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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. 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. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right German shepherd puppy for you, there are several things that you may want to consider. Is this the right breed for me? It breaks my heart that more and more German shepherds are being abandoned or dumped by first-time owners who are unprepared or uneducated about the breed. When choosing a new canine companion, most people often ask what kind of puppy they want instead of what kind of dog they want. And here lies a big difference between the former and the latter. All puppies, no matter what the breed or cross, traverse their first year through the exact same phases, but when they reach adulthood, each dog can have different breed-specific characteristics. Can you afford the cost of owning a German shepherd? Where do you live? Is your apartment German shepherd friendly? Is your home big enough to house a full-sized German shepherd? Do you have enough time to care for a German shepherd dog? Are you willing to sacrifice weekends and evenings to train, socialize, and exercise your shepherd? Do your family support your decision to get a German shepherd? Is there someone in your family who is allergic to dogs? How will you share responsibilities? If you live alone, do you have someone to assist you? Is there a doggy daycare nearby? Sure, female shepherds may tend to be a little more protective of their owners and people, whereas male shepherds may tend to be more protective of their territories. Females may be a bit more affectionate but more prone to mood swings, while males may be more dominant and aggressive. Neutering can make male German shepherds less aggressive and less likely to roam looking for available females. Today both sexes can equally be equally loving and loyal to their owners and families, and both can be equally brave and protective. In conformation, SV and other organizations recognize both male and female. Female shepherds are smaller and appear more refined or feminine than the male ones. Really, when faced with the question of which sex is best for you? It really all boils down to the individual puppy. Most owners get their German shepherds from a breeder, a shelter, and a rescue group. Out of the three, a breeder is the most expensive but the best place to get your future shepherd. Be cautious with breeders who are reluctant to share information and stories about their dogs. Another sign of a reputable breeder is that they have a take-back policy on all their puppies. Where do you find a list of potential breeders? You can find potential German shepherd breeders through the internet, specifically through major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or local breed clubs or through advertising the local paper or magazines. Some people even go to the extent of attending dog shows and performance events to find the best breeders in their area, which I encourage you to do if you have time. Sometimes you can find wonderful German shepherd puppies at the local shelter or rescue group. Adopting a rescue shepherd is considerably less expensive than buying a puppy, and you can potentially save their lives. Just understand that they are a bit more of a gamble. Visit The Puppies More Than Once When scouting for a potential puppy, you may be headed to a number of different breeders and shelters. Ideally, you want to visit when the puppies are awake, not when they are napping or sleeping. Ask to stay for a couple of hours so that you can observe how they are playing together. But they are not all alike; they can range in temperament from very bold and outgoing to quiet and shy. When observing a group of German shepherd puppies playing together, you may notice that some pups are bossier than others. You may also notice some puppies that are more cowardly than others. The group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide is the puppies that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. These puppies are exuberant, curious, playful, but not too domineering or pompous in manner or behaving timidly. From this group, you can decide which one to pick. As a rule of thumb, choose a puppy with a temperament that will work well with yours. A good breeder should have done puppy testing when the pups are between 6 and 7 weeks of age. This means they should be able to tell you which puppy has a personality that will complement your own. Male German shepherds tend to stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 85 to pounds. Female shepherds are about 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh from about 60 to 75 pounds. German shepherds have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of fur: a medium to long outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The length of the outer coat can vary from short to long. The coat can have a range of colors. The most common is black and tan. Other colors include all black, sable, or white. This will help him to point you in the right direction toward a particular pup. Often if your breeder has not already picked a pup for you, you will find a puppy that is naturally drawn to you. Walk over to the puppies, play with them, and rub them gently, then walk away. There will usually at least be at least one puppy that will follow you as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back. Kneel and call the pup to you. Are their coats healthy and shiny? Are their eyes clear and bright? Are their living areas kept clean with no visible signs of illness? As touched on earlier, you should ask for a detailed medical history too, such as vaccination records, hereditary diseases, etc. A good breeder should provide you with a health guarantee in the form of writing it. This health guarantee guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of the sale. Depending on the contract, you will be given 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the puppy is indeed healthy. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. 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. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. 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.

