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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. Check with local veterinarians' offices, animal shelters, pet supply stores, and other area pet business for referrals to dog rescue organizations in your area. Contact one local dog rescue group for referral to other area groups. Some dog rescue groups work with all dogs, while others are breed-specific. Most rescues groups have established networks with other area rescues. The organization's website also provides links to rescue organizations. Although the majority of dogs looking for new homes through rescue groups are adults, sometimes rescue groups have puppies to place. Most German Shepherds looking for homes through rescue groups do not have papers. If registering your puppy is important, or if you intend to enter it into competitions, you will need its title papers and health records, so a rescued dog may not be right for you. Many dog rescues will require a thorough application process in order to assure that you will be a good fit for the dog. Be prepared to disclose your address and whether you own your home, as well as your employment status and your philosophy when it comes to raising a dog. You will want to make sure that the dog's temperament works well with you and your family. Ask whether you can get the dog checked out by your veterinarian. You will want your vet to check the dog's general health and for serious conditions, such as heart murmurs. Be sure to ask about the dog's health while the rescue has had it and if it is up to date on shots and healthcare. A good rescue should actually offer this information upfront. Get a history of the dog's healthcare up to that point. Has it had its first vaccination, had heart worm treatment, and parasite control? These should have all been done before the age when a puppy is adoptable. While many rescue organizations cannot tell you much about the dogs they place, because the dogs have been rescued off the street or they have been given up anonymously, sometimes they have a bit of information. Get all the information you can about the dog's past so that you can assess their general background and health. Dog rescue organizations are usually run on a shoe-string budget. While they depend mostly on volunteers, they do need funds to transport and care for dogs. Your adoption fee will most likely help to pay for the rescue of other dogs in the future. 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. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. 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. 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.

Jump on live chat or leave a message. Dog Food For Golden Retrievers With tons of energy, large and fast-growing bones and a higher-chance of hip and joint issues than other breeds, the perfect Golden Retriever dog food is high in quality meat protein, well balanced and low in inflammatory ingredients. The perfect Goldie grub should keep them going all day, supporting their stacks of energy without the crash. Most importantly, they need the perfect nutritional balance to keep them growing safely, from puppyhood right through to the golden oldies. Cheap, powdered and over-processed ingredients are a common culprit. Scratch uses meat from the human food supply chain and tops off each recipe with healthy oils for a resilient gut, shiny coat and tough immune system. Itchy skin and a dull coat becomes a thing of the past. It should be sustaining them with top-quality ingredients, cutting out filler and enriching their health with wholefoods. Dry food, wet food, freshly prepared or home-cooked, most of the dog food brands out there miss the mark. Scratch puts better ingredients in, and you get a healthier dog out. Pretty simple but business gets in the way. So, is dry dog food bad? No — much of it is but Scratch is the dry dog food should be. Read more about our kibble philosophy Why kibble vs. Dry dog food is the most convenient, preserved by dehydration and receives a quick temperature kill-step to ensure all microorganisms are eliminated. Compare Scratch to: Raw food Raw food diets are great as they have no processing, but it can be hard to get a complete and balanced diet from raw food alone. It also has other drawbacks like being fresh only for a few days, potential microorganisms such as e-coli, salmonella etc. Cooked protein is also easier to digest than raw. Wet food Wet dog food is processed at a high temperature for a long period while sealed to ensure that all micro-organisms are killed. It generally tastes great but contains mostly water and a lot of gelling agents to make the gravy. Freeze-dried food Freeze-dried grub is generally higher quality than a lot of the dog food out there, but comes with its own drawbacks. Or chilled food? Like dry dog food , chilled dog food has the kill step to eradicate pathogens. It has a short shelf life and is often treated with a lot of preservatives to last the time from factory to home. The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Sizes Dog Food Protein Content The pet food label usually expresses its content as a percentage instead of an amount. Animal-based proteins are complete and contain all the essential amino acids. Grains are another excellent protein source, albeit they may not have all these building blocks. The important thing is that the puppy food meets this minimum standard to ensure healthy development. Dog Food Fat Content Fat is a vital macronutrient that offers an excellent source of energy and the raw materials for the synthesis of good cholesterol. The recommended amounts differ radically in puppies and dogs, making a solid case for giving your pet food appropriate for its life stage. Of course, they also need it for growth and development. Dog Food Ingredients Pet food is regulated with required labeling to help you choose the best food for your Golden Retriever puppy. One of these requirements is a nutritional adequacy statement. That informs you about the life stage of the product. Manufacturers must identify the ingredients in their products, starting with the one that makes up the most weight. We can also say something similar about so-called human-grade pet foods. No formal definition exists for the term. The other concern lies with what manufacturers substitute for the grains. Some evidence suggests a potential link between the substituted ingredients and this disorder. Golden Retrievers have shown a higher rate of DCM and low taurine levels, which can cause it too. These dogs can synthesize taurine in their bodies. However, this breed has a propensity for not producing enough. That makes taurine in the ingredient list something we always check. Dog Food Sizes Most manufacturers produce several sizes of dog food. However, bear in mind that larger ones are usually a better value. Also, your puppy will grow quickly—along with its appetite. We suggest keeping both factors in mind when choosing a product. Final Verdict Ollie Fresh dog food came out on top in our series of reviews. We were impressed with the natural ingredient list and focus on nutrition. Read more Advertisement. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But there are so many choices. The pet food industry has exploded in recent years. Remember though that, if you intend to switch your dog to a new diet, do so over the course of seven to 10 days to help avoid intestinal upsets or diarrhea. Types of Foods The main types of commercial foods are dry, moist, dehydrated, and fresh. As a large-breed dog, it would take a lot of moist food to properly feed a golden. Why Do the Ingredients of a Food Matter? Of course, your golden is a highly intelligent and sociable dog. Unfortunately, goldens have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer. But AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles consist only of minimum values for all the nutrients required by dogs and maximum values for just a few nutrients that can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts. But, even with such regulation, not all foods are created equal. Feeding a food with low-quality ingredients may contribute to chronic inflammation and obesity. And chronic inflammation can contribute to arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and infection. Foods should be made from wholesome, natural ingredients with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. They should be rich in high-quality animal sources such as poultry, meat, and fish. Our beloved goldens are one of the breeds most likely to become obese. If your dog becomes obese, you can even ask your vet about prescription weight-loss diets. There are certain requirements foods should meet. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that adult dogs require a minimum of 18 percent of protein in their diets, whereas puppies require at least 22 percent protein. A good food should contain healthy meats and fats. They should also contain fruits and vegetables. And, of course, the proper mix of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Natural preservatives such as tocopherols vitamin E , vitamin C, or rosemary extract should be used rather than artificial ones. Large breed dogs and puppies have different nutritional requirements than small breeds do. They grow more quickly than breeds who are small or medium-sized as adults. Golden retriever puppies have a greater risk of developing a crippling form of hip disease if fed a diet that contains too much calcium. Adult goldens can be fed any high-quality kibble or a kibble specifically for large breed dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA , large-breed dogs have shorter lifespans than their smaller counterparts and can be considered seniors when five or six years old. The veterinary community has also been compiling and analyzing data on diet-related DCM in dogs. DCM is a disease in which the heart muscle weakens, leading to the loss of the ability to contract normally and pump blood through the body. Symptoms of DCM can include weakness, lethargy, shortness of breath, fainting, and the inability of exercise. It can become life-threatening. The link between grain-free foods and DCM is still being investigated, as there are many variables to be considered. Note that some dogs are allergic to certain grains and may need to avoid them. But this is best decided by a veterinarian, especially a board-certified nutritionist. Diseases which impact goldens, such as inflammatory bowel disease or atopic skin diseases and allergies, have a strong link to the foods they ingest. And, in determining how much to feed, the manufacturers of pet foods provide guidelines on their labels. But remember that the guidelines are just that. You can always adjust the amount of food he eats depending on his weight and health. In addition to doing your own research, you can consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist to determine which food and amount would be best for your golden. But remember: there is no one perfect food for any dog. And choosing a high-quality food may also reduce his risk of health problems. What Do the Terms on the Label Mean? The labels on pet foods can be confusing. Learning what the terms mean can help you decipher which one is a higher-quality product. The terms on a label are listed in descending amounts of ingredients. So the first few listed are found in larger amounts than those at the bottom of the items listed on the label. Meat Meat is the skeletal muscle of animals as well as tissue from the heart. This may be beef, chicken, pork, lamb, or salmon. This is the animal flesh without any water extracted. Meat Meal It can include only actual meat, skin, and bone, which can be nutritious. But it can legally contain animals who were dying, diseased, deformed, or had died before slaughtering. Meat meals are the product after the excess moisture has been removed from the meat. These include lungs, kidneys, brains, bone, blood, heads, spleens, stomachs, beaks, feet, feathers, and intestines. Unfortunately, like meat meal, it can contain animals who were very sick or dead before slaughtering which need not be disclosed to the consumer. Whole Meats versus Named Protein Meals These are named proteins such as chicken, salmon, beef, and lamb. They can contain up to 70 percent moisture prior to cooking. Named protein meals, such as lamb meal, have that excess moisture removed being processed into kibble. So meals actually have more protein by weight than whole meats do. Fish Meal Fish meal is the clean ground tissue of undecomposed whole fish or fish cuttings, with or without the oil extracted. Ground Corn Ground corn is the entire corn kernel ground or chopped. Corn Gluten Meal Corn gluten meal is the by-product after the manufacture of corn syrup or starch, and is the dried residue after the removal of the bran, germ, and starch. Brewers Rice Brewers rice is the small fragments of rice kernels that have been separated from larger kernels of milled rice. Brown Rice Brown rice is the unpolished rice left over after the kernels have been removed. Soybean Meal Soybean meal is a by-product of the production of soybean oil. Holistic or Natural These are terms that some companies use. But they have no meaning according to the FDA. So beware that such foods may not be what we think of as being holistic or natural. Organic This means that the food is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides, and preservatives. Of course, higher-quality ingredients cost more. Also avoid foods that have been overly processed or contain hormones or steroids. Meat by-products and poultry by-products are one of the lower-quality ingredients. Try to avoid them. It can also be restaurant grease. Corn and soy are generally regarded to be inferior ingredients and fillers. Remember that if you feed a high-quality food to your dog without fillers, you often can feed less. And I also considered various foods before making my selection. My dogs are doing well on this food. Goldens love their food and eat a lot because of their size. The Dog Food Advisor is a public service website designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food. The write-ups are taken from those found on the Dog Food Advisor website. The links will also lead to information regarding additional high-rated foods. The formula contains a minimum of 34 percent of named proteins. Its high-protein content helps form strong muscles. The formula includes increased amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to support bone and joint health in larger-sized dogs. This recipe contains the preferred amount of fat and calories to help maintain a healthy weight for a dog the size of a golden. It has no meat by-products or fillers. And no corn, wheat, or soy. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Large-Breed Chicken Formula The top five ingredients are deboned salmon, chicken meal, pea protein, peas, and tapioca starch, with a minimum of 32 percent protein. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Chicken is a great option for those looking for higher protein and an optimal blend of calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins to help keep bones strong. Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids found in fish meal and flaxseed ensure a healthy coat. An ideal blend of protein, fat and carbohydrates are also included to assist your large breed dog in keeping a healthy weight. It also has antioxidants to boost immune health and no poultry by-products. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for healthy joints. It contains a minimum of 27 percent with named proteins. Now Fresh Large Breed Adult contains balanced proteins and fats from turkey, salmon, and duck. The formula also has antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables such as spinach, cranberries, pumpkin, blackberries, and carrots. These are great for building a strong immune system to help fight disease. This recipe is recommended for dogs over 50 pounds and between 15 months and five years of age. It contains extra nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint care for larger-breed dogs. There are no by-products or artificial preservatives. The formula contains probiotics to support digestion. There is no gluten, wheat, corn, or soy Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large-Breed Adult Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, and potatoes. The food contains a minimum of 38 percent protein. The Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed recipe contains added glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy hip and joint function, essential for large-breed dogs. Omega fatty acids from salmon oil help ensure a healthy skin and coat. A unique raw-infused kibble recipe is loaded with protein. The recipe has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and is gluten free. Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food The top five ingredients in this formula are chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal. It has a minimum protein of 26 protein percent. The formula also has live probiotics to support healthy digestion. Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture. It has live probiotics to support healthy digestion as well as omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It contains no artificial colors or flavors. Although this formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. But apparently many consumers have found that their dogs are doing well on this food. Some Suggested Foods for Your Golden Retriever Puppy Of course puppies require a higher amount of protein and fat than adults generally do. But note that adult goldens who are very active, such as dogs who do agility, generally need more protein and fat than other goldens do. But they may not need as much as puppies do. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal. The recipe contains a minimum of 32 percent protein. It has 14 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs and has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44percent. It also has a safe, balanced amount of calcium. Origen Puppy Large Breed Formula The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel. This recipe contains a minimum of 43 percent protein, 18 percent fat and 30percent estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41percent. This high-quality food is more expensive than many five-star rated foods. Diamond Naturals Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice. This budget-friendly food has a dry matter label analysis of 30 percent protein, 17 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs. It has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56 percent. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29 percent protein, 17 percent fat and 46 percent estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58 percent. This is a top-rated food that is budget conscious. Purina Pro Plan Large-Breed Puppy Formula The top five ingredients are chicken, rice, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, and poultry by-product meal. The dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32 percent protein. It also contains 15 percent fat and 45 percent estimated carbs. This yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47 percent. This formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers. Purina Pro Plan is what we are currently feeding our guide dog puppies. But, as is true of the adult Pro Plan food listed above, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients. Final Thoughts There are so many choices when selecting a food for your beloved golden retriever. It can really be challenging to find the right food. But remember because there are so many choices, there is no one right food for your pup. Dog food ratings can help make a choice. So can knowing the basics regarding what the terms on a food label mean. Are you thinking of switching foods? Please leave your comments in the section below. Related Article:. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like.

