golden retriever puppy sweater

With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for , , and .Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed , times. Is your cute little puppy growling at you when you pick him up? Almost every puppy goes through a growling stage. Just because a puppy growls at you does not mean he does not like you or is becoming aggressive. However, growling at you should not be tolerated, and you should take action to stop it. You can help your puppy learn to curb his growling and become a good-mannered puppy in the process. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The best way to teach your puppy a command or to teach your puppy that certain behaviors are not acceptable is through positive reinforcement. This simply means praising appropriate behavior instead of attempting to punish inappropriate behavior. You can weed out improper behavior by giving your puppy motivation to behave in the ways that he know will get him praise and treats. One of the most important aspects of training via positive reinforcement is consistency since your puppy will only understand through repetition. The first thing to be consistent about is the word you use to communicate to your puppy that you want him to stop growling. Edited by Julie Shaw and Debbie Martin. You should also keep several small pieces of treat in your pocket and give him a nibble-size bite of treat while he remains quiet and docile as you hold him. You want the puppy to begin associating the treats with the quiet, calm behavior he shows when you hold him. As soon as the puppy starts growling, stop giving him praise and treats. However, do not put him down. Only use the command once and then wait for the puppy to stop. Repeating the phrase over and over will only make it harder for the puppy to associate it with the desired behavior. As soon as the puppy stops growling for several seconds, provide more praise and treats. Always end on a moment of positive reinforcement. Though you may have to wait for the puppy to stop growling even when you yourself are ready to put him down, always end the training sessions on moments of positive reinforcement. Wait for the puppy to stop growling, give him the praise and treats, and then finally put him back down. To help avoid too much reliance on treats, you can also use other forms of positive reinforcement. Puppies will only learn the behavior if you show extreme consistency in providing and taking away the positive reinforcement. Mixed messages does not work in puppy training. This means that everyone in the household has to do their part in the training process as well. Ensure that everyone who handles the puppy uses the same process of providing positive reinforcement. Some puppies may catch onto the command after only a few repetitions, whereas other puppies may need weeks to catch on. Have patience because with consistency, the puppy will eventually learn. Never get so frustrated that you scold or swat the puppy. Stick with positive reinforcement. While you should decrease the dependence on treats, always continue remaining consistent with other forms of positive reinforcement, especially praise. When your puppy fully understands and consistently obeys all the time, you can reduce to only providing an occasional treat. Though common, puppies do not like being picked up under the arms and lifted that way. It can even hurt the puppy. This is a safer way to pick up the puppy. Volume 3. Steven R. Blackwell Publishing. If your puppy is growling at everyone, then consider that he just might not like being picked up. Dogs are meant to be running around and exploring. It is not natural or normal for dogs to be carried and the puppy might feel uncomfortable being handled in this way. It may be more of a fearful reaction at the situation than an aggressive reaction. If your puppy is fine with you picking him up but begins growling shortly after, then you can deflect the behavior with a toy. Ensure that you give the puppy the toy before he starts growling. Otherwise he can mistake the toy as a reward for the growling. A toy is also a good way to deflect a puppy that is too mouthy—playfully bites at your arms or hands—when you pick him up. Your puppy will likely growl at other times in addition to when you pick him up. He may growl when playing with other puppies, when playing with toys, etc. Contact a certified animal behaviorist in your area to help eliminate aggressive behavior related to food. Print Retrievers, for the most part, make great family dogs. They are also smart, so they learn quickly and their strong willingness to please often makes retrievers a great addition to the family. But some retriever puppies are a high-energy ball of fire, one that is difficult to train or even handle in daily life. And sometimes there will be signs of aggressive behavior that are concerning. However, there is a fine line between puppy play behavior and hyper and aggressive behavior. Some owners are reluctant to stop such behavior thinking that it is just puppy behavior and therefore the dog will outgrow it. If you have a retriever puppy that is hyper or aggressive you might wonder what can be done and why they are acting that way. Here is some guidance on this topic. What are normal puppy behaviors? It is normal for very young puppies to nip at your hands and your feet. It is also normal for them to chew on things, jump on you and walk all over you. An 8-week-old puppy nipping at your hand might at first seem cute and sweet. But one bite from those exceedingly sharp puppy teeth and you might decide its not so cute. Those teeth can puncture your skin in a second and draw blood just as quickly. So, while it may be normal for a puppy to nip at your hand or foot, it is not a behavior that you want to ignore. Puppy play is naturally aggressive When puppies playing with their litter mates, the play can be very aggressive. This is natural, as dogs, they are always figuring out their pack and where they fit into the pack. Recognizing puppy play You can recognize when a retriever puppy is playing by the stance they take. They also may run around in circles, growling, or barking in high pitched barks, but when they do this their ears will be up, their tail wagging and they do not look threatening. It is uncommon for puppies under 12 weeks of age to exhibit true aggression. True aggression involves a dog exhibiting prolonged growling with a stiff posture and baring of teeth. Their hackles the hair on their back will be raised and they will be poised in a threatening position with ears back. If you were to approach a dog in this position which I do not recommend they will often move toward you and try to bite or snap at you. This type of aggression is something to be fearful about and is not healthy. Isolate the dog as much as possible and consult a veterinary or other professional for help or advice. What are signs of aggression in puppies All puppies can act aggressively, but if you take steps to address the aggressive behaviors while your dog is a young puppy, you can make a huge difference on how or whether that aggression progresses. These are all forms of aggression and none of them should be tolerated, not as a puppy and certainly not as a dog. There are also dominance behaviors that puppies exhibit that are often mistaken as aggression. They include things like jumping on people, stepping on people, pushing you around, forcing you to pet them and others. While these behaviors can be done aggressively, and should still be corrected immediately, they are not the same as aggression. Definition of puppy Because we often get clients that bring out their dogs that are close to a year old and refer to them as puppies, I want to define what I consider a puppy. A puppy is a dog under six months of age. Most retrievers are a good size by around six months. They will often continue to grow up until about a year and a half, but they have the bulk of their size by the time they are six months. And by six months, you need to have a handle on any aggressive behaviors, or you are going to struggle with eliminating them. Is it normal for a puppy to be very aggressive? It is normal for a puppy to test you with aggressive behaviors. And to be clear, that place should be at the bottom of the pack, under all your family members. I understand that your dog is a part of your family but allowing your dog to be in a position above any or all your family members is just asking for trouble. Treating your dog as a human and attributing your dog with human thoughts and reasoning is not fair to your dog or to your family. Love your dog, but make sure your dog is the lowest member of your pack and you will have a much easier time with obedience and basic good behavior. How to stop puppy growling Growling is often the first step for dog aggression. Or, if you try and take a toy away from your dog. No matter how or when you see the aggression start, it is important to nip it in the bud right away. A sharp NO command sometimes is all that is needed, especially if it is well-timed with the first sign of the growl or nip. Other times you may need to grab your dogs muzzle and squeeze. If these corrections do not seem to be helping, I would immediately crate my dog if it growled at me. Be sure you do not let your dog out of the crate while he is exhibiting a growling behavior. Only let him out if he is behaving appropriately. How to stop puppy nipping or biting A dog that nips or bites you often started as a very young puppy. We teach our puppies at 8-weeks-old that biting and nipping people is not allowed. And at this very young age, they learn it very quickly. Your pup may cry out or squirm, but that is fine. In fact, you need to be quite stern to make an impression. If it continues, you are not being firm or consistent enough. How to stop puppy growling while tugging During play, it is not uncommon for retriever puppies to growl and tug at toys, blankets, even your pant leg. This behavior is usually just playful and natural. However, I would still try to end this behavior as soon as possible. While almost harmless at first, this behavior can escalate quickly as your dog grows bigger and stronger. You can end this behavior first by not participating in it. If you start tugging with a toy with your puppy, you are going to encourage the behavior. The second step is to discourage the behavior with a sharp NO command. It can help if you say GIVE when you take the item. This will start to teach him the GIVE command that will be helpful later if you are a hunter. How to stop puppy baring his teeth A puppy or dog that bares his teeth to you is threatening to bite you. Even if the puppy goes no further than to bare the teeth and growl, you need to end this behavior. This behavior is far more dangerous than the puppy that nips at your hand. The nips may be done in play, since that is how puppies play with one another, but baring of teeth and growling is different. And you must handle it differently. I am not talking about lifting your dog off the floor with the shake, but if your puppy is very young, that may indeed be a great correction. Have you ever witnessed a mama dog correct her puppies? This is not a violent thing, just a natural correction for a puppy. The puppies rarely cry out or whimper when given this correction, they just walk away and