lab and labradoodle puppies

lab and labradoodle puppies

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Graying hair is not something we usually connect with a young puppy. Like humans, dogs can develop gray hair as they grow older. This usually happens around the muzzle but gray or white spots can occur across the whole body. Hair color is determined by the type and the amount of melanin it has. When the production of this pigment slows down or stops, individual strands of hair will come out in a lighter shade. This is usually a normal process of aging and nothing you need to worry about. Premature graying can occur in dogs even younger than 2 years of age. While there are several different causes for white hair in puppies, most cases are related to genetics. If their parents developed gray hair at a young age, chances are your dog will too. Black dogs also tend to show gray-colored hair earlier than dogs with lighter coats. Although this may be due to the fact that gray hair simply stands out on a dark coat and many owners never notice their yellow Labs graying. Photo by Jeremy Perkins on Unsplash 2. Breed Predisposition When researching for white hair in puppies, the Poodle frequently pops up, and for good reasons. In dogs, there is something called progressive graying which is caused by a gene that can affect certain breeds like the Poodle, Irish Wolfhound, and Bearded Collies. A short-haired dog might be born with the gene without showing any signs. Health Issues Underlying health issues may be the reason your puppy is getting white hair which includes conditions such as hypothyroidism, liver disease, and kidney issues. Among the underlying health issues that have graying as a symptom is hypothyroidism. You may also notice an overall thinning of the hair and it may lose its shine. Furthermore, liver and kidney disease in dogs may result in hair graying or more commonly in abnormal-looking skin and hair. However these are rarer and if you suspect that anything is wrong with your dog, definitely consider taking him to the vet. Skin Conditions Vitiligo is a rare skin condition in both humans and dogs and is characterized by patches of unpigmented skin. Certain areas may fade while others completely lose their pigmentation. These color changes are usually permanent however they are only cosmetic and are not harmful to your dog. Most dogs diagnosed with vitiligo are less than 3 years old and there are some breeds that seem to be affected more than others. The Rottweiler, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, and Old English Sheepdog may be genetically predisposed however no gene has been identified to be responsible for vitiligo. A study from found that young dogs that are more anxious and impulsive are more likely to develop gray hair at a younger age. The researchers photographed dogs and asked their owners to fill out a detailed questionnaire. Female dogs were also found to gray earlier more frequently than male dogs. On average, dogs start to develop white hairs around 5 years of age. This greatly depends on the breed as every breed enters its senior years at a different point. Small breeds are considered senior dogs at around years old while large breeds enter this stage at about 6 years old. Large dogs tend to age more quickly and also have shorter life expectancy hence they earn their distinguished look earlier. Even within the same breed, there can be differences and some dogs may develop gray hairs at only a few years of age while others never rock a gray muzzle. If you have ruled out medical issues, gray hair on your dog is not something you need to get rid of and is only a cosmetic issue. Getting constant remarks and having to explain to people that your dog is actually very young can get annoying. Nonetheless, those little strands of gray make your dog truly unique and they are a part of them. If your dog is struggling with anxiety, this may lead to premature graying. Separation anxiety , for example, is a common behavior issue in dogs that can be extremely stressful. Being in a constant state of fear or stress is harmful to the whole body and can cause health problems, such as urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and more. Your dog can feel stressed for a number of reasons: new environment. White markings tend to be determined by the genes on the S locus. The white areas tend to be at the tip of the tail, end of the muzzle, breastbone, or paws. This is known as residual white. The cause may be unknown or may be due to a minor illness in the mother. This transition occurs when the pup is around months old and sheds his soft fluffy coat. This process can happen quickly or may take a few months. You may also see changes in the pattern. Nonetheless, she had many white markings across her chest as a puppy, which soon blended into her thick adult coat. Below is a picture of her at three months old. My 3-month-old German Shepherd Willow showing off her white chest markings! German Shepherds can have white paws. It usually appears on the tips of the paws. This study determined that the variant was associated with one or more spotting patterns in many dog breeds, including the German Shepherd. Regarding paws, white spotting can occur on one paw, all four, or any combination. What is a Panda German Shepherd? So, what exactly are they? They tend to have symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, belly, collar, and tail tip. The amount of white coloring can vary from dog to dog. They are typical-looking German Shepherds, other than their color, and have the same temperament and traits. The first-ever recorded Panda mutation occurred relatively recently in a female GSD in the year .Although these dogs look like they have Irish spotting consisting of white muzzle blazes and Border Collie-type markings, they are very different. This is due to being caused by the mutated dominant KIT gene. The gene that causes Irish spotting is yet to be identified. This allows German Shepherd breeders to establish whether the KIT gene mutation causes white patterning. There are often misunderstandings about whether German Shepherds with white markings can enter dog shows. However, this is a difficult question and depends entirely on the breed standard of the individual country. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. However, they are still allowed to be registered as purebred. They are also still permitted to participate in events, such as herding trials, tracking, and obedience. However, the consensus is inconspicuous white markings would not disqualify the dog from conformation. The UK Kennel Club also recognizes the all-white German Shepherd but states they are highly undesirable for conformation. However, they also refer to dogs having white markings. There are many varieties of coat colors in the German Shepherd breed. These are the main ones:. November 30, Your dog is part of the family, and it can be concerning to see its previously colorful and healthy hair starting to turn white. Could it signify something serious, or is it just part of the aging process? Here are some reasons your dog's hair is turning white, so you can decide whether to seek professional help. Old Age Or Genetics Just like humans, dogs can show signs of aging. Some retain their natural color for longer or don't turn grey. If your dog has grey hair and is over the age of 5, it may be age-related. The hairs around the muzzle can be some of the first to show signs of grey. The exact age depends on the breed of the dog. For breeds that tend to be larger, they can visibly age sooner than smaller breeds, while others are less likely to turn grey entirely or at all. If you're uncertain, a vet can provide more information tailored to your dog's breed, age, and health. Vitiligo If aging seems unlikely as the reason, it may be vitiligo. Can dogs have vitiligo? It's rare for dogs to develop this skin condition. If you're noticing patches of fur where the color looks so faded that it stands out against the surrounding areas, it may be a pigmentation loss. Alternatively, vitiligo can affect the whole body. This can also be linked to genetics because some breeds are more prone to vitiligo than others. Those more at risk include Dachshunds, Sheepdogs who previously had other colors in their hair, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. If this is the reason, there is no way to reverse the fading. Many vets encourage people to ensure their dog gets lots of time outside in the natural sunlight to prevent or reduce further fading, and they may prescribe supplements such as Omega.Stress Stress is another factor that dogs share with humans, and it also can help to answer the common question, why do dogs go grey early? Some dogs are naturally confident and seem unafraid of anything, while others quickly become frightened and anxious around loud noises, strangers, and even flying insects. If a vet confirms stress as the most likely cause of premature greying, this doesn't mean you've done anything wrong. However, you may reduce some of your dog's stress. For instance, if you watch television or listen to music, try reducing the volume or using headphones. If the noises making your dog nervous are from outside, you might decide to soundproof your home as much as possible. This will ensure loud traffic, fireworks and other noises are blocked out or reduced. For factors you have little control over, you can help your dog relax by distracting them from things that make