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White Boxers are often confused with albinos simply because the color of their coats is similar. However, there are a variety of differences that set the two apart. Here is more information to help you determine the difference between an Albino Boxer and a White Boxer. Albinism is a genetic condition in which prevents dogs from producing melanin, the pigment that colors skin, hair and eyes. White coated dogs produce the color white, while albinos boxers only appear white due to their lack of pigmentation. Boxers with white coats and dark eyes or noses can sometimes be confused as albino. White Boxers have a spot or marking near their nose while Albino Boxers have no pigmentation or markings of any color on their body. An excellent way to tell a White Boxer from an Albino Boxer is to look at their eyes. The eyes and the tissue surrounding the eye sockets of albino dogs appear to show a pinkish hue. Unless an boxer has a pink noses and pink skin around its eyes, it is not albino, just white coated. Small markings of black, fawn, or brindle are found in various areas of the body on white boxers. Albinism occurs when a dog inherits two copies of a recessive gene which results in no skin pigmentation. White Boxers on the other hand are born with a recessive gene that creates a white coat but still has pigmentation. Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years for white and albino Boxers as well as any coat color. Although albino boxers are more prone to certain health coniditons, their lifespan is relatively the same as normal boxers with proper care. Albino Boxers are prone to sunburn and skin cancer. Albino boxers should get minimal and carefully managed exposure to direct sunlight. Here are a few tips on how to care for your albino boxer: Protect their skin at all times by applying a thin layer of pet-friendly sunscreen to their body, face, and ears. Keep their skin clean and moisturized at all times. Choose bottled water over tap. Take your Boxer for walks and allow them to get plenty of exercises to help keep them entertained, happy and healthy. Other common health issues include the following: Heart defects — Aortic stenosis and sub-aortic stenosis is a common heart problem found in the Boxer breed. This ailment forces the heart to work harder than usual to supply blood to the body. Boxer cardiomyopathy — This inherited condition is also referred to as Boxer arrhythmic cardiomyopathy as well as other names. The condition causes the heart to experience erratic beats caused by an electrical disorder. Hip dysplasia — This inheritable condition prevents the thighbone from fitting properly into the hip joint. Hypothyroidism — This health issue is caused by a thyroid hormone deficiency that can lead to obesity, infertility, lack of energy, and mental dullness. Eye diseases — Corneal dystrophy is a general name that covers several optical diseases that are inherited. This condition appears in the center of the cornea producing an opaque area. Since the puppies are euthanized, most people think white Boxers are rare but they are actually common. Since albinism is caused by two copies of a recessive gene they are considered rare compared to white Boxers. Is it unethical to breed or buy albino Boxers? Purposely breeding dogs with the intent for them to have genetic albinism is not ethical and any breeder that engages in that practices should be avoided. However, if an albino Boxer is born to a standard Boxer and naturally inherited the lack of pigmentation, that is a different story and you should have no qualms about buying or adopting such a dog. The Boxer breed dates back to England in the 19th century and was bred to be a hunting dog. In the past, the main working task of this breed was to seize and hold the prey until their owner arrived. The Deutscher Boxer Club was established in and in the club published the first Boxer standard. During the late 19th century, the breed was introduced to various countries in Europe. The United States learned about the Boxer breed towards the end of the 20th century. At the end of the second war, returning soldiers took the dogs home with them and became companion dogs. Some Boxer breed owners used their dogs as a guard dogs while others entered them into prestigious dog shows. Currently, the Boxer dog breed is known best as a family or companion dog. However, some of them do live on ranches and farms that require them to use their natural hunting skills. Albino Boxers are self-assured, dignified, playful, patient, and good with kids. Albino Boxers greet strangers with a wary look but often respond friendly. The Boxer breed in general is a natural guard dog due to their natural watchful demeanor. They are only aggressive when acting in defense of their home and family. White and albino Boxers are an excellent choice as a family pet. Their nature is to be friendly, loyal, and a great playmates for children. They also make great companions as well as have the skills to help on farms and ranches. Are you ready to welcome a white or albino Boxer into your family? Related Posts:. As their name suggests, they are Boxer dogs that simply have white coats. However, their coat color makes them slightly different. The Boxer breed we know today is from Germany and was originally bred for hunting and dog fights. However, these activities became unpopular as years passed, so Boxers found new roles as working dogs. Many White Boxers are now bred to help humans do day-to-day activities. Some of these Boxers are cattle dogs or police dogs, while others are guide dogs for the blind. Are White Boxers aggressive? All dogs have the tendency to be aggressive when they are not trained properly. Boxers got the bad reputation of being a vicious breed because they were originally bred for hunting and dog fights. But, as times changed, these dogs evolved as well. A White Boxer shares the same features as regular Boxers, only their coat is white. Considered a medium to large dog, as mentioned above a White Boxer can weigh 50 to 80 lbs 22 to 36kg and reach up to 21 to 25 inches 53 to 66 cm in height. Distinctly shaped heads and strong bodies A distinct physical feature of a Boxer is its head. Their jaws have an underbite and their muzzle is blunt. Their ears are erect and sometimes naturally fold over. Some White Boxers will also have cropped ears. Most White Boxers have a muscular body with a broad, deep chest. Their tails are carried high and often docked. How rare are White Boxer puppies? The quick answer is: not that rare. Contrary to popular belief, having a White Boxer does not involve elaborate breeding techniques. Twenty to twenty-five percent of Boxers will be born white, so these dogs are not really a rare occurrence. Are White Boxers healthy? As mentioned in the first paragraph the average lifespan of a White Boxer is 10 to 12 years. This is due to the lack of pigment in the skin cells of their inner ear canal and consequently the loss of sensory hair cells. Skin problems — Skin issues are common in White Boxers because of their short coats. Many of these dogs suffer from skin rashes and irritation. Owners can use human sunscreen to protect their pets from the harmful sun, but dogs may end up licking the sunscreen off. Blindness — The link between blindness and the White Boxer needs to be studied further, but there are more blind White Boxers than any other Boxers of different coat colors. White Boxers are also said to be more prone to canine cancers than other breeds. How do you care for your White Boxer? Caring for a White Boxer is easy, especially since this is a low-shedding breed. However, you will have to devote some regular playtime for this active dog. Their short coats shed only a small amount of fur and require only a weekly brushing. However, they shed more than usual during springtime. The proper diet for White Boxers Due to several health issues Boxers can suffer from, it is very important for them to have nutrient-dense food to keep them healthy and at their best. This dog needs at least 30 to 45 minutes of active play and exercise in a day. Limiting sun exposure As we said before, this breed is prone to sunburn. Sun protection is a must when they are playing outside. You can buy them canine sunscreen for to protect their skin or have them wear a shirt when outside. How do you train a White Boxer? White Boxers are highly intelligent and can be easily trained to do what needs to be done. However, there are some Boxer behaviors that need to be addressed during training. Training sessions should be fun and short to keep White Boxers interested. They need to see you as the pack leader for them to follow your command. Socialization is important for White Boxers as they can get protective of their toys and their humans. Positive reinforcement yields better results with this breed. Praises and treats go a long way in making good behavior stick. Due to the number of White Boxers that are deaf, owners have found other ways to train their beloved canine. What makes the White Boxer controversial? White Boxers were originally part of the police force, but their coats made them easy to spot at night. This nighttime visibility rendered the pups useless in police operations. This ban aimed to take out the genes that make these Boxers white and led to breeders killing their White Boxer puppies and dogs. But that was just the start as the debate about this breed still goes on today. The American Kennel Club controversy According to the AKC breed standard, a Boxer should have two-thirds of its coat is colored either fawn or brindle. Because White Boxers do not meet this criterion, some breeders think that White Boxers are inferior and have more health issues compared to fawn or brindle Boxers. This thinking has caused some breeders to euthanize White Boxer puppies. White Boxer welfare groups There are several White Boxer welfare groups that advocate for these dogs and condemn White Boxer euthanasia. Some of these groups have put up shelters and rescue centers for White Boxers. They are also active in promoting the White Boxer as a good dog, regardless of the health issues it may have. Where can I find reputable White Boxer breeders? White Boxers have a number of health issues that they can suffer from, so you want to pick the healthiest White Boxer puppy among the pack. It may be challenging to intentionally seek out breeders who focus on breeding White Boxers, so you can check out the following Boxer breeders:. Lifespan Sociability A well-bred Boxer puppy can reach high prices depending on your locality and the breeder. When you bring a White Boxer home, be ready to have a loyal and friendly dog by your side. These are energetic dogs so they do well with active families who have lots of space for their dogs to run around in and burn off their energy. Boxers Are Among the Top 10 Most Popular Breeds Boxer dogs were brought to America in the early 20th century, but the breed only gained popularity after the s. At present, the Boxer dog is among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States. White Boxers Are Not Albino Albinism is a lack of skin pigmentation characterized by white hair, white skin, and pink eyes. White boxes have blue eyes and can develop black spots. In fact, more than one-quarter of the Boxer puppies born are considered white. Nothing could be further from the truth. These dogs are loyal and friendly towards family, but they can also be aggressive when being protective. While they can be wary of strangers, they tend to be playful and jovial when in the company of people they know. And their curiosity and high intelligence allow them to learn new things quickly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? For one, they are loyal to the core and are very protective of those they love. Moreover, they are very affectionate and will jump at you in greeting every chance they get. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, this dog will be too much for you. Additionally, families with small children should be cautious. The dog can easily knock the little fellas down while bouncing and leaping around. However, their high prey drive will put your cat and other vulnerable pets at risk, so be sure not to leave them unattended in the same room. The following is what you need to know before owning a white Boxer. This means that you must provide them with adequate nutrition to support their active lifestyle. White Boxers, in particular, need a high-quality diet rich in proteins, fiber, carbs, and fat. However, take care not to overfeed your pet because this can lead to obesity. Stick to the scheduled mealtime and keep treats at a minimum. An active adult Boxer should receive cups of dog food per day, depending on their weight, as well as other variables. You should seek the advice of a veterinarian always when not sure what to feed your pup. Otherwise, they will direct their high energy elsewhere and can be quite destructive, especially when they get bored. The dog will need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day to maintain good behavior. You can split that into two sessions of 30 minutes each. Walking, hiking and playing games such as fetch are just some of the things you can do with your furry friend. You could even choose to enroll them in dog competitions. Games and puzzles are great here. Additionally, teach them new tricks from time to time. Since they are highly intelligent, they tend to learn things fast. Furthermore, this dog has no time for repetitive and boring routines. You will have to keep things fresh and fun if you hope to teach them anything. Moreover, the canines are generally clean. Just like cats, they are capable of grooming themselves. Therefore, you only need to brush their coat once a week to keep it looking neat. Regular baths may not be necessary, but you should not neglect to clip their nails once or twice a month. Trimming the nails will prevent them from scratching you whenever they jump to greet you. But their well-being can be threatened by various health conditions. Apart from the common health issues that affect Boxers in general, a white Boxer is susceptible to the following health problems. Minor Conditions. White Boxer Dogs Overview Regrettably, some people still believe that white Boxer dogs or puppies are the least favorable of the breed. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer dog is not automatically ill or blind or has eye issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both of the parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more studies to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They are more likely to sunburn And the white Boxer like many other breeds with similar loss of pigment are more prone to deafness in one or both ears. They are not rare -Approximately 25 percent of all boxers born are white. They are not albinos — They have colored eyes, colored touch, inside of the ears, belly and bottom of the paws. They can sunburn easy — an owner should use human sunscreen on their dog if they are to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common with the white Boxer. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs ; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .They are happy, loyal, social, friendly dogs when raised in a loving, appropriate home. The white Boxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. An albino Boxer dog would have no color on the skin as well; the eye rims, nose, bottom of the paw pads , and lips would be pink. In addition, most albino dogs have very light eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, will have some skin pigmentation. Typically, the nose is black, as are the lips. Eye rims and paw pads can be black. Please note that very young Boxer puppies often have pink noses. So, if you have an all white Boxer newborn puppy and the nose is pink, this is not an indication of abinism. Over the of the next few weeks, nose color should come in. Final nose coloring may be fully black or spotted. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Tia and Dyson, both 8 years old Photo courtesy of Birgitta Woolmer. Much like a boxer might spar with an opponent. The Boxer is thought to be a modern descendant of larger mastiff-type fighting dogs that were bred to hunt large game like bison and bears. The white Boxer may be smaller than these ancestors, but this is still a very powerful dog. White Boxer Dog Appearance Contrary to popular belief about the white Boxer, this coat color is not actually rare in Boxers. These include the brown and white Boxer dog, the black and white Boxer dog, the brindle and the fawn. Here again, if the white portions of the coat equal 30 percent or more of the total coat, the Boxer will be considered to have a white Boxer coat color even if there are other colors or patterns present in the coat as well. One of the most enduring myths about white Boxer puppies with blue eyes is that they will be blind later in life. For white Boxers today, blue is considered just another possible eye color. Shedding and Grooming The white Boxer, like all Boxers, has a very short, neat, single layer coat. However, pale dogs can look mucky more quickly than darker haired dogs. Therefore you might need to brush your dog down slightly more often, and bath them more frequently too. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Boxer has a short coat that sheds throughout the year. They spread allergens through the proteins in their dander and saliva, and are not a good match for human allergy sufferers unfortunately. The white Boxer typically weighs 50 to 80 pounds, with adult males outweighing adult females by about 15 pounds. An adult Boxer may stand 21 to 25 inches tall paw to shoulder. Temperament and Personality The white Boxer has the same playful, friendly, and sociable temperament and personality that the Boxer dog breed is known for overall. In fact, the Boxer is often so exuberant that they need continual training and reinforcement not to bowl you over or leap up onto you just to say hello. Even if you just saw each other five minutes ago! Are Boxers Good With Kids? However, the Boxer is high energy and loves to jump up. Boxers tend to do well with other Boxers so long as they are opposite genders. Same-gender Boxers are known to be somewhat intolerant of each other. Guarding Tendencies Both the white male and white female Boxer dog can make a good family watchdog. For this reason, early and ongoing training and socialization is a vital part of helping your white Boxer learn how to welcome guests. And be a healthy and productive member of your family and the local community. A white Boxer will bark as necessary. For a Boxer, often this means barking to alert you when a stranger is present or if something seems amiss. Too much barking may indicate your Boxer is bored or lonely. In addition to strategic barking, you can expect your Boxer to drool more than a bit. Many owners also report that Boxers tend to snore, which may be due to having the shortened muzzle characteristic of brachycephalic dog breeds. Training and socialization The white Boxer, like all Boxers, can be stubborn during training. This is especially true during the short attention span puppyhood phase! Boxers can be independent thinkers, and this arises from their breed history as a hunting dog bred to hunt prey far ahead of their people. They do best in training when you keep each session fresh and interesting and avoid too much repetition. The Boxer is a flat-out amazing canine athlete and will enjoy and excel in canine sports like agility and search-and-rescue. These dogs are also top picks for K-9 and service dog roles. These dogs love to play, jump, run and chase and you should make sure your yard is escape-proof before letting your Boxer out. Are White Boxer Dogs Healthy? Most purebred dog breeds have certain health concerns that are associated with breed. Boxer dogs are no exception. Because white Boxer dogs can have a higher susceptibility to deafness, ethical breeders do not use white Boxer dogs in their breeding stock. However, this does not mean Boxer parent dogs with other coat colors will not produce white Boxer puppies. As long as all other health tests come back clear, white Boxer puppies can make wonderful pet dogs and have the same 10 to year average life expectancy as do all other Boxer dogs. Boxers can be particularly prone to developing heart disease, including aortic stenosis, which is often initially detectable during routine veterinary exams when the vet hears a heart murmur. Often murmurs related to aortic stenosis, which are different than puppy heart murmurs that resolve with age, are not detectable until the Boxer is an adult. Another all-too-common heart issue is cardiomyopathy, which is often detectable via heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Boxer dogs that exhibit signs of weakness, lethargy, or collapse may be suffering from early stage cardiomyopathy. They are also prone to: Canine cancer. This is largely due to the fact that for many years, a white coat was a death sentence for a boxer puppy, and breeders routinely killed their white puppies. However, white boxers are wonderful dogs, as beautiful and fun as their fawn and brindle counterparts! The vast majority of them suffer no disability as a result of their coloration, and those that do can still enjoy a long and happy life with just a little accommodation. Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about white and deaf boxers. White Boxers Q: Are white boxers rare? A: White boxers are not rare. Q: Are white boxers a recent development in the breed? A: White boxers have been around as long as boxers have, and though it is not considered appropriate to breed them today, they were even included in early German boxer breeding programs. A: No. Albinos completely lack pigment in their skin, hair, or eyes. White boxers have mostly unpigmented fur, but they typically have dark noses, dark eyes, and patches of pigmented skin under their fur. White boxers are not the result of any genetic birth defect; they are genetically normal dogs who have white fur. Q: Are white boxers deaf? A: White boxers are more likely to be born deaf than are fawn or brindle boxers, but even still, the majority of white boxers can hear. There are no definitive figures regarding the incidence of deafness in white boxers. Q: Do white boxers have special health considerations? A: Some people claim that white boxers have a higher risk of developing cancer than do fawn or brindle boxers, but this has never been proven to be true. White boxers, do, however, sunburn more easily, and sun exposure can contribute to skin cancer. Using doggie sunscreen, putting a t-shirt on your white boxer, and, of course, limiting sun exposure during the midday can help reduce their risk of sunburn. Q: Do white boxers behave differently than colored boxers? A: White boxers are exactly the same in temperament as their fawn and brindle siblings. Q: Can white boxers be registered with the AKC? A: While the AKC does not recognize the use of white boxers for breeding, they do offer an American Kennel Club Limited Registration and will assign the dog an AKC number for use in performance events, such as obedience and agility. Any puppies produced by a dog with a limited registration will be denied registration by the AKC. Deafness in Boxers Q: What causes deafness in boxers? A: While many dogs acquire some degree of hearing loss with age, congenital deafness in boxers is usually caused by the lack of pigmented skin in the inner ear, resulting in the atrophy of nerve endings within a few weeks of birth. Congenital deafness in white boxers is not associated with any other health issues. Q: Are deaf boxers trainable? A: Yes, deaf boxers are trainable. Dogs born deaf also are very attuned to other stimuli around them, like vibrations in the floor and changes of light, and you can take advantage of these stimuli for training purposes. Deaf dogs are as trainable as any other, but they may require that you learn new techniques and skills. Q: Can I take my deaf dog on off-leash walks? A: As a general rule, deaf boxers should never be allowed off-leash in unenclosed areas. Since they will not hear you if you call them, you must remain in physical control of your deaf dog anytime there is a danger of him running off or getting into trouble. Q: Are deaf boxers aggressive? A: Deaf boxers, like hearing boxers, have individual personalities, and they are not more likely to be aggressive than any other dog. Some people worry that deaf boxers will react aggressively if they are startled by touch. However, deaf dogs are accustomed to their disability, and just because it is easier to surprise a deaf dog does not mean the dog will respond inappropriately when startled. Additionally, deaf dogs can and should be desensitized to touch using positive reinforcement. Deaf dogs adapt well to their disability and do not necessarily require another dog whose lead they can follow. Oftentimes, any new dog hearing or deaf will follow the lead of a pre-existing dog hearing or deaf in a household. They can easily sunburn — an owner should use dog friendly sunscreen on their dog if they plan to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .The whiteboxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. Deafness Facts Regarding deafness, the genetic basis of white in Boxers is the same as in Dalmatians, although without the ticking factor to give the spots. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Article re-published from www.

