indiana labradoodle puppies for sale

Introducing solid foods and water too soon or too late can be detrimental to her health, growth and well-being. There are some general rules to follow on when to introduce food and water instead of milk. When to Introduce Water and Food The best time to introduce water and puppy food is around 3 to 4 weeks of age. Be patient and take your time with this. How to Introduce Them Set up a warm, draft-free area for the puppy. Separate her from her mother for a few hours a day. During this time, offer some soft puppy food or dry puppy food that has been soaked in water or milk replacement formula until it is a gruel texture. Put this food in a shallow pie pan. Also have some water available. Let the puppy explore and encourage her to eat some of the food. This will be a messy process at first, but she should get the hang of eating soon enough. After the time is up, wipe her clean with a damp cloth and put her back with her mother. For an orphaned pup, just clean her up and put her back in her normal spot. During this weaning process, you will gradually increase the time away from the mother and, at about 7 weeks, start to transition from the soft puppy food to dry puppy kibble. Do this slowly over the course of a week, and at 8 weeks, she should be completely weaned. Why Not Sooner? If you try to introduce solid foods and water before 3 weeks of age, her body will not get the right nutrients and her digestive system is still too immature to digest solid foods. Why Is Water Important? Once a puppy starts to eat puppy food instead of milk, she will also need water. Not only does the water help keep her hydrated, it also keeps her cells working properly and helps aid digestion. The general rule for the appropriate amount of water to offer a pooch is give her at least 1 ounce for every pound of her weight. Have this amount or more available fresh everyday. Offer more during hot summer months or if she is quite active. Wash the water bowl daily, as well. Do you worry that they drink too much water or not enough? If you feel this may be an emergency while reading this article, please contact your veterinarian immediately. In any case, if you are looking for some advice on general matters, then we have a few great guidelines for you. Each pound of body weight should be equal to one ounce of water for adults. For an adult female Frenchie, the weight range is pounds, and for an adult male, it is pounds. Three cups of water would be the average daily intake. In most cases, measuring out the exact water amounts your pet drinks is not necessary unless directed by a veterinarian. You should provide your Frenchie with plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day in easy access for them. The following are some common reasons why your French Bulldogs may be drinking less water than they normally do. Your French Bulldog May Be Sick or in Pain If your Frenchie is suffering from another underlying condition, such as arthritis, or is suffering from mobility problems, they may not drink enough water. Make sure you talk to your veterinarian about how you can help your dog drink more water. Your dog might drink less when eating only dry kibble every day. Due to the importance of water to many body functions, your dog can quickly dehydrate and become ill without an adequate supply of it. When the kidneys, liver, and other organs are deprived of enough water, they eventually shut down. Suppose the condition persists for a long enough period. In that case, the kidneys, liver, and other organs will also begin to shut down. This will lead to death shortly after that. Your dog will typically drink enough water to stay hydrated on its own, but there can sometimes be instances when the dog becomes dehydrated. Metabolic disorders Cancer how much water to give a french bulldog puppy Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Here are the steps you should take to determine whether your Frenchie is dehydrated : Between the shoulder blades, gently pinch the skin. Gently pull up the skin and release it. Observe how the skin falls back into place. Dehydration may result in the skin slowly returning or even staying up for a while before falling back to its normal position. Other symptoms of dogs who are dehydrated include: Mouth and nose are dry Dry, sticky, or pale gums Eyeballs that are sunken and dry how much to feed french bulldog puppy How to treat dehydration in French bulldogs? Due to their tendency to hyperthermia, the French Bulldogs should drink plenty of water in hot weather. Therefore, keep a bottle of fresh water handy whenever you are spending a long time outdoors with your dog. The best option for hot weather is a water bottle with a collapsible bowl. Pet owners can carry them in their backpacks or attach them to their leashes. This means they can always provide fresh water to their pets. You can help hydrate your pet if they appear dehydrated by providing more fresh cool water to break the cycle of dehydration further. Your French Bulldog will not be able to hydrate themselves from their regular meals, which will exacerbate the problem even more. Pedialyte or other electrolyte-enhanced fluid can be given to your Frenchie if they are not vomiting. Check with the veterinarian to find out the dosage recommendation for your French Bulldog. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your French Bulldog seems to be drinking or urinating a lot more than usual. Your veterinarian can determine the appropriate course of action based on a thorough physical examination and blood or urine tests. Although avoiding dehydration is important, too much fluid can also cause problems. A variety of conditions can lead to water intoxication, including poisoning, hyperhydration, and toxicity. A condition called hyponatremia occurs first when sodium levels outside cells become low. An excessive amount of water causes the body to shut down. A low blood sodium level causes the body to increase fluid intake inside the cells to rebalance itself. The brain enclosed in the bone cannot accommodate the swelling cells in other organs, such as the liver. Symptoms of Water Intoxication in Dogs Lethargy. Pin3 3 Shares All dogs and puppies should have unrestricted access to clean water at all times. Too little can cause health issues but a Frenchie that drinks a lot of water could also be a sign of illness. With that said, how much water should your Frenchie be drinking each day and what is the best guidance for water consumption? How much water should you give a French Bulldog? Adult Frenchies should drink one ounce of water for every pound of body weight. The average weight for an adult Frenchie is pounds for a female, and pounds for a male. This averages out to about three cups of water a day. But what about puppies? How much water should you give a French Bulldog puppy? Frenchie puppies will drink more than adult dogs and can drink half a cup of water every couple of hours. It is normal for Frenchie puppies to drink a lot of water. How much water you should give your French Bulldog puppy is said to be half a cup of water every 2 hours. How much water is too much? On the other hand, if you notice that your Frenchie is draining bowl after bowl, it could be a symptom of something more serious. P Schoeman in .Signs of dehydration In most breeds, a dry and cracked nose is one of the clearest signs of dehydration. With the exception of dogs who naturally have pigmented gums, healthy gums should always be a soft pink color. Anything other than this is usually a sign of a more serious health conditions. Try pressing the gums with a finger. The skin should turn white for a moment, but then quickly return to the healthy pink. Dehydrated Frenchies will increase their water consumption and intake in hotter weather. Other indicators of dehydration include: Thick saliva. Increased panting or difficulty with breathing. Dry eyes that can appear sunken. Lack of energy. One of the most common causes for dehydration in Frenchies is over-exertion. However, if you notice that your Frenchie is really struggling to breathe and has no energy at all, it is vital that you get them booked in to see a vet as soon as possible. What to do if your pup is dehydrated If you notice that your Frenchie is displaying signs of dehydration, the first course of action would be to check their drinking bowl. If you notice any dirt or bacteria gathering around the edges, give it a thorough clean with soap and water. Fill it up with fresh, cool water, and try offering it to your Frenchie again. Try some of the following solutions to get them drinking again.Add water to their food Canned food already has quite a bit of water in it when compared to dry food, which makes it a great option for dogs who need more liquid in their diet. If you want, you can also soak their kibble in water as another option. Drinking fountain Although some dogs are more than happy to drink still water, the pickier among them may be put off by the taste and smell that tends to develop in stagnant water over time. One way to deal with this is by buying your Frenchie a doggy drinking fountain. Aside from providing constant running water, some fountains also come with filters that will reduce the smell and taste that might be putting your Frenchie off drinking from their bowl usually. Chicken broth and smoothies If your pup is proving to be especially stubborn, it might be time to bribe them. Another fun option would be to make your Frenchie a dog friendly smoothie. There are plenty of tasty recipes that you can find for your dog online, and as long as you stick to safe fruits and veg, the variations are endless. Fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas, are all excellent options, while veg such as carrots, chard, spinach, and cucumber will all give your pup plenty of nutrition while also helping to keep them hydrated. Some dogs love licking them and may prefer this to drinking regular water. If your Frenchie enjoys this, you may also want to try making doggy ice pops. Simply dilute some chicken broth, or a dog-friendly smoothie, and add the mixture to a silicone ice tray. Freeze it overnight and see what your Frenchie thinks. If this is something your Frenchie enjoys, it might be worth experimenting with some of the many recipes available online. If your Frenchie is drinking a lot of water it could also be the sign of something more serious. Either way, your veterinarian will need to examine them to determine the best course of action. Here are some of the illnesses that are most likely to cause excessive drinking in your dog: 1. Fever and infection Signs of a fever or infection include a dry nose that feels hot to the touch; warm ears; red eyes ; shivering; lack of energy; loss of appetite; coughing; and vomiting. Diarrhea Loose stools are the main indicator of diarrhea in dogs, but other symptoms may include a loss of energy; lack of appetite; weight loss; abdominal pain; and vomiting. Diabetes Excessive thirst can be one of the first indicators that your dog may have this illness. Other symptoms include increased urination; weight loss; lack of energy, urinary tract infections; loss of eyesight; sudden changes in appetite; and sweet-smelling breath. Read this guide to bad breath and what signs to look for. Liver Disease Aside from increased thirst, other symptoms of this illness includes increased urination; loss of appetite; weight loss; vomiting; diarrhea; an unsteady walk; confusion or dizziness; general weakness; blood in the urine or feces; bloating; seizures; and a yellowing of the eyes, tongue, or gums. Kidney Disease Symptoms for this illness include a loss of appetite; increased thirst; increased urination; vomiting; diarrhea; loss of energy; constipation; weight loss; seizures; blood in the urine or feces; and blindness. They may also exhibit an increased appetite; struggling to breathe; increased panting; a swollen stomach; hair loss; lack of energy; general weakness; bruising; and dry, scaly patches of skin. Cancer Some of the symptoms for cancer include lumps under the skin; abnormal body odors; thick, colored discharge; swelling; wounds not healing; weight loss; sudden change in appetite; difficulty breathing; lack of energy; change in bathroom habits; and general signs of pain. If you notice that your dog is displaying an excessive thirst, along with any of the symptoms listed above, we strongly advise you to book your dog in to see a veterinarian as quickly as possible. French Bulldog water infections Another problem associated with drinking can be water infections. According to Dr. Kraemer of Vet4Bulldog , cystitis and urinary tract infections will lead to pain when your dog urinates. Bulldogs suffering from this infection will often be in various degree of pain and discomfort, often while urinating. Your French or English bulldog puppy may present with abnormal urine, such as urine containing blood, known as hematuria, or urine that may either have a strange odor or cloudy appearance. Whilst you should always ensure your French Bulldog has plentiful water on tap, the rules change a little bit when house-training a puppy. I recommend that you take their water bowl away during night-time hours. Try to remove the water bowl a couple of hours before sleep as this means you can take them outside to do their business, reducing the chances of night-time accidents. Handy Hint: You can read a guide to French Bulldog potty training which contains more advice on how to house-train your puppy. Conclusion One of the most crucial parts of making sure your Frenchie stays happy and healthy is ensuring they maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. Dogs of all sizes need unlimited access to clean, fresh water. How much water a French Bulldog should drink a day will then depend on their age and weight, with puppies typically thirstier than their adult counterparts. Preparing for your French Bulldog puppy Here is the list of things you must have before your puppy comes home: The food that I start my puppies on occasionally changes as I search for the very best products. At this time my highest recommendation is to feed a raw meat diet which consists of muscle meats, bone, organ, vegetables, and supplements to ensure your new family members berst health and longevity. You fill find these in the freezer sections of boutique pet stores. You are welcome to supplement with kibble for those times when the food is not defrosted in time, for travel, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Goat milk kefir or yogurt not cows milk! I wean my puppies onto water by 8 weeks old, however I do recommend to have a quart on hand during the transition period just in case. If not used, it can be frozen for later use or your can drink it yourself. Its very easy to digest and puppies absolutely love it! Instead choose freeze dried raw meat treats. These can be ordered online through chewy. Enzymatic cleaner for tidying up potty accidents. Regular bowls work fine but if you would like to go the extra mile there are special bowls designed specifically for brachycephalic breeds which helps slow down eating and therefore swallowing less gas and creating less gas and less chances for over eating and then throwing up those can be purchased online. Raised bowls are an extra plus! Spending all that time bent over a bowl can be painful on the joints. A raised bowl will keep proper body conformation and promote correct position of joints. Choose durable toys and generally stay away from plushies as these can be easily torn apart and the fluff inside is easy to choke on. Edible chews are okay too, just no bleached rawhide as this is toxic. They make both a vitamin-mineral wafer as well as a joint support wafer. I recommend both. Please use my breeders code for a discount on your order: nuvet. Making food available during specific intervals during the day will make bowel movements more predictable, because they typically poop within 20 minutes after eating. You can start to take away food earlier each evening to have less bowel movements over night. If feeding kibble, I highly recommend taking a moment to boil and mash some carrots. This will help to keep their digestive system settled during the stressful transition between homes. If you choose to add any additional supplements, just follow the packaging instructions. If your puppy eats all of it and seems to still be hungry, mix them another portion. There is no need to measure or count calories at this point. Growing puppies need a lot of energy, just like growing children. I will always and forever recommend only raw unprocessed diets for this breed. If this is the case I highly recommend adding canned food from the same brand. I mix this thoroughly until there are no chunks left and the mixture is uniform otherwise they will pick out the chunks and leave the kibble behind. Try not to mix other cooked meat into your kibble otherwise your puppy will never eat kibble without meat. If you are okay with cooking daily for your puppy, then by all means add cooked meat and vegetables into their kibble. Please do not feed beef or chicken based products. If you elect to feed cooked meat, choose organic turkey only at this young age. I always have clean water available day and night. If your puppy is experiencing separation anxiety and not wanting to eat then you can offer goats milk kefir or yogurt as well as egg yolks. Goats milk kefir and egg yolks are hard for puppies to resist and it will provide both hydration and calories. Your French Bulldog puppy should be kept on the diet they were started on for a few months, as changes from what they are used to can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. I am enthusiastically happy to share any resources and guide you on a diet change to raw meat feeding: French Bulldog Puppy Hygiene Your puppy does not need to be bathed unless visibly dirty. DO NOT allow