them anxious, stroking or brushing them, or providing toys that help alleviate the stress. Undiagnosed Health Problems If you're still concerned about your dogs hair turning grey, it could be a sign of an undiagnosed health problem. One possibility is hypothyroidism. This occurs because of underperforming thyroid glands. However, greying alone doesn't mean your dog has this. To explain this, there will be other symptoms, such as excessive weight gain, often without any change in diet or exercise. If you get the proper treatment for your dog, their hair can usually return to its normal color if hypothyroidism is the cause of fading. It could also be a sign of Cushing's disease. Other symptoms can include thinning hair, excessive panting, and a potbelly. This can be treated with a prescription and only requires surgery if your dog has an adrenal tumor. With the proper treatment, this shouldn't pose a risk to your dog. It could be a symptom of a kidney or liver disease in rarer cases. Before you panic, it's better to have your dog checked by a vet and get a professional diagnosis, which will lead to a suitable treatment for your dog. You can book an appointment with Forever Vets. They are based in twelve locations and may have a branch near you. Forever Vets offer a range of diagnostic services, surgery care, and much more to help you look after the health and well-being of your dog. Looking back all of my dogs went grey eventually, but it never started quite that early. So it got me wondering — why do dogs go grey early anyway? It it all genetics? Is it stress related? And why do some dogs go grey much earlier than others? Is your dog doing grey around the muzzle? Two major factors come into play when it comes to dogs going grey — stress and genetics. Dogs with high levels of psychological stress or anxiety have been found to grey earlier, and the cellular stress that causes grey hairs has a genetic component in dogs. On average most dogs start going grey around 5 years old, though some start going grey before the age of 2. Greying in dogs can occur anywhere, but it tends to be most prominent on their muzzle. This type of progressive greying is attributed to chromosome 25 , though the gene itself has not been found. Some breeds, such as Poodles and Bearded Collies, have the greying gene that causes their entire coat to turn silver. What Causes Premature Greying in Dogs? Though the specific gene that causes premature greying has yet to be found, experts say that cellular stress is what causes grey hairs. Scientists traced the loss of hair color to the gradual dying off of adult stem cells that form a reservoir that spawns a continuous supply of new pigment-manufacturing cells, called melanocytes, that give hair its youthful hues. So the study included mice without the gene. Turns out they lose their melanocyte stem cells shortly after birth and turn gray quickly. Could be, Fisher said, that people who gray prematurely have mutations that knock out Bcl2. When they die off or develop in the wrong part of the hair follicle our hair goes grey. The researchers found that this cellular stress diminishes the supply of melanocyte stem cells MSC — cells in hair follicles that are responsible for making the pigment-producing cells that give hair its color. Scientists are trying to figure this out, but early research points to yes. One recent study surveyed the owners of dogs aged who were showing signs of premature greying. Researchers were able to predict premature greying in dogs that exhibited anxious or impulsivity behaviors at home. The current dog study by King and colleagues finds that premature graying could link up with anxiety, impulsivity, or fear issues, which are not fabulous if you are a dog. In a few instances your dogs early graying could be caused by a medical issue. If you suspect your dog has a medical problem please consult your veterinarian. One of the main symptoms of hypothyroidism is multiple hair changes which includes hair loss, coarseness, dark skin pigmentation, and premature greying of the muzzle. Clinical symptoms of the disease include hair loss, premature graying of the muzzle, hair coat dryness, retarded hair growth, and dark skin pigmentation. Estimates are made by the amount of tartar buildup and how worn down the incisors are. Though Laika has premature greying her uneven lower incisors are a more accurate indication of her age. Premature greying is rarely cause for medical concern, but as always if you suspect something may be wrong please consult your veterinarian. When it comes to going grey early dogs are just like us. Some go grey really early, some never will, but most are somewhere in the middle. Premature greying is just an aesthetic thing, and rarely cause for concern. Age is an issue of mind over matter. Share it with your friends. Age Age is one of the most common reasons for pets going gray. This is a very similar process to the one we see in humans as we age. The majority of graying will happen around the muzzle and face. Graying usually starts with a salt-and-pepper look in dogs. Dogs that are naturally gray can also show signs of aging, but you might have a more difficult time spotting these changes. Also, gray dogs might start to turn more white than gray as they age. While the reason is unknown, it is possible that stress somehow causes the body to stop producing pigment in the same manner as it used to. Do you have a friend that started graying before 30? Think of your dog in the same way. Even perfectly healthy dogs might be genetically predisposed to early graying. In fact, even puppies can have graying hair, and it can start to become more silvery with age. A few breeds are more likely to be genetically predisposed to graying. Schnauzers are known for their gray beards, while greyhounds and Weimaraners are naturally gray in color. It is also common for black dogs to start showing gray earlier than lighter colored dogs. Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that can cause pigment loss in certain patches of skin and fur. While the causes of vitiligo are unknown, many scientists believe that the condition is hereditary. Vitiligo affects all dogs a little differently. Some dogs will lose pigmentation on their entire body, while others will only be affected in certain spots. Vitiligo can also cause skin lesions and dandruff. Fortunately, all of the symptoms of vitiligo are painless for your pooch. While vitiligo is very rare, the following breeds are the most likely to have vitiligo: Rottweiler. German Shepherd pups look very adorable with their baby fur which may be of different colors. I also have German Shepherd pups but with white hair, I was also thinking why does my pup have white hair? German Shepherd puppies have white hairs because of the condition called vitiligo which is a rare skin condition that causes pigmentation loss in their fur or skin. Apart from this white hair in German Shepherd pups can also be found because of the genetic condition forwarded through their parents. German Shepherd pups with white hair are common, however, the actual texture of their coats changes with age. They are very young and go through a lot of change so as with their fur which can be only determined when they become 8 weeks older. If your German Shepherd dog has also white hair then you should not worry as the color of their fur is going to change. At the same time, you must be also thinking about purebred and then always purchase a pet registered from American Kennel Club. Can German Shepherd Puppies be white? German Shepherd dogs are very loyal and protective of their owners, no matter what color they are. You must be familiar with the common colors that your German Shepherds are found but there must be German Shepherd pups with another color. At the same time there may be a query in your mind can your German Shepherd puppy be white? So Can a German Shepherd puppy be white? The answer is Yes German Shepherd puppies can be white because of the recessive genes that they get from their parents. Naturally, two white German Shepherds can give birth to white German Shepherd puppies But there may also be a possibility that two non-white German Shepherds can also produce a small proportion of white puppies as this can be considered rare. If your German Shepherd pup has white hair then both the parents must have white hair or carry their recessive genes to their offspring. This directly depends on the breeding process, so it also becomes important always buy your German Shepherd pup with a reputable breeder. White German Shepherd dog is also purebred, however, in case of any misconceptions you should always ask your vets or breeders before purchase. Are German Shepherd Puppies White? The German Shepherd is an intelligent, loyal and versatile breed, capable of filling a variety of roles. From working as a guard or service dog to being a family companion, this breed is well-suited for many different types of tasks. No, German Shepherd puppies are not white. The breed is known for its distinctive black and tan coat, although some rare variations may include white markings or even a completely white coat. However, these variations do not make up the majority of German Shepherds. Still, the breed can be found in many different colors including sable, bi-color black and tan , black and red, all black, blue-gray with lighter shadings on the head and neck areas, liver reddish brown with varying shades of gold or silver accents. No matter what color they