including brindle Boxers. Brindle Boxers are around the same price as other Boxer colors, such as white and fawn Boxers. However, one particular variant of the brindle Boxer is always priced higher than the average. This odd one out is the so-called seal brindle Boxer. This color variant is the darkest possible color of Boxer dogs. For the longest time, black Boxers have been one of the biggest fantasies of Boxer fanatics. These dogs are also the most controversial color of the Boxer. Some breeders take advantage of this controversy and perceived rarity to sell black brindle Boxers for more. Snagging the 14th spot, the Boxer is just one place below the adorable Yorkshire Terrier. Needless to say, these dogs are basically celebrities! But where can you buy one? However, you should always be careful in picking a breeder. It is recommended to only buy or adopt from reputable sources. To make it a bit easier for you, we have listed the best places to find brindle Boxer puppies! Boxers raised by this breeder get to enjoy their massive two-acre property! Be sure to check out brindle Boxers from this breeder! This breeder specializes in raising and selling European and American Boxer dogs. This rescue indeed has tons of brindle Boxers you can check out. This rescue has a couple of brindle Boxers from time to time. If you are interested in adopting from them, feel free to check out their adoption process on their website. This rescue has helped approximately 10, purebred Boxers and Boxer mixes ever since. If you live in Arizona, this rescue is the one to check out! Adopt-a-Pet — Adopt-a-Pet is a pet adoption platform with one of the largest databases of adoptable pets. On their website, you can narrow down your search using their advanced filters. You can look for specific brindle Boxer dogs based on location, gender, size, and more. Firstly, you can check out our round-up of best Boxer breeders and best Boxer rescues for adoption. Moreover, you may also opt to outsource from other Boxer owners. You can do this by joining Facebook groups and Reddit communities that share a common interest in Boxer dogs. Other pet enthusiasts in the group will surely lend a hand! Boxers are short-coated dogs with a single layer of fur. While it might be tempting to think that they are hypoallergenic, they are not. In fact, these pooches are still considered medium-to-high shedders. One interesting thing about the Boxer breed is that it is known for grooming itself. You will often find this dog cleaning itself many times throughout the day. But since they still shed, these pups are not recommended for pet owners with sensitive allergies. On most occasions, fawn Boxers are also called tan Boxers. Interestingly, Boxers come in a wide variety of patterns and markings. This includes black masks, white markings, and brindling. Boxer dogs make excellent companions. These pooches are loyal, lovable, intelligent, trainable, and pretty famous, too! However, if you want a slightly more eye-catching pet, you may want to take a look at the brindle Boxers. Brindle Boxers come in plenty of color variations. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. What is a Boxer? You will recognize the Boxer by its tough, muscled exterior, wrinkled expression, and high energy antics. But, did you know that Boxers are sweet-tempered family dogs? They are protective and loyal and love to follow their owners everywhere. This affection pup will greet you with excited, slobbery kisses! Boxers are a medium to large purebred dog that comes from Germany. Boxers have smooth, short coats that are typically fawn, brindle, or white. Their faces often have a black mask with a few white markings. Boxers are energetic and need daily exercise, including fetch, games, and long walks. Boxer puppies take a few years to fully mature, so their puppy energy is endless for around three years. Remember to limit treats with Boxers and Boxer mixes, as this can cause obesity. Boxers are prone to health issues, including hip dysplasia, but oftentimes these health concerns are lessened with a crossbreed dog. Feeding your Boxer high-quality dog food, along with daily exercise, can help your pup reach a lifespan of years. Your Boxer mix will inherit many of the Boxer traits in addition to the other parent dog breed. If you are looking to be a dog owner of a Boxer mix, you will need to be prepared for a medium to large sized dog full of playful energy. Check out 35 of the most lovable Boxer mixes below. They are playful, energetic, and intelligent family pets. Boxadors tend to have a mix of colors on their coat and inherit short, shiny coats. They are adorably devoted to their owners. If you are an active, outdoorsy dog owner, this mix might be perfect for you! They are protective and loyal but need early socialization to feel comfortable around other dogs and strangers. With training and a dose of love and tender care, Pitbull Boxer mixes make good family pets. Shepherd Boxers are devoted to their owners and take their watchdog role seriously. Boxer Shepherds inherit short, dense coats, short, floppy ears with a long body and straight tail. They will range in size depending on the Poodle parent. Their coats will range in colors and usually are curly or wavy. They are outdoor adventure seekers, always ready to jump in the puddles or take a muddy hike. Also known as the Bull Boxer, these dogs are suited for indoor living, so there is no need for a large yard. They look like a mix of their parents, with short coats that are easy to groom. Expect this pup to follow you everywhere you go! They have short, easy-to-groom coats that range in colors. Many Boxskys inherited the light blue eyes from their Husky parent. They are known for being affectionate and goofy but also have a protective side. They are moderate to high shedding dogs and their sizes may range from pounds. Boxer Mastiff AKA Boxmas Parent Breeds: Mastiff and Boxer These large dogs may look intimidating, but they possess the sweetest souls and serve as excellent protectors and watchdogs for your family. They are larger than a Boxer but less high-energy. They still need a lot of space, so keep that in mind before choosing a Boxmas. This mellow tempered family dog inherits the lovable devotion from both parents and is known as gentle giants. They have large floppy ears, big brown eyes, and short coats of different colors. They will shed but are easy to groom. Picture the tough build of the Boxer but in a more medium-sized body. They are cute and make the ideal family pet for Boxer lovers needing a smaller dog. They are sweet-tempered, calm, and make great family pets. Because the parent breeds look similar, you can expect your Bulloxer to have a strong, square jaw, floppy ears, and a short muzzle. If properly trained, these dogs can be extremely sweet. This