water to enter the ears! Frenchie ears are erect and open, so its easy to water to get in. In addition to this, ears are dark and warm perfect for bacteria or fungus. Dry the ears thoroughly after each bath and walks in the rain and avoid allowing water near the head in general. For cleaning the ears on a regular basis weekly or more frequently I like to use cotton pads soaked in a specifically formulated cleaning solution called Ph Notix. The Ph Notix does an excellent job of melting the ear wax for an easy wipe away. Though, coconut oil, colloidal silver, and any vet prescribed ear cleaner can be used as well. Clip nails monthly at a minimum. The more frequently nails are clipped, the shorter they will become. Same applies to their tail pocket. Puppies don't typically have tail pockets, but as they matures this feature can develop. The most important step is to very thoroughly dry your puppy whenever they are wet! I check this area with each bath, and completely dry the paws especially in between the toes after each bath and each time they get wet. If you notice redness between the toes, then it is likely yeast. I personally do not brush the teeth of my dogs, and have never had a dental issue. Providing large raw real bones for chewing will naturally clean the teeth and this is something that I give all of my dogs. However if you are keen on doing so, daily brushing will provide additional protection to your dogs teeth. There are special savory flavored tooth pastes just for dogs available to make this task more enjoyable for your puppy. As a preventative measure you can also add a specially formulated probiotic into their water to support dental health called TEEF. I administer these vaccines at home in a single dose containing all five strains of virus. I use the brand name Duramune Max and I special order these to be delivered to be via one-day-air on ice to ensure their viability. This initial dose is given once your Frenchie turns at least 7 weeks old. Please wait a minimum of 3 weeks to give the next booster vaccines. This is very important, I do not recommend the leptospirosis vaccine due to a high rate of adverse reactions. It is not necessary unless your French Bulldog puppy will be in frequent contact with wildlife or livestock and you live in an area where leptsospirosis is rampent. Bordetella can be given at 10 weeks old and rabies can be given once your puppy is a minimum of 3 months old. I also give my adult French Bulldogs a booster of Bordetella kennel cough as well as canine influenza vaccine once each flu season. Deworming Simply due to the nature of puppies, I recommend you submit a fecal sample during your initial vet visit. I deworm the entire litter multiple times before coming home to you. But please understand that puppies are messy creatures. Puppies also put absolutely everything in their mouths including each others paws. So please understand its likely that you may need to continue one last treatment of dewormer when your puppy comes home, even if they are having solid poops. All of my mamma dogs are dewormed before and after having their litters as well to reduce exposure to internal parasites. Additionally I deworm all of my adult dogs twice yearly with a combination of metronidazole and fenbendazole, or drontal plus. Certain parasites like giardia are extremely difficult to eradicate in our cool and wet climate. Giardia will live in the soil and water and can be spread through wild animals coming through your yard as well. Adult dogs with strong immune systems will develop antibodies to giardia and will have no symptoms. Puppies who test positive for giarida may or may not have symptoms. I personally have never had a flea or tick problem with any of my dogs in all my years of breeding and I choose not to treat my pets with pesticides. Pesticides are teratogenic and can cause birth defects as well as neurologic disorders such as seizures. Personally I would only consider one dose of oral NexGuard during the hottest month of Summer when these parasites are most active in my geological area. Each individual dog and household must weight the risks and benefits to use or not to use pesticides based on their personal circumstances and geological area. I understand you might live in an area with a known problem with these external parasites or might be living on a farm where it will be necessary to keep them under control. There are many different kinds of medications that can be used but they treat different things, some are applied topically, some given orally, some work for one month and others up to 8 months, and some medications will also treat internal parasites in addition to external. For puppies under six months old the oral medication NexGaurd can be given for fleas and ticks, as well as off-label for mites. A third kind of treatment is a Seresto collar which is a collar made from a special material that is filled with medication that is slowly released and absorbed by your dog. My brother who lives on a farm finds favor with this method and it can be used as early as 7 weeks of age. Ridgefield, Washington. 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. What You Need To Know! When Can Puppies Drink Water? By Last updated: Jul 20 Taking care of a puppy is a lot like taking care of a child. They need the right foods, love, training, and care to grow up to be happy, healthy dogs. Luckily for puppies, they start on the right foot thanks to the nursing and milk provided by their mothers when they are small. One of the most important aspects of caring for puppies is introducing food and water to them at the right time during their development. If these things are given to a puppy at the wrong time, this could be detrimental. This will help them properly wean from their mothers and learn to be more independent. You can learn the best methods to ensure your pups stay healthy throughout the process. This will help you raise happy puppies who become incredible members of the family. The Importance of Water Like most creatures, puppies need water to survive. When it comes time for the mother to step away from these duties, puppies need to be accustomed to the water and ready to handle their hydration needs on their own. This helps their cell formation and aids in proper digestion. It is water that helps move the nutrients to the cells for growth while also helping to regulate body temperature. This milk is full of the antibodies and nutrients puppies need to properly develop. In some situations, puppies find themselves orphaned or separated from their mother. How to Introduce Water Image Credit: Karramba Production, Shutterstock At around 3 weeks of age, you can begin taking your puppy away from the mother for a bit of time. While doing this you should have soft food available for your pup to try. Whether you choose to use wet dog food or kibble that has been softened using milk replacement formula is up to you. The important thing to remember is that this is a learning process for your puppy. It may start slowly and it will be messy. Be ready for that part. When separating your puppy from its mother, make sure to use a warm area free of cool drafts. This will make the time your puppy takes exploring the world on its own more comfortable and will help them avoid unwanted illnesses. While introducing your puppy to solid foods , always have water available. Eventually, they will try it. Allowing your puppy to have water before they reach 3 weeks of age can disrupt their growth and development. For owners who want healthy pups that grow into happy family pets understanding their needs as puppies is a must. By following this timeline, your new family member will surely grow up to be a happy member of the family. Related read:.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun.

They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. What is a Toy Poodle and Miniature Poodle? Toy poodles and Miniature poodles are the smallest size poodle from the poodle family. They love to curl up and cuddle on your lap but also are athletic enough to enjoy outdoor adventures such as walking, hiking, running, and swimming. They also enjoy lounging around the house and just being an intimate part of your family. Their smaller size makes them an excellent choice for apartment living and recreational vehicle camping. Their intelligence is the same as a standard poodle and even their smaller size is perfect for being excellent service dog candidates for people that do not require assistance from a larger breed dog. They are also excellent therapy dogs for hospitals, assisted living and nursing homes and schools. We have more than 16 years of breeding experience, working with clients in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and all parts of the United States. All our poodle puppies come from champion lines and go through extensive health testing to make sure our clients get puppies with premium pedigrees. At our farm in West Michigan, our toy poodle puppies for sale in Michigan and our miniature poodle puppies for sale in Michigan are born into a caring family environment that encourages their ready transition into loving homes. Each one leaves us fully up to date on healthcare and vaccines. To place a deposit for your own wonderful toy poodle pup or miniature poodle pup from us as quality toy poodle breeders in Michigan and miniature poodle breeders in Michigan go to our contact page! Although they are occasionally characterized as a finicky breed, miniature poodles are actually wonderful family dogs thanks to their smarts, their eager-to-please attitude, and their gentle demeanor with kids and other pets. They're an easy breed to train , low-allergen, and low-odor, so they fit in well with most homes and families. Though their low-shedding curly coats have the benefit of being nearly hypoallergenic , they do require lots of care and grooming. If you have the time and resources to dedicate to these peaceful pups, they make loving and loyal companions. Miniatures fall into the middle of the pack; standard poodles are the largest and toy poodles are the smallest. Some breed enthusiasts argue that there are actually five poodle classes, though the Klein or medium poodle and the teacup poodle have yet to be recognized by the AKC. Like their standard and toy-size cousins, miniature poodles have athletic, muscly bodies thanks to their origins as water retrieval dogs for duck hunters. Like their breed siblings, mini poodles have curly coats, lively faces, and dark eyes. While the elaborate continental hairdo, with its curling pom-poms carefully shaped and clipped around the joints and chest, is popular with show poodles, most miniature poodle owners prefer the low-key sporting clip, a short, one-length cut that looks a bit less like a topiary. No problem. The miniature poodle comes in an array of hues, including black, white, apricot, grey, silver, and brown. The breed tends to shed only minimally, so you won't need to stock up on lint rollers with a mini poodle around. And, while no dog is truly hypoallergenic , poodles of all sizes can be a good fit for people with allergies. Temperament When compared to their breed siblings, miniature poodles fall in the middle of the pack in terms of temperament, too. Tiny toy poodles tend to be a little more hyper, while the standard is the calmest of the three. All poodle types can be anxious and timid at times and do best in a peaceful living arrangement with lots of attention and care. Miniature poodles are smart, active, and playful. They love to romp and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. Their activity levels do change with maturity, but you can expect your miniature poodle to stay pretty active even as an adult dog. When they meet someone new, their reactions can range from friendly and polite to shy and timid. Their sensitive nature sometimes results in hypersensitivity and anxiety; help your mini out by socializing them early and providing them a stable, conflict-free living arrangement. That can actually be a reflection of a number of things, but the most prominent variable is socialization, either the implementation of it or lack thereof," Silverman says. Living Needs These little athletes love space to run and burn off their extra energy, so a big fenced-in yard or frequent trips to the dog park is a plus. Their small size means they can live well in an apartment as long as they get their exercise needs met, says Chyrle Bonk, DVM at Pet Keen. Miniature poodles are peaceful dogs who know how to play nice with children, Bonk says. And, with proper socialization, poodles can be friendly with other pets. But because they can be anxious, a poodle might not thrive if you have a revolving door of visitors or a noisy, chaotic living situation. Early socialization will keep your miniature poodle from being overly watchful and timid. Spending time with their owners is important to minis—they can become lonely or experience separation anxiety if left alone too often. As Bonk says, poodles "require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to fill their hours. They aren't going to like being left alone without something to do. But lack of shedding doesn't mean it's a no-maintenance coat. Bonk says your mini needs daily brushing to prevent matting. Even when they're given a simple one-length-all-over sporting clip, miniature poodles require regular grooming appointments—or an owner who is seriously skilled with clippers. Miniature poodles are active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and long daily strolls. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Miniature poodles love to swim , and swimming can be an excellent workout for these curly cuties. Minis also love playing fetch and can burn off some of their abundant energy chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. These tiny athletes also excel in obedience training and agility. Because of this, I would recommend starting by teaching them to jump up on something elevated, like a low chair, couch or bed," Silverman says. Bonk recommends keeping training upbeat, fun, and not repetitive. Encouraging your pup with lots of praise and consistency will get your eager-to-please mini in his zone. Thanks to their people-pleasing nature, miniature poodles are typically easy to potty train. Just make sure they have a healthy diet of high-quality dog food and plenty of fresh, clean water available. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend a food with the right nutrients for your dog's age and nutritional needs. Health Miniature poodles usually live long lives of 10—18 years and are generally healthy dogs. Reputable poodle breeders routinely test their dogs for health conditions miniature poodles are prone to, including hip dysplasia , eye problems , and orthopedic issues such as luxating patella. Miniature poodles are also prone to dental disease. Tartar build up can lead to more serious issues including infection, tooth loss, and organ damage, so regular teeth cleanings —either at home or through your veterinarian —are a must. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your individual miniature poodle's health and well-being. History Poodles originated in Germany as duck-hunting dogs—the name poodle coming from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, the AKC says. Their intelligence, swimming abilities, and protective coat made them ideal workers for water retrieval. While standard poodles were historically the dominant breed size used for hunting, many sporting clubs now use their smaller kin to assist with flushing fowl from brush. The intricate continental clip most people associate the poodle with is for more than just a style choice. The distinctive cut was originally designed to keep dogs being used for water retrieval comfortable and buoyant in icy waters. By cutting the hair short on the limbs, they gave the dogs the freedom of movement they needed to swim while protecting their organs and joints by leaving the hair longer in those areas, according to the AKC. The poodle's natural elegance and trainability made poodles of all sizes the stars of many European circus acts. It's believed that the standard poodle was the first of the breed and that miniature and toy varieties were developed later. The French are largely believed to have evolved the original continental cut into the style it is today, making the remaining hair more round and adding the distinctive tail pom. Miniature poodles appear in many movies including Jaws, Bingo! Your browser does not support the audio tag. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Note: Docking tails is illegal in most European countries. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Miniature Poodle is an intelligent, joyful companion dog. It can be trained to a high degree and is very willing and happy to please its handler. Comical and clever, it is often used as a circus dog. The more intelligent a dog is, the more it needs its mind occupied. This breed cannot live outside in a kennel. It needs to be part of the family. It can be high-strung if not given the proper type and amount of exercise. Do not allow this dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome , where the dog is led to believe it is alpha over humans. It can cause the dog to become sensitive and nervous , and not very trustworthy with children and possibly strangers, along with many other behavior issues. Socialize your dog well. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Dogs may start to bark a lot without proper human to canine communication , rules to follow and limits to what they are allowed to do. Poodles are friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. Height, Weight Height: 11 - 15 inches 28 - 38 cm Weight: 15 - 17 pounds 7 - 8 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Miniature Poodle must be over 10 inches and 15 inches or less at the highest point of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or is less than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulder cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Miniature Poodle. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions The Miniature Poodle is good for apartment life. It will be calm indoors if it receives enough exercise. It will do okay without a yard. Exercise Miniature Poodles need a daily walk. While out on the walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the lead, never in front, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. As with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. They adore water and love sessions of play. They are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving beginning, although they excel in any performance event you offer them, including agility, obedience, rally and conformation showing, and often one will leave one ring and go directly to another to compete again. Since they love water they are great dock diving dogs and love water retrieving. Life Expectancy. Less - Miniature Poodles have a shoulder height of cm in and weigh kg lbs. Poodles are very elegant in appearance. They have a long, narrow muzzle, slight stop point at which the forehead meets the muzzle , dark eyes, and wide ears. Miniature Poodles have flat backs, straight, docked tails and small, oval feet. Their length is approximately the same as their height. The Miniature Poodle is sensitive, intelligent, lively, playful, proud, and elegant. It bonds closely with family and makes a great companion. Miniature Poodles are very smart, obedient, and graceful, which makes them one of the most popular pets in the world. The Miniature Poodle is bouncy, alert, and usually eager to play. Miniature Poodles are more energetic than Standard Poodles, and more likely to bark. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article. If you're looking for chocolate poodle images, you're in luck. The Best Images for Your Project When selecting images for your project, it's important to consider the purpose and audience of your project. For example, if you're creating a website aimed at pet owners, using chocolate poodle images can be a great way to make your site more appealing and engaging. At the same time, it's important to use images that are appropriate for your project. If you're creating a serious project, using images that are too playful or playful images may detract from your message. In that case, you may want to consider using images in a more subdued color palette or with a more formal feel. Tips for Implementing Images Successfully When it comes to implementing images into your project, there are some key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to ensure that the quality of the images is high. This means that you should use images that are high-resolution and don't appear blurry or distorted when enlarged. Another important aspect to consider is the placement of your images. Depending on the project, you may want to use images as a focal point or as a secondary element. Generally, main images should be placed prominently on the page, while secondary images can be used to support the main image or text. Why Choose Our Stock Images At our stock image library, we offer a wide range of quality chocolate poodle images to suit your needs. Our images are available in various formats and can be used in a variety of projects, including websites, presentations, and print projects. Plus, our range of keywords and search options make it easy to quickly find the perfect image for your project. Whether you're looking for playful and whimsical images or more formal visuals, our stock library has something to offer. So why not browse our selection today and find the perfect chocolate poodle image for your next project? Poodle Colors March 18, Poodles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, to the point that the terminology can become quite bewildering. In this article, we shed some light, rather than hair, on the rainbow world of Poodle colors, exploring the most common coat hues and patterns before delving deeper into the weird yet wonderful world of ticked and parti Poodles. Table of Contents 12 Common Solid Colors of the Poodle Most Poodles, regardless of size, come in solid colors, some of which are more common than others. Although black Poodles are often overlooked in favor of lighter-colored puppies or rescues, they are no more aggressive or less intelligent than any other color Poodle. There is one slight health discrepancy, however, in that studies have found that black and other dark-colored Poodles are more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma of the digit SCDD than other lighter-colored dogs. Due to their poor visibility at night, these dogs should always wear an LED collar when getting walked in the dark. Some may take a year to develop the blue tinge to their coats, while others hang onto the vestiges of their puppyhood black for 24 months. A quick examination of their paws may also reveal some silver or white hairs between the pads. As a blue Poodle puppy ages, so its color clears, becoming almost gun-metal grey. Some shading is acceptable in blue Poodles, but to be true to the breed standard, they should, like the black Poodle, have black noses, dark eyes, and black toenails. Silver Another diluted version of the black Poodle, like the blues, silvers are born black but will start to clear much earlier. By the time they reach six weeks, silver hues will be apparent around the face and paws, with the rest of the coat following suit over the next year or so. Silver is recessive color, making it more difficult to breed for, and silver puppies are only really guaranteed if both parents are also silver Poodles. This process is caused by the Progressive Graying gene which is found in some black, blue, and brown Poodles. Although some Poodles are born gray and remain that way throughout their lives, others will start to change color at around two or three months of age, gradually fading as they mature. Regardless of how the gray coat is produced this color is recognized by the AKC. Like the black, blue, and silver Poodles, gray dogs should also have black noses and nails and dark-colored eyes. Cream Cream is one of several off-white colorations found in all sizes of Poodle, and distinguishing one from another can be challenging. A cream Poodle is fairly easy to identify as it is one of the few light-colored Poodles that have black rather than liver-colored noses. Establishing whether a Poodle is white or cream is more difficult as both have black points and a pale cream, in certain lights, may appear white. Experts will no doubt dismiss this confusion as pure ignorance as the two are very different. While white indicates the complete absence of color, the cream is a very diluted brown, not far from apricot. Indeed, many cream-colored Poodles are born light or even medium brown and then clear as they mature. White White is one of the most popular and most common colors for Poodles. Despite being white, a white Poodle belongs to the black hair type and therefore has a black nose, nails, and eye-rims, as well as dark-colored eyes, giving it a striking appearance. In the past, a white Poodle with pink toenails or a patch of pink skin would still have succeeded in the show ring but, these days, the AKC insists on white Poodles with black extremities only. This color needs to be washed with a special shampoo for Poodles often to stay bright and clean. Both the Toy and the Miniature Poodle carry this trait, however, and it does appear to affect those with white pigmentation more than other colors. Brown Once lumped together with Red Poodles, brown Poodles should ideally be the color of dark mahogany or a rich walnut brown, as opposed to chestnut. Nevertheless, brown Poodles boast more color variations and a wider range of hues than almost any of the other colors. Most brown Poodles are born dark and then fade as they mature, producing stunning shades of cinnamon brown and coffee. One of the biggest problems facing the brown Poodle is its tendency to have very pale yellow, almost green eyes. This is an undesirable trait in the show ring but difficult to eliminate in breeding. The most sought-after brown Poodles have amber-colored eyes, a liver nose, and dark toenails, as per the breed standard. Rufus is a recessive allele, which is perhaps why red Poodles are so rare. Red Poodles are particularly prone to color change, with some fading as they age and others darkening. Apricot Like red, apricot is a relatively new color for Poodles, having only been accepted into the breed standard comparatively recently. The first apricot-colored Standard Poodle was born in but categorized as liver at the time. Since then, apricot Poodles have won a variety of prestigious awards, and their popularity has continued. Last year, world-famous Lionel Messi welcomed an apricot Toy Poodle named Abu into his family, adding a splash of color and cuteness to the Messi tribe. Although Poodles of this color may look similar to red ones, the cafe au lait hue is closer to silver than red. Silver Beige Unlike cafe au lait, silver beige is a diluted shade of brown, and most silver beige Poodles are born brown, clearing around their face and paws within the first six weeks of life. Silver beige is much more popular than cafe au lait, but the two are frequently confused. While cafe au lait puppies are usually born that color, silver beige Poodles are born brown and subsequently fade to silver beige. Parti Poodles Parti Poodles have large amounts of white on their body. This can be mixed with any of the regular colors: red, black, brown etc. These dogs are highly sought-after. You will probably have to look for a bit in order to find the Parti Poodle of your dreams! This is produced by a specific gene and can even be seen in pure white Poodles that, if they have the ticking gene, will appear dirty. More of a marking than a color in its own right, it can be difficult to spot the spots on a Poodle puppy. More commonly found on parti Poodles than solid colors, ticking becomes increasingly obvious as the puppy matures. While the United Kennel Club sees ticking as an acceptable trait in a Poodle, the AKC disqualifies such dogs from conformation classes, as it does parti Poodles. Some Poodle owners are convinced that certain colored dogs are cleverer than others. The idea behind this theory is that black and white Poodles were the original breed standard colors and have therefore been bred for temperament and intelligence, rather than color. You may indeed have a particularly intelligent white Poodle at some stage in your life, but you could equally have an Einstein-style Tuxedo Poodle. At the end of the day, Poodles are as varied as humans, and some are blessed with superior intelligence just as others are endowed with an especially friendly temperament. What is the Most Popular Poodle Color? Whites are common and much-loved for their regal appearance, while the black is easier to keep to clean, making it popular among more practical Poodle owners. Are Parti Poodles More Expensive? Do Poodles Have a Favorite Person? While most dog breeds adore whoever feeds them, Poodles are a little more particular, selecting their favorite human based on their personality, rather than their ability to provide care and sustenance. The Bottom Line The world of Poodles is full of color and variety. While traditionalists may prefer to stick with the standard breed colors, those drawn to the exotic may find the parti Poodles more attractive. An ancient breed dating back to the 15th or possibly even 14th century, it seems unlikely the Poodle will ever lose its popularity. She spends all her waking hours with her Australian Cattle Dog, Koala, either walking, horse-riding, running, or just hanging out. Originally from the UK, Nicky been living with dogs for over 40 years and is a passionate dog-owner. With a Masters Degree from the University of London under her belt, Nicky has had a diverse career, training and riding horses, running safari lodges, and hosting volunteers. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. Every day I realize that all the time I invested in training her since the very first day she came has been more than worthwhile. Every single day we go run 6 Km at in the morning. I am training her to search and find hidden objects on command and from time to time, when we walk in a trail with the kids, they hide and I make her find them on command. I love the idea of training her for search and rescue. Very obedient and trainable. Emma is being fed only raw meat of all kinds beef, marrow bone, sardines, tuna, lots of chicken, tripe , cottage cheese, yogurt and some veggies, no dry food at all. She is doing great, I love to prepare her food. Feeding her is not an extra job, we just give her what we happen to have in the fridge and keep her diet balanced, just as another family member! We rescued Emma, a black, long-coated GSD at 5 weeks of age that was in very bad shape: thin to the bones and full of worms. She is now 12 weeks old and since day 1 we were very strict about proper crate training and yes, a couple of weeks of sleepless nights for me , the sitting and waiting ritual at feeding time and before coming in and out the house to the garden. Even though she was in a very bad shape, thanks to all the info from your site we offered her leadership and clear rules before affection. By the end of the first week she would pee on command , and do the sit-stay-come exercise. She's never peed inside her crate. Only once when she was weeks old she barked at our kids Lia, 5 and Daniel, 7 in a dominant tone. I was very close so I was able to correct her immediately. Since then I frequently make the kids feed, touch her and her food while she's eating and practice the sit-down-stay-come exercise. No more signs of dominance. Now that she's done with her shots she walks and runs with my wife and me daily and walks very nicely without pulling and accepts our lead very nicely. The only quirk with this puppy is that she likes poop! I ruled out parasites and bad nutrition, it's just that she likes poop , after all, she's a dog. After reading some of Bruno the Boxer's stories I was relieved. Less and less often do we see her attracted to the poop and hope she'll outgrow this behaviour. We get to practice often the "Drop it! Thanks to your site we also decided to keep our bedrooms and the play room off-limits. Now I wouldn't recommend getting a dog until the kids in the family are very well informed and able to be consistent, very consistent with rules. I'm a stats professor at a local university here so I have a very flexible schedule and also can work from home which has definitively helped. Some GSD websites actually encourage the dog sleeping in your room, contrary to what your site recommends and other nonsense things like choosing a dominant puppy from the litter , but admittedly, that was a little too much for us. He is an only child to a military family stationed in Guam. Jake has a friendly and inviting personality and is always willing to give hugs to those who need them the most. He is the most popular dog on the block, and is known to be "the human dog. She was a purebred all-black German Shepherd that I purchased from a breeder. Duchess was a wonderful dog. She loved cats but they didn't quite love her. Sadly, in February , I lost Duchess. Tragically, my house was broken into and my two dogs Duchess and my other 1-year-old German Shepherd Tyco were let out. I found Tyco the next day in the pound and quickly made posters the third day to find Duchess. Unfortunately, three hours after 60 posters were posted a lady called stating she had seen the dogs together, and Duchess had run into the street as the police tried to capture her and got hit by a car and didn't make it. I was heartbroken and still am. His pedigree name is Leynosk Deboniar. Skye, a GSD puppy Kiko left and her litter mate. Kiko is a blue German Shepherd puppy. Yes, German Shepherd puppies are actually born black! They can also be born gray and white, as the coats will gradually change color as they grow older. By about eighteen to twenty-four months of age, a German Shepherd puppy should have its final coat color , and it will stay that way! However, many German Shepherds can be born black, and their coats may stay black. Some German Shepherds that are born black will never gain their color, and will remain with a black coat forever. However, this is incredibly rare, and it is said that only about 6. It may surprise you that German Shepherds can actually be born in three different colors. They are typically either born black, white or gray in color, and you will see the color change from the age of 8 weeks onwards, but it can take up to two years to see the final color. Black and tan German Shepherds are the most common, and they will gradually get more tan as they age, with the browner colors appearing around the face, tail, ears, and stomach as time passes. In addition, a German Shepherd that is born black can either grow up to be black all over, or they may fade to another color such as Sable, Gray, Black and Tan, Brown, Black and Silver, or other variations of the breed. Even if you have a puppy that has been black for more than 8 weeks, it is very unlikely that it will stay entirely black as it grows. Black German Shepherds are extremely rare, and most will turn more Sable colored or Tan as time progresses. Whilst German Shepherds can come in a few colors , their coats also vary in length and thickness. The most common German Shepherds will have very thick, long, fluffy hair, but some can be short-haired. The German Shepherd breed has two pigments in their fur called eumelanin and pheomelanin. How these pigments interact with other genes in the German Shepherd