are though, German Shepherd puppies will always have their signature intelligent and loyal personality. Their active and energetic nature makes them great outdoor adventure partners, while their protective instincts make them natural guardians. The majority of German Shepherd dogs have brown or tan features at birth, thus it is unusual to see a white shepherd. However, do white shepherds that are born white keep their color as they age? No, white German Shepherd puppies do not stay white. As they grow up, the white fur will start to darken with age and develop a rich black or brown color. Some German Shepherds may have light yellowish fur instead of black or brown. They get white color due to the recessive white gene that is forwarded from their parents. In general, however, their fur will darken over time as they mature. Additionally, some German Shepherds may experience graying of the fur around their muzzle and face as they get older. German Shepherds are also known for having a double coat which requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting of the fur. If you plan on owning a German Shepherd puppy, always go with genuine German Shepherd breeders and make sure that you are prepared to groom their fur regularly. Regular grooming will not only help keep it looking nice but also helps to maintain its health. Additionally, you should also feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy diet that is designed specifically for active puppies to ensure they get the necessary nutrition they need while they grow. They are also found in various coat colors, some of them are black, grey, or tan. But here the question arises how can you know your German Shepherd pups are white? German Shepherd pups also change their coat color so it always becomes difficult to know the actual color of their coat. They do go through a lot of physical changes through their growing stage so the actual color of the coat can only be determined only when they become 8 weeks older. There are also some methods through which you can also easily determine the color of your German Shepherd pups, I mean to say whether your pup will be white or not. They may of double coats, plush coats, or long-haired coats. German Shepherd pups are very young and they change their coat color until they become adults. So the actual color of the coat can be determined only when they become 8 weeks older. Most German Shepherd pups appear tan, gray, or fully black but if there is white hair in their coat then there will higher possibility that your German Shepherd pups will have white hair. Physical Appearance German Shepherds are a very strong breed that was bred for the working class and to protect their lives. Their physical structures are easily noticeable as they will be 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds 23 and 41 kg. They will have a narrow deep chest with a muscular body structure. They have a long base that makes the structure of a triangle. On the other hand, white German Shepherd pups will have floppy ears that may straighten as they become adults as they are in the growing stage and go through a lot of changes whether physical or mental They Will Have Bushy Tail Your white German Shepherd will have a long and bushy tail that hangs down when they rest. The tail of your German Shepherd will also show signs of aggression when they are alert or in motion. Behavioral Characteristics All three Shepherds are known for their loyalty. Always be fair with them and provide a friendly environment so that they can easily trust you and provide full service even when they become adults. Observing Energy Level Another way to identify your white German Shepherd pups is by observing their energy level. German Shepherds are highly energetic breeds that want a lot of physical activities most of the time. Ask About the Breed The way to observe your white German Shepherd pups is to ask your breeder whether they are white or not. Your German Shepherd pup will have white hair when both parents have the same hair and forward their recessive genes to their offspring. Can German Shepherds have white puppies? White German Shepherds come in the category of a rare breed. Their parents have recessive genes that they forward to their offspring and as a result white pups are produced. Can purebred GSD be white? Is a White German Shepherd rare? Yes, white German Shepherds are rare color. They contain recessive genes that are fed by their parents. They will have white color only when both the parents are white, however, their actual coat color can only be determined after 8 weeks. Are White German Shepherds Purebred? Yes, all white German Shepherds are purebred. The only difference between a White German Shepherd and a regular-colored one is their coat color. With proper care, these beautiful white-coated dogs can live healthy lives just like any other purebred German Shepherd. Yes, a black German Shepherd can have a white spot. This breed of dog can be born with various types of markings including small white spots on its fur. However, any white fur that appears on the dog should be monitored closely as it could indicate an infection or injury and should be treated by a veterinarian if necessary. Final Thoughts: The hair of German Shepherd pups can be white, though they have a variety of colors like tan, grey, or black. German Shepherd pups go through a lot of changes so their actual coat color can only be determined only when they become 8 weeks older. The recessive genes play an important role that both parents forward play a very important role that let a German Shepherd dog be white. Both are white, and they produce white pups. In case of identification, you can ask your breeders or look at their physical structures which will also tell about the color of your pup. If you want to own a white German Shepherd puppy then always go with the standard German Shepherd breed that is registered by AKC as German Shepherds are a very popular breed and suitable for every family. They are always good with the owners and protect as they are also protective by nature. Related Posts:.

Articles As a first-time pet owner, you definitely want a dog who is cute and adorable, a good companion, and at the same time, obedient and easy to train. If you are looking for such a dog, you should consider getting yourself the Black Pug. What exactly is a Black Pug? A Black Pug is a version of the popular Pug breed that comes with a shiny, black coat. While Pugs, in general, have been popular for over 2, years, the Black Pug was popularized by Queen Victoria, who owned several of them. If you are considering purchasing the Black Pug, it is crucial for you to know all the important information pertaining to this adorable little doggie. In this article, I am going to share all the important information about the Black Pug, including its health problems, its temperament, and how to care for the pooch. Appearance Like other Pugs, the Black Pug is a small, stocky pooch with a barrel-shaped body and short legs. The most distinguishing feature of the Black Pug is its round head and flat face coupled with a short snout that is covered in wrinkly skin. This is typical of brachycephalic dogs. The Black Pug also has large, bulging eyes, small ears, and a curled tail. Height And Weight The Black Pug is considered to be a toy dog breed because it is relatively small in size. A fully-grown adult Black Pug stands at a height of about 10 to 13 inches 25 — 33 cm tall, and weighs about 14 to 18 lbs 6. Generally, female Black Pugs are smaller than males. Sometimes, a Black Pug can weigh more than 18 lbs, since they tend to get overweight quickly if they are overfed. Keep track of their weight with a puppy weight growth chart. Color This is the main distinguishing factor between the Black Pug and the Fawn pug. As you can tell from the name, the Black Pug is black in color. In most cases, the Black Pug will have a shiny, jet-black coat from head to toe. Sometimes, however, a Black Pug might have some white markings on its chest, which are referred to as mismark. When looking for a Black Pug, it is important not to confuse brindle for black. Brindle is a coat coloring that is a combination of black and brown stripes. Pugs with a brindle coat do not fall under the Black Pug breed. Coat Most Black Pugs come with a single coat, though it is not uncommon for some Black Pugs to have a double coat. Black Pugs with a single coat shed less than those with a double coat. Compared to other Pug colors, the Black Pug is relatively rare. Actually, the black color of Black Pugs was originally thought to be a birth defect, and most pet owners avoided Black Pugs. However, this has since changed, and Black Pugs are now highly sought after. It is good to note that the Black Pug is not the rarest Pug. So, what is the rarest Pug color? While Black Pugs are not that rare, the fact that they are not as common as Fawn Pugs means that breeders will try to convince you that they are rare. As a result, they will usually charge you a higher price for them. The price will depend on where you are buying your Black Pug puppy, as well as your intended use for the puppy. If you are buying a show-quality Black Pug, you can expect to pay more than you would for a Black Pug puppy that you only intend to keep as a pet. The reason behind the high prices for Black Pug puppies is because they are born through C-section. However, it was later discovered that the only difference between Black Pugs and Fawn Pugs