You can use the information on dog foo.Show more How much grooming does a Poodle need? Poodles need regular grooming, often every day. They may also need professional grooming a few times a year. To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one.Show more What size crate do you need for a Poodle? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully s.To find out more about potential health issu.A Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. An adult Cockapoo size is small to medium and Cockapoo lifespa.Are Poodles easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! So find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own personality and prior experiences. So every Poodle temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own l.Show more Are Poodles good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are some u.Show more. Vocality level 5 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. This breed retains its hunting heritage, and loves to run, swim, and retrieve. The dog gets along well with everyone, although is somewhat reserved with strangers. The Poodle is excellent with children. Upkeep All Poodles need a lot of interaction with people. They also need mental and physical exercise. Standard Poodles will need more exercise and may especially enjoy swimming. They should preferably be brushed every other day or weekly for shorter coats. Poodle hair, when shed, does not fall out but becomes caught in the surrounding hair, which can cause matting if not removed. The pet clips are easier to maintain and can be done every four to six weeks. Interwoven in their ancestry are also several rough-coated water dogs. Perhaps the earliest incarnation of the Poodle was the Barbet, a curly-coated dog distributed in France, Russia, Hungary, and elsewhere. It is the German version, however, that exerted most influence on the modern Poodle. In France, it was known as caniche or chien canard, both referring to duck-hunting abilities. The Poodle was also drawn into service as a military dog, guide dog, guard dog, wagon puller for performers, and eventually, a circus performer. The coat was shorn close to facilitate swimming, but left slightly longer on the chest for warmth in cold water. The Poodle became favored by French aristocracy and eventually became the national dog of France. The characteristic clip was accentuated. In the 's, Poodle popularity in America waned. By the late s, Poodles had almost died out in North America. In the s, the breed staged a comeback that eventually placed the Poodle as the most popular dog in America for decades. Related Content.

Our kennel is located on 16 acres of spacious fields. As breeders we specialize in breeding CKC Registered Chocolate, Fox Red and now also black Labradors, and have taken care in researching and selecting pedigrees that are outstanding in temperament and performance. Whether you are looking for proven field trial champion blood lines, such as Pachanga Magnum Force, Barracuda Blue, and Storm's Riptide Star or are interested in a colour that we breed, we will do our best to match your needs! We offer excellent hunting companions, loyal family additions and anything in between. At Breukhaven, our dogs are raised with the love of our family and enjoy all that a labrador can. All our dogs have the drive and will to retrieve and please. News Please contact us for reservation information and puppy availability. Up-and-coming dogs Keep an eye out for these youngsters in the near future: Maple, Willow, Phoebe and Rachel. Have a look at our Puppies page to find more information. If you have any questions, please contact us. Call or info breukhaven. Thank you for your interest in our Kennel and our dogs and hope to hear from you soon! Our Lab Family Only 5 minutes outside the small town of Wallaceburg, we are living our dream having raised our 3 children in a big country home. We are both former professionals who decided to leave the world of being trapped behind a desk in an office. Raising Lab puppies has become a dream come true. In the spirit of doing our part to save the planet we grow much of our own food in a garden. We have raised a couple of pigs, turkeys, chickens and have laying chickens for their fresh eggs. Although we are not farmers, we enjoy the satisfaction of biting into an organic tomato or other vegetable fresh from the garden. Clair where we fish for bass, perch and walleye and throw balls into the water for the labs to retrieve until our arms fall off. Our children are now grown and starting families of their own. Our two boys are working with us and we are passing on the knowledge of breeding service quality dogs that we have learned over the years. This will ensure our tradition of breeding genetically sound, super smart and even tempered dogs will continue in the future. They will also continue our donation of dogs to service dog organizations in both Canada and the USA. If you are interested acting as a Guardian please click for info. Click for info. Our chocolate lab puppies and silver lab puppies are a result of a Breeder focus on health, intelligence, and temperament. Click to read more about our level of quality, how we operate and the cost of our Labrador Retriever puppies. Trained Labrador Retrievers for Sale Looking to skip the small puppy stage? The crying, up through the night, jumping on guests…. .One of our Trained Labs may be for you. Click for more info. Labrador Retriever Frequently Asked Questions Some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers about our Labrador Retrievers and the Lab puppy adoption process. We Love our Labs Becoming a Chocolate Labrador Retriever Breeder means raising, playing with, training and grooming our dogs is all we do. Our chocolate lab puppies have been placed all over Ontario, Canada and the US. Meeting all the wonderful people who adopt our dogs and seeing their faces when they arrive to pick up their lab puppy is one of our favorite things! We Truly Care Our belief is that a fur ball is a friend for life not just a cute puppy. This could mean 12, 15 or more years. We make a promise to our extended family of continued support for the life of your Lab. Our goal is 0 of our Labs in shelters and we will take your Lab back until we find a suitable home if necessary. Respect and love for those who dedicate their lives for others is our focus. Click to see them. Click here to visit! Have you just searched for dog breeders near me and are looking for Looking for Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for sale in Ontario? We are committed to strengthening the characteristics of the Labrador Retriever breed. Our focus as a breeder is to breed puppies with excellent health, outstanding intelligence and even temperament. This breeding focus has resulted in top quality family pets and hunting retrievers. It is because of these qualities that the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the world by registered ownership. These dogs have an excellent memory and can thrive if exercised properly even if they live in an apartment. They are excellent water dogs, service dogs , family dogs and are used for many things including police and customs work, search and rescue dogs, seeing eye dogs and assistant dogs for people with disabilities including Autism, Emotional Support USA and Comfort Dogs , Diabetes, Blindness, Seizure alert dogs and PTSD. Just have a look through our Facebook Page LuckyLabsPuppies and you will be able to view many of the families we have given puppies to over our many years as a Labrador Breeder. When looking for a Labrador puppy, a Lucky Labs puppy is simply the best friend you could ever hope for. A Yellow Labrador Retriever is not to be mistaken for a Golden Retriever as they are a different breed. Golden Retriever puppies are different primarily in the fact that they have a longer coat than a yellow lab. When searching for puppies in Ontario, Lucky Labs can help provide you with a puppy you will enjoy for years to come. Pups come with a four year written guarantee for all major organs. Hip and elbow guarantee is 14 months which gives your dog time to grow and be tested. Genetic testing is also carried out on the bloodline to ensure your dog is bred from lineage free of health problems. Lab puppies normally travel very well, for more on this click this link. If you are looking for a puppy and health, are not too old for a Lab puppy, intelligence and temperament matter to you, we have a Lab puppy for you! Welcome, and please read through our site to get to know us and our amazing dogs. You might want to begin with this article on the 10 most common Labrador Retriever questions.