puppy determines how the coat will turn out! For example, the pigment called eumelanin is responsible for the color black. On the other hand, pheomelanin defaults to red, which can create Red Sable, or deep brown tones and pale gold colors. If you are hoping to find yourself a black German Shepherd, then you may have a tough job in doing so. A black German Shepherd is actually very rare, and is down to genetics and pigmentation, so even with a black parent, it is not guaranteed that the puppies would be black in color, or remain black in color as they grow. The most promising combination for a black German Shepherd puppy is if both parents of the puppies are black themselves. This will give you the greatest chance of achieving all black puppies. However, some black puppies can come from parents that are both black and tan, or if one parent is black and tan, and the other is black. It sometimes is just down to luck. That being said, if both parents have the solid black color recessive gene, meaning they are fully black all over, and not even slightly black and tan, then it is likely that the puppies will be born black, and will stay black as they grow older. As black German Shepherds are incredibly rare, some people are under the impression that they are a different breed altogether, but the black variant is a recognized version of the regular German Shepherd dog. Although they are the same breed, there can be some differences between the Black and Tan German Shepherd and the Black German Shepherd. For instance, a black German Shepherd can quite often be much larger than the regular German Shepherd. They may also have a much straighter back than a normal German Shepherd. In addition, black German Shepherds can sometimes have a thicker coat, especially at the neck and on the front and back legs. You may also notice that some black German Shepherds will have thicker fur at the ears and around the tail, which is why some people think that they are a different dog breed as they can sometimes look more like wolves than German Shepherds! Some black German Shepherds may also have much fluffier coats, or a stronger, more athletic build and erect, pointed ears, however it does depend on the dog itself. As previously mentioned, the black German Shepherd is a much more rare occurrence than the more common Black and Tan German Shepherd, and as such, they can be harder to come across and much more expensive than any other type of German Shepherd. However, you should exercise some caution when trying to purchase a black German Shepherd, as many breeders may advertise a black version of the breed, which may not exactly turn out to be. In addition, purchasing from a reputable breeder will ensure that the dog does not have any health issues or problems later in life which can also cost you thousands of dollars, too! To ensure that you get a good quality dog, you should always find out the parentage of the puppy. This means either asking for documentation to prove the father of the puppies, and checking to see if the mother is with the puppies, and properly cared for. You can also research which breeders are trustworthy by looking at registered breeders on the American Kennel Club website. Some people are under the misconception that black German Shepherds are highly different to regular German Shepherds, and have different temperaments and health issues or ailments. However, this is not always the case. A great number of people seem to think that black German Shepherds are more aggressive than regular German Shepherds, and may be more prone to angry outbursts or aggressive behavior. German Shepherds are typically very active, intelligent, alert, friendly, loyal and loving animals, but there may always be some that show signs of aggression or misbehavior. This can be solved with a solid routine and expert or professional training. You have to keep in mind that because German Shepherds are so intelligent, they need a lot of mental stimulation and attention to keep their minds engaged and active. This means giving them a lot of exercise, time, energy and toys to keep them focused and interested. Otherwise, you may notice some aggression, anti-social, destructive or bad behavior as they tend to act out and become naughty if they are bored. Summary To summarize, German Shepherd puppies can be born black, but not all are. Some German Shepherd puppies can be born black, white or gray, and may stay this color for about 8 weeks. After this period has passed, the puppies will begin to show their true colors shall we say, and turn their final color. At this point, most German Shepherd puppies will become that common Black and Tan color that we know and love, however some will have different genes and pigments, which will result in a black German Shepherd, but this is very rare. In order to get a black German Shepherd, both parents would need to be black, or one would have to be black and the other black and tan. This is why all black German Shepherds are considered a rarity, and are therefore much more expensive than normal ones. However, the black variant of the German Shepherd is no different in temperament, health or breed. To see some German Shepherd puppies with their beautiful black colors, check out this video! However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Welcome to Glory Dawn Goldens! Hello, we are Steven and Kaitlyn Miller. We also have a one year old daughter Nevaeh Sue. We are located near Orrville Ohio. We have been breeding golden retrievers since and launched Blue Chip Companion in with the idea of expanding our reach outside our local community and friends. We are however excited to be switching gears and partnering with Jeremy and Glory Dawn Goldens to promote this amazing breed further than we ever could on our own. I, have always been in love with golden retrievers and when the opportunity came to partner with Jeremy, I knew that this was exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life. Why Choose Us? We Are Family Our Dogs truly are family and we care for them as God's creation with love and respect. We invite you to come visit our home and get to know us. Our dogs are no exception. They are fed top quality dog feed and 5 supplements and immune boosters. Selective Breeding We have a high standard of breeding qualities that our dogs meet before they enter our breeding program. Travel Experience As much as we love meeting our puppies' new family we are happy to say we've had great success with with our puppies traveling all over north America. Clean Bill Of Health It is rare to find Goldens with a complete clear sheet on all genetic disorders. We have been blessed that many of our dogs cleared all genetic testing. They've been willing to share testimonials. Thank you! Transportation We will provide transportation for your puppy if needed and have had great success with our puppies traveling all over the USA. We handle all travel arrangements and details. Pet Nanny flights may be more expensive depending on location. Contact Us. Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies Buying a puppy is a big decision. We made that decision easy. Not knowing where your puppy has come from could lead to genetic health and socialization issues, and ultimately disappointment. There are even tons of puppy scams on the internet, some of which even try to imitate us! We believe dogs are not like family — they ARE family! Unlike other puppy adoption agencies in Ohio, we allow and actually encourage you to meet our Golden Retriever puppies for sale before you agree to take one home. Remember, too, that when it comes to getting a puppy, ultimately, you get what you pay for. You get a Golden Retriever you love, vetted for good health, from a breeder you trust. He has a very fun loving spirit and has made our family complete. Marcus and his family are very gracious and great to work with. We would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a Golden! She will be turning 9 months in a few weeks. I had a wonderful experience getting her through your company! So glad I got her. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. 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. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Below I'll list a few tips to help you choose your own GSD puppy by considering the following things, in no particular order: 1 Carefully look at the puppy's parents, all the littermates and any other relatives onsite - It's really important to make sure that both parents are friendly, healthy and active. One important thing to keep in mind, many nursing bitches can be a little "down" and maybe even undernourished when feeding a large litter of puppies, however she should still be friendly and curious about you. Another important tip: make sure both parents have been OFA certified. Chances are very high that you may regret bringing home a sickly puppy later. Overall, young German shepherd puppies should be playful, clean and odor-free, full bodied but not too chunky and have bright clear eyes, a clean nose, clean anus and a full hair coat no mats or bald patches. All puppies of any kind need their mothers very early on. They need them to nurse and they also need them as teachers to model behaviors for the puppy that they will need to know later on in life. It is also important to make sure that the puppies have gotten all their first vaccinations and wormings. Overall, the best time to get a German Shepherd puppy is basically sometime between eight to twelve weeks of age. If you find a GSD puppy that you want and is older than twelve to fourteen weeks just make sure that it has been received a lot of socialization with people and other "critters". The overall setup of the kennel area should be that of a well kept area for all the dogs and puppies. Never buy a puppy from a breeder that keeps their animals in dirty, filthy or nasty conditions. If you sincerely feel as if something is not right with the breeder, the breeders objective in selling the puppies, the surroundings or the puppy itself, step back. Give yourself time to really think about the entire situation. You never want to get a puppy of any kind on impulse! When you bring that new GSD puppy home, you want to be confident in the fact that the entire process of choosing a German Shepherd Puppy has been as stress free as possible and that you have just made the best choice for both you and your new GSD puppy because this is a new relationship that can last, easily, eight years or more. They had little pictures of cats on them. Then I took one out and he ran around in circles. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Goldendoodle females Griffy This video Is the reason we raise puppies. I can not tell how much this video makes me happy I love seeing my puppies go to great family who raise them with love. Griffy is only 12 weeks old in this video. He is out of Cookie and Benji"s first litter. A special thanks to Shannon for all her work with Griffy. Thank you Shannon so much!! I want to take a moment and thank everyone who has gotten my puppies and the loved them as much as I have. I truly feel blessed when I get back pictures of your babies, it makes my week! Thank you all again! What we do before your puppies goes home to you. Week 1 As mini Goldendoodle breeder in Montana. All of our puppies are born in our home where mommy feels the safest. From day 1 we handle the babies put them on their backs and hold them so they get use to being held and handled. Week The puppies are starting to move and walk around. At this time we place puppy pads down and the babies will start to learn to come off the blanket and go potty on the pads. Week Week four we start to introduce food to the babies and teaching them to lay on their backs. We start building their confidence by putting up a tunnel for them to go though and paper bags on the floor so they get use to different things on their feet and not to be afraid of going though things. At the end of four weeks we put the puppies over in our doggy runs where they learn how to use the doggy door. Week Week 6 - 8 is learning how to use the doggy door to go outside and go potty. We teach the puppies to sit before they get their food and to come to us. We do a lot more confidence building with them. All of the puppies are vet checked and fecal checked for any worms before they can go home to you. Contact Us Drop us a line! Better yet, see us in person! Email Us At freedomvalleypuppy yahoo. A Goldendoodle breeder in great falls Montana and Cavapoo breeder in Montana please feel to call us at .Thank you Freedom Valley Puppy P. Share 0 Shares The Goldendoodle is a designer dog breed obtained from breeding a Golden Retriever with either a standard or a mini poodle. With the Goldendoodle dog breed, you get the intelligence of the poodle coupled with the energetic nature of the Golden Retriever. They are also well-tempered and loyal to their owners. They are mostly known for their hypoallergenic coats. This makes them great for dog owners with allergies to dog fur. If you reside in the treasure state of Montana, and you are searching for a Goldendoodle , this article highlights a list of some excellent breeders residing in the state. These are reputable breeders that care for the Goldendoodle breed. They produce numerous Goldendoodle pups for families in Montana and across the United States. All their puppies are from either the F1 generation or the F1b generation. This is because they care about giving you a healthy puppy with hybrid vigor and a hypoallergenic coat. Their pups are mainly sold as family pets. But their high trainability makes them great dogs to be used in both the service and work industry. They occasionally do voluntary work and therapy works as their means of giving back to society. Deb has over 45 years of solid work experience with the designer dog breed. All their sires and dams are top-notch. They are selected after being carefully researched to ensure they would be perfect for the program. The breeding parents are AKC registered. They are also genetically tested for defects that can easily be transferred to the newly produced litter. This is a acre property that also houses quarter horses and other farm animals. The puppies get more than enough room to run and go for walks. They are properly socialized with each other as well as with people both family and friends. They are introduced to various stimulating experiences from sights to textures and sounds. This means you get a well-rounded puppy. Expect your Goldendoodle puppy to come with a 2 years health guarantee. They are well checked and examined by a licensed vet and each would have filly received their deworming as well as their vaccinations. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Butte Montana and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! One of our happy Mini Goldendoodle pups poses for the perfect snap! About Us Before we go further - allow us to introduce ourselves! We've been raising family-friendly pets since , and Goldendoodles since .Our kennels, originally on a small ranch in south-east Texas, is located in a remote north-west Montana town, nestled on the edge of the Cabinet Mountains. About Our Goldendoodles Our beautiful Goldendoodles are a delight! We chose Goldendoodle, not only for their fluffy, "teddy bear" looks, but also their gentle, family-friendly personalities. They are also known for their ease of training. Many of our clients report their Doodle was potty trained, and learned basic commands in as few as three days! Another big plus of our Goldendoodles is their non-shedding coat. This makes them ideal for people with allergies to pet hair. Goldendoodle Colors Our Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors, from dark red, to cream, to black, and the exquisite merle. While we can't always guarantee you'll get the color you're wanting, we do promise to do our very best to match you up with the litter that best matches your desires. Our Montana Dogs Our adult dogs live a pampered lifestyle inside their own well-heated, snugly insulated home. We work with them daily, from keeping them cleaned and well fed, to cleaning and improving the kennels. As a fully licensed breeder, we keep them as fit and healthy as possible. This means regular vet checkups, strict worming and immunization protocols, and only breeding the females when they are in peak condition. We also have a yearly inspection, to ensure our kennels continue to meet and exceed all state regulations for dog breeders. Highlights About Our Dogs Health Tested - Our dogs have been extensively health-tested and are selectively bred to ensure our puppies have strong genetics Registered - Our dogs are AKC registered, or come from registered stock. Our dogs range from Poodles to F1-B Goldendoodles. Meet the dams and sires on the " Our Dogs " page. FAQ About Our Goldendoodles If you're not acquainted with the Goldendoodle breed yet, or simply want to know more about these amazing dogs, here's some common questions we get about 'Doodles: Q: How big do your puppies get? Medium Size: LB. Mini Size: LB. Petite Size: LB. Q: Are your puppies good for allergies? A: While no dogs are completely hypoallergenic, these puppies do not shed, making them ideal for people with pet hair allergies. And everyone who doesn't as well???? Q: What personalities do your Goldendoodle puppies have? A: Personalities vary of course! However a common trait is a high desire to please, as well as very loving. Q: Are there any special requirements to own a Goldendoodle? A: Goldendoodles are easy to care for. Besides their obvious needs of food , water and shelter, their biggest requirements are enough space to run off their excess energy, and because they are bonding dogs, enough loving attention from their families. We hope you enjoyed this article! Want to learn more, or have another question? Love This Post? Share It!