understand that the behavior they were exhibiting is not acceptable. If your dog continues to bare his teeth even after this correction, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, and I would proceed carefully. True dog aggression is no joking matter. Dogs with aggression problems can snap at any time and go from baring their teeth to full out attacks. Hyper behavior is different from aggression. A hyper dog has a lot of energy and may not know how to control or channel that energy. Often hyper behavior is a genetic trait. In this sense, it is not something that you can eliminate. But you can take steps to make it more manageable. Exercise more Dogs that are hyper need more exercise than dogs that are more docile in nature. If your dog is hyper and is not getting enough exercise, the hype behavior is going to drive the dog to other behaviors that you may not enjoy such as chewing up your dining room table leg or your favorite pair of shoes. For instance, if your dog is hyper and is jumping up and down all the time, and you not only allow the jumping but pet him or her and give praise while your dog is jumping, then you are unknowingly rewarding the jumping behavior. Give your puppy time to mature Retrievers are often full of energy while they are young, well some a bit longer, but tend to slow down as they mature. But as they mature they do usually slow down and become a bit less energetic. Training Highly energetic dogs can benefit greatly from structured training programs. Programs such as the ones we offer here at Otter Tail Kennels, can teach an energetic dog control and channel their energy into hunting or retrieving which can make home life more manageable. There are even some things you can do at home to get more control of your energetic dog. Practice sitting I know this sounds boring, and for you it is. But for an energetic dog that does not like sitting at all, having them sit for 30 seconds, or a minute or two can be very challenging. They will need many reminders at first, but over time they will learn to settle and sit calmly. You can slowly increase the amount of time. This simple obedience drill will help your dog learn control. Teach your dog the kennel command so that when you say Kennel, they run into their crate and stay there until you release them. This basically sends your dog on a time out and forces them to practice control and settle. Final thoughts on why my puppy is so hyper and aggressive For dogs under 6 months of age, much hyper and aggressive behavior is simply puppy play. You must teach your puppy boundaries and the earlier you teach them the better. Be consistent in your corrections and persistent, and over time you will reap the benefits. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Contact Help! Have you ever wondered what this reaction means? How do you get it to stop? Manage the behavior by tracing its root cause Growling is one of the several ways a dog can express how he feels. Did you accidentally drop your dog while trying to lift it off the ground? Is your pooch trying to assert its dominance over you? Below are some of the usual problems that may lead to this unwanted dog behavior: Mishandling Take note that carrying your dog sometimes requires a particular technique. This way, you can ensure his comfort and encourage him to respond well every time you attempt to hold him up. In some cases, dogs growl to express pain. It may come from a broken limb, painful muscles, or even stomach flu. It would be wise to look out for symptoms of possible health problems and consult with a veterinarian. Anxiety In addition to vocalizing pain, dogs also growl as their means to scare away people or animals when they feel anxious or fearful. For example, you or other members of the family might have lost grip while holding the dog. During these situations, you need to be extra mindful of the body language before approaching your dog. Additionally, it would be best to do small and slow movements to avoid further startling the animal. In such cases, the growling serves as their defense mechanism until they begin warming up to this new way of expressing affection. Then, you may proceed to place your dog on your lap. Excessive excitement Puppies can sometimes feel overly excited when presented with something new and strange. In some cases, they express that feeling by growling. As a result, you need to quickly distinguish pleasure or play growling with the aggressive or threatening type. This way, you can identify the best way to approach the situation. How to train your dog to love being carried in your arms The faster you determine the main reason why a dog growls when you pick it up, the easier you can correct the behavior. For example, if it stems from a traumatic experience, you should introduce positive emotions when you attempt to carry your dog. Pick up your pooch — Make sure to be extra careful with the legs and the rib cage. Also, note any signs of resistance. If your dog appears tense, we recommend starting with gentle cuddles instead. If you have a tiny dog, you might want to consider investing in a small pet carrier that you can tie around your neck. Reward with a nutrient-rich treat — Nothing is more effective in associating positive feelings towards a command like feeding your dog good quality treats. Opt for nutritious snacks like homemade doggie biscuits or a small piece of jerky. Put your puppy down — Once you complete the practice and introduce the new cue, you can slowly set your puppy down. On the next day, you can repeat this exercise until your dog becomes fully comfortable with you holding him in your arms. Delaware K9 Academy Can Help! Puppies can be quite a handful to deal with, especially during their first few weeks. You might encounter issues like growling or excessive barking when you try to get too close or cuddle them in your arms while you walk around the house. At Delaware K9 Academy, we provide top-notch dog training lessons that can help you improve your relationship with your new puppy. Using our tried and tested approach, we can help instill obedience and proper dog etiquette to your young and growing dog. Get in touch with us today at for your queries. You may also send us a message at dek9academy gmail. Why Is My Puppy Growling? What Should I Do? Mar 15, Feb 6, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. While being faced with a growling dog is rather scary, can you imagine being scared of a puppy growling? Puppy Growling? In fact, there are many different reasons why puppies growl. As an owner, you have to figure out what is causing your puppy to growl and address that issue. In this article, I will explain why puppies growl and help you understand what your puppy is trying to say. Continue reading to learn different types of growls and what they mean. Why Do Puppies Growl? While it may be unsettling to hear, growling is a normal form of canine communication. Just like people, puppies and dogs use their vocal abilities to express their needs and feelings. Growling, howling, whining, whimpering, and barking are different types of vocalization puppies use to communicate their wants and needs with their owners. Besides vocalization, your puppy will also use body language to communicate with you. Understanding canine body language can be rather tricky, especially if you are a new dog owner. And if you are unable to pick up on these subtle cues, your puppy might feel the need to growl every once in a while just to get their point across. For the first couple of days after being born, puppies know only how to whimper and whine and they use these vocalizations to communicate with their mother. But once puppies become more mobile and start interacting with their environment, they learn how to growl and bark. By the time you bring your new puppy home , they will be old enough to know how to growl and will use this type of vocalization to communicate with you. While most people associate growling with aggression, dogs and puppies growl for many different reasons. The most common reasons puppies growl are pain, fear, possession, territoriality, playfulness, and possession aggression. Growling is just one of many ways that puppies and adult dogs communicate. Therefore, you will need to understand what your puppy is trying to say in order to meet their needs and respond accordingly. But with time, you will learn how to distinguish a playful growl from a fearful growl and will know exactly what your puppy is trying to communicate. The only way you will ever be able to address and correct this unwanted behavior is to understand why it is happening in the first place. So, instead of trying to teach your puppy to stop growling, you should find the reason why the puppy is growling and address it. Your puppy will most likely stop growling altogether as soon as the underlying issue has been identified and dealt with. Here are the most common reasons behind puppy growling: 1. Pain Both puppies and adult dogs may growl when they are in pain. Your puppy might be sick or have an injury that is causing them pain, especially if they start growling when you reach for a specific part of their body. Trying to diagnose your puppy at home can make things way worse and cause even more fear. In this situation, your only job is to figure out why your puppy is growling and take the necessary steps to resolve the problem. The best and only thing you can do for your puppy in this situation is to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will examine your puppy, diagnose the problem, and talk with you about possible treatment options. Bear in mind, your puppy will probably start to growl even more during the exam and might even try to nip at you or the vet. It is completely normal for puppies to growl and whine while they are in pain. However, the growling will stop completely as soon as your puppy starts to feel better. Fear It is very common for young puppies to growl when they are afraid. If your puppy typically growls at specific people, strangers, or in unfamiliar places, they are most likely scared. Furthermore, certain sounds such as fireworks, thunder, or extremely loud music can cause a puppy to be afraid and start growling. Fearful puppies use growls as a defensive mechanism to intimidate the threat into leaving them alone. So, if your puppy is, for example, afraid of strangers, they will start growling as soon as they see an unfamiliar face approaching. The stranger who initially wanted to pet your puppy will back off as soon as he hears the growling and continue walking without giving your pup a second glance. So, if your puppy starts to growl whenever a stranger wants to pet them, start telling people to not approach, or even avoid taking your dog to crowded areas. If your puppy is afraid of strangers, you should try socializing and exposing them to a variety of different people and situations. Enrolling your pup into puppy kindergarten class can also improve their socialization skills and make them feel at ease around strangers. And if your efforts seem in vain, you should consider enlisting the help of a canine behavioral expert or a certified dog trainer. Possession Also known as resource guarding, possession aggression can be another reason why your puppy growls. Puppies who exhibit this type of behavior will have a strong urge to protect their