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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Lucky for you, German Shepherds are the third most intelligent dog breed in the world next to the Border Collie and the Poodle. Which means it is the most intelligent large dog breed. Being obedient is natural for them. They can learn tricks in a snap of a finger. Plus, their character trait of being a pleaser makes them highly trainable. So, that makes German Shepherd puppies one of the easiest dog breeds to potty train. It means having the time and energy to teach them, especially potty-training. Generally, German Shepherd potty-training age or house-breaking age should be as young as possible. Depending on its age, it can hold its bladder from 30 minutes up to 4 hrs. When a GSD puppy reaches weeks, it has the ability to hold its bladder for up to 2 hours. At 16 weeks, a GSD puppy can hold its bladder from 2 hours up to 4 hours. By the time it is 6 months old, it should be completely potty-trained. Luckily, for owners whose puppies were born in the house, GSD moms will be responsible for cleaning up the mess. But owners are expected to potty-train them before they get used to messing up everywhere. There are many ways of potty-training pets, and the best way to potty-train a German Shepherd puppy depends on which method you will use. What matters is how effective the method is for your GSD puppy and the amount of time and patience that you have. Choosing a suitable spot One known GSD behavior is dominance. If an owner will let the GSD puppy choose the spot where it wants to relieve itself, chances are, it will always do its business there. So, owners should act as the leader of the pack to avoid disobedience. That spot should be comfortable enough for your GSD puppy and convenient enough for you to clean up. Which means their potty time will depend on their meal times. Meal is not the only reason for relieving themselves. Activities will make them very excited, so be ready to let them relieve right after. Command Use one command to signal your GSD puppy to go potty. This command should be used all throughout the entire potty training period. Rewards Give your GSD puppy small treats or even toys and praise it for doing such a good job. Positive reinforcement will encourage your puppy to do the same behavior. You need patience, time and dedication. Some training methods are quite confusing for owners. Here are a few things that owners might want to consider. To crate or not to crate See also Pannus and other German Shepherd Eye Problems Crate training is a good way to train your puppy not to make a mess in your home. For some dedicated pet owners, aside from potty times after meals, they choose to give their puppies early morning and late evening potty time They are also especially alert when their puppies are crying or making sounds at night. This approach might make you feel a little sleepless at first, but consider the benefits you will gain. Dog training pads Dog training pads can help you prevent your GSD puppy to make a mess in your house. Most potty pads or training pads are made of absorbent materials with odor control that keeps your floor clean and mess-free. The problem is, your puppy might get used to the idea that it can relieve itself in the house anytime it wants to. Plus, it might take time to wean your GSD puppy off from potty pads. But if you need to go to work or you need to leave your GSD puppy at home, you can use potty pads to avoid mess. There are a number of pet owners who choose to keep their puppies in their house on a leash instead of crate training. It usually takes a few weeks to 4 months for puppies to completely learn potty-training. The younger the puppy the better it will adapt to potty-training. The more patient the owner, the faster it will take for the puppy to be fully potty-trained. Be consistent on the routine that you have set. GSD puppies are known for their obedience. So, being consistent in the routine will result in success. Strictly follow regular feeding and potty time schedules. Do not overfeed your puppy especially at night. Observe your puppy before and after going to the loo. This will help you identify when it needs to have a go. Use potty-training spray to encourage your GSD puppy to relieve in your chosen spot. Do not play with your puppy when bringing it to the designated potty area. Or else, it will forget the purpose of going out. Always use commands and hand signals everytime you bring your puppy out for potty time. This is for your puppy to recall the meaning of your command and hand signals. Conclusion German Shepherd potty-training might be a little challenging in the beginning, but with your patience and understanding, it will take no time at all before you can successfully potty-train them. There are many techniques that you can choose, the keypoint is it should be according to your capabilities and time. Always remember that GSDs are highly intelligent dogs. If you start potty-training right, it will end in success. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. This is never acceptable. Unfortunately, this can make it somewhat challenging for owners and families with no one at home during the working day. My German Shepherd was never left for more than three hours in her crate during the day. She was crate trained as soon as we brought her home at eight weeks old, as recommended by her breeder. If you check out this fantastic video below from celebrity dog trainer Zak George on how to crate train a puppy, around halfway through the video, he confirms that you should never leave dogs for more than four hours in a crate and less for younger puppies. How to Crate Train a Puppy German Shepherds that have been crate trained love their crate and see it as somewhere comfortable where they can go to feel safe and secure. They see it as their special den where no one else is allowed and where they can either eat, rest, or play with their favorite chew toys. Plus, puppies need loads of attention, playtime, and socialization. The same goes for house-trained adult dogs, who should be allowed outside to pee at least times during the day. You must always exercise your German Shepherd and allow him to go to the toilet before leaving him in a crate for a few hours. You can always invest in a pet camera, such as a Furbo from Amazon, to keep an eye on them from time to time and make sure they are okay. You can get cheaper dog cameras, but I just love how these can toss treats out to your dog, which you control remotely from your smartphone! Extended periods longer than four hours can lead to various mental and physical health issues for your dog. Here are a few significant side effects of leaving a German Shepherd in a crate for longer than four hours a day: Restlessness during the evening is common when owners leave their dogs in a crate for too many hours each day. Pacing, whining, and excessive energy might occur when a German Shepherd is supposed to be tired or winding down for the night. Separation anxiety is an unfortunate issue that GSDs have to deal with sometimes. If they need to pee or poop while stuck in the crate for hours on end, they could develop rashes or infections. After all, would you? Joint issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia is a disease prevalent in older German Shepherds. If your adult dog is crated for hours and hours during the day, then he cannot stretch out and move around sufficiently. The lack of space and cramped conditions without exercise for hours can cause additional pain and discomfort due to your GSDs hip dysplasia. German Shepherds left in their cage for excessively long times can develop heart or other health conditions. Without enough exercise throughout the day, GSDs can become ill very quickly. Remember, they were initially bred as herding dogs and are still used as working dogs today due to their fitness, strength, and stamina. They should have open running space, and they need two periods of at least minutes of exercise per day, including mental stimulation and lots of playtimes. Never uses a crate as a way of punishment for your German Shepherd. It should be a happy place where they associate positive experiences. Regarding crate size, German Shepherds should have an extra-large one, no smaller than 48 inches. This allows for enough space for your dog to move around and stretch out without being too confined to a small area. You need a metal or wire crate, preferably a heavy-duty one that will be impossible to break as German Shepherds are strong dogs. Most metal crates will fold down, making them easily transportable, and you can opt for either a single or double door or both, depending on how you wish to position the crate. I like the Midwest Homes for Pets dog crate as it comes with the option of double doors, has a divider panel, and is easy to set up. You can read more about why I like this crate in this article, 8 Best Dog Crates for German Shepherds and Playpens Nonetheless, a crate on its own will not just turn into a safe haven for your dog and keep him entertained. It can be as big as the whole crate, or you could leave half of it uncovered for them to move around easier and leave some space for them to cool down on the tray if they get too warm. Either way, you need to make it cozy, and washable soft bedding is essential to allow them to lay down comfortably. One way of solving all these problems is to go for the Big Barker crate pad. Plenty of toys. Imagine being stuck in a small room for hours and hours with nothing to do. Providing them with various interesting chew and interactive toys, such as KONG toys , will prevent them from becoming bored. Food and water. Purchase clip-on bowls to prevent them from being tipped over. A blanket to cover the crate. Place a blanket or cover over the top of the crate. This makes the crate feel more like a den and can help your dog feel more secure, especially if he is clingy. As long as they have food, water, and shelter, such as a large dog house, they should be able to adapt fairly quickly. This can be done; however, it will require lots of training, patience, and a gradual transition. Get dog gates for your house. These gates allow you to decide how much space your puppy can have to move around in your house by sectioning off various off-limit areas. Purchase indoor or outdoor dog fences or playpens for your puppy. These products are perfect for young GSDs who need more room to move around. Some of these can even be connected to a crate to make a fantastic combination of a cozy resting space and room to roam. If you have a higher budget or need a playpen, look at the BestPet Dog Pen. Slowly train your German Shepherd to roam free throughout the house. This process will take some time, from puppyhood into adulthood. You can start by initially leaving the crate door open when you go out or gradually increasing the size of their gated area until it fits the size of a room. My GSD, Willow, was 12 months old before I started leaving her crate door open and two years old before she was allowed free reign of the house. However, it is important to gradually increase the time they spend outside the crate and to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation when they are out of the crate. It is also important to ensure that your German Shepherd has access to water and a comfortable place to rest when they are in the crate. It is also recommended to cover the crate with a blanket or sheet to create a den-like environment and provide your dog with a sense of security. Using a crate can be a helpful tool for managing separation anxiety in German Shepherds. However, it is important to introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive and comfortable space for your dog. You should also avoid leaving your dog in the crate for extended periods of time and provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation when they are out of the crate. When crate training your German Shepherd, always provide food, water, comfy bedding, and enough toys for them to enjoy and keep themselves entertained. My German Shepherd adored her crate. She loved to go and settle in her crate if she wanted to rest and needed some peace and quiet away from me! Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough. The average adult dog should be allowed to relieve itself at least times per day. That's at least once every 8 hours. Size The body size of your pet is also an important factor. A small or toy breed dogs has a very tiny dog bladder compared to a larger dog. How long can dogs hold their pee? It's estimated how often do dogs pee approximately ml per pound of body weight. So a 5 lbs dog will pee between 1. That's not a lot, but how much can their tiny dog bladders hold? Half an ounce? An ounce at best? Every dog is different, and their bathroom habits are unique too. Our guidelines are general estimates, but your dog may fall well below or even exceed these averages. Make sure you are making a bathroom schedule that best suits your individual pup. Health Many pet health conditions can contribute to more frequent urination. Urinary tract issues, kidney stone problems, diabetes, and even weight problems can be a factor. Medications play a role as well. Some medications can have a diuretic effect, meaning it encourages more frequent urination. It could be a symptom of a health issue that needs to be addressed. Diet The type of food you feed plays an important role in your urinary health issues. Moisture-rich foods , like raw and wet dog food , can increase the amount and frequency of their pee. Hydration is good. Even though your dog may need to pee a bit more often, moisture-rich diets aid in digestion and can flush out toxins and bacteria that build up in their body. Just like in humans, the colour of their pee can indicate dehydration. Dark yellow pee is not a good sign. The Importance of a Bathroom Routine We mentioned earlier that young dog can hold their pee for quite a while. On average dogs can hold their pee for up to hours if they have to. If the need arises and your pet will be home alone for that long, most young dogs will manage, but asking them to do this on a regular basis may have some negative consequences. Forcing your dog to hold his dog bladder for too long on a regular basis can increase the risk of: Urinary tract infections — part of the urination cycle is to help the body flush out bacteria and toxins that build up in the kidney, bladder, and urethra. Holding their pee allows that bacteria to continue populating in the urinary tract. This can lead to crystal or stone formation, and blockages that can quickly become life-threatening. For dogs prone to urinary issues, try a urinary support product like Cranimals to help reduce bacteria buildup. Urinary cancer — carcinogens in urine will have more opportunity to interact with cells the longer they are in contact with the bladder. This is a less common issue but should still be considered when deciding how long your pet must wait for a pee break. Incontinence — It's more common in ageing pets, but incontinence can happen to dogs at any age. When dogs are repeatedly made to hold their pee for too long, over-distention of the bladder can occur and damage the muscle and surrounding tissues leading to leaks. This damage may be irreversible, so prevention is key. If your dog is experiencing any issues when it comes to bathroom needs, then you need to contact your vet immediately. Not peeing, straining to pee, peeing way too often, leaking, and blood in the urine are all common signs of a much bigger issue. Potty Training Issues If your dog is having accidents in the house consistently, then you may need to consider why. The first thing you should do is connect with your vet to rule out a medical issue. If your dog is a healthy dog, then the problem could be behavioural. Excitement Peeing For puppies , and even young adult dogs, excitement peeing is common. This is commonly referred to as puppy piddles. How long should I walk my dog in the door, does your dog immediately pee? It doesn't always mean that he just can't hold it any longer. It likely means that he is overwhelmed by the excitement of seeing you. How many times should a dog pee a day? You can un-train this behaviour by simply ignoring your dog until he is calm enough to reward it with attention. This will take time, patience, and consistency. Fortunately, many younger dogs outgrow these peeing habits on their own. Marking Territory marking is another reason that your dog may be having accidents in the house. It's most common in un-neutered males, but fixed dogs of both genders can have this bad habit. The psychology of territory marking is rooted in their natural instincts. It's a game of control. Often this habit forms when a new pet or person is introduced into the home that makes your dog feel that his position in the hierarchy is threatened. Marking behaviours from intact dogs can usually be solved by getting them fixed. Talk to your vet about whether spaying or neutering your pet is the best option. Fixed dogs that mark typically do so out of anxiety. Keeping your pet stimulated, both mentally and physically will relieve stress, anxiety, and fear. Anxiety relief products, such as the Thundershirt , can also be a helpful tool when managing marking behaviours. Check out the link below for more information on this great product. Choose the options that best suit your dog's needs. Pee pads — these are especially helpful for young puppies and dogs that are kennel trained. Indoor bathroom — For free-roaming dogs, an indoor potty training system can allow your dog to relieve themselves whenever they need to. Like a litter box for dogs. Which, by the way, also exists. Doggy door — If you have a secure, fenced backyard, consider installing a doggy door. Your dog can come and go as he pleases, and you can stop worrying about leaving him alone with no bathroom break. This fun and engaging environment will allow him to run and play all day while being supervised by trained professionals. Lunch break check-up — This option is only great for those that live close to where they work. If you can, try to duck home on your lunch break for a quick hangout with your pooch. You can manage his bathroom needs, and give him some extra attention and exercise to break up his day. This is the best of both worlds for anyone lucky enough to have this option. Your dog doesn't have to be home alone, and you get to hang out with the coolest co-worker ever. Frequently Asked Questions How long can an adult dog hold its pee? Adult dogs can generally hold their pee for about 6 to 8 hours. Can puppies hold their pee as long as adult dogs? No, puppies have smaller bladders and less control, so they typically need to pee more frequently, often every 2 to 4 hours. Are there breed-specific differences in how long dogs can hold their pee? Yes, some small breeds may need more frequent bathroom breaks compared to larger breeds, which can hold it longer. How can I extend the time my dog can hold its pee? You can gradually increase the time between bathroom breaks through training, but it's important not to make them wait too long, as it can lead to discomfort or accidents. What are signs that my dog needs to pee urgently? Signs include restlessness, pacing, whining, sniffing the ground, circling, or scratching at the door. Should I limit water intake to help my dog hold its pee longer? No, it's essential to provide access to fresh water, and limiting it can lead to dehydration. Instead, focus on regular bathroom breaks and proper training. She has worked in the pet industry for over a decade and loves to share her passion for animal welfare with others. She is currently working for one very rebellious cat, Jack, and hanging out with a goofy but loveable doggo named Roxy. Age can be grouped into three stages; Puppies Puppies cannot hold pee for long as adult dogs, their bladders are small in size and not fully developed. Younger puppies will need more potty breaks than older ones. This means a one-month-old puppy will hold pee for an hour, two months old for two hours, and so on. You should train them from an early age so that even when they will have a high holding capacity they will have known their place. Though they can hold it longer, it is not advisable to let him hold it as it can lead to urinary tract complications. The amount of water consumed by your dog will also affect the number of hours he can hold his bladder. Elderly For a dog to be considered old, the breed plays a big role. If a dog is old, he will not be as active as he used to be, his diet and potty break schedule will change. An old dog is also prone to urinary tract infections which can make him not hold urine for long. At this age, pee pads are convenient. Size A big dog will hold his bladder for longer compared to a small one. Big dogs have a large bladder to hold more urine while small ones fill theirs quickly. Urinary tracts infections, diabetes, and kidney stones can make your dog hold urine for fewer hours. Take him to a vet for treatment, but also if your dog is under medication he can change his peeing routine. Anxiety If your dog is anxious or stressed, he will pee frequently. Even the trained dogs when anxious, will not hold it for long. Talk to a dog behaviorist for advice on how to handle an anxious dog. Change in Seasons During the hot season dogs tend to drink lots of water, they reduce their body temperatures by peeing frequently. In the cold season, they will drink less water hence peeing less. A dog that feeds on too much dry food will tend to pee less compared to one the feeds on wet foods. If you feed your dog too much dry food, you make him prone to urinary tract infections and digestion problems. Level of Training If you do not train your dog to hold his bladder, he will pee whenever and wherever he wants. You should potty train your dog at an early age. If you take him out to pee at a specific time, he will hold his bladder waiting for the time. Have a regular schedule to avoid confusing your dog. Place toys, food, and water for him to relate the crate with good activities. When he is finally comfortable with the crate, lock him inside. The dog will take the crate as his territory and he cannot pee or poo inside. Take away water bowls hours before his sleeping time, he will have less urine when you lock him in a crate. Use a strong detergent as dogs can smell the urine and pee again at the same spot. Conclusion Remember that dogs depend on us to help in doing lots of things. They also have needs just like human beings. If you want a healthy dog, take him out for potty services. Do not experiment with the duration he can hold it. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts.