large breed dog excels in agility training and loves to please their owners. They might resemble either parent breed, with either a short dark coat or a double coat that is tan in color. They are mild to moderate shedders, and their coats will range in color. This large dog is athletic and strong with a medium coat length that is easy to groom. They may look like either parent breed which means they will be beautiful! They will inherit a short coat that is usually tan, brown, or brindle and are only light shedders. Also known as a Poxer, these dogs love to cuddle! They are protective pups and love to watch over their family. Keep in mind that they are high energy and need lots of exercise. This small pup tends to resemble a fuller stockier Chihuahua. They may need lots of socialization to feel comfortable around strangers, but they sure will be devoted to their owners. These pups are full of affection and energy. They are highly intelligent but come from working dog parents who need energetic tasks to not get bored. Despite their large build, they inherit a playful and protective temperament. Their coats are short and fine and typically black, brown, or white. They are highly intelligent and alert. They are loving pups and do well with families. Saint Boxers will inherit a short, thick, moderately shedding coat that is usually brown or fawn with white markings and a black mask around their eyes. They are suited to homes with outdoor space to run and play. They have a short, low-shedding coat that ranges in colors and typically has a square muzzle. They tend to have a stubborn streak and a dominant nature. They are large, tall dogs with a smooth coat that moderately sheds. They are protective dogs and need proper socialization to feel comfortable around strangers. Expect a short, dense coat that is either blue or brindle in color. They will need good training and exercise and are recommended for experienced owners. They make great family pets but need proper socialization around other dogs and young children. Their coat is minimally shedding and short in length. They have short to medium coats that vary in color and usually only shed with the change in seasons. They will have short muzzles and flat faces and only need mild amounts of exercise. They are medium in size, but they are bursting with energy and need lots of exercise. Their short coats are easy to maintain. They are known for having an affectionate and cheerful disposition. They are protective family dogs but need lots of exercise and attention. They have short coats that are black or white in color and adorable floppy ears. While they are good family dogs, they can be distrustful of strangers. They are large dogs but more slender than purebred Boxers. They have short coats that rarely shed and sweet, obedient temperaments. They will bark excessively to demand attention. They make great family dogs and are social and outgoing in nature. The Schnoxer or BoxSchnauz will look similar to their Schnauzer parent and will need regular brushing and grooming. More Boxer mixes to love! If you still are uncertain, check out these additional Boxer mixes: Bullmastiff Boxer mix. Should a Boxer Mix take after their Boxer parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and friendly dog that loves their family and loves being active with them. Boxers are known for their energetic and exuberant personalities. They bond closely with their families, tend to have a cheerful disposition, and also tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are friendly dogs, they do have the instinct to protect their families. If the other parent breed has similar traits, then you should be able to expect a similar temperament in a Boxer Mix. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix is a good start. You can also meet the mother dog to get a feel for her temperament and to see what behavior she is modeling for her puppies. Although the breeder should be socializing puppies while they have them, it is up to you to continue training and socializing a puppy once you get them home. Boxers are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartments as long as they get exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Although all dogs are sensitive to heat, the Boxer is even more so because of their short snout. And, because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The other parent breed could introduce some traits that could affect the adaptability of a Boxer Mix, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. Knowing more about the other parent breed will help you get a better idea of what range of potential characteristics to expect. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? A Boxer Mix can inherit any combination of the potential health issues common to one or both of their parent breeds. Or, they could inherit none of them. From the Boxer side, potential health conditions include degenerative myelopathy, thyroid deficiency, hip dysplasia, and heart conditions. Boxers also tend to have sensitive digestive systems, which often makes them gassy. As a brachycephalic dog, they will also snort and snore. Because they are a barrel-chested breed, they are also at a higher risk for bloat in dogs. This can become dangerous, especially if the stomach flips, so you want to make sure you reduce the risk when you can and know the symptoms so you can get help as soon as possible. Since reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies, they should be able to answer your questions. Despite their high energy, Boxers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are intelligent, they pick up on things quickly and can get bored easily. But, they are eager to please their owners and tend to respond well to training. The other parent breed could make a Boxer Mix even easier to train or more difficult to train. You want to make sure you ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you know what range of trainability to expect. A Boxer Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Ears should be dry, clean, and free of debris or pests. Unfortunately, many dog owners overlook dental care, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed. Daily walks plus playtime and other activities should be enough for this dog. However, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect a Boxer Mix to also be a high-energy dog. However, this is a potential range, so you will still need to be prepared to deal with a Boxer Mix that is high-energy. A Boxer usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, especially if they are the mother, so you do want to ask about them. A Boxer generally lives for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you can likely expect a similar life span in a Boxer Mix. Featured Boxer Mix Article.