is their color. That said, Black Pugs experience the same health problems that affect other Pugs. These include: Breathing Problems While the flat, wrinkled and mushy face of the Black Pug makes them adorable, it sometimes causes obstructions in their airways, making it difficult for them to breathe. This condition is known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to various eye problems, such as corneal ulcers. Luxating Patella Pugs are prone to a condition known as luxating patella , which is characterized by a dislocated kneecap. This condition causes lots of pain and leads to walking difficulties. Screw Tails Pugs have a distinct, curvy tail referred to as a screw tail. While the tail looks cute, it is actually caused by a gene defect that causes the vertebrae in the tail to twist. Ordinarily, this is not a problem. Sometimes, however, the twisting of the vertebrae can start further up the spine, leading to a condition known as Hemivertebrae. Despite the health problems covered above, the lifespan of a Black Pug is about 12 to 15 years. Proper care is important if you want to keep your Black Pug healthy, strong, and happy. Here are some things to watch out for when it comes to caring for your four-legged friend. Feeding Requirements You should keep your Black Pug on a diet that is low in carbs and high in protein. As I mentioned, Pugs tend to gain weight easily, and therefore a high-carb diet can easily make your canine obese. I recommend feeding your Black Pug with dog food from Pet Plate. Their dog food is made from all natural ingredients, it is designed by a vet nutritionist, and is cooked in a USDA facility. In addition, it comes in different flavors and comes in pre-portioned containers. Exercise Requirements The Black Pug is a very playful dog, and therefore, you need to make sure your little pooch is getting enough playtime. Anywhere between 30 and 40 minutes of playtime per day is enough. When exercising your Black Pug, you should vary your route regularly to keep your furry friend stimulated. In addition, you should use a harness instead of a leash when walking your Black Pug, since leashes can easily put pressure on their throat. It is also recommended that you take your Black Pug for a walk in the mornings or evenings when it is cooler. Temperament Of A Black Pug One of the major concerns for people looking to get a Black Pug is their temperament, especially considering the popular belief that Black Pugs are very mischievous. So, are Black Pugs naughtier than other Pugs? There is no difference between the Black Pug and the Fawn Pug except their color, and therefore, the temperament of a Black Pug is similar to that of a Fawn Pug. They absolutely love it when you show them lots of love. Fortunately, they also know how to show love in return, and will want to spend time cuddling on your lap. They can also be a bit mischievous, though they are not any more mischievous than other Pugs. Due to their love for attention, they easily develop separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. When they get lonely, they will start chewing on your furniture, carpet, and shoes. Very Friendly Black Pugs are very friendly little doggies. They will get along well with just about anyone, from your kids and other pets to complete strangers. Intelligent But Stubborn Black Pugs are very intelligent dogs. They learn commands and tricks quickly and can easily read your emotions. However, they can also be a bit stubborn, which can make them difficult to train, especially if you do not know their likes and dislikes. Due to their intelligence, they also get bored quickly, so you need to mix things up for them when training them. Otherwise, they will stop paying attention. The Fawn gene is recessive. So, what happens if you breed a Fawn Pug with a Black Pug? In this case, the puppies will be either black or fawn, depending on whether the Black Pug is a dominant black or a hybrid black. The best Pug cross breed for you will ultimately depend on what you are looking for in a dog. That said, however, some Pug crossbreeds tend to be very popular. Save for their color differences, there is no other difference between different colored Pugs. Therefore, the best Pug color will depend on your likes and preferences. Provided that you take precautions to ensure you are getting a healthy Pug, you can go for whatever color pleases you. Summary What is a Black Pug? Pugs originate from China and can be traced back years to wealthy families as a companion pet. They became increasingly popular in European courts, mostly associated with the rich in the 16th and 17th centuries. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in as part of the toy group. The Black Pug is rarer than other colors. This color was originally seen as a birth defect and was unwanted; however Queen Victoria changed the game as she owned many black Pugs, making them popular and fashionable! Pugs have a signature look. They have small, short legs and a barrel shaped body. They have a curled tail that will fall up on their back. Their most famous feature is their short, wrinkly flat face and round head. You should expect them to have large eyes and small ears that are folded and can be either rose or button shaped. Height and Weight The Pug is a small dog. A fully-grown male Pug will reach around 11 inches tall and 15lbs. Whereas female Pugs are slightly smaller than males; fully grown females reach around 10 inches and 14lbs. Coat As the name suggests, these adorable Pugs are all black — their coats will shine a beautiful jet black. Pugs have double coats meaning they have a smooth and short top layer of fur. They shed more than you would think, loose fine hair will fall out regularly and they will shed heavily during the summer. Black Pug Personality and Temperament Pugs are charming and affectionate — they get along with everyone they meet. These dogs always want to be center of attention. Even though they love to nap, they also love to play. You will often find them running around and playing with their favorite human. They do not like any type of extreme weather, keep them in from the cold and keep them cool in the hot summer months. Due to their flat faces, they are prone to snore! Their devotion to you and your family can cause them to develop separation anxiety. They want to be center of attention, and when their family is not home they will become destructive. They may whine and cry, and also start chewing shoes and furnishings out of frustration. Pugs are great with kids. They love to play with children and will be the perfect addition to any family. Caring for a Black Pug The black Pug is for families that want an easy going dog, who will want to snuggle up to you most of the time. Their grooming routine is simple and effective. Around 40 minutes of activity a day will do them just fine. They are very playful dogs, so make sure to play with them when they start to become restless. You can take your Pug to dog parks, beaches or lakes. We recommend you use a harness when walking them, rather than a traditional lead. Change up their walking route every now and then, new sights and smells can be very enriching for your pooch. It is very boring to walk the same route each day, for both you and your Pug. Grooming and Shedding You may not think that the Pug sheds, but they do! They will shed loose fine hairs throughout the day. Only bathe them when they are particularly messy or have a doggy odor about them. Their face wrinkles need to be washed regularly with a damp cloth, this will clean dirt and sweat away. Make sure to dry them properly! Not cleaning them regularly will cause infections and buildup of bacteria. Trim their nails and clean their ears. Brush their teeth regularly to avoid dental issues. As for brushing, once a week will be fine. How to Train The Pug is very intelligent, but they can be a bit difficult to train — they are very willful and stubborn. Once you get to know their likes and dislikes they are trainable. They can become bored of their dog training regimen, so make sure to mix it up for them. Positive reinforcement is best to train any dog. Play can increase memory and relive stress for your pooch, be sure to use this to your advantage when training them. Early socialization is important with any dog, make sure to introduce your pooch to a range of people and other animals. Mental stimulation is important for a dog with this intelligence. They have a playful personality and love when their family plays with them. Whether it is a tug-of-war or a complex puzzle feeder, they love play time! Feeding and Diet The Pug is prone to developing obesity, so be sure not to over feed them. Dogs love routine, so feed them at the same time each day. How much you feed them depends on their weight and activity levels. Pugs should not be fed more than 1. When training your Pug, make sure you give them wet low calorie treats. They will love them, and it helps maintain their weight. Stick to food that is for small dogs, that have low amounts of wheat and corn syrup and that are mostly natural. Known Health Problems The Pug is a purebred that has many health issues. What about a Chug? Can you mix a pug and a husky? Every wonder what you call a pug pitbull mix? We have every single pug mix ever listed from A-Z. Over 40 different pug breed mixes from the cutest pug puppies to the snuggly older pug mixes. One dog in particular has an especially loving and charming demeanor, and that is the pug. These small fluffy