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Please watch the following video on this subject from the Embark Canine Health Summit:. Located around the sunshine state, these breeders can help you find the best pet for you and your family. Published on Copy link Bringing home your first dog is a truly special experience. There is endless excitement that comes with raising a puppy - getting them acclimated to your children, letting them roam their new yard, buying them the perfect leash and chew toys to curb their mischievous appetite. A breeder whose mission is to take the absolute best care of the animals they raise. The breeder is focused on one breed and knows the best way to take care of them, instead of having a slew of dogs that lack the proper care and attention. In all, using a trusted breeder can give you the satisfaction in knowing exactly how your future pet has been treated and raised before bringing them home. GoodDog: Helping You Find The Best Breeder Before we dive into the best breeder options, we want to mention an incredibly helpful resource to find the best breeder in your area. They screen every breeder to ensure they are practicing responsible breeding and their platform was developed with the help of leading veterinarian clinics and academic experts. To give GoodDog a try, visit their website to find a labrador breeder near you. Situated between Jacksonville and Gainesville they breed chocolate, yellow and black Labrador puppies. They engage in Outcrossing - creating new genetic combinations by bringing together genes from unrelated labradors to eliminate undesirable traits caused by recessive genes is the fundamental philosophy of their breeding program. They do not inbreed. They have been breeding English Labradors since and all of their females are the result of their 39 year breeding program. Some other aspects of their breeding philosophy include: Bottle feeding their puppies in addition to their nursing from their mother. Placing their nursery in the center of their house to allow the puppies to adjust to the sounds of everyday life. Temperament tests for each puppy to match them with the perfect family. Complete physical exam by their veterinarian and first of scheduled vaccines. Duke is a perfect fit in our family. He loves our small children. He is medium in size. He is just like his momma Lacey.I highly recommend Penny Lane Labradors! Jennifer Sample: Duke I constantly get comments not just on how handsome he is but his temperament. My husband has had labs his entire life and I have owned one other lab with him for 10 years. Bosun is hands-down the best dog we've ever had. Thank you for breeding such great animals. He is a gem! She is adjusting well! Thank you for taking care of her for 8 weeks :! Charlotte Kountz: Dannie Thank you for our puppy muffin Juno. She is so sweet. She is definitely getting spoiled. She is a good little girl. We just adore her! Deanna Morrey: Delilah Lexi has the most adorable smile and is a little cuddle bug! Rachel Roberts: Lexi We named our little ball of joy Maisie. Thank you for such a wonderful pup! We love her so much!! He loves to swim at the beach and go on walks. Laura Watson: Sully Brady on his 11 wk birthday. He is very good - after the first night he has slept thru all of the nights. He is the perfect puppy!! Loves to get into the refrigerator- never seen anything like it! Took her to the beach first time Yesterday- she absolutely loves all the other dogs and people she meets, and they love her. She sleeps thru the night now in her kennel next to our bed. Thanks for raising such a fine puppy- she has stolen our hearts and filled our lives with joy! She is adjusting fine. She slept free in her own bed in our room till about then went straight back to sleep. Erika Foster: Olive. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits.

For the complete list please see our Breeder Listings page. The price of a Boxer puppy varies depending on the breeder and where you are located. Boxer puppies usually go fast because this is such a popular breed of dog, so make sure you act quickly once you find one that interests you. The price of Boxer puppies in Texas might vary because of where you live and the reputation of the breeder. There are certain things you should consider when looking for a breeder like their location, reputation, and costs. The best way to research your breeder is by asking around for recommendations from other pet owners in the area. Word of mouth is often the most effective way to find a good breeder. Make sure you ask about costs and any guarantees or warranties that they offer. Visit Your Texas Boxer Breeder in Person Whether you physically searched for a Boxer puppy in Texas or found a breeder online, once you find one that interests you, the most important thing to do is visit them in person. It will also let you see their facilities first hand which can give you a better idea of what your puppy will be like. If possible, ask if they can let your future pup run around with other young boxers while you wait. This dog-to-dog interaction will help socialize him and make sure he grows up healthy and happy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Texas If you feel comfortable with your boxer breeder in Texas, ask to see references from other people who have purchased their puppies. If they are reluctant to give you any names or contact details of other customers, this might be a sign that there is something fishy going on. If previous customers had any issues with the company or their puppies, you should probably find another breeder. These people could also give you lots of helpful advice about your specific dog and what kind of personality he might have based on his parents and genetics. Meeting past customers will also give you the chance to ask them questions about their experience with your breeder. If they had any problems, this is your chance to find out all about it. Remember, even one bad review should be enough for you to walk away from a breeder. Even if your Texas Boxer Breeder has nothing to hide, they should still have a good veterinarian that they use regularly. The best way for you to find out is to ask them what type of veterinary care their dogs receive and who your puppy will be seeing. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the warranty period, the better the policy will be for you and your pet. The minimum amount of time usually given by breeders is 1 year but reputable breeders like those listed here at PuppySpot offer 2 to 3 years. Some lifetime warranties against certain genetic diseases. First of all, if the prices seem too good to be true…they probably are. Often times they just want your cash without caring about whether or not their breeding practices result in healthy, happy pets which could lead to expensive health problems down the road. Unethical breeders will also try to make you feel like they are doing you a favor by selling you their puppies, but this is just another tactic used to put pressure on the consumer. Finally, if the breeder says that only cash is accepted as payment…move on. Any refusal of credit cards should be an immediate red flag. Most reputable breeders will be honest with you and tell you if there are any issues or history of disease in either the parents or other relatives. The truth is that no one is perfect and every dog has some sort of health concern or another. Reputable breeders will know about these issues before they sell their puppies to you which means they will provide documentation for proof. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Before you actually bring your new boxer home, the first thing that you should do is make sure to set up a safe and comfortable area for them. First of all, you will need to find a way to confine your boxer while you are away at work or school. The good news is that there are many different options available for everyone whether they live in an apartment or have acres of land. You also want to make sure that the bathroom has been properly puppy-proofed before your boxer comes home. This will typically involve covering up anything sharp, electrical or poisonous items that could pose a problem for your new pet. Finally, if you have any valuable items on hand such as a TV or laptop, make sure to put them out of reach. In addition, whenever you bring them back inside from playing around in the backyard make sure to immediately put them on a leash so that you can quickly grab them if they need to go to the bathroom. Once again, this will be a lot easier if you have a fenced-in area for outdoor playtime but it can still be accomplished using an electronic fence if necessary. Boxers are incredibly intelligent dogs which means that most of them pick up on things very quickly. In fact, many boxer puppies learn how to properly eliminate outside all on their own within just a few days of being home with you. If they have any accidents inside, never scold them because this will only lead to confusion and mistrust. Instead, always use positive reinforcement by either praising them when they do something good or by giving them a treat whenever they go potty out in the yard. Continue doing this until they understand that going outside is the only acceptable place to have a bowel movement. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. I grew up with boxers as my grandmother was an avid lover of the breed and had a lucrative breeding and showing program. While she is no longer with us, I continue her legacy and continue to use her kennel name MerBar Boxers. Each one of my puppies is raised in my home with my children and other pets. I make sure each puppy is loved and has great social skills. I like to give each baby an abundance of attention! All of my dogs are health tested to ensure you get a puppy that will be with you for years to come. I am happy to explain our health tests, what they mean, and why they are important. I will make myself available for any questions or concerns. If you are considering a breeding program I will mentor you on all the appropriate health testing, as well as making sure I fit you with the right puppy. If I do not have what you're looking for I am happy to refer you to my network of breeder friends to ensure you get the right puppy. I know that sometimes situations arise that are out of your control. Rest assured that you have options and I will work with you to resolve any issues. I'm 8 years old and, if I may say so myself, probably the best thing to ever happen to my mama. We've had some great adventures together from traveling with the circus to camping trips to play time with other friends and their humans to just snuggling on the couch! It's been a stupendous journey but it's time to discover more adventures and spread more joy! I am full of love and willing to share all of it with you! I am perfectly content to snooze the day away, keeping your bed warm, or sniffing out all the great smells on some walks. I love meeting new people and dogs, but sometimes I like to take my time because some people are weird and kids can be grabby, ya know?! I'm not a fan of cats, as they're just too rude for my taste. Same with aggressive dogs, I'm a lover, not a fighter! But I can get defensive if I feel like me or my human are threatened. I don't like storms, like at all, but who can blame me, right? They are scary loud with flashing lights and I just don't like it! If you have something to help me stay calm and a nice couch I can curl up on, I'll be fine until it passes, but I do get a lil spooked. Because there are lots of storms here in Florida, I have gotten pretty anxious and lashed out at my fur brother a couple of times recently. I never hurt him, and we made up and are still friends, but I sometimes get a little worked up, but I'm working on it! If you have a tennis ball you need chasing and chewing, I'm your girl! I'm also a belly rub enthusiast receiving, not giving, silly , and quite the accomplished tug of war winner. I know lots of verbal and visual commands and, if I can toot my own horn for a second, I'm pretty darn good on a leash. Car rides are my jam! Windows up or windows down, I don't get sick and I just like to quietly stare out the window. I like my crate and sometimes sleep the night away in there, it's like my own little blanket fort! Don't be jealous, I'll share it with you too! I can't wait to meet you! So take a sniff at my pictures because my mom says I'm a natural model, but I think I just have good genetics, like duh, just look at me! My mama said we're willing to go on a long car ride if we find the perfect home and that made me so excited! Let's be friends so I can show you all the best scratching spots behind my ears! Ripley is participating in The Love Pit's iRehome program, so ongoing care and custody are provided by their foster. All behavior and medical information is provided by their caretaker, and TLP encourages all adopters to verify the information with their caretaker prior to adoption. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? This is often the case and can be for several reasons. Do I have to choose from local breeders near me? Not at all! How are breeders selected for your network? This is because we have high standards when it comes to Boxer for sale Dallas and care about connecting homes like yours with only the top notch breeders and business in the industry. Learn more from our Breeder Pledge and find Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas now. You can take a lot of the negative stress out of your Dallas Boxer puppy for sale puppy search by choosing to work with Uptown Puppies. We are highly selective when it comes to breeders and businesses in our network, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your puppy is coming from an ethical breeder or business. Should I worry about puppy mills? There are plenty of them and they are essentially factories that produce as many puppies as possible with no care for the well being of the animals in their care. These puppies often have health problems down the road. Are there puppies available now in your network? Once you decide to work with Uptown Puppies and look for Dallas Boxer puppies for sale, you can start browsing through available puppies right away and get one step closer to finding your dream companion. Boxers have ancestors that can be traced as far back as B. They were originally bred as hunters and became more popular across Europe in the 16th century before coming to the U. Are Boxers good family dogs? Boxer puppies Dallas are considered great family dogs because of how much energy they have and how much they absolutely love to play! Their playful energy allows them to keep up with any equal energy children in the household! They also bond quickly with all members of the household, and like to take on a guardian role. What can I expect with a Boxer breed? Boxers are so popular and beloved for a good reason, they are charming, playful and dedicated companions who brighten your day with their affection. You can expect for Boxers for sale Dallas to be high energy and always ready for the next adventure to go on. They also will bond with you quickly and are able to be trained easily. How big is a full grown Boxer? Dallas Boxers for sale are a medium to large sized dog breed and range from about inches tall and can weigh in anywhere from pounds depending on the sex. Once your tiny little puppy grows into adulthood, they are a good size for apartment or house living as long as they get out for plenty of exercise!

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. I was dumped, along with my friend, in my foster mom's neighborhood, in the dark during a thunderstorm. I was left to wander on my own and fend for myself. It was absolutely terrifying and I didn't trust that people were trying to help me. After about 3 weeks of being homeless and starving on the streets, ACS finally caught up to me and I ended up at the shelter. But thank goodness my foster mom saw that I was at ACS and after getting spayed and current on all my vaccinations, she came and got me! Now that I know I am safe and my belly is full, I know that I can trust the good humans again and I get to show my true, silly, fun-loving personality. There can never be too much snuggling as far as I'm concerned. I love to sniff around in the backyard but I don't love the water. When my foster mom waters the plants, I run back inside, away from that scary hose! I love to play tug of war with my rope toys and am learning to chase and bring back the ball. I am crate trained and sleep like an angel through the night. I mostly go potty outside, but because I was a street dog and used to going wherever I was, I have had the very rare accident inside, but only a handful of times. And my foster family is helping me remember that I'm only supposed to go outside so I should be an ace at that in no time! I love frozen blueberries, broccoli and cucumbers gotta keep my girlish figure! But my foster mom and sister are working hard with me to teach me the difference between "sit" and "stand" and also working on teaching me to stay. I want to make my foster family proud, so I'm trying hard! I have not been around small kiddos, but I think I would like them - I like anyone who wants to snuggle me! The only thing I don't like are kitties so no feline sibling for me. I am a sweet, sweet girl who just wants to be with my human. I will be your best, most loyal friend forever!

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:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. 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:. Both GSDs and Goldens are double-coated dogs, so that means we can expect the same with their hybrid offspring. With that said, this designer breed moderately sheds throughout the year and becomes heavy shedders during the shedding season spring and fall. They generally have a medium-length coat that is fairly dense and waterproof, which helps them when doing outdoor tasks, just like its parents. For their coat color, it can vary quite a bit, but typically, they come in tan, red, cream, or black. Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes can either have solid colors or a blend that makes them look unique. However, there are a few things that we can say that does generally apply to this crossbreed. Family-friendly and fun! Generally speaking, these dogs are fantastic companions. Once you have earned their loyalty, they will be faithful to you for the rest of their lives. Golden German Shepherds can also be very playful and are usually very full of energy. This can be easily dealt with by playing some indoor or outdoor games. A Golden watchdog and fantastic work abilities Thanks to the amazing traits of the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever, their crossbreed can also excel in different jobs. They are very protective of their person and will bark to alert you when strangers are approaching. Golden Retriever German Shepherd mixes are great to have around as fur buddies, and they can also be put up to a task. With appropriate training, they can be employed by the military and police, or even as hunting and guide dogs. So, instead of punishing them for bad behaviors, you should focus more on rewarding your doggo for something that he did right with toys, praise, and of course, treats. Separation anxiety in a social dog Keep in mind that this crossbreed does not like to be left alone. They can quickly become depressed, frustrated, and bored, which can lead to undesirable behaviors such as being destructive. In case you need to be away from your home for a long time, consider hiring someone to take care of and spend quality time with your dog. Golden Shepherds are social butterflies, and they enjoy the company of both dogs and humans. Ideally, you can have another dog in your home that can be with your fido. Lots of Dog, Lots of Care! Are you up for the commitment with this fluff ball? A Ball of Energy! Your Golden Retriever-German Shepherd cross will require 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day. If your pet is highly active, then it will often be the latter. Why not take your dog on a run or a hike? He can also go swimming! This breed is almost sure to enjoy playing fly ball, and you can take agility classes with him as well. This is an amazing way to spend quality time with your pet, and he will especially enjoy it because he gets to do it all with you — his favorite human! Wait until he is 18 months old so that his joints are fully formed, then you will be safe to do more activities with him. Golden Retrievers have fur that is particularly likely to mat, so you might need an even more durable brush during the spring and the fall when they shed the most. Take your dog to a groomer once in a while for a bath and a trim. This will help keep his coat healthy and minimize the amount of grooming you need to do. If you can give your Golden German Shepherd mix a bath on your own, that will work, too! Since they have a weatherproof fur, washing him every 2 to 3 months or when needed is enough. These dogs are somewhat prone to wax buildup in their ears. Feeding a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix Expect that a dog this size would require a lot of food. This hybrid needs approximately 2 to 4 cups of high-quality dry kibbles every day. You should try to divide this amount into spaced out feedings, giving an adult dog two meals a day and a puppy four meals a day. Also, the type and amount of dog food you give your pet should be based on his age, size, activity level, and health. Some owners even prefer feeding their canines with their daily caloric needs. You can use this calorie calculator to compute how many calories your doggo needs. If you switch between dog foods right away, this could upset his stomach and cause all sorts of unwanted illnesses. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is not known for its health issues. This designer dog has a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, which is typical for canines in the broader size range. However, there are some health concerns that this breed is prone to, problems that tend to affect both parent breeds as well. The diseases that you should watch out for if you plan on getting this hybrid are: Degenerative myelopathy a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs that involves a loss of coordination in the hind limbs and can eventually progress to paraplegia. Bloat a condition common in large breeds, where the stomach becomes filled with a gas and twists; this can be fatal. If you want to minimize the chance of having a dog that has any of these conditions, you should make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder. One that will do all of the necessary health checks, ensuring that the parent breeds have clear eye scores, as well as good hip and elbow scores before breeding. Remember when we advised you not to give your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix too much exercise until their joints are fully formed? The reason behind it is that too much activity as a puppy can predispose this breed to hip and elbow dysplasia when he gets older. How much is a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix? That is just a general amount range for this breed. Crossing Goldens and GSDs together can produce 6 to 10 pups in a litter. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix breeders Before you make a deal with a breeder or puppy seller for a cute furball you see online, you should only buy dogs from a reputable breeder. Do your research and request to visit the parents and the litter. If the puppies already got a few vaccines, ask to see their records, too. Currently, there are no specific breeders or kennels that focus on producing this particular designer dog. But you may get lucky with our next option. How about a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix for adoption? What a great idea! You may be glad to know that most dogs are already trained and vaccinated! Amazing, right? After learning more about the Golden Shepherd, we can say that this is a great family dog! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. 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. 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.