All of our breeding dogs are also our family pets. Our dogs are like people, having different personalities and talents. Some love to go to town and have people pet them in the stores. Some love to play ball, run with the kids; others run with the horses when we go for a ride. They run with the horses in the riverbed chasing rabbits and coyotes for extra fun. Some love the show ring and obedience trials. Their personalities and talents are glowing when they strut their stuff. Still, others enjoy just laying back and being pillows for the kids while watching TV. Our dogs bring great joy to our lives, and we hope to share that with you. Our puppies' goal is to be placed as companions, loved and loyal members of a family. Some of these families have taken some of our exceptional dogs and become part of "Search and Rescue " groups, children's 4-H projects, seeing eyes dogs, herding dogs, bomb and drug detection dogs working with police officers and living with the family, pet store models and travel companions. We have OFA certified our adult breeding dogs, doing our best to stop the terrible hip dysphasia that seems to plague our fantastic breed. As you look through our site's pages, you may have questions. So, please e-mail or call us. We are always happy to talk about our dogs and help people get just the right German Shepherd for them. German Shepherds for sale in Arizona Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Arizona with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Arizona. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Arizona There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Arizona, from Phoenix to Tucson, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in AZ! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in AZ We like to think we've made a lot of people in Arizona happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. The day we picked him was wonderful.We are taking our Wolfie to AZ to live, we will receive training here before we leave and in AZ via internet. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to add a healthy, beautiful addition to their family. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. The breed is well proportioned and strong with a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body that has a light but solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body and have a little bit of a rounded forehead. The nose is most often black, but blue or liver colors still do sometimes occur. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped but never protruding. The ears are wide at its base, pointed, upright, and turned forward. However, it is natural for German Shepherd puppies under about six months to have ears that droop slightly. It also has a bushy tail that reaches below the hocks and hangs down when resting. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat, and longhaired coat. It has a double coat made-up of a thick undercoat and dense, slightly wavy or straight outer coat. Most German Shepherd dogs have tan and black or red and black hair, medium in length and tend to shed all year round. There are some other, more rare color variations such as solid black, solid white, liver and blue. The white coat version is recognized as a separate breed by some breed clubs and is called the American White Shepherd. A piebald color has also occurred and is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Discover more about our German Shepherd puppies for sale below! Disposition The German Shepherd is an intelligent and versatile breed. The breed requires an active lifestyle and makes for an ideal companion, protector, and guard dog. Very devoted to its family and home and usually maintains a suspicious demeanor around strangers. German Shepherds can be dominating and assertive towards other dogs, though normally friendly with other pets in the home. Therefore, it is important to begin training your dog beginning as a puppy in order to avoid negative behaviors later. Exercise This breed is very active and athletic. It requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. Without the proper amount of exercise, it can become frustrated and develop negative behaviors. Participating in canine activities such as agility, herding, tracking, and diving is great exercise and fun for the dog. Training Puppy socialization and training are critical, as well as continuing obedience training to ensure the puppy will become a well-mannered adult. The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent companion and extraordinary worker. Use consistent and positive reward-based training for best results. Grooming The German Shepherd sheds regularly and is a heavy seasonal shedder. As a result, it is best to brush them daily. You only need to bathe them when necessary, however, as over bathing can cause skin irritation from removal of oil on their skin. Check their ears and trim their claws regularly. Origin The German Shepherd Dog originated in Karlsruhe, Germany from longhaired, shorthaired, and wire-haired local herding and farm dogs in the mids. Its now famous qualities of intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and courage were developed not in a police or military academy but in the sheep pastures of s Germany. The breed gained popularity in the United States during the early s due to the canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. Unfortunately, because it is among the German breeds including the Dachshund it suffered a decline in popularity due to anti-German sentiment during and after both world wars. However, due to the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a dog occupation, von Stephanitz promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker and today is therefore the preferred breed for police and military units all over the world. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arizona? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Arizona cost? Our goal is to match you with ethical German Shepherd businesses and breeders based on your favorite puppy preferences like breed, size, etc. How can I be sure German Shepherd puppies Arizona are ethically raised? We know that choosing the right German Shepherd breeder is a huge headache, especially with so many options out there. Have a look at our Breeder Pledge for more info. Uptown Puppies does not breed dogs. Rather, we act as MatchMakers for great families looking for awesome dogs from ethical breeders. When you work with Uptown, that means skipping past all of the unethical breeders online and getting straight to the fun part—bringing home your ultimate puppy. Can I meet my dog first? Our partners are proud of their puppies, and love introducing them to their new families. As our partner network continues to grow and expand, odds are pretty good that your dream German Shepherd is already out there waiting for you. MatchMaker is really simple. Next, will use your answers to connect you with matching German Shepherd breeders Phoenix AZ, businesses and litters based on size, temperament, etc. From there, bringing home your new friend is easy—and MatchMaker is totally free. If you want to see the difference that humane breeding practices can make, just take a look at some of our puppy alumni!