critters are a part of the toy group of dog breeds. Pugs come in a small package with a height of up to 13 inches. A normal pug has a life expectancy of around 13 to 15 years. The great thing about pugs is their size which makes them a lovable breed that are endearing and fun to own. But can you mix a Pug with another type of dog? You betcha! The Pug Mix has become huge in the last 20 years and there is basically a mix of pug and any type of other dog you are looking for. Sure, cross breeding dogs takes away some of their pedigree and will ruffle some feathers in the dog show community, but there are tons of benefits to cross breading a Pug. Many pug mixes are much healthier than either parent breed and some are extremely intelligent and friendly. We have narrowed down our top 6 favorite pug mixes, but scroll down for the complete list of pug mixes with picture and descriptions of what they look like! Pug mix breeds are generally happy to be in any setting whether you live in the busy city or the calm wide open countryside. They are great with children and adults alike, and can get along fine by themselves or in a group of other dogs. Below we will discuss the pros and cons of every pug mix breed and what they look like. However, pugs are prone to obesity because they truly live to eat. FACT: Pug dogs are one of the oldest breeds. They are recognized officially from Chinese origin and actually have many similarities to the Pekingese breed. The Pugkinese might actually be the first pug mix breeds! True Pugs have very wrinkly faces and short muzzles with smooth, short fur and curly tails. Even though pugs have relatively short legs, their hind legs are very muscular and strong. Today we will share a list of over 40 pug mix breeds that you can see for yourself. It can be quite challenging to decide which pug dog to get due to the sheer number of pug mix varieties out there. This list is here to help you pick out which pug that is right for you and your family. We hope you will find this list helpful in narrowing down your options for the newest addition to your family. This is what you get when you cross an Australian shepherd with a pug. They are extremely loving and affectionate. The Aussie Pug mix looks a lot like a mutt but has those characteristic blue Australian Shepherd eyes. Like their Australian Shepard parents, these pug mixes are pretty smart and easily trained. The Shepherd Pug Mix also takes some snuggly genes from their pug side. If you are a pug lover, then you are probably a frenchie lover too. The Frug is a designer mix of the these two cute brachycephalic dogs. Most pugs will have a wrinkly pug like face and straight ears that stand up. They have a little more energy than pugs and usually carry a French bulldogs muscle mass. These pug mixes are great for cuddles and playing in a small backyard. These two small sized dogs are friendly and snuggly. The Welsh Corgi is a herding dog, so expect the Porgi to have a bit more energy but both parent breeds are friendly and that gets passed on to the puppy! These Porgis are definitely snuggly and make great companions. It was one of the first widely available pug mixes that touted a healthier pedigree than their pug parents. They have floppy ears and slightly sad eyes and are one of the most popular hybrid dogs today. Puggle are super friendly and playful and make a good lap dog. The pug parentage comes through in its snuggly-ness and the beagle makes them a little more active. However, be aware that both parent breeds are stubborn and hard to train. The puggle can also have the worst combo of both barking and howling, so be prepared when you leave your pug beagle home alone for some halloween style sound effects! This cross is small because both parents are toy breeds. They are generally happy and friendly and great with kids. The puganese is affectionate but not particularly good at being cage trained. They are some of the most people breed dogs out there and love their owners. The Havanese mix makes this pug mix extra intelligent and a little bit more trainable than your average pug. This little dog will love their owner and family and tends to be a lot quieter than their pug parentage. They are close to the ground and sturdy and the Japanese chin features help with the more brachycephalic pug traits. The chin mix adds a sensitive and intelligent responsiveness to the pug and only good things will come from this mix. This mix however is pretty cute and has a good amount of energy. The Pug Shiba is a friendly and loyal dog and a little bigger than your average pug. The parent Shiba Inu is originally from Japan and known for its cat like qualities. Some Pug Shibas have been known to be a little more stand-offish even though they are easier to train than a pug purebreed and will bond strongly to one owner. The Puggat has much more energy than its Pug parent and loves bouncing around. These mix dogs take a lot from their Rat Terrier parent and are incapable of boredom. They are one of the cutest pug mix breeds and due to the big difference between each parent breed, Hugs are normally quite healthy. The Hug can have lots of different looks, from short haired bristly coat of the pug or the long gray coat of the husky. Their face is mildly smooshed and are much easier to train than the stubborn pug purebreed. The Hug mix will be high energy and are much more of a working dog than a potato. They often look like little bearded toothy pups. The pugairn designer cross is usually pretty easy to train and much healthier than a full brachycephalic dog. This designer pug is small, alert, and playful. The Affenpug looks like a bristly little snub nosed dog and one great benefit of their bristly fur is that the Affenpug will shed less than its purebreed pug parent. Since both parent breeds are toy, this Pug Fox Terrier mix is going to be quite small. They come in many colors like black, fawn, and silver. Crossing a Fox Terrier and Pug is going to give you an inquisitive little dog, however some can be a little jittery and territorial so they should be watched around small children. They are relatively easy to train and the Toy Poxer makes for a great apartment dogs. This pug italian greyhound mix is low key and very playful but can also have anxiety due to its size. They shed less than your average fawn pug, but more than some of the other pug mixes we discuss. They also get cold much easier than a pug due to their skinny italian greyhound parents. This mix is also sometimes called the Italian Pughound and makes a great companion. These mix of dogs have a great personality and a longer coat than your normal pug so will be less prone to shedding. The Puginese is loving, affectionate, and playful but can be weary of strangers. This makes the pug Pekingese mix a great watchdog while still being snuggly fun pet for families. A pugese! These designer dogs look like small naked pugs. If they do have hair its usually a little bristle around the face. The Pugese can be possessive of their family and reserved towards strangers but the Pugese will give its owner lots of love and affection. They are great apartment dogs, but appreciate a nice back yard. Though the Chinese Crested parentage gives the Pugese a little more energy, these dogs are still the ideal couch potato. Your typical Ori-pei looks like a bigger version of the pug with a beautiful soft coat. This Pug Shar-Pei mix is usually pretty intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also usually alert yet aloof. Some might even call the Ori-Pei snobbish! The negative of this mix is that both parent breeds are Brachycephalic and makes for breathing health problems in the Ori-Pei. Both of the parents are small so the Pugland will look like a smaller version of a pug with slightly longer hair. The Pugland, or Pestie as they are also known, can also be black or gray. They have longer hair-like pure and will shed less than your typical fun. These are fun loving mix dogs with lots of energy and a fun personality. They are loyal and relatively easier to train than a pug. Were like to call them Tibugs because they look cute as a bug! Actually, this Tibetan Pug Mix looks a lot like a pug with slightly longer fur and a longer snout. They are happy playful companions and have better health than either parent breed separately. They will be slightly less yappy than their Pug ancestor and will be a little nervous around strangers. That makes the Tibug a great guard-dog but they can be a little snippy with other animals or children. Crossing a Pug and an American Eskimo breed takes away a lot of the health troubles of the Brachycephalic pug side. The Pug-A-Mo looks a lot like a silky white seal. They make friendly energetic dogs that are not as nervous or barley due to their larger size. This designer breed looks like a maltese with slightly shorter more bristly fur. They are great family dogs and enjoy lots of play and learning tricks. The Malti-Pug is small due to both parents being toy breeds and is also known to be a little jittery at times. They will bond to their owner like glue and Malti-Pugs make great lap dog companions. This chihuahua pug mix looks a little smaller than your average pug with a longer snout and short fur. Some look a little more like a chihuahua while some carry more pug features. The chug can have short soft fur or longer more bristly fur. They are playful and loyal but their small size can lead the chug to be a little more nervous like its chihuahua parent. They are also