I grew up with boxers as my grandmother was an avid lover of the breed and had a lucrative breeding and showing program. While she is no longer with us, I continue her legacy and continue to use her kennel name MerBar Boxers. Each one of my puppies is raised in my home with my children and other pets. I make sure each puppy is loved and has great social skills. I like to give each baby an abundance of attention! All of my dogs are health tested to ensure you get a puppy that will be with you for years to come. I am happy to explain our health tests, what they mean, and why they are important. I will make myself available for any questions or concerns. If you are considering a breeding program I will mentor you on all the appropriate health testing, as well as making sure I fit you with the right puppy. If I do not have what you're looking for I am happy to refer you to my network of breeder friends to ensure you get the right puppy. I know that sometimes situations arise that are out of your control. Rest assured that you have options and I will work with you to resolve any issues. We dedicate ourselves to insuring that the dogs in our program get the second chance they deserve and never find themselves lost, alone, or abused, again. Adoption Policy An must be completed by every prospective family. Why, you ask? You may fill out an online application or if you e-mail us, we will supply a Word document to fill out. Please be patient with our nosy questions. We understand the application is lengthy however, each question has a reason behind it. A complete application helps us discern the best match for your family! It also demonstrates a level of commitment on your part. Our boxers are not "just dogs" and our adoptive families are not "just people"! An incomplete application form must be sent back to you. This causes delay and disappointment, two words we would rather not have associated with your HBR experience. Let's work together! Continue to check the e-mail address from which your application was submitted. When your application is processed, we will attempt to make contact both by e-mail and phone. Keep in mind we are an all volunteer group. Although we have families and jobs that take precedence in our lives, we work hard to save the breed we love! We are committed to doing our best to facilitate the adoption process and make it as pleasant as possible! When the application is received a volunteer will contact you to schedule a Home Visit. If you have questions, please ask your Home Visit Volunteer, he or she will be delighted to help! Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Houston TX? This is because many factors go into the final price of a Houston Boxer for sale and can include factors such as the specific breeder, availability and location and other physical attributes. Do I have to choose from Boxer puppies in Houston? Our national network is made up of breeders and businesses from all over and you can have your choice of any one of these! What are the requirements for Houston Boxer breeders in your network? We want to ensure that irresponsible breeders and businesses are kept out of our network and that we work with only the best and most ethical breeders out there. Learn more from our Breeder Pledge. At Uptown Puppies, we are committed to connecting great people like you with only top-notch breeders and businesses out there, so you can focus on the fun part. We truly care about creating good matches that create a lifetime of happiness and would never sacrifice our standards for profit. Should I worry about Puppy Mills? They often neglect the care of the animals in the interest of keeping profits as high as possible. When you work with Uptown Puppies you will have peace of mind while searching Boxer breeders Houston. Can I get a Houston Boxer puppy for sale immediately? You can immediately start browsing through available puppies and then connect with the breeder or business and make plans to bring your pooch home! What is the history of Boxers? Modern boxers were originally bred in Germany for jobs such as hunting and guarding and gradually spread in popularity all across Europe. The ancestors of the Boxer are one of the most ancient known breeds and can be traced back for centuries. They were introduced in the U. What should I expect from my Boxer? Boxer puppies Houston make great companion animals for a wide variety of individuals and families. They do have boundless energy and will need a decent bit of exercise to keep them well mannered. In addition to all of that playful energy they are also highly intelligent and you can expect them to pick up on training quite easily. Are Boxers good with children? Boxers make great best friends for children of all ages because they have the zest and enthusiasm to play and adventure for hours on end before snuggling up with their humans. In addition to loving to play, they enjoy playing the protector role over the home and the entire family. What size are Boxers? Boxers are considered a mid-to-large breed dog and once they are fully grown they will be around inches in height and weight somewhere around pounds, with the males averaging on the higher end of the range. As long as they get plenty of walks and exercise, they will be happy in most living arrangements.

The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in New Mexico that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in New Mexico that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in New Mexico, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in New Mexico, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in New Mexico, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in New Mexico, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Dog-Friendly Businesses New Mexico has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in New Mexico. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, New Mexico is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in New Mexico? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Up to date shots, 1 year health guarantee, Puppy package. Ready for their forever homes. Located in Albuquerque, NM. Contact me with any questions my name is Nicole xxx xxx-xxx2. We own both parents. He does not have papers. He needs shots and to get fixed. He is very loveable. I need to find him a good home because i cannot take care of him with the long hours I work. If interest please contact me at xxxxxxxxxx View Detail male and female English bulldog puppies we have a male and female English bulldog puppies that are ready for adoption to any caring and loving family, contact for pics and info View Detail English bulldog Ive had her since she was a puppy. She is 4 years old. I dont have my own home to take care of her anymore. She is registered and has her shots. She is not spayed. I will be the very best friend that you have ever had! I am also smart and obedient, so I will impress all of your friends when you show me off to them. For more information please click on the website link and contact us! View Detail English bulldog puppies Very healthy males and females available for new homes now. Message us for more details if interested View Detail Amazing Males and Females English bulldog puppies available for delive Akc registered and vet checked already. Very welcoming, good with kids and other home pets. They are good Portable babies. They are indoors and outdoors trained,They come with Akc papers vet check and health guarantee.Kindly reach me on my mail xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. These puppies are both home and potty trained and are so lovely with kids. Both Parents on Premises. We will provide a1 year health Guarantee. There were 2 males and 1 females. We have 1 males available still. They are raised around my two children as well as other animals so will do great with kids and other pets. 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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have two beautiful girls still looking for their forever home. My husband and I fell in love with Golden Retrievers in .Our first daughter was five years old and after much research we decided to bring home a puppy. What we did not realize at the time was the unconditional, everlasting love and dedication we were going to experience. We had two more children and brought home another Golden puppy. I can't imagine having raised our children and grand children without our Golden Girls playing with, loving and watching over them. Our Golden Retrievers possess a calm, gentle, and very intuitive disposition. They adore children, people in general and truly live to love and be loved. We are not a kennel. Our girls and their puppies share our home with us and are held and loved from birth. We welcome new families to come visit, take pictures, and get ready for their new fur baby. Each of our Golden Girls and the Studs used for breeding are checked for genetic defects just as their grandparents, great grand parents and all previous generations. Our puppies come from extensive generations of Championship Lineage. Pedigree and Health Certifications presented and time of visit. We breed according to the standard of the Golden Retriever Club of America. We provide our puppies with a Comprehensive Health Examination, their first vaccination and de-worming before they go home with their new families at the age of 8 weeks. Share 0 Shares Golden Retrievers have always been a popular breed of dog! Due to their loving attitude, eagerness to please, and friendly demeanor, Goldens will forever be one of the most commonly owned dogs. If you are in the market for Golden Retriever puppies in the Pennsylvania area, check out our list below! We have gathered a list of the top 10 best PA Golden Retriever breeders for you! As always, we encourage you to do your own research on these breeders as well as pricing and contact information may be subject to change. Best Golden Retrievers Breeders in Pennsylvania 1. Brenda Davidson is the owner and she has specially picked each member of her breeding stock to ensure the best temperament. Brenda performs the first set of vaccinations for each puppy at 7 weeks of age and requires that anyone purchasing puppy schedules to finish vaccinations series with their veterinarian. All puppies will also be dewormed multiple times prior to picking up. Their webpage has a link to contact them. If after contacting them, there is a spot available on their waitlist, you will be required to secure a deposit before being added to the list. After the puppies are born, clients begin picking their puppy at around 6 weeks of age. Puppies will be available for pickup around 8 weeks of age. There will be a pet agreement that needs to be finished prior to picking up your puppy. Prices are subject to change. Name of owner. 