golden retriever puppies video

To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 44, times. Learn more.Labrador Retrievers are working dogs, and members of the sporting group. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. This wikiHow will provide you with some information on identifying whether or not a dog is a Labrador Retriever. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Labrador Retrievers, on average, are medium-sized dogs. Male Labrador Retrievers are generally anywhere from .Go to source It will generally reach this height between the ages of 6 and 12 months, but it may continue growing until it reaches the age of 2. The eyes are medium-sized, relatively far apart, and their color varies, depending on the type of Labrador Retriever. Black and Yellow Labrador Retrievers usually have brown eyes with a black eye rim, where as Chocolate Labrador Retrievers will usually have either brown or hazel eyes, with a brown eye rim. Black or Yellow Labrador Retrievers will generally have black noses, whereas Chocolate Labrador Retrievers will usually have a brown nose. This is regarded as one of the identifying characteristics of the dog, due to its structure. The tail is thick at the bottom, and gradually gets thinner towards its tip. Go to source Tails of Labrador Retrievers are not docked. Go to source The American Labrador Retriever will generally have a longer, thinner neck, as well as a more narrow head. It also has a weather-resistant soft undercoat which you likely cannot see , giving it protection from all types of weather. Both of these things are typical of Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers tend to shed more frequently than other dogs, particularly during two or three weeks in the spring. Labrador Retrievers are perhaps most well-known for being very friendly and affectionate, and this is one of the things that makes them a great choice for a family pet. Go to source Though an English Labrador Retriever will most definitely still have quite a bit of energy, American Labrador Retrievers will generally have more. Go to source Some labs love tug-of war if you give them something worthwhile - but each dog is different. Mouthing is basically when the dog chews lightly on something, sometimes your hands, or long sleeves. Be sure that you give your dog plenty of toys to help lessen the occurrence of this. Labrador retrievers generally love to eat a lot of food, and they are more prone to becoming overweight because of this. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. Labrador retrievers are an adorable and popular dog breed that can make a great addition to your household. Aside from a physical examination, you can do a professional DNA test on the dog to check its genetic makeup. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Does the fur appear short, and have a thick texture? The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Did you know? There are silver labs, but silver is not an acceptable color in the breed standard as this color is believed to have come from a cross with the Weimaraner. However, dogs with this coat color may still be registered with certain kennel clubs. If the dog is a yellow or black lab, check that the puppy has brown eyes. In the case of chocolate labs, check for brown or hazel eyes. Check to see how long its legs are; while a Labrador should have longer legs than a Dachshund, its legs should be shorter than a Husky. Purchase a dog genetics test, which will give you a specialized testing kit. Some DNA tests will look for genetic markers, while cheaper tests focus more on the different breeds. Tip: Try to keep the puppy from sharing food or playing rough with the other dogs, as this might hurt the integrity of the saliva sample. Package the saliva sample according to the instructions given by the company. Seal the envelope or package carefully, so the sample is completely secure while it travels to the lab. Generally, you can find the test results listed by breed, followed by a percentage; however, this might differ, depending on the company. If this is possible, use a cotton swab to collect saliva samples from 1 or both parents. Store these samples carefully, so you can send them to a professional company. Seal the envelope or package carefully to secure the sample, and keep it safe in transit. Go to source Seeing a CH or confirmation champion title on the pedigree certificate means that the dog is close to the ideals in the breed standard and is related to a dog that was able to win over other dogs at a show with at least 15 conformation points. Go to source A dog with this lineage can make a great candidate for showing. If your dog has documented parentage with the American Kennel Club, you can search their database and purchase a certificate that affirms this. You can also register your dog through the American Kennel Club once you have proof of their pedigree. Go to source Fees for pedigrees very depending on the type. How do you pick a good Labrador puppy from a litter? Other characteristics include a moderately-sized muzzle, medium-sized and well-spaced eyes, and a thick and water-resistant coat. Physical Appearance And Features Breed standards may vary. As per the American kennel club, A labrador retriever should weigh about pounds. They should be .While dilute colors can be AKC registered, they are unacceptable in the show-ring business. Other physical traits include a dense, short coat, otter-like tail , broad skull, and kind eyes. How To Identify pure breed yellow lab 2. Personality And Temperament Labrador Retriever has a gentle personality. They like to cuddle and are loyal to their owners. These dogs love activities like fetch or swimming and are playful. However, temperament can vary depending on the individual dog. Some Labs may be more laid-back and easygoing, while others can be hyper. An aggressive labrador can be tamed with socialization. One common behavioral trait is their strong sense of wanderlust. If given the opportunity, these dogs run off searching for adventure. A secure fence or leash is needed when taking them outside. Overall, labs make wonderful family pets. They have high energy and make good working dogs and sporting dogs. No wonder they are the most popular breed of dogs. Their love for food can sometimes cause obesity. How To Identify pure bred labrador 3. Health Considerations Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy dogs but can still suffer from breed-specific issues. Some examples include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. DNA testing can detect genetic abnormalities that might not be visible yet. Another crucial health consideration is its nutrition and exercise requirements. Regular exercise helps burn off excess energy, which keeps them physically fit and mentally stimulated. Opt for high-quality dog food brands recommended by veterinarians. Avoid harmful additives or fillers that could harm its overall wellness. Researching The Breeder Reputable breeders are transparent about their breeding process. Ask for referrals from a fellow dog owner or veterinarian. Look out for red flags such as unresponsiveness or reluctance to let you visit their facilities. You can identify reliable breeders via the AKC directory. Conducting A Physical Examination Conducting a physical examination can help you identify potential red flags. It must have a sleek appearance. Eyes: The eyes of a purebred Labrador should be medium-sized. A chocolate or black lab typically has brown eyes, while yellow Labs may have lighter-colored eyes. Ears: The ears of a purebred Labrador should hang down close to the head and have a slightly rounded tip. Its color will depend on the color of its coat. Teeth: Check that all teeth have erupted properly by age. Body structure: Purebred Labradors should have an athletic build with well-proportioned muscles and limbs. They are suited for work in water or outfields. It is thick and tapers toward the tip. Behavior: Observe how the puppy plays and interacts with other puppies or older dogs. Genetic testing can reveal potential health issues like hip dysplasia early on so that preventative measures can be taken. A CH Conformation Champion on the certificate means the dog is close to the breed standards. However, they indicate potential health problems. Despite their unconventional coloring, some Lab variations, such as the Silver Lab and Fox Red Lab, are still considered purebreds. If the potential dogs look smaller than usual, it might point towards some degree of mixed-breed heritage. Labrador retrievers are the least aggressive dogs. Their behavior matches the cuddling kind. If a lab shows aggressive behavior, it may not be pure. An aggressive labrador is due to inadequate training and socialization. A responsible and reputable breeder should be open and transparent. Breeders must be able to answer whether they conduct genetic testing on their breeding dogs. This allows for better management. Ask for referrals from friends who have purchased a purebred Labrador. Ask for references and testimonials from prospective breeders. Ask if they have been screened for genetic disorders. Observe firsthand how the puppies behave and interact with each other. You can also assess whether they look healthy or not. During your visit, note how clean the breeding grounds are and whether or not they have access to food, water, and bedding materials. Breeders committed to producing healthy purebred Labradors always give OFA certification. Ask your breeder if they have conducted specific veterinary checks on the puppy. This includes checking for parasites like worms or fleas and ensuring the new puppy has received vaccinations. It means using both objective information alongside subjective feelings to make informed decisions. DNA tests or pedigree papers are the best ways to identify a pure labrador retriever. A visual evaluation is also beneficial, but you cannot depend on it entirely. How does a pure Labrador look like? If you see labrador retrievers with coat colors other than yellow, black, or chocolate, they are not purebred. A purebred lab can have a small white mark but nothing other than that. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current breed standards are clear on what labrador retrievers should look like. However, some labs may not meet the breed standard. A mismark occasionally appears, indicating they are not purebred. A small white spot is acceptable, though. What is the difference between pure Labrador and Labrador? A purebred labrador adheres to the standard breed characteristics in terms of height, weight, coat color, temperament, etc. They may exhibit the same behavior with slight variations. How should a Lab puppy look? A lab puppy must have a strong build, broad skull, high energy, deep chest, etc. Their broad skull usually has a defined stop. They have powerful jaws of medium length. Their cheeks are not fleshy. What color eyes does a purebred Labrador have? Labrador eye colors should be brown yellow and black labs. Chocolate labs can have brown or hazel eyes. Some labrador retrievers can have green or greenish-yellow eyes. Silver labrador retrievers have gray eyes. Research is essential before purchasing a puppy from a litter. Enquire about their appetite, elimination, etc. Consider their health and pet parents before making a decision. About The Author Sarah Sheikh Labradors have an extraordinary capacity for love and companionship, and my mission is to help you unlock their full potential. Hi there! I'm Sarah, a proud contributor to Labradorandyou, the go-to online resource for all Labrador Retriever enthusiasts. As a lifelong owner and avid admirer of these remarkable dogs, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to our readers. One of my strongest beliefs is in the power of positive reinforcement training. I'm truly passionate about helping our readers build strong, positive relationships with their Labradors. Whether you're a first-time owner or a seasoned Labrador enthusiast, I aim to provide you with the resources and guidance to cultivate a bond that will endure a lifetime. Purebred dogs can be identified in three possible ways: Can you tell by looking? Purebred dog characteristics are not a certainty when it comes to identification. I have a steady stream of people coming to my forum, posting questions in the comments boxes at the foot of my articles, and writing emails to ask: is my dog purebred? The question is very often accompanied by photographs, or detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the dog. A visual assessment is what most of my readers are hoping I will give them when they send me photographs. So what exactly is a visual assessment of a purebred Labrador? Purebred Dog Characteristics A visual assessment of pedigree involves looking at a dog and comparing his appearance with the breed standard. This involves a detailed knowledge of the breed standard. Purebred Lab Breed Standard Breed standards vary slightly from one country to the next. So, here, we will just be focusing on the AKC breed standard. This standard says that a purebred Labrador Retriever should weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, growing to between .The three recognized colors are yellow, black, and chocolate. But, yellow is accepted in a variety of shades. Dilute colors and mismarks can be AKC registered but are disqualified from the show ring. I want to give you a couple of examples to illustrate the problems involved with this approach. She has a thin, whippy tail with an upwards curve, overlong ears and a long narrow face. These features, combined with her ginger coat mean that very few people recognize her as a Labrador at all. I have been asked if she is a Vizsla cross, a Lab x Greyhound, and other unlikely combinations. In fact this purebred Labrador Retriever has an impeccable pedigree full of noble ancestors with famous names. But if someone made a visual assessment from a photo of her, unless they were familiar with working line Labs, they might well put her down as a crossbreed. The father is a show line lab, and his looks have dominated in this particular dog. A visual assessment would wrongly put him in the purebred category when he is actually no such thing. Mixed breeds like this can inherit any blend of traits from their parents. Are Visual Assessments Any Good? I hope you can see from these examples how worthless visual assessments usually are. While I can point out that your dog may have faults that will eliminate him from the show ring, I cannot possibly tell you whether or not he is purebred by looking at him. Purebred Dog Colors Can you tell if you have a purebred black Lab or a purebred chocolate Lab from their color alone? Unfortunately the answer here is no. So, a mixed breed could easily have a solid coat in one of these colors. Do purebred Labs have white on them? The current Labrador breed standard is very clear on what a purebred Labrador should look like. But not all Labradors meet that standard. But equally a mismark can occur in purebred Labrador Retriever puppies too. Common Lab Mismarkings Big white chest patches are fairly common in mismarked Labs. It is even possible to get a purebred Labrador with tan points like a rottweiler or patches of brindle fur. These types of puppies are genetic accidents and the puppies are usually sold as pets to owners who appreciate their unusual friend. Purebred Dog Pedigree Papers If you buy a purebred dog, the breeder should give you the registration document with the names of both parents. Most breeders will also give you a copy of the pedigree which lists the ancestors of those parents, together with any titles they may have, back through five generations. Pedigree Papers Have Limitations If you have the correct pedigree papers, then your puppy is probably a purebred dog. I say probably because there is room for dishonesty with this system. It is possible for a dishonest stud dog owner to mate his female dog to one stud dog and register the puppies to another. Which brings us to our final method, DNA identification. There are various laboratories offering this service. The laboratory will examine the sample you send in. This greatly reduces the chances of your dog being cross bred. Ask to see the registration documents! Do not accept any excuses, your breeder must have registered the litter in order for you to be able to register your puppy. Meet the mother and make sure that you like the way she looks. There is always another litter. Let someone else who loves unusual markings buy that puppy. It is possible to find a purebred black Lab with white markings, or a purebred chocolate Lab with brindling. After Buying Your Purebred Puppy Once you have purchased your puppy try not to worry about whether or not he is purebred. Remember that many purebred dogs have mismarks or poor conformation, so if you have pedigree papers for him, he is probably purebred no matter what he looks like. Try to ignore any other people that criticize your purebred dog, or try to convince you he is not a purebred. After all, the most important thing is that your dog is happy, healthy, and a great addition to your family. As dog parents, you may have personal reasons for preferring purebred Labs and you want to know as much as you can about your furry family member. In this article, we tell you all you need to know to determine if a Labrador is purebred. The Embark dog DNA kit helps ascertain everything about your pet, so you can provide them with the right mix of nutrition, environment and lifestyle, and help them live a long and healthy life. We can see traits of the different breeds in our pup. It is a wonderful tool to learn about the puppy, what to expect from a breed and how to train. Knowing what our dog is, is a great tool!!! Sarah H Collecting the dog spit was easier than I expected and the results came back pretty soon. Mikayla P Great customer service! I got the results within 17 days. We were kept updated every step of the way. I got a lot more than what I paid for. Buy Now Visual Assessment Firstly, specific visual standards must be met for a dog to be considered a purebred Labrador retriever. The American Kennel Club sets these criteria. Black Labs have to be entirely black, while chocolate Labradors should fall within the range from light to pure dark brown. Yellow Labs have more flexibility because light cream to fox red is still acceptable hues and will not disqualify them. Do purebred Labs have white markings? White markings on the coat are still acceptable, but they should be small. Unfortunately, brindles, color markings, or color panels are causes for disqualification, especially if the Lab is already fully grown. Coat Your Labrador should have a slightly dense, short, and straight waterproof coat to be considered purebred. The exterior coat should be a bit stiff when you touch it, whereas the undercoat should be soft. Silky and wooly undercoats are not acceptable. Weight Range Considered as medium-sized dogs, standard purebred Labrador retrievers are naturally athletic, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds with a height of .Any measurement beyond these dimensions is outside the set standards of the AKC. Tail Structure The traditional tail of a purebred Labrador retriever is thick, and it tapers towards the end. Unlike the other retriever breeds, Labs have minimal to no feathering on their tails. Yellow and black Labradors usually have black noses while chocolate Labradors have brown noses. The only exceptions are Dudley Labradors who retain their pink noses throughout their life. Natural Instincts The Labrador retriever was originally bred to look for waterfowl for hunters. This breed has a powerful instinct to retrieve, run through overgrown terrain, and swim in the water. They also have impressive athletic and physical skills, making them excellent working dogs. Also Read: Types of Labradors Conformation Standards Labrador retrievers have a trademark broad head, naturally floppy ears, and expressive eyes. They have a strong build with a well-balanced conformation that makes them one of the best retrieving gun dogs. One of their most distinctive features is their webbed feet. The skin between their toes, together with their ottered tails, helps them when swimming. Do you want to know how long do purebred Labs live? They have a relatively long lifespan, at an average of 12 years. This is why most owners and breeders opt for a second and even third method for accuracy and documentation. Pedigree Papers Secondly, another way to identify if your Lab is purebred or not is through its pedigree document. Your reputable, AKC-registered breeder should hand this certificate to you on the day you bring your puppy home. There are many dishonest breeders out there, and a certificate is not enough to ensure that your Lab is purebred. DNA Test Lastly, given the reality that even pedigree certifications are not foolproof, there is a final method for identifying a purebred Labrador: DNA testing. You can have your Lab undergo a DNA test through local laboratories offering this service. Also, there are test kits that you can purchase online. DNA testing is the most accurate way to determine if your Labrador is purebred. You can get a sample from your dog in two ways. One is a simple swab on the cheek, and the other is through blood collection. The results will show how closely the parents and ancestors correlate to the set standards of the breed. Labradors are friendly, intelligent, gentle, and even-tempered.

Bridge Creek Bulldogs When purchasing any puppy, I think it's nice to know more detailed information about your breeder. I thought a little more detailed info about us would be appropriate. When I met Dan it was quite evident he was a dog person! He has raised and trained coon hounds for over 30 years. I was drawn to how dedicated he was to his dogs and over the years I realized how much I enjoyed his hound dogs. After we built our house and got all settled in, I wanted our family to have a big durable dog, one that was loyal and extremely kid friendly. I started to research breeds and came across the American Bulldog.I swear it was love at first sight!! We have now been raising American Bulldogs for over 16 years. We were drawn to our first 2 AB's based on color and size, later learning there are more important things than how big and what color they are. We spent a weekend driving to Nebraska and Missouri to pick up our first 2 AB puppies. After watching the 2 pups start to grow up together, we saw how different they were from one another and began paying closer attention to the breed standard. We learned a lot about the 2 types of American Bulldogs, standard and bully. And honestly, at that time we knew nothing about bulldog pedigrees either. We started talking with AB breeders and owners and I can't believe all the great people we met. It was an instant "addiction" for both of us!! We acquired a few more pups, and started to health test our dogs.When we realized how extremely passionate we both were and that we basically would stop at nothing to be the best AB owners and breeders we could be, we added an addition onto our home to accommodate the dogs better and us. It has been tweaked here and there to make things run more smoothly, and we still have some things we'd like changed or added. We started attending some Bulldog shows and tried to absorb as much as we could. Again, we met some great people at every show we went to!! Like anything else in life, you learn as you go and we have learned a lot! We have changed directions a few times, only to better our dogs and breeding program. Are we perfect.Do we still make mistakes.Learning from our mistakes and being open minded is what has gotten us closer to our goals. Will there ever be a "perfect bulldog", we'd like to think so. But in my opinion everything can always be improved, but we will sure aim for perfection when it comes to our dogs!! These 2 pups are what started Bulldoggin' for us!! Exercise Grooming In the past, the English bulldog was used by foreign immigrants who moved to South America and brought their dogs with them. The breed, however, became close to extinction after the second world war. Some breeders, John D. Johnson, and Alan Scott kept infusing several bulldogs together in the bid to breed the American Bulldog while monitoring its health and capabilities. Today, the American bulldog is completely rid of the fear of being extinct and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. The American bulldog is many sizes larger than the English Bulldog; however, they are quite similar when it comes to their temperament. It is basically a huge, cuddly, lap dog that loves children and is very affectionate. It is brave, confident and extremely loyal to its owners. They can be quite reserved when around strangers as they like to mark their territories. When trained from a young age, the American Bulldog will display an impressive level of intelligence. They are not so friendly with other strange dogs and mostly like to keep to themselves. As earlier stated, the American bulldog is a fun-loving, happy dog that thrives in a family setting. The perfect environment for this breed would be a home with a large backyard that is well fenced-in. Since they are very energetic and must be kept active, it is imperative to their growth that they have ample space to run around during the day. This is crucial for their mental and physical well-being. For dog lovers who live in apartments, the American bulldog might not be the best option for them. This is because there is inadequate space for them and being left alone would adversely affect their mental health. They can also become very irritable and destructive if left alone for long periods as they need constant mental and physical stimulation. The American Bulldog needs about two hours of outdoor exercise on a daily basis. It goes without saying that this breed is not suitable for people who work many hours every day. This dog breed requires basic physical and mental stimulation like jogging, walking, chasing balls, playing fetch, farm work, agility, and basic obedience exercises. Due to the temperament of the American Bulldog, it has to get as much exercise preferably in the outdoors. If its exercise requirements are not consistently met, this dog breed will take out its frustration in your home by chewing apart and basically destroying everything it comes in contact with while running around. The American Bulldog has quite a short coat with a minimized length and this feature makes it easy to groom. Brushing their coats weekly is usually enough when it comes to grooming the American Bulldog as they do not shed a lot. They also need thorough baths weekly or as needed as this will keep the shedding in check. Our American Bulldog puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. American Bulldogs love routine and will adapt to an exercise and grooming routine if the owner enforces it perfectly. As loyal dogs, they love to please their owners but will only obey upon frequent reinforcements. Do American Bulldogs shed a lot? Since they do not have a lot of fur, they do not shed a lot and owners will not have a lot of hair to clean up, unlike many other dog breeds. Why do American Bulldogs have webbed feet? This is mainly due to genetics and is not a cause for concern. Should American Bulldogs be spayed? Many vets advise that American Bulldog owners should ensure their pets are neutered or spayed when it is between four and nine months. How often should American Bulldogs be fed? The American bulldog has a very large appetite in its formative years. They must, therefore, be fed very often about four times daily and in double portions when they are puppies right until they turn four. Are American Bulldogs a food fit in families? The American bulldog will fit right into your family. They love kids and tend to gravitate towards them. Do American Bulldogs have common health problems? A lot of the health problems experienced by American bulldogs are mostly genetic and do not affect the entire breed. These ailments could range from the kidney to thyroid disorders and a lot more. What is the American Bulldogs life expectancy? The American bulldog has an average lifespan ranging from ten to fifteen years. What is the American Bulldogs average size? The average American Bulldog can grow to 58kg for males and 41kg for females. However, it is important that their diets are closely monitored to keep them from getting overweight. How tall do American Bulldogs get? The male American bulldog can grow as tall as 71cm while its female counterpart can grow up to 61cm. If you want a loyal, smart and incredibly active dog, then the American Bulldog is the perfect fit for you. Are you interested in purchasing a American Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale New Bedford Massachusetts? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies New Bedford for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. As of the United States Census,3 the city had a population of ,, making it the state's sixth-largest city and the largest of the South Coast region. New Bedford is nicknamed 'The Whaling City' because it was one of the world's most important whaling ports in the nineteenth century, along with Nantucket, Massachusetts, and New London, Connecticut. Wiki New Bedford Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Boston MA? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Boston MA? The adverts for Boxers for sale Boston will have a wide range of different prices, for a number of reasons. The reputation, experience, and location of each Boston Boxer breeders will have an effect on the price. Another thing that will affect the price of pups is their pedigree and coloring. Am I limited to choosing pups from Boxer breeders in Boston? Not at all! You can easily start looking further afield. One of the great things about working with the Uptown network is that the approved businesses and companies cover the whole country - so you have plenty of pups to choose from! How do you screen breeders with Boxer puppies in Boston? Our strict application process helps to make sure that we only work with the very best companies with Boxer puppies for sale Boston. Once accepted, every company needs to sign the Uptown Puppies Breeder Pledge. What makes Uptown Puppies different? Searching for Boston Boxers for sale online can feel like a bit of a minefield. At Uptown, we only work with the best of the best businesses. What are puppy mills? Puppy mills focus on churning out as many pups as possible per year in order to maximize their profits. Puppies born in mills are at higher risk of suffering from health conditions and behavioral issues due to the lack of care and socialization they receive. Can I buy a Boxer for sale in Boston right now? So what are you waiting for - go ahead and start connecting with the recommended companies in our network. You never know, your dream puppy could be just waiting to meet you! Where is the Boxer breed from? While descendants of the modern Boxer breed can be tracked back as far as B. C, the breed as we know it today originated in 19th Century Germany. Boxers were bred as an all-round working dog and it was quickly discovered that their combination of loyalty, intelligence, and bravery made them the perfect guard dogs. Before you start your search for Boxer puppies Boston, be sure that you can match the high-energy levels of these dogs! They love being challenged both mentally and physically, so plenty of training sessions and exercise is a must. Boxers are affectionate and loyal dogs who love nothing more than spending time watching over their families. How much exercise does a Boxer need?

He is up to date with his vaccines for his age. Will come with a crate, dog pads, food, food bowls, and poop bags. First Set of Shots. Friendly and very socialized with people and young children. Comes from a very clean, in-home state-licensed breeder. Clear health panel. My webpage is xxx. They are blue. Mom and dad are very loving and would like you to come see their beautiful babies and pick out your next pet. Pups will have their first shots and be dewormed before you pick them up. We also offer delivery and shipping. They are currently 6 weeks old looking for there forever homes. Born September 22nd we are all cut up to date on shots worming doing pretty good on potty training and would love to have a home for Christmas please text my mom at xxx-xxx-xxxx. Location Creston Iowa I do not ship. They are so fun little Lily loves cuddling only when she's done rough housing her two brothers then she's aa little snuggle bug. Chester's amazingly laid back. I can pick him up and he just melts in my arms he could be running around once you pick him up he's done for he's the true true laid-back lap dog. We do well with all breeds of dogs and cats we are not real cold weather or real hot weather dogs so therefore we are an indoor dog basically View Detail French bulldogs I have two male's and two females. They are full AKC papered. They will be smaller around 20 lbs, I have both mom and dad. We are a small Hobby Breeder and are needing to downsize our litter. They range from 4months to 9months. AKC Reg. He's almost fully potty broke and learning basic commands. He's extremely socialized and very content to be in your presence. He is also crate training. This baby would be a perfect therapy dog or family pet. He's amazing in every way! Check out our Facebook page to view his videos and pictures as he's grown and learned here with us! View Detail French bulldog Stogdill's Baby bullies is offering this brindle bulldog. He's 11 weeks and ready now. He's almost fully house trained, loves his toys and our kittens. He is fully vetted, vaccinated, wormed and looking forward to meeting you! Our pups are raised in home under foot. Come join our furever family! View Detail French Bulldogs Akc, health tested parents, Stogdill's Baby Bullies on Facebook, wormed, vaccinated, almost fully potty trained, we don't use pads! View Detail Fluffy French Bulldog xxx. Family raised and very socialized with young children. Find us on Facebook, website or text xxx-xxx-xxxx. Find us on Facebook and read our reviews! We also raise Boston terriers. Check us out today! View Detail Faux Frenchie He is 5 months old, up to date on shots, loves other dogs and people. He is very cute, snuggly and socialized with young kiddos! Farm family raised! View Detail French Bulldogs Hi there! I have a few French Bulldogs looking for their new homes! I am a state licensed breeder in the state of Iowa but very willing to meet! 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? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. Puppies will be started on leash and crate training before they go home. Use the contact form on the website to express interest in a Blue Gene Frenchie puppy. There is no information on the website regarding the final price of the dog. Final fees are due in cash when you pick up your puppy or five days before it ships if a nanny delivers it. Pups go home with vaccinations and deworming and with a one-year health guarantee. Puppies go home up to date with vaccinations, deworming, and a microchip. Puppies from this French bulldog breeder are sold with limited AKC registration with no breeding rights. There are some great color choices available in the puppies that are bred by Blue Wave French Bulldogs. Some adorable puppies are on the website, with more expected later this Spring. There is no information on the website regarding deposits or a waitlist, nor do they have information on the final price of their puppies. Contact them via email to start the process of getting a colorful French bulldog from Blue Wave French Bulldogs. This French bulldog breeder is also developing fluffy Frenchies and carriers of fluffy genetics for breeding purposes. Whether you want a colorful standard, exotic, or fluffy French bulldog puppy, you must look no further than Blue Wave. Although spaying or neutering is not compulsory, it is highly advisable to spay your French Bulldog. This will help to decrease its chances of getting certain kinds of cancer. It also prevents the risk of unwanted breeding between your French Bulldog and any nearby dog. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? French Bulldogs have the potential to be aggressive. However, they are not usually aggressive unless they are trained that way. It is important to note that they may show aggression towards other dogs or smaller animals. Owners should watch out for signs of aggression and nip them in the bud. What is the life expectancy of a French Bulldog? With a proper diet and nutrition, French Bulldogs can live for up to eleven or thirteen years. Can French Bulldogs eat raw meat? French Bulldogs can eat raw meat such as chicken, liver or kidney. They could also eat canned, dry food. What is the difference between a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are quite similar but different at the same time. English bulldogs are bigger while the French Bulldog is considerably smaller. French Bulldogs also have upright pointy ears whereas the English breed has folded ears. Do I have to worry about fleas with French Bulldogs? Just like all other breeds, French Bulldogs can get fleas. If they do get fleas, this can be solved by getting flea medicine or using a flea comb to get rid of the fleas. How do you deal with separation anxiety in French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are very prone to separation anxiety. To curb this, owners can crate train their dogs or provide them with chew toys. What is the best way to train your French Bulldog? Crate training is one of the best ways to train your French Bulldog. It helps to create good and positive behavior in your Frenchie and could be a fun place for it to rest. Are French Bulldogs children-friendly? French Bulldogs are not the best option for kids. However, if they grow up surrounded by children, the risk could be lessened. They should not be left unsupervised around kids. How big are French Bulldogs? The French Bulldog is about 11 or 12 inches tall and weighs an average of pounds. Are you interested in purchasing a French Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. 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. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! Hopefully, we will have the answers to all of your questions in this guide. But, all that cuteness quickly disappears when the biting phase starts. Puppy biting is normal in all breeds, including the German Shepherd. And, luckily, we have some great tips and tricks to minimize the painful biting period. In fact, it could have a number of causes. Here are a few of the most common reasons, in a little more detail. Teething One reason why puppies of all breeds may bite is teething. This stage often starts at around 3 or 4 months of age — only a few weeks after your puppy will arrive at their new home. Luckily, it only takes a few months for your puppy to have their full set of adult teeth. So, biting from teething is not permanent. If your puppy is biting or chewing because of teething, you may notice other symptoms like drooling, irritability, and going off their food. Boredom or Getting Attention Bored puppies may learn that biting gets some fun responses from you! Just like barking can. If your puppy has learnt that they can get some attention from you when they bite, they may do it to alleviate boredom. This can explain why puppies concentrate most of their biting on one family member — the person who gives the most fun response. Natural Play Biting is a natural part of puppy play — as much as some owners might not want to hear it! German Shepherd puppies, just like any other breed, will bite whilst they are playing with you or with other dogs. If this behavior continues into adulthood, the biting can be more problematic. Responding to Rough Play Some people like to play with German Shepherd puppies in quite a rough manner. This can include pushing them, or rolling them over. Behaviors like this can make puppies very excitable, and encourage biting during play. Encourage calm play between your family members or friends and your puppy. Herding Instincts The German Shepherd breed has a history as a herding dog. The creator of the breed, Captain Max von Stephanitz, bred the German Shepherd in an attempt to create the ultimate all-round herding breed. This was all the way back in the late s. Although the history of the breed has changed over time, from herding to working dog, their origins remain the same. Many herding dogs are prone to natural chase instincts. They may chase small children or other animals — particularly those that are making lots of noise. And, these herding behaviors can include nipping at heels. Once again, your behavior can minimize biting from this cause. Exploration Another common explanation for young German Shepherd biting is their natural curiosity. And, they may do this partly with their mouths. What you really want to know is, when will it stop? However, you can minimize the period by making a few easy changes to your behavior when biting occurs. The best ways to stop puppy biting and minimize the biting period are training and prevention. This means training your puppy to be gentle with you and other people, and taking away opportunities for your excited puppy to bite humans. You may need to go as far as to completely separate your GSD puppy from small children and people who insist on rough play with puppies. We know that this can only encourage biting. Remove Yourself Calmly If your puppy starts to bite you, during play or any other time, the best solution is to calmly and quietly remove yourself. You can use tools like baby gates to keep your German Shepherd in a puppy-safe room. In fact — your puppy will learn that biting during play or cuddles only results in you leaving, and them ending up on their own! Not only will this help to show your puppy that biting is not an acceptable part of playtime, but it can also help your own sanity to remove yourself from those sharp teeth occasionally. Think About Clothing You should also think about the type of clothing you wear around your puppy. Loose, hanging clothing can be appealing to your puppy, and provide something easy to grip on with their sharp teeth. Wear tight fitting clothing to minimize the number of things your puppy can bite at. Use Distractions If you, or young children in your household, are keen to pet your puppy without being bitten, you should make the most of distractions like treats or toys. You can hold a chew for your puppy to keep their attention and mouth distracted whilst someone pets them! Often, puppy owners only think about biting whilst their puppy is actively gnawing on them. One method is to reward them with treats when you are petting them and they are not biting you. Another is to reward them for calm behavior around the house. This way they learn that acting calmly and letting you touch them without biting will earn them good things! One popular method to stop puppy biting is to squeal, squeak, growl, or make another loud noise. Some people claim that this method replicates natural puppy play and tells your GSD when they are being too rough. For some owners, this may work. If this is the case, making a noise when your puppy bites will act as a reward, and encourage your German Shepherd puppy to bite you even more. This is one reason why puppies biting children is so common. Many children will make lots of noise, especially if a puppy bites them, which can lead to further nipping. This is similar to the method above, if used alone. This is why training has to be done in small stages — first you must teach the puppy what action you want, and then you can give the action a name, or command. Punishment Methods The best methods to stop your puppy from biting involve positive rewards for the behaviors you want. Studies on dog training and behavior have shown that punishment based methods are often associated with an increase of problematic behaviors. Punishing your puppy for biting can lead to distrust and fear from your puppy. The causes of puppy biting that we looked at earlier in this guide apply to all GSD puppies. In fact, they apply to all puppies of any breed. Biting and chewing is a normal puppy behavior, and a normal part of play. As long as you react to this behavior in the right way, it is a period that will pass. The biggest fear for most German Shepherd puppy owners is that their puppy is aggressive when it bites. German Shepherd puppy biting can be accompanied by ferocious growls or snarls. It can even draw blood. So are behaviors like snarling and growling. And, if your puppy is biting hard enough to injure you, they may not have learnt proper bite inhibition yet. This is the process where your puppy learns to be gentle with his teeth on your skin. The positive reward methods we discussed earlier in this guide are the best way to teach your puppy bite inhibition. Remove yourself calmly and quietly whenever your puppy bites. And make sure to reward any calm behavior — including when your puppy lets you pet it without biting. Speak to a Behaviorist If you think your puppy is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as guarding their resources, you may want to speak to a behaviorist. They will be able to look at your puppy as an individual case, and analyse their behavior properly. Do Adult German Shepherds Bite? The German Shepherd breed is known for being aggressive in some circumstances — they make popular guard dogs, and are number one candidates for working dog roles in the police and military. Since puppies lack the dexterity that you and I have, they use their mouths to explore the world around them. By understanding the behavior of biting itself, you can begin to see just how normal biting is in German Shepherd puppies. Just because biting is a normal behavior in a puppy does not mean we should tolerate it or promote it. Since biting is a form of communication for German Shepherd puppies, there are many things our puppies could be trying to say! So why do Shepherd pups bite? Puppies often communicate with their siblings through biting and pawing, especially when they are trying to incite a play session. Your pup may gnaw on your hand as if it were a chew toy, especially when you are a moving target. Puppies play and bite their siblings from the moment they are old enough to do so. This is why the behavior is so common, and why our Shepherd pupswill need to learn how to transition to playing with appropriate chewing options. Not only are our hands and feet tempting enough, but even more so when a puppy has a high prey drive. A prey drive is an ingrained need to chase after moving objects, whether it is appropriate or not. A swinging hand as we walk by can be extremely tempting for a growing pup, causing them to jump up and nip. If it seems like your Shepherd puppy is always biting you when you are in motion, it may be due to their high prey drive! They Are Curious As we mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies use their mouth to explore the world around them. Biting can help them examine and understand an object, and our hands and feet can fall into that category as well! If you catch your puppy gnawing on everything around your home, it may be their curiosity getting the best of them! A dog quickly learns what behavior gets a reaction, causing them to do it over and over again. Even if their bites result in a negative reaction from you, it still counts as attention. They Are Teething Similar to teething babies, a German Shepherd puppy experiences teething pain as well. If your Shepherd pup seems to find relief when chewing on objects, they may be biting you due to teething discomfort. They Are Herding You If your German Shepherd puppy is constantly biting at your ankles, they may be displaying some herding behaviors. German Shepherds are ingrained with a need to work, especially in dogs with a working bloodline. If your German Shepherd is always nipping at your feet, running to your side when you are moving, or showing signs of anxiety or frustration when you are moving around your home; it may be herding behavior. So how can you stop this normal puppy behavior? Redirect The Behavior One of the most effective ways to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting is by redirecting the behavior. An effective distraction is a wonderful way to end the behavior without punishment, and show them how much fun the alternative to biting can be. The next time your Shepherd pup is displaying undesirable nipping, try to pull out their favorite toy. Since this will need to be a toy that your dog enjoys, be sure to offer them the option that they find most exciting. This can be a Kong toy , rope, bone, or any other chewing option that your dog loves. By doing this each time your Shepherd puppy begins to bite you, they will begin to understand that they would much rather play with an acceptable chew option. Having a variety of chew toys can alleviate their need to bite our hands and feet, and offer them the relief they seek in this uncomfortable transition. There are so many toys created for teething puppies, that it should be easy to fill your home with plenty of appropriate options. One of our favorite chew toys is the Kong Teething Binkie. Any attention can validate the behavior, causing them to make it a habit. This shows them that the behavior is unacceptable, and does not involve any harmful negative reinforcement. Our attention is important to a puppy, and they do not want to be ignored. By showing them that biting will only result in us pulling away, they will learn to ditch the undesirable behavior. Interrupt The Behavior Sometimes a Shepherd puppy needs a sharp and sudden sound to pull them out of a bad habit. By giving a quick interrupter cue ouch, yip, eek , you can pull your puppy away from the action and gain their attention. Because of this, it is so important to offer plenty of mental and physical activities throughout your home. For example, if your puppy nips at strangers each time they walk in the door, it may be best to limit their time around the guest and send them to a separate play area. Once they begin to understand that biting is unacceptable, you can refrain from using their separate play area as often. Similar to what we discussed above about being proactive, a separate play area can help them calm down and collect themselves. Once your German Shepherd puppy begins to mature and understand that biting is unacceptable, they should require less time away. Just as there are effective methods in canine training, there are counterproductive actions as well. Do Not Hit Or Yell Since biting is a normal behavior that puppies must learn to grow out of, it is not productive to hit or yell at your puppy when they bite. Doing this can show them from a young age that interaction with you results in something negative, and can hinder your training process. By using other distractions and training methods when they bite, you can turn every bite into a learning experience for your pup! This can seem like a fun game to your pup, and can actually encourage the behavior. Try your best to go limp when they bite you, and pull your attention away from the pup. By doing this, you show them that this behavior does not offer them any extra fun. Extra attention can validate their undesirable behavior, making it challenging to break. Try your best to refrain from reacting to a bite outside of your interrupter cue, and pull your attention away from your furry friend afterward. Biting is a normal behavior in puppies of all kinds. Puppies begin to bite their siblings from the moment they can move, and will continue this behavior until they learn otherwise. A biting German Shepherd puppy is to be expected, and should not result in any discouragement on your part. As long as you are following the tips we mentioned above, your puppy should shy away from this behavior in no time! Biting in puppies is not usually a sign of aggression. Mild biting is usually a form of play, and should be easily corrected. However, there are some rare cases where biting in German Shepherd puppies is a sign of something more. If your pup is displaying any snarling, growling, ears pinned back, stiff posture, or any other signs of canine aggression, your pup may be biting in reaction to fear or pain. If you are unable to make any progress within a month of implementing the tips we discussed above, it may be time to contact a dog trainer. A trainer can not only help your pup refrain from biting, but offer other obedience training as well. Final Thoughts As you can see, biting is a normal behavior for our beloved German Shepherd puppies. Be sure to review the tips we discussed above on proper canine training, and you can banish puppy biting for good! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.

Less than 1 hour per day, e. Overfeeding and Underfeeding Underfeeding and overfeeding both carry significant health risks for your GSD. As a guide, your German Shepherd should have a defined waistline and you can feel her ribs. Obesity is costly, both in terms of veterinary bills and health. An overweight German Shepherd is at an increased risk of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. German Shepherds love to exercise and keeping them in good body condition is part of maintaining their diet. But, puppies tire much more quickly and are still developing their joints. How often should I feed my adult German Shepherd? Full-grown German Shepherds do well on a twice-a-day feeding schedule. For most adult German Shepherds, feeding twice per day, around 10 to 12 hours apart is healthy. Regardless of the feeding schedule you choose, avoid allowing your German Shepherd to exercise vigorously after consuming a large meal for at least 1 — 2 hours. This is especially true if your dog eats its food rapidly. Giving your dog time to fully digest her meal will help minimize problems with bloat, intestinal obstruction, or other serious digestive disorders. What food do German Shepherds need? The German Shepherd Dog is an athletic powerhouse! The German Shepherd is an Olympic athlete at heart! They love to exercise, play, run, and generally stay in motion most of the time. Giving them the best food is essential to their natural drive. Due to its convenience and ease of feeding, dry kibble is the most common way to give a German Shepherd her dietary requirements. Common commercial foods are made with chicken, beef, lamb, or fish products and by-products, grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, or oats. They contain added vitamins and minerals to ensure that the final diet is balanced. Some owners prefer to mix dry kibble with wet food, make their own homemade food, and only serve a raw diet, or any combination they feel is the right fit for their dog and lifestyle. Any mixture of food you feed your GSD must meet their dietary requirements. Dog food sales in the United States are a huge business. German Shepherd owners must not only stay alert as wise consumers but also monitor the health of their beautiful breed, which is an indicator of the quality of food you feed them. Many German Shepherds can carry on for a long time on a substandard diet, but inadequate nutrition can lead to more than health problems. In fact, poor nutrition could cause your German Shepherd to develop: behavior problems susceptibility to disease and even shorten their lifespan! What are the nutritional requirements for German Shepherds? Nutrition gives your dog the fuel they need to power through her day. The six basic nutrients are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Good nutrition plays a large part in the appearance and vitality of your dog. The minimum dietary requirement has been established for many nutrients. Keep in mind, these are the minimum requirements, and not what will give your German Shepherd optimal health. Proteins The main nutritional requirement of German Shepherds is protein. Protein has several functions that keep your dog healthy. Proteins provide energy, help build and repair muscles, form new skin, hair, and nail cells, and even keep the immune and musculoskeletal systems strong. Protein requirements vary with age, activity level, temperament, life stage, health status, and the specific protein quality of the diet. Estimating Protein needs Although energy requirements vary widely between dogs, protein needs are fairly constant. Adult dogs generally need at least 1 gram of protein per pound. However, younger and geriatric dogs may need more; young pets for early growth, and old pets because they appear less able to take advantage of dietary protein than their younger counterparts. But these amounts are only the minimums. Remember that you want your dog to thrive, not just subsist on the minimum industry standard. Fats Fat is the second main nutritional requirement for your German Shepherd. Fat provides energy and is necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues. But these minimums will only sustain your German Shepherd, not provide optimum health and sustained growth. Manufacturers further combine fiber, vitamins, and minerals to meet the minimum nutrient profiles of commercial dog food. Most German Shepherd owners use treats daily either in the training or for general fun with their dogs. Treats and Snacks German Shepherds rarely turn down a tasty treat or snack. There are a wide variety of treats available commercially, but these vary in quality. Try to limit treats to reward good behavior or for enrichment exercises to avoid the dreaded German Shepherd boredom. These are good alternatives as they are lower in calories. Examples of safe natural treats to feed include: Sliced cooked or raw carrot Frozen blueberries great for teething puppies and on hot days Slices of apple with the core and seeds removed If you have questions regarding which treats to feed, start with one of these healthy German Shepherd treat options. Feeding Habits Create good feeding habits for your German Shepherd from a young age. Follow these diet tips to keep your athletic dog in top form. Any uneaten food should be removed after about 20 minutes to encourage good eating behaviors. Some German Shepherds may develop fussy eating habits. In many cases, this is down to an owner being too quick to offer something tastier. Stay mindful of this and resist giving in to your dog immediately. Provide access to fresh water at all times. Always leave their water bowl available and check it regularly. This is normal, as German Shepherds are notoriously messy drinkers and tend to splash out more water than they drink sometimes. Plus, bits of food tend to wind up in the water dish, making the water turn cloudy quickly. Last, here are a few tips to make feeding your German Shepherd easier. Choose the best diet for your German Shepherd to match their life stage and activity, as well as dog food that is: Complete — includes all required nutrients. Balanced —all nutrients are present in the appropriate balance. Appetizing— your dog enjoys eating the food in sufficient amounts to keep them in optimum body condition. Safe — is free of weaknesses, excesses, toxins, unnecessary sugars, salts, additives, and dyes. Feeding a German Shepherd requires a balanced combination of nutrition to keep their energy reserves in check while not adding any excess weight which could harm their larger frames and bones. Additional References Coile, D. Henriksson J, et al. Journal of Experimental Biology. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Image used with permission by copyright holder How much should a German Shepherd eat per day? When determining how much to feed your German Shepherd you need to consider his age, size, and activity level. Puppies need to be fed a specially formulated puppy diet focused on growth. Adult dog diets should focus on maintaining a healthy weight. An adult male German Shepherd can weigh between 75 and pounds, while a female can weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. Experts at Prudent Pet Insurance offer the following feeding guidelines for large breed dogs. Many fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, carrots, and broccoli can make healthy treats for your German Shepherd. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the following popular people foods are toxic to pets: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Chocolate, coffee, and, caffeine all contain methylxanthines, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. Almonds, pecans, and walnuts contain high amounts of oils and fats that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and they can potentially cause pancreatitis. Onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. What dog food brands are affordable but healthy? When shopping on a budget, steer clear of cheap, low-quality dog foods. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal , these foods are made with the cheapest ingredients available in the pet food industry and are not healthy for dogs. Instead, look for an affordable high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Of course, if your dog is on a prescription diet for health reasons, you will have to pay more for that food. Following are three top-rated foods manufactured by experienced pet food companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. We all want the best for our pets and want to feed our German Shepherd the best diet. The best dog food for German Shepherds is dry food, which is more practical for large breeds. It is also the least expensive, even if you choose a high-quality brand. Of course, you can feed other diets, such as wet, a mix of dry and wet, raw, home-produced, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Most owners feed commercial dry food or wet canned food. You should check that vitamins and minerals are also included. The best quality commercial dog foods will consist of additional protein sources, like fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins, like vegetables, legumes, and grains. The best diet for your German Shepherd should suit his size and lifestyle. I will explain what I mean when we take a unique look at the different types of food you can feed your dog see below. Many pet food companies have invested millions of dollars into researching what ingredients contain the maximum levels to achieve a healthy, balanced diet that aids in essential puppy growth and mental and physical development. Dry Foods Dry dog foods are one of the most popular choices. The latter is gaining popularity in the United States and other regions and is widespread in the UK and Europe. Cold-pressed food is deemed a higher quality kibble due to its cooking process. So what exactly is kibble? Kibble is dry dog food made either through extrusion or oven baking. The food is produced under high pressure and high temperatures. All kibble is made the same way and using the same machinery. What is cold-pressed dog food? Cold-pressed dog food is dry food made at much lower temperatures and cooked quickly before being pressed into the desired shape. This unique method means the food retains more nutritional value, flavor, aroma, and vitamins. All the goodness is retained in bite-size pieces. Dry dog food provides more nutrients per bite than wet food because they contain less moisture. Dogs with dental problems may also benefit from dry food as it helps to clean their teeth and gums. Dry dog food is the most practical choice for a large dog, especially a German Shepherd. However, dry food comes in all shapes and sizes, so a smaller sized variety can be suitable for smaller breeds. It is also okay to feed your dog a pure dry diet and add cooked meat, fish, or vegetables, and this is what I do. I feed Willow cold-pressed dog food, and although this is a complete, balanced, high-quality food, I like to mix things up for my German Shepherd. Willow eating dry food with a natural yogurt topping Occasionally my dog will have some tinned tuna or mackerel in oil, which is also excellent for her skin and coat. If I add a topping, I always slightly reduce the quantity of the food to ensure that she is not gaining extra calories. There are some things to be wary of; not every canned food brand provides the protein your German Shepherd needs. Also, the higher the water content, the fewer nutrients, so your dog has to consume more food to get the nutritional value their body needs. Additionally, be wary of low-quality canned foods, as manufacturers often add wheat flour as a thickener or extra white rice or other grains. Canned dog food can be more expensive, especially if you have a large dog breed, but it may be ideal if your dog enjoys eating a more considerable portion. Other advantages of wet food are that it may be more suitable if your GSD is a fussy eater or if you have a senior dog who may have lost his appetite and find wet food more palatable. Semi-moist Dog Foods Semi-moist dog foods are not as popular as other types as they offer the least nutritional value and can be pretty expensive. Unfortunately, manufacturers add sugar and salts to preserve moisture and shelf life. Therefore, a semi-moist diet may not be appropriate for your German Shepherd, especially if he is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds. Many semi-moist foods are also loaded with artificial colors, chemical preservatives, and flavor enhancers. However, semi-moist food may be the best choice if your German Shepherd finds it challenging to digest all other types of dog food. Your dog may also enjoy the meaty taste and find this food more palatable if they are incredibly picky. Dry Dog Food vs. You can mix the foods in the same bowl or feed dry for the morning and wet for the afternoon feed or vice-versa. Some German Shepherd owners that feed dry dog food like to add wet food as a topping. If you choose this option, keeping to the same brand is advisable. They believe their pets will not like or refuse commercial dog food. They may need a home-prepared diet to help with a diagnosis e. They may require a home-prepared diet if a dog has a combination of diseases for which no commercial diet exists. They sought comfort as a home-feeder for dogs with chronic or terminal illnesses. There are several drawbacks to the home preparation of dog food. You can do it, but it takes a lot of dedication and hard work, and it may be more expensive than even the best quality dog food on the market. Homemade diets can provide complete nutrition. However, you need to ensure your German Shepherd gets the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, which is not easy. Suppose you wish to prepare a home-cooked diet. It is recommended to cook all animal products to kill bacteria that could make your German Shepherd sick. However, if you are a raw feeder see below , you will likely disagree with this statement. Grains, beans, and starchy vegetables must also be cooked to make them easier for your dog to digest. Never add foods that are toxic to dogs. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, and macadamia nuts, to name but a few. Do you want to know more about homemade diets? My final thoughts on helping you decide on whether to become a home feeder would be: Do you have the time to become a home feeder? There are plenty of high-quality commercial dog foods on the market. Your dog will require regular health checks to check for any nutrient deficiencies. The nutrient percentages can vary widely and as mentioned, grains might or might not be included in kibble varieties. This is why answering these basic questions: what breed is your dog, how active is it, how old is it and what health issues does it have, are so important. Your answers can help guide you toward the best formulas for your dog. If you purchase an inexpensive food, the ingredients will be inexpensive, and in many cases—inferior. Know what proportions of these primary ingredients are in the foods you feed and read pet food labels. Also note there are commercially prepared kibbles—with high concentrations of carbohydrates—that can be excellent choices for some German Shepherds. Check out Reebok's blog article on omnivores vs. Has domestication altered canine physiology and digestion? Dog Food Types Dog foods come in many forms and most can be fed to your German Shepherd either singularly or in combination. They include dry, moist, semi-moist, dehydrated, freeze-dried, raw and homemade. Let take a brief look as each. The ingredients of raw diets include muscle meat, organ meat liver, kidney, etc. Raw diets can also include raw eggs with the shell , dog-friendly fruits and vegetables and dairy cottage cheese and yogurt. Benefits can include much smaller, firmer stools, improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, reduced allergies and better weight management. Raw diets are an excellent alternative for dogs struggling to thrive on commercially prepared food products. Dehydrated and Freeze Dried — Dehydrated and freeze-dried dog foods consist of raw, healthy ingredients with the water removed so increase shelf life and use less space, i. Most varieties include an identified meat protein, while others are meant to be used as a base and you add your preferred meat source. These mixes are great for dogs with food sensitivities and most of are also gluten-free. The down side to these products is they are very expensive and cost prohibitive to most large-breed dog fanciers. Homemade — Homemade diets are another alternative to commercially prepared food products. Homemade diets require a better understanding of canine nutrition to maintain completeness and balance, but is not a difficult process with a little research, good planning and consistency. Moist canned — Moist dog foods have a very high moisture content. Refrigerated and frozen moist dog foods are also available. Moist foods are traditionally more expensive than dry foods, though usually has a fairly long shelf life. Special attention should be paid the protein and water content of these foods. The higher the water content, the less nutrients in the food. This means your dog will need to consumer more of this food to meet his basic nutritional requirements. Dry Kibble — Dry dog food, or kibble, is the most commonly fed form of dog food because it can be the most economical and require little or no preparation time. Dry foods are also easy to store and have a long shelf life. They do not need to be frozen or refrigerated. Because of the very low moisture content of these products, kibble-fed dogs should always have plenty of fresh water available—at all times—as they need to consume more water than dogs that are fed higher-moisture foods. Semi-moist — Semi-moist dog foods are the least popular form of food sold in the U. Most experts do not recommend semi-moist foods as they are the least nutritional of all the pet foods and usually contain many artificial flavors, coloring and preservatives to make the food more palatable to dogs. Do not feed these products to any dog as a primary dietary source. Vegetarian — Recently introduced into the market are vegetarian diets for dogs. While some of these products are nutritionally complete, if your dog does not like the taste, feeding time can be challenging and vegetarian diets for the most part do not taste good to most dogs. There are a couple positive aspects to these diets, however. Since vegetarian diets do not contain meat or dairy products, owners can start their dogs initially on these diets and slowly add back in animal protein and dairy products—one at a time. By doing so, they can determine which foods are causing issues for their dogs and eliminate these products from their meal plan. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times While food is the central component of any diet, it is critical to ensure your German Shepherd drinks sufficient amounts of water—daily. Water is vital for maintaining biological systems and function and if you feed primarily kibble which has a very low moisture content , then water becomes even more important. Feed your German Shepherd at least twice daily German Shepherds are a large, deep-chested breed and are therefore predisposed to developing life-threatening bloat or gastric torsion. To decrease these risks, feed your German Shepherd at least two smaller meals daily and at regularly scheduled times. Avoid late night feeding and make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day. Excitable states and eating can contribute to stomach problems, flatulence and other digestive issues. As an alternative, you can—with a little research—make homemade meals for your dog at home that are nutritionally balanced. And due to the ever increasing number of pet food recalls each year, making your own dog food can not only be more safe and even less expensive—but you will actually know what is in the foods you are feeding. While it might be convenient to fill a bowl with food and leave it out all day, allowing your dog to graze at will is never a good thing. Dog food attracts bugs and collects moisture. Kibble is prone to mold in regions of high humidity. If you are house training a puppy, free feeding makes it impossible to establish a routine. Free-fed dogs are also notoriously over or under weight. They either eat too much because they can or eat too little because their food is stale and uninviting. And lastly, German Shepherds need to know their food did not just fall from the sky. Fresh foods are great for German Shepherds German Shepherd love to eat healthy, human foods such as meat and cheese products and certain fruits and vegetables—and these foods make awesome treats. Fresh foods also contain natural enzymes that commerical dog foods have lost due to processing. Feeding too many treats daily can lead to nutrient imbalances and digestive upsets. Some lines of German Shepherds are also prone to nutritional irregularities that can lead to weight loss. If you feel your dog is underweight, seek the advice of a veterinarian who can recommend supplements—or test for underlying conditions. Note also that many German Shepherds have a naturally thin builds. You should be able to run your fingers along the rib cage of your German Shepherd—with slight pressure—and feel its ribs. Begin by adding a small percentage of the new food to the existing food and gradually increase the amount over a period of weeks. This gradual transition decreases chances of digestive upset. As a side note, at GSDLiving, we feed our dogs a great variety of foods—both kibble and canned food and raw food products. We switch protein sources and food brands regularly—from the time our dogs are puppies. Your veterinarian would most likely frown upon this practice, but it has been wildly successful for us. Not all dogs will be able to do this of course, but if started young, most have few issues. Experts recommend you stick with the same diet for several weeks before evaluating the results and making adjustments. Other than sticking with raw bones only, what makes a bone a good choice depends on your dog. Know how your dog chews. If you have an aggressive chewer or gulper, bones might not be a good option—or if offered, they should be large and meaty and chewing should be closely supervised. Pick up and discard bones once the majority of the meat has been consumed. Cooked bones are brittle, splinter easily and are much less digestible than uncooked bones. Raw bones are great for dogs because they add bulk to their diet and are a good source of calcium, phosphorous and other nutrients. Raw bones should be covered with lots of meat and be soft enough to be eaten without causing damage or excessive wear to their teeth. Good bone choices include poultry, rabbit, goat, lamb, beef calf. Do not let your dog chew endlessly. Removed bones once the easily eaten portions are consumed. While advertisements display images of healthy, happy dogs, it is important to remember that most manufacturers put profit before health. To ensure that you are feeding your German Shepherd a high-quality, safe food product, read the ingredient list and learn what ingredients are not good for your dog. If one of the first ingredients listed is a meat by-product, this is an indication that the product consists of primary low-quality ingredients. And when a meat source is not identified meat by-products , this means the product is inferior and neither you—or the manufacturer—know what is actually in the foods they are selling and you are buying. Others reasons to be careful about the dog foods you purchase: Just because a commercial dog food is labeled complete and balanced, does not mean it does not come without risk. So far, in , there have been dozens of recalls on major brand dog foods. Some of the issues include excessive amounts of vitamin D which has shown to be fatal to some dogs , elevated levels of beef thyroid hormones and even food contaminated with pentobarbital, lethal bacteria and heavy metals. Choose your pet foods carefully and keep up with current product recalls. There are many good sources for recall information. DogFoodAdvisor is one such resource. Leave a Reply.

We'll notify you here with news about Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOn Meet Hulk, the puppy who was born bright green The white German Shepherd puppy was born green and has since turned yellow. January 16, , AM Hulk was born with a bright green-turned yellow tint due to the fur's exposure to meconium. But I still had to look it up again to make sure," Stamey said. Junaluska Animal Hospital veterinarian technician Suzanne Cianciulli told WLOS that some puppies can come out with a green tint from meconium, an infant mammal's earliest stool. Hulk was born with a bright green-turned yellow tint due to the fur's exposure to meconium. The veterinarian told Stamey that the mother "licks it away until I bathe it and then, I guess after a couple of weeks, it will finally like fade out. It was lime green. He was super mad. So, yeah, he became Hulk," Stamey said of the name after the Marvel comic book character. We call him Mr. Green sometimes. Even though they would love to keep their puppies, Stamey told WLOS that their family plans to find loving families to adopt the dogs once they're old enough. She called Hulk "a good luck charm -- he's pretty special. Owners are amazed when their white German shepherd gives birth to a lime-green puppy By The German Shepherd Dog Community January 30th, Who would have thought that a dog could have a green puppy? Her white German shepherd, Gypsy, was due to have a litter of puppies. Imagine her surprise when the fourth pup of the litter of eight came out green. Regardless of the shocking find, the delivery went fine. And when all was said and done, it was determined that all of the puppies were in good shape, even the odd green one, which the family named Hulk. She was relieved to that it find that it was quite common. This is the fluid that nourishes the puppies in the womb. The pigment is the same one that causes a bruise to turn green and jaundice in human babies. Hulk was the one that eventually stuck since the puppy seemed super mad when he came into the world. He is also called Mr. Green by Stamley and her family. While the other eight puppies were the normal golden color, one of the pups was a dark shade of green. After she was brought into the shelter it was discovered that she was pregnant. As the pups were being born, one of them came out with a green coloration to her coat. The puppy, named Clover by her foster mom, Kristy Anderson, was normal in all other aspects. Anderson feels that Clover is a sign of good luck. As for Hulk, Stamley and her family plan to adopt the puppies out once they are old enough. They also thought of giving the puppy a different name since he was no longer green, but yellow in coloration. One name, in particular, was floated around. Here is a video with more on this unique puppy.

If you notice any symptoms or changes to their appetite, mood, or energy levels, make an appointment with your vet. As a large mixed breed, New Sheps may tend to grow and develop rapidly. This can cause bone and joint issues in the long run. This is often a higher quality food that is lower in calories. It is important for this food to contain high-quality ingredients and to be free of any fillers, preservatives, or additives that will unnecessarily add calories to the food. Always measure out the appropriate amount for each meal. As a puppy, it is best to restrict treats and snacks too. Even as a puppy, your New Shep will require regular exercise. As mentioned, though, these pups are at higher risk of bone and joint issues since they grow so rapidly from the age of four to seven months. You need to be careful with how you exercise your puppy for this period. Steer clear of hard pavements and surfaces — anything that can be tough on their bones or joints. In particular, prevent them from jumping around on such surfaces. It is fine for them to play on grass and similarly soft surfaces. If your pup takes after their Newfoundland parent, they will love to swim, so this is an activity that you can try. Swimming is a great way for your pup to get a workout without putting too much stress on their joints. For high-energy dogs, break this up into two sessions. A brisk walk is the easiest physical activity. Frisbee and fetch are great for keeping things interesting. A good way to decide how much exercise your dog needs is to give them about 30 minutes and take note of their energy levels. If they seem content and not overly tired, you have hit the right time limit. If your pup still seems to have a lot of energy, slowly increase their playtime until they are satisfied. You should be aware that some New Sheps can be a bit lazy when it comes to exercise. Despite this, your dog should get a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day. You may need to be a bit firm about taking them outside. If your pooch is on the smaller side and takes after their German Shepherd more, they may also enjoy agility training. On the other hand, make sure that you schedule a regular swimming session if your New Shep takes after their Newfoundland parent a bit more. You can expect quite a bit of shedding with this mixed breed. The best way to minimize this is to brush them regularly. Make it a point to brush your dog at least three times a week to reduce loose fur around the house. You will need to use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake as your dog has a double coat. It will make all the difference. If your New Shep has a coat that is more similar to Newfoundland, you should be aware that it will attract dirt, grit, and burrs. This means that your dog needs to be brushed whenever you take them out to a wooded area or a dog park. Failing to do so can leave the fur matted and dirty. Your dog will likely blow their coat a couple of times a year and the shedding will reach peak levels at this point. During this period, you should brush them out every day and use the undercoat rake more regularly. You will also have to add a de-shedding brush to the routine. Once every month or two is more than enough unless your dog gets dirty. Bathing them too often can dry out their skin and damage their coat. It should be noted that their coat can be rather overwhelming to the groom. This is why owners will often hire groomers to handle this task. They are best suited to cool or cold climates. They should always be kept indoors when the sun is out. It is best if they are close to a fan or air conditioning. Keep a close eye on your pooch to make sure that they are as cool as possible. Avoid taking your dog out during the hottest parts of the day as they can overheat quickly. Give them exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. New Sheps are far too big for apartments. They need a lot of space so they will work better in larger homes. In smaller spaces, they may be prone to knocking things over. If your New Shep is of the high energy variety, though, having access to a yard can help them to burn off some excess energy. These dogs love human companionship , so never leave them alone in the yard for a long period. Instead, give them the option of coming in and out so that they can spend time with you when they want. Newfoundland German Shepherds are highly trainable. They have a great work ethic and are intelligent to pick up a wide variety of commands and instructions. You should start their training from the moment you bring your pup home. They can be difficult to control as they get bigger so starting young can help to avoid a lot of issues. These dogs are people pleasers so use positive reinforcement to get them to learn tricks more readily. You will need to find a breeder that specializes in this particular mix. Look for one that has tracked the health of both parent breeds, going back several generations. This can help to prevent various diseases in your pup. This is a rare mixed breed and is a designer one to boot. You may not always find one in a shelter, but looking at German Shepherd or Newfoundland-specific shelters may help. These dogs can grow as tall as 28 inches and weigh over lbs and might need to be classified as an extra-large breed. They are excellent family dogs and are great with children and other pets. This wraps up our guide to Newfoundland German Shepherds. With this information, you can now decide whether this pup is a good fit for you. 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. They should be fed about 3 cups several times throughout the day with a high-quality kibble. Because of their large size, they will not be as suitable for apartments, but they love being in the water , which will allow them to burn off some of their excess energy. The Newfoundland part of the New Shep makes them excellent at water sports, hauling such as sleds or small carts and they have the potential to become exceptional therapy dogs. The undercoat tends to be dense and will be prone to tangles and matting. Particular attention should be paid during the spring and the summer when they start shedding. Dog skin differs from human skin and using the wrong shampoo might create skin problems for the dog. The ears of the New Shep might be erect like the German Shepherd or folded over like the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland is also susceptible to cataracts but also abnormal eyelid and lower eyelid droop. The vet will run allergy, skin and eye tests to screen your dog for any possible inherited health conditions from its parents. Your vet will run hip, elbow and cardiac tests as well as DNA tests and a full physical exam on your dog. Your New Shep is a hybrid, which means it might inherit some of these conditions from its parents, but it is less likely. Male vs. Female Female and male dogs tend to differ in size, with the female usually smaller and lighter. The male can be 25—28 inches and weigh — pounds and the female might be 23—26 inches and weigh 80— pounds. As previously mentioned, these dogs can actually weigh as much as pounds. Obviously, female and male dogs also differ biologically. If you decide to have your female dog spayed, the surgery is a little more challenging than neutering the male dog. This comes at a slightly higher expense and a longer recovery time for the dog. Some believe that there are personality differences between males and females. Generally speaking, males are thought of as being more aggressive than females. In contrast, the females are thought to be more affectionate. However, there are debates on this subject. The most important thing to consider in the male versus female dog debate is that the primary source of their personalities will come from how you train and socialize them when they are puppies. Final Thoughts When you combine the intelligence and the energy of the German Shepherd with the calm and affectionate Newfoundland, you might just end up with the perfect dog for your family. The New Shep is a beautiful, large dog that loves the water and will make an excellent watchdog but without the aggression. New Shep puppies are not easy to find so you might want to begin by speaking to breeders of German Shepherds and Newfoundland dogs. Attending dog shows and talking to rescue societies as well as local and national dog clubs could also prove helpful. Last of all, posting messages on social media will help you spread the world to a much bigger audience. The New Shep requires a fairly vigorous brushing routine, but otherwise, you will end up with a loyal and loving gentle giant that will become a beloved member of your family. See Also:. Final Thoughts The question may arise — if people have carefully perfected purebred dogs, like German Shepherds and Newfoundlands, why do they need to mix these breeds now? The German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is not bred accidentally, of course. The answer is that the purpose was to receive the dogs with the best features inherited from the two breeds, such as a larger working potential and a calmer temperament. That is the answer to your question. The new dog hybrid is also called a New Shep or the Newfie Shepherd, and it is a designer dog whose characteristics are more predictable than those of other mixes. After reading this article, you will be able to decide whether this dog is right for you. Characteristics of the Crossbreed If you are interested in a New Shep, learn what characteristic features it inherits from its predecessors — German Shepherds and Newfoundlands. German Shepherds look intimidating and bark loudly. They are highly intelligent and become loyal companions to their beloved owners. They are also pretty trainable, eager to please the owner, and have a strong working drive. Shepherds are multipurpose workers suitable for doing jobs in the police, military, and guidance services. Guarding is also a good job for them because they are fierce and alert. Newfoundlands are much bigger and stronger than Shepherds. Though, they are also much calmer. The abundance of fur and big bones make them look impressive. They are gentle and sweet, but they also make perfect working dogs to carry out emergency services and rescues, especially those that include swimming in icy water. Rescuing children and adults from drowning is the job they have become well-known for. Nowadays, Newfoundlands are kept as home pets. The German Shepherd Newfoundland mix puppy is the offspring of crossbreeding that displays the best characteristics of German Shepherds and Newfoundland dogs. It is larger than a Shepherd but much calmer and more affectionate. It is more open and patient to the presence of strangers, and more welcoming to other animals. Nevertheless, the New Shep has an outstanding work drive and very strong protective instincts. Appearance Like in other dog breeds, males and females differ in size. The male is usually inches cm in height, and they weigh pounds kg. Females are usually smaller and lighter. They can grow as tall as inches cm , and their weight is as much as pounds kg. Some dogs can grow very big and weigh up to pounds 91 kg. The typical Newfoundland German Shepherd mix has medium-length hair, and the double coat is immensely thick. The colors of the coat may vary a lot. These hybrid dogs can be solid black, sable, or even liver, blue, and white. However, the most common color after the GSD is tan with a black saddle. Some crosses may also inherit the color from their Newfoundland parent, and their coat may be brown or gray. The other characteristic features inherited from the two breeds depend on the gene mix. They can do well with children of all ages and people who are not a part of the family. These dogs are pretty approachable, though they may look intimidating because of their massiveness. New Sheps are amazing family dogs without the aggressive tendencies German Shepherds are usually prone to. They are very careful and patient with young kids. If this dog is properly socialized, it can get along well with other household pets. However, it can be wary of other dogs, especially if they are of the same sex. These dogs are very strong and fast, despite their big size. So, they can be excellent herders and work successfully in criminal apprehension for the police. They are also agile swimmers due to the feature inherited from their Newfoundland parents. The mix of German Shepherds and Newfoundlands produces more admirable personalities. While German Shepherds are alert and courageous, though prone to fearfulness, aggression, and neurotic spans if bred and socialized improperly, Newfoundlands are more loyal and selfless, courageous, calm, and patient. The mix most often displays the sweet and docile nature of Newfoundland. While being trained, New Sheps can be more stubborn and need more repetitions and consistency than their German Shepherd ancestor. This trait is also inherited from Newfoundlands and should be taken into account. It is longer than in purebred Newfoundlands but shorter than in German Shepherds. The reason is bigger because all large dog breeds tend to live shorter. The puppies are mostly born healthy, and this mix generally is not prone to severe health issues if it is bred responsibly and then well-cared and fed. The German Shepherd tends to get such minor issues as hot spots, allergies, perianal fistulas, and cataracts. The Newfoundland also tends to have cataracts as well as eye issues such as abnormal eyelid and lower eyelid droop. So, all these conditions can be inherited by your mix-bred puppy from its parents. As for serious health problems, the German Shepherd can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, bone inflammation, heart disease, fungal infections, and gastric torsion. You will need to have hip, elbow, and cardiac testing, DNA tests, and a complete physical examination for your puppy with your experienced vet to be sure about its health condition. Having the appropriate health test certificates from your reputable breeder is also great. Feeding and Care Since a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very large dog breed, it requires a special, high-quality diet meant for big dogs. You should give it 3 cups of kibble at least twice per day. You need to talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about weight loss or gain. Your doggy may need nutritious supplements or more exercise. You may also feed your hybrid puppy with a homemade raw diet, but it should be properly balanced and high-quality. Remember that human food is inappropriate for your dog, and human supplements do not suit it, either. As for taking care of the New Shep, it needs a lot of grooming. The immensely thick coats require brushing on a daily basis. The undercoat is very dense, so if left without care, it can form tangles and get matted. Brushing is especially important in springs and early autumns, when shedding is excessive. Do not bathe your dog too often. Bathing is necessary to remove heavy debris and dirt but not more often than once in two months. The special dog shampoo should be applied to avoid bad skin irritations. The ears can be either erect or folded, depending on the gene inherited either from a German Shepherd or Newfoundland parent. However, you need to clean them carefully in both cases, especially when the ears are floppy. You should also trim its nails and brush its teeth regularly. Ask for expert advice from your veterinarian if you are unsure how to do it correctly. So, if you live in a small apartment, this dog is not appropriate for you. You should at least walk with your doggy for about 60 minutes per day and play a lot with it. These dogs love being in the water, and that allows them to burn off their excess energy. So, swimming is an essential part of exercising. The doggy will enjoy hiking and biking with you, too. The dog also needs a lot of mental stimulation, including puzzle toys and enrichment games. The trainability of the German Shepherd and Newfoundland mix is amazing. These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their owners and always ready to follow all the commands. They are playful and patient, with strong guarding instincts, alert to threats but open to the presence of strangers. However, they can be pretty obstinate sometimes. So, you need reward-based and persistent training sessions for your doggy from a very early age. These dogs can become outstanding search and rescue helpers and are also great at obedience training and agility sessions. They are perfect at water sports and hauling sleds and small carts will be appropriate for them. They also can become exceptional therapy dogs due to their patience and affectionate attitudes toward people. It makes up a perfect family dog with strong guarding and protective skills. It is intelligent, patient, calm, and affectionate. The dog can be a remarkable companion, rescuer, and hauler. However, be careful to socialize and train it properly. If you have decided to adopt the New Shep, you will get the best friend and amazing companion if it is properly socialized. 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. The Newfoundland dog is loving, gentle, and are also famous for their loyalty and strength. Whereas, the German Shephard is recognized for its protective nature and courage despite being loyal. Now let us see, what are the traits of the mixed breed of these two dogs, the Newfoundland German shepherd mix. Newfoundland German shepherd mix physical appearance: The Newfoundland German Shepherd cross is a giant, sturdy and athletic dog with a strong and heavy bone structure. Both the parent dogs have strong and straight backs usually, whereas in some cases, the back of German Shephard is slightly sloped whereas that of Newfoundland is leveled. The chest of Newfoundland is deep while the skull is broad. Looking at the muzzle, it is more tapered and long in the case of a German Shepherd. Both the breeds have commonly pointed ears and brown eyes. The nose of the New Shep Breed dog is either brown or black. In short, the Newfoundland dog German Shepherd Mix can have traits of any of its parents. Lastly, the average lifespan of the dog is 10 years. Newfoundland German shepherd cross temperament and personality: Mostly, the New Shep hybrids are a combination of the personality of the parent breeds so, both of them are good-mannered as well as confident. If not trained properly, they can develop aggressive and anxious temperament so, train them patiently. They are playful and happy among children, but their immense size can harm them so, keep the younger ones away. They are fun, calm, and easy with the family members as well. Although the dog is intelligent, you will surely have to put some effort to train this dog. Newfoundland German shepherd mix for sale: There are two options for having a purebred New Shep Breed dog, one you can buy it from a reputable breeder, and the second adopt it from a shelter, former owner, or rescue. But it is not always the truth so, be sure about the health and lineage of your dog before purchasing it from a breeder making false claims. The only difference between these two methods is that adoption will cost you very little as compared to purchasing it. Newfoundland German shepherd mix puppy coat: The Newfoundland German shepherd mix puppy has a slightly dense coat that is wavy in texture and medium in length. The coat of this dog breed is more likely to catch dust, debris, and other particles. Also, their hair gets tangles frequently and heavy shedding is common in New Shep breed dogs. So, purchase a de-shedder, comb, brush, and de-matter for maintaining the coat of the dog. There are many possibilities of the coat color including sable, black, white, blue, brown, grey, cream, red, and silver. Newfoundland dog German shepherd mix training: If you have a good experience with dogs, then start training them with patience after purchasing it. As the Newfoundland and German Shepherd Mix dog is intelligent, so they pick up things easily. Be aware of the little obstinate nature of the dog and handle it with patience rather than behaving harshly or aggressively. If you are unable to control and train the dog, then take it or group training sessions. Also, hiring a personal trainer will help you a lot in this regard but then get ready to pay a little more training price than usual. Newfoundland and German shepherd mix grooming: As discussed, the coat of the Newfoundland German shepherd mix dog is dense and tangles easily so, daily brushing is necessary to maintain the look of the dog. Usually, the coat sheds in the summer and spring season, so maintaining the coat in these seasons is a challenge. Excessive or cheap shampoo can damage the skin of your dog resulting in skin irritation so, only give it a bath when there is a dire need to remove the dirt. Keep on clipping the nails once a month and visit a professional groomer 3 to 6 times a year. Make sure you are providing a hygienic and quality diet to your dog. Usually, a New shep dog eats 3 cups of kibble every day. Well, if you observe any disturbance in the health of the dog, immediately consult your vet. New shep breed health concerns: Just like every other dog breed, purebred or mix, the New shep dog also has some common health concerns. Some of the minor concerns include bloating, gastric dilation volvulus, subaortic stenosis, degenerative myelopathy, perianal fistulas, and hip or elbow dysplasia. Whereas if we talk about some serious health conditions that can be fatal for the new shep breed dog, then these include pyoderma, mitral valve dysplasia, urolithiasis, pannus, cherry eye, cataracts, exocrine pancreatic, footpad disorder, insufficiency, progressive renal atrophy, persistent right aortic arch and many more. To prevent these conditions, keep a healthy track of the diet and physical activity of your dog. Male and female Newfoundland German shepherd mix puppies for sale: The height of a male Newfoundland dog German shepherd mix is 25 to 28 inches whereas that of a female dog is 23 to 26 inches. The weight of a female New Shep dog is 75 to 95 lbs while a male dog weighs 95 to lbs. The temperament of the dog depends on socialization and training rather than gender. Also, spaying of the female New shep dog is a bit complicated than neutering the male dog as spaying requires a little more time to recover. They will require plenty of space and humans that are strong enough to handle their size and weight. The color will depend on which parent it takes after. Most crosses that take after the GSD will don the famous tan coat with a black saddle. Other common coat colors include solid black and sable , while rarer GSD colors include liver , blue , and white. Similarly, crosses that inherit their coat from the Newfie parent are likely to be solid black, brown, or gray. Grooming Because the German Shepherd Newfoundland mix tends to have very dense undercoats, keeping them properly groomed involves a thorough brushing several times a week. This may become a daily requirement twice a year when they blow their coats and shed very heavily. Baths, however, can be done as infrequently as every 6 to 8 weeks. As with any other dog, regular toothbrushing is an essential part of keeping the Newfie-GSD mix properly groomed. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will keep odors at a minimum and will contribute greatly to good health and longevity. Strength Both German Shepherds and Newfoundlands are strong dogs, so their offspring will definitely be strong as well. Just seeing their size and musculature gives you a good idea of the strength of these dogs. This is a critical part of what makes them excellent working dogs. Speed Despite their size, Newfoundland-German Shepherd crosses are surprisingly nimble on their paws. Additionally, mutts that take after the Newfie parent are especially agile swimmers. They need lots of exercise to keep them on their best behavior. At a minimum, these dogs would need 30 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity per day — however many of these mixes will need more especially in their younger years. Among the activities they are likely to enjoy are hiking and swimming. Because of their heritage as working dogs, Newfoundland-German Shepherd mixes also require lots of mental stimulation. Enrichment games, puzzle toys , and regular training sessions will keep them sharp and happy. Trainability Among the best traits of the German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is that they are incredibly sweet and affectionate with their family. They are also playful and patient with young children as well as tolerant of other animals in the household. Despite their seemingly docile temperament, the Newfoundland-German Shepherd mix has strong guarding instincts. They are alert to threats and are capable of engaging if needed. However, they are more open to the presence of strangers than purebred GSDs. Health Newfie-GSDs are generally healthy dogs. However, their sheer size and weight make them more prone to bone and joint issues like elbow and hip dysplasia. Ideally, both parents would be screened for such conditions before being allowed to mate. Make sure to clean them regularly and keep them dry. Lifespan Newfie-GSDs are expected to live between 9 and 14 years old. Nevertheless, Newfoundland-GSD crosses often surpass this average lifespan when they maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. A high-quality, balanced diet is also essential to longevity. The AKC Canine Partners Program enables mixed breeds to register with the club and participate in various sports and canine events. This includes the eligibility to compete for titles in such activities as Agility , Diving Dogs , and Flyball. As far as crossbreeds go, the Newfoundland-German Shepherd mix is not very popular. That may have to do with the fact that each of these two breeds is more valuable as purebreds. However, it requires a dedicated handler willing to take on the responsibilities of such a large and active dog. Nevertheless, they can be an excellent dog to have, whether as a working companion or as a family pet. German Shepherd mixes come in many different forms and have many unique characteristics. No one knows for sure who first came up with the idea to breed a German Shepherd with a Newfoundland or exactly why. Experimentation with the breeding probably occurred a few times before anyone came up with a clear-cut reason or thought it was a good idea. We know the German Shepherd originated in Germany from generic herding dogs. A show dog named Hektor became the foundation type for the breed, further developed by Max von Stephanitz beginning in the late s. According to German Shepherd Rescue Elite , Stephanitz was a former student of Berlin Veterinary College and highly interested in how conformation correlated with working proficiency. Most experts agree that Newfoundland originated from native dogs of the Newfoundland coast and Labrador, in Canada, but are uncertain if the black wolf, Great Pyrenees, or others had the greatest influence. DNA confirms the fact that St. A well-established Newfie type was apparent by , represented by massive black dogs that had huge heads. George Cartwright officially named the Newfoundland in , and the English further modernized the breed beginning in the s. What is a designer dog? Undoubtedly clear to most, not every mixed dog is a designer dog. The marketing of specific breed combinations enables owners of these hybrids to ironically attain an elevated social status among their peers. In historical times, starting with the Victorian era in the s , many societies linked superiority with smaller genetic pools. Owning a purebred dog was equivalent to privilege. Until the advent of what would become the designer dog craze, purebred dogs remained at the pinnacle of desirability and personal worth in many societies. The appeal of certain purebred dogs, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, will probably never wane, but designer dogs have given owners another avenue to climb the social ladder. Generally, the name of the hybrid will be a blend of the two separate breed names. The Labradoodle was the first such designer dog, matching a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle in , and the New Shep arrived much later. The New Shep remains much less common than some of the other designer dogs. Many early designer dogs originated intending to introduce the hypoallergenic low-shedding hair of the Poodle to breeds with desirable charms like an easy-going steadfast temperament, unusual charisma, or unique coat color. Later, dog lovers sought to improve the health issues of breeds they loved such as the English Bulldog. Purely speculative, the New Shep may have come about to smooth some aggressive and neurotic tendencies of the Shepherd and increase the lifespan and add novelty colors and trainability to the Newfie. What makes the New Shep unpredictable? New Shep puppies have a greater number of standard characteristics in common with each other than alternative German Shepherd crosses because there are more of them. We can judge probability based on how the majority of current litters turn out. That being said, first-generation genetics is still largely a roll of the dice. Many features, like personality and temperament, are more unpredictable than coat length and size. Individuals inherit some qualities as a straightforward recessive or dominant single gene. Other genes, like those for coat color, are multiple and incompletely dominant. Separate breed standards tell the tale of the Newfie Shepherd Mix. Most people know what a purebred German Shepherd or Newfoundland looks like. The German Shepherd, with her elegant good looks, has a dome-shaped forehead with a narrow, somewhat square muzzle, a long back sloping down from the shoulders to the hips , brown slightly-slanted eyes, large open upright ears, and a thick tail. Classic colors are tan or red with a black saddle and black mask. German Shepherds can also be silver and black, sable, or solid colors like red, blue , black , or white. Where Shepherds are solidly-built and athletic, Newfoundlands are stately and powerful. One of their most remarkable features is their partially webbed feet, which contribute to their legendary swimming ability. Newfoundlands can sport the colors solid black, brown, white and black, known as Landseer, and, less commonly, gray. New Sheps range from 23 to 28 inches tall and average to pounds. The range, however, can be from to over pounds. New Shep dogs sport an array of colors such as black and tan, solid black, gray, silver, blue, or red, black and white, or sable. What is hybrid vigor? Hybrid vigor, despite numerous misconceptions, does not necessarily imply increased health and vitality. It refers, however, to improved biological functions which usually influence size and fertility. According to the Centre for Small Animal Studies in Suffolk , hybrids tend to have a higher lifespan than purebred dogs except for certain toy breeds. Moreover, any comparison between dogs illustrates a smaller size generally means a longer life. Not all crossbreeding results in hybrid vigor. New Sheps are frequently larger than their parents. It is not uncommon to see Shepherd Newfoundland mixes that are pounds. Giant size likely accounts for a shortened longevity. What kind of personality can you expect? German Shepherds are also courageous, loyal, affectionate with their families , and protective. Poor breeding allows fearfulness, aggression , or neurotic tendencies to enter specific German Shepherd lines. The breed standard for the Newfoundland calls for a sweet disposition to define her, more important than any other character trait. An irresponsibly bred Newfie can be fearful or aggressive. A German Shepherd Newfie cross should shine as a family companion with a loyal, sweet, and affectionate nature. Most puppies exhibit the calm and docile natures of the Newfoundland. New Sheps tend to get along with children and other dogs, especially with effective socialization by you the owner. Shepherd-Newfoundland hybrids may inherit some dog aggression from the GSD and same-sex aggression from the Newfie. Again, frequent exposure to other dogs as a puppy will help prevent inter-dog aggression from cropping up later in life. Does New Sheps have high intelligence and trainability? According to Dogbreedslist. The ranking includes purebred dogs. Both breeds are amenable to consistent and early training. The German Shepherd excels at learning quickly and obediently. She is considered one of the most trainable dogs. Newfoundlands demonstrate an uncanny instinct for the prevention of drowning and knowing how to save people from hazardous situations on land. However, they tend to be independent and need repetition to pick up simple commands. How much exercise does a New Shep need? Hybrids inherit the more laid-back demeanor of the Newfie, not nearly as exuberant as the Shepherd. They require moderate to low exercise. The winter cold is not likely to be a concern for your New Shep. Newfoundland and Shepherd mixes are also sure to enjoy swimming. Some training and walking services suggest 14 miles per week and an hour every day of exercise for your New Shep, although your dog will probably thrive on half that. Grooming requirements depend on coat thickness Both the Newfoundland and German Shepherd have thick undercoats. They have two large molts a year, dropping copious tufts of hair during these times. The Newfoundland requires daily brushing to prevent matting of his fleecy down. The rare Shepherd has long hair without an undercoat. Both dogs should get a consistent bath to eliminate odors and resistant dirt. German Shepherds are not particularly averse to water, but most Newfoundlands love it. New Sheps can possess a variety of coat types. Most of them will have a medium to long moderately thick wavy outer coat with dense underfur. Some have short hair and others have thinner hair than usual for either breed. A few dogs have straight hair while others appear to have loose curls in areas. Brushing is crucial for the same reasons as with the parent breeds. Will your New Shep be a good watchdog? While the German Shepherd is renowned for guard abilities, the Newfoundland has always had a more utilitarian heritage. Since biting and aggression is so contrary to rescuing people from the water, the Newfie has minimal guarding tendencies. You are pretty lucky if your Newfie barks to announce a stranger. You can expect a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix to be friendly and even affectionate to guests. They likely will make better watchdogs than Newfies, barking if sensing a disturbance. Certain families of dogs, as mentioned above, can produce New Sheps with the same undesirable characteristics of the responsible parent, such as fear-biting, uncharacteristic aggression, and shyness. Unfortunately, ailments plague all purebred dogs. While trying to improve a breed through hybridization is a noble endeavor, the reality often falls short. Improvement in the puppies is only possible when exercising a strict selection process with the parents. Some breeders do not adhere to strict breeding criteria, whether involved with purebreds or designer dogs. Moreover, potential owners may not know what kinds of problems their new dog may be susceptible to or what tests may pertain to particular breeds. Still, another factor is dogs inherit some disorders like hip dysplasia, across multiple genes While a few of the sources we ran across cited Shepherd Newfie hybrids as having no health issues, this is probably not entirely accurate. Because of their parentage, we must theorize that New Sheps are vulnerable to the following health issues, discussed by Science Direct and PetMD. According to the Veterinary DNA Center , Newfoundlands can exhibit cystinuria at the exceptionally young age of six months. What fun activities can you do with your New Shep? German Shepherds may excel at agility trials and obedience challenges, like Shutzhund, but Newfoundlands are better suited for hauling competitions and water sports. Both can make excellent therapy dogs and search and rescue workers. Some New Sheps may be more athletic than Newfies. Depending on their size, a hybrid will probably show the greatest promise in activities similar to what a Newfoundland does best. With a German Shepherd-Newfoundland hybrid, you are likely to get what looks like a giant black or black and tan Shepherd. His ears may be erect or semi-prick. Your New Shep will have intelligence and trainability approaching the Shepherd with a slightly stubborn or willful streak. She will greet strangers and friends alike with friendly enthusiasm but in a contained manner. She may bark at intruders but will likely blend in happily with children and other animals in your household. Your Newfie Shepherd cross may take to the water like a sea lion and may even have webbed feet. The only drawbacks are a medium tendency to drool, heat sensitivity, her tremendous size, and her thick coat. This German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is pretty close to one of the varieties you could see in a typical litter. The puppy is not yet sporting his adult coat but looks like he will end up red fawn or sable with a black mask. You can also gauge youth by how much higher his hindquarters are than his shoulders, an indication of a growth spurt. January 14, Fancy a dog with the smarts of the impressive German Shepherd and the sweetness of the gentle Newfoundland? What about the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix? Why not learn a little more about the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix? If you are a fan of big dogs, with big hearts then a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix might just be the dog for you! Origins of the Newfoundland Newfoundland dogs have long been relied on by Canadian fishermen to help on fishing boats. They would bring in the nets of fish and pull them to the markets on carts. Their strength and natural swimming ability also earned them a reputation as lifeguards. They are skilled at saving people in trouble in the water. The first German Shepherd showed up in America in and by , the first German Shepherd club has been established. At this point, it is worth addressing the controversy which surrounds the purebreds versus mutts. The Mixed Breed Controversy Advocates of purebred dogs claim the size, temperament, and health of a purebred can be reliably predicted. Moreover, their lineage can be traced back for many generations. They also assert that supporting purebred dog breeders encourages the betterment of breeds. This is mainly because breeders will ensure the characteristics and abilities inherent in purebreds can be improved upon and preserved for generations to come. On the other hand, advocates of mixed breeds voice concern that inbreeding and exaggeration of certain physical characteristics in purebreds often result in dogs with serious health problems. They point out that breed standards, which dictate the desirable physical attributes of purebred dogs, can at times have more to do with aesthetics than the welfare of the dog. This has led to dogs with breathing difficulties, back and joint problems, and even difficulty giving birth. Many believe hybrid dogs are healthier since they are purportedly less predisposed to inherited conditions than purebreds. Indeed, one study has suggested that dogs with genetically diverse backgrounds are healthier and appear to live longer than their purebred counterparts. Here are some that stand out: The actions of one Newfoundland may have had a hand in how history played out. In a Newfoundland reportedly saved the life of none other than Napoleon Bonaparte when he went overboard while fleeing the island of Elba. Rin Tin Tin starred in 27 films throughout his life. In the end, the Academy decided the award must be given to a human. Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Appearance The Newfoundland stands between 26 and 28 inches at the shoulders and weighs between and lbs. They are sturdy and strong in build and appearance. Their thick double coat is water resistant and comes in black, brown, grey, and black and white. White patches are the only markings seen in this breed. The German Shepherd stands 22 to 26 inches at the shoulders and can weigh from 50 to 90 lbs. While strong and muscular in build, the German Shepherd also has great agility. They have a thick, wiry outer coat which comes in variations of black, tan, solid black and sable. This coat needs regular grooming. Both dogs are large, so a mix of the two is going to be a large dog. The coloring could be any combination of the parent breeds markings. Owning a dog of this size may bring with it challenges in terms of caring and housing for your dog. But the Newfoundland wins big points for being so agreeable. Temperament-wise, the German Shepherd is quite different from the Newfoundland. Its definitive qualities are loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Perhaps the greatest evidence of this is their status as the preferred breed for law enforcement and military organizations. In the family setting, a German Shepherd will make a loyal protector. As such, they tend to remain a little reserved when introduced to strangers. The sight of a German Shepherd may incite fear amongst many, and they have a reputation for being good watchdogs. A study published in found that German Shepherds did score higher than other breeds when it came to dog on dog aggression as well as aggression toward strangers. In terms of aggression towards owners, however, you have more to fear if you live with a Dachshund than a German Shepherd. A mix of these breeds could produce a dog that takes after one breed more than the other. However, the sweet nature of the Newfoundland could balance out the more serious and protective tendencies of the German Shepherd. Both these dogs are large and powerful. The German Shepherd is by nature a little wary of strangers and protective of their human family. Socialization, which involves exposing your puppy to as many new situations and experiences as possible, is an absolute must if you decide to adopt a mix of these two dogs. German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs. It is important that you keep them busy and engaged mentally. Both of these dogs enjoy regular exercise. Both breeds enjoy canine sports such as agility, dock jumping, and herding. Crossing with a Newfoundland might reduce such problems. Ultimately, checking that their parents did not suffer from these issues before choosing your puppy is the wisest course of action. Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Health Both these breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. The German Shepherd Club of America does not require any further health tests. However, as we mentioned, German Shepherds are prone to conformational problems. The Newfoundland is susceptible to heart problems and cystinuria, a condition in which stones form in the urinary system. Both dogs can be expected to live up to 10 years. If your puppy has taken after their Newfoundland parent and has floppy ears, check them regularly for infection. As with any breed, feed your dog a well-balanced, high-quality diet to keep them healthy. Being big dogs, make sure you have the budget for this. Both dog breeds have thick coats, so they will have to be brushed regularly even when they are not shedding. In shedding season, these bushings may need to be daily. The combination of these two breeds can make great a family dog. Taking into consideration the size, power, and temperament of the parent breeds, however, socialization and appropriate training is an absolute must. Ideally, your family should have enough time and space to devote to training and exercising this mixed breed. Rescuing a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix If you are looking to rescue one of these dogs, check local rescue groups dedicated to the parent breeds. Sometimes these groups will help find homes for crosses as well as purebreds. Otherwise, check at your local shelter. Get as much information as you can about the background of the dog, as they might have some special requirements if they have been abused or neglected in the past. How to Find a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix puppy The growing popularity of mixes can be good news for the general health of dogs. However, some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the demand, and view the production of puppies as nothing more than a way to make a profit. While it may seem to be the easiest option, getting your new puppy from a pet shop is not recommended. Sadly, these puppies have more often than not been bred in puppy farms. Dogs kept in puppy farms are housed in appalling conditions and often suffer untreated injuries and health problems. Not only are they often neglected physically, but mentally these dogs are deprived of the chance to socialize and play. First and foremost, make sure you can meet the parents of your dog, and see where they have been raised in person. Care needs to be taken with training and socialization due to the size of both breeds, and the protective traits of the German Shepherd. This dog will have a thick coat which will shed. Pros The Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix will be loyal to their family and eager to please loved ones. This mix is great for those who like swimming and the outdoors. The kind nature of the Newfoundland mixed with the intelligence of the German Shepherd is an appealing combination. Similar Mixed Breeds and Purebred Dogs. The combination of these two breeds results in a dog with an outstanding temperament and robust physical strength. This sturdy breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness and obedience. They are also intelligent, eager to learn and make great family pets. Newfoundland and German Shepherd — Breeding History The Newfoundland is a large working dog breed originating from the island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada. They were originally bred for helping fishermen with tasks such as hauling in nets and catching fish that had escaped from the nets. They are also known for their water rescue abilities and were used extensively during the 19th century by lifeboat crews. The German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. They were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world and are highly prized for their loyalty and working ability. They were first used as police dogs back in in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. They are well known over the years as highly effective police and military dogs due to their loyalty, obedience, and intelligence. The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a relatively new crossbreed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Known as adaptable designer dogs, the mix of these two breeds result in a dog with an outstanding temperament and robust physical strength. The most common reason people mix these two breeds is to take advantage of the best traits of each. Their characteristics will vary depending on which parent breed they take after more, but they will typically have the long head and muzzle of a German Shepherd combined with the thick coat and webbed feet of a Newfoundland. They are typically strong and muscular with a large, square head and medium to long coat. The typical size of a Newfoundland is inches cm at the shoulder, weighing between pounds kg. The typical size of a German Shepherd is inches cm at the shoulder, and they weigh between pounds kg. A mix of both breeds will typically fall somewhere in the middle, with males generally being larger than females. Coat Type The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will have a thick, double coat that is water-resistant and sheds moderately. Their fluffy coats can be either short or long, but is typically medium in length. They will have the thick undercoat of a Newfoundland combined with the longer outer coat of a German Shepherd. Colors New Sheps can come in a wide variety of colors, depending on their parentage. Their coat color can be either black, brown, gray, red, or white. They may also have markings of a different color on their face, chest, or paws. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. New Sheps are active dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. They are also guard dogs by nature and will bark to warn you of strangers or any potential danger. While they make fantastic family dogs, New Sheps are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their high energy levels and need for training and socialization. Protectiveness New Sheps display extreme protectiveness of their owners and are very loyal. This behavior is instinctive and cannot be trained out of them. It is important to socialize New Sheps early on so that they can learn to distinguish between actual threats and harmless strangers. Without early socialization, they may become overly suspicious of anyone who is not their owner and become aggressive toward them. New Sheps are also very protective of their families and will do anything to keep them safe. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to warn their family of any potential danger. They are also very loving and affectionate toward their families and will do anything to make them happy. Strength The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very strong and large dog. They are one of the strongest dog breeds, and their size can be intimidating to some people. They are also very muscular, and their coats are thick and dense, which helps protect them from the elements. Speed The speed of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is about 27 miles per hour mph , but can reach up to 35 mph when running. They are working dogs and were bred for their herding and guarding abilities, so they have a lot of energy. If you have an active lifestyle and are looking for a canine companion to join you on hikes, runs, or swims, this mix may be a good fit. Newfs are known for being relatively lazy, while German Shepherds are much more active. A good rule of thumb is that this mix should get at least an hour of daily exercise. This can be a combination of walks, runs, hikes, and playtime. If your dog is particularly energetic, they may need even more exercise than that. This could include water sports, agility sessions, or other intense activities. Having plenty of space for exercise will naturally be of huge benefit for you and your dog. This mix would be a great companion for you if you live an active lifestyle. They can keep up with most activities and will be happy to do so. Just make sure to give them plenty of breaks, as they can overheat easily. Along with physical exercise, they also need mental stimulation and regular brain exercise. They will likely become bored and destructive if they have excess energy and their activity level is not catered for. Make sure you are prepared to give them the exercise they need before bringing one home. Some may need more obedience training than others, while some may require more socialization. Always consult with a professional trainer to determine what training methods would be best for your specific dog. Typically, the first type of training a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will need is obedience training. This type of training will teach the dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. It is important to start obedience training early on, as it will set the foundation for all other types of training. The second type of training a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may need is socialization training. This training is important to help the dog develop a gentle nature and become comfortable around people and other animals. Socialization training can be started at any age, but it is typically best to start early on. They are going to be very trainable and will likely excel in obedience trials and other activities. Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are also likely to have above average intelligence when compared to other dog breeds. This means that they are likely to learn new tricks and commands quickly. They may also be quick to understand the intentions of their owners and be able to follow complex commands. So, if you are looking for a dog that is intelligent and easily trainable, then a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may be the perfect breed for you! Good with Other Dogs The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a good dog for people who have other dogs in their family. They are gentle and good-natured and get along well with other dogs. Due to their size, they need to be properly socialized with other dogs when they are puppies so that they know how to interact with them and not be afraid of them. They do have natural protective instincts, so they may be leery of strange dogs, but with proper socialization, they can learn to get along with just about any dog. They make great family dogs and love being around people, which is why they do well in homes where there are other dogs present. Good with Children The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a great breed of dog if you are looking for one that is good with children. This mix is known to be gentle, loving, and protective of those they love, which makes them perfect for families with young kids. They are also known for having an affectionate nature. They will quickly become a loyal and trusted friend to your children, and will always be there to lend a furry shoulder to cry on and for constant companionship. Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are also great dogs for first-time dog owners, as they are relatively easy to train and care for. For example, a growing puppy will need more calories than an adult dog, and a working dog will need more calories than a couch potato. In general, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will need a diet that is high in protein and fat, and moderate in carbohydrates. When it comes to choosing a commercial dog food, look for one that is specifically designed for large breeds. Avoid any food that contains fillers or by-products, and make sure the first ingredient is a meat protein. Grooming When it comes to grooming ,the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a low-maintenance dog. A weekly brushing will help to remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy and clean. Ears should be checked regularly and cleaned when necessary to prevent infection. Teeth should be brushed on a regular basis as well. Newfs are known for being heavy shedders, so expect some extra vacuuming during shedding season. Shedding The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will be a moderate to heavy shedder. Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are double-coated, so they will also require regular grooming to help reduce matting and tangles in their fur. Drooling The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is known to be a very sloppy dog in relation to drooling. This can be quite a nuisance for owners, as it can result in wet floors and furniture. Adaptability to Weather In terms of adapting to weather extremes, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very versatile dog. They can withstand very cold and very hot weather conditions better than most other breeds. They have a thick, double coat of fur that helps protect them against the cold weather and their long legs help them keep their balance in the snow. In terms of the hot weather, they do not have as much fur so they do not get as hot as other breeds. They also have a lot of energy and can run around in the heat without getting tired. Just be sure to provide plenty of shade and fresh water during extremely hot temperatures. Overall, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very versatile breed that can adapt to any type of weather condition. They are, however, susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, which is common in large breeds.

Miniature Poodle Puppies for Sale Expected Budget in Learn what to expect when researching the price of Miniature Poodle puppies for sale near me. How much do Miniature Poodle puppies for sale cost? The cost for a Miniature Poodle puppy for sale varies greatly and depends on many factors such as the breeders' location, reputation, litter size, lineage of the puppy, breed popularity supply and demand , training, socialization efforts, breed lines and much more. Before searching "Miniature Poodle puppies for sale near me", review their average cost below. This is the price you can expect to budget for a Miniature Poodle with papers but without breeding rights nor show quality. Expect to pay less for a Miniature Poodle puppy for sale without papers, however, we do not recommend buying a puppy without papers. Looking for a Miniature Poodle puppy with a superior lineage? Are you trying to determine how much a Miniature Poodle with breeding rights and papers would cost? You should expect to pay a premium for a Miniature Poodle puppy with breeding rights or even Miniature Poodles for sale advertised as show quality with papers. What can I expect to pay for a Miniature Poodle puppy near me? Annual cost of owning a Miniature Poodle puppy for sale When googling "Miniature Poodle puppy for sale near me" it is important to understand the associated costs of owning a dog. The annual cost or "upkeep" is often overlooked when determining a Miniature Poodles true ownership cost. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article.