Breeder Referral Among companion animals, boxers are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to humankind. Anyone who has ever loved a boxer can attest to its hundred-fold return. The excitement your boxer shows when you come home, the wagging tail at the sound of the leash being taken from its hook, the delight in the tossing of a tennis ball, and the head nestled in your lap-those are only some of the rewards of being a boxer owner. Owning a boxer is not just a privilege, it's a responsibility. These animals depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. If you are considering taking a boxer into your life, you need to think seriously about the commitment that boxer ownership entails. If you already have a boxer, you need to consider if you are fulfilling all your obligations as its owner. The ABC does not recommend, guarantee, endorse, nor rate breeders, their kennels, or their stock. We also do not examine individual dogs. Buyers beware in all instances. For more information on puppies available in your area, contact our Breeder Referral Chairman: Fran Illuzzi Email: illuzzifran gmail. Find a Responsible Breeder To find a responsible breeder, go to a dog show or visit the breed's Parent Club for additional resources and contact information. Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them. Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of the puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in terms of temperament and appearance. Observe the premises. Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their breeder. Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and their adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers. Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed - including what's being done to avoid them. Establish a good rapport with the breeder. You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a crisis at any stage of its life. Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and littermates. Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations. Don't leave the premises without the appropriate documentation of the dog's pedigree, a. You'll need to send in this application form to register your dog with the AKC. Welcome to our website! A photo of Rocky, the best Boxer ever, and the one who started it all! We are a family owned operation that breeds champion bloodline AKC Boxer puppies. Our objective is to produce the highest quality puppies, for family pets and companions. We do not offer nor do we guarantee our puppies for show or breeding, instead we would rather they be considered by the people that adopt them as family members, preferably as children! Our love for Boxers came about after we welcomed our first Boxer Rocky into our home. He is an amazing dog, and has been the backbone of our program, providing many of the adult Boxers that we have today. Although he is no longer used for breeding, his amazing personality seems to be what everyone we encounter is looking for in a Boxer. It's no accident that we chose to keep his puppies, they have the same laid-back and relaxed personalities as Rocky. We are vigilant to assure that our puppies are the finest available, we use the best technology to closely monitor the mother and her babies for the first eight weeks. We work with and handle the puppies daily, pampering them helps to create superior emotional health. Three days after birth dew claws are removed and tails are docked by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations and deworming is completed utilizing a strict program, all documentation is provided. Pre-crate training begins at six weeks of age. Puppies are socialized with adult dogs and other animals, such as cats at an early age. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. All else Copyright Riverhillboxers. All Rights Reserved.

Raised in a military family have lived in many places, My father retired here, so Arizona is my home, Boxer Mom Pups AZ has been breeding and raising boxers for 12 years. American Bulldogs for 3 yrs. We offer short term visiting. We have more than 20 years of breeding experience, We search high and low to find the best homes to suit our dogs. We have older dogs also, some are retired breeding stock that are waiting to become a couch potato! For Pet - Only homes, please. Some are rescues that we acquired due to families moving and can't take them or abandoned pets. All have been vet checked and are healthy and ready to go to their forever home. Let us know what you're looking for and we'll try to fit you with the right companion. We also have several males up for stud service, and breed back to our male pups on request and approval! When you choose your new companion, our relationship doesn't stop, we are available for any questions or concerns you may have just call or text. I have helped over the phone and in person with the birthing process with new moms and owners. We love getting pictures, visits as the pups grow along getting your feedback on our testimonial page about your experience with us! Boxer Newborn Puppy Care Overview If you have had a litter of Boxer puppies at your home and you are in charge of taking care of a newborn Boxer puppy, much attention must be taken during the first 8 weeks. From the moment of birth until the pups are at least 2 months old, a person must be close by and ready for any situation. Each week will bring new changes and responsibilities. This is a crucial time for care that can shape the health of the dog for its lifetime. How to Know if a Boxer Puppy is Getting Enough Milk The amount of times that a newborn puppy drinks milk from its mother varies from pup to pup. The important aspect is to know if a puppy is receiving enough throughout the day. Sometimes larger newborns will push their way to Mama and smaller puppies may not be getting enough milk. Some puppies may not be strong enough to suckle from smaller nipples some will be larger than others or strong enough to suckle once other pups have done so, and as the milk supply runs lower a puppy needs to suckle harder. How do you know if a Boxer puppy is getting enough milk? It is important to weigh each puppy. This can be done with a baby scale or electronic kitchen scale. Of course, take great care when weighing them. Always use the same type of blanket or cushioning on the scale so that you always get an accurate weight and the blanket does not affect the weight Weigh each puppy 2 times per day: AM and PM Keep careful track of who is who! You can do this by using a dot of white-out fluid applied to the ear in a certain area or other gentle marking method If a puppy shows no weight gain each day, you must take steps to ensure that pup receives more nutrition If a newborn is not gaining weight: Give the larger puppies a supplement Allow the smaller puppy to drink first; the larger puppies will have more strength to suck harder to retrieve their milk If There is a Weight Loss: This can be extremely dangerous. During the first few days it will not be milk; it will be Colostrum. This is a highly nutritional fluid that gives vital antibodies to the puppy. The puppy will sleep almost all the time, when not drinking. The Boxer pup will also make soft noises. As long as the puppy's body is warm and you feel him or her breathing naturally, all should be fine. A puppy this young will not be able to eliminate on its own. The mother will lick the pup to stimulate the expulsion of bowel or urine. Do not be shocked if the dam then eats this. The newborn Boxer puppy will have its eyes closed. They will stay this way for about 10 to 15 days. The umbilical cord will still be damp and certainly not ready to fall off. Day 2 It is perfectly normal for a Boxer puppy to lose weight on its 2nd day of life. Carefully watch for any Boxer newborn that seems to be getting pushed out of the way by other pups and unable to drink from mom. If this is happening, remove the other puppies after they feed and allow the hungry puppy to nurse alone, not bothered by their brothers and sisters. Day 3 Talk to your veterinarian regarding docking the tail , if you have decided to do so. This is often done on day 3. This decision should be carefully thought about. In addition, the Boxer puppy's cord will be dry and just about ready to fall off. Dewclaws, if removed, are usually done so on this day by your dog's experienced veterinarian. Week 1 Puppies should be weighed each day. This can be done by preparing a small basket, lined with a soft and clean towel. The basket can be placed on the scale first, with the weight noted. Then, the puppy should be placed inside the basket. Subtract the weight of the basket to have the exact weight of your Boxer puppy. There should be an increase each day. If not, be sure to immediately contact your dog's veterinarian. Nails grow very quickly and should be trimmed as often as each day if needed. A clotting solution, such as Kwik Stop should be used in case the quick of the nail is cut by accident something to carefully avoid. As the pup matures, many owners find that a grinder tool works much better than a clipper. Some dogs need to learn to tolerate the noise, but once they do, grinding down nails can be fast and easy. Week 2 The eyes of the Boxer puppy may begin to open. This is a slow process in which they will open bigger and for more time each day. Puppies will still be nesting near mom. You should take a bit more time to handle the puppies. This is done to slowly allow the mother to become used to you holding them and for the puppies to begin bonding with you. Week 3 The Boxer puppy's eyes should be completely open. Ears will be open now, as well. The ear canal should be fully formed. This is a bit of a noisy time, as the Boxer puppies will begin to find their "voices" and begin to bark. A 3 week old Boxer will have an urge to leave the whelping box. They will have an instinctual urge to eliminate outside of their resting and sleeping area. One side of the box can be removed, with newspapers placed right outside. A 2nd box can be connected to the 1st whelping box. This will allow the pups to have room to romp around and play. This will also give the Boxer mom time to rest without her puppies jumping all over her. Allowing the puppies to play with each other in a safe and comfortable box is a necessary part of the first socialization they need. Week 4 When does a Boxer puppy begin eating solid food? The weaning process begins just about now, in Week 4. You may also wish to offer the very health option of homemade meals of only fresh ingredients. Start with small amounts. It will be a slow yet steady process for a puppy's digestive system to become used to solid food. Extra heating can be removed. The room should be at a comfortable 72 F .Week 5 You should begin introducing small toys to the puppy. The weight of the puppy should still be checked, this can be done every other day now. Normal weight varies very much but should fall in the range of 2 lbs. Feeding should change slightly, with more puppy food and less water. The dam may want to spend more time away from the puppies. This is where an owner must step in and have much more interaction with the puppies. While still fragile, they should be more than happy to be patted, cuddled and played with. Week 6 A Boxer puppy will be eating quite a bit of puppy dog food than before. Too young to be house trained , this may be a messy week or 2 since bowel movements will become more frequent. While it is too early to expect a puppy to be trained yet, if the weather is warm and day this is a great week to introduce a puppy to the outside world. If you are caring for more than 1 pup, take each one outside separately or 2 at the most. Always keep the Boxer on a leash and beware of any dogs in the area. Allow them to become used to what grass feels like! Allow a pup to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of a cool breeze. Week 7 Puppies may not be nursing at all any more. They should be spending quite a bit of time with you and with the other puppies. Going outside should be a daily routine. The dam should be brought outside with the pups; she will use this time to teach them skills. This is the time to be very close to a dog's normal routine of grooming , feeding, exercise and play time. Week 8 This is the week that the puppies will receive their 1st vaccinations. If you will not be keeping the puppies, now is the time to begin the process of finding them a good home. All prospective owners should be evaluated fully. Make home visits if possible. Do not be afraid to ask many questions. If you will be keeping all or some of the puppies, now is the time to fall into normal care for your dog. Housebreaking training can begin as well as falling back into your normal schedule. See Also: Boxer puppy care - Overview of what is needed to take great care of a new Boxer puppy. Boxer dog questions and answers - Round-up of some of the most common issues and care elements with the Boxer breed. As stated above, Boxer puppies should remain with their mother and siblings until they are at least 8 weeks old. In some states and countries, this is actually a law! This is both ill-advised and even frowned upon due to a range of negative consequences that can happen from an early removal explained in the next section Many veterinarians and reputable breeders will often say that this is one way to weed out the good breeders from the shady ones. And if you come across a breeder that seems a little too pushy for your money and encourages you to take the puppy before 8 weeks, you should look elsewhere! Is 6 weeks too young for a boxer puppy to leave its mother? Yes, 6 weeks is too young for a puppy to leave their mother. In some states and countries, this is even the law. Boxer puppies are strong and they also like to bite and chew. And when it hurts them, they are going to turn round and give him a good telling off. And trust me, that will be painful! Puppies Socialize With Their Siblings Socializing is an important part of developing a well-behaved, friendly dog. But it starts pretty much from day one, with his brothers and sisters. Getting as much socialization as possible with his siblings and his mother will prove an important part of his overall personality and character. Allowing him that time to interact, sniff, play, argue, eat, and sleep next to his canine pack is invaluable despite being so young. Boxers grow to be big, strong, and particularly hyper, especially during their adolescence. Managing and training a Boxer can be difficult under the best of circumstances, let alone raising one who was already removed from his mother too early. Disclaimer: As I mentioned at the start of this section, there are many examples of dogs including Boxers who grow up to be well-behaved and friendly despite being removed from their mother too early. Even though puppies will have health assessments done by veterinarians, some conditions may go undiscovered for a little while. The longer you are able to wait before bringing home a puppy, the higher the chances are that your puppy is fit and healthy Some breeders shady ones may even offer a discounted price for puppies that are too young to be sold. Not only are they trying to grab your money, but it may have something to do with health issues and the increased risk on your part. This is original content produced and published by The Puppy Mag www. If you go to visit a litter and you see a puppy you like, the next important question is how old are they, and this can be a make or break moment. Full documentation, health assessments, and even the documentation of the parents should all be available for you, and at no point, should the breeder try selling you a puppy under 8 weeks. Boxer articles on The Puppy Mag:. So You Want A Boxer? Mar 17, Jun 22, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So you want a Boxer? I personally have a soft spot for Boxers thanks to fond childhood memories. Both were fawn colored and great with kids. One of my pet sitting clients was also a black brindle colored Boxer who loved to play catch me if you can in his yard. His name was Bogart and he was the most beautiful Boxer I have ever seen, and I swear he was aware of his good looks! Known as brachycephalic dogs, their nasal passages are much shorter than those of dogs with long snouts. That makes them more prone to overheating on hot summer days than dogs with regularly sized nasal passages. The same applies to tail docking. Besides a more natural look, undocked Boxers with a full tail are also better swimmers and can communicate more effectively with other dogs and humans too. It simply means teaching your Boxer to follow rules that are important to you. For example, no pulling on walks , not being allowed on furniture, no jumping on guests, waiting for your OK to eat, not racing through an open door, etc. They enjoy being close to their humans, including adults and children. For instructions, check out our blog post 21 Dog Training Commands. Boxers Are Classified As Working Dogs Did you know that thanks to their courage, strength and stamina, Boxers were originally used to hunt wild boar and bears?

Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. This hybrid breed, sometimes referred to as a golden German shepherd, is utterly adorable, incredibly smart, very loyal to his family members , and, above all else, supremely lovable. Golden shepherds make great pets for families that have plenty of time and energy to dedicate to daily exercise and affection. Appearance Golden shepherds, like other hybrid breeds, get their traits from both parent breeds. Half German shepherd, half golden retriever, they may closely resemble one parent or the other, or they may look like some combination of the two—it all depends. Golden retrievers typically stand 21—25 inches tall and weigh 55—75 pounds. As this breed's name suggests, their fur color falls somewhere along the yellow spectrum—from creamy white to dark golden. They have feathery tails that are almost always wagging happily. German shepherds tend to be about the same size as golden retrievers, weighing between 50—90 pounds and standing 22—26 inches tall. These regal-looking canines are typically black and tan but they can also have black, black with red, sable, or white fur, too. Similarly, golden shepherds may have the floppy, folded-over ears of a golden retriever or the alert, upright ears of a German shepherd. No matter which parent your golden shepherd puppy looks like, he's basically guaranteed to be cute. A full-grown golden shepherd will likely be a medium- to large-sized dog , so consider how much space you have before bringing one home. Temperament For lovers of German shepherds and golden retrievers, golden shepherd dogs are the perfect happy medium. These good-natured pups get the brains of a German shepherd, the happy-go-lucky attitude of a golden retriever, and the family-friendliness of both parent breeds. Golden retrievers are cheerful, fun-loving dogs with delightful personalities—there's a reason they're so popular, particularly among families with kids. They love to romp and play, but they're equally as happy snuggling up on the couch for movie night. Golden retrievers absolutely adore getting attention from their human owners—pets, scratches, praise, and cuddles are their favorite—so they're all-around top-notch companions who would gladly follow you anywhere. They are friendly with new people and almost always steal the spotlight at parties. They love going for walks and learning new cues and tricks , so some daily blend of physical and mental stimulation is important for keeping a German shepherd happy. They love their human family members deeply and are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they like to be in the same room with their people at all times. They'll readily alert you to a delivery at the door, too. As a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, golden shepherds will likely have varying personalities that incorporate attributes from their parents, according to Nicole Ellis , CPDT-KA, pet lifestyle expert with Rover. This makes them ideal for families that spend a lot of time at home or young professionals with remote jobs. Puzzle toys and feeders can help keep your golden shepherd engaged, too. Care Grooming a golden shepherd is relatively low-maintenance, though be forewarned: Your dog will likely shed a fair amount golden retrievers and German shepherds both shed heavily in the spring and fall and moderately year-round. To keep your golden shepherd looking his most handsome, brush his coat at least once a week and bathe him with shampoo formulated specially for dogs as necessary. Regular brushing can also help keep the shedding in check, to a degree, but you may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner , too. Courtesy of bella. Also, brush your golden shepherd's teeth nightly or at least as often as you can manage! Set a reminder to clean your golden shepherd's ears regularly , too. Though your golden shepherd may naturally be a very social dog, thanks to his golden retriever lineage, it's still important to socialize him from a young age. This way, he'll be comfortable around new sights, smells, sounds, people, and other dogs. Puppy kindergarten training classes can help your golden shepherd puppy learn new cues while also interacting with other pooches of all shapes and sizes as well as their owners. As you search for a training facility or begin to prepare your own training plans , keep in mind that golden shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement that involves a reward, such as high-value treats , petting, and effusive praise, Ellis says. Health A golden shepherd's health and expected lifespan depend greatly on the health of his two parents. German shepherds, which typically live 7—10 years, can be susceptible to certain genetic diseases and conditions, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , epilepsy , bleeding disorders, eye conditions , degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Golden retrievers tend to live slightly longer with average lifespans between 10—12 years. Like German shepherds, golden retrievers may also experience elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Golden retrievers are also susceptible to allergies and hypothyroidism. The good news is that hybrid breeds tend to have fewer medical problems than purebred dogs, she says, though you should still be aware of these common concerns. History As with other hybrid breeds, the exact history of the golden shepherd is unknown. We do know that golden retrievers were developed in the mid-to-late s in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, who wanted to develop a skilled hunting dog who could tackle the region's rugged terrain. German shepherds hail from Germany, where they were developed in the late s by a German cavalry officer named Capt. Max von Stephanitz. These intuitive dogs learn quickly, which is why they're such a popular choice for police work, search and rescue missions, and other important jobs. Today, golden shepherds are primarily companion animals and pets. There aren't many golden shepherd breeders in the U. But check with local animal shelters and rescue groups regularly, as they may have a mixed-breed dog with some German shepherd and golden retriever in his DNA or dogs with similar characteristics to these two pups! Fun Facts If you're training for a marathon or planning a big summit, a golden shepherd will gladly accompany you on your training runs and hikes. These pups are very sporty and have a lot of endurance not to mention that they'd get to spend time with you, their favorite person! Large breeds like golden retrievers and Germans shepherds can become overweight if left to their own devices. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and talk with a veterinarian about the best way to keep him fit and healthy. Golden shepherds are good contenders for dog sports like agility, rally, obedience, and more. They love a good session of fetch in the backyard, too. Was this page helpful? This dog is a cross between the German shepherd and the Golden Retriever. Crossbreeding entails incorporating the best qualities and attributes of two pure breeds to bring about new breeds commonly referred to as crossbreeds, hybrids, and designer dogs. Taking care of Golden Shepherds is not daunting, as long as the pup gets placed with a vibrant family who can assure them company and match their energy levels. The German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever dogs are friendly, loyal, intelligent, playful, and full of energy. These two breeds are well-known and make the most loyal dog breeds in the entire animal kingdom. So what happens when you mix the two? Mixing the two integrates exceptional qualities from both parents, bringing about this large, robust, and charming bundle of joy. To get a more profound understanding of this mix, it is imperative to learn more about the parent breeds. Origins of The German Shepherd The German shepherd is one of the most common and recognizable breeds that have been in existence for more than years. These dogs began as sheepherders in Germany and were highly esteemed for their work ethics more than their appearance. Towards the beginning of the 20th century, an effort was established to create a specific dog of Germany. The first German shepherd breed club was started by Max Emil Frederick von Stephanitz, where he came up with a club to maintain and control the breed standards. He also purchased a stud that he perceived as the perfect German shepherd, which he then went ahead to breed. His continuous efforts led to a dramatic surge in the popularity of German Shepherds. This breed later gained back its popularity with the public during the s and has been used more by the police and the military. The breed was started by a British aristocrat known as Lord Tweedmouth. Although the breed is known to be of Scottish heritage , Tweedmouth bought the first Retriever in Brighton, England, where he later coached the dog to retrieve birds. As time progressed, he decided to breed the dog with a type of water spaniel that is non-existent today. Eventually, the Golden Retriever was bred to be a sporting dog. Since the dog is extremely intelligent, it is usually used to track and sniff out contraband for law enforcement and carry out charity tasks such as guiding the blinds. However, it began becoming popular amongst breeders in .It is a crossbreed of purebred Golden Retriever and a purebred German shepherd. The Golden shepherd appeared as a designer dog during its initial stage but eventually found its way into the shelter and rescue organizations. This pup has no dull days as they are fun, energetic, boisterous, a great companion, and exhibits so much affection to all family members, including small kids. They also blend so well with strangers and outsiders. Contrary to the nature of his GSD parent, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, is patient, attentive, eager to learn and work, and does not cause trouble. Apart from being social and friendly, they are loyal and highly devoted to their master and will always offer protection in case of any danger. Since they get a deep connection with their immediate family, they have an increased potential risk of developing extreme separation anxiety. Therefore, it is not advisable to leave them alone for more than a few hours. This dog can make a great exercise partner if you love hiking and other more adventurous activities. They Require a Healthy and Balanced Diet Depending on their age, weight, and activity level, ensure to feed this pup with a quality diet rich in protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Also, refrain from incorporating additives, fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives in their diet. They are Typically Easy To Train German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training since they are always eager and quick to learn. When training this dog, involve more praise treats and allow them to relax when you realize they are getting tired, bored, or overwhelmed. They are Not Pure Breeds Like the Individual Parents German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is not a pure breed like their individual parents but rather a recently developed hybrid involving breeding a purebred golden retriever with a purebred German Shepherd. They are Not a Good Choice for Owners with Allergies The individual parents are highly known for their picturesque double coats. As a result, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has thick, double-coated fur that sheds heavily. When this pup blows his coat, it ends up losing a lot of hair. Unfortunately, it is not advisable to shave its hair, leading to heatstroke and skin and hair problems. Therefore, if you suffer from allergies or one family member has allergies, this is not the perfect dog for you. Its Average Lifespan is About Years Numerous factors can affect the overall lifespan of your dog, including a healthy diet, regular vet visits, the right exercises, genetic factors, and others. However, others can exceed this age. Some will simply refer to them as a German Sheperd Golden Retriever mix but there are other names for the breed as well such as the Golden German Shepherd, German Retriever, Golden Shepherd, or much more. More on Dog Knowledge:. Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. This is done in order for German shepherd owners who are looking to have their German Shepherd Dog as part of their family, but are unable or unwilling to have the German Shepherds that are required for Police work. This combination has many positive points, one of which being the qualities both breeds share. For example, both German shepherds and golden retrievers make great guard dogs. They are protective by nature and will protect you if they sense danger. If this sounds like your type of canine companion then read on to learn more about how you can find golden retriever cross German shepherd puppies for sale, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix puppy for adoption and German shepherd Golden retriever mix dog breeders. Parent Dogs: The German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs with a strong desire to work, which makes them great candidates for police or working-dog duties. They were originally bred in the German state of Bavaria during the 19th century to herd sheep, guard property and act as an all-purpose farm dog. German shepherds are extremely loyal and protective of their owners; you could even say they sometimes overreact about protecting you if they sense danger. This loyalty has also turned German shepherds into popular family pets today. Golden retrievers on the other hand were developed by hunters in Scotland during the 19th century as a gundog. Golden retrievers were bred to be an obedient and loyal dog, which meant they made great companions for hunters who needed a dog that could fetch lost game and return it without damaging the meat! While German shepherds make great guard dogs and golden retrievers make great hunting and retrieval dogs, German shepherd and Golden Retriever cross breeds or German Shepherd Golden retriever mix can bring together the best qualities of both breeds — obedience, loyalty, friendliness — into one pup! If not provided with enough exercises German shepherds can become destructive and hard to handle. German shepherds are a large breed so they require a significant amount of daily exercise, but Golden retrievers have been developed as family dogs throughout the years and have retained their desire to please people which also makes them great candidates as working dogs. This breed was originally bred in Germany by crossing German Shepherds with Golden Retrievers because the dogs were used to work on police and military duty. They were later exported to America in the s but this did not stop them from becoming popular across the world. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a wonderful type of dog to have. If you live in a temperate climate, this type of German shepherd mix is the perfect size for roaming around your yard and playing fetch. Golden Shepherds can be quite energetic, but they are very smart dogs. They are sweet and will make wonderful companions. They are active, trainable, obedient and intelligent; they often make perfect military or police working dogs. They will even be good with children if the owner trains them early enough between months old. This breed is popular because it can fit into many types of households without any problems. They only sleep about 10 hours every day and will fit right into your lifestyle. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes are usually very protective of their owners and will fiercely protect both children and the home front from strangers. They can be trained as police dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs or as pets. Physical Appearance Golden Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with long golden fur. You might find that the Golden Shepherd has the same appearance as other dogs, but because its hair can be difficult to maintain, it should not grow too long because you will notice the difference in the physical appearance immediately. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is one of the most popular family pets around the world, along with Labrador retriever family pet parents. The Golden Shepherd has a nice square face that covers its nose and jaws. Its ears are small and medium in size, listening to the instructions given by caregivers closely. Golden Shepherds have a long neck with good length. When seen from above, the head of the ear is slightly pointed down towards his eyes. This shape looks like an inverted triangle when viewed from above. Their hair can be short or long depending on your preference as their caregiver. Some people say it will look better if their hair is longer because they give them an elegant look. Basically, they are one of the best family pets, caring, loving, and loyal. They are highly intelligent too which makes them always fun to play with kids or other pets in the house. Temperament of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. These dogs are good-looking, friendly with children, make them the perfect choice for your family. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a high activity level so sometimes these dogs need extra physical activities to keep them free from boredom. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. They are active, friendly and love both children and other dogs! A quick note about their care requirements- these pups require someone who will be with them all day due to separation anxiety which you can take steps towards solving by creating an environment that does not make the animal feel alone or suddenly abandoned when left at home for long periods such as taking them out regularly. This individual needs regular exercise such as running around with friends after work; this helps release endorphins making it more likely one would stay healthy. However, like any other dog, they can become ill and it is important that you do everything possible to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy for as long as possible. Common Health Issues Of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix No breed is perfect and the popularity of a certain breed only means that there will be more dogs with problems. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US, with over 30 years ranking first among all breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. The most common problem in German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness and arthritis later on. If possible, buy from a good breeder who has tested their animals for hip problems. You can also have your own dog tested when it is old enough. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is generally a healthy breed, but there are some conditions from either side of the family that may develop. Some of these include: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV — formally known as bloat — where the stomach becomes extremely enlarged and twisted, this is fatal if not treated immediately; owners should know the symptoms and be prepared for an emergency situation or know what signs indicate this condition so they can seek medical attention at once if their pet exhibits them. The causes for this life-threatening problem are still unknown but it mostly affects deep-chested dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. Hip Dysplasia — dogs with this condition will walk with a peculiar gait that is noticeable once you know what to look for; they often have difficulty rising from sitting positions and seem uncoordinated. There are many possible causes but if your dog suffers from hip dysplasia it can significantly reduce his quality of life by causing him pain and discomfort, it may also shorten his lifespan. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD — this sounds very complicated but all it really means is that the articularilage of the joints does not fully cover the ends of the bones; it is more common in large breed dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. You should brush your pet daily so you can find out if the problem lies with his diet because there may be no need to wash him more often than usual. Best Diet For German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is a large to giant dog with an average weight of 65 pounds and 20 inches in height, but the designer dogs are known for their flexibility in terms of size. So, what kind of diet does your pooch require? Well, there are some things you should know about his age, breed, and health condition if any… which will help you decide how many calories he needs on a daily basis. Golden Shepherds are known to be more active than the average family pet. A Golden Shepherd loves to exercise- more or less- depending on its energy level. Also, keep in mind that she will need more calories as she grows older. Sometimes these foods can harm your pet. Adult German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix should be fed 3 times a day. However, if he eats very slowly, you might consider adding 1 or 2 extra meals because the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a tendency for over-eating which can lead to obesity very quickly. Obesity is harmful to any dog breed and can decrease its lifespan drastically even by 5 years. In fact, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix has a double coat which means he will blow his undercoat once or twice per year and lose huge amounts of hair in the process. This makes him a poor choice for those who suffer from allergies as it can be difficult to control dander and loose hair around your home. However, these dogs do tend to require less grooming than many other breeds as their coats are not as long as those on certain other working breeds like the German shepherd. Brush them only occasionally with a firm bristle brush; if you brush too often you may cause their coats to become matted. They are likely to be shy when they are young but with the right training, owners can help them become more confident in new situations. These animals will benefit from early socialization with lots of different people, dogs, children, cats, strange noises etc. Make sure you start this process as soon as possible after bringing your dog home. Exercise Needs Any dog, particularly a working breed like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, enjoys a daily exercise in the form of walks or interactive play with its owner. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix will need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day with his family. This dog needs time to run off-leash in a securely fenced area where he can explore new territory and work his muscles. Owners should never let their pets roam around unsupervised even if they are believed to have a good recall off-leash. It is also advisable that you take the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix for a long walk or hike each day to satisfy his need for exercise and additional stimulation from the environment around him. This dog will make a wonderful hiking companion as he loves being outside with his family, particularly on sunny days when he can frolic in the snow or swim in a lake. But owners should always remember to bring water along as some dogs may become dangerously overheated after an excessive amount of physical activity. Working on training new obedience commands or tricks is the perfect way to keep your pet busy while satisfying his primal instincts. First of all, know that there is no one perfect method to train every dog in the world. Each dog has its own temperament and personality, it responds better to some methods rather than others. The instruction manual for dogs does not exist because each dog is unique. Therefore, when working with your German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, you have to remember that even if I give you a bunch of tips here, they may or may not work for your dog. You will need to play around with the methods and see what works best for your new four-legged friend. Second, you must understand that although Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are both known as intelligent breeds, they come from different worlds. The Golden Retriever is an English breed and was bred to retrieve birds this explains their willingness to please and obedience , while the German Shepherd comes from Germany and was originally used by shepherds hence his protective instincts. Therefore, due to their origin and original task, these 2 dogs behave in completely opposite ways. For example, retrievers such as Golden Retrievers are used for hunting for birds in the sky, so they love taking things away and playing with them. Shepherds, on the other hand, were originally working dogs who needed to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is why you should do as much as you can to train your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix during his first 6 weeks of life or even earlier. His behavior will form during this period and anything that is not learned by then will become more difficult to teach later. On the other hand, if he learns something now it will be harder for him to unlearn it! Even though puppies are born with their eyes closed, they can still see just like cats and they start learning everything about their environment right away. Use this time wisely… Give him some space but make sure he knows where home is! This way he will learn how to find you when you call him or otherwise he may go looking for you when. You cannot imagine how often I see dogs who are lost because they followed a car or bike and never came back! Teach your puppy to walk on a leash as soon as possible, this will come in handy when you take him for a walk. This way he will learn how to behave around other dogs and people. This is because they are intelligent and have a lot of strength. The hybrid is also very easy to train because they use positive reinforcement training. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an ideal pet for people who do not want messy fur, drool or shedding because this hybrid does not suffer from any of these issues. They are also great with kids, other pets and strangers because they are naturally protective but will get along with anyone. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be great for active people. This is also the perfect breed if you live in a cold climate or if you want a dog that can work in the police or military. They are strong, loyal and easy to train. These dogs are beautiful, strong and intelligent which makes them very easy to train. They use positive reinforcement training methods that most people find effective. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be perfect for active people who enjoy working out because this hybrid combines the best features of both their parents. One of the main pros of this breed is that they have incredible leadership skills so they are trusted by police officers on duty in some parts of the world. Cons Of Having German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix Training and Socialization is a must with this breed, if not done correctly they can become aggressive towards people or other dogs, they are very protective of their family which can make them aggressive towards friends, strangers etc. They require a lot of exercise in order to burn off the excess energy they have. They are very intelligent dogs and can be stubborn at times which makes training them more difficult, if not done correctly it could lead to aggression towards other animals or people. They require a lot of attention and most likely will not be good for you and your family if you are gone often, they do not like to spend time alone. They can also become bossy or pushy which can lead to aggression unless the owner is able to control the dog. Another con is that they shed a lot although it is not as much as a German Shepherd, if you are looking for a low shedding breed this might not be the best match. If done correctly they can become the best dogs to own but if not they can become quite destructive or even dangerous towards strangers or other animals. Keep in mind that every dog is different so what applies to one may not apply to another. Take everything you hear about breeds with caution because there are always exceptions out there. For example, you can save money on spaying or neutering fees, and your pet will already be housebroken when it gets home. Additionally, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is known for being highly intelligent dogs who tend to get along well with children. It takes work, study, knowledge about genetics, and much more to produce healthy, happy dogs when crossbreeding. Unfortunately, not everyone who does their research ends up with a healthy pup. They may get a pet worthy of a loving home or a stud for a breeding program but they may also get an unhealthy hybrid whose life can be cut short by genetic problems. No one wants that. As one of the most popular hybrids, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is recognized as a hybrid of the world famous German shepherd and Golden retriever. This dog is usually referred to as a breed that has many talents. By studying more about this dog you will quickly realize that this is not only an intelligent but very loyal family pet with a good temperament. The father is always a German Shepherd and the mother can be either a purebred Golden retriever or another crossbreed such as Irish Setter, Labrador retriever, Siberian Husky, Labrador retriever, or any other breed with similar characteristics. This is a very popular dog breed that gained instant fame among celebrities, professional athletes, and ordinary people alike. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? 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.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. 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. This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. 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! If your dog is pregnant, then it's time to prepare a whelping box. Whether you create your own using a sturdy box or buy one premade, whelping boxes are important for a number of reasons. Lined with clean blankets or towels, the box helps to keep the mother comfortable while in labor. The box must be large enough that your dog can stretch and move around freely. Once they're born, puppies stay in the whelping box for around 20 days. The box keeps them safe and secure until they're big and strong enough to explore the world around them, with some premade whelping boxes including playpens to stop puppies from wandering off too soon. The video begins with Leia looking at her puppies in the whelping box despondently. The newborns, who are only a few days old and still have their eyes closed, can be seen wriggling around the small space. Sensing Leia's distress, her owner walks over to the pen and begins to put the puppies in a neat little pile in the corner. This gives Leia the chance to squeeze into the remaining space, where she lies down next to her babies. The puppies then start edging towards their mom for lunch, while Leia shuffles closer to her kids for a cuddle. A stock photo of two Golden Retriever puppies cuddled up to their mom. The cute clip left one TikTok user "sobbing. However, others suggested the real reason Leia wouldn't climb in the pen was that she needed a "break. I was trying to have a break and now I have to be a mum again," joked Vanquish. The poster obliged, and in a clip shared on January 2 , Leia and her babies can be seen in a new, much larger pen. Leia isn't the only dog mom to make social media all teary-eyed recently. A retired breeding dog named Zoey was reunited with one of her puppies in December, while a dog refusing to eat her food until her babies do received more than 1 million views. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life newsweek. Read more. 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.

Having a German Shepherd as a dog can make you anxious daily, not knowing what it is doing in your absence. Can German Shepherds be Left Alone? Check out our article Do German Shepherds get along with cats? According to research, the maximum number of hours to leave your grown German Shepherd is 4 hours. If your German shepherd is still a puppy, leaving it alone for more than one hour is not advisable. Young German Shepherds are very energetic and ponce around. They can sleep for as many as 19 — 20 hours a day, but when they are awake, they become very active. The older German Shepherds require attention for the sake of their bladder or if they are sick. Can you leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours? German Shepherds can be left alone or even in the company of other dogs. Still, it is not advisable to be left alone because of their separation anxiety and curiosity. The most your German Shepherd can and should be left alone is 4 hours. German Shepherds suffer from separation anxiety and distress when left for too long and find ways to either get to their owner or destroy the home. To begin leaving your German shepherd puppy alone, you must put them in an environment that makes you confident of their safety. It must be an environment that does not incur extra costs to replace things. There are a few tips to help you keep your mind at rest when at work. A pet cam is an amazing option for dogs like German Shepherds because of their separation anxiety. Using the pet cam provides an opportunity for your German Shepherd to see you and hear your voice even while at work. Just make sure the food provided is more than enough. If your dog has the freedom of movement in the home, you want to make sure things are in order when it comes to feeding your dog in your absence. Activity German Shepherds hate boredom and would go to any length to be entertained. They desire a lot of activity to satisfy their curiosity and restless personality. Make sure there are things to keep it busy , or else it can create sources of entertainment for itself. There are several ways a German Shepherd can be kept busy. Television and music can be left on in the house to keep it engaged Make available enough toys for it to chew on and play with Make requests from friends and neighbors to check on it and play with it Employ a dog walker to keep it active and engaged 4. Train your dog to go to the bathroom You do not want your dog messing up the whole house with pee and feces. Let your dog pick a particular spot for this, and you can train it to use a potty. Get a pee pad to signify these areas or get synthetic grass to mark them. Having a potty trained dog is important. It is easier with German Shepherds due to their intelligence. Taking your dog out for a stroll is always important. Helping your dog exhaust energy helps it through staying the day. Exercises depend on the health condition and the type of weather conditions available. Unfortunately, many people are gone for way too long, and their energetic dog breeds start getting into trouble from lack of mental stimulation. So, how long can German Shepherds be left by themselves? For puppies, this time period gets even smaller. The younger the dog, the less time you should leave them alone. They sleep a lot throughout the day, but their time awake is spent playing and exploring the house. Adolescent German Shepherds Adolescent dogs are anywhere between 6 and 18 months old. Their bladders are more developed, and they are a little more mature. Currently, it is usually okay to leave them on their own for a few hours. Still, you should limit that time because they are still full of energy. However, German Shepherds are social animals, and they love the company of their families. Despite being able to hold their bladder at this age, they are more likely to act out and howl, trying to get you to come home. This disturbs neighbors, and their lack of entertainment could cause some destruction around the house. Senior German Shepherds Senior dogs are usually older than 8 years old and need to be checked on, like adolescent dogs. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is painful and could get them in dangerous situations. Older dogs also have sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Try not to leave them alone for more than 2 or 3 hours. There are some solutions that you should seriously consider if you want to keep accidents to a minimum. Hire a Sitter Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Dog sitters or dog walkers are excellent solutions that many owners turn to when they spend their days at work. This breaks up the monotony of the day for dogs and ensures that you maintain a close bond with them. Even ten minutes of fetch can keep them feeling entertained. German Shepherds are especially loyal and all they want is to spend as much time by your side as possible. These cameras are set up around the house. How to Leave a Dog at Home Dogs do well with a consistent schedule and throwing it out of balance could give them expectations that only let them down in the future. If you must leave your German Shepherd at home alone, start by ensuring there is nothing dangerous for them to get into. Set out a lot of toys for physical and mental stimulation. Some dogs may have to be put in a crate or confined to an area with dog gates. Dogs are pack animals, and they often benefit from having a playmate. Pay attention to German Shepherd ear positions. These dogs have a way of communicating with us through their body language. Similarly, German Shepherd tail positions can tell you a lot as well. This is why so many innocent dogs are abandoned or re-homed. German Shepherds are extremely social dogs and they need as much interaction as they can get. Without it, there are some serious problems that could arise. Separation Anxiety Dogs are capable of both separation anxiety and depression. This is a significant concern for breeds like German Shepherds. Symptoms of anxiety are shortness of breath, drooling, pacing, howling, barking, whining, and increased heart rate. This could mean that they chew on your furniture, eat your shoes, or tear through your carpet. Some dogs get so bored that they have even been known to chew through drywall to try and escape. Restlessness After being forced to lay around all day, a lot of German Shepherds get extremely restless at night and keep their owners up. This ruins their sleep cycle and gives them random bursts of energy that also ruins yours in the process. Final Thoughts If you spend 8 hours a day at work without the ability to come home or have someone spend time with your dogs, then you might be better off not having a dog. Before bringing any breed home, do your research and make sure that you live a life that suits both of you and is going to give them an interactive and stable environment that keeps them both physically and mentally healthy. Jan 19, Your German shepherd would tell you that they should never be left home alone. In their perfect world, you would be home with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, days a year. There will be times when you have to disappoint your shepherd and leave the house to do things like go buy more dog food and toys. There is no avoiding that there will be times when your dog will have to be left alone. In those times, how long can a German shepherd be left alone? How long dogs can be safely left alone depends on several things. Their age, health, and behavior all play a huge role in how long they can be left on their own. Many experts will tell you that a dog should never be left alone for more than 4 hours. Yet, plenty of people regularly leave their dogs alone for longer than 4 hours, right? How long you decide your dog is safe to be home alone will depend on how comfortable you are leaving them and their age and overall health status. Plus, there are other things to consider when leaving your pet. Things like, do they need more frequent potty breaks, do they get anxious when left alone, are they used to being alone, what is your living situation like, and more, all need to be taken into account. But there are some rules of thumb that can guide you in your decision on how long they are okay to be alone. So, a 3-month-old puppy should not be expected to hold it for more than hours, depending on when they last ate and drank. Even the best-trained puppies will have accidents in their crate, through no fault of their own, when they are left alone longer than that. After puppyhood, a healthy dog should be able to manage on their own without a potty break for 4 hours. It helps to schedule mealtimes around this schedule if they will be indoors. Most dogs do fine alone for this amount of time. Senior dogs, however, may begin to need more bathroom breaks before 4 hours. Often, they are not as comfortable as they once were while home alone. They may require more consideration than they once did. Senior dogs can also get anxious more easily, especially when they have vision and hearing loss and have more physical ailments. Health of the Dog Although healthy dogs can easily manage for 4 hours alone, this may not be true when they are sick or hurt. Pain and disability can also give the most stoic dog anxiety when they are alone. Their need for medications, etc. Dogs that tear up the house, get into the trash, or chew the furniture are obviously not candidates to be home alone, with free roam of the house. Dogs that can be left alone know the difference between chewing on their toys and tossing your couch. If you plan on leaving any shepherd alone, they will still need plenty of daily exercise, training, and interaction to be happy and easy to live with. Separation anxiety can also affect German shepherds. Anxiety can also cause them to become destructive and even engage in behaviors that can cause them harm. If you have a shepherd with anxiety or other behavior problems, you may need to get professional help before leaving them alone. A dog door that opens into an escape proof dog run or high fenced yard is ideal. Who do you trust that is available to check in on your dog? Give them a call and make prearrangements, in case you ever need help. This of course is not the answer for everyone but if your pup enjoys the company of other dogs, they may appreciate sharing their day with one. Just be sure to find a reputable one that has cameras so you can keep an eye on how your dog is really doing. We hope you get to spend plenty of time with your wonderful German shepherd. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. German Shepherds should not be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They are easily bored so if they are left alone for that long, they may start engaging in destructive or problematic behavior such as digging, chewing and barking. Do I need to exercise my German Shepherd? Yes, at the minimum, the dog should be exercised for at least 45 minutes, twice a day. Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, they have a heavy undercoat that requires regular brushing, at least once a week, more often if the dog is blowing its coat. If you are concerned about dog hair on the furniture and on your clothes then you should consider adopting a different breed that sheds less. Are German Shepherds good with children? Most German Shepherds are excellent with children. Much of it depends on the temperament of the children and the temperament of the dog. In general, German Shepherds are great family dogs. Are German Shepherds good with cats? It depends on the cat and its temperament and behavior. Do German Shepherds need to be crate trained? It is a good idea to crate train when the dog first arrives in your home. For puppies, it is easier to house train them using a crate. In addition, keeping a new puppy or even an adult dog in the crate when you cannot provide supervision, will keep them from chewing on items that should not be chewed on. When you crate train, the dog learns that the crate is their own safe place to go. The crate simulates a den-like environment which is comforting for the dog. Another advantage of crate training is when you take the dog to a boarding facility or to the vet, the dog is less likely to be stressed because they are already used to staying in a kennel or crate. The crate should never be used as a punishment. Should I go to a breeder to get a German Shepherd? It is a personal choice and a decision you would make based on what you feel is best for your situation. That being said, we strongly advocate adopting from a shelter or a rescue. There are so many wonderful German Shepherds that end up at the shelters through no fault of their own. Many of the dogs we rescue from shelters are purebred so we encourage you to meet our available dogs and see if you find one that steals your heart. However, this should be a gradual build-up. That being said, the limit should never exceed four hours daily. German Shepherds do not respond well to being left alone for long periods. They are high-energy dogs that thrive on companionship and affection. Dogs are, after all, derived from wolves who are pack animals. They see you as their pack and need to be part of the family. Even though they will choose one master, a German Shepherd will bond with each family member differently. So, how long can German Shepherds be left alone, legally? Legally, no law specifies exactly how long German Shepherds, and all dog breeds, can be left alone. The Animal Welfare Act is a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals, but this only applies to dogs bred for commercial sale and those being transported or imported. Various animal neglect and cruelty laws vary by state, but the general rule in North America is that you should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours at a time. Factors to consider when deciding how long to leave your dog, in addition to age, are training, breed, housing and lifestyle conditions, and whether they have any previous experience of being left alone. My German Shepherd Willow all alone enjoying a snooze! There are similar guidelines in the UK where veterinary experts also recommend four hours as the maximum period for all dogs to be left alone. German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which may cause them pain or discomfort. Ensure they have an orthopedic bed, such as the Big Barker , that is clinically proven to reduce joint pain and stiffness. This bed is a real bed made for big dogs, is suitable for any age of large breed, and can help prevent arthritis, joint pain, and other mobility issues. German Shepherds are also prone to sensitive stomachs and digestive issues, and older dogs, like humans, need to pee more. How to Leave a Dog Alone Make sure you stay confident and show consistency and patience when you first leave your German Shepherd puppy home alone. Once you have made sure the area where you are leaving them is safe from any hazards, here are some important points to follow: Start off slowly, a few minutes here and there, and build up. Exercise the dog first to get them tired. Mental stimulation is just as important. Allow them to take their potty break. Use a crate or put up dog gates to confine them. Allow them access to clean fresh water. Leave interactive or chew toys for them. Play calming music if they are prone to separation anxiety. Another option is to hire a trusted dog walker to visit your home and take your dog out for a long walk or two. Walk your dog before and after you go to work. Even a short minute walk before you leave the house is enough to expend a little bit of energy whilst maintaining your close bond with them. As soon as you get home, take your German Shepherd for a long walk or, even better, some off-leash running, and play some games such as fetch. Some people have an hour of free time during the workday. You can go home and play fetch to prevent your German Shepherd from feeling lonely and provide some fun exercise for them. Flexible working is also a great solution, especially if you can start early, avoiding rush-hour traffic and being home quicker in the afternoon. Another possible solution is to work at home. Not only that, but it will save you money from having to hire a dog sitter or paying a friend every day. Get a dog camera for peace of mind. You can talk to them and even shoot out treats all from your phone! They offer a perfect solution to interact with your German Shepherd without being there. Check out the options below to see which is best for you and your dog: Give them enough toys to play with. One or two toys might not be sufficient, especially if your dog is easily distracted or gets bored quickly. Try to leave four or five of their favorite toys in their crate or wherever you leave your dog during the day. Ask visitors to stop by to play with your dog. Even if someone can come over for 15 minutes, it may be enough to keep your dog happy and entertained. It would be better if they could take your dog on a long walk, but a quick game of fetch will be more than enough to burn off some energy and curb their loneliness. When you leave them again, they will be tired and will no doubt go back to sleep. Getting another dog might seem extreme, but a buddy might be exactly what your German Shepherd needs to feel more comfortable and less stressed. In general, dogs of opposite sex pairings get along better than dogs of the same sex. Getting a second dog is a massive commitment you must consider thoroughly. Consider leaving your dog in the hands of a doggie daycare center near your home. Remember to introduce them to the daycare group as young as possible; they will quickly get used to being left and easily settle. If they are left for extended periods, they can develop various emotional and physical health issues. This is one of the sad reasons why they are often abandoned, re-homed, or even worse, euthanized. German Shepherds are very social dogs and need a job to do, even if that just means interacting with you. Regular activity and exercise are essential for this energetic, loyal, and protective breed. If you leave your dog alone for longer than four hours per day, it will most definitely cause poor results. After all, there are reasons for the recommended guidelines! The best way to find out is to start with trial periods and increase in small increments. You can also invest in a dog camera, as mentioned above, where you can watch and interact with your dog, all from your smartphone. Here are a few things to be aware of if you regularly leave your German Shepherd alone for more than four hours: Separation anxiety. Symptoms could include an increased heart rate, shortness of breath, excessive drooling, pacing, and uncontrollable barking, whining, or howling. Check out this recent study from the University of Lincoln, in the UK which states that separation related problems in dogs should be seen as a symptom of underlying frustrations rather than a diagnosis. They may also display destructive behavior. Digging, urinating, or even worse, eliminating can occur. You will need to address these extra signs of separation anxiety or distress. If your GSD has unfortunately developed a problem with excessive chewing , here are 8 steps on how to stop it. They could become extremely restless during the evening. It might not sound like a big problem, but restlessness causes your German Shepherd to have difficulty sleeping. They will often have random bursts of energy throughout the day and night, ruining their sleep cycle and yours in the process! As you can see, all sorts of negative outcomes result from not properly caring for your German Shepherd and failing to keep him happy and entertained. Long-term neglect can also lead to these other physical and mental health problems: Blood pressure and heart disease caused by stress. Gastrointestinal problems. Bladder infections due to the dog being unable to relieve themselves for hours on end. You must never punish your German Shepherd for showing distressing signs of separation anxiety. Your dog is not doing these things out of disobedience or spite but because he is trying to cope with being extremely stressed. Check out my article for more info on German Shepherd Separation Anxiety. If you have the option of leaving your dog outside when you go to work, it can provide them with tons of space to run around and get some exercise. Some dogs bark at people walking by, especially German Shepherds who are very protective dogs. Make sure to properly train your GSD, so this is not an issue or prevent him from accessing those areas of the house. This is especially important in places with bears, mountain lions, and other predators. Unfortunately, your yard will pay the price and will soon appear like a moon crater! Cons of Inside If your German Shepherd puppy is impatient and super inquisitive, he might start chewing on furniture, the carpet, or other items. Make sure you leave him enough chew toys to play with, but it will be inevitable sometimes. Leaving your German Shepherd alone is not a good idea if you live in an apartment. Although GSDs can live in apartments they need to be exercised frequently throughout the day. As large energetic dogs need an appropriate amount of space to feel comfortable. They could excessively bark or howl if they become distressed or separation anxiety sets in. This could not only lead to noise complaints but can have serious health implications for your dog. Training them to behave indoors and outdoors is also beneficial as this helps to keep them socialized and ready to be friendly when you introduce them to other people or dogs. A bark now and then from your backyard is actually a good thing. Unless your German Shepherd is constantly barking up a storm, one or two here and there will be perfect for warding off strangers or intruders. You can invest in a dog agility course so that your German Shepherd can sprint up and down and enjoy himself without messing up your garden! They come in all shapes and sizes. A small yard will not be good enough. Neglect is just one word to describe leaving your dog outside alone for longer than four hours. Remember, not all German Shepherds are the same, which means that even four hours might be too long. You and I now know that German Shepherds may become anxious or restless if left outside for too long and start to chew on tree roots, destroy flowers or plants and engage in other destructive behavior. This will inevitably cost you time and money to replace. Before you make any decisions, remember that your German Shepherd will need an adequate amount of room. Here are a few suggestions to contain your dog inside: Leave them in a dog crate. This large size will be enough for them to move around and stretch out comfortably. Plus, they need a good crate pad to protect their joints, such as an orthopedic one. Check out my favorite crates here. My GSD loved her crate and often went to her special place to rest or chew her favorite toys. Gate off an area inside your house. You can use dog gates to fence off an area to keep them contained. Dog gates allow you to section off various off-limit areas of the house, leaving you to decide how much space your puppy can have to roam around. Consider letting them roam free throughout the house. Most owners of indoor German Shepherds eventually try this route. It provides them with enough space, and they are already familiarized with their surroundings — my GSD Willow was two years old before she was allowed to roam freely around the house. German Shepherds are social animals and can experience separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are known to be loyal and social dogs that can become very attached to their owners. When left alone for extended periods of time, they can experience anxiety, stress, and even depression. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are wonderful dogs to own. They do require lots of attention since they are so loyal and protective. Give them enough food and water before you leave and plenty of exercise. You can leave your German Shepherd with toys, music, or the TV to keep them entertained. If you leave your GSD alone for too long, they could suffer from separation anxiety and distress. German Shepherds form a strong bond with their owners, so you should only adopt one if you know you can be there for them. Related Posts You May Like:. If you are thinking about getting a GSD you may be wondering, can German Shepherds be left alone, and for how long? This article will dive into those questions and give you helpful tips for leaving your German Shepherd alone. Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone! However, the time a GSD can be left alone will depend on their age. Generally, if your German Shepherd is a puppy, they can be left alone for one hour per every month of age. Here are some things you should do before leaving your dog alone: Tire your dog out That saying a tired dog is a happy dog is very true when it comes to German Shepherds. Also, a tired dog is one that is less likely to get into trouble. Establishing a routine where you talk your dog on a walk , play fetch , go to the dog park, or some other form of exercise before you leave the house makes a big difference. After a fun activity, your dog will likely relax and nap so they will be less concerned with you leaving. Just make sure the activity is something that makes your dog exhausted, so if you know your dog still has a lot of energy after walks, you want to find an activity that tires them out more before you leave the house. Get your GSD used to spending time alone early If you get your dog as a puppy, make sure to get them used to being alone immediately. German Shepherds that become overly clingy and used to their humans being around are more prone to separation anxiety. The best way to do this is to start off leaving even young puppies sometimes for very short amounts of time. Crate training is also key for a potty-training German Shepherd because you want them to be safe and not have accidents for the short time you are away. Start by leaving your pup in a safe location and just go into another room for minutes at first. Never come back in the room if your German Shepherd is whining , barking , howling , groaning , or crying because they will learn that doing those things gets you to come back. When your dog is quiet and calm go back. Keep doing this gradually extending the time by 5-minute increments and start going further than just another room maybe go outside and do some yard work for 20 minutes. Be calm about leaving Lastly, never make a big deal about your coming and going. Acting like your leaving is no big deal will help you GSD think the same. Our dogs feed off our energy, so if we get all hyped up and make a big fuss every time we leave the house, our German Shepherds will think our leaving is a bigger deal than they should. Remain calm! Tips For Leaving Your GSD Alone Here are some helpful tips of things to before leaving your German Shepherds alone to make the process smoother: Make sure they are empty before leaving First, and most obviously, take your dog potty immediately before leaving. Also, try and make sure your pup pees and poops before your leave the house, not just one or the other. Leave enough time before having to leave to walk your dog around a little so they can do both if your German Shepherd takes a little longer to do their business. A crate is a great safe place to leave your German Shepherd when out of the house, especially for younger more mischievous pups. The key is to pick a place where your dog is limited in what they can stick their noses into, at a nice temperature, and provide someplace comfortable for them to lay like a good dog bed. Giving them a homey spot to call their own will make them want to go there and be more comfortable while they are alone. This is especially important for puppies but also a factor for adult and senior dogs. If you know your dog can only hold their bladder for 3 hours, you should make sure you can get back in two and a half hours to be on the safe side. If your dog has to struggle to hold themselves every time you leave, they will be more likely to not want to be left alone. Doing so will greatly decrease the time they will be able to hold their bladder while you are gone. For example, a dog that can usually hold themselves for four hours may only be able to hold themselves for three if they drank a lot of water while you were out. Leave them with a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied A stuffed Kong is a great tool every GSD parent should have in their bag of tricks. Giving your German Shepherd with a tasty treat helps them to really not care about your leaving. When my girl was a puppy I would stuff a Kong with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or some other Kong filler and she would happily lick away without even noticing my departure. This also contributes to tiring your dog out, because not only will they be exhausted from the activity you did, they will also be tired from trying to get all the yumminess out of the treat. Consider a dog walker or pet sitter Sometimes things come up where we have to leave our dogs for a longer time period, whether it is for work, or some other appointment. These options will allow you to leave your dog longer without having to rush home for a potty break. As a general rule, German Shepherds can be left alone for one hour for every month of age up to about nine months old. So, a three-month-old puppy can be left alone for three hours. Whereas a nine-month-old puppy can be left alone for a full 8-hour workday. It is important to remember that these are basic guidelines, some dogs maybe can stay home for slightly more or less time depending on how well they can hold themselves. You want to make sure your dog has enough mental stimulation , physical stimulation, and attention and affection on a daily basis. Final Thoughts German Shepherds can definitely be left alone, but the time that each individual GSD can be left alone will vary. Some of these factors include their age, health conditions, and how long they can hold themselves. Although German Shepherds will become capable of holding themselves for an eight-hour day around nine months of age, you should strive to make sure they are getting enough attention, exercise, and engagement from you when you are home to keep your GSD happy and healthy. Home safety Age German Shepherd puppies, like all puppies, have limited bladder capacity. At this time, a properly trained and socialized German Shepherd will be able to safely tolerate periods of up to four to six hours of alone time. In order to stop your GSD from developing separation anxiety, It will be up to you as the owner to put systems in place. This may not be the case if you rescue a German Shepherd as an adult. Prior history, therefore, trumps age as the determining factor in how long your dog can be safely left alone. In their company, it may be possible to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. While nothing can replace your presence, other friendly animals can be a nice stand-in when you must be away for extended amounts of time. Examples would include: Your German Shepherd is new to the family. Home safety Finally, you need to consider whether your home is safe for your German Shepherd. GSDs are extraordinarily strong! Anxious GSDs are known to have pulled down curtains, torn apart couches, ripped off crown molding, and even dug under fencing to escape. Not only is this super stressful and potentially dangerous for your dog — but the repairs can end up being quite expensive as well! Hopefully this little checklist can help you evaluate how long your German Shepherd can be safely left alone. As previously mentioned, the German Shepherd dog breed is one of the more sensitive breeds. This also means that GSDs are more prone to separation anxiety. This is a condition where they become so anxious about being left alone that they act out in destructive and aggressive ways. The bad news: your German Shepherd may develop this condition even if you do your best to create a welcoming and comfortable home environment. This video shows how easy it can be to help a GSD with separation anxiety feel calmer. Like their wild wolf cousins, dogs naturally seek out smaller, enclosed spaces to hide, rest, whelp, and care for the young. A research study showed that wild dogs also exhibit denning behavior. They prefer to den near people, but the point is that they do den just like wolves. A frequently mentioned tip is to tire them out before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. As Forbes explains, this strategy treats fireworks like a noise phobia. Any type of phobia takes energy. This same principle can work well with separation anxiety, or a separation phobia. Unable to take your GSD for a long walk to tire them out? Try hiring a local dog walker or pet sitter to do this for you! As an added bonus, this allows your dog to develop another relationship. This can help ease any issues associated with being overly attached to you. If your budget allows for it, another great option is doggie daycare. This can be a great way to socialize a high energy GSD puppy. Daycare services can provide detailed notes to owners on a daily basis. Some even provide live video feeds so that owners can check in throughout the day. German Shepherds need significant amounts of daily physical activity. They were developed to work tirelessly for long hours herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. It can be playing with a sensory ball that emits lights or sounds. You can even record yourself saying common commands with these toys! Another creative idea to try playing music made specifically to appeal to dogs. For some dogs, this is very calming. Dog puzzles also exist and have different levels of difficulty. These puzzles allow you to change how and how often the treats are dispensed once your dog masters the basics. A variety of these toys exist today. A lot of these toys allow for things like scheduling times to dispense treats, voice recordings, speaking to your dog live, video conferences with your GSD, and more. Many offer live video feeds of your dog at home so you can check in to see how your GSD is doing during the day. What toys and treats does your dog love most? What has worked well for you to keep your German Shepherd active and occupied while you have to be out of the house?

Labradoodle Puppies About Our Labradoodles and Labs When you are looking to add a new happy member to your family, there is no better option than our Labradoodles and Labs. These playful canines are some of the most popular options for families of all kinds. Renowned for their loyalty, these dogs are also: Friendly Easy to Care For Compatible with Indoor and Outdoor Lifestyles At Labradoodles and Labs, we have the experience to deliver healthy puppies primed for a lifetime of care and connection. We take care of the early weeks of development and let you choose the right companion for your needs. Each of our puppies is affordable, well-mannered, and comes from a healthy line of purebred canines. Our background as professional breeders means you get complete confidence when you shop for your furry family member with us. We only have one goal: find the best homes to match with the puppies we love. Learn about our current or up coming litters by looking under the appropriate tab under Pictures or by reaching out to us today by call or text .What Are Labradoodle Puppies? You know you love the way they look, but what exactly are Labradoodles, and how did they gain such popularity so quickly? Originally developed to be hypoallergenic guide dogs, this breed is a mix between poodles and Labrador retrievers. A Labradoodle approaches life with enthusiasm and joy, which means they are almost always ready to shower their family and new friends with affection and devotion. Easy to train and eager to please, they can be taught doggy etiquette so that their behavior fits your household. This breed usually does well with other dogs and pets and are great with children. They make for great pets even for the first-time dog owners. Whether quietly curled up on your feet or playing a fast-paced game of fetch, this is a breed that is always looking to do its best to make its owners proud. Reach out to us today to learn more about purchasing an affordable, well-bred Labradoodle puppy. That is why we are the place to keep in mind when you are looking for affordable Labrador and Labradoodle puppies. We want all of our puppies to go to the perfect home, and that is why we ensure all of our dogs are happy and healthy and ready to go home with you. We invite you to reach out to us today to learn more about our puppies. Active Dogs. Awesome Personalities. As a committed breeder of Labrador and Labradoodle puppies , we understand the appeal of these friendly and versatile animals. They are intelligent and active dogs with tremendous personalities that make wonderful life-long family pets. When you meet our puppies for sale, you will fall in love with them and be eager to make one your perfect companion. Contact Us Today Looking for more information about our puppies? We simply want to provide all the information you need to make the best decision for your family. Our location is conveniently close to both the Kentucky and Tennessee state lines. Give us a call today to arrange a visit with our beautiful and healthy puppies in Adams, TN. One of our puppies will immediately become a treasured member of your family. We will take the time to match your family with the right puppy for your household. Schedule a visit with us as we will be delighted to meet you and your family. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Service is provided to all areas of Robertson County without an Animal Control facility. The physical plant has 26 kennels and 18 cat cages all indoors with heat and air control. Phones are answered or messages recorded and officers are available from 8 am— 4 pm Monday thru Friday. Animal Control can also be reached by clicking here to fill out a contact form. In the fall of , this agency began making changes to become low kill with the goal that every effort be made to have animals walk out of the facility alive. The shelter is open for adoptions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 am-4 pm. However, we encourage you to call the shelter if you are interested in adopting on Tuesday and Thursday — an appointment can be made for you to see animals at RCAC or our fostering homes. If you have a complaint about a neighbors pet such as neglect, running at large, or abuse, please call your local Law Enforcement Agency at .These are law violations and must be handled by Law Enforcement. If you require service in a city that has Animal Control service, please call that service at the number provided below.

However, you can encounter several other Labrador colors thanks to genetic variation and different breeding practices. Below are six of the most common color varieties. Black Labrador Since four out of nine potential Labrador color gene variations result in a black coat, black Labs are the most common coat color in Labradors. So, the takeaway here is that black Labs are always the dominant coat color. People love black Labs for their soft, shiny coats. The black Labrador pose for a photoshoot! Yellow Labrador Yellow Labs come in as the second most common color after black Labradors. Unlike black Labs, which have an unmistakable, predictable color, yellow Labs can come in many different shades. The genetic makeup of yellow Labradors includes one-third of the possible Lab color combinations. The genetic codes include eeBB, eeBb, and eebb. A Labrador sniffs a smoked dog bone 3. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three primary Labrador colors. There are only two genes that will produce these dogs—EEbb and Eebb. As with yellow Labs, chocolate labs vary significantly in their coat color. Some chocolate labs have a light brown coat, others a medium brown, and some are even so dark that they appear mixed with black and brown. Aside from their genetic predisposition to an earlier death, these dogs can also suffer from the same issues as other Labs, including patellar luxation, osteochondritis dissecans, and canine hip dysplasia. So, if you have your heart set on buying a chocolate Lab, keep in mind that you may lose your best four-legged friend about 1. A chocolate Labrador Retriever having its coat brushed 4. They get their dark, reddish coat from the same gene as yellow Labs. But since yellow Lab genes can present a wide variation in yellow colors, it causes some puppies to enter the world with an almost red coat. Red Fox Labrador Retriever looks up. Silver Labrador You might have trouble recognizing a silver Lab as a Labrador when they walk by, given that this is such a distinct color deviating from the three primary colors. And, unfortunately for silver Labs, these dogs are a color variation from chocolate Labs. Another issue that silver Labs frequently face is color dilution alopecia. Alopecia is a condition when the immune system harms hair follicles, which leads to skin issues and hair loss. So, should you be interested in breeding your Labrador, please be responsible and never breed a silver Lab. Silver Labrador Retriever sitting in the forest. Like red fox Labradors, white Labs have the same genetic makeup as yellow Labs. Nevertheless, no one will mistake these dogs for pure white; they almost always retain a light cream-colored look, thanks to some yellow fur. Albinism is a life-threatening and rare genetic condition resulting from a lack of pigmentation. Albino Labs often die young and suffer from conditions like blindness and deafness. A white Labrador Retriever sits quietly. If you think mating two black Labradors is a guarantee for producing black Lab puppies, think again. Black is a dominant gene in Labs, but the color yellow always overrides black and chocolate. Instead, check out the chart below to see the puppy colors from mating different colored Lab parents. Parent Colors. Their fun-loving and positive personalities combined with their gentleness and willingness to please their owners makes them the perfect family pet. Statistically speaking, Black Labs are the most common of all Labrador color variations. This is due to how coat color is inherited in this breed. Without getting too far into a scientific explanation for this, there are nine different possible gene combinations for coat color. Four of these lead to a black coat, three to yellow, and only two to chocolate. Due to random chance, Black Labs make up nearly half of all Labradors. Yellow Labs often have a very light brown or tan colored coat that can appear yellowish. Chocolate Labrador Image Credit: skeeze, Pixabay The rarest of the three major Labrador colors, the Chocolate Lab is beautiful and adorable with a deep brown, chocolate-colored coat. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most energetic and hardest to train, and while there is no research-based evidence to support this, Chocolate Labs are the only Labs not used as service dogs by the leading dog training organizations. This is possibly due to a higher energy level. Their absence from service dog institutions may also be due to the fact that Chocolate Labs experience more health problems and tend to have shorter lifespans than their Black and Yellow counterparts. On average, Chocolate Labs live about a year and a half shorter than other colored Labs. Simply put, they have the genetics of a Yellow Lab but present a darker coat that appears reddish. White Labs usually have very pale brown fur that can appear purely white, especially in the sun. Their fur normally has light brown or yellowish tinges around the ears and paws. Albino Labs do carry additional health problems such as deafness, blindness, and other eye issues. Austin, Shutterstock Silver Labs are stunning, regal, and sleek. Their light grey coat shines beautifully in the sun, and their appearance is as striking as it is adorable. These pups are similar to Red Labs in that they have the same genetics as one of the major three Lab colors. Silver Labs are really Chocolate Labs, even though they may look more like Blue Labs, but their coat is light or diluted, and the result is a silvery appearance. Like their chocolate siblings, Silver Labs, unfortunately, inherit some additional health issues and tend to live shorter lives than Black and Yellow Labradors. Defining Physical Characteristics What is it that makes this breed so recognizable? Labs are often stocky and athletic with a broad chest and a thick, wide skull. Labs have short, dense fur that is water-resistant. In fact, they were named after the Labrador Sea off of Newfoundland where they were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl. No matter where they go, Labs seem to bring joy and happiness with them. They are loyal, loving, and affectionate. What more could you ask for in a dog? Labs have short, dense fur that is prone to heavy shedding and matting, so you should plan to brush your Labrador at least two or three times a week to cut down on shedding and keep their fur looking sleek. Labradors of all coat colors should be bathed about once every other month with a dog-friendly shampoo. Bathing more often can eliminate those healthy skin oils we mentioned, so avoid giving your pup a bath more often unless they find their way into some mud. Final Thoughts Labs come in three main colors but can have lots of different coat shading that makes them appear unique and especially striking. See also:. Tweet on Twitter We think all Labradors are gorgeous. Whether they have a pedigree spanning the generations or are cross-bred with the collie next door, we love them all the same. Although black, chocolate and yellow are the sole official shades, we all know that Labradors have a vast and wonderful variety of hues. From white, to fox red and even silver. Some of these may be controversial, and even argued against or denied as being true Labradors. Variation in Colour Yellow Labradors are all classed as yellow, whether they are in fact palest white or darkest fox red. We have been having a look at some gorgeous examples of this wonderful colour variety. I thought I would share just some of those heart stealingly beautiful examples with you today! Even yellow labrador puppies from the same litter can be quite different shades 2. A puppy will not always be the same shade of yellow as her parents 3. Yellow Labradors are rarely one colour uniformly. The variation in this Labs coat is more subtle, but still contrasts beautifully from his face to his torso. Labs coat colours will often change as they age 6. The rich dark shade of a truly fox red dog is really something to behold. Some puppies have incredibly pale coats, but could fairly be described as white or yellow… 9. Some are clearly in one category or another. Just check out how this little loves looks against the snow! In contrast to the red blanket, this tiny Labrador appears to be even paler, with just the tips of her ears looking yellow .Other puppies are very dark for their breed .This sleeping darling is somewhere in between! Fox red Labradors are more commonly found in working lines .They are in general more slightly built and more active than their show bred cousins .Although there are show bred examples of darker fox red dogs, they are less frequently seen .When most people think of yellow Labradors, they probably imagine this shade of dog. Pale yellow in colour, with darker yellow ears .But I think we can all agree, whatever the shade, that Yellow Labradors are really stunning dogs. I know all of these had stolen my heart as soon as I saw them on the screen. Why not let us know in the comments section below! Why buy a puppy that could have health issues later in life? Please buy and shop responsibly, or adopt a dog in need. Are they doing OFA clearances on hips, elbows, eyes, and heart at 2 years of age? Do they recommend not to spay until 2 years of age to ensure hormones help growth plates close properly? Are they showing their dogs in some type of AKC sanctioned event? Conformation, hunt tests, agility, fun sports such as dock diving, etc? This shows the breeder is dedicated to the dog, not the check from breeding. Does the dog have AKC titles? From Canine Good Citizen, to Trick Dog, to Championship Conformation titles — you want your breeder to be helping make the breed better. They should be in every generation, not 3 generations ago. Does it destroy toys, does it eat the wall, do they have to be crated, do they counter surf, are they walked on a simple slip leash or a harness? Nothing against doodles, but ensure your breeder is doing proper health testing and x-rays. You as a buyer need to know that down the line this could lead to health problems and vet bills that could have been avoided. Just because your dog is registered does not make it well bred. You want your breeder dedicated to the breed and only whelping puppies that meet this minimum criteria for well bred dogs. Original Labrador Retriever Color Black is the original, archetypal Labrador color, and genetically the most dominant. Chocolate and yellow puppies were frequently euthanized at birth. To understand that we have to look at the genetic difference between black and chocolate Labs. Labrador Retriever Color Genetics Both types get their color from a pigment called eumelanin. Labs with lots of eumelanin pigment in their coat are black. If they have a little less, they appear brown instead. We use letters to tell each place apart — a bit like giving each locus its own zip code! The B locus is home to a pair of genes called B genes. There are two types of B gene your Lab can get in their pair: One we call big B — it contains an instruction to make lots of eumelanin, and causes a black Labrador coat. And one we call little b — it contains an instruction for less eumelanin, and causes a brown or chocolate coat. Big B is a dominant gene, and little b is a recessive gene. Dominant genes to switch off, or override, recessive genes. So dog with BB genes will be black, because he has two genes for a black coat. And a Bb dog will be black too, because the dominant B genethe recessive b gene. Only a dog with a matching pair of bb genes will express the instruction for less eumelanin in their coat, and be brown. Remember that the black dominant gene always switches of the brown gene, so only the dog with two copies of the b gene will actually look brown. But the dominance of the black color enabled our chocolate friends to remain hidden and rare with the breed, for many decades. Generation after generation of black dogs can continue to have only black puppies if dogs with the Bb gene are only ever mated to dogs with BB genes. In fact, it would take two black Labs both carrying the little b gene to produce chocolate puppies. Like this: Statistically, one quarter of their litter would be chocolate colored. And of course, some Labradors are neither black nor brown. The genetic information that creates a yellow coat comes from another pair of genes altogether. These genes are located at the E locus. And — you guessed it — we call them E genes. Just like B genes there are two versions of the E gene, big E and little e. Big E is the dominant gene. It does not interfere with the B genes. Little e is the recessive gene. It has the potential to mask the B genes that would otherwise give us black or brown coats. And the result is a yellow dog. How Yellow Overrides Black and Chocolate Only the little e gene can mask the instructions for black or chocolate fur. There are three possible combinations of E gene that a dog can inherit. It could have two dominant genes EE two masking genes ee or one of each Ee. Only the middle of these three dogs will be yellow. Nine Different Possible Labrador Genotypes! Every Labrador has a combination of B and E genes — called their genotype. There are nine different possible genotypes. Here they are in full: Can you see why each combination of genes turns out the way it does? Because as you can see, the second dog down the list may look black but he could throw brown puppies, and the fourth dog down the list may look black, but he could throw yellow puppies. The fifth dog down the list is also black but he could throw yellow and brown puppies. Puppy colors are easier to predict when both parents owe their appearance to the recessive genes b or e. Mating Two Yellow Labradors Two yellow Labradors mated together will never throw brown or black puppies. All their offspring will be yellow. This is because yellow dogs do not possess the big E gene which is needed to switch off the masking effect. Mating Two Chocolate Labradors Two brown Labs mated together will never throw black puppies because brown dogs do not have the big B gene. But two chocolate Labs can produce yellow puppies, if each of the parents carries the little e gene — like this: In the mixed litter, statistically one of half of the puppies will be chocolate and one half yellow. Depending on their genotype, two black Labradors can indeed have yellow or chocolate puppies. Remember from our grid above that there are four different possible genotypes for a black Labrador. The genotype refers to the genetic code that the dog carries. And the four different possible black genotypes down the side to represent the father. Inside the grid are the puppies that could be born from each combination. If and only if, both parents carry a little e gene, then some of the puppies may be yellow. Remember that your puppy needs two little e genes one from each parent in order to be yellow. If only one of two black dogs carries the little e gene, all their puppies will be black. Yes it is, check out the bottom right hand square in the diagram above! Notice that it can only happen if both parents dogs have this genotype: EeBb. In other words, they both carry a little e and a little b. This is good example of how complicated, and unexpected, Labrador colors can be. There are six different possibilities for litter color combinations depending on the genotype of the parents. You can even get a litter of all black puppies from a chocolate mother and a yellow father or vice versa! Here are the color possibilities: yellow, black, and chocolate puppies yellow and black puppies. Labrador Colors 1. Black Labrador Most black Labs are entirely black. But, some have one or two white spots on their fur. This interruption in their solid black coat is due to genetic traces left from their late ancestor, the St. The black Labrador Retriever was historically the most common coat color. Even today, nearly half of all Labs are black! When Retrievers were first bred, black coated dogs were the only pups deemed acceptable. Their popularity was driven by two reasons: Black is the favorite coat color for hunting. Four out of nine gene combinations result in a black coat. Sadly, until the 20th century, all other Lab colors would be euthanized shortly after birth. They were not valued the same way black Labradors were. Black Labradors were perfect for their original purpose, hunting. Their dark coat color helped them blend in and move stealthily while hunting or participating in field trials. These Labs tend to have the strongest hunting instincts as their black coats were historically bred for hunting. Even to this day, they are focused, diligent workers. These shiny, sleek dogs are not only beloved in the field, but they also make wonderful pets. Many owners regard black Labs as the calmest and most affectionate of all Lab colors. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Chocolate Labrador Chocolate Labs are the rarest of the three major Lab colors. These dogs are rarely used for hunting or working, but are champions in the show ring! Their color stuns judges and earns high marks in conformation shows. The shade of brown that chocolate Labradors can come in varies. Some are a rich chocolate while others are a dark brown color known as liver. Some even have a beautiful red hue within their brown fur! The chocolate color exists on a spectrum and can vary greatly due to genetics. Some of these assumptions have become widely accepted in the Labrador community. Chocolate Labs are regarded as the most rambunctious with a bit too much energy for their bodies! These pups are spunky and often hard to train, which may explain why they are not used as service dogs. Even if these Labs are a bit energetic and naughty at times, they are just as beloved due to their affectionate nature and goofy personality. The unfortunate truth about chocolate Labradors is that they often suffer from more health problems than other types of Labs. Some of these health concerns are minor and include hot spots skin irritation and ear inflammation. However, some are more serious and can shorten their lifespan. They often live a year and a half less than the other Labradors. Yellow Labrador Yellow Labradors may not be the most popular Labrador Retriever color, but they are the most beloved. Many owners claim that yellow Labs are the friendliest and most outgoing. Their outstanding reputation is reinforced by their heavy presence in daily life! Yellow Labs are often seen in movies such as the adorable Lab who played Marley in Marley and Me or the sweetheart who acted as Old Yeller. The media have also boosted their popularity as has their recognition as common service, search and rescue, and therapy dogs. Similar to chocolate, the yellow coat color exists on a spectrum. Some yellow Labs are a light brown or tan, others are yellow like a lemon, and then there are cream-colored Labs. There are also fawn Labradors. Fawn Labs are darker, but are not quite red. The yellow Lab may be the Labrador Retriever with the most variation in its coat color! Yellow Labs are just as hard-working as black Labs, although they are not as commonly used for hunting. They are very similar to black Labs and are just as highly trainable, affectionate, and hard-working. Silver Labrador Silver Labradors are by far the rarest of all colors. These dogs are a light gray to blue color that looks silver in the sunlight. These Labradors are often mistaken for Weimaraner mixes because of their silver coat. Silver Labs actually have the same genetics as any type of Lab, despite looking very different. They are just as smart, fun, and loving as any other Retriever. They have a dilute gene that overrides the designated chocolate coat color. Rather than being chocolate, these dogs have a silver or blue coat color. This same coat color dilution can occur in yellow Labs and in black Labs. Diluted yellow Labs are known as champagne and diluted black Labs are known as charcoal. However, Silver is the most unique. Not many silver Labs exist due to the recessive nature of the dilute gene. Silver Labs are undoubtedly stunning, but they have a higher potential of developing health issues. They often develop color dilution alopecia which presents as itchy skin or patchy fur. Fox Red Labradors have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, but just have a deep yellow or brown hue to their coat. This deep brown looks rusty red and makes them look just like a fox. Labrador Retriever fans adore fox red Labs because of their friendly personalities. They have lovingly nicknamed these dogs Ruby Labradors. Clifford, the beloved big red dog, is even based off a fox red Labrador. The red color gives them a rugged look that many owners love! However, this love does not extend to the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club does not recognize fox reds as a unique color and registers these Labrador Retrievers as yellow labs. Judges often view this dark pigmentation as a serious fault, so it is unlikely that a fox red Lab would ever win a conformation show. Some people are highly suspicious of the fox red color. They often argue that fox reds are not purebred and that they are mixed with Golden Retrievers. This is not true. It is all the beauty of a Golden Retriever without the high maintenance and long coat that Goldens are known for. White Labrador White Labradors are just a variation of the yellow Lab. They have the same genetics as a yellow Lab, they just happen to be much paler. White Labs are the lightest shade of yellow possible. This color exists on the opposite end of the spectrum than fox red Labs do. The shade of their fur is typically a pale yellow that looks white in the sunlight. They may also have brown or yellow ears and paws that are darker than the rest of their coat. Their white fur gives them an aura of royalty. Just like any yellow Labrador, white Labs are regarded as kind dogs who love everyone they meet. They make horrible guard dogs as they make friends with everyone and are quick to trust every stranger they meet! They are often pampered and spoiled beyond belief. There are no known health issues associated with this color. Most white labs are healthy because they are just a pale yellow, not true white. Albino Labradors are rarer and also sensitive to bright sunlight. Merle labs may suffer from deafness, blindness, and shortened lifespans. Discussing Labrador Retriever colors can be controversial. Are silver and red Labs purebred? Do personality traits differ between different colored Labs? Should silver, red, and white have their own color category? The answers to these questions are not simple. They say that behavior is determined by genetics, socialization, training, and health. In their opinion coat color is just cosmetic. On the other hand, there are owners and breeders who argue that coat color affects the personality of a Lab. These owners and breeders have lived and interacted with Labs of all colors. In their opinion coat color is linked to characteristic personality traits. These Lab lovers have agreed that: Black Labs are the calmest and most skilled at hunting. Yellow Labs are the friendliest and best with people and children. Chocolate Labs are the rowdiest, most energetic, and difficult to train. On the side of science, color does not affect the behavior of a Labrador Retriever. However, breeders and owners have recorded the behavior traits associated with each coat color. It is up to you whether to decide if color matters for Labrador Retrievers or not! Which Is The Rarest Color? Silver is the rarest Lab color. Silver is rare because it can only come from a unique genetic makeup. The dilution gene needed to produce this silver hue is a recessive gene and is often masked by the genes for a chocolate coat. If you ever happen to see one of these silver beauties, take the time to really admire them as you may never see another one again! Which Color Is The Best? This is definitely an opinion question that has no right answer! Each color of Labrador suits a specific type of owner: Athletic, hunting owners will want a black Lab. Yellow Lab owners claim that their dogs are the best due to their friendly personalities. Chocolate Labs win the most prizes in conformation shows. Silver Labs are the rarest, to complicate the argument even more. It is up to each owner to decide which color they love the best. An argument can be made for each Labrador color as to why that color is the best. Among Labrador owners it is widely accepted that black Labs are the calmest. This could be a result of their hard-working, hunting instincts which cause them to be much more focused and level-headed. Chocolate Labs who parade around show rings are often the most rambunctious. If you ask the experts, you will get the answer that coat color has no effect on Labrador behavior. However, if you read various Labrador Retriever websites and forums, or talk to Lab owners, you may hear a different story. Whether you decide to believe this claim is up to you! There is no scientific evidence to back the claim up that black Labs are the calmest Labradors. Summary Each color of Labrador Retriever is beautiful and unique in its own way. Silver Labs are rare, black Labs are sleek and elegant, yellow Labs have an aura of kindness, white Labs are elegant, red Labs are devoted to their work, and chocolate Labs are gorgeous and show ready! Labrador coat colors are the perfect example that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Want to learn more about Labs? Read: English vs. American Labrador: Top 10 Differences. Which coat color is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below! She is a passionate dog lover and was raised with an affectionate, calm Yellow Lab Golden Retriever mix that fostered her love for her canine companions. Kelsie is actively involved with multiple humane societies and has cared for the dogs of over 45 different families. You May Also Like.

They can be found under Available Puppies. Just like all the other toy and miniature poodles we specialize in breeding, our black poodle puppies are of a quality unlike any others you will find. Please keep in mind that just as we have high standards for our poodles, we have in many ways even higher standards for the homes and owners we send them to. We want each of our black poodles to go to an owner who we know will appreciate and care for the dog as much as we do. In order to help us make a decision on why you may be the right person for one of our black poodles, we ask that you kindly fill out our Puppy Application form to provide us with some initial information. We look forward to learning more about you and why you hope to bring one of our lovely toy poodles into your home. Before applying, however, we invite you to browse our selection of black poodle puppies for sale to learn more about them. You will be able to view pictures and learn about their temperament, birth date, size, and more! Explore our website today to learn more about our black poodle puppies and our history of toy poodle breeding in general, and please contact us if you have any questions! Pudle Teddy Poodle Oliver Pionero the Toy Poodle puppy at 3 months old —"Oliver is smart and sensitive and a fast learner but, beware he thinks he is in charge so be kind but firm. He loves his belly rubbed. He has a sweet temper, loves to play and go for walks. She is a loudmouth and loves chasing cars and people who walk in the neighborhood. She is 4 years old. She is obsessed with tennis balls and her "monkey " she's had the same toy since we got her. As you can tell we dyed her hair and the buttons of her ears. We love her and would not know how to live without her. She is fast and gets tons of exercise in our backyard with her tennis ball. His coat is parti-colored with light red and white. You can see how much his coat has lightened up keep this in mind when picking out your pup. His best friends are our 3- and 4-year-old daughters—he chases them and plays games with them and has never once shown aggression. Our little "Brady Bunch" is very obedient and understands what we say, even though we've never trained him. He is also extremely calm and laid back, not tense or hyper as some people describe Toy Poodles. He has definitely made himself an important part of our family! Toy—Suey Rey the male toy poodle is silver in color and loves to pose for the camera. Lady Katrina, his mate is the perfect companion. He is a male Toy Poodle. His owner got his name from a dream she had about a beautiful white horse who was the most unique. Tapsi always has this look on his face all the time. He is very serious dog, very complacent and very smart. He will learn a trick in a matter of minutes, he loves to learn and he is very aware of the process of how to learn. His owner says she wishes she had more insightful tricks to teach him, as he is eager to learn. He rolls over, sits, knows his left from right paw: "Give me right paw. She gets an insulin shot twice a day. This is year-old Sally Goodin, a black Toy Poodle. She has obedience and Flyball titles. Harry the Hunter, a white Toy Poodle in the snow busy looking for anything that moves Joseph at 8 months old. Showing 1 - 40 of 62 resultsPage 1 - 62 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. There is still a black female at this time. I am a certified breeder and have yearly inspections on my dogs and the facility they are.Not house trained, as he is an outside.Prices vary.See all Havanese puppies Ottawa Three havanese babies and mom available to forever home. Mother is vaccinated and dewormed. Love to play outside. Black and white female.They were just admired at our now, on-line-only store: www lesAnimaux. The M black.Coco and Phoenix welcomed a beautiful litter of F1BB .There are 5 males and 2 females. The 2 females are full black. Pups will be ready to go to their.Mom was a minpin dachshund mix and dad is suspected to be a poodle mix. He is mostly black with a few white patches and slightly grey looking mop top. We got Ash in.I have one black and white female and one Merle female still looking for homes. Both parents are genetically.Visit Website Below to Order Now! Fully trained, no bad habits, lovely and cuddly and super smart. Pepper is part of our breeding program and is being offered to an approved.You can see the parents when you visiting. Ready to go anytime. First Boy willbe around pounds. The second biger Boy will be around.Named Zoey. She's considered on the standard side, but won't be as big. She is well trained, listens very well. Potty trained to go outdoors. They were born on June 26th and are 11 weeks old. Mountain Sweet friendly tiny toy poodle puppies ready for their new home. I have only one black female left. Puppies raised in home with.Features side profile and portrait angles. Done in a tasteful neutral palette , complete with an black and gold frame. Ready to hang. They come with vet.Pepper is available to an approved guardian home on a breed back contract for only one litter of puppies. Ideally her new home should be.Red female will be 12 pounds, small black male will be 8 pounds. Vaccinated, vet examined, dewormed, See hand in photos for size scale. Porch pickup Carp Village. I have more vintage plushies and.Dad is a 10pnd apricot miniature poodle, mom is 13 pnd black miniature poodle. Puppies will come with first set of.Please contact for availability. A black and white female and a black tri male remain and are looking for their forever homes. I have a beautiful, friendly litter of F.Located in Summerside, SE London. Smoke free.It features a black and pink.She gets along.They are very well socialized and are wonderful with children. Poodle are.Father is a 7lb toy poodle and Mother is 13lb miniature poodle. Both parents have been DNA health tested. They live in our home and are part of.Smooth and rough surfaces reflect light as gloss and flat, helps visualization long and short hair. Regal posture and attitude portrayed, typical of a.Black female with white chest and chin

goldendoodle puppies ga - Read about our deposit information or fill out a puppy application to be a potential buyer. We are always keenly focused on selecting the most loving, stable and forever homes for our doodle puppies. We are continually posting photos, videos, articles and staying in touch with our puppy buyers through our Facebook page. Take a minute and like our page! About Oshkosh Doodles In , a goldendoodle puppy named Chloe came into our lives. Little did we know, but she would be the start of something great for our family. My husband and I live on 12 acres of land just outside the city of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We always grew to appreciate the landscape and the land that our dogs loved over the years. What started as a hobby, has turned into a true passion — to be a caring, ethical and educated dog breeder, and in turn, connect our puppies with truly loving homes. We deeply care about ensuring our puppies are paired with the right dog owners. Our breeding program now includes litters of multi-generational Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles. Our program also includes a variety of sizes and colors of Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. We're glad you're here. We hope you, too, can build a love for these dogs and give them a safe and forever home. Learn more about all of our dogs. They double both as your best friend and excellent therapy and service dogs. All of the dogs you can get from this breeder are tested for various diseases and have passed their tests. On their website, you can go over the adoption process and become a proud owner of one of their beautiful Labradoodles today. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Please don't confuse us with another breeder from Racine, WI that goes by the name of "Midwest Labradoodles", we have very different programs.Since we've been refining the breed by holding back exceptional stock. We focus on loving and obedient temperament, the most sought-after coats non-shedding and allergy-friendly with an ultra plush look and feel all while maintaining exceptional health standards in our lineage. We are breeding our 17th and 18th generations deep of Australian Labradoodles. We are what is called a "multigenerational breeder". Our lineage can be directly traced back to Rutland Manor. Our Australian Multigen Labradoodles have the heart of a Labrador and the intelligence of a Poodle, the hunting instincts and love of swimming from the Irish Water Spaniel, and lastly, the need to snuggle and cuddle that the English Cocker Spaniel has to offer. At Australian Labradoodles Midwest Connection I will provide you with an adorable family addition, whose personality is so loving and sweet, yet so comical and amusing! Their silly, child-like antics will make you laugh out loud one minute and a gaze from their deep dark eyes will pull at your heartstrings the next! Their beautiful coats are allergy and asthma free and non-shedding, practically maintenance free! Owning one of these dogs of the future is a must for families that want the best of everything wrapped up in one big bundle of love! Accepting Applications Now! Taking applications and deposits for future puppies. Our puppies are very sought after due to their beautiful looks, great temperaments, allergy friendly, non-shedding coats and longevity due to proper health testing of parent dogs. I take my breeding program very seriously which allows me to provide you with a very healthy, loving, life long family companion! Exciting news!!! Oakley delivered her puppies a few weeks ago! You can see her newborn pups below. These beautiful puppies will go home in mid October. Ryder was breed and we are awaiting her pregnancy confirmation. We are excited to welcome her puppies into the family, in mid October as well. I will also be introducing Tucker, Reggie and Sully into to my breeding program in mid to late .Send your application and deposit in so I can add you to my waitlist.We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Cross Plains Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. The first step is to fill out the puppy application. Once I receive your application, I will contact you by phone with all the details. These litters are going to be exceptional. Super sweet temperaments with low to non shedding coats!! We are a professional family breeder of the highest quality Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle Puppies. Australian Labradoodles are intelligent, low to non shedding, hypoallergenic, and very family friendly and of course beautiful!! We have both Australian multi gen lines and new American multi gen lines which increases genetic diversity. All of our breeding dogs have gone through all the required health testing for breeding. Here at Midwest Labradoodle our mission is to educate prospective adoptive parents and to match those who qualify with the very best quality Australian Labradoodles available. The choice you make in your adoption is very important and we understand that. Education is the key to making an informed decision. Please feel free to Contact us and we will be happy to go over every step of our program with you. It is an amazing and fun journey that starts at conception! Click here to fill out our puppy application: P uppy Application The application is the very first step to this amazing journey! Once we receive your application, we will contact you by phone with details regarding our upcoming litters! What are our customers saying about us? Laddie with his new Mommy: Laddie as a puppy…. We are honored that you are here educating yourself on this very important decision. More than just Puppies for Sale, these are Family Members! Here at the Labradoodle Corral, we understand your puppy is not just a pet — it's a member of your family! We've chosen to breed Australian Labradoodles in Hartford, Wisconsin because of all the wonderful traits these dogs have come to be known for. Australian Labradoodles are good with children and are easy to train. They get along great with other dogs. They are extremely clever, sociable and joyful, and quick to learn unusual or special tasks. Active, a little comical at times, Australian Labrodoodles will attempt to outsmart their owner if undisciplined. Friendly and very loyal to their own family, these dogs are non-aggressive. Australian Labradoodle Sizes: Micro: 12"" at shoulder. Weight: lbs. Whatever size you're looking for, we've got it. Adopt a Labradoodle Puppy from the Wisconsin Breeder You Can Trust Based in the Midwest , our Labradoodle puppies are home raised right here on the ranch with plenty of love, care and exercise. We have 16 acres in southeastern Wisconsin with woods, fields and horses. Beginning at a young age we socialize our puppies with children and other pets to ensure they have a well-rounded temperament and are family-ready when they come home. They get car rides, are held every day, receive beginning training to stay close, come when they are called and are litter and crate trained for you. They will be able to walk up and down steps, have received sound training thunder, horns, vacuum, hair dryer, fireworks, door bells, etc. We listen carefully to your family's story and match you with an adopted puppy best suited for your unique lifestyle and personality. At the Labradoodle Corral we take breeding very seriously and strive for the betterment of the Australian Labradoodle breed. All of our breeding dogs are meticulously selected to ensure the highest quality of puppies for their forever home. Live further? Give us a call. Quick story: We gave 2 of our 6 month old pups a chew treat. When pup 1 was finished with hers, she tried to get the treat away from pup 2. After 10 minutes of relentless trying, pup 1 was still not successful. So she went over by the door and rang the bell to go outside. When I got up and opened the door, pup 2 got up and went outside. Pup 1 walked over and successfully picked up the sought after chew toy. True story. Active and quite comical, they are a treat to be around. It is very important that you are this dog's firm but calm, consistent pack leader and provide them with daily mental and physical exercise. Friendly and very loyal to its family, these dogs are very social and non-aggressive. They are pure joy to have as a companion and you will wonder how you ever got along without one. Contact the premier Wisconsin Labradoodle breeder today to find out about our available Australian Labradoodle puppies. Read More About Our Australian Labradoodles and their origin This classic example of logical and planned crossbreeding was created in the country of Australia in the s. The goal of the Australian clubs is to create a new "breed" with the best attributes of the original breeds. The original objective was to produce assistance dogs that do not shed hair for people with allergies. Australians, on the other hand, have taken the Labradoodle a few steps further. In mid it was announced that the Australian Labradoodle was not just a Labrador x Poodle cross , but was a breed in its own right developed over many years with particular goals in mind. To accomplish these goals, further development was done with parent breed infusions added to the already blooming Labrador x Poodle cross lines. The developers of the breed sought out the best way in which to compliment the Australian Labradoodle breed, and to develop the authentic qualities that they find and love in these dogs. In the very first Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard was written which reflected these goals. The Australian Labradoodle currently consists of 6 different breeds in its origin. We truly believe our Australian Labradoodles are the best dog available and will make a great addition to your family. Conveniently located between Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago , we are here to help puppies find their forever home with your family. For more information on Australian Labradoodles contact the Midwest based Labradoodle experts at the Labradoodle Corral. All Rights Reserved. Looking for the perfect Hanukkah or Christmas present? A Spring puppy.Our waitlist is open and we are accepting deposits. My Labradoodle changed and enriched my life. I promised myself that if I was ever able to find the perfect dogs with outstanding pedigrees I would do it once. After our first breeding and puppy training experience our family fell in love. Our children experienced a world that one cannot teach a child without seeing and experiencing in their everyday life. They were opened to a world of emotional and physical sacrifice, and tender loving joy. Our goal going forward is to create Low- No shedding dogs in a variety of sizes, with a Teddy Bear look. What makes us different from other breeders? We pride ourselves in our authentic approach to breeding and training. Our loving integrity is shown in the quality of puppies we breed, raise, and train. We are truly fortunate and blessed to be able to breed dogs that are desirable for the busy family. Since we know how important the puppy prep-school training is for the success for the adoptive family, we keep the puppies on a tight training schedule. We care for our puppies around the clock with puppy-sitters. Exercise and Nutrition is of utmost importance to us. We feed our dogs Fromm dog food. When a mother dog is pregnant and nursing our mother dog receives platinum care. She is fed a high-protein Organic diet, along with vitamin supplements to ensure proper nutrition to herself as well as her puppies. Our mother dog enjoys the special attention she receives. IF a mother dog is treated like a Queen she will take even better care of her little princes, and princesses. Our breeding dogs live the life of luxury in their own private family environment. Since we do not believe a dog should exist to breed or live their life in a kennel we use Guardian families. Our parent dogs stay with their family until delivery. We add value to adoptive families by providing a fully crate trained, potty-bell trained, and sleep through the night puppy service. We work hard and do not sleep much so that you can.


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goldendoodle puppies ga - Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:.