Before you start training your Boxer puppy—or, even better, before you get the puppy—read up on what kind of training is ideal for your breed. Check online, local libraries and local organizations. You can also ask your vet for advice. Remember, the more knowledgeable you are, the better you know how to react under different circumstances. Make sure as well that you have what you need to effectively train your dog. If you're planning to clicker train, get a clicker. If you're planning to crate train, get the right-sized crate. Also be sure to pick up an appropriate collar and leash for general training. A leash should be no more than five to six feet in length. The best leashes for training are leather. Always check your equipment to make sure it is in good order and not liable to snap or break. Training works best when you dedicate a couple of short sessions 10 to 15 minutes twice a day to it. Try to train at times when the dog is not tired, but also not bursting with pent-up energy. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Ringpress Books Consider expending your Boxer's energy before training sessions by allowing him 20 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity. This will enable him to better focus on training. Try to train the dog in a place where there are few distractions, so that your Boxer puppy can focus his attention on you. This means avoiding places with other animals or people. Always begin training in your home or yard and build up to environments with more distractions e. Your commands need to be simple, short, clear and consistent. Don't lecture your dog; they're not human so they don't process language in the same way. Phrases like "I've told you not to do that" or "Please stop chewing on the table" will not work as they are too complicated. John Bradshaw. Publisher: Penguin Experts believe that a given dog registers the first part of the word as the most important, so longer commands such as "Sit Fido if you want a treat" are liable to confuse him. Just say the word "Sit" instead. In general, shouting at any dog is ineffective. This is especially true for Boxers who are hyper breed by nature. Use a firm but pleasant and upbeat voice when instructing your dog; don't yell or lose control. Dogs are very intuitive and will be able to sense your frustration and may react in kind. The tone of voice matters, especially since, again, dogs don't process language in the same way that humans do. So how you say something may mean as much if not more than what you say. Publisher: Penguin Boxers are playful by nature, and a light, breezy tone will not suffice; he will think you are just playing with him if you are not firm enough. Try using hand gestures at the same time as you issue verbal commands. For example, raise your hand at the same time as saying "Sit". Dog behaviorists believe that dogs look for multiple clues as to what we want them to do, which includes the command word, tone of voice, and body language. Admonishing a Boxer puppy too long after the incident is ineffective. If you need to admonish or correct your dog, it needs to be done during or within a few seconds of the act. Dogs will have forgotten the event within seconds of its occurrence, so it's key to address the behavior immediately in order to facilitate the retraining process. Boxers are notoriously stubborn and steadfast, so you may have to correct your puppy numerous times. Always be consistent in your commands and desires of the dog. This helps your dog to understand what is expected. Don't forget to enforce training when you are out and about, so that your dog doesn't just thinking that "Sit" and "Stay" are things he has to do in the yard or house. By enforcing commands in public places it helps your Boxers to understand he must obey under all circumstances. Leave no room for doubt about what is acceptable behavior for your Boxer puppy. If he is not allowed on the furniture, be consistent. Boxers won't understand the concept of "sometimes"; they are either permitted to lie on the couch or they are not. If you live with other people, make sure that everyone in the house is on board with the training program. Using different words for the same action will confuse the dog, disrupt the training already done, and ultimately delay progress. But at the moment, they need your guidance. For now, this includes sleeping next to you for the first few weeks, maybe even longer. Just have their crate or bed close to wherever you sleep. Our articles on sleeping through the night and establishing a nighttime routine will give you extra tips on getting through this phase. A puzzle toy or Kong will work great at making them feel like you leaving them is actually something quite fun. Potty training All new puppy parents expect potty training to be on the cards. It will help to remember your Boxer pup is a bit of a goofball. For now, we definitely want to let your pup get used to you and settle into their new home. Teach your puppy about surfaces — Different surfaces can feel strange to pups. Use surfaces like grass, moss, paving and sand. Basically, make their tail wag and we bet yours will too. Teach your Boxer their name. Teach your Boxer puppy to sit. Remember what we said about Boxers and their jumping? Recall — Trust us. Preventing resource guarding Resource guarding is where your dog fiercely protects something they have and will do everything they can to keep hold of it. Dogs can resource guard food, a toy, even a person. You can do this by teaching them that hands and touch can be a good thing. As always, back up your soft touches with some treats. Remember that consent is also a thing with dogs! Never force your Boxer to be handled or pick them up against their wishes. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. Love Boxer Dogs? Boxer Dogs are great family pets. They can often be referred to as the clown of dogs because of their joyful personality and clumsy behaviour, which can be very entertaining! They are a loyal companion and make great guard dogs, alerting their owners of anyone who approaches the property. Also, they tend to love affection from people they meet, including children, and enjoy an energetic run around with other dogs they come across! However, as with all breeds of dogs, Boxer Dog training from a young age is important. Boxer Dogs are a clever breed and can be quite trainable once you find the right reward to motivate them. The pros of this breed could go on forever. They really are amazing dogs. However, one of the main things people need to consider with this breed is their high energy levels! If you do not have a particularly active lifestyle then the Boxer Dog may not be the right breed for you. Boxers are highly energetic and require lots of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. If you are unable to dedicate time to put into exercising your Boxer Dog or finding ways to give mental stimulation, then you will find it exceedingly difficult to train and get along well with your dog. They also hold a reputation for being stubborn. This can cause problems for when you are trying to get them to do something. You need to have a lot of patience and persistence for Boxer puppy training. They are quick learners but you have to get through that stubbornness first in order to train them really well. Boxer Dogs are really energetic! Many people worry that training their new dog is going to be hard. Here are our top 10 tips for training Boxer Dogs to help you along your way… Make sure to exercise before training Boxers are an energetic breed and can become distracted easily. To help focus their attention on to you, exercise them before a training session. Discover what your dog likes When starting your Boxer puppy training, rewards are crucial. Every Boxer Dog is different and, as a result, they will all be motivated by different rewards. For example, some prefer treats and some prefer toys. You need to find out what your dog prefers and use that as a reward. If your dog likes treats, find their favourite treat. If your dog likes toys, find their favourite game. You can use these as rewards for good behaviour, which will make training sessions far easier! Reward Accordingly Depending on the exercise you and your dog are doing, you need to reward accordingly when it comes to Boxer Dog training. For example, if you are training your dog to walk to heel down the road, it may not be a good idea to reward your dog with a game of fetch. Focus on the good stuff Even though your Boxer may exhibit unwanted behaviour sometimes, you still need to focus on the good behaviour. As we said before, Boxer Dogs are stubborn, so reward their good behaviour and you will motivate them to do it more. The more you reward the good behaviour, the more likely it is that it will happen again. Motivation This is a similar point when it comes to Boxer Dog training. Boxers are known to be stubborn, but if we motivate them then they are more likely to do what we ask them to do. Using their favourite treats and other rewards is the best way to do this. So, we need to structure regular play times in for them. Dogs naturally want to play in the evening after their meal. You may notice that at some point in the evening they get a surge of energy and bounce around and want to play. This is a good time to play with them. One, two, three, and go Boxers are a very sociable breed and often get caught up with wanting to play with other dogs. To help with Boxer Dog training and for them to understand that they do not have to stay and play with every dog, you can teach them the 3-second rule. The rule is they can only meet for three seconds and then they are called away. This allows them a brief amount of time to say hello and then come back to you. If you do this enough, you will condition your dog to say hello and then walk on, making your walks a lot less hassle! Change