known as the Pughuahua or the Pugwawa and the mix is as cute as the name! The chug will also bond right away to its owner, though be aware they are often stubborn and not the easiest to train. They look like a lot like a smaller white terrier type dogs. They are super intelligent and have a loving personality. Some Coton owners say they have a unique vocalizations that could carry over into the Pug-Coton. Also known as a Pugton or PuTulear. They look like squat little dogs with short silky fur and a longer square shaped snout. The Daug is friendly though some have been known to take on the Dachshund trait of bonding to only one owner. Both parents are stubborn, making this Dachshund Pug mix one of the hardest to train of all pug mixes. They are fearless and full of life, but also will manage to jump up on the couch to snuggle you on a cold winter day. They often weigh from 8 to 22 pounds and live about 12 years on average. The PugZu looks a lot like their Shih-Tzu parents, taking some longer fur traits and often having a small tongue sticking out. This pug mix also doubles up on the Brachycephalic genes so expect more health issues than some of the other cross breeds. PugZu make great companions and are proud dogs though can be a little stubborn at times. They are friendly loving dogs. These are true jokester dogs who just want to play and have fun all day. The PomAPug looks like pugs with a little more ear, hair, and a longer snout. Some are short hair and some are long haired, depending on what genetic traits they pic up. This pug pomeranian mix breed has all the best traits of both dogs and is slightly less prone to breathing problems than its pug parents. These basset hound pug mix breed dogs can be either small or medium. The Bassugg looks like a basset hound with longer ears but a more squarish nose. They normally have short glossy fur that is either tan or brown with some darker spots depending on the parents. This is a very even tempered pug mix and its main problem is that both parents are rather stubborn. They are however rather smart and will figure out how to get their own way rather quickly. This is one of the most couch potato like pug mixes available. Cross a Pug and a boston terrier and you get a small energetic friendly pup. The Bugg looks a lot like a boston terrier with a slightly wider face. They are curious friendly animals that can be a littler skittish around strangers at first but will quickly warm up and be ready for snuggles. The Bugg makes for a fun cheerful companion who is always ready for a walk! They are a cross between a Pug and a Boxer. They are slightly larger dogs with a short smooth coat. The Poxer looks a lot like a bigger version of a pug with a pushed in snout. This mix breed is often tan or fawn but can also have a darker brown coat with a dark muzzle. They are very smart and energetic and happy to learn and be trained. The Poxer is also not known for being particularly barky. This mix between a Brussels Griffon and a Pug can do no wrong in our eyes. They are smart, and charming, and playful, and would never ever go on poop strive when it rains. The Brug looks a lot like a brussels griffon with long wire like hair and a long beard. Brugs are normally quite assertive and make for great apartment dogs though ideally would love a small backyard to romp around in. As you can tell from the name, this is going to be a small dog! Most Schnugs look more like their schnauzer parent with a full hairy muzzle. They come in tan, brown, gray, and black. The Schnug is full of energy and may want to chase around smaller animals so make sure you spend some time on training. They will mellow out later in life and become great companion dogs. Thanks to the schnauzer pug mix, they will have healthier genes than either parent lineage and should have less health problems. Part Yorkshire Terrier mixed with a pug, these are wonderful companions and make a great lap dog. They will have less health problems than their pug parents and will definitely shed a lot less. The Pugshire looks like a longer snouted bristle hair version of a pug. A pug mixed with a king charles cavalier makes for an extremely cute dog. These pugaliers look like pugs with a slightly broader face and very wise eyes. They have short fur and need much less grooming than their king charles parents. The pugalier can be shy at times and will definitely bond closely to its owner. They are also extremely patient and make for a great pug mix choice for small families. Perfect for first time pet parents, the Black Pug is a loving and easy to train dog that is known for being very affectionate and the perfect companion. These pups are classified as a Toy breed because of their tiny size, which means they are a great canine for those with smaller spaces who still want a furry friend to cuddle! Read on below to find out more about this interesting little dog. History Of The Black Pug The Black Pug is one of the oldest purebred dogs in history and they have, therefore, been recognized for a long time by many different kennel clubs. They were originally worshiped in Egypt and bred as companion dogs for Tibetan Buddhists. Then, around two thousand years ago, the Black Pug came to China and many Emperors believe that these dogs brought good luck and began to worship them. In the s, Dutch traders brought the Black Pug from China to England and Holland and these pups became a popular dog among aristocracy and royalty. After the Civil War they made their first appearance in the US. Characteristics The Black Pug falls under the Toy breed and they are known for being extremely cute. These dogs are normally born in litters of one to nine puppies, although four to six puppies is most common. Appearance By the time your Pug dog is 8 weeks old, they will be ready to leave their mother and come home with you. They will be roughly between 2 to 4 lb. By the time your Pug is one year old they will be fully-grown and considered an adult. They can weigh up to 20 lbs, but the breed standard suggests they should weigh between 13 to 18 pounds. Because the Pug is in the Toy category, they normally stand between 10 to 14 inches. Although they are small, they are quite stocky animals and are normally short legged with a symmetrical cobby body and a large apple shaped head. The face is one of the most distinctive features of a Pug. They should also have a corkscrew tail. Coat The Pug coat is short, straight and soft. Unlike fawn colored Pugs, Black Pugs have a single coat which does mean they will shed less than their fawn siblings. That being said, Black Pug dogs are still known to shed and will lose more hair in the warmer seasons, which means they are not a good pet to have in the house if you have allergies! We go into more detail about grooming your Pug later on. Color Of course, Black Pugs should be black all over! The brindle colorway that some Pugs may have should not be confused with the black coloring. Brindle is a a striped pattern that combines black and brown and this coloring is not accepted in the breed standard. Temperament Pugs are bred to be companion puppies and will love to spend their days by your side. All they want is to be loved, and they will give plenty of this love back to you! The perfect family dog, Pugs love both adults and children. These dogs are very energetic and love playtime. They especially love to play with their family and can go on for hours! However, once they are back home they will happily curl up next to you on the couch and relax too, making them the perfect best friend. Although these dogs are very active and will want to play, they are also very relaxed dogs, which is what makes them such good first time pets. However, this does not come off as aggressive, and instead shows more of their curious nature. Lifespan The Black Pug has an average life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. This is relatively long for a dog. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, like any dog, Pugs are known to have some health issues. Within this breed, the majority of their health problems are due to their flattened face. They are known as a brachycephalic breed which means they have a shortened airway due to their flattened face. Their face can be the cause of many breathing issues, especially whilst exercising or during high temperatures. Before buying a Pug you should do your research on brachycephalic breeds and learn about the risks and issues that are associated with this breed. The Pugs eyes can also be the cause of other health issues. Their skull structure means they have shallower eye sockets which gives them bulgy eyes. This can sometimes lead to cataracts and vision loss. Daily Life Now we know all about the temperament and characteristics of the Black Pug, it is time to take a look at what daily life is like with them. Read on below to find out about their food and diet, their exercise needs and what training a Pug is like. Food And Diet It is advised that a Toy dog of the Pug size should be eating around 40 calories per pound of their body weight everyday. This should be around calories a day for an adult Pug. Until they are 6 months old they will need to be fed three times a day, then twice a day from six months to one year, and then once a day when they hit their adult age. High-quality dry dog food with added water for moisture is advised for a Pug. Always make sure that it is a nutritious diet that hits all the food groups. They are a breed that can be known to gain