resources such as food, toys, territory, or other objects. If your puppy has possession aggression, they may growl, snap, and even bite if they think that someone will take their things away. Most puppies with this problem have a strong need to guard their food, but make no mistake, your pup can get overly protective over anything they find valuable. For example, some puppies will growl over a seemingly unimportant item, such as a ball of paper, with the same intensity as they would over a full bowl of food. Growling is just one of many signs of resource guarding, and your pup might also snap and bite when someone approaches or tries to take away their possession. Furthermore, some puppies will also fight with their siblings over various items or favorite people. Instead of punishing your pup for growling, you should teach them to trust you around their belongings. The best way to do this is to show your pup that they will be rewarded every time they drop the item they are guarding. Essentially, if your puppy is used to getting things their way, they will easily become frustrated and use growling to show disappointment. Obedience training is your best chance of dealing with a frustrated puppy. Your puppy might growl at you while playing fetch, or they might growl at other puppies while they are wrestling or playing chase. Playful growls are completely normal and nothing you should worry about. If you are a novice dog owner, take your puppy to socialization classes and observe how they interact with other puppies there. Understanding how puppies play and interact with one another will help you distinguish playful growls from fighting growls. While play growling is completely normal, you can stop playing with your pup if you notice that the growls are becoming more intense. If this happens, just take a short break and give your pup a few minutes to calm down before resuming playing. And if the same thing happens while your puppy is playing with another dog, separate them until they both calm down. As soon as your puppy seems calm enough, you can let them play with other dogs again. We actually have an article about playful growling with other dogs and puppies. We like to call this game of puppies growling and showing teeth, bitey face. Territoriality Some dogs and puppies feel the need to defend their territory and might start growling at anyone new who is entering the property. If your pup is growling every time a mailman or delivery person rings the doorbell, they are showing classic signs of territorial aggression. Puppies with territorial aggression may start growling over other territories as well. Bear in mind, a territorial puppy might start growling at anyone who is overstepping on their perceived territory. If this is the case, they might even start growling at family members or at you. Luckily, you can get a trainer or a behavioral expert to work with your dog and help curb their territorial tendencies. Like adult dogs, puppies use many types of vocalization, including growling, to communicate with their owners. Playfulness is the most common reason small puppies growl. However, pain, fear, territoriality, possession aggression, and resource guarding can also be the reasons that can cause your puppy to start growling all of a sudden. Growling is one of many ways puppies communicate, and you as an owner need to understand what your puppy is trying to say in order to react properly. When it comes to puppies, growling is usually not a sign of aggression, but your pup may snap or try to bite you. The best thing you can do to stop this behavior is to find out why your pup growled in the first place and resolve that issue. For example, if your puppy growls only while playing, you can curb this behavior by stopping the play session and giving your pup a few minutes to calm down. Instead, it can make matters even worse and your puppy can end up being afraid of you. The most common signs of aggression in puppies are growling, snarling, mouthing, snapping, dominance, stiff posture, fixed gaze, and biting. However, puppies do like to play rough, and normal puppy play usually includes growling, chasing, biting, and barking. Since normal puppy play and aggression have some similar elements, it can be hard to distinguish one from the other, especially if you are a novice owner. You should know that problem behaviors are more intense and last longer than normal play behaviors. If your puppy that has never before shown signs of aggression starts to growl, snap, or try to bite you, chances are that they are in pain. Pain is one of the most common causes of aggression in puppies and can be a sign of injury or disease. If you suspect that your puppy is in pain, take them to the vet as soon as possible to get appropriate treatment. Conclusion While it might sound scary at first, growling is just one of many vocalizations puppies use to communicate with their owners. When it comes to puppies, growling is rarely a sign of aggression, but it can be a sign that your puppy is in pain. Is your puppy growling? If so, do you know why? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. When is a Golden Retriever Full Grown? Goldens are a large breed, and like other such breeds, Golden Retrievers grow until they reach their full height and weight. This process typically occurs between the ages of one to two years old, or 18 to 24 months; however, there is some variation in how fast each dog grows during this period due to both genetic factors and environmental ones, like diet or exercise level. Use our weight chart to help keep an eye on how your Golden puppy develops as she grows. Is Your Golden Retriever Healthy? Golden Retrievers are beautiful, friendly dogs that will steal your heart with their cute antics. That said, many disorders that adult Golden Retrievers have are treatable or preventable through regular vet care. Preventative care, along with a pet insurance policy, is an ideal combination to give your Golden a long, happy life. Some of the most common medical conditions that Golden Retrievers are susceptible to developing are: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia Golden Retrievers are prone to develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are common orthopedic issues seen in many other large dog breeds. The canine hip and elbow rotate smoothly within its socket joint, which holds them together with powerful ligaments. When these areas degrade due to wear and tear caused by poor alignment or injury, excessive stress and uneven bone wear are placed on the attached ligaments, leading to lameness, stiffness, arthritis, and pain. When your dog suffers from dysplasia, simple tasks like jumping into the car or climbing stairs can be difficult. A vet can assess the severity with imaging technology and prescribe relief for any present symptoms, allowing the dog to return to activities as usual. Skin allergies and conditions Golden Retrievers are at risk for various skin problems, including allergic reactions and parasites. They also require more care than other breeds to keep their coats clean due to the deep undercoat that insulates against cold weather. Keep an eye out for any allergies your pup might have towards certain items in their environment, as well as molds and dust, which could trigger reactions on contact-sensitive areas like ears or paws. This breed is also prone to various skin conditions, including granulomas a type of non-cancerous tumor , sebaceous cysts, and lipomas. Cancer The cancer rate among Golden Retrievers is sadly all too common. Golden Retrievers are also often diagnosed with other cancers, including lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mastocytoma. Heart disease and respiratory issues Golden Retrievers are at risk for various conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and circulation. This disease has severe effects, including death if not treated immediately. If you notice any signs like lethargy or weakness along with difficulty breathing, then see a veterinarian right away as your dog might be suffering from issues caused by SAS. Protect your Golden retriever puppy with pet insurance. You might not be able to control the genes passed down to your Golden Retriever puppy from generation to generation. What if your dog develops cancer or heart issues? The veterinary costs can add up pretty quickly without proper pet insurance coverage. A quality policy will cover a significant portion of all emergency procedures and medication costs. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Mini Golden Retrievers Golden Retriever size matters. In this article we are going to help you to work out whether your dog is a healthy weight and height for their age as they mature. All dogs are individuals, including Golden Retriever puppies. Keep in mind that your puppy could be above or below the average size and still be within a healthy range. If a puppy falls well below the small end of the typical size range, it could be the runt of the litter. How big will your puppy be when it is ready to leave its mother and go home with you? At this age, your cute Golden Retriever puppy will be around 10 pounds. By the time your puppy is four months old, its weight will be around 30 pounds. At eight months, your adolescent Golden Retriever could weigh 50 pounds or more. Expect your puppy to reach its full adult height although not full maturity between 9 and 12 months of age. As a responsible owner, you can encourage healthy growth in your Golden Retriever puppy too! Average Height A healthy adult male Golden Retriever will stand 23—24 inches tall at the shoulder. You can expect an English male Golden to stand around 22—24 inches tall and a female to be around 20—22 inches tall. Healthy Adult Weight The weight range for an adult male Golden is 65—75 pounds. The weight range for an adult female is 55—65 pounds. Most dog breed size charts place the Golden Retriever size in the medium-large range. The average Golden Retriever weight at maturity is 70lbs for a male and 60lbs for a female. Golden Retriever Weight By Age Although a 1 year old Golden Retriever will have reached their full grown height, they should still be quite slim. Weighing up to 55lbs. But a 2 year old or 3 year old Golden Retriever will also be at their final adult weight too. At this stage they should have reached full maturity too. How big will your Golden be when fully grown? Golden Retrievers are sturdy but elegant medium to medium-large size dogs. Golden Retriever size can be influenced by genetics, whether your dog is male or female… and even where you live! Because they have been bred from different lines, English Goldens tend to be slightly stockier than the taller American Goldens. The average English Cream golden Retriever size will be larger than the average working adult American Golden Retriever. Sex differences are linked to size in Golden Retrievers, with males being 1—2 inches taller and around 10 pounds heavier than females. Size-based sex difference in animals is known as sexual size dimorphism. In dogs, these differences tend to be more noticeable in larger breeds like the Golden Retriever than in small or toy breeds. They can fall anywhere along the vast range of lbs in weight! Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:. By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on.