August 29, Joints and cartilage distress Since their hips and knees are closer to the ground, they need to stretch back more when walking or running. They also tend to use their hocks for standing and walking. These cause their gait to be irregular and may cause more joint and cartilage distress, fatigue, and lower back pain than straight back GSDs. But having bent legs, sloped backs have become very susceptible to Hip Dysplasia. This disease is irreversible and in some severe cases, hip replacement is recommended. Osteoarthritis Although most senior dogs are affected by osteoarthritis, GSDs with sloped back tend to have an earlier onset. Moreover, it will greatly affect the quality of their life. Breeders who believe in the legacy of Max Von Stephanitz that GSDs should be bred for working, have kept his advocacies. They are more focused on their tasks and more intense in carrying them out. Most police and military GSDs are straight backs with short hair. They have long hair which gives them a unique look but rather made them unacceptable for a long time. Despite the long hair, their straight backs and sturdy appearance make them ideal for working and as a pet. They are larger than modern GSDs and have thicker bones. They are much taller, with bigger heads and deeper chests. See also German Shepherd Police Dogs Conclusion Amid the controversy surrounding the sloped back GSDs, one should never forget that the welfare of this dog breed is what counts the most. Choosing between a sloped back and a straight back GSD will always depend on the needs and capabilities of the would-be pet owner. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Where did the sloped back come from, then? Instead, they were bred to win competitions. Therefore, the breeders did not need to worry about practical considerations quite as much. As the show dogs were no longer bred with these practical considerations in mind, the breed standard slowly shifted from a normal rectangular shape to one that looked more like a triangle. However, that is the way the breed standard has been moving for decades. Many breeders are now producing dogs with very sloped backs. The sloped-back German Shepherd is largely the result of a very small number of influential breeders. Once these few breeders started breeding dogs with more sloped backs, dogs with bigger slopes began appearing in competitions. It became weird for German Shepherds to have straight backs in the show ring. There is little reason for this trait to exist except that someone simply decided that it should. It is simply a trait that has come to be expected in show German Shepherds. Strangely, the German Shepherd standard states that they should have a straight back without any sag. Still, these dogs have been winning competitions recently, which should give you an idea of where this breed standard is going. Luckily, not all breeders follow the breed standard, especially if their goal is to produce working dogs. The straight back will likely continue in working-breed lines, as it is necessary for the German Shepherd to perform its best. They are still prone to all the health conditions we previously discussed for straight-backed dogs. The health problems we discuss in this section are simply extra that they are also prone to. One study found that there is a significant health problem with the way these dogs are currently being bred and advised that the breed be watched in the future to prevent further complications from arising. This is quite easy to visualize. When they are lower to the ground, they have to move more to achieve the same stride. This can cause excess wear and tear since the hips are moving more than they would normally. Over time, this can cause arthritis-like symptoms. Many dogs with extremely sloped backs also use their hocks for walking. This behavior makes their gait irregular, which can cause more wear and tear. It can also make the dog expend too much energy when they are walking, causing fatigue. The weird angle can also cause lower back pain. As mentioned, hip dysplasia can occur in straight-backed German Shepherds as well. In fact, it is quite common in dogs with straight backs. However, those with angled backs are even more prone to having hip dysplasia. This disease can be very costly, so we recommend keeping this in mind when adopting a dog. If your dog needs surgery on both hips, then you could be spending thousands. Because of their sloped back, these dogs are prone to osteoarthritis. Many older dogs experience this problem, but it is likely that dogs with sloped backs will experience more arthritis symptoms and get it at a younger age. Overall, because these dogs are bred for show purposes, they tend to be less healthy than the straight-backed German Shepherd. You want them to work for as many years as possible. However, dogs that have health problems can still be shown and win competitions. Suitable For: There is very little reason why anyone looking for a companion animal should purchase dogs with a sloped back. They tend to have more health problems, are more expensive, and have lower endurance. They are sub-par in practically every stance, except when it comes to showing them. Over the past few years, these dogs have been winning many dog shows. Therefore, those who show their dogs have been eager to purchase them. However, many kennel clubs are cracking down on German Shepherds with sloped backs, so this trend will likely change shortly. Which Breed is Right For You? Those with straight backs are less prone to health problems and have higher endurance. They fit closer to what the German Shepherd originally was intended to be. They make much better working dogs as well since they have higher endurance and are bred for more practical purposes. Those with sloped backs have few benefits over the straight-backed GSD. For the most part, these dogs are only around in the show ring, where they have been known to win some competitions. However, this has led to lots of controversies, as their backs likely led to excess health problems and are not in line with the original breed. In fact, the breed standard specifically speaks against sloped-back dogs, so it is odd that they are winning competitions at all. Many kennel clubs are starting to stand against these sloped-back dogs, especially