Due to its huge size, the Pitbull Bulldog is NOT well-suited for apartment life and would better suit life on a farm or, at the very least, a home with a large, fenced-in yard where the dog can roam around. The coat of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix Although the coat of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix is short, fine, and slick, this breed is not hypoallergenic and thus would not be well suited to people with allergies. The type of Pitbull, be it a blue-nosed or red-nosed, will affect the look and color of a Bullypit pup. Based on its parents, the American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppy can come in a variety of colors such as black, tan, red, yellow, grey, golden, cream, and white. American Bulldog Red Nose Pitbull mix The American Bulldog Pitbull is an extremely protective dog but will exhibit a cheerful personality if socialized and trained when still a puppy. Training a Bullypit puppy can start as early as eight weeks old. Doing so will make this fido develop good behavior. Be prepared for tricky or challenging training sessions. Due to their dominant, impatient characteristics, they will require a firm hand and a committed owner. It is ideal to have some experience when dealing with this breed because if this is your first time owning a dog, the Bullypit may notice it. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes can also be wary with strangers and other dogs. With that said, they may have a tendency towards aggression, particularly with smaller pets. Like with every good watchdog, Bullypits like to bark and will fit the job. If taught and handled correctly, you can expect an extremely sweet fur buddy from this breed. You can check out how smart an American Pitbull is in this video, where one is being trained to sit, leave, and fetch: Caring for an American Bulldog Pitbull Mix A few things to keep in mind when it comes to owning this breed — because of their thin coat, this crossbreed does not fare well in climates that are too warm or cold. Their single layer of fur does not offer much protection and even means that the Bulldog Pitbull is susceptible to sunburn and needs to use sunscreen! How much exercise does this fido need? This hybrid is fairly active, and at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. Being on the move will help this doggo stay well-behaved and entertained. That is why we recommend them to active families who enjoy spending time outdoors and taking their canine friend on runs, jogs, and hikes. Only visit the doggy park if your Bullypit is trained and socialized. It will help prevent gastric torsion, which is a common but severe condition in large breeds. This crossbreed will benefit significantly from high-quality dry dog food with low-grain content as grain can cause allergies. It should also be high in meat and Omega 3 fatty acids to develop strong bones and sustain muscle mass. If you have the time and budget to feed your canine pal raw food, that would be great, too! Just like Benzo with this hearty meal. Just make sure that the food you provide your dog is based on his age, size, activity level, and health. Easy-breezy grooming The grooming needs of the American Bulldog Pitbull mix are low to moderate. Brushing is only needed about twice a week — except in seasons of high shedding where daily brushing is required. Give him a bath only when necessary, like when he gets dirty or stinky. Wiping the Bulldog Pitbull mix with a damp washcloth will be enough to clean him and remove any loose hairs. Its teeth should be brushed two or three times a week, while nails should be clipped when they get too long or notice them clacking against the floor. Ears can also be checked and wiped clean weekly. Are Bullypits healthy? The hardy mixed breed of an American Bulldog and Pitbull results in a cross that can have a general lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Still, hybrids can inherit some of the health problems that their purebred parents are prone to. The English counterpart of the American Bulldog is known for several illnesses such as hip dysplasia, which is common in short-legged dogs. Focus on maintaining an exercise regime and supplemented diet that will help to prevent this in your Bullypit. Due to their short nose, your puppy may also develop Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome , which can cause serious respiratory complications. The one-layer coat of the Pitbull parent also makes this breed susceptible to allergies. Other common ailments that may affect the American Bulldog Pitbull mix are hypothyroidism , heart disease, eye problems, and reverse sneezing. Thanks to technology, you can find available pups online! You will also need to take into account the average annual expenses, and the usual medical bills. American Bulldog Pitbull mix breeders When looking for your perfect Bullypit puppy, a lot of thought and care should go into trying to find a good breeder. Irresponsible breeding of the American Pitbull and American Bulldog can result in an aggressive dog. You may also check social media accounts where you may find American Bulldog Pitbull mix puppies for sale. There are also marketplaces that offer Pitbull mixes and American Bully mixes. Greenfield Puppies Lancaster Puppies Rescuing a PitbullBulldog Due to the nature of this breed, you can often find the American Bulldog Pitbull mix at shelters that you can adopt or rehome. Depending on its past, the rescue of this crossbreed may need a lot of time and dedication in terms of training, resocialization, and exercise. Some rescue organizations do train dogs that stay with them, so this is something you can ask the shelter. This breed, while not the ideal pet for everyone, shows strict loyalty to its favorite people. The protective, strong, and energetic nature of the Bullypit makes them best suited for active and experienced dog owners who are willing to invest the time training, exercising, and socializing their dog. What can you say about this designer dog? Do you have an American Bulldog Pitbull mix? Share your story with us by commenting below! What we think of this misunderstood crossbreed 1. The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is as dangerous as it looks. These dogs get a bad rap mostly because of their appearance, which can be intimidating. With the Pitbull Bulldog hybrid, though, looks can be deceiving. How big does an American Bulldog Pitbull mix get? Most Bully Pits are medium-sized , with bodies that are muscular and compact. Pointed ears and a large mouth complete the face of a Pitbull Bulldog mix. Like their parent breeds, most Bully Pits have smooth coats of short, fine hair. Their coats come in a wide variety of colors, including black, brown, white, tan, cream, grey, red, and brindle. The appearance of a Bulldog Pitbull mix also depends on the specific parent used in the breeding. As long as they receive firm obedience training and socialization at an early age, Pitbull Bulldog crosses will prove themselves to be friendly dogs who love to have fun, whether with their family or with other dogs. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes make for sweet, affectionate pets that enjoy being the center of attention. Look at these adorable Bulldog-Pitbull dogs having fun in the backyard: One distinguishing trait of the Bulldog Pitbull mix is its loyalty to its pack. This crossbreed tends to be highly protective of its family members, using its deep voice to warn you about something suspicious in your home. Its natural protectiveness and loyalty, combined with its intimidating, strong physique, make the American Bulldog Pitbull mix one of the best guard dogs you can get today. Due to their energetic, playful nature, Pitbull Bulldog mixes love being around children, especially those they grow up with. A properly trained American Bulldog Pitbull mix will also be protective of the kids in its family. Bully Pits are impossible to train. The key to properly training an American Bulldog Pitbull mix is having the right attitude. The Pitbull Bulldog mix has a confident, assertive personality, so it will listen only to a person who has a similar demeanor. With the right owner, American Bulldog Pitbull mixes will prove to be intelligent dogs who can quickly follow commands and adopt positive behavior. By training your Pitbull Bulldog mix from an early age, you can help your dog understand your role as the alpha and its position in the pack hierarchy. This crossbreed benefits from early socialization and leash training, and you can start by walking your puppy around the neighborhood so it can get used to being around other people and dogs. Instead of punishing your dog, use a reward system and positive reinforcement when he follows your orders. American Bulldog Pitbull mixes need a home with plenty of space. Bully Pits will thrive in an apartment or condominium as long as they get sufficient exercise every day. The Pitbull Bulldog needs 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise daily. It will love being your running buddy or going with you on leisurely walks around the neighborhood. Mental stimulation is crucial for the American Bulldog Pitbull cross, so make sure to play brain games like hide and seek and treasure hunts with your dog. Like its Pit Bull parent, the Pitbull Bulldog mix is an accomplished jumper. Taking care of an American Bulldog and Pitbull mix is difficult. A thorough brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep their coats shiny and healthy. You can use a damp washcloth to wipe down the Pitbull and Bulldog hybrid every week or two to get rid of any debris in the coat. The proper diet for a Pitbull Bulldog mix Like its parent breeds, the American Bulldog Pitbull cross tends to gain weight easily. Make sure to divide this amount of food into 3 or 4 meals throughout the day. This dog food contains the nutrients that the crossbreed needs to build strong muscles and joints, keep its energy levels up, and maintain overall good health. Is the Bully Pit a healthy breed? You can expect to enjoy many years of companionship with this dog. However, this crossbreed is also predisposed to certain genetic conditions, especially those that affect its parent breeds. Both the American Bulldog and the Pit Bull Terrier are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so your Bulldog Pitbull mix may be prone to these joint conditions, too. This hybrid dog is also vulnerable to skin allergies and infections because of its short coat. Due to its Bulldog heritage, the Pitbull Bulldog cross may also be prone to respiratory problems. Their short, thin coats also make most American Bulldog Pitbull crosses intolerant of cold weather. Make sure to bundle up your dog if you want to go out on cold days. If you want to buy an American Bulldog Pitbull mix, your best source is a reputable breeder. Breeders of this specific hybrid may be difficult to find, though, so your next best option is to contact breeders of American Bulldogs and Pit Bull Terriers:. A post shared by Camila Cristina bigbabyhaze Life Expectancy Since they are a medium-sized dog, they do have a longer life expectancy compared to a large dog. Hopefully, your mix will live a healthy life up to at least 12 years or more. As mentioned, they can be wary of new faces and strange dogs, but once trust is gained, you have a lifelong friend. They will still have a natural tendency to be protective of their tribe, but most dogs have this trait. English Pitbulls are confident and brave, which can be negative or positive in certain situations. But you will be hard-pressed to find another mix that is more affectionate and loving. If you have kids, they will be like a sibling, as these dogs love to play for hours on end. This mix is fairly easy to train since they are smart and eager to please. Just remember that they respond better to positive reinforcement rather than negative. If you are unsure of the best way to train your English Bulldog and Pitbull mix, consult a certified trainer who has dealt with this mix before to help you and your dog succeed. Generally speaking, Bulldogs have a low to moderate energy level, while Pitbulls are high-energy dogs, so you could have a dog who is in-between or just low or high. You will want to provide well-rounded nutrition, no matter the level of their activity. If you have a high-energy dog, they will need more food throughout the day. High-quality dog food that provides all the needed nutrients is the best to feed your English Bulldog Pitbull mix. Speak with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is receiving the proper nutrition to live a healthy life. Moderate exercise is best to keep your dog trim and fit, but if your dog shows signs of boredom, such as chewing or adopting other bad behaviors, you may need to up your exercise game. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Taking time to train your dog and play will make for a happier and healthier pet. They want to be part of the family and will thrive when involved with activities that include everyone. Use a soft brush on their coat a couple of times per week to keep the fur healthy. Regular grooming appointments will help ensure that you can keep your dog looking their best. Getting regular vet check-ups is an important part of keeping your dog healthy and ensuring that they have a long life. Minor Conditions. Bulldogs and bully breeds get their name from their days as bull baiting and fighting dogs. That said, the Bull Dog and Pitbull mix is a newer crossbreed, which means his story is still being written. The best way to understand his history is to look into the history of his parent breeds. This occurred in the 13th-century, during a time when blood sports were a legal and popular pastime. However, once bull baiting and blood sports were outlawed in England in , those types of Bulldogs found themselves obsolete. Near extinction, Bulldog enthusiasts took it upon themselves to continue breeding Bulldogs for companionship. They worked to refine the breed into a smaller, more laid-back companion that was affectionate and gentle with children. He is a likely descendant of Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs , which were bred to produce a formidable fighting dog known as the Bull Terrier. Bull Terriers were bred specifically for blood sports including dog fighting, bull baiting and bear baiting both in the United Kingdom and in the United States. It is believed that the American Pitbull Terrier is the direct descendant of these dogs. American Pitbull Terriers were bred for their jaw strength, devotion and tenacity, though they were found to make wonderful and gentle companions in spite of this. When blood sports were finally outlawed in , American Pitbull Terriers went on to play other roles including farm dogs, guard dogs and even service dogs. Today, they are recognized as an official breed by the United Kennel Club but have yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. Both the American Pitbull Terrier and the English Bulldog are family-friendly and known to do well with children. As a result, their Bull Dog Pitbull Mix offspring is likely just as family-oriented. With their goofy personalities and fun-loving dispositions, the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix makes a great addition to active families and experienced dog owners who have the time to commit to this unique pup. However, Bull Dog Pitbull Mixes are known to have a stubborn streak. The good news is that these dogs are highly agreeable, and they will find most things fun and entertaining so long as their owner is enthusiastic and consistent. And while the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix is a good family dog, he could have some dog aggression if he is not properly trained and socialized. While these dogs are not inherently known to be aggressive, all dogs have the potential to bite. Bull Dog Pitbull Mixes especially are known to have very powerful jaws. Hailing from guard dogs, the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix may also be prone to guardian behaviors if not raised properly. In fact, experts suggest that the earlier you begin working with your dog, the easier training will be in the long run. They do not respond well to harsh punishments or scolding, and will instead do best with positive reinforcement techniques. Utilize treats and praise, and avoid making training sessions too long. We recommend beginning with the basic cues like sit, stay, leave it, and come. Then move on to other types of training as your Bull Dog Pitbull Mix ages. Socializing Your Bull Dog Pitbull Mix Just like training, socialization is an important part of being a responsible dog parent. When it comes to the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix, socialization should begin as early as you bring your puppy home. Try to ensure that first impressions are positive and refrain from forcing your Bull Dob Pitbull Mix into situations that are clearly stressful or frightening for him. These dogs are naturally friendly and gentle, but if they are not socialized they can grow up to be fearful and wary of strangers. This can lead to behavioral issues and fear-based aggression. Just like with training, ensuring that you continue to work with your Bull Dog Pitbull mix throughout his life to keep him socialized is key to keeping him happy, healthy and confident. The Bull Dog Pitbull Mix is a unique combination when it comes to energy level. The American Pitbull Terrier, for example, is highly energetic. The English Bulldog is not. These two breeds combined could have different levels of energy depending on their age, weight, and which parent breed they take after most. Either way, remember that the Bull Dog Pitbull mix can be prone to some exercise intolerance due to being a brachycephalic breed more on this further down. For this reason, exercise should be done carefully and in small bursts as opposed to extensive, long excursions. When it comes to the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix, a good 30 to 40 minutes of exercise should suffice. These dogs do well in apartment settings so long as their exercise needs are met. Instead, we recommend no-pull harnesses, like the one listed below. The harness also allows you to clip your leash either in the front or the back to make walking more comfortable. American Pitbull Terriers are especially intelligent, and if your Bull Dog Pitbull Mix is more like his Pitty parent, you can expect him to be just as brainy. Intelligent dogs can be more prone to stress, anxiety, depression and destructive behaviors if they are not kept mentally stimulated. You can help ensure your Bull Dog Pitbull Mix has all his mental stimulation needs met by ensuring he as plenty of interactive toys around the house. We also recommend working with your dog everyday to keep him mentally engaged. Grooming Your Bull Dog Pitbull Mix This is a breed that is relatively easy to groom, although care should be taken to ensure he is still kept clean and healthy. All dogs require some routine upkeep when it comes to grooming, and this is especially true for the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix. While this hybrid does have a short, moderately-shedding coat, he is a sensitive breed that can be prone to multiple skin issues. Without routine grooming and upkeep , his coat can become patchy and his skin can become itchy. He can also be prone to hotspots and skin dermatitis caused by bacteria buildup in his skin folds. Proper grooming should include occasional brushing with quality deshedding tools at least once a week. Your Bull Dog Pitbull Mix will also need an occasional bath using a quality shampoo and products designed specifically for dogs with sensitivities. For this reason, we recommend an organic, hypoallergenic dog shampoo for bath times like the shampoo above by ResQ Organics. This dog shampoo is made with quality, gentle ingredients that are designed to soothe and reduce potential allergies and itchy skin in your sensitive dog. Along with occasional bathing and routine brushing, the Bull Dog Pitbull Mix will also need his ears checked and cleaned regularly. His teeth should be brushed daily using a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush, and his nails should be trimmed down every few weeks using a grinder or nail clipper. All dogs can suffer from genetic health issues. When it comes to the Bull Dog Pitbull mix, there are a number of serious health complications you might contend with. Sadly, evidence shows that this is not the healthiest of hybrid dogs out there, and they may be costlier to care for due to some of these health issues. In addition, it does not shed like most crossbreeds do, marking for less maintenance and grooming required. Dog owners, especially the new ones, are expected to know more than just the essential traits and appearance of the pups they are choosing. It is likewise crucial for them to consider and recognize that with all excellent characteristics come to not-so-pretty ones, and that should not be a hindrance for them in planning to get one. Purebreds, unlike their crossbreed offspring, are not as healthy, but their crossbreed pups do inherit most of their most potent diseases and medical complications. One precautionary measure duly advised to clients and customers to make sure that disease-inheritance is taken to a minimum, if not appropriately avoided, is to be vigilant and careful in choosing Bulldog Pitbull Mix puppies that are for sale. This is crucial since it ensures that the buyer is making the right and just circumstances that are presented before them. In the bigger picture, the penultimate reason for avoiding such a purchase is that often these companies and pet stores conduct large-scale breeding of dogs. It is a method that is indeed far from being animal-friendly and ethical. In this practice, the health of the parent dog is not duly considered for the offspring. In other words, they breed dogs as they so please without taking health, food, and safety much into consideration. A respectable and reputable breeder is one who is transparent about their methods. It is crucial for you to check if the breeding facility is safe and spacious enough for the animals to roam around and have fun. You can ask them for a copy of the background data of each purebred parent and genetic mapping of the crossbreed offspring for reference. Here are some online sites to get you started on your pup search: Angel Heart Kennel LLC Across the state, you can only fin local breeders and animal shelters. Most likely, in one of these shelters, one might find a Pitbull Bulldog Mix looking for a lovely new home. Try opening www. As such, it is no wonder that the smooth and shiny coat of the Pitbull combined with Bulldog does not shed profusely and does not require high maintenance. Use a soft bristle brush at least once or twice a week, but no more than four days. However, during shedding season, the fur of the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull does shed quite often. When this occurs, it is recommended to brush their hair and coat daily. Instead, one can use a damp washcloth to wipe the dog every now and then. This method can help get rid of some loose fur and keep them clean. The full bath should be given only once a month since their coat needs all the natural oils on the skin. In any case, whether patting them down or bathing, the following vital areas need focus: Foot pads and paws Tail and the region around the anus Eye region, especially the eyelids As a common practice among grooming dogs, teeth brushing is required not only for good oral hygiene but especially for the prevention of irksome dental complications. Regularly check the ears for redness, wax buildup, and nasty ear mites. Note, however, that when trimming, one must practice care and accuracy to avoid complication and infection. The English Bulldog, having a life span of years, has many health concerns than most purebreds. Other dilemmas include hip dysplasia, screw tail, cherry eye, among others. The English Pitbull Terrier is the healthier dog parent in comparison. Also facing possible hip dysplasia concerns, this purebred is known to experience allergies, mange, and skin infections. As such, in an overview of things, the Bulldog mixed with Pitbull requires much medical attention and involves a ton of payment for vet bills. Depending on the favored parent, there is no telling if the crossbreed would face many or fewer complications. Prone to allergies, the Pitbull combined with Bulldog borrows its skin complication from the Pitbull parent. Prevention of these diseases means regular washcloth wiping and avoidance of typical allergen-containing and grainy food. Hip Dysplasia. A significant focus on diet and exercise is enough to help prevent this painful joint displacement. Heart disease. Any bull breed is known to face heart complications such as congenital heart disease among others. There is no sure fire way to prevent it other than early detection and treatment. Once found, divide the meal portions into at least two meals per day with equal serving. You can also incorporate giving of treats and scheduled feedings that and intertwined with free feeding at least once per week to keep things new for the pup. This is to ensure that your dog does not grow into being obese, which raises complication for hip dysplasia. Likewise, the right mix of minerals and vitamins must be consulted with the veterinarian. Depending on their recommendation, incorporate the intake of these supplements either to the food or medicine administration intermittently. For the Bulldog combined with Pitbull, owners should focus on purchasing dog food rich in chronodotin or glucosamine. These nutrients are crucial in preventing hip dysplasia complications. Luckily, the market is filled with high-quality dog food that one can easily find. You can even ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specifications. Black, tan, red, cream, white, grey, and golden Temperament: Energetic, loyal, loving, friendly, hardworking, intelligent Most Suitable For: Families with or without children, active single individuals What Does a English Bulldog Pitbull Mix Look Like? Photo: Instagram Like most designer dog breeds, you can expect that your English Bulldog Pitbull mix to take their physical appearance from both parent breeds — the question of how much of each parent is largely down to chance, and how their genetics mix together. Your English Bulldog Pitbull mix will like to have the short, stocky build of the Pitbull with a broad chest. It may have a slightly longer body than your traditional Pit Bull-Type dogs but will be leaner than your average English Bulldog. It will likely have the floppy, triangular ears of the English Bulldog. Their coat will be single coat and they have may have loose skin, as part of their Olde English Bulldogge heritage. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. It is likely that this crossbreed came to be in the s and early s, when crossbreeding became increasingly popular in the United States. The Old English Bulldog and the Pitbull both have extensive British histories The History of the English Bulldog The English Bulldog is a descendant of mastiff-type dogs that were likely crossbred with a type of Pug that was likely imported from China around the 13th century. The English Bulldog is known as a brachycephalic breed — similar to the Pug — hence the inference that they are likely ancient descendants. The competition would end when the bull collapsed from exhaustion, or the dog was killed. Maintaining their stocky appearance and flat face, the bulldog was also a working military and police dog and became of a national treasure and national emblem during the Second World War in the United Kingdom. The English Bulldog had landed in the United States in the midth century. The English Bulldog is often confused with the Olde English Bulldogge, which is an American dog breed that was developed in the s by American breeder, David Leavitt. In , Bulldogs were the sixth most-popular dog in the United States. Bulldogs are fairly active family pets, though if you obtain an English Bulldog, then expect a less active pet than the American version. The American Bulldog is a taller, leaner dog than the English Bulldog. These were bred as hunting dogs in the American Midwest. Meanwhile, the American Bulldog is also a good family pet, though are more active and require a greater amount of mental stimulation when exercising. English Bulldogs were bred from ancient breeds like the mastiff — hence their loose skin — and the Pug, hence their flat-faced appearance. Today, the English Bulldog is a companion pet to many and has an extensive history in the British Isles as a national mascot of sorts, particularly during the Second World War. The breed standard of the English Bulldog has changed several times throughout its history, although it has maintained a fairly pure bloodline. Given its extensive history in Britain, it is not a common crossbreed in the U. However, in the United States, in the s and early s, there was a crossbreeding craze that led to many mix breeds being created. Among them was the English Bulldog. Popular English Bulldog mixes include:. Brown, black, white, or mix of these colors Suitable for: Active families with experience training dogs Temperament: Loyal, overprotective, intelligent These dogs make great pets for active families who know how to train a wild dog and are looking for a scary dog that acts like a dove. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Training, socialization, and exercise are important to ensure the well-being of this breed, as with any dog. Taking care of a Pitbull Bulldog mix requires a lot of time, patience, and effort, but can be a rewarding experience. To ensure the well-being of this breed, exercise is crucial, including daily walks, playtime and training. Training should start early and be consistent, as this breed can be stubborn and requires patience and positive reinforcement techniques. Socialization is also important, as this breed is friendly and affectionate, but early socialization can prevent behavioral issues. Always make sure that the puppy you buy is bred only from a reputable breeder who has no intention of fighting the dogs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? So, Bully Pits are not a good breed if you have young children in your home. Even if your Bully Pit is well behaved, these dogs can play a bit rough, even if they are just having fun. Once again, this can be a very dangerous situation for young children even if the Bully Pit loves the child. As soon as your children get around the age of 10 or older, Bully Pits can make great additions to homes. Although these dogs look scary, they are incredibly affectionate and cuddly. They love having a big family that can shower them in attention. As long as all the family members know how to behave around this dog and treat it with respect, both the family and the dog will likely feel at peace in no time. Unfortunately, Bully Pits are not good with other animals. You might be able to get a pet that stays in a cage or a tank. For example, many Bully Pit owners have lizards or fish. However, do not get another dog or cat because the Bully Pit is likely to get very territorial over you and the home. A post shared by Frankie Quarantino frankie. Bully Pits require strict diet requirements, a lot of exercise, and medical attention. One of the best ways to prevent these illnesses from being a problem is to provide the dog a correct diet. Most Bully Pits will need between 2. No matter what dog food you select, make sure it is high-quality and includes a few ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, chondroitin, and glucosamine. As your dog ages, you want to select a dog food that grows with it. Both Pitbulls and Bulldogs are active breeds. Every day, your Bully Pit should have around 90 minutes of exercise. If you do not fulfill this exercise requirement, your Bully Pit will likely become destructive out of boredom. Instead, you can opt for low-intensity walks and playing with toys inside the home. At the same time, active owners can always kick it up a bit by taking the dog on runs or playing fetch. It really depends on you since this dog is agile with some lazy streaks. Bully Pits are actually very intelligent animals that love their owners. That being said, Bully Pits that do not respect their owners are less likely to listen. You must be firm and consistent with your Bully Pit to demand attention. Once your Bully Pit views you as the alpha, training is actually very easy. If you are aggressive to Bully Pits, they will either lash out or cower away from you. Both situations are unwanted. Instead, use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior. Your Bully Pit will respond very quickly because they love pleasing their owners. This is likely a breath of fresh air after learning all the other high-maintenance aspects of this dog. At most, you should only need a damp washcloth to wipe down the dog whenever it gets dirty during play. Never give a Bully Pit a bath more than once a month unless it gets skunked or some other similar situation. Bulldogs can have some serious icky eyes, and that can be passed on to Bully Pits. Your Bully Pit may fight both grooming needs at first, but they cannot be ignored. Be gentle and allow your dog to smell both the clippers and toothbrush before touching their body with it. Bulldogs have several inheritable illnesses that Bully Pits are likely to take on. Luckily, Pitbulls are relatively healthy, causing Bully Pits to be more healthy than standard Bulldogs. If your Bully Pit favors the Bulldog parent, you should expect it to need more medical attention than a Bully Pit that favors its Pitbull parent. For Bully Pits that favor the Bulldog, it may have breathing issues and heart disease. You might also want to pay attention to its snout skin to make sure it is not infected. In contrast, Bully Pits that favor the Pitbull are more likely to have skin problems and allergies. No matter which dog your Bully Pit favors, hip dysplasia can be a serious issue. Hip dysplasia is an issue for both Pitbulls and Bulldogs. So, it is highly likely for a Bully Pit to experience this in their life. Minor Conditions. Cons: The English Bulldog is a breed that originated in England in the 16th century. It was originally bred for bull baiting, a popular form of entertainment in which a bull was tethered to a post, and a dog was released to attack it. English Bulldogs were known for their strength, courage, and tenacity, and they were prized for these qualities in the bull-baiting ring. It was originally bred for pit fighting, a blood sport that involved two dogs being placed in a pit to fight each other. American Pitbull Terriers were known for their athleticism, strength, and courage, and they were prized for these qualities in the pit fighting ring. However, when pit fighting was banned in the United States, the breed was used for other purposes, such as hunting, guarding, and as a companion animal. It needs to be clarified when the English Bulldog Pitbull Mix was first developed. Still, the breed was likely created in the 20th or 21st century due to the increasing popularity of hybrid species. The Bullpit is not a recognized breed by any major kennel club and is not eligible to participate in conformation shows or other AKC-sanctioned events. Generally, these are medium to large-sized dogs with a stocky build and a muscular appearance. They may have the short, wide head and facial wrinkles of an English Bulldog and the short, smooth coat of an American Pitbull Terrier. Their ears may be short and folded, or they may be long and floppy, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. Their tail may be short and stumpy or long and tapered, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. They may also inherit more physical characteristics from one parent breed than the other. English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls can be any color, including black, white, brindle, fawn, red, and more. They may have a solid coat color or a combination of colors. Their coat may be short, smooth, and shiny, or they may be longer and coarser, depending on the traits inherited from their parents. They may also have a variety of markings, such as spots, patches, or a mask. Males are typically larger than females and may weigh up to 70 pounds when fully grown. Conversely, females are usually smaller and may weigh between 30 and 50 pounds when fully grown. It is important to note that the size of an English Bulldog Mixed Pit Bull can also be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and genetics. It is also important to remember that each dog is an individual and may have its unique size and weight. Overall, the appearance of an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix can vary greatly, and it is difficult to predict exactly what a Bullpit will look like based on its parent breeds. It is important to remember that each dog is an individual and may have unique physical characteristics. However, some general characteristics may be common in these dogs due to the traits of their parent breeds. English Bulldogs are generally known for being calm, gentle, and affectionate. They are often good with children and can make good family pets. However, they can also be stubborn and require extra patience during training. Pitbulls are generally known for being intelligent, energetic, and loyal. They can be strong-willed and may require firm training and leadership. However, they can also be very loving and make good companions. For example, some may be more laid-back and calm, while others may be more energetic and playful. By learning as much as you can about an English Bulldog Pitbull mix before bringing one home, you can help to ensure that you choose the right dog for your family and lifestyle. The temperament of an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix can vary greatly, as it will depend on the individual dog and the traits it has inherited from its parents. For example, both English Bulldogs and American Pit bull Terriers have a reputation for being loyal and protective of their families. These traits may also be present in an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix. However, it is important to remember that each dog is an individual and may have different personality traits and characteristics. Pitbull Mix English Bulldogs are intelligent and energetic dogs that can be good family pets with the right training and socialization. They may be playful and affectionate with their families and may be good with children if raised with them. However, it is important to remember that these dogs, like all breeds, can be strong-willed and may require firm, consistent training and leadership to ensure that they are well-behaved and well-adjusted. It is important to do thorough research before considering any breed of dog, including a Pitbull Mix English Bulldog, as a pet. It is also important to choose a reputable breeder and to socialize and train your dog properly to ensure that it grows into a well-behaved and well-adjusted family member. Proper socialization and training can help prevent behavioral issues and ensure that your dog is a happy, well-adjusted family member. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to breed an English Bulldog with a Pitbull. First and foremost, it is important to remember that breeding any two animals carries risks and responsibilities and should not be undertaken lightly. Before breeding any two animals, it is important to consider the potential health and temperament issues that may arise in the resulting offspring. Both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls are prone to certain genetic health conditions, and breeding two dogs that are carriers of the same congenital disease could result in offspring that are affected by the disease. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research the health history of both parent breeds and choose the breeding stock free from known genetic health issues. In addition to considering the potential health risks, it is also important to consider the temperament and suitability of both parent breeds as family pets. For example, both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls have a reputation for being loyal and protective of their families, but they can also be strong-willed. As a result, they may require firm, consistent training and leadership to ensure they are well-behaved and well-adjusted. Therefore, it is important to research both parent breeds thoroughly and to consider their individual temperament and suitability as pets before deciding to breed them. Finally, it is important to remember that breeding any two animals carries a significant financial and time commitment. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider whether or not you are prepared to take on the responsibility of breeding and raising a litter of puppies before deciding to mate two animals. Overall, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and responsibilities involved in breeding any two animals, including an English Bulldog and a Pitbull. Choosing a reputable breeder and thoroughly researching the health and temperament of both parent breeds is also important before deciding to breed them. Pitbull English Bulldog Mix Health and Lifespan Pitbull English Bulldog mixes can be prone to certain health problems due to the inherited traits of their parent breeds. Some health issues that English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls may be prone to include: Hip dysplasia: This is a condition in which the hip joint is malformed, leading to pain and difficulty moving. It can be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Elbow dysplasia: This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. It can also be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery. Breathing problems: Both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls can be prone to respiratory issues due to their short snouts and narrow nostrils. This can make it difficult for them to breathe, especially in hot or humid conditions. Allergies: English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls may be prone to allergies, which can cause skin irritation, itching, and other symptoms. Eye problems: Both English Bulldogs and Pitbulls can be prone to eye problems such as cataracts, cherry eye, and dry eye. Skin problems: English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls may be prone to skin problems such as allergies, infections, and hot spots. English Bulldog Mixed Pitbulls generally have a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. By working with a veterinarian and taking good care of your dog, you can help to ensure that they live a long and healthy life. In general, all dogs need to eat a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. Diet: Consult with your veterinarian or a professional pet nutritionist to determine the right type and amount of food for your English Bulldog Pitbull mix. Look for a brand that uses real meat or fish as the first ingredient, and avoid those that contain fillers or by-products. This can help prevent bloat, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog eats too much at once. Avoid giving your English Bulldog Pitbull mix table scraps or other unhealthy treats. These can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Daily walks, runs, or play sessions can keep your dog healthy and happy. Be sure to give your Pitbull Mix English Bulldog plenty of opportunities to play and explore, as this can help to stimulate their mind and prevent boredom. Remember that these dogs may be prone to overheating, so avoiding exercising your dog in extreme heat or humidity is important. This includes obedience training and exposure to a variety of people, places, and situations. This helps ensure that your Pitbull Mix English Bulldog is well-behaved and able to adapt to different environments. Cleaning and Grooming English Bulldog Pitbull mixes will require regular grooming to maintain their coat and overall health. A slicker brush or a comb with wide teeth can be effective. Bath your dog every few months or as needed. Use a mild dog shampoo, and rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Use a cleaning solution that is specifically made for dogs, and be sure to dry the ears thoroughly after cleaning. Use toothpaste and a toothbrush that is specifically made for dogs. You can help keep your dog looking and feeling its best by providing regular care and attention. Here are some general tips for training an English Bulldog Pitbull Mix: Start training as soon as possible. Use positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog with treats, praise, or other rewards when they do something you want them to do. Avoid using punishment or physical force, as these can be harmful and ineffective. Be consistent. Use the same commands and rewards every time so your dog knows what to expect. Practice regularly. This will help to reinforce the behaviors you want your dog to learn. A trainer can provide guidance and support to help you and your English Bulldog Pitbull mix succeed. With time, patience, and consistency, you can help your dog learn the behaviors you want them to have. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and prices can vary widely. For example, some breeders may charge more for English Bulldog Pitbull mixes from champion bloodlines or have certain desirable characteristics, while others may charge less. In addition to the initial purchase price, there are other costs to consider when buying an English Bulldog Pitbull mix puppy. This can help to ensure that they are healthy and to catch any potential health issues early on. Vet expenses may include the cost of the initial visit, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and other medical care. Training and socialization: Training and socializing your puppy is important for their overall health and well-being. This may involve hiring a professional trainer or enrolling in a training class. By budgeting for these costs and being a responsible pet owner, you can ensure that your pup has everything they need to thrive. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before getting any dog, and this is especially true for mixed breeds. Pros: Mixed breeds can sometimes have the best traits of both parent breeds. For example, English Bulldogs are known for being calm and gentle, while Pitbulls are known for being intelligent and energetic. An English Bulldog Pitbull mix could have a good balance of both traits. Mixed breeds may have a lower risk of inherited health problems. Purebred dogs can be prone to certain genetic conditions due to inbreeding, but mixed breeds may be less likely to develop these issues. Mixed breeds may be more adaptable to different living situations. Cons: It can take time to predict the exact traits that a mixed breed will have. Mixed breeds may be harder to find in shelters or rescue organizations. Many people looking to adopt a dog will search for specific purebreds, so that mixed breeds may be less common in these settings. Mixed breeds may be more prone to behavioral issues. Our website is all about Pitbulls. Mandy Connelly Mandy has lived with pitbulls her whole life, and she has amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge about these magnificent animals. Having had the pleasure of owning and caring for numerous pitbulls over the years, she has come to understand their unique characteristics, behaviors, and needs. Read more.