Keep reading to discover a reputable breeder in your area and see where boxer puppies are for sale in California! This small family-owned kennel focuses on improving and maintaining the Boxer breed via regular genetic testing, careful breeding practices, and a rigorous puppy placement process. Website: TelstarBoxers Telstar Boxers is a family-operated Boxer breeder in Temecula with a long history of producing healthy, well-trained pups. Their intense adoption policies ensure that only the most capable and caring pet parents end up with Telstar Boxer puppies. Notably, they also offer white Boxer pups at lower prices than their dark-furred puppies, making them one of the most affordable options for Californian pet parents. But in addition to the convenient location, Soleil Boxers is preferable due to their professional practices. Should you ever need to surrender your Boxer, Soleil Boxers will gladly accept the pup back into their care to make sure that it continues to receive the best care. This area is home to dozens of farms and ranches, making it an excellent place for boisterous Boxer puppies to grow up. Pet parents who want to breed Boxer dogs can also purchase studs from Encore Boxers. Things to Consider When Choosing Boxer Breeders Before you place a deposit on a Boxer puppy, be sure to take a little time to research your chosen breeder. Unfortunately, not all dog breeders are reputable, and purchasing a Boxer from an untrustworthy breeder can be a dangerous endeavor. For example, purebred Boxer dogs can develop hyperthyroidism , aortic stenosis, and hip dysplasia. However, many of the most severe health problems are entirely preventable with regular genetic testing. The best Boxer breeders in California test the DNA of their breeding pairs before allowing them to produce offspring, preventing them from puppies with life-shortening degenerative diseases. When adopting a Boxer puppy, ensure that your chosen breeder invests in genetic testing. Public Reputation Do you know what people are saying about your preferred Boxer breeder? Instead, they ensure that each puppy finds their ideal pet parent match. This process is typically done via an in-depth vetting process that may consist of a lengthy application or an at-home visit. In Summary—the Best Boxer Breeders in California The Boxer breed often gets a bad rap, but purebred Boxer pups from reputable breeders are often some of the gentlest and well-behaved dogs on the face of the earth. And those living in The Golden State have the good luck of having several trustworthy Boxer breeders from which to choose! Taking these additional steps before buying a Boxer dog can ensure that your new four-legged family member lives a long and happy life. Related Posts. Petey Donor Spotlight: Doreen Murotsune For many of us who give our hearts, time, or dollars to rescue, we are first inspired by the love of a single special dog. Hana belonged to friends of Doreen, but Doreen and her boxer, Benjamin, fell in love with her. Benjamin and Hana were best friends, and Benjamin was always on the lookout for Hana and ready to protect her from any yappy Chihuahua who tried to intimidate her. In addition to being an active Strut Your Mutt teammate for each of the past 5 years, Doreen browses the boxers in our care and sponsors many dogs whose stories warm her heart. She not only sponsors dogs with single or repeat financial gifts, but also inquires about dogs with prescription diet needs and then purchases those diets on an autoship schedule, having the food mailed directly to foster homes. Planned Giving If you have ever loved a dog, you know that — while their lives are short in comparison to ours — the love you share is timeless. By including NorCal Boxer Rescue in your Will or Trust or naming the organization as a beneficiary on certain accounts, you ensure that for years to come, NCBR is able to continue rescuing boxers, providing them the care they need, and uniting them with families who will love them forever. Dogs are an incredibly important part of our lives. You can make them a part of your heritage. Click here to learn about the different options. Growing Old with You We know that the best place for an old dog is home with loved ones. Click here to find out more about the Growing Old with You program. Grey Muzzle Thank You! We are so honored to be a Grey Muzzle Organization grantee again this year! We know that many of you have a soft spot for frosted faces, but that the cost of caring for a senior boxer has given you pause when it comes to adopting one. We hope that this support will give you the security you need to give your heart away to a beautiful older soul. Thank you, Grey Muzzle, for trusting in us and for supporting our efforts! We are grateful for your partnership! Thank you, Hoven Foundation. Each dog who enters our lives is a gift. They bring us untold joy and share with us their unconditional love. They teach us to be better people. For nearly 10 years, The Hoven Foundation has not only appreciated the gift that each dog represents, but they have given back generously. The continued support of the Hoven Foundation has meant the difference between life and death for countless beautiful souls. Thank you to the Hoven Foundation for what you give to our dogs and, in turn, to all those whose lives those dogs touch. Join Our Mailing List! NCBR is a c 3 nonprofit and donations are tax deductible. We now accept vehicle donations! Donate your car, boat, RV, motorcycle or farm equipment. Plus you get a tax deduction! Call RIDE to donate or learn more. Upcoming Events. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. Although it may seem obvious, doing this can cause your dog a lot of trouble and is a simple error to make. A German shepherd is a medium- to large-breed dog, which puts him at a higher risk for several health issues, the most well-known of which are issues with the bones and the hips. Joint illnesses are more likely to develop in them as a result of genetics, and too much rapid development is another factor that might exacerbate these issues. Because of this, even though German shepherds require the same essential nutrients as other dog breeds, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, you should exercise caution when feeding your dog nutrient-rich dog foods because they can encourage dangerously rapid growth. According to the German shepherd feeding chart, it is accepted that adult dogs need up to calories per day. Depending on how big and active the dog is, anything between and is considered suitable. The amount of calories a dog consumes is often determined by their age, present health, and the amount of exercise they receive. However, even in their later years, energetic dogs will need up to calories each day. How about a German Shepherd puppy, though? What is a German Shepherd feeding chart for a puppy? Actually, puppies consume twice as many calories per pound of body weight. This indicates that a German Shepherd puppy that is 8 weeks old may consume twice as much food as an adult. Puppies need to consume twice as much food as adults do to sustain their growth and development. A young German Shepherd puppy needs at least 80—90 calories per pound of body weight to grow and thrive. Regularly weigh your puppy, assess their general health, and modify their calorie intake to assist their growth. Even more active than working adult dogs are young shepherds. Keep in mind that calories differ significantly across manufacturers and brands. Always read the nutritional information and feeding instructions on the food box before feeding it to your pet. The German Shepherd feeding chart is simple in the first few weeks; up until the puppies lose all of their puppy teeth , their mother serves as their primary feeding source. Puppies who are one month old do not yet have teeth that are strong enough to eat kibble, so it is important to soften their diet as much as possible. Two-Month-Old German Shepherd Puppies start exploring their environment as soon as they reach the one-month mark. Additionally, a German Shepherd puppy should be at least eight weeks old if you plan to adopt one. Purchase the same puppy food the breeder recommended, at least for the first several weeks as they adjust to their new surroundings. As the pups approach their first birthday, their diet will require fewer calories, so you may cut down on the number of meals by two or three, if you believe it will be better for your pet. The majority of dog owners believe that giving their puppies fewer meals throughout the day is better for them since they get the same amount of calories and are less likely to feel hungry at specific times of the day. Even though during this period your dog should still be eating puppy food, you might want to consider obtaining adult dog food. Some owners use treats and training rewards to gradually introduce adult food to their pets, which is just enough to acclimate them to its unique flavor and texture. On the other hand, some dog owners choose to gradually phase out puppy food by combining kibble for adult dogs with it in varying quantities. You must obviously speak with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet your German Shepherd consumes. Only your veterinarian can tell you when your dog has reached adulthood and when switching to adult food is safe. They must thus be provided with a healthy diet, even if they are raised as household pets. These puppies really like being active, and they enjoy playing in dog parks and other open spaces as well as training. In addition to the other nutrients, the quantities of calcium, protein, and phosphorus in adult dog food will be different from those in puppy food, according to the German Shepherd feeding chart. Bottom Line We must be certain of how much and when to feed our pets as responsible pet owners. German Shepherds require special consideration when designing their diets since they are active canines with voracious appetites. They adapt well to a variety of diets, including dry, wet, raw, and homemade. Giving them too many presents or too many free meals might seriously harm their health. We looked at the German shepherd feeding chart above. For your pup to develop properly, you must be aware of which foods are good for them and which ones they should avoid. As a travel enthusiast and animal lover, she hopes to inspire others to discover and cherish the beauty and importance of the natural world. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels.