after the extensive media coverage that some of them have gotten. For this reason, we highly recommend sticking with straight-backed dogs on all occasions. In fact, we particularly recommend finding a breeder that produces working dogs , as these will have more practical traits and temperaments. Related Reads:. Yes, A sturdy, active, and very functional dog. German Shepherds are amongst the most desirable dog breeds in America for very good reasons. This breed of working dog is wise, courageous, and amazingly versatile. The bushy-haired friendly fellow is in great demand as a companion dog. If you are also an admirer of this breed, there are chances you have a hint of the difference between straight-back and sloped-back German Shepherds. This is a hot topic for pet lovers, so you are likely to hear some mixed suggestions. Well, getting an answer to this question is important to find a great fit for your household. This article will cover the original breed standard and major distinctions between sloped-back and straight-back German Shepherds. Dive in to find yourself a perfect furry little pup! These different breeding objectives created a division within the German Shepherd dog breed. This majestic breed has undergone a series of transformations. Also, it is amongst the top 10 most famous dogs in the US. This pure breed has a reputable background as a working line service dog. Their services for handicapped, military, and police departments are remarkable. So, the chances to encounter an authentic old German Shepherd are very rare. German Shepherd Dogs In the late 19th century, some influential breeders aimed to polish the German Shepherd with their breeding program. The purpose was to create a physically attractive and superior-looking animal. Any dog that appeared in those breeding records is referred to as a German Shepherd, while the rest are known as old German Shepherds. The old German Shepherds are technically the dogs that served in German farms for hundreds of years as herding dogs. Their ability to work alone, obedience, intelligence, and great stamina was what made people fall for them. Appearance and Temperament Old German Shepherds were never modified to look a certain way. Therefore, no true breed standard exists for them. They have a medium to large sturdy build measuring between 55 to 65 CM. Their coat usually tends to be long and comes in a series of colors, including black, grey, brown, or a combination of any of the two colors mentioned above. This hard-working dog may show his independent side at times. These fellows are constantly alert, making them great watchdogs. Old German Shepherds tend to warn their loved ones about any incoming visitor. The loyal canine forms a strong bond with family members and can be very protective of them. Early socialization of puppies can help them integrate with other pets and children. Some people believe that their personality is a little aloof, but the pooch is not an aggressive pet. It would be best if you kept them busy doing something to save them away from boredom. Exercise and Trainability As stated earlier, due to their high potential, old German Shepherd dogs were in demand for herding purposes, so the breed has a high exercise requirement. They need long exercise walks and work to release their daily energy. Due to their intellect, they excel in many physical activities such as flyball, agility, and obedience. Plus, the pup needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Old German Shepherds are well-known for their gifted intellect. With positive training sessions and proper guidance, they can learn to perform multiple high-standard tasks. Old German Shepherd needs an interesting and consistent training session along with firm guidance to keep them happy and energetic. The original breeding German Shepherds had straight backs forming a straight line. People started liking the new curved back posture of German Shepherds, and rest, you know. Physical appearance These little bodyguards fall into two breeding types. The first one we have is the working line, and the second one is the show line. A straight-back German Shepherd dog has a moderately long, straight, and strongly leveled back. Their body structure assists them in performing their responsibilities as herding dogs. Plus, having a straight back helps the dog turn and protect its herd smoothly and quickly. A German Shepherd with a straight back is from the working line dogs of this breed. Not all, but some German Shepherds have sloped backs. These canines have a curvy structure with hips and knees close to the ground, giving the dog an angulated appearance. The evolution of this athletic-built dog has resulted in several bloodline changes. Changes made to this pooch were rapid. Breeders of that time started to create a more attractive-looking version of the German Shepherd right after their introduction to the modern world. They came up with the breeding idea of a German Shepherd with a sloped back and bouncy moments. This urge of breeders led them to sloped back GSDS. Initially, this concept of having a dog with a sloped back, hind legs, more force in gait, and better functionality became very famous. Many pet lovers started adopting this breed as companion dogs. Plus, they were great at house protection. You may also refer to this situation as bent legs. Pet owners and the dog himself might not feel any discomfort during the early years of his life. Except for some shuffling every once in a while. But as the years pass, the pup becomes prone to serious health concerns that can harm his life quality. Puppy buyers should ask to see the results of health testing for the parents of any puppy they are purchasing. You may also feel your German canine is using his hooks to stand up or walk. This tendency may cause lower back pain, fatigue, cartilage, and joint distress. In fact, they also face these troubles. However, sloped-back German Shepherds are more prone to these health concerns. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a severe health condition common in both the straight-back and sloped-back German Shepherd community. It is a skeletal condition that causes your puppy extreme discomfort and pain. Although any dog can be a victim of this disease, bent-leg canines are more vulnerable to hip dysplasia. No doubt, excessive growth rate, improper nutrition, and genetics play a key role in developing hip dysplasia, yet poor breeding standards and bent legs are not free from the blame! This health concern is irreversible. During the early stages, some dogs may feel better with a few doses of antibiotic medications. We wish this for all dogs, but hip replacement is the only option recommended by veterinarians in severe cases. Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis, also referred to as DJD degenerative joint disease , is a progressive condition that usually occurs in senior and large breed dogs. Sloped back pups have a tendency to get this progressive inflammation of the joint. The deterioration of cartilage causes osteoarthritis, and it further leads to pain, inflammation, and the development of bone spurs. Sad to say, no cure for this progressive disease is available at the moment. Prevention through diet, regular walks, exercise, protective supplements, and regular veterinary checkups are the best way to keep the adorable furry fellow away from joint troubles. Treat him precious and feed him healthy because the little pal is Super Special. A Sincere Note to the Pet Lovers! We have tried much to list all the troubles your lovely pal may encounter. The goal is to give you an idea of mild to severe health concerns you may not have heard of. To be fair, the answer depends on your choice and lifestyle. Working German Shepherd Dog Despite the straight-back versus sloped-back controversy, most animal rescues, vets, and dog breed experts worldwide recommend straight-back German shepherds. The reason is pretty simple. Think about it; is it fair to breed a dog with severe health conditions just because we love the modified look? He originated in Karlsruhe, Germany in as a mix of old farm and herding dogs. German Shepherds have a muscular bodies and a fearless nature. This dog breed can be almost any color but the most common colors are tan and black. He does need regular grooming and exercise. This canine is 22 — 26 inches high. Whether you choose a slope-back or straight-back German Shepherd puppy, your unconditional love, proper care, and maintenance will determine how liable you are. If you know what you want, just visit a reputable breeder and let them help you make an unbiased decision! Copyright CaninePals. All Rights Reserved. References and Further Reading:. While the owner of that dog, Susan Cuthbert, pushed back, saying her German Shepherd had been passed through with a clean bill of health to compete, people around the world have accused the owner and the dog show of animal cruelty. The change in appearance is obvious even to casual viewers. In fact, as The Telegraph later reported, as a result of the international upset, the Crufts dog show actually changed their own entry rules following the show results. The report by the Royal Veterinary College highlighted survey results from clinics in its report of exaggerated breed standards and how they are causing cruel health problems for German Shepherd dogs today. Breed standards are typically developed by breed clubs that actively participate in either working dog or show dog competitions. Breed standards can differ quite a bit based on whether the dog breed in question is a working dog breed or a show dog breed. The former tends to focus its breed standard on temperament and performance traits, while the latter tends to focus its breed standard on how the dog looks, or appearance traits. The German Shepherd was originally developed as an exclusively working dog breed. As the German Shepherd Dog Club of America points out, however, Captain von Stephanitz was also known to heavily interbreed his original dogs to obtain a certain level of mental stability and work ethic. This later caused some genetic flaws, and so Captain von Stephanitz decided to introduce some unrelated herding dog DNA through expanded breeding to get rid of these flaws. What this points to is an essential flaw in the development of any dog breed standard. Any time animal breeding is manipulated to reliably produce certain desirable traits, there is always a risk of introducing health or temperament problems. Today, German Shepherds are tested for a number of known heritable genetic health issues for this very reason, which we will discuss more here shortly. These are the main GSD lines that most breeders work with: American show dog line. West German show dog line. West German working dog line. Czech working dog line. East German DDR dog line. As you have probably already noticed, only two lines are devoted to the show or appearance standard for German Shepherd dogs. The other three lines focus exclusively on working dog traits. American show dog line These dogs are known to be stockier, heavier, taller, and more prone to thin bones, thin heads, and health issues overall. West German show dog line The West German show dog line is also a larger and heavier dog than the other working dog lines and these dogs typically look very similar to one another in every way, from coat color and pattern to size, height, and weight. Certainly, these dogs are leaner and lighter-weight and look more like their rumored wolf-hybrid breed father. Czech GSD working dog line The German Shepherd dogs that come from this lineage are primarily from the Pohranicni Straze kennel, a kennel used nearly exclusively by the Czech military. Their primary work duties are border patrol and military jobs. However, the temperaments of dogs from this breed line are known to vary, and not all make effective working dogs. As the Canine Health Information Center CHIC points out, most purebred dog breeds today have certainly known potentially heritable genetic health issues that occur more commonly in those dog breeds. This is because these dogs have been closely bred to conform to either a working or show appearance breed standard. When this happens, the breeder is deliberately selecting parent dogs based on certain desirable traits rather than on overall health. When this type of breeding program is pursued, it can lead to genetic weaknesses that are passed along to the puppies. For the German Shepherd dog breed, the major known genetic weaknesses that responsible breeders are required to test for include these: Hip and elbow dysplasia.