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. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of our golden retriever puppies for sale. How do I know which breeders to trust in Pennsylvania? 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. I have combined the two for easier navigation of all of my services and breeding program. I welcome you to my home on the internet and encourage you to browse around to see all that I have to offer. My name is Chrissy Harp, I have been in business for 18 years now. I want everyone that purchases a golden to have the same great experience of owning a well mannered, healthy, lovable puppy as I have. Everyone should own a golden retriever once in their lives, there is nothing like it!! My line has been in our family for 26 years, so I know the health history and it speaks for itself. I stand behind every puppy with a 2 year health guarantee. My whole mission behind spending all this time and money finding the perfect breed able dogs, is so an average family can have a high quality, healthy pet. As it becomes available, I will post information about my puppies as well as dogs that I have available for sale. You may sign up for my email newsletter. I try to send one out when I have a litter expected, a dog that is trained and ready to be placed, a possible therapy dog, a retired dog needing a retirement home, or if something is new. Additional photos are always available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by e-mail at puppies opkgoldens. Our goldens are the central part of our lives and my husband and I strive to breed to correct golden retriever standards making health, and temperament our number one priority for all future puppies. I have been involved in golden retrievers for 35 years, getting my start from a wonderful friend, who taught me so much about the breed. My first golden retriever was purchased back in and from that point I was hooked. We continue to have wonderful healthy golden retriever puppies for families to love for many years. At Sunbolyn Golden Retrievers we have a limited breeding program so there will be a wait for a puppy. You can visit the planned litter page for information on upcoming litters of puppies. My litters are very well planned with the first two concerns being health and temperament. I want to create the next generation of puppies to be wonderful companion dogs for loving families for years to come. I take months planning a breeding, taking every concern into consideration before picking my stud dog. I want to continue to keep true to the golden retriever standards, breeding puppies that have health, excellent temperaments and the ability to be used multipurpose in areas such as agility , obedience, field work and conformation rings, but most of all being a great family pet!!! Please enjoy our new web page Sunbolyn Golden Retrievers and contact us by going to the page with our contact information with any questions you may have. I always love talking about my dogs and sharing with people my love and passion of the breed. Thank You for stopping by!! Kim and Rick Kelley. 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.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. How much does an 8-week-old Golden Retriever sleep? How much exercise does your 2-month-old Golden Retriever need? Eight weeks is typically when breeders allow puppies to be taken to their new homes, but some breeders keep them for a couple of extra weeks. This shy, sleepy puppy will eventually get more comfortable with its new environment and come out of its shell in a couple of days. Socialization is important for eight-week-old golden pups. Getting your pup used to these things is a good way to avoid potential behavioral issues as the puppy matures because it allows them to learn how to feel and react to various stimuli and leaves you with a confident, well-adjusted pup. You need to reinforce the idea that your puppy is safe and gain their trust during this time period. During this time, pups will be a little more fearful of things like strangers, sounds, and certain objects. It will pass, and usually only lasts a week or so. It can be a little scary or discouraging for the owner of a golden puppy to see them go through this fear period, especially if they start exhibiting fear towards people. Goldens are known to be such friendly and social dogs, so watching them exhibit such antisocial traits can be off-putting. You can still get them outside and introduce them to new things, just remain mindful of their feelings. You need to be patient with an eight-week-old puppy. These adorable balls of energy and fluff are completely dependent on you to meet their needs and there are a LOT of needs! Check out our article on the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers so you can meet their hygiene needs! You need to be patient with them so that you can not only bond with your new pup, but also help him grow and learn about the world around him. Sometimes the puppy that was the smallest puppy in the litter can grow and quickly become the largest. And the largest puppy of the litter may not always remain the largest. As a breed, Golden Retrievers vary in size and weight. So you should enjoy that before they grow too big to pick up and cuddle! You may be surprised to learn that 8-week-old Golden puppies require about 18 hours of sleep a day. This may seem counter-intuitive because most people would assume that if a puppy is full of energy it needs to run it off, but in all actuality what they really need is sleep. You should use either pens or crates to make sure that your pup gets the optimal amount of sleep both through the night and during the day. Here are some things you can do to help your puppy nap: Adorn their crate or pen with comfortable blankets or pillows. Learn whether your pup likes to sleep on a bed or on the floor, then set their crate or pen up accordingly. Cover the crate or pen using a blanket or towel so that their visual stimulation is limited. You can use aromatherapy products for dogs to lull your pup to sleep. Get your puppy something like a stuffed Kong toy because licking and chewing are relaxing to pups. Classical or calming music can help your puppy get to sleep. You can expect that your pup should be ready for a nap after being awake for around an hour. So, you can get him to sleep easier using these tips. An 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy is largely able to know how much exercise it needs all on its own. What you should do instead is either pick them up and take them home or give them a break and see if they get a second wind. Golden Retrievers excel at playing fetch, but you need to keep games short. The running and then suddenly stopping to pick the ball or toy up and bring it back is hard on their tiny bones. People often adopt Golden Retrievers with the intent of getting a companion to exercise with running, hiking, biking, etc. Allowing your puppy to play with toys in your yard or house can be a good, safe way for your puppy to exercise. Having a yard is ideal because you can let your pup run around the yard and explore, while also burning off some excess energy. Just make sure you choose a short, easy walk that your puppy can handle. However, some days they have more energy than others, which is normal. Every Golden Retriever has varying exercise needs. Some are pretty chill and would rather lay around, while others are really hyper and active. You need to know that positive reinforcement works best for Golden Retrievers. You should avoid any sort of training that is based on punishment. There are also other training methods that can be beneficial to your pup. Group training is a good way to get your pup acquainted with other dogs and learn alongside them, while the trainer provides you with ways to better train your pup. You also have the option to hire a professional dog trainer, who will come to your house and give you customized tips to train your puppy. Before hiring any sort of trainer, ask them about the methods they use to avoid distress for puppies. They need to learn about confinement early on. Another important thing to teach your pup is their name, and to come to you when you call them. The bond with your pup is vital to any other training you do with them. For more about the training process, check out our article about Golden Retriever Puppy Training. Hey, food is good, okay? Most 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppies should be eating around half a cup of food three times a day. So, talk to your vet for a specific amount. They need high-quality puppy food. For more about what to feed your pup, check out our article about the Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers. Your golden puppy will probably quickly devour any food you place in front of them. It can be a good idea to buy a slow feeder bowl or toys that dispense food to slow them down a bit while also giving them some mental stimulation and making mealtime fun. Just as infants put things in their mouths, puppies do too. They do this to both plays and learn about their world. This can really suck for humans because puppies have sharp little teeth that feel like needles. The good news is that you can do some things to cut back on the biting and learn to deal with it. The first thing right off the bat you should do is to make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Secondly, scatter chew toys all over your house. Third, give your puppy a break if they start biting. This is as easy as going on the other side of their gate or putting them in their crate. This lets your pup know that when they start biting, the play stops, and access to you is denied. Many people suggest yelping and making loud noises when your puppy bites. But this is actually pretty counter-productive because it can make the situation worse by scaring the puppy. Other puppies can get more excited by the noise and bite harder. Biting is just something that puppies at this age do. However, remember that getting through this trying time is going to help you establish a lifelong bond with your new family member.