Queen City Goldens is a responsible hobby breeder. Our commitment and dedication go towards raising happy, healthy, adorable puppies. Our goal is to place our puppies in their forever loving homes where they might continue their puppy's education by participating in classes, competing, getting their puppy Pet Therapy Certified, or even just be an adorable very much-loved couch potato. Our dogs are a huge part of our family and we provide the best life for them as possible. They live inside our home, go on outings with us, are enrolled in classes, and most importantly are our family and a have a huge place in our hearts. Sabrina really puts in the time and effort to caring for the pups, and it shows! Lilly has been so well-adjusted and sociable, since the moment we picked her up! She is beautiful, happy, and healthy - and a perfect addition to our family! Sabrina is always available for questions and follows up on the pups after they go home. I would recommend QCG without reservation to anyone looking for the perfect puppy! Sabrina was wonderful to work with and very accommodating and professional. The entire process was seamless, and she kept us informed every step of the way. Thanks to her guidance our new fella is a perfect fit for our little family. In fact, we are repeat customers. We were so happy with our puppy that we just had to get another. Sabrina answers any questions you may have and encourages puppy families to stay in touch with each other. There are not enough adjectives to describe how wonderful this experience has been. Sabrina and Hunter are so kind, knowledgeable, professional, attentive, patient and loving as breeders and as humans. They truly care deeply about every aspect of their calling to find loving homes for these pups. We highly recommend Queen City Goldens in every way - for every possible reason! She has been here every step of the way and has answered our relentless questions with such patience. Very professional and helpful. She allowed us to spend an extended amount of time observing the mother and puppies. The dogs are beautiful! We absolutely adore our little girl pup, Vienna. Her parents, Paisley and Cruise, are beautiful, smart, and eager to please dogs that have passed these traits on to their puppies. Sabrina was sensitive, honest and great about answering any questions. I would encourage anyone looking for a good golden bloodline to reach out to Queen City Goldens. The daily photos and updates made the two months wait for our little man so worth it! Truly recommend to anyone. A few days later my brother made the decision to bring Ms. Purple home which her name is now Zoey. He was very pleased with the potty training and crate training she had received and picked up on before getting her. It was great to be able to get photos and videos of puppies every day and see them grow up. I really liked that Sabrina sent me all the information I wanted to know when I chose her as a breeder. I am also grateful to Sabrina for her Instagram blog. I could find their photos of puppies from previous litters and photos and videos of dogs in their usual life. Thank you! Please note, photos from our website are not to be used or duplicated without consent and written permission from Queen City Goldens. Other dogs: Hawaii would do best in a home without dogs to start. She loves to have her own toys and to be the one and only for her person. Children: Untested, though she doesn't seem to have issues with people. She does seem to like a calmer environment so perhaps no small children. Adults: Hawaii is still learning to trust. She is a bit skittish and will run away if approached. However, she is a brave girl, and this has continued to get better over time and is now gently approaching on her own. Potty Training Progress: Hawaii does all her business outside. She is doggie door trained, though did well communicating she needed to go before she learned how to take herself outside. Other behavioral info: Hawaii is still working on leash skills. Great things about Hawaii: Hawaii is a very sweet girl. She seemed to not know what being loved and cared for was, and now she is seeking it out. She loves to run and chase balls. She has the softest fur and is still growing in her feathers as she was malnourished prior to fostering. Hawaii also loves to eat and gets excited tail wagging at dinner time. Hawaii is also excited to see her people when they come home. Though still timid while standing, she is wagging her tail and can't wait for them to sit down so she can come get some love. I expect her to continue to grow in confidence as she builds trust. Hawaii is also a fast learner. She continues to surprise with what she knows and her golden nature of being pleasing is really starting to show. Other things to know about Hawaii: Hawaii would do better if not crated as this has caused her anxiety. I feel she would do very well in a home without small children or other pets with a patient loving individual or couple who has good knowledge of what it means to rescue a dog. Hawaii is going at her own pace, but I can tell it will be worth it!!!

A stock image of Golden retriever puppies, none of which are green, unfortunately. In fact, it was a strange shade of green. Advertisement Justice was concerned about the color at first, however, she quickly realized the puppy was otherwise healthy, as were the eight other siblings. After a few days or weeks of licking from its mother, Mojito will be bright white, just like the rest of the litter. While extremely rare, green puppies are not as uncommon as you might think. She's been named "Verdant," and is healthy, her owners have confirmed. Biliverdin is a greenish color and can be found in bile, bruises, the placenta of dogs , and many other biological phenomena. Scientists have even found biliverdin in the shells of 6-million-year-old dinosaur eggs. On the subject of strangely colored animal babies, it crops up across the animal kingdom. Most orca calves are born with a peachy-orange coloring , instead of white. It's thought this is due to being born without a thick layer of blubber, so their blood vessels near the surface of their skin can be seen more clearly. Just like these green puppies, the color fades as they mature. The babies are nursing with the new mom, but one puppy is clearly different from the rest. A male pup with a pistachio green hue can be seen atop the pile, with the owner zooming in to give viewers a closer look. A stock photo shows golden retriever puppies. A TikTok video of nursing golden retrievers reveals that one of them is colored green, a rare occurrence. They may sound made-up, but green golden retrievers are real, although the reason they exist is pretty gross. The green coloring is caused by biliverdin, a chemical that creates bile, according to Rover. When a dog is pregnant, the hormones can cause changes in her bodily functions. This can include her poo, which can turn green because of extra biliverdin. When puppies are born, they usually pass their "meconium"—aka their first poo—within 48 hours. Occasionally, they do this while still inside the womb. If the mom dog has high levels of biliverdin and the developing puppy passes the meconium early, this can lead to high levels of bile in the birth sac. If the puppy has light-colored fur, the pigment of the bile can stain its coat, turning the animal green. This process isn't harmful to the dog, just extremely uncommon. The phenomenon is not unique to golden retrievers and can occur with any breed if the pup has light-toned fur.