We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Play separate Bring your dog to a puppy socialization class as early as eight weeks to allow them to exhaust their energy with other puppies. This will relieve your adult dog from some of the puppy play and increase the foundation for positive interactions. We brought Emma home on a Saturday and took her to puppy class on Monday. Looks for an organization that sanitizes the play location and requires all puppies have at least their first round of vaccinations. Play sessions can be in short durations minutes. Older dogs will naturally give your puppy some corrections, and this is great for training manners. However, puppies can be like the Energizer bunny and can be more playful than your adult dog. They have not learned bite inhibition yet, and their razor-sharp shark teeth are as unpleasant to your adult dog as they are to you. Ellie likes her personal space, so watched her closely for times when she appeared overstimulated by mouthing and jumping. Behaviors to monitor and unacceptable play? Signs of tension, aggression, or fear Behaviors such as growling, snarling, snapping, charging, or biting Stiff body movements instead of bouncy Curled lip, low warning growl Ears pinned back Tucked tail One dog trying to jet away instead of taking turns You'll want to intervene and redirect if you see any of these signs. Do not pull them apart by the leash. Instead, quietly step in, separate the dogs, and distract them with a chew toy. This reassures the older dog they do not have to do it all on their own and that you will step in to rescue and support them. Be mindful of food, treats, and toys Continue to manage the environment to maximize the success of positive interaction. Pick up and remove anything your dog may be territorial over, which reduces resource guarding, when a dog reacts when they perceive a threat to a valuable resource in their possession. Feed each dog separately. You may also be interested in… About the Author Kevin Bubolz is the founder of Golden Retriever Life, an online community with a mission to spread smiles. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Texas 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 Texas? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Texas? 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. If you would like to have the puppy held for you, make a deposit online. You are certainly welcome to select your puppy this way without a deposit, but please note that availability may change on a daily basis. If you come and see the puppy, make your purchase and take the puppy home if the puppy is 8 weeks old or older. Skip to 6, unless you need to arrange travel for your pup. Connect with us and we will get the right information to deliver the puppy to you and set up the exact date and time. Enjoy the new puppy that you have adopted into your family. If you have any questions, please reach out to the breeder for help! How much is a Golden Retriever puppy, and why do the prices on the website vary? The price depends on the credentials of the parents and the number of puppies available at the time. This allows you to set up an appointment that fits both your schedule and that of our breeders. Our golden retriever puppies are all raised by families in the Northeast Ohio area, conveniently located about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus. This makes it easy to come visit our puppies and spend time playing with them in a home environment. How can I get puppy travel arranged if I am out of state? A little-known fact about golden retriever puppies is that they actually do very well with travel. Check out our puppy travel page here to find out more about how we go the extra mile. How do you raise your dogs? When buying a golden retriever puppy, the people who bred and raised them can have a big impact on the health and sociability of the dog! Because of this, we are dedicated to choosing caring, dedicated golden retriever breeders in Ohio who will get your pup started on the right track. Our small network of breeders in Ohio all are dedicated to the same principles. This starts by providing carefully-planned breedings to ensure the best pedigree for our pups. They raise healthy, socialized pups that can make a smooth transition to a new home. Most of our breeders actually have young children at home who help raise the puppies and play with them so they can become socially adjusted. How do I leave a review of my Golden Retriever experience? My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you. 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.

Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles. More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our next planned litter will be in Autumn, we have space on our waiting list for Coco and Hamish's beautiful puppies. Family run home breeders of Australian Labradoodles based in the Capital of the Highlands. We are passionate about breeding Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles. Having achieved the top 8 star rating for best breeding practice awarded by WALA. Our goal is to breed healthy, happy, intelligent, Australian Labradoodles with low to non-shedding coats in fleece. The non-shedding fleece in the Australian Labradoodle are considered allergy friendly with a low doggy odour. The Australian Labradoodle is adaptable, intuitive and responsive to human emotions which makes them a great candidate for the role of assistance dog from medical alert dogs to therapy dogs. They get on well with children and love the company of their human family. They enjoy regular exercise. The Australian Labradoodle seeks out the company of their family and are happiest when they are with you as an active member of the family.