To help you out with your search for this hybrid pooch, we have gathered the best resources to find breeders and rescues in the United States. Here are some of the places where you can find a Saint Shepherd puppy available for sale: Greenfield Puppies — This is a website that can help you look for a Saint Shepherd puppy within your area. Lancaster Puppies — This is another pet advertising website that offers mixes such as the Saint Bernard German Shepherd mix for sale. All puppies sold within Pennsylvania are entitled to a day health guarantee covered by the Dog Purchaser Protection Act. Keystone Puppies — Another trusted source of mixed puppies is Keystone Puppies. They work with reputable breeders who prioritize the health and temperament of their pups. When you buy a Saint Shepherd from this platform, you can enjoy the benefits of a health and socialization guarantee. Some breeders also offer this mix for sale along with their purebred puppies. Check out our list of Saint Bernard breeders and best German Shepherd breeders for more options. Rescued dogs go through vet examinations before being available for adoption, so you can be sure that you can find a healthy pup. After their careful screening process is done, dogs are matched with the families that best suit them. They have a list of available dogs that you can check out to see if they have any Saint Shepherd mixes. Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue — This is a rescue based in Southern California that provides the needed medical care and affection to abandoned and neglected Saint Bernards and its mixes. All of their adoptable dogs are placed in foster homes. Adopt-a-Pet — There are thousands of dogs waiting for a forever home in this online pet database. With this, you can easily find a Saint Shepherd to take home. To help you out in choosing a puppy safely, feel free to check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. This will help you learn the common guidelines and requirements of rescue shelters. There are also some tips to pass the adoption application. They are especially gentle with children and are also known to be tolerant of other pets. Great guard dogs: Thanks to its German Shepherd genes, the St. Bernard German Shepherd mix possesses the protective instincts that make it suitable as a guard dog. As a giant breed, this designer dog can easily intimidate intruders. They work especially well with training that uses positive reinforcement. This is a trait that they can inherit from their St. Bernard parent. Therefore, early training and socialization should be prioritized. Shedding is especially a difficult problem for people with dog allergies. Unmanageable size: Due to its large size, owning a Saint Shepherd will cost you more compared to owning a small or medium-sized dog. Not everyone has the budget to cover the annual costs of a St. Bernard German Shepherd mix. This might lead to behavioral issues and can also make the dog physically difficult to handle. With this list, you can weigh the pros and cons of owning a St. Bernard German Shepherd mix and decide if it is the right dog for you. The idea behind the breed was to take the mass that St. The result is a physically imposing dog who may hide behind you in times of trouble. Bernard German Shepherd Mixes are big, though, and that extends to their personalities. If you have the room for them, Saint Shepherds will quickly steal your heart. The St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix relies mostly on their size to intimidate evildoers, as they generally prefer cuddling family members to disemboweling strangers. Still, it would take a brave thief indeed to continue breaking into your house after they saw one of these lumber out of the bedroom. Bernard is… not. However, those big pups make up for lack of intelligence by doubling down on stubbornness. Luckily, Saint Shepherds are smarter than they are bull-headed, but you still need to be firm and consistent while training. This can become a problem if they do bark for no reason , though, which is another reason why being diligent about their training is a must. Their brains allow them to pick up new commands quickly, and they love to please, so frequent training sessions are highly recommended. Bernard German Shepherd Mix listens to your instructions, because this is not a breed that you can simply overpower. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Bernards are known to be loving toward most animals, though. Luckily, early reports indicate that Saint Shepherds tend to take after St. Bernards rather than German Shepherds. They seem to be accepting of other animals and see them as potential playmates rather than rivals. A post shared by Waylon the Saint Shepherd wagging. Expect to spend a small fortune feeding these animals, as they have equally big appetites. These pooches are prone to obesity, so you need to be careful to offer them a healthy diet and not to overfeed them. We recommend a high-protein diet with minimal treats or scraps. You should vary how much you feed them depending on how active they are, as there tends to be a wide disparity between individual energy levels in this breed. These dogs are happy lounging around on the couch watching TV, but they also love to get out and run around at the park. We urge you not to be complacent with your dog, though, because these animals need a great deal of exercise to stave off obesity. Plus, their super-sharp minds long for mental stimulation, so a long walk, vigorous training regimen, agility training, or all of the above would be welcomed. Bernard German Shepherd Mix enough stimulation, they can become destructive, and you can only imagine the kind of damage they can do. If a Saint Bernard Mix takes after their Saint Bernard parent, they grow into a large, friendly, and gentle dog that loves nothing more than being around their favorite humans. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants. They tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. As long as they have been well-socialized, they are also open and friendly to meeting strangers. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a similar temperament from a Saint Bernard Mix. You do still want to talk to the breeder to make sure you are aware of any potential quirks the other parent breed could introduce. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the type of behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue those things once you bring a puppy home. A Saint Bernard is a moderately adaptable dog. They tend to be better suited for larger homes that have enough space for them. They can adapt to apartment living, but their size is an obstacle in smaller spaces. They are a cold-weather breed that can do well in a variety of climates, but not necessarily tropical or hot climates. They also do not like to spend a lot of time alone. If the other parent breed does not introduce any traits that could affect adaptability, then you can expect a Saint Bernard Mix to be moderately adaptable as well. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you are asking about the health of the parents. From the Saint Bernard side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Saint Bernard Mix include eye disease, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. As a large dog breed, they are also at a higher risk of bloat. Knowing how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and what symptoms to look for can make sure you are able to get help if you need it. Although they grow into a giant dog, the Saint Bernard is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They are intelligent and eager to please. If the other parent breed is also easy to train and a good fit for novice owners, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. There are several benefits of puppy training classes outside of training, so they tend to be a good idea regardless. A Saint Bernard Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a combination of both of them. The Saint Bernard coat has two varieties — long and short. No matter which coat type, the care is the same. If a Saint Bernard Mix inherits the Saint Bernard coat, they will shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath are the minimum; daily brushing is recommended during seasonal shedding events. Nail trims once or twice a month keep them from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care with dog-friendly toothpaste helps prevent dental diseases later in life. The Saint Bernard may be a large working dog, but they are not high-energy. They sit in a more moderate range. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough to keep them happy. Because they are happy to spend time with you, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. If the other parent breed also sits in a moderate range, then you can expect the same from a Saint Bernard Mix. If they are lower or higher energy, then you will need to be prepared for a mix to be somewhere in that potential range. Fully-grown Saint Bernards usually stand inches tall at the shoulder and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. A Saint Bernard generally lives for years on average. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Saint Bernard Mix. Featured Saint Bernard Mix Article. German Shepherd St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is a combination of two large breeds of dogs, the loving giant St. Bernard and German Shepherds. This means they are strong but not too aggressive to intimidate any stranger while being cuddly companions with you and your family. They also need plenty of time for grooming so prepare accordingly because these guys have lots of fur in their home country from where we got them. They are naturally fur-ocious so expect them everywhere in your home including on furniture or clothing. Make sure to give these big personalities all day attention while setting aside plenty of time each week to dedicate just as much care to grooming. This dog needs lots of love and cuddles to make them feel safe and secure. This huge breed will intimidate any unknown person while being cuddly with you and your family. But be prepared for some fur rolls around though: between all those energetic play sessions outside where he gets plenty of space. This large, white canine can weigh up to pounds more than the standard breed and come equipped with unmatched energy that translates into years of companionship for its human counterpart. The St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is a large-sized, friendly dog with thick fur and big paws that can be found in all sorts of climates. The Saint Shepherd is a great choice for parents with children. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are sweet and trustworthy around kids, so you can feel confident knowing them near your little ones. When humans are home and one of their pets is outside, it can be hard for them to come back in without worrying that something might happen. The adorable pups might not leave your heart once they get a hold of it. Dress information: Large Sized. Color: Brown, Sable and Black. Names: St. Suitable for Family: Yes, but also an eye should be kept on them as they are large sized so that there could be no problem in any aspect. Best Use: An experienced owner is recommended to pet this breed, who is well trained to keep massive size dogs. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are a rare find breed and offer you the best of both worlds with their mixed characteristics. With this pet, no one can match its uniqueness. They are great for those who want something uncommon in life. Bernard GSD mix dog is not just a bigger version of your average house pet. A lot goes into making up their personality and size can play an important part in how they behave. For example while smaller breeds may be more laid back due to living spaces being less overwhelming — one downside could also come from having such a limited room where you need everything close at hand so when it comes down. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is an unusual looking dog with a long coat and straight ears, which makes them stand out from other dogs. Their head has large wrinkles on it that make the eye seem to be smiling or laughing; this also gives their face some white in between brown fur for contrast. The Saint Shepherd is a unique dog with an unusual combination of colors. They have long, thick fur that covers most areas on their body except for the face and tail which are usually white or mostly brown in coloration patterns while black hairs can also be found throughout these parts too. Bernard German Shepherd Mix is a medium to large, muscular dog with an acute sense of smell. It may get up to pounds and has oval shaped eyes that are typically brown in coloration but can also be any other shade from blue-eyed white blondes all the way down through darker shades like chocolate or green-hazelnut buttercream frosting. They have thick muscles in their body as well as strong legs for standing on two feet or four paws all day long—and toes that are arched when running due to their sharp heel spur marks on each foot. Coat: The St. Be prepared to pick up lots of hair when walking through an area filled with these dogs—the more proactive you are about maintenance, then better your chances will be at keeping things under control? It would help too if people were cautious around warm temperatures during summertime because not only does it seem like those shorter months make them grumpier than usual but heat radiates off their bodies easily Strength: St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are one of the most loving and loyal dogs you can find. Speed: St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix are the perfect family dog. History Of St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix has a long and interesting history. The first known example of this breed was in the early s when it originated from Germany, Switzerland with roots that date back to World War I. These gentle dogs have been paired together by nature — their intelligent minds plus protective instincts makes them a perfect pet to take on any adventure life may dish out at you. Legend has it that their name comes from founder, St. Bernard de Menthon and they were used as messenger dogs for travelers through dangerous mountain regions near Italy or Switzerland during medieval times because these pups could travel great distances with little food or water while being treated like royalty by those who saw them pass by on the road. The most amazing thing about these dogs was their ability to smell a person buried underneath the snow. The team of these dogs worked in tandem, with one dog staying by their side while another went off for help if needed — or just rested up during these tough times. Bernard German Shepherd Mix mountain dog is a gentle giant who was bred as both an agricultural and herding breed. They were developed in Switzerland, where they still keep watch over travelers from cold withstanding temperatures. Characteristics Of Saint Bernard German Shepherd Mix: The German shepherd St bernard mix is a breed that has been known for its brilliance, fast learning capabilities and great caretaker dog instincts. Adaption Qualities. Bernard German Shepherd mix can be anywhere from 22 to 30 inches tall and can weigh anywhere from 65 to pounds. Very likely, these mutts will be at the larger end of the average GSD or the smaller end of the typical Saint Bernard. The color and markings of their cross could go both ways. Often, they will be black, brown, pied, or sable. No matter the appearance, the pups will surely have medium-to-long straight and dense hair. They are also expected to have thick undercoats. Grooming The St. Bernard German Shepherd mix will require frequent brushing —at least once a week—if you want to keep the fur around your home at a minimum. Additionally, these dogs will blow off their coats twice a year, which will require even more frequent brushing with tools especially made for heavy shedders. Ideally, that would involve daily brushing using a de-shedding tool and a slicker brush. As with any other dog, this mixed breed should have their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly. Although they are not typically prone to ear infections, it helps to keep their ears clean and dry, especially if they have floppy ears like their St. Bernard parent. Strength The German Shepherd is known as a strong breed with a remarkable bite force and impressive pulling strength. As for the Saint Bernard, their large size and thickset bodies are a clue to their power. The St. Bernard German Shepherd mix is expected to be a tough dog with the strength required to fulfill a wide variety of roles as a working breed. Speed GSDs can run pretty fast at speeds of approximately 30 miles per hour. In contrast, the large and heavy bodies of St. Bernards keep them from being fast and agile dogs. Nevertheless, the German Shepherd-St. Bernard mix is expected to have the energy levels, stamina, and athletic ability of both their parents. Since they are working breeds, they need both physical and mental stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors. Bernard German Shepherd mix will likely need a one-hour walk or 30 minutes of intensive play per day, at the minimum. They will also need to be mentally stimulated with activities like training and brain and puzzle toys games. Trainability The German Shepherd is known as the third most intelligent working dog breeds in the world. It belongs to the top tier in the canine intelligence