The GRE has been built on the life-long love and dedication we've felt, and continue to feel, for the countless Golden Retrievers that have graced our lives, each and every one our beloved pet. It is this goldie love that we want to share with the world, especially those who aren't fortunate enough to own a dog themselves, by inviting people to join our incredible pack for some much-needed doggy cuddles. Founded by the UK's own Dog Whisperer, Nicolas Grant-St James, our dogs are impeccably trained and endlessly affectionate, and we are positive that you will walk away having had one of the best experiences of your life - and wishing you were taking your favourite dog home with you. NB: We accommodate to those with Autism and any other social, behavioural or learning disabilities. We can also help blind and deaf clients, elderly patients, and patients recovering from brain injury ABI. Just ask us how our miraculous healing Goldies can help you. In , they decided to have their first litter of puppies with Bella. Through this, they sold their pedigree Golden Retriever puppies up until , but probably ended up keeping more puppies than they sold! Having learnt so much about Golden Retrievers and Dog Behaviour through the process of raising their goldies, they also decided to form The Dog Whisperer UK to teach dog owners how to use dog psychology to understand their dogs and how to train them. As their lives became more and more dog-related, their pack grew with them and they ended up with a Golden Retriever's paradise in Exmoor National Park. Following countless suggestions that they should open their "Disneyland for Dogs" to the public, The GRE was finally formed, enabling dog-lovers to share in their 'puppy love'. Find us on Tripadvisor. We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data. We will have updated information to share for , the year was very much a year of transition with our move to in-house care, equipment purchases and general set-up, etc.We appreciate your support! Please consider making a tax deductible donation. We rely solely on the generosity of supporters, like you to give so many animals the chance and care that they deserve! Now a nonprofit organization, CHDR is c 3 status. State of Wisconsin licensed and inspected: DS. We rely solely on volunteers and donations to support our rescue effort. We are based out of the Twin Cities area, where all of our dogs live in approved foster homes before going to their forever homes. We value the importance of the highest quality veterinary care and finding loving foster and forever homes for every animal that comes to Coco's Heart. Come meet our volunteers and animals at our adoption events! CHDR rescues animals in need without discriminating against breeds or ages. The rescue operates with the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, all working toward the common goal of saving the lives of animals in need, and giving them the love they deserve. We are foster based out of the Twin Cities, and we hold events in the surrounding areas. Every animal that comes to Coco's Heart receives the highest quality veterinary care and a loving temporary home from dedicated foster families. CHDR's adoption process ensures that every animal goes to the most loving forever home. We strive to educate our community on the importance of rescue, our specific rescue efforts, responsible pet ownership, and the difference each person can make on the lives of animals in need.

Breeding rights with a male or having a male around. Who gets to first greet the owner or someone else. Fights over toys, food, or attention. Rights to privileged areas such as beds, lounging areas, doorways, food bowls, etc. Females closer in age can have even more problems with aggression than females of different ages. This is because they are similar in rank to each other. However, older females can still show hostility towards younger ones, so you must be careful. Contrary to many claims, getting female German Shepherds spayed has not been proven to help reduce aggressive behavior. One of the most extensive studies of almost 11, dogs proved that spayed and neutered dogs actually show considerably more aggression. You can find the full study here. The best thing to do when you have two female German Shepherds who will not get along is to contact a canine behaviorist to resolve the problem. A dog behaviorist is a qualified professional with expert knowledge of dog behavior and communication and will formulate a plan to work with you. If all else fails, you can consider rehoming one of them; however, this will be a heartbreaking decision and probably the last thing you want to do. If you do not want to part with either of the dogs, you will need to keep them separated, especially when unattended. Making The Introduction If you are set on having two female German Shepherds living together, there are a few things you can do to try to help them get along. Here are a few steps to follow: Evaluate your current dog — If you are still considering adding a second female German Shepherd to your home, you will want to evaluate your current female German Shepherd. Think how she might handle having a second dog in the family. If she already shows signs of aggression, has difficulty following commands, or with training, it might not be a good idea to bring another dog into her life. Picking the dog — If you feel your female German Shepherd will do well with another female companion, the next step is selecting your second dog. Try to find a socialized German Shepherd with a similar personality to your current female. If you have an outgoing, energetic dog, look for a puppy that is also outgoing and energetic. Location for introducing the dogs — When you introduce your dogs, do not do it at home. If you try to introduce them at home, your current dog may feel the need to protect her property and show her dominance. Select a neutral location, so they are less likely to view each other as intruders. How to introduce the dogs — Once you have selected a location for them to meet, ensure each dog is wearing a sturdy collar and leash. You also want each dog to be accompanied by a human they respect and listen to. Use Positive Reinforcement — You want the meeting experience for each dog to be as positive as possible right from the start. When the dogs first come in contact, let them sniff and greet each other as they usually would. During this time, calmly and positively encourage each dog verbally. After a few minutes, give them each a command to sit or lay down. This will provide them with a break from each other. After the short break, allow them to explore one another once again. As things progress positively, you can start to walk them or do other controlled activities together that still allow them to become familiar with each other. Look for negative body posture — If either dog shows signs of negative body posture while interacting, divert their attention back to you by giving some commands. Use positive reinforcement to keep your dog calm and know everything is safe. Once the mood has changed, let the dogs interact once again. Bringing them home — As soon as the dogs are comfortable with each other in a neutral location, you can bring them home. Keep them in a separate car when bringing them home unless you feel they are ready to share a car. Once you arrive, allow the newer dog to enter the house first. This will minimize any territorial issues that your older dog may have. Feeding and treats — Dogs can become very protective of their food, so ensure you always give each dog her own bowl of food to eat. The same thing goes for treats and bones. Make sure each dog is given a treat or has her bone to chew on. Never let the dogs eat near each other unsupervised. It is never a good idea to leave them alone, unattended, at any age. Female German Shepherds, as mentioned earlier, can become aggressive toward one another later in life. Of course, you can leave them in their own crates for a while. To learn more about how long you can leave a German Shepherd in a crate , this post gives a ton of detail, including the best crate size to use and other helpful tips. Introducing two female German Shepherds to each other is easier than maintaining them in the long run, thereby controlling aggression and ensuring harmony. Allow them to understand each other and take as much time as required. Intervening in the middle and worrying about aggression can only discourage them from getting along. Training needs a longer duration than usual. Spend time with them together. Spending time with one female GSD over the other can also provoke the other one to turn aggressive. Cuddling and playing with them simultaneously will promote positives in them. Be patient throughout the process and you can eventually get there. What is the Best Combination to Have? If you want to have two same-sexed German Shepherds, consider having two males over two females. Although male German Shepherds can also show aggression towards each other, it tends to be less severe than female aggression. When two males are together, they often fight over domestic dominance. They will typically try to prove their dominance by marking territory, making noise, showing off, etc. Often, an older male German Shepherd will express dominance, and the younger one will submit and accept that dominance. If this is the case, there tends to be little aggression. Females, on the other hand, will fight over breathing rights. Female fights are much more severe and tense than male dog fights and can often end up with one of the dogs badly hurt or even killed. Female on female aggression tends to be more dangerous than male on male. The best thing to do if you want to have two German Shepherds get along is to have one male and one female. With a dog of each gender, you are less likely to run into aggression and behavioral issues caused by dominance or territorial issues. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Until I met Forest and River. Forest was first. I happened to be living with them at the time, and I really did not care for the furry child who had entered the home. Forest peed and pooped everywhere, and then there was all the biting and the chewing and the howling. I swear, dog care books conveniently downplay the actual reality of daily puppy life, which is mostly that they chew on everything. Photo courtesy Jessica Pineda That all changed when I went with my brother-in-law and niece when they took Forest to a trainer. Watching Forest learn things and seeing how smart he was changed my entire outlook on dogs. I never truly realized what they were capable of and how eager they were to learn. I never realized how easy it is to teach them, and what kind of bond it built between you and your pet. I devoured books and YouTube videos on behavior, training and breed history. I quickly taught Forest a variety of tricks and trained certain behaviors, like not pulling me down the street when we went for walks. I was obsessed. So I yearned for the day I could get my own. Not soon after, I met River. I was well into my dog obsession when I met River. All I know is that she was found wandering the streets with a shattered femur and was between 9 and 11 months old. While River recovered, I knew I needed to find a place that would let me have a big dog like her. And again, with luck, I found a little guest house on a 5-acre property. It was the perfect place to have a dog, and the moment River was recovered enough that I could adopt her, I did. Then, almost a week after I moved into my new place and brought River home, I got a text from my niece. She asked if I would be interested in taking Forest too, since she was concerned about his quality of life. Without me, Forest was kind of neglected, everyone too busy to play or walk him. Without hesitation, I agreed. One German Shepherd puppy is a handful, but two? I know, I know. I feel you. I had no idea what I was getting into, even in just introducing the two. Also, walking two dogs at once is a sure-fire way to die when you trip over their leashes. Unless you want to watch your house and yard destroyed by a bored dog, you have to put in the time or you will be in over your head fast. And even though I did it, I would not recommend that anyone adopt two German Shepherds at once unless they have experience with the breed. All dogs deserve that, of course, but I feel for these super-smart, active breeds — they really need it. If I had known what joy Forest and River would bring me, I would have become a dog owner much sooner. However, one advantage this breed offers is how eager even puppies are to learn. When you start training early and are consistent, your puppies will understand what they are supposed to do very easily. Puppies raised together are likely to bond quickly. As puppies that show the promise of becoming large dogs very quickly, getting both puppies used to going on walks or other activities is essential for them to get used to interacting with new people. Better socialization makes all the difference. If you live in a setting where your puppies will have easy access to the outdoors, it will be that much easier to help them meet their exercise needs. Because young GSDs are high-energy , exercise always helps keep them calm and focused. Having two puppies who grow up together will help them get along better. Many of the conflicts that might otherwise arise between dogs are less of a problem with two German Shepherd puppies who have grown up together. Dogs that learn to share resources easily will be less possessive. Being able to train both dogs at the same time, as is often the case with puppies, is another significant advantage. Being able to teach both dogs at once makes it easier to train them in less time. The sooner your puppies are trained, the better for them. Shepherds raised in the same household from an early age could have fewer problems than you would find from adding another dog later. After all, an adult dog introduced into a home could have acquired bothersome behavior that is hard to cope with. However, buying or adopting two puppies may not be the best solution for every household. There are advantages to adding an adult dog as well. Owners will do well to consider the advantages or disadvantages of both situations. One common concern that German Shepherd owners have is whether a second dog might eliminate dog aggression issues. A second GSD should seldom become a problem. Your main concerns should involve the feasibility of an additional pet in general. All of these are vital factors in any new dog. One of the most severe mistakes for anyone who gets a new dog to make is giving the new dog a lot of attention while spending less attention on the first dog. It will be very important to find a healthy balance in how you provide attention to your dogs. Each dog will require individual attention to make sure they receive the right amount of interaction. However, one dog should not receive a large amount of attention in front of the other. Doing so will probably encourage a rivalry between the two. Another consideration besides time and attention that you will need to keep in mind if acquiring a second dog is what resources you have for additional food, exercise, and veterinary care. The decision to take a second German Shepherd is important. German Shepherd Dogs can have special feeding needs, including eating foods that protect joint health. Food sensitivities and allergies may require one dog to have special food. Daily walks can be helpful but are better if someone else in your household can assist. Supervised play in a fenced-in yard might be the best option. The higher veterinary costs are also an important consideration. German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that range from bone and joint problems to gastric torsion. When you have two of these dogs, being able to afford care is vital. Adding a second Shepherd to your home when you already have one can be a good choice. In most cases, the dogs should get along well, with minimal fuss, as long as you supervise both of them. However, making sure that you are in a position to handle both dogs is ideal. If you have plans to deal with any of these circumstances, adding another German Shepherd might be a good choice for you. Your current dog will probably adjust well to the second dog, with a similar size, temperament, and activity level. One of the things you might need to think about if you decide to have two German Shepherds is whether you want to have two dogs of the same or opposite gender. There are advantages and disadvantages that are important for GSD owners to consider. Contrary to popular belief, neither gender is more or less likely to have aggression issues. Some dogs of the same gender get along perfectly well, while others do better with another dog of the opposite sex. A dog that is reactive toward dogs of the same sex would probably do better with a dog of the opposite sex. The good thing is that taking steps like having both dogs altered when possible and practical, as well as making sure the introductions are done correctly, will help ensure that both dogs get along as well as possible. Taking some steps to ensure that the introduction goes as smoothly as possible is a good idea. This video demonstrates how smoothly an introduction can go when done properly. Meeting in a neutral setting works best for these dogs. Both dogs should be leashed for the best results. In fact, taking a walk together is one of the best ways to start the introduction. The dogs should be kept at a healthy distance from each other during their walk to avoid any possible problems. After the dogs have had a chance to rest for a moment after the walk. The dogs should be allowed to smell each other for a couple of minutes. After they do this, it should be safe to allow them to interact with the leashes still attached. Watch the behavior of the German Shepherd Dogs very carefully. If you see behavior that indicates a willingness to play, like bowing or tail-wagging, encourage the dogs to play together gently to help them get better acquainted. When both dogs are going to be in the house together, it is an excellent idea to let the new dog in first. Let your first dog in next. Make sure you keep an eye on the dogs so you can separate them if there are signs of aggression or tension that could escalate. If the dogs show any signs of hostility, separate them, and only allow them to interact again after they have calmed down. For at least the first few days, you should make sure the German Shepherds are not left alone unattended. Making sure each dog has a training crate or other dedicated area to sleep will help the dogs maintain proper space. Dogs who have had proper introductions are not usually as likely to fight. Ensuring the dogs have separate areas to rest and sleep helps to make a difference. Even though these methods are not entirely fool-proof, they are helpful. In some cases, aggression has its roots in two intact dogs of the same gender having problems. These types of disputes have their origins in sexual frustration. However, there is a remedy in the form of having one or both dogs spayed or neutered. Neutering can help eliminate aggression, especially in the case of two males. Aggression between two German Shepherds can be terrifying, considering the size that most of these dogs reach. Even though steps like trying and having the dogs altered can make a difference, aggression between the two could occur at some point. Dogs this size who start fighting can inflict injury on each other or anyone who tries to stop the fight. Knowing how to stop a row in a way that reduces the threat of harm is essential. When your dogs have difficulty getting along, it is vital that you know how to deal with the situation. Any number of circumstances can lead to dogs fighting, from quarrels over food to fights over toys. If your dogs have a disagreement, you need to know how to eliminate the problem in a positive way that reduces the possibility of injury. Having taken steps to introduce your dogs properly will reduce the likelihood of the fight being drawn-out. Remove whatever is triggering their hostility, such as food or a toy. Separate the two dogs to give them time to calm down. Once the dogs have had a chance to settle down, allow them back into the same area, with proper supervision. Reward both dogs with praise and treats or pats for behaving themselves. Rewards for good behavior will accomplish more than negativity. Two German Shepherds can be a perfect addition to any household, regardless of whether they have been raised together or if one of the dogs is a later addition. Being adequately prepared and making proper introductions makes a world of difference. So, two German Shepherd Dogs would be even better, right? German Shepherds that are of similar size, temperament, and energy levels get along the best. Are you wondering if having two German Shepherds means twice the goodness or double the trouble? Keep reading to understand the potential risks and best conditions for raising two puppies together. The short answer is yes, you sure can! German Shepherd Dogs GSD are fiercely loyal and develop bonds quickly, even in as little as a few weeks. They are also exceptionally intelligent which makes training them much quicker than with other breeds. This is great if you train one puppy first and then the second. However, they must trust and respect you before you train them together. If their bond is stronger with each other instead of with you, the