They are also known for their distinctive "bat ears" and squishy faces, compact and muscular body and a broad head with a flat forehead. They come in a wide range of colors, patterns and sizes which makes them appealing to different tastes. French Bulldogs can be found in colors such as blue, lilac, and merle, which are considered to be rare and unique colors. At Country Club Frenchies, we are a reputable and responsible breeder based in Georgia, dedicated to breeding quality French Bulldogs. We have strict breeding practices in place and only breed dogs that meet certain health standards. We are transparent about our breeding practices and are happy to provide information about the parents of our puppies, as well as any relevant health certificates. We have a wide variety of French Bulldog puppies for sale, with a variation of colors including blues, lilacs, merles and tri-colors. Our French Bulldogs are well socialized and have great personalities, easy to train, and make great companions. We also offer stud services for other reputable breeders in Georgia. We understand that bringing a French Bulldog into your home is a big decision and we are happy to provide all the necessary information about French Bulldog care, training and health. Our dogs receive the best care and nutrition, and we also provide information about genetics and how to keep your French Bulldog healthy. We also believe in the option of adoption, and we encourage people to consider adopting French Bulldogs from shelters and rescues, who are waiting for a loving home. French Bulldogs are low maintenance and don't require a lot of exercise or grooming, which makes them a great option for people who lead busy lifestyles. If you're interested in bringing a French Bulldog into your home, please visit our website www. You can gain further insights about us by exploring our informative blog posts. These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time!

Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Florida Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Florida? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Florida? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. 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. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Top 5 Labradoodle Haircuts Be sure to check out our 2-part series on types of Doodle haircuts, with tons more pictures that cover overall body styles and variations of styles. Different groomers may have different ideas of what the following types of cuts are. If any of these pictures represent what you want your Labradoodle to look like, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access when dropping them off at the groomer! With the hair slightly rounder and longer around the face and legs, the Labradoodle teddy bear cut gives your pup the most adorable puppy-like look. As the name hints, the goal is to give your Labradoodle a puppy-like look with shorter hair on the body, and longer on the head. This look is not for the faint-hearted, but a dog as cute as a Labradoodle will surely pull this off. Labradoodle Long Clip Almost the same as the Labradoodle short clip, but not quite. The Labradoodle long clip is great for emphasizing those beautiful waves and an effortless, shaggy look. However, longer hair can also trap in more dirt, so make sure to set aside enough time for daily brushing. Here you can check out the best brushes for Labradoodles. A comb is also great for brushing hard-to-reach areas like the paws, face, and ears. Dog Clippers — When it comes to grooming, you are going to need a set of clippers to get the job done. Which ones should you choose? These are our favorite grooming scissors for Doodles. Dog Shears — Are you ready to take your grooming to the next level? Detangler Sprays — One of the best hacks for hassle-free brushing is having a detangler spray at hand. Use it before each brushing or just before bathtime, a good detangler spray cuts the time spent on tangles in half. Shampoo — A proper grooming routine includes an occasional bathtime. Whether your Labradoodle struggles with skin sensitivities or tends to shed a lot, there are tons of different options available on the market. Here are the top 6 dog shampoos that Labradoodle owners swear by. Ear Cleaning Products — With those cute floppy ears, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow. Take a look at some of the highest rated dog ear cleaner products that help prevent and treat minor ear infections. Grooming Tables — Every Labradoodle owner knows how difficult it can be to groom a Doodle with one hand, while trying to keep them still with the other. A grooming table will take care of all that you still need to do the grooming though… and save you from back pain. Check out the best dog grooming tables or create a DIY grooming table. Be sure to check out our guide on dealing with matted hair , and another about the line brushing method. Bathing: Before a haircut or after a muddy playtime, your Labradoodle will need a thorough wash. Typically, once a week should be perfectly enough. However, some pups might need a couple of times a week. Once in a while, you might want to use a special dog ear cleaner to prevent any infections. Here you can check our guide on Doodle ear infection symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Eye gunk: Gently remove any eye gunk you notice, as this will prevent discoloration around the eyes and bad smell. If you can do it daily, great! Here is our step-by-step video tutorial guide that includes the entire Doodle grooming process from head to paw. For example, the best Labradoodle haircuts for summer would be short so your pup has an easier time cooling down. The Labradoodle puppy cut is the most popular Labradoodle haircut. However, we recommend you choose high-quality tools, as they will last you a longer time. As a Labradoodle puppy starts to develop an adult coat, you should start with regular grooming. The sooner you introduce your puppy to the whole process of grooming, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. See Also: Click the image To conclude, we hope that you learned some useful Labradoodle grooming tips, and that we managed to inspire you with the Labradoodle haircuts that you can try on your Doodle for your next grooming session. Let us know in the comments! The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. All those visits can add up quickly. With a short Labradoodle haircut you can go for longer periods of time without seeing the groomer, therefore saving a decent amount of money over the years. Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush Even those who groom their Labradoodles at home often opt for a Labradoodle summer cut to save themselves time and a lot of struggle with a more complicated, longer style. Call me crazy, but I think a nice, short haircut on a Labradoodle looks just as cute as a longer teddybear look. This style looks good on any Labradoodle size. What Are Labradoodle Summer Cuts? What is a Labradoodle Kennel Cut? Similar to Labradoodle summer cuts, a Labradoodle kennel cut is often a term used to describe a generic short haircut. Many groomers will interpret this as the same length of hair all over from head to tail. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. If you have a photo of your Labradoodle with a previous haircut you were happy with, use that. As always, be respectful towards your groomer and consider their advice. Want to Do It Yourself? It may sound intimidating, but there are beginner tutorials online such as this one from Udemy that will walk you step-by-step through the process in a video course. The instructor of this course is a former professional groomer and even has a doodle herself she uses as an example! They vary in length as well as style. Some are completely shaved while others are merely a shorter trim. You can then use it as an example to show your groomer. Photo courtesy of Ann Fenton Affolter on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Beverley Roberts on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Cailin Fitzwell on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Courtney Patrick on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Donna Ferguson on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Jamie Korn on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Karen Maranzana on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Kate McKay on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Kate McWhinney on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Madaline Chapman on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Magan Foyles on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Makennah Blevins on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Matthew Jackson on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Michelle Sharpe on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Nicole Steele on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Nikki Thredgold on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gaynor on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tania Xavier on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tracey Maxfield on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tyler Kennedy on Facebook. More About Labradoodles…. You should know that, with a Labradoodle, you get two distinct characteristics and genetic histories from two different parent dog breeds. Two Labradoodles are at the park. Labradoodles are considered a winning breed because the Poodle and Labrador are such a great combination. However, you still need to understand the coat of your pet so you can decide the best Labradoodle haircut for it. This means your dog will have wiry and short hair that grows relatively close to its body and forms tight little curls. Labradoodles with a wool coat will require significantly more grooming and a weekly management routine to keep the curls free of dirt and dust. You will also need to brush and groom him at least twice a week to prevent tangles and matting. Short Labradoodle hairstyles work best for this type of coat. Fleece Coat The fleece coat is easily recognized by straight or wavy soft hair. This coat is soft to the touch and, when groomed, can become very fluffy. Surprisingly, the fleece coat is one of the more effortless coats to maintain. While you will still have to maintain a regular grooming routine for your Labradoodle, being able to cuddle up with a soft and cuddly coat is a good compromise for the maintenance involved. Hairy Coat A Labradoodle with a hairy coat takes after its Labrador parent. This coat also gives off that shaggy look that Labradoodles are known for. However, one of the major disadvantages of this coat is that your Labradoodle will need regular grooming because this coat is highly prone to tangles and mats. Different Labradoodle Haircuts 1. The Puppy Cut Ironically enough, this is arguably one of the most popular Labradoodle hairstyles for an adult Labradoodle. Although the puppy cut would have slight variations based on the groomer, the result is very similar. An Australian Labradoodle sits with a ball at the beach. The puppy cut is a short overall body cut in which the coat is kept at a length of half an inch to three-fourth inches. The length of the puppy cut is a throwback to the style your Labradoodle would have naturally had when it was still a pup, thus the name of the cut. This is one of the most sought-after styles because it makes your Labradoodle cute and puppy-like despite its size. Apart from contributing to the adorable features of your dog, this haircut is also more popular as it is more practical and functional. It will also make grooming at home relatively more manageable and more convenient. The Teddy Bear Cut A highly sought-after haircut, the teddy bear cut is second only to the puppy cut when it comes to Labradoodles. A mini F1B Labradoodle wearing a bow tie Although this haircut is basic and quite similar to the puppy cut, it does entail more maintenance as the coat is longer. Around the tail, your Labradoodle will have a clipped and non-feathered cut with the feet and ear trims following a rounder shape. As the name suggests, the goal of this hairstyle is for your Labradoodle to look like a cute teddy bear. Most pet parents opt for this cut as it makes their dog less daunting to younger children and much more approachable and friendly. This haircut is ideal if your Labradoodle enjoys swimming and exploring the outdoors. It will also make it much easier for you to groom our pup at home as it will significantly reduce the grooming time. This cut is an excellent choice to prevent matting and the accumulation of loose undercoats. The Lamb Cut Another popular choice among Labradoodle owners is the lamb cut. This haircut strikes the perfect balance between having some length and still having the coat short enough that it is manageable for dog owners to groom at home. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. The kennel cut is more of a shave than a trim. Yes, it will involve getting rid of almost all that luxurious coat of your Labradoodle, leaving your dog with only half an inch, maybe even less, hair all around its body, including its head, ears, and legs. Not all dog Labradoodle owners are open to the idea of this haircut because it is rather extreme and a sight to behold. But, it is ideal for hot weather and your dog will have the whole summer to grow back its hair. This Labradoodle haircut is still stylish and is a recommended solution for Labradoodles who have severe tangles and mats. Besides, when you get your Labradoodle this haircut at the beginning of summer, it will still grow enough in time to keep your dog warm during the autumn and winter months. The Lion Cut If you want to add a touch of feline to your canine, then the lion cut is something you can consider. One of the trendiest Labradoodle hairstyles, the lion cut will transform your dog into a mini version of a lion thanks. A recently shaven Labradoodle rests on the floor in a holiday home. The Short Clip Labradoodle Cut Both parents of the Labradoodle are known to be