Puppies Arrived December 30th! See and listen to our calm dog therapy music created by my eldest son that we use while raising our pups and use this while crate training. Click here and use while you continue to crate train your pups! I have learned from other breeders how to litter box train young puppies, but the hardest part was searching for the right litter box tray or box to use for our pups for indoor use. But i would always dread as pups reached 7 weeks of age , for at that period they start to drag their toys into the litter box and there would be always a pup or 2 that enjoyed romping around and playing in it, so the chore would double! When i found this large dog litter box online mentioned on a site, i felt that it was the best day of my life! I thought to myself- this can change my dog breeding life forever! But then i found out it was sold out for a long while! So i was so glad i was able to contact the company and turned out they were just about getting ready to have this up online again! I waited daily, messaged daily, and finally it was up for sale yahoo! I felt like i had won the lotto, weird huh- but i literally jumped for joy when i received it in mail! I love this so much that i felt it was wrong to not share this info. This is a dog breeders dream come true -we have finally upgraded to a large pup litter box! I like how it looks more appealing than a metal tray or plastic bin. Can a puppy dog litter box be sexy black, yes this is! I am always looking for the next greatest thing to help in dog breeding life, and for sure this is it! I hope this helps out someone looking to make life easier for pups potty training! Less headache! If you are interested, you may click on the link for more information and on where to order yours today! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Check out our Puppies page for more info. Hello and welcome to Bearcreek!! We are a small, in-home breeder of Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. As a boutique breeder near Seattle, Washington, and Woodinville, Washington, we produce just a handful of puppies each year. This gives us valuable time to introduce each puppy with age appropriate socialization experiences with lots of love and attention, giving the puppies the best start in life. Our program focuses on producing healthy, sweet-tempered, genetically sound mini and medium Australian Labradoodle pups. All our dogs have non-shedding, allergy and asthma-friendly fleece coats. By the time your puppy arrives in your home it will have started on potty training and crate training. Known primarily for their sweet disposition, these dogs are increasingly sought-after for therapy and service work and make excellent family companions. We are proud to be a Gold Star member of the Australian Labradoodle Association of America and abide by the organization's standards for excellence. Home: Welcome. Family Raised. Fluffy faces and shedless coats It all begins with the gorgeous and innocent fluffy faces of the Multigen Australian Labradoodle. Labradoodles have the dreamiest eyes, the most adorable paws, and the sweetest personalities. They learn and adapt faster than you can imagine and are incredibly loyal, as every life partner should be. For extra doodle points, Labradoodles are also allergy-friendly with their hypoallergenic and non to very low shedding coats. Family love and socialization Constant attention, affection, and socialization keep the pups happy. We raise the puppies in our home in the middle of our living space. They're never more than a few steps away. We introduce the doodles to a variety of people and intentionally try to expose them to as many different traits as possible. They smell us making dinner; they hear it when the wind slams a door shut; they sense it when someone in the house has a rough day. Overall, they experience all that goes on in a busy family home. These diverse experiences, coupled with love and lots of snuggles from family and friends, are the keys to a relaxed puppy and a well-socialized and calm adult Labradoodle with a compelling and flexible personality. All of the puppy culture experiences are important, but the family-raised element truly sets you up for success as a doodle parent. Health testing to the highest standard We want your doodle puppy to grow up happy and healthy and become a treasured family member for many years to come. You can rest easy knowing that your Labradoodle puppy has the healthiest parents possible. Your puppy will go home with you with a clean health report from our local veterinarian and all their puppy vaccinations through eight weeks of age. Lastly, while genetic health issues are rare, we include a two-year genetic health guarantee with all of our pups. Forever family connection and support One of the many reasons I decided to pivot from doodle parent to doodle breeder is that I love seeing these pups become cherished family members when matched with their forever families. Some folks adopt their Labradoodle and never need additional contact, and that's perfectly okay. Others are comforted knowing I am delighted to join and support them on this journey. I'm just a call or text away if you ever have questions. Plus, you'll quickly become an expert dog photographer if you're not one already. If you feel up to sharing, my family and I love seeing how your doodle happily ever after turned out. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small payment from qualifying purchases but these are all items from my shopping history and I often show in stories. Follow the sign up process, I would suggest listing 20 pounds as the adult weight and check puppy for the age. I believe it will tell you your dog will eat 4 pounds per week. After you get your intro offer you can change the cadence, the default seems to be every 5 weeks. You can also change between organic and value. You can do the entire process on the phone or sign up online and then call them at .I buy poop bags from Amazon and typically get at once because it is so much cheaper than places like Mud Bay. Another potty training tip is that I recommend not letting them have access to too large of an area at a time. I would suggest a baby gate — I like these extra tall walk through gates because they just make life easier. Just an example, if you hang in your living room in the evenings then start by just letting your pup have access to the living room and not the entire house. Small is good, it is comforting and keeps puppy from going potty in their crate. What I like about this style is that they can see everything happening but if you that is too much stimulation and you need to you cover it I suggest something light like a sheet or pillow case, nothing heavy because they get hot. I also send my families home with a snuggle puppy which helps comfort them while they are in the crate and reminds them of snuggling wit their siblings. I know there are some knockoff brands on Amazon but check out the reviews, they seem to have issues with the battery operated heartbeat. For some brands an XS harness is for a 5 pound dog. If you get a puppy from me, I use a comb on my puppies to desensitize them and I also put an electric toothbrush on their feet to get them used to having their feet touched. Here are the tools that I use. My groomer recommended starting with a slicker brush as the first step to combing your dog. After you use the brush you can move to combing them out. I have about 4 of these combs and they are my favorite because you can get all the way to their skin and not just brush the ends of their hair. If there is a mat I need to cut through I have one of these de-matting combs. They are shipped for a dominant right hand but it was easy enough to switch — one side is very sharp so again be careful — watch your fingers butalso be careful combing out your dog with this item. I blow the coat completely dry and with one hand on the dryer and the other on the comb using the dryer makes the comb move through their coat so easily. You are going to go home with some toys but puppies will be teething so they are going to want to chew A LOT. I recommend you have a generous supply of toys! Squeaky toys, stuffed toys, hard toys, and chewy toys! This is important for your puppy, and will make life better for them and you! I do not recommend buying rawhide because I feel it is not a digestible, safe product for dogs but that is just my opinion and stores continue to sell — just do some research. Puppies need supervision with toys and they have a better experience if you actually play with them. They love puzzles and they come in different levels — 8 week old puppies can start with level 1. BEDS: Your puppy is usually going to want to chew up and destroy even their dog bed. The truth is they are absolutely fine sleeping on the hard floor, they do not require a soft bed to feel comfortable. A lot of times a dog bed can make your puppy feel hot. I use freeze dried raw dog food for treats. The product is a little higher price for me to feed multiple dogs as their meal but the love it for treats and the small size is perfect. Our favorite brands are Vital Essentials — I have purchased the mini nibs in duck, rabbit, salmon, beef as well as their minnows. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Seattle WA. Conversely, the American Labradoodle typically involves just two parent breeds—Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. How much are Labradoodles for sale Seattle? Prices vary based on a variety of factors—size, gender, breeder experience, coat color, etc. Will you only connect me with local Labradoodle breeders Seattle? After you locate your dream puppy, bringing them home is simply a matter of meeting them at your nearest major airport. How do you screen Labradoodle breeders in Seattle? Find out more about our binding Breeder Pledge here. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with Labradoodles Seattle? Puppy mills and online puppy scams are on the rise. Finding a reputable, honest breeder is harder than ever before—which is exactly why we created Uptown Puppies. Uptown is a place where loving families like yours can search for the ultimate puppy without ever worrying about puppy mills again. What is a puppy mill for Labradoodle puppies Seattle? Puppy mills are legally grey breeder operations where health, safety and enrichment are set aside for profit. At puppy mills, dogs are bred in horrible, unsafe conditions that can cause your dog to suffer from an increased risk of genetic diseases later in life. Sadly, puppy mill dogs also have shorter life expectancies than average, too. Are there any Labradoodle puppies in Seattle available now? Getting started is as easy as beginning our free MatchMaker process below. What is the MatchMaker process like for Labradoodle Seattle? MatchMaker is one of the fastest, easiest ways to adopt a puppy. According to many of our customers, MatchMaker is just plain awesome.