weight, so try to stick to their diet and refrain from feeding them scraps. The more weight they gain, the more they will struggle with their breathing and may be prone to breathing problems. This food is also made with real chicken as the number on ingredient and ensures your Pug will be getting all the nutrients they need. Even better, because the Pug can be known to gain weight, this food helps with weight management and ensures they maintain lean muscles throughout the course of their life. Exercise The Pug only has little legs which means their exercise needs are not great. You should take them for two 20 minute walks everyday. Pugs are very sociable dogs, so taking them on different routes so you can introduce them to new sounds and smells is advisable. Black Pugs, because of their dark coat, are more prone to overheating in the sun, so if you live in a hot part of the world then walking them at night or early in the morning is advised. As we have mentioned before, Pugs love to play. Between walks you should ensure you make time to play games with them and keep them stimulated. Remember, they love spending time with you, so the more you do it, the happier they will be! Family Compatibility A Black Pug is a perfect family dog. First and foremost, these dogs love to be around people — both adults and children — and will be happiest when they are by your side, making them a true companion dog. Because they are a little dog, the Black Pug does not have great exercise needs which means they are great for those who live in small apartments or those who do not have a yard for them to run around in. That being said, they do love to play, so you should make sure you have time to put aside for bonding with your Pug. Training your Pug is simple too, and they get on well with other humans and animals. This includes other household pets such as cats and rabbits, and they will seek out humans for extra attention. Pugs also do not have high grooming needs — all you need to do is give them some love! Training and Socializing Pugs are a very intelligent dog, which makes training them easy. You should always use positive reinforcement and rewards in the form or verbal praise and treats to show them that they are doing a good job. They can be a little stubborn, but as long as you are consistent with them, then your Pug will learn. Never use harsh punishments with your Pug because this will upset them and you will not get any positive work from them. Socializing your Pug is also simple, because they love other people. You should try taking them to new places as often as you can so they can experience new sounds and smells, although it is known that Pugs react very well in many different situations. Remember, these dogs just want to be loved and to play, so as long as you incorporate that wherever you go, they will be happy. Grooming Because the Black Pug has a short and smooth coat, their grooming needs are not too high. However, as we mentioned above, these doggies can be known to shed so giving them a brush every week is a good idea to help minimize any shedding. You can bathe your Pug whenever you need to, although experts recommend that this should be done once a month. When bathing them you will need to ensure you clean the wrinkles on their face because bacteria and dirt can build up inside them and cause infection. Always ensure you take time to dry them properly, too. You can also used dental sticks if it is easier. Make sure you start grooming your Pug from a young age so they get used to the routine. This will allow them to see that there is nothing to worry about and they do not need to be scared. Black Pugs are not known for being aggressive dogs at all. The Pug is a loving and affectionate dog that makes the perfect companion. They love to be around humans, especially children, and other pets too. These dogs enjoy running and playing and will thrive in an environment where they can spend their day by your side. They also love to curl up next to you on the couch after a long day. Pugs have been known to be protective over their humans, but this comes from a place of curiosity instead of hostility. Many people say that Pugs are the pooch that just want to be loved so no, they are not aggressive! How much is a Black Pug? A Black Pug is one of the cheaper variations of the Pug breed and are not as expensive as their fawn colored siblings. Always remember to buy from a reputable breeder. If this is out of your price range, you can always check your local animal shelter and see if there are any Pugs there that need a home. There are many dogs in shelters who need loving and caring companions! Summary The Black Pug is an adorable and loving small breed of dog. Playful and energetic, this dog loves to play and will certainly keep you on your toes. These dogs are relatively low maintenance and do not have high grooming or exercise needs, and do well in small apartments. Perfect for first time dog owners, do you think a Black Pug could be for you? Search Dog Breeds. Parents: Affenpinscher x Pug mix via Instagram: robbie. Both parent breeds are known for their humorous personalities with a hint of mischief. And yes, fortunately, Affenpugs are the same. Although Affenpugs are generally spunky dogs, they can be calm in the home. This mix is exceptionally delightful, thanks to the Pug side. However, the Affenpinscher brings out the alertness that makes them decent watchdogs. Naturally, these playful dogs will be inquisitive. They love to explore and enjoy spending most of their time with their owners. And depending on the parent, these Pug mixes can inherit either a rough or wiry coat we love the wiry coats! But because of their petite size, they may not do too well with smaller children. When they go into defense mode, they may snap back at rough play. On the down side, they may be stubborn, though training can fix that. Both parent breeds are fantastic companions that are highly adaptable, so the mix is likely the same. While both parents bring a playful side, the greyhound parent adds an boost of excitement and energy into this Pug mix. On the bright side, they would not mind spending plenty of time indoors with their owners. Buggs Parents: Boston Terrier x Pug mix via Instagram: mollythebugg Both parents of the Buggs share similar physical and personality traits. Boston Terriers, like Pugs, have a short snout with a semi-wrinkly face. With a cheerful vibe and a deep sense of loyalty, Buggs will stick by your side no matter what. In fact, the more people in the pack, the better! As such, this mix was also developed in China. Both parent breeds show similar physical qualities and temperaments, so this designer makes a lot of sense. Because both parents were originally bred for the elitists, the Puginese will inevitably have a high sense of dignity. However, the Puginese is without doubt a good-natured dog that just wants to become friends with all. They may show plenty of variation in the coat, though. While Chinese Cresteds hunted vermin on ships, the Pugs accompanied Chinese royalty. However, when combined, the Pugese mix presents a loving, sweet, and protective companion. They need human attention! As a result, you end up with a physically-interesting hybrid to say the least with a temperament that would be perfect for all types of families. Bassuggs have unique characteristics. In addition, they may range quite a bit in size and coat colors. However, their loving temperaments are constant. Even-tempered and calm, Bassuggs are highly intelligent dogs that have a lot of curiosity for life. While the Shar-Pei is large and brave, the Pug is small and playful. The only similarity is the wrinkled skin. To his surprise, Silver bred an extraordinary dog. Not only were they relatively robust mixes, but Ori Peis were so sweet and affectionate. They love to play, but can calm down when the owners need to relax. Few dog enthusiasts have even heard of this mix, but they deserve all the recognition for being one of the best companions. Again, these small dogs do better with older kids. Although Puglands enjoy the company of children, they may easily snap back at rough teasing. Socialization is important, though, teaching young kids to respect them is even more. After all, Pugs are lovers not fighters. And depending on the parentage, they may either be small or medium-sized dogs that vary between 15 to 30 pounds. And while both parents have relatively short snouts, the Box-A-Pug will have a snout that is somewhere in between. The Boxer brings the athleticism and energy, while the Pug brings the playfulness. They make amazing companions for children and will never miss an opportunity to snuggle up with their owners! Plus, they can be decent watchdogs for their size. From the Pug and Tibetan Spaniel, these mixes have earned a reputation as the ultimate lap dogs no surprise here. But what makes the Tibetan Pug stand out is their adaptive intelligence. They have a great understanding of human emotions and use it to their advantage. Tibetan Pugs do tend to bark a lot because of their vigilance inherited from the spaniel side. Just make sure to keep their territorial instincts in check with obedience and socialization. Malti-Pug Parents: Maltese x Pug mix via Instagram: tammyfayeandgriffin Malti-Pugs are designer dogs that intentionally crossed two great companion dogs. Unsurprisingly, the companion role comes easily for the Malti-Pug. These dogs love to please their owners. To them, everyone is a potential friend.