Final Thoughts 1. Australian Labradoodle puppies with different colors cuddle together. Caney Creek Doodles raise all their puppies in a loving environment from day one. Besides producing Miniature Labradoodles, they also offer Aussiedoodles and Goldendoodles. The breeder has a Facebook page where they share updates and post photos of their growing litter and advice to new puppy parents. To produce high-quality puppies, the breeder only sources their dog parents from reputable pedigrees. Furthermore, the dogs are subject to intensive screening for distinct genetic illnesses. That eliminates any possibility of their puppies developing at-birth defects. The breeder requires potential puppy buyers to complete an online application before claiming ownership of available puppies. Caney Creek Doodles is always ready to take any question, especially when you face difficulties raising your puppy. Contact Details: Location: Searcy, Arkansas 2. To guarantee that their puppies are perfect family pets, the breeder focuses on their demeanor, intellect , appearance, and hypo-allergenic coats. The breeder strongly believes in treating dogs as part of the family. Two Labradoodle puppies stay together on a pink background. In addition, they adhere to the Australian Labradoodle Club of America guidelines regarding breeding and caring for their puppies. The breeder takes the genetic well-being of their breeding parents and their offspring with the seriousness it deserves. They only use dog parents with impeccable ancestry and have been certified to be free of any genetic conditions. Furthermore, they work with certified vets to examine their hearts, hips, and eyes and guarantee they function normally. Clear Water Labradoodles introduces the puppies to potty and crate training fundamentals. They also teach each puppy early socialization and offer them a chance to interact with humans and other animals. That makes the transition into new homes more enjoyable for the puppies. The breeder permits protective parents to visit the facility and select the most suitable puppy for them and their family members. Contact Details:. In addition, customers can choose from a range of multi-generational Labradoodles, which are all hypo-allergenic. Their multi-generational Labradoodle puppies can be purchased at eight weeks of age and come with a one-year guarantee against life-threatening genetic conditions. They breed for temperament, health, and confirmation to make these dogs comfortable family pets. In addition, they provide extensive post-purchase support as well. All of their Labradoodle puppies are grown on their acre farm in Northwest Arkansas, where they are constantly supervised and interacted with daily. As a result, their puppies are extremely friendly and easy to bond with. It also makes a move to their forever homes less stressful and anxiety-free. They come in different sizes and colors that will blend into any home. The top Labradoodle breeders grow their puppies in an atmosphere that encourages social interaction. Individual puppies in litters or kennels may not give you any indication of how they will act. They will assist you in selecting a puppy that is a good fit for your family. Always remember to ask a lot of questions of any respectable breeder, pay them a visit in person, and double-check all of their health tests. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. 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Contact Us Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Statement, please contact us by mail at: NelsonsLabradoodles. If you object to any such changes, you must cease using our website. Continued use of our website following notice of any such changes shall indicate your acknowledgment of such changes and agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of such changes. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Bentonville Arkansas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

Remember, healthy pups that get the right levels of nutrition, are happy pups! Although some people choose to free feed their dogs everyone can make their own decisions, but you knew that right? Consistent meal times help creates consistent potty times! Not only is this a positive routine for your pup, but it will help make potty and crate training SO much easier for you and your pup. Sometimes when a pup gets sick or contracts some type of disease, their appetite will change. If they are free feeding, it can be difficult to monitor and notice these changes. Meal manners are important for multi-dog homes or if you ever wanna have other pups visit. Whether you have a multi-dog home or not, your dog learning not to be protective of their food is a vital skill for them to possess. Helps to keep away ants, mice, or other unwanted pests. When dog food like human food is left out for an extended period of time, it can attract unwanted pests and insects. No one wants that, period. Mealtime can double as training time! When giving your dog a meal it can be a great time to practice a sit, leave it, and a whole host of other behaviors. Although free feeding your pup may not be the end of the world, the benefits above are extremely valuable and will help your dog in so many ways throughout their life. Similar to the sections above, how often you feed your pup will depend on their age. For example, if you won't be around long enough to make sure your pup doesn't have an accident, then you shouldn't feed your puppy at that time. Feeding schedules can and should be adjusted to fit your household's schedules. A consistent feeding frequency will lead to more consistent potty breaks, which is VITAL for puppy potty training! Here are 11 tips and tricks that will make feeding time more enjoyable and successful for you and your pup! Those unwanted consequences can include unwanted pests, difficulty in monitoring change in appetite, and more. Decide on a puppy feeding schedule and stick to it. If your dog doesn't eat their food quickly, consider adding a to your dog's mealtime for improved nutrition and taste. Another issue you run into is that your pup will be much more likely to beg while you eat your meals. Related Reading: 4. So be sure to not overdo it with treats, and find one that's a healthy, low-calorie treat. Even if you weigh once or twice a month, this will help you stay alert to changes in their health and weight. Our play time slows down slightly during Utah winters, so we typically feed a touch less to compensate for the lack of burned calories. Just keep an eye on your pup to know if this is necessary or not. This will help ensure that your little buddy is getting just the right amount of food. A consistent potty schedule is good for everyone, especially your floors! Just like with a puppy feeding schedule, having a consistent feeding spot will help your pup associate that time and location in a positive way. When starting to crate train, many people will feed their pup inside the crate and then continue that habit even once the dog is fully crate and potty trained. No need to dissect it or anything like that, just keep an eye on it. Additional Reading: We break down a comparison of kibble vs dehydrated vs raw dog food here. Snuffle mats are great to redirect problem behaviors and redirect them to foraging. You get to encourage your dog's food drive in a way that works their brain. Simply scatter your dog's food throughout the snuffle mat, then let them go to town. When first introducing one of these mats, make sure to keep a lot of the food visible so they know what the point of the mat is. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness.