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Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26,

Buy a larger crate so that it continues to comfortably house your dog as they grow. A full-grown German Shepherd needs space to stand, sit, lie down, and stretch. Not to mention, turn around with ease. And most inch crates come with a wire divider for keeping your German Shepherd puppy in a smaller area as they potty train. This can cause joints and muscles to stiffen. An area too small can lead to tightness and stiffness, increase anxiety, and cause long-term joint damage if excessively used. But an area that is too large just takes up extra space. Contrary to what others may say, a puppy or smaller dog will go into a larger crate. You can easily use this metal divider to block off an area that is too large if it bothers you or your German Shepherd. All of the wire kennels on this page are recommended since they have free dividers included except the heavy-duty cage model. Is crating your German Shepherd cruel? For some owners who are new to the notion of crate training, confinement in such a small space might seem cruel or even a punishment. But free-roaming dogs in the wild seek shelter in small, covered spaces for safety from predators and environmental harm. Using the natural history of wild dogs, you can see how German Shepherds can easily be trained to view their kennel or crate as a safe cave or their own private home away from home. You can help them maintain this cozy space since you can take most crates with you wherever you and your German Shepherd go. Your German Shepherd puppy can even be trained to sleep quietly in their crate at night, giving them a warm spot that keeps you from accidentally tripping over them if they were left out and got under your feet. Do you want to learn how to easily crate train your dog using toys? The most common crate varieties are wire crates, plastic crates, and metal reinforced crates for escape artists. Wire crates are great for dogs to travel in or for camping. Keep in mind that wire crates are larger, so they tend to need more space for set-up. I prefer wire crates, as they fold flat for storage and are more economical to purchase. They also tend to last longer and stand up to the wear and tear of life with a German Shepherd. Plastic crates may feel more secure for your dog, as the walls are largely solid compared to the wire crates. But, plastic crates large enough for a German Shepherd tend to be more expensive, not last as long, and are better suited to short times during travel than for more frequent home use. Both plastic and metal crates can be strengthened using strategically placed zip ties to prevent rambunctious puppies and adult dogs from pushing apart the frame. For an escape artist, a rugged not collapsible reinforced preferably welded metal crate is best. These cages are humane when used for short periods of time to keep your German Shepherd from escaping and hurting themselves while unsupervised. They are bulky and need more space than wire or plastic crates, but will last you a lifetime. Some owners are inclined to choose a large-sized crate to give the dog lots of room, but they fail to remember to also make sure they have a wire divider to make the sleeping space smaller. Always opt for a wire divider that you can adjust and move as your German Shepherd grows into her larger crate. Once your dog is fully potty trained a larger crate will prove more useful as they have more room to stretch out and enjoy their comfortable private bedroom. Crate Location I advise placing the crate in an area of your house where both you and your German Shepherd can access it effortlessly at any time needed. I usually place a crate right beside my bed when I have a new puppy. I set another crate in a corner of my living room where I spend the most time during the day working or relaxing. Using two different locations for a crate is not only convenient, but it gives your German Shepherd the opportunity to find a spot away from family and noise should they want time to themselves. In particular, you must immediately clean their space when they soil the area or are sick in their crate. Step 1: Remove their toys, beds, blankets and all of the objects from their crate. Set the items to the side and wipe down their toys, cleaning them regularly with pet-safe disinfectant if they have any urine or feces on them. You can find some great toys for German Shepherds to replace the old, worn-out ones. Step 2: Wash their soft bedding materials. This is especially important if they have an accident in the crate, and it should be done as soon as possible to avoid cross-contamination to other items in the crate or house. Be sure the bedding is fully dry before replacing it back into the clean crate. Your dog should also have a German Shepherd bed to relax on when outside of their crate, and a crate mat or pad when inside their crate. Step 3: Dry the crate outside or in a well-ventilated area. I suggest washing the crate outside, with your garden hose. If you are unable to go outside, choose a room with tile floors that are easier to mop up, such as your kitchen, bathroom, or mud and laundry room. The room needs proper ventilation so that the cage can dry quickly. Use clean cloth towels or paper towels to wipe down the parts to help dry the crate quicker. Step 4: Finding the right cleaning solution. This is critical as some cleaning solutions are harmful and can make your dog sick if they are exposed to it. Never clean their crate with ammonia because ammonia tends to smell like urine to dogs. You could unintentionally encourage them to urinate in the crate if you clean it with ammonia. Here are a couple of good do-it-yourself cleaning solutions that you can mix up at your own home to save some money. Place the following in a spray bottle to make your own homemade crate cleanser: Squirt one part dish detergent to ten parts of warm water Use half a cup of white vinegar to one-gallon warm water Add half a cup of bleach to a gallon of cool water Always take safety precautions when mixing your own chemicals at home. Your GSD needs to have a soft place to rest, enough space to relax, and a comfortable temperature. Place the crate in an area out of busy zones. A quiet corner in the living room is good. Make sure the area has plenty of ventilation, but no cold drafts. Use a cover if needed. Use treats and praise when your dog is in the crate. Let your dog enjoy his meals in the crate while supervised. This creates a positive feeling with the kennel. Offer your dog a special toy to chew or play with when in the kennel. Make sure the toy is safe and supervise his toy time. Their collar can get caught between the bars or wire and cause significant damage to your dog! Use a PetSafe Breakaway Collar to prevent any unforeseen accidents! The breakaway collar stops your dog from hanging themselves by releasing them automatically. Dogs are more agile in their crates than you could imagine, especially puppies, and they get themselves in problems with their collars when you least expect it. Hit, kick, or strike the crate. With or without your dog in it, this creates a fear of the crate. Keep your dog in its kennel for more time than needed. Long times in a kennel can cause anxiety. Leave the kennel in the sun. Your home can get hot enough to cause overheating problems if left in a sunny spot for too long! Your dog could have problems eating the treat or tear the toy and eat it. Yell at your dog when in the kennel or use the area as punishment. A kennel is a safe spot, not a bad zone. German Shepherds are natural den animals source. They prefer and want a safe place to hide or even relax. A crate provides both safety and relaxation for your pet. They prevent unforeseen accidents, like the destruction of your property. Or worse, harm to your dog from staying alone all day left to their own devices. Items to consider when buying your dog a crate: Escape artists need a model made from solid steel While the average dog can get away with a heavy gauge wire kennel Remember, the lower the number on the wire gauge, the greater the strength. They are a great tool for house training and traveling. Need an easy step-by-step guide to teaching your German Shepherd to love their new den? Then follow this helpful guide to crate train your German Shepherd to help save yourself time and stress of using a kennel with your dog. Answering these questions before buying allows you the best outcome: Will you need the crate to be lightweight enough to take for holidays or hotel travels? Does your German Shepherd escape traditional wire kennels? Will you need a crate with two doors to allow multiple entrances? What size will you and your dog feel most comfortable with? Crates are also useful training aids to help puppies learn to be left alone or to encourage house training — but crates should never be used as a punishment. The best crates for a German Shepherd are:. If you will be gone for hours a day at work, a larger kennel system is a good idea. My girl Aura loves her crate which is like a little den for her. I leave the door open and she goes in it often when she wants to get away from it all. She has the 48x32x35 Petmate Ultra Vari listed above. I work from home and she is rarely locked up in it. What is the best material for a German Shepherd crate? The sliverylake is steel and the Zinger Winger is heavy duty aluminum. The aluminum crate is lighter weight. My girl Aura uses the Petmate crate which is plastic. This kennel breaks down into two pieces. If she just pressed her back against it it would fall right apart and she would be free. Which crate is best for travel? I have a truck and the Petmate crate travels easily for me. I just break it down into two pieces which sit inside of eachother and throw them in the bed of the truck and off I go. Before that I used a folding metal crate. Our other car is an SUV with plenty of room although this will not fit into the trunk of a Honda Accord. Final thoughts on German Shepherd Crates: Crates should always be a happy and safe place for your dog. Never use the crate as a punishment. When I had puppies, they would fight over who got to use the crate and these days my 8 year old German Shepherd goes in and out of her crate several times per week whenever she feels like it. Crates are also amazing tool for potty training puppies. Size and Space — One of the biggest considerations when buying a dog crate for your German Shepherd is size. The American Kennel Club writes on their website that the typical height range for a German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches. The breed can weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Durability and Material — German Shepherds are powerful, strong dogs that serve commendable purposes in society, such as military dogs, police dogs, service dogs and more. We considered crates that have a clever design to prevent your German Shepherd from doing harm to themselves or causing damage to the crate. Portability and Weight — The type of crate that you require will likely depend on your lifestyle. If your German Shepherd is predominantly a guard dog or family dog, you may be satisfied with a stationary crate. Security and Safety Features — German Shepherds are athletically built with a lot of power. They shed all year round but tend to blow out their coat at least twice a year at the changing of the seasons. The Collapsible Crate is simple to set up — it takes less than 60 seconds to put together. My 5ft 2ins wife was able to move it around our home. It has ample ventilation thanks to the diamond-shaped holes that are designed to prevent your German Shepherd from sinking their teeth in or doing damage. It comes with a lifetime guarantee should any part prove faulty. The Revol is a collapsible crate so it offers plenty of portability and versatility. Inspired by baby industry standards, the Revol has an ergonomic design to make all elements of the crate easy to use. We can offer helloBARK! It has a zinc-plated steel paddle latch which provides a robust mechanism for added security against the toughest escape attempts. There are four additional butterfly latches, providing maximum strength and security. Impact write on their website that the small circle ventilation holes are specifically designed to prevent dogs from getting their K9 teeth in and potentially harming themselves. They only offer this coverage on their High Anxiety Crate. It has a thoughtful design with 20 ventilation holes on either side to provide adequate ventilation. However, it does come at a significantly cheaper price. The Best Dog Crate for Shepherds The Overview: keep scrolling to read reviews The German Shepherd working dog breed is agile, high-energy, intelligent and excels at almost anything they're trained to do. Their devotion, loyalty and intelligence often contributes to their impressive escape artists skills. If you have a German Shepherd, German Shepherd mix or a dog who suffers from separation anxiety, we highly recommend you continue reading this article. Rather than us explaining why this escape proof High Anxiety dog crate is ideal for GSDs, we've decided to share thorough testimonials written by our customers! All of these reviews have been submitted by verified customers and the only modifications to this content are the updated crate sizes in parenthesis when a size has been mentioned. What is the best dog crate for anxious German Shepherd Dogs and other escape artist pups? Well, there is no right or wrong answer to this question because as you may know, every dog is different. Fortunately, our team has the opportunity to converse with dog owners every single day and some of these customers are trainers, owners and handlers of German Shepherds. The most common Impact Dog Crate for German Shepherds is the High Anxiety crate because of its durable, welded structure and its escape-proof design. Feel free to read all of these reviews and other product reviews here! Her high anxiety Impact crate was the solution to her anxiety. Not only can she not break out, but she is calmer in her crate and loves it! If you have a pup working their way through all the crates at the pet store, stop wasting your money and buy one of these bad boys! I ordered the size inch high anxiety crate for my German Shepherd mix, Rookie. She has really bad separation anxiety. Her last crate a black wire crate from Petco was a mess. She has broke the door off was held on by carabiners after that and broke the black plastic underneath. When she would escape she would cause damage to the house that cost me thousands. So I had to miss sleep to retrieve the delivery and was unable to fall back asleep after the call. I do not have a picture in her new crate but I do have pictures of her for any size references for others, the damage she did to my boyfriends man cave when she escaped her old crate and a picture of her poor nose when she would attempt escapes out of her old crate and under her butt you can see where she destroyed that carpet as well. Crate was expensive, but it solved a problem that I had been unable to solve otherwise. My 95 lb. German shepherd puppy escaped from his conventional folding wire crate multiple times, sometimes from bending the wire structure and other times from opening the latches. Besides his being loose in the house we feared that he would injure himself during his escape as he did once when we came home to find blood on the floor and wall near his wire crate. The first Impact crate arrived with shipping damage. Impact shipped a replacement crate the same day that we called about the damage to the first crate. The second arrived in perfect condition. So far, no escape from the Impact crate. We bought the accessory covers for the door bars but have not seen reason to install it. We want to leave as much visibility for him through the door as possible. It protects our home and our dog. Excellent customer service helped added to experience. Size 42 inch crate shown. Our dog Toby is a German Shepherd that has separation anxiety and doesn't like being in a crate when no one is home for more that a couple hours. He would break out of wire crates until I would reinforce it to make it more difficult for him. Since we purchased the size inch high anxiety crate, he has met his match! The only thing he as done so far is some scratching on the inside to be expected , and tearing at a dog bed we placed inside the crate. When we are home he will go inside the crate and lay down. At least now when we leave the house with him inside his new crate, we know he will never scratch or dig his way out or it. And will not hurt himself either. I did purchase the door guards for his high anxiety crate shortly after ordering the crate but have not had to install them yet. I really like the solid construction of this crate. Once you buy this crate, you will never have to buy a cheap wire crate anymore. Like others have mentioned, I highly recommend impact crates! Size inch crate shown. This crate though expensive is worth every cent I paid for it. Apparently this sweet baby was abused with a crate or left in one for extremely long times. We had gone through 3 crates, 2 wire ones and 1HUGE hard plastic one. She managed to break out of all three. I had basically become a prisoner in my own home. I love her so much and am giving her the best life I possibly can. Size 40 inch crate shown. Mans Best Friend - Phillip S. However, she had become an escape artist. Two wire kennels and three travel crates later my family decided it was time to invest in a quality crafted kennel. After doing extensive research and talking with several trainers and K9 officers we are friends with, we chose Impact. If you want to stop worrying about your dog breaking free when you leave the house then it is well worth the investment. I would recommend an impact dog kennel to anyone. Not just because of the quality by which it is made but because the staff took the time to answer all of our questions and made sure we were getting exactly the right kennel. Uses size 42 inch crate. It exceeds expectations. My German Shepherd could break out of the front of every other crate we have had. She now only will do turns in the crate, and will not even try to escape. She is very large at lbs. Service was also great. Thank you so much. Worth the money - Elaine F. I have a German Shepherd who any time we left the house would freak and destroy crate after crate that we'd get her from Petco or Persmart. Finally I did my research, after already spending so much on wire crates I went with the high anxiety crate. I was nervous about it at first because it is a lot of money but in the end it's worth it. My pup has not escaped from the crate and she is also comfortable in there. I make sure she has treats and a nice bed to lay on while we're gone and she adapted quickly. Believe me, it's worth it if you want to stop spending money of crates in the end. This is the second Impact Dog Crate I have purchased. I have a highly anxious German Shepherd Rescue that has broken out of nearly every crate we have bought for years, sometimes hurting herself and leaving her parents worried. Being airline compliant is a much needed bonus as well. I cannot recommend this crate enough! Best on the market!!! Miracle Kennel! Worth every penny!! I have a 60lb female Anatolian Shepherd Mountain Cur mix with the most severe case of separation anxiety I have ever heard of. I have owned her for close to a year, and there have been a LOT of ups and downs in her separation anxiety training. Through her desperate attempts to escape, she has hurt herself pretty badly with strained muscles, worn down teeth, and bloody cuts. I decided to invest in this kennel because of the reviews of owners with similar dogs. And although the cost required me to be on a payment plan, every single cent of the payment is worth it. My dog cannot escape this kennel and she knows it! With her exercise and socialization routine, and some positive reinforcement training of this kennel, her anxiety has so drastically reduced that I believe she actually enjoys her kennel. Separation Anxiety - Christa So we got this crate about a month ago now. She has gone through two cages 1 was even 22 gauge steel and she ripped 2 of the bars off so we had to find something else to do. We got the size inch crate for her she is an 83 pound, female and she has plenty of room. I even sat in there with her and we both fit fine. This crate is incredibly heavy duty but surprisingly very light and easy to move with the help of another person. And the airplane rails on the sides did not come assembled, but in the box with assembly directions. The inside paint is scratched off, as expected, but the bars are not bent or disfigured in the slightest. We are exploring other options to attempt to aid her separation anxiety but the crate has done what we wanted: keep her contained and out of trouble. Yes they are very pricy crates, but they are built incredibly well and I would really recommend it! Anxious dog makes an anxious owner - Rhonda M. Impact Dog Crates is a life changer for me. My German shepherd was ruining her teeth pulling on her old wire kennel and I was so anxious knowing that as I left my house and the door bell rang, she would try like crazy to get out of the kennel. There is nothing inside the Impact Dog Crate that she can grab on with her teeth or pull on with her paws. It's awesome! I wish I had found this 2 years ago. We had been crating her in your average dog crate, until one day when we got home from work she had ripped her tooth completely out, root and all. We took her to the vet and she advised us to not use the crate for the fear of her ripping out more teeth. So we were letting her roam free in our living room and kitchen area during the day while we were at work. She destroyed our sectional couch, remote controllers, books etc. Then she started pulling trim off the walls, and eating holes through the drywall. So then we heard about these High-Anxiety crates and I will admit we were a little scared by the price at first, but I will tell you knowing that our dog is safe and not destroying our home makes it worth every penny. The crate is heavy duty, and relatively easy to move. We used to worry every second of every day when we were at work, but now our girl is safe and sound in an Impact dog crate. The customer see that was provided to me was 5 star as well. I have zero complaints with my crate or the customer service I received. Other companies should take lessons from Impact dog crates. Absolutely amazing! I have a German Shepherd who has broken out of every single cage I have bought him. The cost is very expensive and definitely made me second guess purchasing it in the first place for over a year. Delivery excellent. Very pleased WOW. .Finally a crate that works! New Years, 4th of July, storms. .We tried everything, thunder jacket, anxiety meds, you name it we tried it. No matter what we did or how many crates we bought, Albus would find a way to break out of them. He ate the garage door handle and the trim around it. We knew we had to do something bc we were afraid to leave the house for fear that he would cause serious harm to himself. I think he likes the closed in space. He would always try to squeeze into tight spaces, knocking things over. Coming from someone who was at a complete loss for what to do, this is the answer. Thank you Impact Dog Crates for helping us regain our sanity and for making a product that we can stand behind without hesitation. Saved my dog - Whitney C. I have a high anxiety German Shepherd who has noise phobia and does not do well during storms. He has jumped out of window's 5 feet off the ground and hurt himself in standard crates. I needed a way to keep him safe while I was at work. I tried a regular aluminum kennel and he ended up ripping some teeth out. Meds did not work, his anxiety overcame any effect they might have had on him. I didn't want to worry about him while I was away during the day so I purchased the high anxiety crate and it was a game changer. He is unable to get his teeth around the bars and can't tear the inside walls. I don't have to worry about his safety when I am gone anymore. He is also doing much better with his anxiety and I can leave him out of his crate during the day when storm season is over. It is totally worth the price to have a safe and happy dog! Great Product - Joyce G. We adopted the most expensive free dog that should have been named Houdini. Not only could she open sliding glass doors and climb fences but she totally destroyed the standard plastic crates. Other than the severe separation anxiety she suffers from she is the perfect dog. This was our last option to be able to keep her. I wish we would have made the purchase in the beginning. This crate is perfect. She is a 2 year old German Shepherd and the size inch has plenty of room. We leave the door open when we are home and she goes in on her own. Excellent product. I never thought we would spend this much money on a crate but it has made our lives so much easier because we do not have to worry about what we will find when we get home. He is one strong pup and has gotten out of a standard crate and then the next step up crate. He will watch you close it and figure out how to open it or just bend the bars. He has been through several training courses but does not like to be alone and it one smart dog. I bought this crate a few months ago and he has not gotten out. There are a few teeth marks on the inside so I know he has tried. It took only 2 days to get him used to it as it is a little more closed up than a regular crate but after the 2 days he went right into like he did the other ones. When I read reviews when I was looking at these I thought there was a place to upload pictures but I am not seeing that now or I would upload one. Perfect - Kathleen C. I bought the High-Anxiety size inch crate for my German-Australian shepherd mix. He tore apart every other crate, and a bathroom - door and floor - before we had this crate. He took to this new crate immediately and is very content when inside. We also have a tough bed that he can't destroy and it fits well inside the crate with room for water and food dishes if needed. The only 'con' - and it is an obvious one - is that the crate is HUGE! There are two handles on top but unless you are very strong and near six feet in height it will take at least two people to pick it up. Also the measurements for the shipping crate are a bit off and we ended up taking our front door off to get the unboxed crate inside. However I am very happy, and so is our dog, that we have this crate and it gives us all great peace of mind when leaving him home alone or when maintenance is being done on our home. Durable and inescapable - Clay V. We purchased a size size inch crate for our new 30 pound lab-shepherd mix. It didn't take her long to chew through a metal wire crate and escape, so we knew we needed the strongest crate possible. She has horrible separation anxiety and she definitely can't be left alone in the house she escaped and tore up the carpet, trim, and door of my room. We researched for a week or two before finally deciding on an Impact crate. She had to be boarded daily for almost a month while we went to work. Every other crate had reviews that I just couldn't look past. Everything from "my dog escaped" to "my dog is severely injured. If you're thinking that it's a lot of money for a crate, well you're right. But you get what you pay for, and this crate is top notch. She has scratched up the door and bars with her claws and teeth, but the structural integrity of the door is unaffected. Also nothing has chipped or broken off aside from the paint so she can't injure herself. Honestly I understand why they offer their replacement plan, because l highly doubt they have ever had to replace one. If you have a high anxiety dog, please take it from me and buy this crate. People literally don't believe that she needed it but then we show them the crazy scratch marks on the door and they understand. You won't be sorry with your purchase. If these escape artist dogs remind you of your own pup, we highly recommend chatting with our team to learn more about this High Anxiety crate and which size would best fit your dog. If you would like to read more Reviews of all of our crate models and accessories, click here! Proper ventilation , large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips make iCrate a safer crate experience for your Buy on Amazon Click HERE to check the latest price on Amazon This folding metal dog crate is ideal for GSDs because of its roominess and convenience for the owner. You can start small and let the crate grow with your pup. Size This crate is 33 inches tall and 30 inches wide. The variable length is 48 inches, making it ideal for large breeds. With most male German Shepherds growing up to 26 inches, the inch height of this crate is more than enough. The quoted sizes of dog breeds are only rough guidelines, and every dog is different. As an example, my female German Shepherd is 27 inches tall, making her taller than the average male. Material Your German Shepherd will not feel alone or isolated thanks to the metal wire material on all sides. At the same time, the wire will keep him confined, which is important while he learns to accept the crate as his personal space. In your presence, it is a different story. The two doors, alongside a design that maximizes visibility, allow your German Shepherd to feel socially integrated while being in his crate. The negative of this could be that grounding your dog in his crate might not be as effective when he loves his crate so much. Convenience Lastly, we must consider the convenience of the product for you. Yes, your German Shepherd will be comfortable and feel at home, especially during crate training , but will this crate be awkward to assemble or maintain? If you go by the aggregate of over , reviews and ratings on Amazon, the answer is a resounding no. If you were previously skeptical of the fact that the crate, despite being big, is perfect for your new German Shepherd puppy, the 4. This mess-proof dog crate is great for large breeds and allows you to start working with them right away without having to put in a lot of effort upfront. A typical dog mom might have to commit to a difficult crate-cleaning routine when crating her puppy, but this crate allows you to skip that hard work. Size This crate is the same height as the previous option and gives a good 6 to 7 inches of free space for your fully grown GSD to stand. The length of this crate is also 48 inches, which might seem too big for a puppy. So, to make your pup feel safe and secure and speed up his toilet training, you need a divider for this crate. Most people project their own psychology onto their pets and assume more room is always preferable. This is okay for height; a dog can be comfortable in a room with a ceiling nine times his height. However, when it comes to the width and breadth of the crate area, your German Shepherd puppy needs a smaller space to feel comfortable. If you get this crate, make sure to separately purchase a crate divider to help your puppy feel snug in it. Material This crate is the same metal wireframe variety as the previous one, albeit with better accolades. Over 19, reviews have set its average sturdiness rating at 4. You can find my recommendations for the best crate pads for German Shepherds here , something significant for a breed predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Other Features You can quickly clean the plastic pan that comes with this dog crate by pulling it out and wiping it down. The easy cleanup feature might become useless when your dog is disciplined enough to keep his crate clean, but there are other lifelong areas of convenience to think about. Convenience Accessories can be added to the crate to decorate and add practical fun to the space. The overall rating for this crate, from an average of over 18, reviews, is 4. The product is a bundle in which the crate is only one part. This crate kit comes with a crate cover, a dog bed to go inside the crate, and food and water bowls that can be easily attached to the inside of the crate. Material The crate itself is a collapsible metal wire crate. As you may have read in the beginning, metal is the perfect material for German Shepherds, which is why most options on this list will feature metal. Also included is a fleece bed, which helps your German Shepherd stay warm and snug inside the crate. Adding to the coziness is a polyester crate cover that you can use at night to minimize distractions and help your German Shepherd go to bed. With a inch length and a inch width, the crate matches the sizes of the previous two options, including the same height of 33 inches. Like my other two recommendations, the crate hits the maximum mark for most large-breed dog crates and gives even taller German Shepherds a good inches of headspace. Other Features While not unusual, the crate does include a double-door option. I find it worth mentioning here because not every product in this article checks this mark. It is also collapsable, again, like many other metal wire dog crates. Ultimately, the unique feature of this product is its convenient bundling, which also makes for great value for money. When a manufacturer warns customers not to force their dogs into the crate or use it as a punishment tool, I cannot help but give it a few points. The product has also received praise for durability with a 4. This is well-differentiated from the accolades of other products here. Convenience Finally, no product review is complete without looking at its convenience for you. For example, we know that a few other options on this list are easy to clean, thanks to their respective removable trays. However, this product has a 4. They can grow from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. Male German Shepherds are usually heavier than females, and some individuals could fall slightly outside of this size range. The best way to estimate how big your puppy will be when fully grown is to take a look at his parents. The size of your dog crate should be big enough for your dog to: Turn around completely. Sit up without crouching his head. Lie on his side with paws stretched out. Especially if they have a larger, or male German Shepherd. Is Big Always Best? You might even need to go for a slightly larger option. For some people, it is a matter of space. The bigger the dog crate, the harder it can be to find space for it in your home. However, a crate that is too big for your dog can be problematic for other reasons. If you are housetraining your dog, he may use half of a big crate as a toilet, rather than using it just for sleeping. Crate training your dog will be much easier if you choose one that fits him properly. Too small and they will be uncomfortable and unhappy. Too big and they will soil their space. Puppies grow quickly. The best solution is to start with the size you think you will eventually need when your GSD is fully grown. Many crates come with a crate divider that you can use until they are an adult. Why Use a Divider? Which means I get a lot of use out of dividers for the first few months. Using one will allow you to tailor your crate to the exact size you need. And to change it accordingly as your dog grows! They do this crate 48 inch version, which I have been really happy with and ours has lasted for years. They do dividers to fit for when your pup is young, and they stand up to scratching and wipe down easily if accidents happen. We line ours with vet bedding, but you can also find more traditional dog beds to fit. It comes in 42, 46, or 48 inch sizes. This option is built on top of locking wheels. So, it is easy to move around your home, especially if you will struggle to lift a heavy crate! It has a slide out plastic tray for easy cleaning. It is easy to fold down and store, so would make a great travel crate. It has three doors, so you can put it pretty much anywhere and your dog can still use it. However, this is one we would recommend as a travel option only, especially if your GSD is prone to chewing or digging. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Last Updated: July 12, Do you have a sweet little german shepherd puppy or an adult one? German shepherds, also known as Alsatians, belong to one of the large breeds of dogs. As they are medium to large dogs, they always need a large space to live. So what can be best for them, rather than a large-sized dog crate? To train your German Shepherd puppies, crates can be very helpful and supportive. In addition, they can also be great for older dogs and heavy breeds. As the dogs always need a small space where they can stay safe and feel protected, a crate can best serve the purpose. According to most veterinarians, dog parents should keep their puppies in crates from a very young age. Because of this, the puppy can learn how to feel comfortable in their own space where they can enjoy their treats and play with their favorite toys. German shepherds are loved all around the world because of their loyal nature and intelligence. Are you looking for the best crate for your german shepherd puppy? If you have recently adopted a new german shepherd puppy, you must be thinking of buying a small size crate for him. Is it better to buy a small crate until your pup becomes an adult? Or should you buy a large one that will fit even the large size when he grows? The answer to this question can be difficult because all the puppies have different requirements. However, every dog owner needs to buy a crate in which the puppy will feel more secure. A large enough crate will allow your German Shepherd puppy to stand up and turn around comfortably for him to mature into an adult. But there can be control problems if you try to potty train a puppy in a crate that is too large. A good rule of thumb is that the crate should be no larger than the backside of your German Shepherd puppy. Because soon, your GSD will go from a lap-sized dog to a dog that can crush your lap. If you choose a crate that is the proper size for your dog, crate training will go much more smoothly. For example, the right crate for a german shepherd will be the one in which your pup can rest but not large enough to initiate behavioral issues. Dividers are now included in many large crates on the market, which are a major advantage over the size issue. However, you will need to remove the crate divider and use the entire capacity of the crate at some point. Disadvantages of a Large Dog Crate Some people complain about a lack of space in their homes. Another disadvantage of using a crate that is too large for your dog is that it can be difficult to clean. Instead of sleeping in a large pet crate while housetraining your dog, he may use half of the crate as a toilet instead. Benefits of a Dog Crate for a German Shepherd The ideal crate size for a German Shepherd has now been determined, and it is time to consider the various purposes for which crates are used. Not all pet parents use German Shepherd crates to train their dogs, but there are a lot of them who do. Using the crate is even more helpful for a puppy as you can use the crate for their potty training. So, before buying the right size crate for your pup, make sure to consider these major factors. The best training rate for a german shepherd must have incorporated all the below-mentioned features. Material The crates are created using different materials, including plastic pans, metal door frames, wire or metal crates, and soft-sided crates made with soft fabric. Plastic pan crates are more reliable and good for dogs who love to scratch or chew because they are strong enough to withstand even a heavy chewer. While, a wire crate is easy to fold, inexpensive, and relatively durable. Soft crates are comfy, but they are not durable. Space The dog crate you choose should not be too small to make your pup feel restricted and full of anxiety. On the other hand, a crate that is too small will be harmful to their health. The crate should be big enough for a large breed dog to stand and lay down easily. Of course, your dog will be more comfortable standing, turning, and sleeping in a crate designed specifically for them. But it should not be too long to make him feel stray. Also, the inclusion of dividers in some crate brands allows you to adjust the space in the crate to your specific requirements. Durability It would be best if you buy a crate that can withstand the weight of powerful dogs like german shepherds. Additionally, if you do not complete crate training your dog, there might be a risk of him attempting to escape. Number of Doors Some brands also offer crates with two doors, which can be opened from either side. When deciding where to place the crate in your home, you will have more options with double doors. Dog parents should not use ammonia to clean their dog kennel because it has a smell similar to the urine of dogs. In addition, if you use ammonia to clean the crate, you may accidentally encourage your pup to urinate there. Also, take protective measures when preparing chemicals before cleaning. For example, keep your German Shepherd out of the way when cleaning their crate, rinse it to remove any inorganic chemicals, and dry the crate thoroughly before putting their toys back in. Different Types of Crates Crates for large dogs such as German shepherds are available in several types, including wooden crates, wire or metal crates, soft crates, plastic crates, etc. Plastic Portable Dog Crate As the name suggests, these crates are designed with strong plastic material to work best for small to medium dogs. These crates are lightweight and therefore portable. The plastic crate includes a swing door for easy entrance and exit. As these crates are portable, they contain an easy-to-grip handle for dog owners. According to their specifications, you can use these crates while traveling in cars or airplanes. These crates are easy to move around because they are foldable. Wire crates are available in several sizes, and all of them have an open wireframe design so that your pup can easily get a view of the surroundings. In addition, they are all easily cleanable and well-ventilated, and you can put on a soft cushion or extra blanket to make it comfier for your little friend. These crates work best for larger German Shepherds with aggressive chewing habits or other behavioral issues because they are indestructible. Soft-sided Dog Crate The dog crates with soft padding are the most comfortable and lightweight, great for traveling. However, these crates are made with soft nylon and mesh material, so they are destructible and not good for heavy chewers or aggressive dogs. Unfortunately, these crates are not easily portable. Heavy-duty Dog Crate Heavy-duty dog crates are best for large breeds like adult german shepherds, who usually try to destroy their crates during training. In addition, your dog will no longer try to escape from the crate if you teach him to like it and see it as his personal space. A dog should consider the crate a safe place, and you, as his caring parent, will have to ensure this. If you want to buy the crates mentioned above, check out our article on the best large dog crates or best dog crates for car travel if you love to travel with your GSD. Dogs just make the world go round! And as a self-proclaimed "dog geek", Ramona likes trying out all the latest dog gadgets and technologies on the market and loves sharing her experiences with other pet owners. When she's not playing with her dogs or enjoying an iced coffee in her hammock, Hope likes to keep up with the advanced tech trends in pet-world.

The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in New York that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in New York that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in New York, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in New York, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in New York, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in New York, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses New York has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in New York. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, New York is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in New York? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in New York? What if there are no Bulldog breeders in New York? Why do the best breeders want to work with Uptown Puppies? All the best Bulldog breeders NYC, businesses and companies are really happy to work with us, as we have a Breeder Pledge that they all follow. You can even take a look at this. What is a New York puppy mill like? Dark and gloomy, cages upon cages, puppy mills are a nightmare for Bulldog puppies New York. They just care about how much money they can make off of them. These puppies often get really sick. What health issues do Bulldogs suffer from? Bulldogs for sale New York can suffer from quite a few ailments throughout their lives, just like many dogs out there. The Bulldogs in New York that come from puppy mills suffer especially. Things you have to watch out for are respiratory problems you cannot leave your Bulldog New York in too much heat , and you always have to watch their skin for irritations. Can I get a Bulldog right now? You can connect with New York Bulldog breeders right now! Sort out all the travel arrangements, and get ready to have a beautiful Bulldog for sale New York by your side faster than you can say Jack Robinson! What kind of dog is a British Bulldog? British, or English, Bulldogs New York were specifically bred to look the way they do because a long time ago they were involved in bullfighting and bull-baiting. The wrinkles on their faces helped keep the blood away from covering their faces. Thank goodness that horrible violent sport is over. Bulldogs today are friendly and gentle kind dogs who love human company. How big will a Bulldog be? What is their temperament like? New York Bulldogs for sale are really heavy dogs! Which celebrities own Bulldogs? Bulldogs have also popped up on the silver screen a number of times!

A dog is only as friendly as its owner, and this rings true with many dogs. However, Labradoodles are built differently. They show an amazing ineptitude for love behind all that fluffy coat and snuggly cuddles. Even when they get a tad big, they are an invaluable member of your family. Thinking of getting one but not sure where to start? We have narrowed down the search in this piece and gone the extra mile of providing you with contact details. What Makes a Dog Qualify for Animal Rescue in Illinois If the dog owner has income, time and situational changes If other clinics report the animal to be suffering from euthanasia Abandoned, abused and dogs facing neglect After rehabilitation and complete preparation, the organization matches the dog carefully with homes for foster care or adoption. Some cases are about the former owners not caring about them. They probably underestimated the cost of having a pet. The pets were cute when young but became a burden to their owners when they grew older. Therefore, adopting a puppy is better instead of buying one. Hence, animal shelters are platforms for pets to find new owners soon. Population Animal Control House shelters reduce the population of wild dogs in Illinois. It would also lead to an uncontrolled local ecosystem. Less Straying Dogs Straying dogs can be due to a lack of animal shelters. If there is an absence of animal shelters, people will leave dogs in remote areas like forests. However, they will still return to the city in search of food. Hence, it increases the problem of straying dogs. Thus, to reduce the issue, there should be enough animal shelters. Most home shelters carry out the necessary tests to ensure that the pets are healthy. Stabilizes the Population of Endangered Species It is rare for people to bring endangered animals in the home shelters. But in such a case, the rescue gives the animals to the zoos. The best Labradoodle Rescue in Illinois 1. They started operating in , and since , they have built foster homes for the rescued dogs. Here, they can house and save more animals. The group provides medical and behavioral support to the rescued Labradoodle despite their age or health. They offer an opportunity for pet lovers who wish to own a dog. The organization will help you own a dog that fits your lifestyle. Therefore, they keep the animals in foster homes where volunteers care for them until they find their original home. The foster program works out since the caretakers can examine the temperament of each animal. Also, the temporary fosters have access to areas they can get training or additional support. They also ensure that the dog best fits the adopter. After the rescue, the dog must have a bath. Later, a vet gives it a complete exam and checks for microchips and heartworm. The vet then provides the necessary vaccines. Labradoodles and other breeds get equal tick or flea prevention and preventative heartworm medication. A Tail of 4 Paws Animal Rescue allows adoption and donations. It is a non-profit organization that is devoted to rescuing pets from high-kill and overcrowded shelters. This kind of environment may lead to the animal suffering from euthanasia. Besides building loving homes for the rescued pets, Starfish Animal Rescue educates the public about responsibilities in owning a pet. The education purpose is to help reduce the rate of abandoning animals in city shelters. Starfish Animal Rescue also helps the pets that live in the city shelters by providing vaccines and medications. They ensure that those pets remain healthy and can access free and low-budget neuter or spay services. Before adopting a Labradoodle or any other pet of choice, they first receive vaccination, flea treatment, and deworming. They also perform further inspections like undergoing a veterinary exam and microchipping. You will get a notification if the pet needs special medical needs. The animals are taken regardless of their health status, breed, age, size, and species. Its a non-profit organization based in Plainfield, Illinois. Founded in , Wags 2 Wishes focus on saving abused, sick, and abandoned animals. Most of the animals are rescued from overcrowded shelters and kept under foster care. Others are held in the rescue facility until they receive adoption to a permanent home. All dogs available for adoption are more than six months old. The fee caters to neuter or spay surgery and vaccines. When the age of the pet is appropriate, microchipping and deworming can be done. The puppy pet can also receive other age-appropriate vaccines. This organization started in .Its team is committed to saving dogs from overcrowded shelters. Most rescued dogs are those that are ill, have special needs, or are too old. They end up facing euthanasia, but the rescue organization gives them a second opportunity to live. Since its foundation, it has rescued more than 6, dogs. Adoption in Chicago Canine Rescue allows you to adopt any dog that pleases your eyes. The dogs range from Labradoodles to Bulldogs if you find one! They screen your application and will enable you to meet with the dog. If you feel like you are not ready for adoption, you are allowed to foster a pet. You can also participate in volunteer opportunities that Chicago Canine Rescue offers. They also enable donations. Its a non-profit organization founded in .The team is committed to rescuing as many dogs as they can. They save all kinds of dogs despite their age, health status, breed, or other factors. As a foster-based group, Mama Zoey and Puppies Rescue place the rescued pets in foster homes. Volunteers live with them until they are adopted. Puppies that are one year old also vary in price. The adoption fees cater for microchipping, neuter or spay surgery, and vaccination. It also covers the general care the dog receives from the foster family. Mama Zoey and Puppies Rescue accept donations. The organization operates throughout Illinois and focuses on rehoming abandoned dogs with caring and loving adopters. They rescue animals from unfortunate situations like overcrowded and high-kill shelters. As an organization that follows the no-kill philosophy, they care for the rescued animals until their time of adoption. They also allow neuter or spay surgery. Animal Rescue Foundation has online applications if you are interested in adopting a Labradoodle. In addition, they give updates on added new dogs. You can donate to Animal Rescue Foundation, which they appreciate. With its base in Chicago, Illinois, they rescue needy animals and take care of them to prepare them for adoption. They have affordable clinics that offer veterinary care for the dogs that need it. If you want to adopt a Labradoodle or any other breed, you must fill an online adoption questionnaire. After completing, the team will contact you. Besides adopting, there is also an application for fostering an animal. They find new and loving homes for them. Adoption fees vary depending on age. However, Little Giants Dog Rescue offers discounts for older dogs. Adoption applications are available online. You can also donate to the organization. As such, home shelters ensure they are safe at a high cost. They increase the chances of adoption and make room for another dog that needs protection. Adopting or fostering pets from the house shelters is recommended since you save an animal. Sharing is caring! Goldendoodle Overview Goldendoodle Overview Goldendoodles are popular crosses between full-bred golden retrievers and poodles. Golden retrievers have a full coat and shed quite a bit, which can aggravate allergies. Poodles have hypoallergenic fur, so the cross between the two breeds produces dogs with the temperament and intelligence of both breeds and a hypoallergenic coat. Goldendoodles need to be groomed regularly even though they have hypoallergenic coats. We make this task easier for you by training your puppy to accept bathing, nail trimming and haircuts. Their gentleness makes them an ideal choice for families with children. Labradoodles have a high drive and need mental and physical stimulation. Larger labradoodles thrive best with a large yard to run in, but they can come in sizes as small as 22 pounds. If you live in an apartment, one of these smaller puppies can easily fit in. They come in many colors and sizes up to 90 pounds. Cockapoo Overview Cockapoo Overview Cockapoos are the smallest puppies we offer. These agile, noble dogs are crosses between cocker spaniels and poodles and offer a variety of color, size and fur textures. Cockapoos like to explore, play and meet other people and dogs. Their intelligence makes them easy to train. The most important benefit of a cockapoo to allergy sufferers is its hypoallergenic fur. We seek to give our puppies the best opportunity for a happy life by delivering them fully house-trained and socialized and with a basic understanding of obedience. Contact with pet dander can cause reactions such as itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose and difficulty breathing. What makes a health-tested hypoallergenic breed ideal for allergy sufferers is that it sheds less than other dogs. Our professional trainers invite your puppy into their homes throughout its training so they can provide consistency and corrections both day and night. We make sure our puppies know not to chew on clothing and furniture, can walk on a leash without pulling you down the street and are house-trained.

Being responsible breeders of these fabulous dogs, we strive to keep the breed healthy with select breeding. Much research and planning goes into play before each litter of puppies. Our puppies are raised with our family and get socialized on a daily basis. We offer limited registration and all our puppies come with a puppy pack. Happy, Healthy Bloodline When choosing a good dog, you want to find breeders who breed for good health and temperament and have great lines, not breeders breeding mainly for money and looks, or those making false claims just to attract buyers. Their temperament, gentle nature and intelligent personality makes them the perfect companion for families with small kids or those that just need a good friend to snuggle with. A Furever Friend Since every puppy has its own character, we like to see how each puppy mingles with its new owners when choosing their forever friend. We make it our priority that the puppy you choose will be the best fit for your family. After years of selective breeding, these lighter specimens were given the name "English light golden retrievers. The color of the coat has nothing to do with a dog's health. But ancestry could possibly have an effect on health. There is at least a little evidence that, on average, English bloodlines are healthier. Research also found that goldens from English bloodlines had an average lifespan of 12 - 14 years whereas American goldens lived for an average of 10 - 12 years. Putting statistics to the side, it's our priority to ensure our puppies will live a happy and healthy life. Do English Retrievers Shed Less? Because English retrievers have less hair, you will notice less hair around the house, but this does not mean that they shed less compared to their American counterparts. All retrievers shed at the same rate and usually shed the most during spring and fall. Our Program Personality We understand that each English Cream Golden Retriever puppy has their own unique personality and temperament traits, including assertiveness, motivation, energy level, tenderheartedness, intensity, and focus. Our observation of their socialization and interaction with humans and other animals such as cats, provides important indicators for your puppy's needs and lifestyle. Family Looking for a lifelong companion for your children? Our English Cream Golden Retriever puppies are loving, happy, and easygoing playmates, who not only create great memories but also promote emotional and physical development. From building self-esteem to developing empathy and responsibility, our companion puppies have many positive impacts on children. Socialization At Golden Beaches, we believe in providing our puppies with the essential socialization necessary to become lifelong companions. Our multi-pet household allows our puppies to have early exposure to cats, which promotes respect and understanding for other animals and children. This socialization also benefits cats by overcoming fears and promoting positive behavior. Many of our clients with multi-pet households have found this approach beneficial, and some have even added a kitten to their family after starting out with one of our puppies. Nutrition At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers by providing them with premium, holistically formulated dog food from puppyhood to adulthood. Our food has never been recalled and is packed with nutrients and protein, ensuring that our dogs have shiny coats, bright eyes, and long-term benefits. We believe that good nutrition is key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, so we take the time to ensure that they receive the best possible care, socialization, and early training. Adventure Experience the great outdoors with your athletic, water-loving Golden Retriever. Our playful companions are the perfect adventure buddies for hiking, swimming, and exploring nature. With our Goldens, you'll make unforgettable memories while staying active and healthy. Join us on our journey and let us help you embrace the beauty of nature with your beloved furry friend. Confidence At Golden Beaches, we prioritize the early development of our puppies by exposing them to different sights, smells, and sounds. We even play various genres of music and sounds to help them adapt to new environments. Our approach includes using evaluation methods like the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as well as introducing them to different activities and tests. Through these efforts, we gain a better understanding of your pup's unique level of confidence, ensuring they will be comfortable in any situation. Following the recent loss of my precious cockapoo Beethoven, I adopted my adorable mini Aussie-doodle puppy, Rube. I quickly came to realize with this new and amazingly smart puppy, that it had been almost 50 years since I had participated in any kind of formal dog training. After much internet research, it became clear to me that training methods had drastically changed over the years and that I needed a refresher or it was Rube who would be training me! I was looking for modern training programs such as Good Citizen Dog Training to enroll my Rube and myself in group classes, in part because I was shocked to read how so many people had rushed out to bring dogs into their shut-in lives because of the COVID Pandemic. Many of these dogs were also shut-in. Their lack of much needed exposure to the outside world created socialization and training problems in the dogs and local animal shelters and adoption agencies are now getting many dogs returned. Dogs of any age need socialization and training, but it is especially important during the puppy formative period. Deborah has created an easy to navigate website for Good Citizen Dog Training with all the information you need to get started in her programs, but is also quick to respond to questions should you have them. I want my Rube to be able to travel with me, whether by plane, train or automobile, within the city, suburbia or the countryside in a safe enjoyable manner. After finishing Puppy Kindergarten class with Deborah and Good Citizen Dog Training, I can say with confidence that Rube is well on his way to being a well behaved and happy pup. Thank you, Deborah! We will see you soon for the Intermediate Puppy Class! This spring we decided to add a puppy to our household. In June we brought home our lovely little German Shepherd gal named Mira. Before we even got her home I knew we were going to need help training her. I have had dogs all my life, but never raised one from the ground up. I was impressed that she was able to keep class sizes small and keep us outside during this crazy time. Mira is now 4 months old and is able to sit, lay down, focus on my face, and so much more. She walks beautifully on a leash and is even learning to leave her geriatric cat sister alone most of the time. .We recently went on a family camping trip with 2 other dogs, 5 kids under 5, and lots of food sitting around. Mira was able to interact with the kids and dogs, as well as leave them alone when directed. Not once did she try to get at the food on the tables or help herself to hotdogs in kids hands. Without Deborah and her teaching, Mira would not be the happy, confident, mostly well behaved gal that she is. We were about to give up and return him to the breeder. Deborah was our second trainer, and she showed us a variety of new techniques to use with Bandit, and practiced them with us until all of us were doing the right things - she trains the people even more than the dogs! She worked with us at her home, in our home, and at different locations where Bandit could experience distractions while training, and it worked wonders. You will not be disappointed if you go to her for training! She had me come in for a consultation where she spent about 2 hours with me showing me techniques and tricks that would aid in Sparky's training. The expertise and patience she showed not just with Sparky, but with me as well had me sold. I am a disabled veteran who recently purchased a puppy with the goal of him eventually being my service dog. When Sparky was 5 months old I began looking for a "Board and Train" situation where he could learn the fundamentals. I called probably 15 different places looking for one that was affordable and would meet my needs. I talked with several trainers, and most of them seemed to lack the patience to help or were cost prohibitive. Sparky spent three weeks with Deborah and came home a different dog. He was well behaved, a little more mellow, and had the fundamentals needed to continue with training. Deborah spent a few extra hours with me as well, training me how to work with him. I am grateful for her patience with me too, because I know I am difficult. Deborah continues to address all of my concerns as we continue training at Good Citizen. I can tell that Sparky has a real love for her, which tells me about her love for him as well. If you are looking for a board and train program, I highly recommend Deborah and Good Citizen. Our dog, Daryl, is a 2 year old, high energy, very excitable pitbull rescue and he gets overwhelmed in busy social situations. Each class has many other types of dogs with varying levels of reactivity which was great exposure for Daryl. About 6 months after we went through the class the first time, we noticed he needed more intensive repetition to really get those skills to stick. We took the class a second time and we were able to get even more out of the class since we had set a good foundation in place. Daryl was so much more manageable during the second class so we really got to fine tune everything we learned. Now we can take him to places with a lot of people, other dogs, and feel confident that we can help him be his best. He certainly is a crowd pleaser and we get many compliments on his good behavior! I could not be more impressed. Because of Deborah and her staff's training, Albus, at just over 6 months old, constantly receives compliments on how well behaved and trained he is. Because the instruction he and I have received, I'm able to have him join me throughout most of my work days, fulfilling a dream of having a constant companion, not just a "home" dog. They are patient with questions, and make it their mission to set you up for success with recommendations for everything from collars, to toys, to food. You really feel like you are getting the expert shortcuts every step of the way. As a fellow business owner, I appreciate the time and care that has been put into creating a holistic experience, intentionally engineered to support Albus's development. If you want the best training and the safest environment you could find for your 4-legged family member, look no further. She is an amazing trainer; very honest, nice and straight forward when it comes to training you and your dog on how to correct bad behaviors and achieve good ones. I appreciate her honesty and advice when it comes to how I can be a better dog Mom to my fur baby. Kuma has become a more well rounded dog because of how they get the dogs of all breeds and sizes to interact with each other in a peaceful and fun way. Since bringing Kuma there she has built up her confidence and she is now playing with big dogs which is something that terrified her before I brought her there. My pup wasn't much better at listening or having any kind of focus or calmness to him. I sought out other trainers in the area. I decided on a home trainer that had decent reviews. Costa is a Husky with a very stubborn mind. In only 4 sessions it's like I have a new dog! I even signed him up for doggie daycare and found that after a day of fun, supervised play that my pup is more focused to work at home on his training. Don't go anywhere else!! This is the place to go for training and daycare. Don't waste you money anywhere else! My beautiful 10 month old Doberman puppy Sophie was into everything and out of control. One private lesson later and it was like I have had a new dog. Sophie and I both learned a ton of new tricks and great exercises to keep us both happy. Amazing results. I am so impressed that we are signing up for the Pupppy II class and doggy day care. The programs offered by Good Citizen are well worth the investment, now I have a well behaved best friend. Thanks for all you guys do. We went to every obedience class and he quickly became the dog we always wanted — attentive, happy and easy to train. The Growly Class was truly superb and was not offered elsewhere. Kato learned to share his toys with other dogs and his guarding nature is under control. Just some of SkyRiver's Puppy Brags! Marlie Jo just turned 9 months Echo x Pow litter ! Turning out to be a great Mater, owned by Mike and Family. Yakima, Washington Hi Choral. My family bought the red collar pup from you and I was just sending an update on our little guy not so little anymore. Mater has turned out to be an excellent gun dog. He has shown an incredible drive for upland game with a great nose. At five months he was finding and retrieving birds just as well as our more experienced dogs. Last week I was walking through a big field and all of a sudden Mater wasn't next to me. I called him and he came running over with a live pheasant in his mouth. We didn't shoot it. Actually he's our hunting party's first choice for finding a down bird in thick cover that the other dogs couldn't find. On another note he's been a very happy and energetic part of the family. Best friends with our little boy that just turned one he follows him all over waiting for a dropped piece of food. He's taken really well to all the training I've provided and we couldn't be happier. Such a beautiful dog and I just wanted to say thanks again for providing the best possible fit for our family! Saca, owned by Carlene. And she is just growing too dang fast!! My little Saca is now 9 months old, already!! She is now in Adolescent II class which is more challenging, will work her brain--last week we were the only ones there only 3 in the morning class so we got a great private session with Nancy. We worked on Free Style moves and Saca really enjoyed it and picked the moves up quickly, except for a couple that are giving her trouble but she will get them. But she learned 9 new commands. Her vocabulary has really increased, knows so many words. She's a keeper. I posted several pics from that session last week on FB. We have been working with Freezy retrieving long-distant dummies with a launcher. Last week at first we just let Saca watch but then let her go and she took off like a rocket, only she did not come back to us but went to lie in shade with her treasure! But this weekend she did a couple of remarkable retrieves. Pat shot one out into some tall grass and she went past it but then started making short back and forth casts until she got! I have not done any casting with her so I was pretty amazed. Then Pat shot one in another direction, tall grass and forbs, but it went over the cedar fence into the front dog yard. So I walked up with her, went into the yard, lined up with the dummy and told her to fetch. At first she looked at me like "are you sure? She went past the dummy by about 5' but then caught its scent and whirled around, picked it up and brought it to me. She is a natural. Also a super lover. Dusty, owned by Dave and Kathy. Dusty is the best dog in the world! Kathy says I spoil him, I have to continually remind her that he poops peppermint sticks. I did have to agree with her that he was getting to big to be in bed with us anymore, but he's happy to have his own bed on the floor next to me. Dusty is incredibly smart, he learned to sit, shake hands, lay down, stay, and fetch with ease. I found out on accident that he's not afraid of guns, I shot a coyote with a rifle not realizing that he was standing near me, it didn't bother him at all.Dusty loves the water, he has his own little swimming pool on our deck. He loves to ride in the cab of the truck with me, he still sits on the arm rest in the middle so he can see everything, although it won't be long before his head hits the roof. Dusty has all of his puppy shots and will be getting neutered sometime this Winter. Our Veterinarian loves Dusty and has offered to take care of him if we need to go out of town, although I would probably never leave him with anyone but family. As you probably already know.I make it sound like Dusty is "my dog", I'm only kidding myself, he became the entire families dog the minute I brought him home. He is well loved and stays very active. Later, Dave. Jaeger, owned by Kevin. Anchorage, Alaska Jaeger made the trip in great form. There was little or no whining — he slept most of the way on the flight. He appears to be adjusting well here — already out for his second potty break after having food and water. We really enjoyed meeting you and we were both extremely impressed with your operation. The care and attention to detail with the pups will make a big difference in their future. I hope everyone else is as excited with their puppy as we are with Jaeger. Jaeger is doing great. He is just as bright and has all the drive we hoped for. He actually loves going in cover more than on open ground. He is scheduled to go to the trainers in early December so he will get a lot more work that way since we are already frozen in up here. Sonny, owned by Stephen. Seattle Washington and Alaska Sonny has made himself at home. There must be some lingering scents from my old dog because Sonny has latched on to all of Buddy's favorite spots straight away. It's unbelievable how birdie he is. I couldn't figure it out at first, but he kept going into my living room and over to one chair in particular over and over again nudging the cushion with his nose and sniffing all around the chair. I had to go see what he was so interested in. It turns out that the throw cushion on the chair is filled with "Goose Down", as soon as I moved it he lost interest in the chair. He's great pup! Well done. Many Thanks, Steve and Sonny I hope this message finds you well. Sorry we missed getting Sonny over there this spring,but we had to go to Alaska. Sonny is over the top! He is brilliant, confidant and relentless, just as I asked. I would like to talk to you about more training and competition.Best regards, Raine, owned by Sharon and Greg. Canada This is a photo of Raine with Dougald our friend's 3 year old and mentor. She is a delightful addition to our family - is learning so quickly! Minneapolis, Minnesota Risky is doing great! Risky loves being outside. Indoors we call her the "stuffed" dog as she just lays around not an exaggeration. No chewing, jumping, destructive behavior etc. .We puppy proofed the house but there apperantly was no need. If it doesn't involve birds or retrieving life, according to Risky, is just not worth living. She goes to daycare three to four days a week and has several good friends including Clover, a Black Russian terrier and Susie, a Chesapeake. All three puppies were born within 10 days of each other. Risky is clearly the smallest of the three by about half but she puts up a good fight an is the scrappiest of the three. So at daycare she is much more active. She has been field training with us in the evenings. Her longest mark has be about 25 yards. Go out and getting it has been excellent.She is now on a long check chord. If she is on the chord she knows that she can not run off so she is compliant and clearly quite bright to be leash wise already. I will say her dog skills are incredible. Since she was so good when she came home about not nipping or jumping she fit right in with our dog pack and everyone accepted her right away. She is a great addition to our family! Selah, owned by Jon and Esther. Bend, Oregon Hey there Choral and Tiff! We decided to name our pup Selah! Here are some pictures of the first couple day. We are just loving her, she is so sweet and feisty!!! Selah is doing great, I've been meaning to send you some pictures, I will do so soon! She is getting bigger everyday, although she's a petite girl, just 36lbs so far! Her temperment is fantastic, so sweet and smart. We've done a couple of sessions of training with her and the trainer said she might be smarter than us! We just got done taking her on a road trip through California, she seems to be up for whatever we are doing. Loves the water and retrieving too! Rusty, owned by Rick. Seattle, Washington I took Rusty to my lake in front of my house today and I closed the gate so he couldn't follow me down the dock. He walked back to the beach put his paw in a couple of times and thought about it. Then walked right in by himself and swam 20 feet to where I was. I praised him with great delight and took him back into the house and dried him off and warmed him up. I couldn't be happier. Kayti, owned by Ron and Teri. Chelan, Washington Your "puppy" has delighted us as she has grown into a wonderful, loving companion. Thank you so much!!!! Clark, owned by Ingrid and John. Reno, Nevada I think that Clark is settling in nicely.It was so nice to see you today and we greatly appreciate everything that you have given Clark. We can already tell what an intelligent, inquisitive little guy he is; each time that anyone moves or begins to speak he stops what he is doing to watch and listen. Updates to follow! Choral, Everything is going really well. Clark and I arrived around 9pm on Saturday night. Thankfully, our drive was uneventful and he was a trooper. He sat in his kennel for the majority of the trip, occasionally sitting on my sister, Hannah's, lap instead. I think that this time spent in the kennel was a really great potty training opportunity; he let us know each time he had to go. We didn't have one accident! We took frequent stops to play, so the drive took much longer than I had originally anticipated. We had great success introducing Augustus to Clark, considering that Augustus is not accustomed to sharing us. He is just like an only child! Gus has been so cautious when playing with Clark; he is very aware of how small he is. Clark has really taken to Gus, so we will have to be really diligent to avoid Clark considering Gus the pack leader. John is absolutely in love; he isn't any happier than while watching Clark run with his nose to the ground! The training begins this week; John has already brought home some feathers from a recent hunting trip. I think that I may have mentioned this in my last email, but we are so impressed by Clark's inquisitiveness and fearlessness. He will likely take patience and consistency to train because he is so willful, but we are up to the challenge and so glad to have such an intelligent, eager, and affectionate pup. He has this great expression when he is watching us, where he cocks his head and furrows his eyebrows; he is such a little man! Right now, my favorite Clark activity, is our early morning walk, just the two of us. He prances along, so proud of himself, as though I am giving him complete freedom to follow me; I'm not sure that he has discovered that he is attached by a leash and that I am actually the one calling the shots! We are now fully transitioned from his original food to the Eukanuba. He hasn't had an upset stomach and his stool is entirely solid, so I think that we have successfully gotten over any hump generated by the stress of the change of environment. How much do you expect him to be eating per meal right now? I know that we went over this, but I think that he is eating like a bird! I hope that everything is going well in your neck of the woods! Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Hello! Bentley is doing great! He looks a lot different then I thought he would at six months though lol. He is only 45 lbs, very curly! His paw is still white, and I get a lot of questions asking me if he's full golden, but I tell everybody its unique and I love his white paw: My boyfriend and I just rented a house in Coeur d'alene, Idaho and the dogs have a huge backyard to play in now so they are ecstatic. His big sister boxer, Maddie, loves him and he loves her so much! By friend from work is actually going to work with him and I on agility training in a couple months so I'm so excited for that. He has a lot of energy so I think it would be a lot of fun for him. Buffie, owned by Steve and Ellie. Hamilton, Montana Ok, anything to this? We left the room and when we came back all of her toys were in a single line. Do you teach them that or is she just really smart? We are having so much fun with her and she is better all the time. Thanks Steve.Just wanted to give you an up-date. She is adjusting very well. We watched the ball game today. She is walking me to death but that's ok. She wants to run, but we are keeping her on lead. She is doing great at night. She and I have bonded very well, kind of leaves Ellie out now she wants a dog. I' ll send pics Riley, owned by Cathy. She's smart and obedient, easy to train - does well with "clicker training". She's very confident and social - goes to doggie daycare times a week. Bliss is happy just walking and running with my wife. She made certain to make the rounds last night, and shower hugs and kisses on each and every family member last night. What a politician.I will work with her on quartering in a few weeks. You've done a real nice job with her. She is sleeping at my feet as I write this e-mail. Bullitt, owned by Bill and Lisa. Los Angeles, California Here are a couple of photos to update you on Bullitt's progress. One in the grass is 4 months, and the one on the hearth is about a week ago. He has become a great dog, loves all kinds of people and other dogs. Enjoys retrieving, next up catching a frisbee. He still has his puppy moments of course, but all in all a great dog. House training was easy with very few accidents, most of which were my fault. As you can see he is very handsome too! Bill Molly, owned by Judy and J. Issaquah, Washington We have our beautiful little girl at home now… thank you so much! Its just me and the girls for a few days, and they are in love with her… and she seems to love them, too. Once again, thank you so much for helping us find our perfect pup. Riley, owned by Nikki and Chris. We hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer! Riley is doing great, she is almost a year! We can't believe how fast it went. She was actually getting a check up at the vet the other day and is 52 lbs and healthy. She has completed 2 puppy classes and is always excited to learn something new. She is such a lover dog always looking for attention, just like she did when she was a puppy and picked us out. Chris is deploying in the late fall and I am looking to go abroad for a few months for school and remembered you telling us about your retriever training programs. We were wondering if you could give us more information about it please. I think she would love spending some time on the farm being able to chase more pigeons. Hope all is well and looking forward to hearing from you! We wanted to give you a little update with Riley! First we want to thank you for adding to our new family! Riley brings us so many smiles, laughs, and of course new challenges. She is doing so good.She sleeps through the night in her kennel and has never gone to the bathroom in it, she is learning how to bark by the door when she has to go out, she can sit, and loves to play catch. We are working on the leave it and not eating our leather couches. But she got her shots, heart worm meds, and safe guard. The Vet said everything looks great! Puppy school starts this Saturday, which is nice she will be 11 weeks and the both of us will be able to be there so we can learn together and stay on the same page. We drove up to Mt. Baker yesterday. She loves being in the car.We made a towel bed on the center council and she sits between us, loves to look out the window, and of course snuggles. So funny watching her hop like a bunny. Riley also made friends with some neighbor girls. There are 4 girls between the ages of that love playing with her. So now we get knocks on the door "Can Riley come out and play" My Chicago friends love making fun of me for being the neighborhood mom with a white picket fence.Anyways, hope everything is going well with the rest of the pups. I can't believe how nice fall is and probably nicer in your area. Have a great Halloween! Riley is going to be a Bumble Bee and go trick or treating with the neighbor girls.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. E-mail Share by e-mail Every dog likes the occasional treat! Dog treats come in all shapes, sizes, and ingredients, and can be store-bought or homemade. Your dog will rarely say no to a treat, and if they do it may be a sign that they are unwell. German Shepherds are known to be predisposed to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, so keeping your German Shepherd at a healthy weight is important. Why are we using treats? Entertainment and motivation during a trening session are the most common reasons for giving a treat. Treats can be very motivating during training sessions, particularly because German Shepherds are so smart, they notice if there is no treat and can decide to stop listening. If using treats for training, you want to choose small, low-calorie treats that your dog enjoys eating. Treats can also have health benefits, such as dental chews. Dental treats that are VOHC certified are beneficial in reducing the rate of dental tartar buildup and can be used as part of a healthy diet to maintain good oral hygiene. Entertainment is another common reason for giving a treat, for example, if you need to go out and your dog will be left alone for a few hours, having a chew can keep your dog busy until you return. We strongly suggest against chews such as raw hides or pig ears as whilst cheap, can cause problems such as blockages in the intestines and tummy upsets. A chew toy smothered in peanut butter xylitol free or a thin layer of cream cheese would be a perfect alternative if looking for a homemade chew toy. Homemade vs store bought When making dog treats at home, you can control portion size and use flavors that your dog loves. Buying from the store offers a lot of conveniences, but homemade treats are easy to make and have the added benefit of no artificial preservatives or flavorings. You can control portion size and use flavors that your dog loves. There are many recipes that are easy to follow and free online with a little searching. After freezing your dog will enjoy a snack that lasts for a few hours whilst you are busy doing other things. Lickimats smeared with a layer of frozen yogurt and berries or other ingredients are another great treat your dog can enjoy at home to keep them entertained whilst you are working or out of the home. Store-bought treats If your puppy is still very young, be careful about the size of the treat since they tend to gulp down treats. Food allergies can make your dog quite unwell, so are best avoided if possible. Store-bought treats come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and calories. Try and look for lower calorie treats if you give lots of treats to your dog during the day. If your puppy is still very young, be careful about the size of the treat. Young puppies tend to gulp down treats and if the treat is large, it can be a choking hazard. Some of our favorite treats are: Greenies Dental chews. Peanut Butter Smart Sticks are a safe alternative to rawhide chews. They will keep your dog chewing busily for some time and are a tasty flavor. These snacks have around 50 calories per treat so only give occasionally. Stewart Pro Treat Beef liver Freeze dried dog treats. Particularly good if your puppy is already on a raw food diet. Its small bite size and low calorie per treat make this a good option for daily training activities. Dogswell hip and joint Jerky. With beef and chicken as flavor options, this treat is more than just a snack. Summary There are many treat options available for your German Shepherd Puppy. Choosing low-calorie, yet flavorsome treats will encourage your puppy to respond well to training commands. German Shepherds bond highly to their main handler or trainer so treats are often central to creating this strong bond. There will be the perfect dog treat out there for them that they will love! The best treats are low calorie, small in size, and tasty to your puppy- look for meat-based flavors to really get their enthusiasm up. Can German Shepherd puppies have treats? Yes, German Shepherd puppies can have treats as part of a balanced diet to help with training, and socialization and to keep them entertained around the home. Remember to reduce their main meal to account for the treat calories. What are good training treats for German Shepherds? Royal Canin Educ treats are low calorie, vitamin-packed and tasty and will help with training your German Shepherd. What treats do German Shepherds eat? A German Shepherd is not particularly fussy and will eat most treats offered, both store-bought and homemade. The trick is to find the treat your dog is crazy about which can take a little time to work out. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. All of these take time in the early days. However, as the puppy matures and reaches adulthood, looking after a German Shepherd gets a little easier. Nonetheless, a young adult will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. Without anyone to fulfill this role, a German Shepherd will not be happy in your home no matter what kind of care you provide. You should only get a German Shepherd if: Your house has a backyard. Or you have enough space and enough dedication to take him on lots of walks to expend his pent-up energy. You have a family or regular company. German Shepherds mimic their owners, and if you are asocial, your dog might turn inwards and become aggressive to other people and pets. You have enough time to dedicate to your dog every day. If you leave him for extended periods every day, your dog will develop separation anxiety. Avoid getting a German Shepherd if you cannot be around him. You are an active person. If you enjoy outdoor activities, like walking or hiking, and love socializing, a German Shepherd will complement your life. More importantly, your new dog will be happier with you. You can afford their monthly expense. Monthly costs for food, treats, vet fees, toys, etc. Prior to this, you have the initial costs of a crate, bed, leash, harness, travel crate, playpen, etc. But if it is, then you will have a lot of fun and a fulfilling experience caring for your GSD. To care for a German Shepherd, you must feed him a highly nutritious diet, exercise him daily for 1. Ongoing training, twice-weekly grooming, and vet check-ups are all part of caring for a GSD. An adult dog needs to be fed twice per day to discourage bloat and ensure proper digestion, whereas a growing puppy will need feeding times a day at regular intervals. Your dog will need 1, to 2, calories per day depending on his weight. If you adopt a senior German Shepherd, he will need only 1, calories at a weight of 90 lbs. However, in most cases, owners looking for a guide to care for a German Shepherd have adopted a younger puppy. This UK study found that one disorder of GSDs recorded by vets included obesity, alongside joint issues and arthritis. I prefer going with breed-specific products made by trusted brands. You can then switch to the adult variety. Do you want to learn all about the best diet for German Shepherds? This is good because it allows you to anchor the command and familiarize your dog with the norm of going outside to go potty. German Shepherds will usually be fully house trained by six months and may only need to pee every hours. It also has the option of single or double doors. An asocial dog is a wolf to our subconscious. Your job is to promote curiosity by encouraging him to follow you around. Have tempting treats just around the corner. Egg him on to follow you by danging attractive playable objects like a tug rope. This is also a good time to start bringing home objects that the puppy is likely to witness outdoors. This builds a bridge of familiarity between the outdoors and the indoors. If you expose him to other humans during this period, including children, he becomes friendly. A German Shepherd exposed to humans at a young age is less anxious and gets treated better as a consequence. Some new dog owners make the mistake of waiting until their puppy is grown enough to go on walks then take them to meet people. By then, the pup has already built an idea of an in-group and sees all strangers as the out-group. You should carry your puppy and get him to experience different sights, sounds, smells, and noises as soon as you get him. Have friends and family pet him before he develops a biting reflex. With enough positive exposure during this stage, your pup will likely see human presence as a good thing. Stage Three: Other Dogs Your friends will want your new puppy to visit. To socialize your German Shepherd with other dogs, you need to reward him for being quiet and calm around them. Before full immunization, carry him to the dog park and let him observe the other dogs. Reward him for good behavior and speak calmly and with praise. Remove him from the situation if he growls or barks, and calm him down. Once he is calm, try again. Sufficiently Exercise Your German Shepherd Young German Shepherds are very energetic, and if they do not get a productive outlet to release their excess energy, they can become destructive. To avoid scratched furniture and chewed-up rugs, you should exercise your GSD sufficiently for his age. An adult dog will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. As a rough guide, a German Shepherd puppy needs 5 minutes of exercise twice a day for every month of age. So, an 8-week-old puppy can exercise for 10 minutes twice daily, while a three-month-old can exercise for 15 minutes twice daily. Follow this rule until the puppy is fully grown. Common mistakes to avoid when exercising the dog are: Taking a dog on walks outside before he is fully vaccinated — A puppy should not be taken out for walks until 2 weeks after the final vaccinations which are usually given between weeks .Letting the German Shepherd jump too early — Exercising a German Shepherd puppy entails being careful not to damage his growth plates. They can safely jump after they are fully grown at 18 months old. Not making exercise fun — If you treat exercise as simply that, your German Shepherd will not have fun. He can pick up on your mood, so you should make exercising enjoyable for you both. Mental exercise is easier to turn into a fun routine. From training a GSD to do party tricks to giving him fun puzzles to solve, there are many fun ways to provide mental stimulation for your German Shepherd. When your dog is bored, he might start bothering you by engaging in destructive attention-seeking behaviors. GSDs are among the smartest dog breeds, with the average dog being as intelligent as a two-year-old human. This puzzle doubles as a treat dispenser, which automates the reward mechanism. What I like about this specific product is that it comes in different levels of difficulty. With levels 1 through 4 produced by the same brand, you can reliably amp up the challenge level as your German Shepherd gets smarter. You can check out this article for some great tips on how to exercise your pup, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. During playtimes, you and your doggo are engaged in low-effort, enjoyable activities. Games are the bridge joining mental and physical exercise to constitute play. Here are some of the games you can play with your German Shepherd: Fetch — This is good for building rapport between you and your dog, improving his response time, and conditioning him for obedience. Hide and Seek — Playing hide and seek with your dog also improves his tracking skills. You train your dog to pick up a scent and follow clues. Tug of war — Playing tug of war with your German Shepherd can be a lot of fun. However, as your dog grows, you might find the game challenging once he is 90 lbs! So, bear this in mind if you play this game with your young pup. Cups and treats — This is a game where cups are turned upside down, and a treat is hidden underneath one cup. You quickly shuffle the cups changing their position, and the GSD gets a treat for pointing out the right one. They still have their cute side of course, but they are often a whole lot more work than most people expect. And when it comes to German Shepherd puppies, while not anymore difficult than any other breed, there are a few specific things that may help both you and your furry pup through the struggle of puppy-hood. German Shepherds, in general, tend to be very loyal, loving, and protective. But they do have other characteristics that are good to be aware of before getting a puppy, in order to ensure that they are the right match for you. German Shepherd puppies can be a little shy and anxious sometimes, which, if not treated properly could develop into fear-based aggression. Socialization becomes very important for these puppies in order to keep the shyness and aggression in check. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and intelligent. So keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the doggie activities! If you like your privacy, you may want to reconsider getting a German Shepherd because these puppies will follow you everywhere. Training in this area becomes extremely critical if you want to prevent their biting from transitioning into a much more dangerous game. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly intense when it comes to playtime, so get ready for some heavy-duty wrestling. You will need to supervise any interactions with other dogs to ensure that nobody gets hurt. A German Shepherd puppy just might be the right one for you. Finding Your Puppy The first step in caring for your puppy is finding your puppy, and the best place to go for that is a reputable breeder. While you can find plenty of breeders on the internet, your best bet would be to ask for referrals from other German Shepherd owners that you know. This way you can ensure that you find a German Shepherd puppy that has been well cared for from birth, giving you a great head start. And while there will be many times for playing and cuddling during the first few days and onward, even the very first moments you spend with your puppy are extremely critical for training. Potty Training Little puppies have little bladders, which means they will have to relieve themselves every two hours or so until they are about six months old. Take your puppy to your designated potty area frequently and praise your pup if he goes in the right place. Using a specific spot, rather than just the entire backyard, will help immensely during potty training. Sticking to a schedule can help minimize accidents. A good starting point is to take your puppy outside 20 minutes after eating, as this is generally when he will need to relieve himself. You will also need to wake up two or three times in the night to check on your pup. And keep an eye on him throughout the day. If he is whimpering uneasily, he probably needs to potty. Crate Training Crate training your German Shepherd puppy will become a huge help while you are teaching him the house rules. It also helps give them a safe place they can call their own. Keep your crate somewhere in the home where there are people around to supervise, but not too public or chaotic of a place that he will feel scared or threatened. Also, make sure the crate is not so small that they feel trapped and uncomfortable. Your pup should be able to comfortably stretch and lie down if they want to. Even when your dog is in the crate, make sure he is on his best behavior. If your pup exhibits bad behavior in the crate and you respond by taking him out, he may develop bad habits. Once your puppy calms down or shows good behavior, reward him by letting him out and giving him praise. Socialization Especially as German Shepherd puppies can lean more towards the aggressive side, socialization is critical if you want to keep this aggression in check. Letting your puppy meet new people and new dogs during the first couple months of life can really make a difference in his social skills and overall behavior. Let your puppy spend quality time with the family and everyone who may frequent your home such as neighbors, relatives, and babysitters. General Training The first thing your puppy should learn during training is that you are in charge. Otherwise, your puppy will take on that role himself and you could lose control completely. German Shepherd puppies respond well to positive training techniques, so keep those treats handy! Feeding Although your German Shepherd puppy may be small, his diet should not be. Growing from a puppy to an adult dog is hard work, and he will need a strong, healthy diet in order to do it. Until 6 months of age your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day. The best way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of grub is to check his ribs. You should be able to feel them through his skin, but not see them. The most common type of puppy food is your everyday kibble, but actually, raw dog foods are the best way to go, even for the littlest of pups. About Emilyn Gil Hello! My name is Emilyn and I am currently studying English at Utah Valley University and working as a copywriter, researcher and mother. Although I have had just one dog throughout my life, my sweet Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel mix, Pup, has given me many fond memories that I hold dear. In addition, have also owned and cared for cats, fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, chickens, goats, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. Every one of these adorable pets has given me a love for all kinds of animal friends, which is something that I hope to share here at TruDog.

Meet Our Pups Casa De Oodle Casa De Oodle was established to ethically breed Labradoodle and Bordoodle puppies for families who are genuinely looking for a companion pet to complete their family home. Hayley, the founder of Casa De Oodle is a qualified Vet Nurse with over 20 years experience in pet and livestock care. Casa De Oodle is a property nestled on the outskirts of Harden, NSW, where there is plenty of space for active Bordoodle and Labradoodle puppies to grow and enjoy the first weeks of their life before going to their new homes. When you take home a Casa De Oodle Labradoodle or Bordoodle puppy, you can rest assured that your new companion puppy has been raised with love and care and that you, as a new puppy parent, will have the ongoing support and guidance you need to raise one of these intelligent and affectionate puppies. Its nice to know you have support and help and someone who cares after you take puppy home. We use and recommend Knose Pet Insurance for the best puppy care when we least expect it. Application Form Bringing happy, healthy Labradoodles to loving homes Our success is all about matching these intelligent, affectionate, wonderful dogs to big-hearted owners or families. Labradoodles are a social, active, devoted breed who become life-long best friends. We love following their happy home life and enjoy hearing from their families who share great life moments. Gallery Healthy dogs our priority We go the extra mile in selecting only the best possible pups as future breeding prospects. Aside from regular health checks throughout their lives, All our future breeding dogs undergo rigorous health screening before being allowed into our breeding program. Our care and experience shows in our great selection of Sires and Dams. We found the most reliable, relevant resources online to share them exclusively with our family of owners. Since opening our doors and hearts in to an extended Australian Labradoodle family, we have grown our reputation as caring, committed breeders who form friendships with our puppy families. We also take great pride in using the latest health testing technology available to us for all our breeding dogs, to produce generations of genetically healthy Australian Labradoodles. Our dedication to breeding strategies gives health and temperament top consideration when deciding future pairings, closely followed by conformation. These strategies have led us to breed the amazing, loving and loyal Australian Labradoodles that we fell in love with years ago. Let it happen to you! About Ready to apply for your Labradoodle Puppy? You are free to make an application at any time. We will endeavour to review all applications within 5 days and will contact you if your application is approved or we require further information from you. You will then be added to the mailing list to be notified when puppies are available. We breed Standard and Medium Australian Labradoodles, offering companion puppies for adoption as well as guardian family opportunities. Breeder enquiries welcome. All puppies have been raised here indoors until weeks of age where they then make their way to the outdoor nursery for further development. These puppies coming through will be the last from us due to retirement. Regardless that we are retiring we will still be here to answer any future questions for the lifetime of your puppy — we will only be a phone call or email away. Both puppies will have wonderful outgoing natures and are raised with our adult dogs and well socialised during their 8 weeks here with us. Like all our past Krakajak puppies they will bring you many years of joy, love and laughter. For further information please email me sarahhum westnet. Our lovely pooches are first and foremost our family pets. They are regularly groomed here at home and are taught to swim so they can join us in the pool during summer months. Our puppies are born and raised in our home up until they reach weeks of age where they are then moved into the puppy play area where they can begin to learn and explore their big wide world. When you purchase a puppy from KrakaJak Labradoodles you do so knowing that comprehensive DNA testing has guided us to select the parents of your puppy in the hope that they will lead a long and healthy life as a valued member of your family. Krakajak Labradoodles breed Australian Labradoodle puppies with beautiful non-shedding coats in colours of Red, Apricot, Cream, Caramel, Chocolate, and Black; other colors and patterns available on occasion. We look forward to continuing our journey working with and promoting this fabulous breed of dog. Sharing the joy of owning a Labradoodle.

These pint-sized pooches vary in appearance and size depending on which parent's traits they take on the most. In general, a full-grown Pomapoo dog weighs 5—15 pounds. But if they have inherited more Pom, they could be teeny-tiny and look like a fluffy fox. If they've got oodles of poodle in their DNA, they could don a furry, curly coat, be a bit larger, and inherit an air of dignity. Either way, Pomapoos have moderate grooming needs to keep their coats from matting. These small dogs are good candidates for apartment living , and while they don't require a ton of exercise, they are bidding for a standing invitation to sit on your lap. While both Pomeranians and poodles are popular breeds and have both been favored by royalty for centuries , the Pomeranian-poodle mix is a relatively new mixed breed that's been around since the late s. Pomapoos tend to be a versatile match for a variety of pet owners, from families to retirees, and mesh well with most living situations. Appearance Because they're a mixed breed, Pomapoos can vary quite a bit in appearance depending on which combo of adorable traits their parents pass on. In general, these small dogs range between 5—15 pounds, with male Pomapoos on the larger side. Frills around their necks and chests make them look like proud little lions, and they have dark-but-bright almond-shaped eyes. Poodles, on the other hand, have a curly low-allergen coat , square build, dark oval eyes with an intelligent gaze, and, overall, an elegant demeanor. To put it another way, one Pomapoo could be defined more by the animated appearance of a Pomeranian, while another could take on the distinguished traits of a toy poodle. Or, you could get a flamboyant mix of both. Pomapoos' coats can also vary wildly in terms of color, texture, and patterns. These pups may come in shades of red, brown, black, cream, brindle, or a seemingly endless number of color combinations. Usually, though, their coats tend to be dense and wavy, Burch says. Because their hair can be prone to matting, a daily brushing routine can help keep their coats tangle-free in between trips to the groomer. And while no dog is technically hypoallergenic , Pomapoos may be a low-allergen dog if they inherit the toy poodle coat. Temperament Poodles are fast learners and whip smart. Poms are active, inquisitive, and extroverted. Combine the two breeds, and the result is often a Pomapoo that's clever and snuggly, who absolutely loves to be the center of attention and is eager to learn new tricks. Like their Pomeranian parents, these vivacious dogs have a knack for entertaining their beloved humans and crave play time. But because of their tiny stature and delicate frame, they may not be a good fit for families with young, rough-housing children who may mistakenly injure these little guys. Always supervise kiddos when playing with any pup. Pomapoos bond tightly with their families and tend to be very loving, Burch says. Gentle and eager-to-please, the Pomapoo tends to be a stellar student when it comes to training. Living Needs Pomapoos can do excellent in apartments or tiny homes. While they'll get playful streaks, their exercise needs are on the low end of the scale. These dogs aren't much for outdoor adventures they don't fare well in extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. A daily walk or about 30 minutes of exercise a day should suit their needs, Burch says. Because they bond with their family, they'll do best in a home where they get plenty of attention and have some dedicated playtime with interactive toys and puzzle games. It's also a good idea to outfit your house with doggy stairs or a ramp to help them climb up on your couch. It'll keep these tiny puppers from injuring their joints from jumping on and off furniture. Care These darling dogs do need regular grooming and a good teeth brushing routine to keep them in tip-top shape, says Pam Nichols, DVM, president of the American Animal Hospital Association. Grooming will depend on what kind of coat your Pomapoo has, but generally speaking you'll want to plan on brushing your dog on a daily basis; Pomapoos have thick coats that can mat easily. On the plus side, Pomapoos with poodle-like coats tend to be allergy-friendly. But those curls do require a lot of TLC—and the daily brushing can stave off matting. Pomeranians, on the flip side, have soft, dense undercoats and long, straight outer coats. And while they look high-maintenance, brushing can be an easy task because the pups are so small. As with other poodle mixes, consistent trips to the groomer every 6—8 weeks for a Pomapoo haircut should keep your dog's coat looking and feeling good and make it easier to manage between grooming appointments. That's because they can have enamel defects, an irregular bite, and periodontal disease at a young age, Nichols says. It's best to brush your dog's teeth every day, using circular and up-and-down motions to remove plaque and tartar. Poultry-flavored toothpastes and positive reinforcement treats and head pats as rewards! When it comes to training, Pomapoos are quick learners and they'll enjoy training sessions because it's an opportunity to be the center of attention. Arm yourself with lots of treats to make short training sessions productive and fun. Some top training priorities for Pomapoos should be helping them stay calm and refrain from barking , Nichols says. As with all breeds, exercise patience and use positive reinforcement during training. These tiny dogs have short little legs and don't require a ton of exercise a nice walk around the neighborhood plus some playtime will suffice. Be mindful that Pomapoos can develop a cough during exercise or strenuous activity that is associated with tracheal collapse , which occurs when the cartilaginous rings of the trachea weaken, Nichols says. Health The Pomapoo lifespan is 12—15 years, and this mixed breed tends to be healthy. But like all breeds, they can be disproportionately affected by some health problems. Pomapoos are prone to luxating patellas , or dislocated kneecaps, which is something that's inherited from both the toy poodle and Pomeranian parents, Burch says. Epilepsy is also prevalent in Pomapoos, Burch says, and the disorder that causes seizures often requires long-term medication. Also, as Pomapoos age, they are prone to developing cataracts , which can eventually lead to vision loss , Burch says. It's important to make sure you're bringing home a healthy, ethically bred Pomapoo. Because she's a new "designer" hybrid dog, her high demand can mean some breeders operate without the dogs' health in mind. To ensure you're working with an ethical Pomapoo breeder, look out for these puppy mill red flags : A breeder offers to ship a puppy. It's difficult to find contact information on the breeder's website. The kennel produces multiple breeds of dogs. The breeder doesn't let you meet the puppy's parents or siblings. While it may be hard to believe, today's spunky and pint-sized Poms can be traced back to burly and strong Arctic sled dogs. Their name, Pomeranians, is a nod to where they originated—an area in northeastern Europe that's part of Poland and Germany today. In the late s, Queen Victoria of England became enamored with the breed on a trip to Florence, Italy, and she brought back several Poms to Britain. Over time, the dogs were downsized from about 20—30 pounds to their current toy size, something that the American Pomeranian Club credits to Queen Victoria. The Pomapoos' other parent, the people-pleasing poodle, is often associated with France. The breed was a favorite of Louis XVI. But poodles were originally bred as duck hunters in Germany. Fun Facts This teddy bear-like dog has some cute nicknames. You may also hear these pups referred to as Pompoo or poopom. The Pomapoo's parents have a long and fascinating history. For instance, at least a dozen dogs were on board when the Titanic sank in ; among the survivors were two Pomeranians. As far as poodles, King Louis XVI of France was quite a fan of the breed , and the dogs were given ornate haircuts and carried around like trophies. Because they're a mixed breed dog, Pomapoo puppies—even from the same litter—can look completely different with different coat colors, patterns, and textures. Was this page helpful? Sometimes called Pooranian, Pompoo, or Pomeroodle, the Pomapoo combines the intelligence of the Miniature Poodle with the affectionate, sweet temper of the Pomeranian. Their appearance can vary, but you can be sure of their loving, sweet expression and elegant good looks. They are confident, friendly, outgoing, and eager to make new friends. Gentle and tender with children and rarely aggressive, they make excellent family pets. This dog loves to be close to you; they will bond closely, and they need and rely upon your companionship. Soft, fluffy, small, and intelligent, Pomapoos are sure to win your heart. They are devoted family dogs that need to be with their people most of the time. They will follow you around happily and rest close to you. Because they crave your company so much, leaving them alone too long can be difficult for them; they can develop separation anxiety. They are affectionate and generally laid back. Because they are so intelligent, they learn quickly and respond well to training backed with treats and positive reinforcement. Pomapoos are not happy when left outside, and they can develop problem behaviors like barking and digging if left alone. Their outgoing, affectionate natures make them the ideal dog for families and singles alike. They may have a Pom-like wedge-shaped head, or they may have the longer, more narrow muzzle of the Poodle. Ears may be upright or floppy and soft. They have bright, alert, dark eyes and a black button nose. They have well-proportioned bodies, short legs, and small paws. They carry their tails high over their backs or straight. Pomapoos that inherit a Poodle coat are considered hypoallergenic, so this breed can be a good choice for allergy-sufferers. Their coats typically have hair that is short to medium in length and somewhere between straight and wavy. Their coat color varies: Black. First, be prepared to train your puppy right from the start. The breed is highly intelligent and will take to training quickly, but as we said before, these dogs can carry some huge personalities. Training your Pomapoo early on and getting them used to your routine can go a long way. Pomapoo puppies also tend to resemble both parent breeds, Toy Poodles and Pomeranians. Regardless of the temperament you bring home, be ready to socialize your pup with friends and family to get them well acquainted with people of all ages. Your pup may more closely resemble Toy Poodles who are intelligent and generally social. This could lead to a Pomapoo who is great with kids and other dogs, and one that is outgoing and abundantly friendly. Alternatively, your Pomapoo could take on traits more commonly associated with Pomeranians. No matter what, early training and socialization will help your dog grow accustomed to your lifestyle and social habits. Pomapoos love their human counterparts, and while they might not always be eager to interact with strangers, they will usually desire your attention. Their intelligence mixed with their affection makes them perfect little furry family members that love interacting with their owners. This varying level of sociability makes this a difficult question to answer, but with early socialization and training Pomapoos can make great family dogs. Even if your pup is socialized properly and gets along with humans in general, small children sometimes have the tendency to play too rough with pets, and Pomapoos are small and delicate. Even Pomapoos from the same litter can be drastically different from one another, and this is really just a result of them being bred from two different breeds. You may get a Pomapoo who takes after their Toy Poodle parent and is generally sociable and happy to play and interact with other dogs and cats. Alternatively, your Pomapoo may get their personality more from their Pomeranian parent, in which case they may be a bit more uncomfortable or less social around other pets. Life Span Did You Know? These little dogs are smart and loving with playful, affectionate, and charming personalities. As a developing breed, the Pomapoo may not be recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are recognized by other dog registries. A Pomapoo is a combination of two very cuddly and affectionate companion breeds, so it comes as no surprise that they are also cuddly, affectionate, and loving dogs that thrive on attention. As long as they have been properly socialized, they are social and friendly with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even tend to warm up to strangers once introduced, especially if it means getting more attention and affection. They do tend to alert bark, which can become a nuisance behavior if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Pomapoos are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to do well in apartments as well as larger homes. Although they are fluffy, their small size means they may need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm when out on walks when the temperatures drop. Because they bond so closely with their families, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Pomapoo include patellar luxation , epilepsy, cataracts, and tracheal collapse. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. A Pomapoo is an intelligent dog that picks up on things quickly, is eager to please, and thrives on praise and positive reward. They can be a little bit stubborn at times, but as long as training is kept consistent and positive, they tend to do well with owners of all experience levels. Some of the benefits of puppy training classes include strengthening your bond, reinforcing training, socialization, and more. Either way, a Pomapoo will require a lot of grooming just like their parent breeds. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Pomapoo is more prone to developing dental diseases, which makes good dental care for dogs early and throughout their life even more important. Daily brushing with dog-friendly toothpaste or daily use of an enzyme toothpaste, in addition to cleanings at the vet, is ideal. A Pomapoo may be energetic when they play and have bursts of higher energy, but they sit in a low to moderate range and will tire themselves out quickly. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this little dog. They will likely be up for more if you are because they love spending time with you. A fully-grown Pomapoo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Pomapoos generally live for years on average. Although Pomapoo is the most common, this hybrid breed is also sometimes called a Pompoo, Pooranian, or Pomerdoodle. Featured Pomapoo Article. You have your heart set on a Pomeranian whereas another family member wants a Poodle. How do you find a balance? By getting a Pomapoo! The Pomapoo — also known as a Pomdoodle — is a clever mixed breed dog obtained by crossing a Toy Pomeranian with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The result is an affectionate hybrid little dog that is smart, sweet, and highly affectionate. Read on to find out more about the adorable Pomapoo! What is a Pomapoo? Pomapoo is a designer or hybrid dog that has captured the creative interests of breeders and dog lovers alike. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the breed but it is believed that these cute designer dogs might have been around for almost 2 decades now. It is also believed that the breed might have originated in the United States. Pomeranian The development of the breed can be attributed to the Labradoodle — the first designer dog breed created by crossing a Poodle with a Labrador Retriever. The Labradoodle became immensely popular thanks to its high trainability and intelligence. Smaller cross-breed dogs became popular after the Labradoodle. This may have prompted breeders to cross small-sized dogs like the Toy Pomeranian with Toy or Miniature Poodle resulting in the adorable Pomapoo. Physical Attributes of Pomapoos How big is a full-grown Pomapoo? The Pomapoo is a small dog measuring between 8 and 12 inches .The way your Pomapoo puppy turns out depends on several factors including complicated canine genetics. For example, some Pomapoos might inherit the tight curly coats of the Poodle. Others may have a double coat like the Pomeranian which is thick, soft, and tightly packed with hair. Your pet might have a cute smile like the Poodle or a foxlike appearance like the Pomeranian. Likewise, your Pomapoo puppy could inherit different coat colours such as white, black, red, merle, blue, silver, tan, cream, orange, sable, apricot, brown, or grey. It could also be bi-coloured like the Poodle such as black and white. In any case, the Pomapoo is known for its enchanting teddy bear-like appearance. Their versatile and compact bodies also make them easy to transport anywhere with their humans. Pomapoo Temperament and Personality The Pomapoo may be a small dog but it has a big personality. It is known for unique traits which are a mixture of the Pomeranian and Poodle traits. One thing is for sure: these little dogs are unique and they do unique things! Some might spin around when excited, others might hide their food in different locations. All these traits go a long way in making the charming, hearty, and intelligent Pomapoos excellent companion animals. Most Pomapoos are affectionate dogs but they tend to only bond with one person. That special human is everything to the little dog. Of course, your pet will shower its love equally on all members but it will prefer doing things with that special individual. Being small, they do not need too much exercise — they can get most of the exercise they need indoors. Remember that any dog, without activity, is likely to get bored, depressed and, worse, destructive. You certainly do not want that with your small pet. So a daily walk or two around the block is necessary. Pomapoos are very playful dogs and they love doing things with their humans. They will always be ready to go out for car rides and are ever-ready for a game of fetch in the yard. Their small size makes Pomapoos ideal pets for apartment dwellers but they also do well in houses having fenced yards. Pomapoos are also easy to tote around and even make great little lapdogs for elderly people or those with limited mobility. An ideal owner for a Pomapoo is a family with slightly older kids who can be trusted to take care of the small dog. The relatively rare designer dog breed is energetic, intelligent, fiercely loyal, and eager to please. All these traits make Pomapoos easy to train. This is a confident and polite little dog that loves to entertain. Do not let its small size fool you: Pomapoos are capable of excelling in agility, obedience, and a wide range of other abilities. They can also be trained to perform tricks or become therapy dogs for those with mental disabilities such as depression and anxiety. Pomapoos can even become service dogs and comfort dogs and due to their yappy nature, make excellent watchdogs as well. How Much Does a Pomapoo Cost? The initial price of your pup is not the only expense you need to consider. You also need to think about the other lifelong costs of dog ownership mainly food and treats, medical care, grooming, pet boarding, travel, etc. Best Dog Food for Pomapoos Due to their small size, Pomapoos need more calories per pound than large-breed dogs due to their higher metabolic rates. They also need small-sized kibble which they can easily pick up with their small jaws. Also, like most small breeds, they are prone to dental issues, so you might want to choose kibble which is designed to eliminate plaque and tartar. Similarly, providing bones and non-lasting chews will also help reduce tartar and bad breath. You can choose to feed wet or canned food to your small pet since it has a higher moisture content than kibble. You also have the choice of feeding freeze-dried or frozen food and raw food. Always make dietary changes after consulting a vet nutritionist. In the first few days, when your puppy comes home from the breeder, feed it the same food that the breeder was feeding it. This is important to avoid digestive upsets. As your Pomapoo grows, you can opt to feed it the food that your vet recommends. Ideally, the best food for Pomapoos is one that is devoid of fillers and by-products. It should contain real meat as the first ingredient listed on the food label. Avoid foods with preservatives, colours, and artificial flavours. Some Pomapoos are sensitive to grains, dairy, and gluten. Some are even known to be allergic to certain proteins like poultry, fish, etc. In such a case, you might want to choose other protein sources. Health Issues in Pomapoos As a cross-breed, Pomapoos are generally healthy dogs. If you choose your puppy from a reputable breeder who uses sound knowledge of canine genetics and healthy breeding practices, then the chances of getting a healthy dog are quite high. Good breeders also conduct health checks on the parent dogs prior to breeding such as DNA testing and patellar checks. This further reduces the chances of genetic health issues in the puppies. Pomapoos are prone to the following health issues: Allergies — these range from food to contact allergies. If you notice your pet chewing or licking its paws or rubbing its face, then it could be allergic to something in the food or its environment. Entropion — in this condition, the eyelid rolls inward causing eye redness and watering. The condition can affect dogs of any age. Sometimes, infection or injury might trigger it. Cataracts — This is the common cause of blindness in Pomapoos. Most dogs adjust to vision loss although there is also an expensive surgery available for treating it. Dental issues — Like all small dogs, dental disease is common in Pomapoos. It starts with tartar buildup and slowly progresses to tooth decay. There can be tooth loss, pain, difficulty in eating, and foul breath. Legg-Perthes disease — Like all toy breeds, this joint condition can affect Pomapoos. The first sign of it is degeneration of muscle in the legs and limping. Obesity — is a common issue in small dogs. It can result in heart disease, certain cancers, back pain, and arthritis. With good nutrition, regular health checks, and daily exercise, Pomapoos can live up to 16 years. Pomeranians and poodles can be yappy; making the Pomapoo a potentially noisy little dog Some Pomapoos tend to be yappy which can be problematic for apartment dwellers. You can train your dog to bark on cue. Yapping should be controlled from the very beginning otherwise; it might become a hard-to-break habit in your Pomapoo. What are the characteristics of a Pomapoo? Pomapoos are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, energetic, and active dogs. They are unique dogs that are confident, polite, and generally not aggressive. Some Pomapoos tend to be yappy. Is a Pomapoo hypoallergenic? Not all Pomapoos are hypoallergenic. Only the dogs that inherit the tight, curly, non-shedding Poodle-like coat are somewhat hypoallergenic. So, a person with allergies might still develop allergy symptoms around so-called hypoallergenic dogs. Subscribe for free oodle information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. 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