Temperament: Loyal, sweet and intelligent. These pooches have luscious coats that often make them appear more like a lion than a dog. Combining this gorgeous breed with the sleek, strong German Shepherd produces a breed that is absolutely breathtaking. Some mixes retain the perky ears of a German Shepherd, while others inherit the floppy ears of a Great Pyrenees. With their long flowing hair and enormous body, these hybrids are sure to leave everyone they meet awestruck. Coat and Colors These dogs are most known for their luscious fur. Their beautiful locks are typically medium length and straight. As for color, they typically inherit their coat color from their Great Pyrenees parent — white, black, and tan. They usually have solid colored coats but sometimes their coats may contain multiple colors like their German Shepherd ancestors. Because they have such dense coats, Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes shed heavily. So it is very important to brush them daily to help prevent tangles and remove any dead fur. Height and Weight You can expect this dog to stand between inches tall. As for weight they are typically lb. These mixes can be quite muscular and appear very strong — their huge size is sometimes intimidating, yet these hybrids are gentle giants. Although Great Pyrenees German Shepherds act tough when they are working, these dedicated dogs turn into playful puppies in the snow — they love snow! Because of their thick coats, they thrive in cold conditions. They can overheat quickly in warmer climates, so it is important to provide them with plenty of shade if you live in a warm area. Agility training with this breed forms an extremely strong bond between dog and owner and often increases confidence. They can inherit their coat from their Great Pyrenees parent which is water-resistant and acts like a built-in raincoat! These highly independent dogs are prone to wandering off. They do not see this as an issue, because they will eventually return home. But for ease of mind as an owner it is best to invest in a sturdy fence to keep them confined to a large backyard. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament This hybrid takes some of the best personality traits from both the Great Pyrenees and the German Shepherd and combines them into one majestic pooch. The perfect mix inherits the kind, gentle nature of a Great Pyrenees and the loyal and dedicated nature of a German Shepherd. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent, so these dogs are very smart as well. As both parent breeds are working dogs , the Great Pyrenees German Shepherds are very determined and serious when it comes to performing tasks. Because German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mixes are so devoted to their jobs they are extremely confident and self-assured. They will almost never appear timid and will always walk around with their head held high. Despite their serious nature while they are working they have a very playful side as well. Pyrenees mixes love to run and explore and may even get into some mischief if they get bored. It is important to play often with them to challenge their minds and let them flex their hard-working instincts. Their large bodies house A LOT of energy! These pups need to be walked and played with frequently to help them burn all of this energy. They can be calm and snuggly, but to achieve this temperament, you have to make sure you exercise them regularly. As long as these dogs are socialized from pups they will be extremely loving with other people or pets. Without socialization they may not trust strangers. As long as they are socialized from a puppy, the Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix makes an incredible family dog. These pooches are very loving and sweet and get along easily with children and other pets. Despite their large appearance these dogs are very gentle and patient so they will get along even with young children. They are easy to train because of their high intelligence and they are typically very well-behaved. These majestic dogs require some moderate grooming and also need a significant amount of exercise each day, so make sure you have the money and time to invest in these beautiful hybrids before adopting one. Exercise Requirements They are highly active dogs that need to be exercised often. Both parent breeds are used to running freely in open pastures. Because of this they require large yards and open spaces to roam in — they are very independent and like to explore. This hybrid mix also loves to walk so if you are not an active person or do not have time to commit to walking a dog, you should consider looking at another dog breed. In addition to walking you should give your mix plenty of opportunities to display its intelligence. Ideally you would give these dogs a chance to use their herding instincts, but not everyone has a flock of sheep in their backyard! Other ways to mentally challenge your pooch include agility and obedience training. They are skilled at tasks such as jumping and running through obstacle courses. Exercising them frequently will help avoid any boredom that could result in destructive behaviors like digging and chewing. Grooming and Shedding Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mixes have gorgeous fur, but they do not just magically have such silky locks — they need lots of grooming! It may be smart to invest in a de-shedding tool as well to reduce the amount of loose hair that ends up everywhere in your home. When it comes to cleaning, make sure not to bathe them too often. German Shepherds typically have sensitive skin and can easily develop rashes or skin irritations if they are over-bathed so it is better to only wash your pup when absolutely necessary max once a month. Watch their skin and pay attention to any dry patches to determine if you are over-washing your dog. Be careful to not overfeed your pup though because this mix is prone to obesity. You should spread out their food over meals per day. Controlling the amount of food that these dogs eat is very important to avoid bloat a medical condition we will discuss later in this article. Remember that German Shepherds typically have sensitive stomachs, so this mix can have a sensitive stomach too. It is important to consult with your veterinarian about the specific food you should be feeding your hybrid if they are having problems with their stomach. The most common health problems associated with this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia. They are large stature makes them prone to issues with the sockets around their hips and elbows. They can also suffer from obesity and bloat buildup of gas, food, or liquid in the stomach. This disorder is characterized by blood that is unable to clot. Heart murmurs, cataracts and epilepsy are also common ailments. This long list of potential health concerns is by no means a guarantee that all Great Pyrenees German Shepherds will suffer from these illnesses, but it is important to be aware of possible diseases your dog can develop so you can watch out for any signs or symptoms. Frequent vet visits are crucial to early detection or prevention of many of these disorders. They can eat the same commercial dog foods that other breeds can. However, we do recommend feeding them high-quality food. Plus, they will eat a lot, so be sure you can afford to feed them before you commit to adopting one. Their food can easily cost a couple hundred a month. We recommend feeding large-breed puppy food and only large-breed puppy foods when these dogs are growing. Larger dogs have different requirements when puppies than smaller breed dogs. If fed incorrectly, they can develop health problems later on. For instance, the higher levels of calcium found in smaller-breed dog food have been linked to a higher chance of hip dysplasia in large breeds. Therefore, be sure to feed your canine specifically a large-breed puppy food — and keep them on it until they are full-grown, which may take a few years! After they grow into adulthood, these dogs may still benefit from large-breed food. Often, these include nutrients like glucosamine and omega fatty acids — which can be particularly beneficial for larger breeds. If your dog develops specific health problems, we do recommend choosing a food designed to conquer those health issues. Many conditions can be controlled somewhat through diet. German Shepherds are extremely energetic. They need hours of exercise each day. After all, they are working dogs through and through and were bred to spend much of their time in the field. We only recommend purebred German Shepherds for active owners — for a good reason. However, the Great Pyrenees is far more laid back. Instead, they spend much of their time lying around, though they can produce bouts of energy if required. Their guarding style typically involves laying around until something happens. This mixed breed can be on either end of the spectrum. They may be extremely active, or they could be significantly less so. It just depends on what traits they inherit. There are some obvious signs that your dog needs more exercise — like excess jumping and running around indoors. Never force-exercise your dog, especially as a puppy. This practice can damage their legs and joints. Dogs are much more likely to develop problems later on if they were forced to move too much. Puppies are particularly susceptible to over-exercise. Their joints are still developing, and too much movement can cause problems. Furthermore, puppies may be very energetic, but their endurance is usually quite low. However, you can expect them to walk for 15 minutes a few times a day. Training should begin as early as possible. We recommend starting your puppy in group puppy classes as soon as they have all their shots. You can begin training at home before your puppy has all its shots. This mixed breed requires extensive socialization, and puppy classes are an easy way to accomplish that. Of course, you should utilize other methods of socialization as well, such as walking in parks and taking your pet to dog-friendly stores. Begin with basic techniques. As a more intelligent breed, your Germanees should master these quickly. Be sure to practice in a variety of situations with distractions. Even after your dog has accomplished these easier commands, you should continue training. The Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix is extremely intelligent. They need mental stimulation daily to stay healthy and happy. Otherwise, they can easily become destructive and attempt to make their own fun which often involves chewing through your wall or learning