training will be poor. Raising them simultaneously too early may create an inseparable bond that inhibits them from socializing with other dogs and humans. On the other hand, they might develop the exact opposite relationship with each other and end up fighting one another instead. Because they can easily view the second dog as intruding on their territory, and they might not want to share the house or you. There is also the risk of littermate syndrome, a situation where two German Shepherds start fighting so severely that it leads to having to relocate one of the dogs to a new home. This will allow you to focus your attention on training the first puppy who can then help you train the next. While they are still puppies, they can teach each other to share resources and your attention. Your first puppy will adjust better because both will be more willing to play, will be less likely to fight, and neither of them will be able to dominate the other. However, some GSDs will get along better with a puppy of the same sex. The results of their relationship vary from case to case, but it is something you still have to consider. What is much more important to consider is how well your current puppy gets along with other dogs right now. All of that to say: you can have two German Shepherds of either gender so long as the age gap is small and the first puppy you have has been properly socialized. Introduction Have the two puppies meet in a neutral area, such as a park, rather than in the house several days before you bring the new puppy home. Keep them leashed. Stop the session if one of the dogs gets nervous. Each puppy should have their own space in a quiet area around the house, especially when they want to get away from its new sibling. Be sure to encourage the new puppy to recognize their bed by teaching them to sit in it, and if they do, give them a treat. It helps if you do your best to show both dogs the same affection and give them the same attention with exercise, treats, etc. The pros of having two German Shepherds Double the love and fun Your first dog already brought a lot of fun and love, adding another dog will undoubtedly bring twice the joy and love into the family. Making training easier If you have a well-trained dog at home to set a good example, then it will be easier to train the new puppy you bring home. The old dog will be able to teach the new dog some tricks as it will look upon it for guidance. For example, a second dog in your home may give your dog company and reduce destructive behavior due to boredom or separation anxiety. Having one more companion for your family Having another dog can give your family one more furry companion: While you may want to have a good run with one dog, and your son may want to play fetch in the backyard with the other. The cons of having two German Shepherds More time and efforts Obviously enough, one and one is two. Make sure you have enough time for one dog before considering a second dog. They shed all year round and if you introduce one more GSD to your home. You may need to put up with doubling the fur — which means more time for picking up the furballs on the floor or a more powerful vacuum. And you have heard of littermate syndrome or two female GSDs getting into serious fights in the same household. In extreme cases, it may lead to re-homing of either of the dog or keeping them in separate rooms for good. Should you get two males, two females, or two opposite-sex German Shepherds? To make our points more relevant, we spent some time researching the internet and social media to get the best possible answer for this specific question. Here are what the current German Shepherd owners have to say about having two German Shepherds when it comes to choosing the sex: Thinking that both ladies may work it out together is not a good choice. Very likely, fights may escalate, and one dog may severely injure or kill the other. This seems to happen most often when the two dogs are close in age or when one dog is older and a newer dog is introduced to the pack. You are playing with fire with two males. My advice is to definitely get a female if you already have a male. They played together fine for months. Then they stopped play-fighting and fought for real, and part of an ear was bitten off in the process. We have to keep them separated now. Tiffany N. With a female, there will be no problem because a male dog is never aggressive to a female dog. Schweizer V. Regardless of the breed, while many dogs of the same sex do get along peacefully, having two dogs of the same sex may pose a higher risk than the opposite sex. Do you want to know how to find a purebred German Shepherd puppy? What are the pros and cons of purebred dogs? What questions should you ask a breeder before you buy a puppy? How to make sure your puppy is purebred? You will find answers to all these questions in this page guide. Get the guide Enter your email to receive a download link. Send me a download link Loading… Check your inbox for the download link. This can be explained by the sex hierarchies for dogs. Within a pack, there are separate hierarchies for males and females. Key takeaway: Get two GSDs of opposite sex In a nutshell, it seems that getting the second dog of the opposite sex is a wiser choice. So, if you already have a male dog, choose a female, and vice-versa. In most cases, fixing your dogs can reduce their aggressive behavior. Neutering can help to calm aggressive dogs and can stop them from roaming. In fact, neutering has been proven to create a much happier and calmer male dog over time. When a female dog enters heat, the hormones in her body change. Unspayed females sometimes compete for the attention of a male dog by fighting. Spaying your female dog can also be a significant improvement in her behavior. How to stop two German Shepherds from a fight? Same-sex aggression can be common with this breed. If you try to separate them in the wrong way, you may also get injured or things could get worse. If your dogs just started the fight, do not yell and try your best to stay calm. Do NOT grab them at the collar or else they might think you want to join the fight. If you have access to a water hose, spray on them before things get worse. Once the dogs are apart and you try to move them in a circle. So they cannot turn and bite you. Pull them away to another room or to the yard. At the end of the day. They need to learn to leave each other alone. But yes find a trainer in your area and ask them what they think and try to work with them. Is it a good idea to get two dogs from the same litter? Many dog behaviorists, trainers, breeders, and shelters discourage adopting siblings from the same litter. It is because the two puppies are deeply bonded. It impedes their individual ability to socialize with humans and other dogs. As a breeder, I would never sell two puppies to a home, or one to a home that just got or is planning to get a second puppy. They need individual attention, training and to bond with you, not the other pup. Signs of littermate syndrome include fearfulness of strangers, dogs and any moving objects they saw, such as runners or bikers. They may develop intense anxiety when separated and have difficulty learning basic obedience skills. In extreme cases, the two dogs will fight incessantly. Littermate syndrome can affect dogs of any breed, and it may also affect unrelated puppies who are adopted at the same time and raised together. The good news is: not all puppy pairs develop littermate syndrome and pet parents can prevent significant issues with specialized training methods. How to prevent sibling syndrome in dogs? The key is to give the puppies periodic time apart every single day. That means they should be regularly walked separately, played with separately, and trained separately. Do not allow the pups to share a crate. Feed meals separately, and out of two separate bowls. Conclusion While many male dogs, as well as female dogs, do get along peacefully, getting two dogs of the opposite sex seems to be less risky for the first time. Your worst nightmare is to have one of them re-homed simply because they do not get along. Ideally, the two dogs should have 1. At the end of the day, dogs can only be dogs, and a lot depends on your level of commitment. Further questions Should you get a young or older dog as a second dog? If you have an old dog, he may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup. What is the best age gap between dogs? The ideal age gap between dogs is that once your first dog has received all its basic training, it has matured to set a good example for your second dog. For many owners, this is around two years of age. Will my dog get jealous if I get another dog? Your dog is used to being your companion, and if there are other dogs that are taking you away, they may get upset, jealous, and even angry. This new puppy is also on their territory, and they may feel like their life is in jeopardy. Further readings.

Jean-Francois: How much is a purebred German Shepherd puppy without papers worth? I'm guessing it's a rip-off. Our nonpaper German shepherd just had 12, her 1st litter of no papers German shepherd pups. You can visually see the traits. I do suggest making sure vaccinations are given before buying the puppy. Answer by JTP Actually, that is a great price! I would even say that's pretty cheap, especially since it's a German Shepherd. Answer by SuperGirl It doesn't matter if the parents have papers. Parents with papers should have puppies that have papers as well. I'm also guessing mom and dad don't really have papers either, because papers come to puppies with papered parents. Answer by Kayleigh Let me explain what happened to us. I was young at the time and didn't realize what "limited" rights were. This means the woman who sold me my puppy would not give me the right to register my purebred GSD as a purebred GSD unless I got her spayed. We bought her with the intention of eventually breeding and keeping some puppies for ourselves but also selling a few. I would be breeding my dog with a purebred GSD who is registered, but since I cannot register my dog due to this lady's way of giving me limited rights I would not be able to register the pups either. She is our rescue dog. I got a blood test done that shows she is a purebred German Shepherd, but there is no way of knowing whether she was registered or not. We are going to breed her with one of my friend's purebred German Shepherd males. I was thinking of selling the puppies for around , which is about 1, dollars cheaper than what they are selling registered puppies for in this area. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. 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 parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.