active and energetic dogs who are fond of the outdoors. Labradoodles have inherited these traits and can spend hours swimming, hiking, and getting dirty. The solution? Labradoodle with curly coat sitting on the grass. The short clip Labradoodle cut. This is another practical haircut that will benefit both you and your dog. The short clip Labradoodble cut is a highly suggested hairstyle for summers to help prevent your dog from overheating. It is also a convenient cut if your dog is prone to tangles and matting. One of the best things about this haircut is it is a haircut you can learn and do yourself. It will save you plenty of time and money because you can give your dog this haircut at home with some help from other family members or friends. The Long Clip Labradoodle Cut This is a hairstyle suggested for Labradoodles who live a sedentary and indoor lifestyle as it allows your Labradoodle to keep its long and natural hair. When do Labradoodles stop growing? With this haircut, the fur is given an overall trim but it will be kept about two inches in length all over the body. The result is a shaggy look that maintains the natural curls and waves of the breed. The Mohawk A stylish and unconventional haircut, the mohawk looks good on a Labradoodle. The hair on top of its head, however, is only trimmed. Labradoodle hair regrows fairly quickly, give it 8 weeks and you will be back to fluffy. Your Labradoodle is essentially left with about three to four inches of hair. Some owners also love playing around with this Mohawk haircut by tying the hair together using colorful bands while others will just let it stand or fall. When you go to the salon or a barber to get a particular cut for yourself, you explain in detail the look you want to achieve. You may even take a picture of the hairstyle you want so your stylist knows what you are looking for. You can also inform the groomer of the length you want to retain on your Labradoodle. It is easier to trim again until the desired length is achieved. It is cost-effective to groom your dogs at home with your own grooming tools. Shaving is an effective solution if you want to get rid of matting and ensure that the new coat is healthier. But it is not the only option as you have haircuts like the short clip and kennel cut that can also help with mats and tangles. A shaved Labradoodle named Max having a minor sulk after a grooming session. With treats, he promptly recovered his enthusiasm. Professional groomers understand that most owners are reluctant and even afraid to have their Labradoodles completely shaved. So, most groomers will provide you with other solutions to reduce and prevent severe matting. Conclusion With their fun personality and excellent temperament, there is never a dull moment when you have a Labradoodle at home. But, regardless of the haircut, make sure your Labradoodle is regularly brushed and groomed to maintain his coat and keep him healthy. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. A lovable fluff ball we know as the Labradoodle! This hybrid breed has become widely popular over the years, and it's easy to see why. They melt hearts in an instant with their sweet souls, playful personalities, and of course, their "awww"-inducing appearances. Depending on what generation of Labradoodle they are, these dogs can have soft, fleece coats, wool coats like a poodle , or hair coats like a Labrador retriever. Their coats can be various colors, including: black, chocolate, white, silver, cream, golden, red, or a combination of colors. And while they were initially bred to be " hypoallergenic ," their level of shedding and coat care also depend on what generation they are. So, when things inevitably start to literally get hairy, it's time for a haircut done by a professional groomer! Duh, right? But whether you're on the lookout for a haircut that matches your pup's personality or your budget, we've rounded up a few of our favorite Labradoodle haircuts we think you and your dood will love. Teddy Bear Cut OK, who can actually resist turning their precious doodle into a real life teddy bear? We can't help but swoon at the sight of a teddy bear cut. And we're most definitely not the only ones! Along with this longer 'do comes "a really cute round face, round ears, and keeping it nice and full to achieve the 'teddy bear' look. Summer Cut Want to help your Labradoodle beat the heat? Or prefer a low maintenance 'do? Then the summer cut is the cut for your pup! This practical haircut keeps your Labradoodle cool in warmer weather with the body fur length typically cut to half an inch. You can also opt to keep your pup's face and tail fur longer if you prefer. This look totally embodies "short hair, don't care! Puppy Cut Ah, the puppy cut—paws down one of the most popular cuts! In fact, it's Metzger's most requested cut, she says. While there are various definitions of what a "puppy cut" is, she explains what it is and is not. A puppy cut is one length all over, but the length is determined by the pet parent," Metzger explains. This can be anywhere from shaved to a longer, fluffy look all over. Asian Fusion If you're looking for an absolutely adorable and unique! You won't be able to stop taking pictures of your sweet Labradoodle once they're freshly groomed with this look! There is so much creativity and the styles are endless! Mohawk Add some attitude to your Labradoodle's look that'll make them look just as cool as Travis Barker. Lovelia Horn, dog trainer at Every Creature Counts , describes the mohawk as being an "edgy" and "very popular choice" for Labradoodle haircuts. It is a cut that requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good though, she says. Whether your Labradoodle is an F1, F1b, or F2, one thing's for sure: you'll have to get your fluffy friend acquainted with grooming. How often, Metzger says, depends on three factors: The style of the groom The length of the haircut How often you're brushing and combing your Labradoodle "We always recommend every 4—8 weeks," she says. Learning how to maintain your doodle's hair at home will help keep them healthy—and save you some money, too—in the long run. A win-win, really. We may also have different brushing tips depending on your fur baby's coat! Slicker brush, comb, and a de-mat spray is always handy to have with you at home, but the correct ones are crucial. Teddy Bear Cut The Teddy Bear cut is the most popular Labradoodle hairstyle and is the basic haircut that lots of Labradoodle parents choose. If you choose a short clip, it will last longer and is more practical if your dog enjoys swimming or running through undergrowth. Also, the shorter the cut , the less laborious it is to brush. This style of haircut includes a clipped, non-feathered tail cut, a round feet trim, and a face and ear trim. This short, practical hairstyle is ideal for preventing matting and can help to save daily brushing time for a busy pet parent. Summer Cut Image Source: www. This style of clip is ideal for dogs that suffer from severe tangles and matting. Short hairstyle options are often chosen at the start of