how to open all your cabinets. Training is an easy way to work their brain. Running out of commands to teach will probably end up being a serious concern. You can mentally stimulate your dog through other means as well. Training just happens to be one of the easiest methods. If your canine has a thicker coat, you may need to brush them daily. Typically, these dogs will shed quite a bit. We highly recommend brushing them as much as possible, even if their coats are shorter. Their shedding can get out of control very quickly. Plus, the more you groom them, the more accepting of the process the dog will be. A de-shedding tool is sometimes helpful for extremely heavy shedding periods. Your dog will not need a full-body trim. You should keep their fur longer, even in hotter climates. Trimming can mess with their ability to regulate their body temperature, especially if it is done regularly. However, you will need to trim inside their ears, around their eyes, and on the bottom of their feet. The longer fur in these locations can cause issues and should be removed. You can do this yourself easily at home or take your pooch to a groomer to do it. You should trim their nails regularly — just like you would any dog. Brushing their teeth a few times a week is also necessary. Otherwise, periodontal problems can pop up. They inherit from a larger gene pool, which makes genetic conditions much rarer. However, they are still prone to a few issues. Hip Dysplasia The most serious and common of these is hip dysplasia. This condition affects the growth of the hips in puppies. For some reason, the socket and ball stop growing at the same rate, making them unaligned. Eventually, this creates wear-and-tear — similar to arthritis. This condition does have a genetic component. However, environmental factors also play a role. For instance, dogs that are overfed or fed the incorrect food are more likely to end up with hip dysplasia. Overexercise can also be a contributing factor. Bloat Bloat is a condition that causes the stomach to swell with gas — usually for a completely unknown reason. Not much is known about this illness. This condition strikes quickly and can kill a dog in a matter of hours. The symptoms can seem quite unserious, though. Sometimes, dogs just act a bit uncomfortable until their stomach swells so much that they go into shock. However, it is usually not so noticeable that it prompts owners to see veterinary attention. As an owner of a larger dog, it is vital to know the symptoms of this condition and stay on the lookout for them. Quick vet care is essential to recovery without any long-term effects. If a dog is affected by this problem, they usually do not clot correctly. As you might imagine, this can cause serious bleeding problems! However, it is important to diagnose it. Usually, this condition is noticed when the dog gets injured or undergoes minor surgery. Dogs that are spayed or neutered often get diagnosed earlier than dogs that are not — simply because the bleeding is noticed during the surgery. To prevent this disease, breeders often genetically test both parents. You can prevent this condition by not breeding two dogs with the gene together. Male vs. Female There is no difference between the two genders of this breed. The sizing difference that may be apparent with both their parents disappears when you mix them together. Puppies simply differ too much in size for a distinction between gender to develop. Males may act a bit different if they notice a female nearby in heat — even if they only catch her scent on a nearby tree. For the most part, there is no serious difference between these genders. They are very protective of their family and property, which can make them aggressive towards strangers. However, training and socialization can help get around this. You just need the time and patience for this vital socialization. This canine is great for families and children. They can even be socialized to get along with other pets. We only recommend this breed for those who have plenty of time to dedicate to them. These crossbreeds are also commonly called by other names like Germanees and Shepnees. The German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix is a relatively recent crossbreed. As such, they have not gone through the required three generations of documented breeding used to recognize a crossbreed as a pedigree or designer dog breed. Lack of a breed standard is why our best bet in understanding a Germanees is to learn about its parent breeds. The pioneer creators of the mighty German Shepherd spent more than a quarter of a century refining the breed. Von Stephanitz also co-founded the global GSD club. Because they are originally a German breed, these beloved shepherds suffered anti-German sentiments in the world war era, which saw the breed change its name to Alsatian in Britain. The dogs rapidly rose to fame in the s, especially for their use in movies like Rin-Tin-Tin. They are overall good family dogs that form an unbreakable bond with their owners. Their purpose as a shepherd was to deter wolves and other sheep predators in the France side of the Pyrenees Mountains. Pyrs have a long history dating back to BC. To become the renowned guard dogs they are today, their guarding skills were refined under the frigid temperatures of the Pyrenees Mountains. Do you want to learn more about the Pyr? The reduction in sheep predators caused a significant decrease in Pyrs numbers. However, their arrival in the US aided in the revival of this breed. They were registered with the AKC in .This is because the puppy can inherit half of each parent or be more of one parent in physical features. In addition, your Germanees will bear the proportioned well-muscled body of both parents. As with both parents, your Germanees is likely to be longer than tall. However, the dog will be balanced in its front and hindquarters. Coat Type and Colors The coat of a Shepnees mix can vary in both type and color. Your Shepnees puppy can come with a medium-length coat if it takes more from the medium-length double coat of the German Shepherd. As for the coat color, a Germanees puppy can come in one of the many German Shepherd coat colors , including solid black, white, liver, or blue. A Shepnees puppy could also inherit the white coat of the Great Pyrenees or have a more varied range of markings on the white coat. These markings could include the gray, tan, and badger markings of the German Shepherd. Other Features Other elements of your German Shepherd Great Pyrenees appearance that you should expect include: A proportionate head with the noble and smooth aspects of the German Shepherd or the wedge-shaped skull and rounded crow of the Great Pyrenees. A long muzzle that takes more from the wolf-like face of the German Shepherd or the well-balanced muzzle length and head skull like that of the Pyr. A black nose inherited from both parents. Almond-shaped, medium-size eyes set a bit obliquely, just like those of the parent breeds. The eye color may be dark or rich dark brown. Pointed or v-shaped ears that may be carried erect and open to the front as those of the German Shepherd or floppy like the ones of the Pyr. A long tail that extends to the hock and is typically carried low or curved over the back when the dog is aroused. The tail could be bushy and hang with a slight curve if your Germanees inherits primarily from the German Shepherd. If the puppy is more of their Great Pyrenees parent, the tail will be well plumed with a more accentuated plume at the end. A German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix will grow to approximately inches .The weight and height of an individual Shepnees will vary within this range depending on their age and gender. Younger than 12 month-old Shepnees are smaller in size. Also, female dogs typically weigh and measure less than their male counterparts. This breed has a muscular and robust size, aside from being a large and long dog, since both its parent breeds tend to be so. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. They have a straight and extremely dense coat which sheds quite a bit, so daily brushing is a prerequisite. Their fur is also medium in length, and the colors may vary between black, white, fawn, and other similar shades. The breed can also develop a mane-like ruff around its neck area which will have a curly or wavy texture. Their eyes are almond-shaped and colored dark brown. Its nose, along with the eye rims and lips, is colored black, creating an expression that makes them look intelligent and eager to learn. Their ears can either be erect or drop, depending on which parent trait is more evident. Its head will be wedge-shaped and is well-proportioned to its body. But to counter this, you will need to train them consistently with much patience. The dog will likely want to be tasked with something whether it be guarding or protecting your kids, or helping you herd the family cat. American Kennel Club German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix Puppies For Sale Before you start looking for hybrid puppies on sale online, it is advisable to conduct a research first regarding the German Shepherd Great Pyrenees mix because it will allow you to form coherent and essential questions for when you talk to a breeder. You can find Germanees in your local dog shelter, but if you prefer raising one from scratch, the other option is to talk to a breeder. Make sure that the breeder you found is a reputable one. A trustworthy breeder will supply you with the complete documents of the hybrid parents, which includes their medical history. If a breeder fails to show you these kinds of records, then it is time to find a new one because the chances are that the hybrid puppy has many medical risks. Meeting the breeder personally, along with the dog, will help you assess your compatibility with the puppy. Moreover, you can ask the breeder essential questions regarding the upbringing of the puppy. If you still wish to purchase puppies online, below is a list of online sites that offer various dog breeds and crossbreeds: LancasterPuppies. Grooming Your German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Hybrid Your hybrid can possess a thick coat, and if it does, you will have to regularly check their ears because the fur may block air flow in that area. Too much moisture and dirt accumulation is a prerequisite for an infection so make sure that you brush your dog daily to avoid tangling in their coat. Doing so can also lessen loose clumps of fur. When the shedding is particularly heavy at times, you can opt to use a de-shedding tool. You will also have to trim excess hair