Direction Boxers can be quite excitable when taking them out for walks and they may pull on the lead. To help combat this, you can change direction every time your Boxer Dog walks in front of you. This key point in Boxer dog training will teach them to follow you. And, if you reward them when they are well behaved and next to you, they will learn that they will get treats when they are beside you. Consistency is key It is very important to be consistent with the rules you are setting in place when it comes to Boxer puppy training. If you do not want your dog on the sofa but someone else allows it, then you will confuse your dog. Everyone in the household has to be reading off the same page in order for your dog to understand what it is you want from them. Set clear rules, and make sure everyone sticks to them! Learning to settle Teaching your dog to settle and relax is important for them so that not only can they unwind and relax, but they also understand how they should behave when you have visitors. This is when your dog lays down but rocks their hips over to one side. When your dog is in this position you can reward them and pair it with the word settle. If you wanted to take it a step further you can teach them to do this in their bed. Taking the time to teach them this key skill will really help the harmony in your home! What can good Boxer Dog training look like? Here at Royvon, we absolutely love working with Boxer Dogs to help them reach their full potential and thrive with their owners! Have a look at the video below to find out more! Meet Pippa! Pippa came to Royvon with obedience issues and problems with keeping her focus on her owner. She worked with our trainer Anna to help improve her behaviour! Anna and Pippa made great progress using positive reinforcement to reward her for ignoring possible distractions. Great work Pippa and Anna! Here at Royvon, we love working with dogs of all breeds, not just Boxers! With options to suit everyone from group puppy classes to intensive one-to-one residential training, we can cater for all needs! Whether your pup just needs to learn some basic manners, or they have issues such as aggression and anxiety, our progressive and science-based training methods are here to help! Want to find out more about what we can do to help you and your dog? Bookmark Boxers are the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States. Training should be started as soon as possible with Boxer pups. Among the wide range of dog breeds, Boxers are known to be one of the most trustworthy and intelligent. Their suspicion of strangers, alertness, agility, and strength make them formidable guard dogs. Because of their sturdiness and robust personality, they have been employed occasionally on police and military operations. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, and therapy dogs. These canines have interesting traits, in spite of their menacing appearance, that make them easy to take care of and a wonderful family favorite. It is essential to make yourself aware of the type of dog that you are going to handle, as well as the right time to start training your puppy. Ideally, Boxer training is not initiated until the Boxer pup turns three weeks old. During this period, he is able to learn how to obey simple commands which will make the upcoming training more effective. Furthermore, Boxer owners must know the various characteristics that this type of canine possesses. The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands great attention. Boxers are renowned for their great love and faithfulness to their master and households. They are harmless in the family, but distrustful of strangers; bright and friendly at play, but brave and determined when aroused. The Boxer's intelligence and willing tractability, its modesty, and cleanliness make it a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. This breed is extremely loyal, and is never mean or treacherous even in its old age. However, you must keep an eye on the precipitating factors for his anguish when it does appear and find out the reason for his unpleasant behavior right away, so that his frustration does not become part of his personality. TIP 2: Socialization is vital. Boxer dogs need interaction during the entire training process. Boxer puppies, in general, love to fool around, be with other human beings, and need some form of recreation. If integrated into the training environment, your dog will grow up more responsible. Boxers do not like being loners. They need to socialize with others just like humans. If not properly socialized or interacted with on a regular basis, Boxer aggression problems such as biting, chasing and barking loudly might arise unexpectedly and be difficult to correct. TIP 3: Providing regular exercise is absolutely essential. Boxer training should also include having your dog perform exercises. It can be a kind of sport or any outdoor activity. The key is to keep him active and agile, which helps him manage his energy levels when indoors. This exercise can be anything from a nice afternoon walk to playing a sport with him such as tossing a ball or frisbee. Boxers enjoy moving around, frolicking, and playing for hours. More movement means more strength and vigor for your dog. TIP 4: You are the alpha dog! During Boxer training you get to assume the role of a leader. It is imperative that your dog always treat you as his master and have no control over you. Make yourself the Alpha dog, especially during leash training. Leaders should be strict and dominant especially when setting rules. You must have the power over him and not allow him to overtake you. Adhering to this strict regimen until your dog fully learns and understands what behavior is acceptable and required will be worthwhile when taking him for a walk or to a dog park for exercise. Want to learn how to save on veterinary care? Click here TIP 5: Use a reward system. If your Boxer has been conforming well to the rules you have taught him during training, praise him often. Positive reinforcement is also an important element in Boxer leash training. You may give him his favorite bite-sized treat for being a good dog. Foods, toys, and telling him "Good job! Just as important as praise is remembering that if he misbehaves, you should just correct him and not punish. Punishing him violently or excessively may trigger Boxer aggression problems in the form of biting and scratching. The whole idea here is to repay him for his excellence and to reprimand in a firm but friendly manner. TIP 6: Whenever possible, spend extra time with your Boxer, beyond the training sessions. Some owners who do Boxer training might not appreciate the significance of the amount of time shared with their dogs. Insure that you allot time for your pup beyond the training to reassure him you love him and that he is your friend and companion and member of the family. Keeping your dog company is one way to bring your relationship with him to the next level, as well as increasing the success of the training. Avoid letting him feel unwanted or neglected. TIP 7: Teach your Boxer basic tricks. In Boxer training, teaching your dog a new skill is also important. As he learns a trick or two, it will not only impress friends and family, but also helps to increase your dog's mental development and obtain his trust easier. Sit, stand, roll, and kneel are a few examples of basic tricks you can teach your canine. These tricks just need patience and perseverance and he will grow into a very clever dog. TIP 8: Visit your veterinarian for help when needed. Certain problems may come up while training your Boxer. In this case, seek help from your vet for experts in your area familiar with this particular breed. Some of the issues such as proper crate training, ways to prevent Boxer anxiety and how to keep him from jumping on other people might require some extra help. The greatest tip for training your Boxer will be to approach him with patience, persistence and lots of love. Your Boxer will become a remarkably well trained dog, and a wonderful member of your family. Ready to start saving money on pet wellness care? Then take a look at Mint Wellness, the pet wellness plan that provides fast reimbursement on routine pet care. Save on vaccinations, wellness exams, preventatives, dental, and more!

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Welcome to Russford Labradors! We strive to produce healthy, even tempered, and beautiful companions that families can be proud to own. Our dogs are true to their breed standard - in both conformation and in temperament often called "English" labs. Our versatile puppies are suitable as both family members and hunting companions, and we spend many weekends traveling around the country to AKC shows competing in conformation, rally, and obedience. We are a family made up of 4 adult daughters, plus mom and dad - we each have a Russford Lab or two or three in our homes, so that they can live like the spoiled pets they deserve to be. While puppies are raised at the family home in Bath, some of our adult dogs live with our daughters in different areas of New York State. We keep a small number of breeding dogs, usually between 2 and 4 adults, and we occasionally have puppies available to select homes. Our dogs have DNA, hips, elbows, hearts, and eyes tested at a minimum to prevent genetic diseases. Our puppies are raised in our home utilizing the Puppy Culture Program for rearing and socializing, and they are placed into loving pet homes on AKC limited registration. We typically have homes waiting for our puppies before they are born; if you are interested in our plans for future litters, please watch our Facebook and Instagram pages and contact us for more information when a litter is coming up. Thank you for visiting our site. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.