the summer months when the weather starts to heat up, and the dog is more susceptible to overheating. Pet parents usually allow the coat to grow out over the summer so that the fur is long and thick by the time the cooler weather arrives. Ideally, you need a special table that the dog can stand on while you clip him and a good quality set of clippers. Again, this is a hot weather haircut that you need to do only when the warmer weather arrives. Also, if you have a Labradoodle with a high activity level, a short summer cut can be the best choice of clip for your pet. To maintain this cut, you need to brush it every couple of days or more frequently if you decide to leave the coat longer. Puppy Haircut Image Source: thegroomersspotlight. This style of hairdo includes a round feet trim, a face and ear trim, and a clipped feathered tail cut. When it comes to coat care, you need to brush your dog every day. Mohawk Image Source: www. The head hair is left 2 to 4 inches in length. Kennel Cut Image Source: www. Basically, the Kennel cut is an all-over clip where all but 1 inch of the hair is removed. That makes grooming and bathing your dog quick and easy. Lamb Cut The Lamb cut is another extremely popular Labradoodle hairstyle. Lion Cut Image Source: www. Labradoodle Hairstyle Ideas Here are a few more Labradoodle hairstyle ideas for you to consider next time you take your furry friend to the professional groomers. Short Cuts Just like both their Poodle parent and retriever parent, Labradoodles are active dogs that enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle. These pups are born swimmers and love nothing more than to dive into a muddy pond or lake. Follow that with a few hours romping along trails and chasing squirrels through the undergrowth, and you quickly have a stinky, filthy dog! Long Hair Cuts Image Source: www. Wavy Hair Cuts There are plenty of hairstyles that suit Labradoodles with wavy coats. Curly Hair Cuts Curly coats are super-cute! If you have a Labradoodle with a curly coat, the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing a suitable hairstyle for your pet. Of course, we advise taking professional groomer advice, as curly coats do need lots of regular brushing to keep them tangle-free and looking tidy. Tail Styles A beautifully coiffured tail provides the ultimate tail-wagging, finishing touch to every Labradoodle clip. Here are the two most popular choices of tail trim that you might want to try. Flag Tail Image Source: www. The tail is trimmed so that it looks like a waving pennant with the hair long close to the base and shortest at the tip. Plume Tail Image Source: www. Basically, the hair is left to grow naturally from the base of the tail to the tip and is combed out so that it looks like a plume. Face Styles Every Labradoodle suits a different haircut, just like people! This kind of hairstyle generally suits Labradoodles that have curly or wavy coats, effectively forming a kind of doggy afro! Clean Face Image Source: www. Also, this face trim can be used with most other styles of body clip. Mustache And Goatee The Mustache and Goatee is a really cute look that many Doodle owners opt for when having their pets clipped. With this cut, the face is shaved clean, but the beard and mustache are left on. Different Types of Labradoodles So, a Labradoodle is a mixed dog breed. But did you know that an Australian Labradoodle is a different dog altogether from its American cousin? A Breeding Challenge Although first created in , the Labradoodle was made popular in the s. A client needed a sight dog, but he also suffered terribly from pet allergies. Now, the Labrador retriever had long been used as the go-to dog for visually impaired people, but these dogs are not hypoallergenic. Although every dog sheds dander, which causes allergies in sensitive people, Poodles shed much less than other breeds. So, Conron came up with the idea to cross a Labrador with a Poodle and thus created the first modern Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodle Vs. Like other Doodle crossbreeds, Labradoodles have one pure Labrador parent and one pure Poodle parent. These dogs are referred to as first-generation or F1 Labradoodles. In contrast, Australian Labradoodles can be made up of a mixture of up to six different breeds, including: Labrador. Sep 8, Share The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed, a cross between the loyal Labrador and the posh Poodle, and has become a popular designer breed in the last few decades. They were first bred in Australia in the late s in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog and sparked a designer breed revolution. While they are low-shedding dogs, their thick coats still need regular grooming and brushing, plus a haircut every few months. Here are seven of the best haircuts for Labradoodles this year that your pooch will love! The cut is named for its resemblance to the coat that it would have naturally as a puppy. It not only looks great but is also functional, and your pooch can go for a few months without any knotting, matting, or needing another haircut. This cut gives them an adorable Teddy Bear look. It takes a fair bit more maintenance, though, and will need to be done fairly regularly, as the coat is left slightly longer. This cut was originally designed for Poodles and other breeds with curly coats but works great with Labradoodles too. The coat on their legs is left slightly long and fluffy, while the body and head are sheared short. The ears are left long, giving your pooch an adorable lamb-like appearance. This cut requires slightly more skill to perform but is a great low-maintenance style to keep your Labradoodle knot-free. It is also the go-to style if your pooch is covered in matting and knots that cannot be brushed out. It is a head-turning cut for sure and has become a popular choice among Labradoodle owners. It will keep your Labradoodle cool but still allow for an adorable wavy and curly coat to comb through. Similar to a Kennel Cut but slightly longer, the Short Clip is also ideal for warmer weather. Your Labradoodle is shaved all around to about 1 inch long, except the ears, in some cases. This cut is great for summer and minimizes the need for brushing and grooming, and your pooch will be knot-free for several months. Can you groom a Labradoodle on your own? With the correct equipment and time and patience, you can take grooming your Labradoodle into your own hands. Make sure their eyes are free from hair so they can see properly, and keep their ears fairly short to prevent matting. Be sure to take care around these sensitive areas, especially with scissors. Some dogs love to be groomed, while others will run a mile. This has nothing to do with breeds or genetics and everything to do with correct training. For dogs that have long coats that need regular grooming, try and get them accustomed to the process from as young an age as possible. Make the process something to forward to, with treats as rewards and tons of praise! Do Labradoodles Need Haircuts? You might be interested in these products:.