around their eyes, ears, and legs to keep them comfortable. A bath now and then is also recommended, but extra caution is needed because the German Shepherd parent may have a history of skin issues. Since the dog has an active temperament, the nails should also be checked for breakage and brittleness. Their teeth will need to be brushed a few times in a week. Here are some recommended accessories you might need in taking care of your dog: Pin brush Deshedder Nail clipper If you are not confident enough, you can also opt to take your dog to pet salons where they can socialize with other dogs. Expert pet groomers will also be better equipped in taking care of your dog since they know what they are dealing with. German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Cross Health Problems While all breeds are susceptible to develop health problems brought about by their genetic upbringing, some races are more vulnerable than others. One of the ways you can avoid this is by buying or adopting a puppy instead of a grown dog. The breeder from whom you got your puppy must offer you a health guarantee on the puppies. If they failed to do this, then it might be time for you to look for another certified breeder. A breeder with a good reputation will be honest about the health problems that the breed of your puppy may be exposed to as well as the statistics of how often they occur. Health clearances exist as a way to prove that your dog has been subjected to tests for a particular condition and has passed it. Remember not to purchase a puppy who cannot provide you with proper documentation that the parent breeds were cleared of possible health problems that might affect the crossbreed in the future. One of the most common problems that a German Shepherd Great Pyrenees cross may face is hip and elbow dysplasia. This can be prevented with frequent trips to the veterinary clinic for early detection. Another issue to look out for is obesity. You can keep your dog occupied by meeting their daily requirement exercise. Consulting a veterinarian for the best diet course can also help your dog prevent obesity. It is also advisable that they undergo random tests like x-rays, eye examination, fecal examination, urinalysis, complete blood count, skin biopsy, buccal mucosal bleeding time, and skin scrape. This is to ensure and monitor that your dog is at its healthiest peak. Dogs have different dietary requirements from others. Since this breed is prone to obesity, it is best not to overfeed them. Obesity can lead to worse health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia. This can be prevented by training your dog to get used to foods that are rich in fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Another course of action is by feeding them with using the Raw Food Diet. To get you started, we recommend you take a look at our comprehensive guides on what constitutes the worst dry dog food and what makes the best dry dog food. Then, you can proceed to select the right food for your pup according to their size and age. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix puppies can be fed with the best puppy food brands , but they also enjoy nibbling the best dry dog food for small dogs. When they are all grown up, you can switch to the best large breed dry dog food that will ensure they get all the energy they need. Finally, old doggos require something extra that only the best senior dry dog food can provide. Here are some of the best puppy food you can feed your growing pet: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken, and Brown Rice This brand features a nutritious dry dog food that will provide your pet all the needed nutrition it requires while growing. Some of its notable ingredients are the deboned chicken, whole grains, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in omega three fatty acids and anti-oxidants. Some customer reviews also showed that the taste was delicious for their dogs so much that it can be used as a treat. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Dry Puppy Food Made with the best ingredients including various protein-rich foods, anti-oxidant rich fruits, and vegetables, this dog food is designed to meet the needs of your growing canines. Some of its notable features include deboned chicken and a variety of fruits and vegetables, including apples, spinach, and carrots. Customers were pleased to find that the long list of ingredients is of top quality. Its formulation does not include corn, wheat or rice, but instead boasts five different probiotic strains. It is also made under the strict safety guidelines of the USA. Filled with multiple protein sources, high-quality carbonates, and dried fruits and vegetables, this brand is made to provide your dog with the best possible nutrition. Instead of corn or wheat, the carbohydrate source for this brand is brown rice and sweet potatoes. In case your dog is not satisfied with this food, the company offers a money back guarantee. The brand also boasts protein-rich food sources, like chicken, eggs, and liver, and high-value carbohydrates in place of corn and wheat. It also contains salmon oil and herring meal to provide omega three fatty acids. Made in the USA, you can guarantee that it is made with only the finest ingredients in the market. Just make sure that your dog gets enough exercise while taking this because the calorie-dense food can make your dog gain weight. While these brands have good reviews and are popular in the market, it is still best to consult your local veterinarian for the best diet regime you can subject your dog to. Due to its Great Pyrenees parentage, the hybrid might possess stubborn tendencies, but his eagerness to learn new traits can overrule that. Its craving for work can be fulfilled by subjecting him to activities that will involve a class or a task at hand. Dog parks can be a good site for this, not to mention that it is also a place to help your dog socialize with others. Experts also suggest using consistency in his training to absorb the lessons better. Being a highly active dog, daily walks are a must. Check the weather and schedule your exercises during cooler times of the day since cold is more favorable for the hybrid. A backyard can also be a perfect place for your dog to play, make sure that you keep them company and that there is plenty of shade outside. The recommended daily minutes of activity is at least 60 minutes while the walk must have at least a 14 miles weekly mileage. Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Hybrid Training Training them at an early age can help your dog be the best they can be. The best type of training you can subject your dog to are obedience, agility, consistency training. Agility dogs must be able to walk by your right and left side. You can present them with rewards if they are behaving significantly. Teaching your dog to turn around a cone or barrel can prepare them for over and between jumps in the future. Moving Items. You can start by encouraging your pet to merely look at the item first and slowly let them build up to standing on the item by themselves. This is one of the most natural training which you can set up in your home using two chairs and a pole. Keep the pole at a low jump height first and make sure that the practice surface is not slippery. Also, make sure that the pole can topple once your dog hits it so that your dog would not get hurt during training. Agility training is suitable for all breeds of dogs, especially those who are anxious since it helps in building confidence and trust. It also introduces them to new experiences. Remember that positive reinforcement such as treats and praises will significantly assist in instilling lessons to your dog. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is a sweet and gentle breed. The hybrid is also very loyal and protective to family members. As for other house pets, they will have no problem living under the same roof. Since the hybrid also has herding tendencies, it might play around with other house pets. However, constant training, socialization, and patience are still needed in raising this hybrid. References: Ritt, Mg, and Tw Fossum. Cunliffe, Juliette. Great Pyrenees. Kennel Club Books, .Coile, D. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds,

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Their lovely mostly cream or white colored coat makes them quite rare and highly sought after among canine lovers within the country. Just like the regular German Shepherd, they are blessed with the same level of intelligence, which makes them easily trainable and highly versatile. They make great dogs as family companions as well as therapy and service dogs. As stated earlier, German Shepherds with a white colored coat are quite rare in the country, as only a handful of breeders within the US are dedicated to these German Shepherd coat types. With that being said, there are some white German Shepherd breeders residing within the country but you still would need to search for a reputable breeder with good breeding practices and programs. This article attempts to ease the search for you as we provide you with a list of some reputable white German Shepherd breeders residing in the USA. The article also provides the contact details of these breeders to help make it easy for you to contact them. It is very important that you only view this article as a guide toward helping you find the best breeder possible. Personal research is still highly recommended. We also recommend that you read this article till the very end as we reveal our personal pick from the list of white German breeders below. As their name already suggests, they are top breeders of premium quality white German Shepherds. They started their breeding program in the year , so they have over 10 years of breeding experience behind them. They are genetically health tested for genetic health issues and are rated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, OFA to show they have good working hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts. Their newly produced puppies should each come with their written health guarantee. The puppies are raised as family dogs and not kennel dogs. This means they get to live in the family house in Middletown, Connecticut, and not in a kennel. They are loved and cared for by members of the family, given their full nutrients in puppy food and supplements and they are properly dewormed and vaccinated at the appropriate age ranges. All their dogs are properly handled by people of varying age groups. They are introduced to new stimulating experiences to help build their confidence.