ranking. At this level, it takes only 5 exposures for them to learn something new. At this level, it takes up to 80 repetitions for them to learn a new command. The GSD-St. Nevertheless, they are expected to have an excellent work ethic when properly trained for a specific function and will be very easy to train. These dogs are also more sociable than German Shepherd, who tend to prefer the sole company of their own family. However, GSDs are much more trainable and have superior protective instincts. Given the temperaments of both parents, the Saint Shepherd will ideally have a good balance of intelligence, drive, and playfulness. They are also expected to be loyal, protective of their home and family, and incredibly affectionate. These dogs can be incredibly good family dogs as long as their humans invest time and effort in their training. They need to be trained in obedience and also socialized in different settings at a young age. With proper socialization, they coexist peacefully with other animals and even young kids. Health As large, deep-chested dogs, both the German Shepherd and the St. Bernard are prone to bloat. This painful condition occurs when the stomach expands dangerously due to excessive gas, fluids, or food. Since both parents are predisposed to this condition, it is something that owners of Saint Shepherds should watch out for. Bernard-German Shepherd cross might also be prone to bone and joint conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, as are most large dogs. Both parents should also be screened for degenerative myelopathy , which is a condition that causes the progressive deterioration of the spinal cord. Bernard cross, however. All breeds have genetic predispositions. Being aware of them enables you to avoid them and also know when to seek medical help. Lifespan The average Saint Bernard lives between 8 and 10 years while German Shepherds commonly live from 12 to 14 years old. Knowing this, it is reasonable to believe that the GSD-Saint Bernard cross could live for approximately 10 to 12 years. Recorded average lifespans per breed give you a good idea of how long your own pup might live. A lot depends on their environment, nutrition, and health maintenance. Bernard Mix. Through the AKC Canine Partners program, hybrids and crosses are able to participate in various dog sports. This program includes some of the most popular canine sports like Rally, Agility , and Scent Work. How Popular is the St. Bernard German Shepherd Mix? Saint Bernard-German Shepherd crosses are not very popular. They are difficult to find because their parents have more value as purebreds, so breeders are not motivated to mix them together or even with other breeds. Nevertheless, you might still find breeders that cross GSDs and Saints on purpose. Such puppies will definitely be more expensive than those from unplanned litters, especially because the parents would have been selected for specific traits. Bernard cross can be a delight to own. Although their size and grooming requirements might be challenging, its likely affectionate nature and eagerness to please should be incredibly rewarding. Can weigh up to pounds with a large head, floppy ears, dark brown eyes, and a short to medium muzzle with a black nose. They have thick muscular bodies, straighter backs than GSDs, big feet, and arched toes. Thick double coat that insulates well for cold weather, but can cause overheating in warmer climates. Prone to shedding so regular brushing will be needed. Lifespan: years on average. Saint Shepherds can be great family dogs, guard dogs, and can get along well with children. Friendly, outgoing, laid back personality. Very obedient so they should be easily trainable. Relatively high exercise requirements. One hour of daily exercise at minimum is ideal to limit destructive behaviors. Should ideally be socialized from a young age, although ongoing training is recommended. German Shepherds began as bands of herding dogs across the plains of Germany in the s. Max von Stephanitz , once a captain of the cavalry, was interested in developing an ideal working dog who could do more than herd sheep. St Bernard German Shepherd Mix Stephanitz invested years of work into generations of inbreeding, linebreeding, and culling. This produced a dog that still has a specific and recognizable form, versatility, and beauty. Saint Bernard, named for the Augustine monk St. Bernard of Menthon, according to Smithsonian Magazine , originated in the Alps around .Forbearers of St. Bernard included Asiatic mastiff types that the early Romans brought with them. Since the areas where the dogs lived were at elevations of 8, feet, the St. Bernards found use in helping trekkers navigate the passes. The dogs accompanied marronniers, or special servants, assigned the task of guiding foot travelers across the mountains. Saint Bernards would later realize their true calling, rescuing victims buried under snow. Saint Bernards are as recognizable as German Shepherds although not as popular. Saint Shepherds joined the designer dog ranks in the s among dog lovers who wanted to create an ideal companion who would also have moderate guard potential. Size German Shepherd females are 22 to 24 inches tall, while males are 24 to 26 inches in height. Saint Bernards are giant dogs. Females stand 26 to 31 inches tall at the shoulders, and males can be up to 35 inches. Saint Bernards weigh anywhere from pounds to a staggering pounds. German Shepherd Saint Bernard mix females are 25 to 28 inches tall and weigh 90 to pounds. Males can range from 28 to 31 inches tall and can weigh over pounds. What is the general body type? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs with lean frames. They have a long snout with some squaring of the muzzle, a dome-shaped forehead, brown medium eyes with a slight slant, muscular lengthy limbs, and a rectangular back that slopes downward towards the bushy tail. The Saint Bernard is a mastiff-type with a massive head and large-boned body. The muzzle tends to be deeper than it is long, and their eyes are brown, set forward, and deep. They give an impression of power. Shepherd has the large head of a Saint Bernard, with a moderation of the jowls, and lengthening of the muzzle. Their legs and body are strong and their backs are straight or slightly sloping. Occasionally, the German Shepherd St Bernard mix will have relatively large ears that stand up. Will your Saint Shepherd have unusual colors? Not all Shepherds are black and tan, and not every Saint Bernard is the stereotypical tricolor brown and white with black. The German Shepherd can be red and tan or blue and tan. They can also be solid red, black, tan, blue, or white. The AKC specifies that all Saint Bernards must have white on the chest, feet, the tip of the tail, and neck. Colored patches can be brindle or any shade of red. Show judges and the public alike prefer dogs with dark masks on their faces. A black facial mask is a very common trait among German Shepherd Saint Bernard offspring. Most of the hybrids are white and brown, red, fawn, or sable. Saint Shepherds can also be tricolor, like a Saint Bernard, or black and white pied. German Shepherds have three possible coat types and Saint Bernards two. The Shepherd can have long or medium-short straight hair with a thick undercoat. The third coat type is long outer fur without an undercoat. Saint Bernards come in a long or short-haired variety. Both coat types have a thick undercoat, and the outer guard hairs are usually straight to wavy. Your Saint Shepherd will have a dense undercoat with medium-long straight outer hairs. You should also plan on monthly bathing. Clip nails as with any dog every four to six weeks. However, as with the Saint Bernard, the Shepherd hybrid is susceptible to overheating in the summer when temperatures head north of 85 or 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Measures you can take to help with the heat are setting up a mini pool or running a misting system or sprinklers. Fresh water should always be available, regardless of the weather. Although the coat is water-resistant, additional precautions are needed to avoid sudden drops in their core temperature. However, the combination of their independent working style and a brief history of dogfighting, makes it prudent to exercise caution when introducing German Shepherds to new dogs. According to Dogtemperament. The Shepherd-Saint Bernard often inherits their social make-up from the Saint Bernard side, and as such they love to play. Three components used to gauge canine intelligence are obedience, the job for which they were bred, and finding solutions to problems or solving puzzles. An example of a job ranked high for intelligence is herding, which requires dogs to think. Your Saint Shepherd will be a very intelligent and obedient dog. Their size alone is enough to deter trespassing, let alone break-ins or home invasions. Saint Shepherds have a loud bellowing bark as well. Shepherd Saint Bernard hybrids tend to live longer than their parents, but they can inherit several serious health problems. In parentheses is which breed can pass the problem to the mixed puppies. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus — GDV, not necessarily heritable, is a life-threatening problem that threatens any large dog with a deep chest as well as Dachshunds. The stomach becomes bloated with gas and can rotate degrees or more. Sometimes the spleen also twists. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia St. German Shepherds have a higher-than-average occurrence of elbow dysplasia as well. Bernards are vulnerable to heart failure. Dilatative cardiomyopathy is usually left-sided and leads to enlargement of the heart and thinning of the cardiac walls. Cystadenocarcinoma and Nodular Dermatofibrosis GSD — A hereditary condition that causes skin tumors, uterine cancer, and changes in the kidneys. Pannus GSD — Pannus is a disease that affects the cornea of the eye. Rarely, your dog may become diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy a progressive neurological and muscular disorder , perianal fistulas draining tracts around the anus , hemophilia blood clotting disorder , and decreased pancreatic enzymes — all diseases affecting the German Shepherd. Saint Bernards only live for about 7 to 10 years, while German Shepherds can live 10 to 12 years. Perhaps exhibiting slight hybrid vigor, Saint Shepherd can live 10 to 14 years, according to dogbreeds.How much exercise does the German Shepherd Saint Bernard need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs with abundant energy and exceptional stamina levels. With the mental stimulation they also require to remain emotionally balanced, Shepherds require 90 to minutes of exercise and training per day. On the contrary, sources like Dogtime recommend only moderate exercise for Saint Bernards. The Saint Bernard puppy is prone to bone developmental disorders from rapid growth. Over exercise can exacerbate abnormal growth, pain, and discomfort. Saint Bernard puppies still need to exercise to prevent problems associated with becoming overweight. An exercise regimen should accommodate St. Ultimately, a Saint Bernard needs 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Saint Shepherds are between their two parents in exercise requirements and activity levels. You must always take into account the weather because your Saint Shepherd will be more heat-sensitive than a GSD. This video illustrates the vast difference in size and appearance between Saint Bernards and German Shepherds, as well as a few of the color variations you can see in black and tan GSDs. Note the reddish-brown color with a black mask. Notice how friendly and comfortable he is. This is most likely due to proper socialization and having loving owners. He is a large Saint Shepherd with medium hair. His feet and the tip of his tail are white like a Saint Bernard. Many hybrids of this particular mix are taller and leaner than you might expect. In general, no, St. Bernards are not typically aggressive dogs. They are a well natured dog that is great in a family setting. They are known for their tolerance and patience, which is especially important if you have younger children. However, while they are not typically aggressive in their nature, a non-aggressive dog is never a guarantee when purchasing. This is why training a dog is so important because it will help to ensure that your dog has the correct manners and temperament. While a lot of people may be put off by the size of a St. Bernard, their size does not reflect their personality. They are often known as gentle giants because they are well natured. When it comes to other animals in the household, again, St. They may potentially have some issues with dogs if they have experienced any negative interactions, but for the most part, they are not aggressive dogs. Yes, for the most part, St. Bernard loves to cuddle. While many people can be put off by their size, which can be understandable, they are very loving. They love to be around family members and enjoy receiving a fuss and cuddles. While they are not a big attention seeking breed, they do enjoy being stroked. However, as with all dogs, St. Given this, while many do enjoy being cuddled, not all will. If your dog prefers a belly rub or a head scratch, then you should do this instead of forcing your dog to cuddle. All dogs will show affection in their own individual way, which you should be aware of. The more you get to know your dog, the more you will understand what affection they prefer. Are St Bernards easy to train? This is because they are a dog that wants to please its owner. As a result of this, they do respond well to commands and instructions. Training is such an important aspect to owning a dog, especially if you are a new dog owner. However, while they are an easy breed to train, you will need to ensure that you are putting in the time and effort required to train the dog correctly. The more effort you put into training your dog, the better behaved, and obedient they will be on the whole. Given that they are calm dogs, they do have a lot of patience when they are being trained, which is positive. They are not as easily distracted in comparison to other breeds of dog. As a result, they may not do what is asked of them straight away. Stubbornness can make training slightly more difficult, and this will require patience and persistence from you, the owner. Do shepherd mixes bark a lot? While this will depend on the individual dog, typically shepherd mixes will bark a lot. This is because German shepherds are a breed that can be quite vocal. While this is not necessarily a negative thing, it can be off-putting for some people. While they are more likely to bark in comparison to other mixes of dogs, it is possible to stop this from occurring. Though it will require more patience and persistence, you can train a German shepherd mix not to bark. With mixed breeds, it is difficult to determine how a dog will act. This is because they have traits of two separate dog breeds. While German shepherds are a more vocal breed, if they are mixed with a breed that is not overly vocal, this can mean that their litter will be less vocal on the whole. How big do German shepherd Saint Bernard mix get? The size of a German Shepherd and Saint Bernard mix will vary depending on the size of both parents. While you can guesstimate, ultimately their size is down to the characteristics of both parents. However, typically this mix will reach around 28 inches tall, though they can be smaller than this. This is fairly large, but not as large as a Saint Bernard. When looking at their weight, they will typically weigh anywhere from 85 to pounds. While this is an estimate, you may find that your mix will be slightly taller or smaller than this, due to its genetics. Hence they make great watch dogs. With their Saint Bernard genes, they enjoy playing with everyone around and are good caregivers as well. However, they may act stubborn at times. They are diligent, alert and obedient dogs, who love to please their families and follow commands. Though they make great family pets, and are good with children, adult supervision is advised with kids owing to the big size of these dogs. With proper socialization from their pup days they will get along well with kids and dogs and other pets. They may drool a lot like the Saint Bernard if they have the loose jowls, but this is uncommon in this breed. However with low activity and exercise they have a tendency to get overweight. Take them out for walking, jogging, etc once a day for minutes. This will keep their energies channelized and keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Without proper exercise they may tend to get anxious and develop bad behavior and barking traits. Some great activities for your pet include playing fetch, playing with other dogs at the dog park, hiking, swimming, and obedience and agility training. Grooming The Saint Shepherd is a heavy shedder and needs quite some maintenance. You will need brush him daily using a hard bristle brush, metal comb or pin brush several times a week to prevent his coat from matting. Bathe them once a month with a mild dog shampoo to keep him clean and dirt free. Trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth atleast three times a week to avoid bad breadth. Health Problems Being a relatively new breed of dogs, not much health issues have been reported. However crossbreeds are usually more healthy than their purebred parents. These dogs have an average lifespan of years. Like all other dogs, the Saint Shepherd is also prone to some diseases like;.