La Forte Poodles Mission: Our Mission is to provide beautiful, healthy Standard Poodles with the wonderful characteristics that they are known for: intelligence, eagerness to please, loyalty, versatility, lovableness, trainability, and joyfulness. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters or fish for fisherman. Poodles are among the most intelligent dogs you can own. A good Standard Poodle is one of the smartest and most trainable of all breeds. Despite their regal air, the Poodle is no snob. It is important to be committed to grooming your Standard Poodle. Our poodles are natural hunters and because we live on a farm, we keep them in sport cuts. Their coats are hypoallergenic but require regular bathing and brushing. You can have lots of fun with grooming your poodle. Many Standard Poodle owners keep their poodle in a show cut, shaving parts of the body and poofing other parts. We tend to favour a puppy cut or a sport cut. Fendi and Gucci usually have a sport cut, given their active life on the farm. Article first appeared in the International Parti Poodle Gazette October Having seen old-time black and white photos of parti color Poodles and a color print of a parti Toy in a Poodle book back in the s, I knew that the parti color had historically occurred in Poodles but was unaware that partis had recently made a stunning comeback in the United States. That is until I attended a seminar in November and saw a video of two of them. At the time, I had two Poodles, a black mini named Ebony who is currently eleven and Panda a nine-year-old black Standard mismark who is getting quite grey. The seminar was on Bridge and Target training, and in the video Charlene was demonstrating some of these techniques with her two parti Poodles. They really do exist! I want one! I did not speak other languages, so the United States was my last hope. Through the Internet, I found a couple of parti breeders in the U. This was heaps more difficult than I ever imagined. The pet service picks up the dog immediately after it clears customs and transports it to their quarantine facility. How a Poodle could be mistaken for one of these breeds is beyond me. I also had to send photocopies of my passport and driver's license to prove who I was and where I lived before the dog would be released to me. My puppy has arrived safely at Auckland's quarantine facility where she is now required to spend 30 days. Owners are encouraged to visit their pets. Since I live 30 minutes away, I can visit often. Recently, when I was visiting my puppy Dixie for the second time, I could hear Panda barking in the car someone had parked too close for her liking. When Dixie heard Panda, she cocked her head and listened. It was so cool. They do not seem overly enthused at the moment, but I am sure there will be much excitement when they finally get to meet her and perform their doggy greeting rituals. A big thank you to Heather who looked after Dixie and made sure she had all of the necessary tests and shots on the dates that the NZ MAF required. She took such wonderful care of her and socialized her so well. And, my heartfelt thanks to Sandi for breeding such a beautiful, sweet-natured dog and entrusting her to me here on the other side of the world. Agility at the training club When my puppy was 11 weeks old, she and her sister were flown from Sandi's home in Alabama to Arizona to stay with Heather who would be looking after my puppy until all of the New Zealand import requirements were met. After 12 weeks-of-age, puppies can have their first rabies shot with a titer test three weeks later. If the titer shows clear of rabies, six months from that date the puppy can leave the U. Additionally, my puppy was microchipped at the time of her rabies shot. Because there is a lot of paperwork critical to the successful importation of dogs to New Zealand, I employed the services of a pet transporter company that liaised between myself, Heather, and the appropriate agencies. They informed Heather of the necessary tests that had to be done and at what time. They also kept in touch with Heather's veterinarian. New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries requires that all shots must be given by a veterinarian and not by the breeder. All blood tests are sent to Kansas State University. Required vaccinations for dogs are: Rabies.