We are a very small hobby breeder and raise puppies as part of the family. We do not believe in raising companion puppies in "facilities" as it does not provide proper socialization and personality development of a companion dog. We raise our puppies in our home and sound, holistic physiological and psychological development of our little ones is of the utmost priority! We believe in quality over quantity and only have few adult companions that occasionally allow us the joy of raising some of the most wonderful four legged kiddos! Our mission Our history Our history We specialize in producing quality canine companions and proudly raise healthy, fantastic, sweet, wonderful quality, registered pugs. Breed standards, health, and temperament of our dogs are our top priority. Our dogs are our family and enjoy trips to the park, to the beach, or just hanging out at home. It takes a combination of factors to produce happy and healthy, qualitypuppies and we truly believe, and our previous customers agree, that we have what it takes to accomplish that. We raise our puppies in our home and sound, holistic physiological, and psychological development of our little ones is of the utmost priority! We believe in quality over quantity and only have a few adult companions that occasionally allow us the joy of raising some of the most wonderful four legged kiddos! We specialize in producing quality canine companions and proudly raise healthy, fantastic, sweet, wonderful quality, registered pugs. It takes a combination of factors to produce happy and healthy, quality puppies and we truly believe, and our previous customers agree, that we have what it takes to accomplish that. It is our policy to sell puppies vet checked and they will have their health guarantee when they go to their new homes. They will also have their first sets if shots, will receive their dewormings, flea and tick preventative and heartworm preventative. The home of some very spoiled pugs! Located near San Antonio, Texas. Specializing in both standard and rare colored pugs. I've been working with pugs since .My goal is to not only send home healthy happy pug puppies. But to improve the health issues within the breed. As well as the quality in the rare colors that have only begun to be worked with in the USA for a short number of years now. I strive very hard to only breed healthy pugs. And make sure you get the best possible new family member you could ask for when you bring home one of my babies. All of our pugs are indoor family members. They are all spoiled and well loved. All of our pugs are AKC registered and come with AKC limited registration papers, dew claws removed, 1st and 2nd shots, and deworming. I work hard to take pictures of the babies once a week and send them out to awaiting new owners along with updates on how the puppies are doing. So you can enjoy seeing the puppies progress while you wait to bring him or her home. I love my pugs, and enjoy seeing all the families enjoyment when they bring home their new family members. I love to stay in contact and see how they grow as well! Take some time to look through my website where most of your questions should be answered. I have a great reputation with references as well by request. I look forward to bringing your new family member into your home. View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26, .Adopt Testimonials We had an amazing experience with Pughearts! The process was thorough which I appreciated. The volunteers and organization are extremely passionate about their rescue dogs and their well being. We are so grateful for our fur babies and for Pughearts! We live out of state and Pug Hearts went above and beyond to come and inspect our home. Every step of the way all the volunteers I worked with were kind and quick to answer all my many questions through the adoption process. When I flew to Houston to meet the pug we were hoping to adopt, my flight was significantly delayed and our pug's foster mom took the next day off just so I could come meet with her! Our pug came to us in great health, fully checked by the Pug Hearts vet team, with detailed vet records for her continued care. We continue to stay in touch with the volunteers and our Pug's foster mom sending updates and sharing stories, Not only did we add the sweetest pug girl to our family, we feel like we came away with new friends! We will always adopt from Pug Hearts from now on and highly recommend them for your family too! Everyone we spoke with and worked with was very nice and answered all of our questions quickly. Ann was awesome about coming to do the home visit for us since we live in a remote location in Colorado. Karen was awesome about giving us all the information we needed and making sure our pup was all set to travel back from Houston. We would recommend Pug Hearts for anyone looking to help find a pug a forever home! I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this rescue! Our pug had been found wandering the streets , was underweight and had severe behavioral issues. His foster mother worked with him for 4 months to get him ready to come home with us. Not only did we get a new family member but I made a great friend as well. They take in pugs of any age with any medical problem and provide them with not only the medical care they need but the love they deserve. No pug is left behind. They are extremely thorough in the application process and truly care about the well-being of every single animal that they help. The organization has a wonderful group of volunteers, donors, and Fosters. The intake coordinator and the Director are absolutely wonderful to communicate with. They are very knowledgeable and caring. I have adopted three pugs from them and anytime I have questions or concerns they are quick to reply with a solution. Hands-down the best rescue in the entire world!!

Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. A 6 month old German Shepherd is now out of the juvenile growth stage and is officially an adolescent. You will need patience now more than ever as these big fur balls show their true colors and try to see exactly how much they can get away with. Overall Behavior: At 6 months old, they are still big kids with plenty of youth and enthusiasm to go around. But watch out because they are still quite the trouble makers at this age. However, hopefully by now some of biting, chewing, and jumping has subsided and they are a bit more mature than the previous month. Especially if you have been busy socializing and training them consistently. They will now begin to exert their independence and do a lot of exploring. They can also start to get a bit rowdy around other dogs and may get a bit rough with younger children. Resource Guarding: One month ago, you were most likely dealing with biting and zoomies. Unfortunately, this behavior should not be tolerated and must be dealt with to avoid future issues. It can lead to possible aggressive confrontations with other people especially at a dog park or public location. It is much better to find local dog owners for play time. Training: At the 6 month mark, your German Shepherd should have the basics mastered. They are still highly susceptible to training at this stage so you want to continue consistent training. The window for socialization typically closes at around 16 weeks, so at this point they should be fairly comfortable around other animals or dogs. If not, it will be more difficult at this stage. Some helpful tips for training effectively: Continue to instill that you are the leader but never force them to into listening and learning. Learn how your dog communicates and try to relate on their level. Practice patience and be consistent, training them for at least minutes daily. Use positive reinforcement to instill obedience rewarding them with praise or treats. Intermediate Commands: Crawl — Get your dog in the down position. Lure them forward by holding a treat a few inches from their nose. Get them to follow the treat as you move back. Reward them when they obey. Fetch — Get your GSD to chase a ball or stick. Reward them for chasing it. Then call them back to you. Reward them with praise and a treat when they obey. We recommend teaching your German Shepherd two new intermediate commands a month. If you are ahead of the game and your GSD already knows crawl and fetch, you can check out the full list here. If you need a little help with training, this video has some great tips and tricks: Physical Development: At month 6, they are still growing like a weed and should be at least half of their future adult size. They most likely packed on another pounds since the previous month. Males should now be standing almost a foot and a half tall and in the range of 16 to 18 inches at the withers. Females are only an inch or two behind and should be standing around 15 to 17 inches at the withers. By now the males should be half of a hundred pounds and officially considered a large dog breed. Any dog over 50 pounds and under pounds is considered a large dog breed Males should be somewhere in the range of 49 to 57 pounds. Females on average are 5 pounds less and should weigh in the range of 44 to 49 pounds. Their full adult double coat of fur should also be completely filled in. That means a good weekly brushing with a good undercoat rake is advised. Sexual Maturity Begins: Now that they are half a year old, they will begin the sexual maturity stage of development. This is equivalent to puberty in humans. They will also simultaneously begin to mark their territory. Females on the other hand, may begin to go into heat as their estrogen kicks in. They are still young and should either be eating a high-quality puppy kibble or a homemade diet. We recommend feeding your dog an all-natural diet that includes raw meats such as chicken, fish and turkey. Combine that with fruits and veggies and your dog will be healthy and happy. Just make sure to avoid any toxic foods in their diet. As much as you are tempted, avoid giving them too many treats throughout the day. And if you are training make sure to use small, lean treats without too much fat. Obesity can exacerbate health issues that German Shepherds are already susceptible to including hip dysplasia. Being overweight also increases the risk of your GSD getting various diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and even cancer. Try to be consistent with your feeding times. Health: We mentioned earlier how fast they are growing but you want to make sure that they are meeting the recommended height and weight requirements for their age. You can keep up by referring to this size chart and writing down their size each month. If you are thinking about neutering or spaying your German Shepherd , you may want to reconsider. While some vets recommend getting it done at the 6 month mark, most breeders disagree and recommend you wait until they are at least one year old. This can be hard with a female that is going into heat but keep her lean and try to wait as long as you can when possible. The reason for waiting is because GSDs that are neutered or spayed before 6 months of age are at a higher risk of the joint condition hip dysplasia. Overall, your German Shepherd should be thriving at this age with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. That being said, it is a good idea to take preventative measures for any future health issues. You can get a step ahead by doing some research into their parents and pedigree for any possible hereditary problems present in their bloodline. You can also use tools such as a DNA test to possibly predict future conditions. While it is too early on to worry about major diseases, you still want to keep an eye out for any type of sickness your GSD may encounter. Signs and symptoms to look for: Change in normal sleeping pattern Coughing, gagging or sneezing in excess Decrease in appetite Drinking and urinating a lot Dry itchy skin. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. The bottom line How to Train a 6-month German Shepherd Once you bring home a 6-month-old German shepherd for the first time, the first thing that you should do is to take him for an introductory walk. This helps the pooch familiarize with the surrounding, and to make it easier when you take him for a talk or backyard play. When training a 6-month-old German shepherd, you should start by teaching him basic training commands like sit, stay, come, and kneel. These are useful GSD commands for different situations, and you can use treats as an incentive during the training exercise. Reward your dog when he does what you ask — this will encourage them to keep trying because they want that reward again! How much should a 6-month-old German shepherd eat? You should serve your German shepherd puppy about two to three cups of premium puppy food per day. The quantity served may vary depending on the size and age of your pup but in general, this is roughly how much to feed him each day. A good rule of thumb when deciding how much to give your puppy is to determine their weight and size. For instance, if your pup weighs around 20 pounds then you should feed him two cups of food per day. If he weighs 40 pounds then this will translate to three cups. If your 6-month-old German shepherd has a sensitive stomach then you may want to consider feeding them wet food. Wet puppy food has a high water content, which will help their digestive tract maintain the right balance and prevent inflammation of the colon. In addition, wet food also contains healthy prebiotics that promotes healthy digestion. How much water does a 6-month-old German shepherd drink? A 6-month-old German shepherd needs sufficient water to drink. You should provide a water bowl that is large enough so that your pup can drink sufficient water. If you are out of the house and cannot give them constant access to fresh water, then it might be best for you to invest in an automatic water fountain. A water fountain ensures there is a continuous flow of clean drinking water throughout the day. How much exercise does a 6-month-old German shepherd need? A 6-month-old GSD needs about thirty minutes to an hour of exercise each day and they should be given some form of mental stimulation as well. One way you can do this is by teaching him or her tricks that will help stimulate her brain. How to Potty train a 6-month-old German Shepherd? A 6-month-old pup requires a lot of time and attention to potty train. The easiest and most popular potty training method is using urine and feces training pads. If you are not sure how to groom your GSD puppy, hire a professional pet groomer at a fee. A pet groomer is specially trained to groom puppies and adult dogs. You will need dog shampoo , towels, conditioners, or other products that might be needed depending on the type of hair coat your pup has i. You will also need a leash and harness for outdoor walks. If you live in a wooded area where dogs are likely to get lost, you can have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian. While 6 months might be considered too soon to be microchipped, it will come in handy later when the dog grows older so consider getting one done now! See the best undercoat rake for German Shepherd 6-month-old German shepherd behavior and temperament: Are they aggressive? You can even invest in an invisible wireless fence to keep them contained. When buying a German shepherd puppy , you should first check with a licensed breeder. Make sure that you find a reputable fully-licensed breeder who has the time and space needed to care for GSD puppies. Ask the breeder if they have any 6-month-old puppies available. Breeders should be able to tell you how many dogs are currently in their care and what types of breeds they typically raise so that it is easy for you to make a decision about where to buy and if there are several puppies to choose from. They should also have a contract that spells out your responsibilities as the owner before you sign it so there are no surprises down the road. See the distinction between King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd The bottom line German shepherd pups are little bundles of energy! Check Price on Amazon 1. If the puppy is running towards you, for example, you can begin clapping. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. For the time being, you should avoid anchors that are excessively similar to one another. My German Shepherd Willow — 8 weeks old 2. As you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands, this helps eliminate a lot of the resistance. As a result, the initial step should be to persuade your German Shepherd to stick close to you. We all know that dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader, which means you! Needless to say, when training a 2-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you have to incentivize him to follow you. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your German Shepherd establish an association between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. You can start taking unexpected turns and training your puppy to follow you despite the direction changes after your puppy has become motivated to follow you for the reward. At a young age, you should take your puppy out and about and allow him to utilize his sociability potential. One method is to pay visits to friends and family. You might also look for a dog park and take him there. Keep in mind that your pet is still learning to walk with you and follow directions. Make sure your pup has a positive experience outdoors. It is worth noting that you should socialize and introduce him to new experiences as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training You should start potty training your German Shepherd puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. I cordoned off a small area and added some bark chippings. Even now, my GSD will not go on the sidewalk or hard surfaces! It has to be grass or somewhere soft. Next, you need a potty training schedule. Always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, hourly, and before retiring to bed. Deter Biting If you read my blog regularly, you know that I am opposed to punishment-based training. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can actually cause aggression. If someone recommends such negative approaches, you should approach a qualified trainer and learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite. Instead, you can wait until your GSD bites during a positive activity before stopping it. This will help to anchor the result better. For example, if your German Shepherd puppy fiercely takes a treat from your hand, you can withhold the second treat until he learns to take it gently. You should act upset and convey that what he has done has hurt you. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behavior by rewarding with a treat. Your German Shepherd will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with good things. Puppies must continue to learn bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the work their mother taught them and what they learned from their littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You have to use your best judgment and patience when training your dog. In general, by the tenth week, your German Shepherd will be mature enough to understand self-control. Teach the Heel Position While your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy will initially follow you, adjusting your pace will soon have him walking alongside you in the heel position, on your left side, without a leash, harness, or fear of punishment. To train your puppy to assume the natural heel position, use a clicker, whistle, or use your voice as a marker. Chances are, at first, your German Shepherd will also try to change his pace to walk behind you because of habit. You can avoid this problem by walking where your dog is used to. Assume Positions on Command — Sit, Down, Stand Your 3-months old German Shepherd puppy is now old enough to learn how to sit, stand, or hold a down position. You can teach him these new skills and assume a heel stance, which you have previously taught him. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! You used to whistle when your GSD approached you; now, you must whistle for him to start his run. This is the foundation of his recall training. While this allows the puppy to be more social when visitors arrive, an adult dog must learn to walk outside without behaving badly. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training, for example, teaching him to touch a target with a specific part of his body, such as his paw or nose. Remember that your German Shepherd may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. I recommend teaching your German Shepherd to use his nose to touch your hand. This is a fantastic bite substitute! Hand targeting is a fun way to train your dog to trust you while also getting him to use his brain! Begin by asking him to sit for a few seconds and gradually extend the time. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your German Shepherd to public parks and he has watched other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your GSD may not bring the toy back to you for a second time, but he will eventually figure it out. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually turn it into a game of fetch, rewarding your puppy with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of German Shepherd training, you will continue toilet training to a degree of independence. Maintain a regular schedule and match your walks with his natural cycle to coincide with when he needs to go. Teach Your German Shepherd to Walk on the Leash Learning to walk on a leash outside is an important element of dog training. Use it to control your German Shepherd and then test his ability to follow commands off-leash. Many dog owners will opt for a rear attached harness. How to Train a 5 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy You have adequately socialized and trained your dog to recognize and associate attention, toys, walks, and food as rewards. Your five-month-old German Shepherd puppy is now ready to be put to the test for general obedience and the capacity to deal with distractions. These could be other dogs, strangers, or animals like squirrels or birds. But, if you introduce distractions gradually, your five-month-old puppy can deal with them. You must be ready for your dog to run ahead of you now! Assume, however, that you have built a strong bond with your puppy and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay close to you and prove his loyalty by sticking by your side. The good news is that all of your past training will make it easier for your dog to obey your instructions. Conclude Potty Training Your German Shepherd has had months to learn how to tell you his need to go potty. He has also likely refined how to hold his bladder instead of peeing on the floor. As a result, if your dog makes a mess, you can express your displeasure through your body language. But, all dogs can still have the odd accident up to one year old. Besides, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened. This is known as either excitement or submissive urination. During this time, energy levels increase , especially in larger breed dogs. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old German Shepherd can exercise for one hour if you split his walks into two thirty-minute sessions. To train your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy, start with two commands that will be most useful. As previously stated, you will be exercising your German Shepherd much more frequently from now on. You can teach these commands or tricks in any order from six months onwards until your German Shepherd is a well-trained adult. This is an excellent skill to teach your GSD and is one of the commands taught to police and protection dogs. This is a difficult task, but your German Shepherd will eventually master it if you practice and keep consistent. The eighth month is the time for training your German Shepherd to go to different places upon hearing your command word. This could be for practical reasons or to maximize the intellect of your dog. Alternatively, you might spend the ninth month teaching him a fun party trick! Teach Your German Shepherd to Spin By dangling a tasty treat in front of your German Shepherd and moving it in a circle until he starts to spin, you prime him for a command anchor. After a week or so, you teach your German Shepherd to follow your finger without first using a treat. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he obeys the command. By the third week, you should be able to ask your dog to spin without using your finger to guide him. It might take an extra couple of weeks, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your dog to learn previous commands better. You can train him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now develop this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your one-year-old German Shepherd continues to learn at the same rate as he has since he was six months old. What will change is that your dog will interact with other people more frequently. You can train him to do additional tricks to give him a more appealing presence. This will deter him from merely barking for attention. You should also review previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. If anything, this is the period where you tailor his training to your convenience. But now is the time when your German Shepherd must learn to be harmonious with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your doggo to be compatible with modern adult life within reason. Do not be alarmed if you have an month-old German Shepherd who appears to have had no previous training! Start by establishing authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your new friend recognizes your authority and sees you as his leader, treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. You should train your German Shepherd puppy for short and frequent sessions, ideally minutes, several times a day. As your puppy grows and matures, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of the training sessions. What are the most important commands to teach my German Shepherd puppy? Come command helps to call your puppy back to you in case of an emergency or when you want to end a play session. Heel command teaches your puppy to walk calmly beside you on a leash, and Leave It command helps to prevent your puppy from eating something harmful or dangerous. German Shepherds are a highly trainable and intelligent breed. Your job as a trainer becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule in place and stick to your routine. My month-by-month German Shepherd puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and make him into the cherished companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community.