These little dogs are like no other and make excellent pets! This article will introduce you to the delightful and adorable adventures that come with owning a 3 week old Frenchie. From potty training to teething, the French Bulldog puppy can bring you and your family lots of joy and fun. What is a French Bulldog? A French Bulldog is a unique breed of small dog that has its origins in France. It is a cross between a bulldog and a terrier, and it has a cute, compact-sized body and wide-set ears that give it a distinct look. French Bulldogs are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities, and they are often described as being incredibly loyal and loving to their owners. As a result, French Bulldogs make excellent pets for busy owners or those with limited space. When it comes to taking care of a French Bulldog, there are a few things to keep in mind. To start off, French Bulldogs require regular grooming, as their coat needs to be brushed and clipped in order to remain healthy. French Bulldogs have a tendency to gain weight if they are not regularly exercised. To keep them healthy, owners should make sure to give their Frenchies regular walks and access to plenty of playtime. Training is essential when it comes to French Bulldogs. They can be difficult to potty train, so owners should start early and be consistent with their training. Socialization is also important, as it helps Frenchies learn to interact with other dogs and people. With the right training and care, French Bulldogs can be happy, healthy and lovable companions. Overview of the Article This article presents an opportunity to learn more about a 3-week-old French Bulldog. Get ready to embark on a journey of puppies and cuteness! This can help your pup develop strong relationships with family and friends. Puppies are curious and energetic, and it is important to provide them with the right environment to learn and grow. First and foremost, potty training is key. Although puppies are not fully housebroken at three weeks, they can begin to learn the basics with regularity and consistency. Use a designated spot outside for bathroom breaks and reward your puppy when they use it. Also keep in mind that puppies need to relieve themselves often, so make sure they are getting plenty of opportunities. Socialization and interaction are also important during the first few weeks. Introducing your pup to other people, animals, and environments is essential for their development. Make sure to have plenty of playtime and positive exposure for your pup. Teething can cause discomfort, so provide plenty of chew toys for your pup to keep them occupied and distracted. By providing your pup with regular potty breaks, plenty of socialization and interaction, and the proper chew toys, you can ensure that their adorable adventures are a success. Life of a Puppy Life of a Puppy can be a lot of fun. You need to be prepared to spend a lot of time playing and socializing with your pup to help them grow into a well-adjusted dog. This includes regular exercise and playtime, as well as introducing them to strange sounds, surfaces, and people. With the right amount of love, patience, and positive reinforcement, your puppy will quickly become a beloved part of the family. Adorable Quirks French Bulldog puppies are full of quirks that make them so lovable! Little things like their snorts and snuffles, their love for cuddling and belly rubs, and their enthusiasm for playing with toys are just some of the adorable quirks that will make you smile. Make sure to use positive reinforcement when they show good behavior. Make sure to also give them plenty of opportunities to explore and learn. Potty Training Potty training a French Bulldog can seem like a daunting task for many. With a bit of patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, your French Bulldog will be potty trained in no time. The key thing to remember when potty training any puppy is to stay consistent. Establish a set schedule and stick to it. Take your puppy out every two to three hours, especially after meals and naps. When you take your French Bulldog outside, lead them to the designated potty spot and give them plenty of time to go. Be sure to reward them with praise and a treat each time they go in the right spot. If your puppy has an accident inside, never scold them. Clean it up and figure out what was going wrong. Add a few potty pads or newspapers to the area and help your puppy understand that it is an acceptable place to go. If your puppy is having a difficult time, it may be helpful to enlist the help of a trainer to give you a few pointers. With just a few small changes, your puppy will be potty trained in no time! Start as soon as possible introducing them to as many other dogs and people as possible. Introduce them to different environments, including parks, pet stores, and other places you would typically take a pup. Allow them to get comfortable with strangers, different sounds, and new experiences. Allow your pup to interact with other people and other dogs. This will help them become used to different people and dogs so they will be comfortable in many social settings. Be sure to reward your pup with lots of praise, petting, and treats when they behave well around others. A positive reinforcement system helps your pup understand what behaviors you want them to learn and repeat. Make sure to provide a safe environment for your pup, as new experiences can be overwhelming. If you notice your pup is becoming stressed or anxious, take a break and provide them some comforting reassurance. Start with a few commands and add more as they master the basics. Training will help your pup understand that certain behaviors are expected from them. Your pup will learn quickly with consistent, positive reinforcement. Through socialization and training, your French Bulldog will grow into a well-behaved, confident pooch. During teething, your pup may experience pain and discomfort, and will likely become more active, chew anything he can find, and salivate more than usual. To help your pup through the teething process, provide him with appropriate chew toys and offer him plenty of praise and rewards for chewing on them. You should also keep an eye out for any signs of tooth or gum problems, such as redness or swelling, and take your pup to the vet if you notice these symptoms. Try to avoid giving your pup human food or treats during teething, as this can lead to indigestion or other gastrointestinal issues. With your help, teething can be a positive and enjoyable experience for you and your pup. Post Views: .Home » Blog » What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks You certainly want to know about every minute of your sweet puppy. Last year we did a documentary about our breeding program in which we showed where our Frenchies live and we also wrote about how our program has grown over the years. In this article, we share with you how we help our little puppies on the TomKings Puppies farm, from the first moments of their lives until we find a forever loving family for them. The vet checks if everything is fine and we take them home. The average birth weight of a Frenchie is 0. Their size strongly depends on the size of the litter; when there are a fewer of them they can be as big as a two-week-old puppy from an other litter. Newborn puppies are deaf and blind and absolutely helpless so we are here to assist their mother to nurture them. In the first two weeks They are breastfed every 3 hours, and then their mom stimulates them to pee and poo. Not all mothers are eager to do this, in which case we assist them with a dam, warm cotton towel. The puppies spend the rest of their time sleeping they often seem to be dreaming! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email They are so cute as they love to huddle together, but we also keep them warm with an external source like an infra lamp. As the puppies are very small, there is a threat that the mom accidentally smothers one or more of them. In the first 4 weeks We make strict precautions to keep the newborn babies sterile to avoid the risk of them being infected. They sleep in the house with us, and only a small circle of carers are allowed to touch them who use lots of hands sanitizing. As the mother has less and less milk we gradually switch to give them milk from a bottle and then crushed food. The puppies open their eyes when they are days old, and then they are able to hear — a whole new world opens up for them. At the age of weeks, the little explorers start crawling and then the first few shaky steps. At this stage, they are already very playful and start love-biting each other.