It was founded in when both of its founders were still in college. The duo takes breeding very seriously, which is why they only have a few litters every year. Their priorities are to ensure the health of all dames and sires , and they try hard not to overbreed them. They specialize in producing both family dogs as well as working dogs and show dogs. They carefully plan all of their litters, and they take into consideration all aspects that the ideal Boxer has to have, including temperament, conformation, and health. All of their parent dogs are AKC registered, with amazing temperaments and superb health. In fact, they have listed all the health results publicly on their website, so you can know exactly what qualities they have. They have a contact form that all aspiring Boxer owners can fill out, and a representative from the kennel will get in touch with them. Lastly, Soleil Boxers have an open-door policy. They produce show-quality Boxer puppies that are entirely up to AKC standards. When breeding, they focus on health, temperament, and longevity. They are located on a 5-acre plot of land, giving their Boxers enough space to run around. All of their puppies are crate-trained and obedience-trained. They do all they can to ensure you get the best quality dog possible. This dog breeder also conducts all the necessary health testing on their dogs, ensuring you get a healthy Boxer pup, free of genetic disorders. The application process is straightforward, which makes everything a lot easier and more approachable. They have an application form on their website that you can fill out. Once you do, someone will contact you and put you on a waiting list. Otherwise, the dog will be put up for further sale. The only thing that could make the adoption process challenging is if you want your Boxer puppy to be of a specific color — for example, brindle. Here are some of the best Boxer breeders in Southern California: Telstar Boxers This might easily be one of the most reputable Boxer breeders in California. This includes 2 Dams of Merit and even 8 Sires of Merit! Telstar Boxers are located in San Diego, and they were founded by Jennifer and Gene, who have more than 35 years of breeding experience. In fact, this is one of the oldest Boxer kennels we could find! They have a unique Boxer program that focuses on producing Boxer puppies that will become amazing show dogs. They are structurally sound, healthy, and with an ideal temperament. This is where you can also find information on their pricing and policies. Email: [email protected] Anden Boxers This is a small but professional Boxer breeder in California that specializes in breeding family companions and working dogs. They have all the information about their dogs listed publicly, including the health testing records and lineage. Their puppies are bred and raised in the center of the family home, so they are provided with a loving and caring environment that can help them develop the best temperaments possible. They also expose all of their puppies to all sorts of sounds and sights, so they can easily adjust to new environments. All of their dogs are fed with a natural, raw dog food diet, as they believe this will keep these dogs close to their ancestors and make them grow strong. Encore Boxers Photo from: theboxerworld Encore Boxers is a kennel that has been operating since the s. They have been raising select Boxer puppies according to a breeding program that they developed for years. Because of this, their dogs have wonderful temperaments and are perfectly socialized. This helps reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with finding a great forever home. The kennel is owned by Cheryl Cates, who ensures all of their dams and sires receive excellent veterinary care. All of their puppies are dewormed and have received the necessary vaccinations and genetic health testing. In other words, they have great bloodlines that are destined for success if you decide to participate in dog shows. Their dogs come with AKC registration papers, a health guarantee, and even their favorite chew toy! The breeder offers lifetime support for all of their dogs, and they will be there for you if you need any help with raising your dog. They breed top-quality Boxer puppies that have excellent health and temperament as well as show conformation. Their goal is to produce ideal Boxers that can excel as both show dogs and companion dogs. At the same time, this is one of the many active Boxer breeders in California. They are well-known in the show dog community and have won many awards not just in the US but also in Canada! All of their puppies are AKC registered and clear of any health and genetic conditions before they are allowed to participate in their breeding program. Their puppies have been raised with love and care to ensure they are well-socialized and properly taken care of. All of the available puppies can be found on their website. Each of their puppies comes with a health guarantee, as well as lifetime support. They are home to more than 35 AKC Boxer champions! Only if all the test results are fine can these dogs enter their breeding program. Their puppies begin the socialization process when they are between 3 and 14 days old. During this time, the breeder conducts neurological stimulation exercises that help boost their confidence. All of their puppies come with their first vaccination shots, veterinary checks, a microchip, chip registration, and AKC registration papers. Shipping options are a possibility, but this has to be discussed with the breeder. Expect to wait at least 6 months before you get your new puppy. There are a few more places you might want to check out. Chances are you will find your new buddy there. On its marketplace, you can find puppies for sale listed by AKC-approved breeders. Some of them might be in the California area. Granted, this is the most ethical way to get a pet. So, is this a good way to become a Boxer owner? Not just that, but most breeders will ensure these canines have undergone some basic dog training, so they can easily adjust to new homes without displaying any bad behavior. Some people might think that the best Boxer breeders in California sell their dogs at too high a price. They might even try to find a more affordable place to purchase their dog from. Backyard breeders are some of the people you might run into. These individuals sell their dogs at a much lower price than reputable breeders. However, this is because, most of the time, they are inexperienced in raising puppies. These are simply dog owners who have ended up with an unplanned litter of puppies that they now want to sell. This is why they are not the best option. Other places to find Boxer puppies for sale are pet stores and puppy mills — however, we would strongly advise against this. Because of this, most puppies that come from pet stores and puppy mills have behavioral issues. Many will also have underlying health conditions. As you can see, there are many advantages to purchasing a Boxer from a reputable breeder. Either way, all dogs are good dogs, and Boxers make amazing family companions, as long as you know how to properly train and socialize them. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. Activities, for the most part, should be limited, and the key is to go slow. The first day should be calm so the puppy can get acclimated to its new surroundings and comfortable with its new family. Expect some bumps along the road for the first week, but things will rapidly get better as the days and nights progress. Be prepared, though, that the first day will be the biggest challenge, especially the night. The first 24 hours are when most new puppy parents wonder what the heck they got themselves into. While the first hours is mostly a transitional period, there are a few things that you can do to ensure the transition will go as smoothly as possible. Pre-Arrival Preparation Before your puppy arrives home, you should have prepared for its arrival. Pre-arrival preparation should include stocking up on essential supplies and puppy-proofing the home. You can still do this quickly by following the step by step guide. It will just mean you need to do some quick running around and some prep on the fly. Now what? First, take a deep breath. Your puppy most likely will have to relieve itself after the car ride. Doing so allows the puppy to explore and sniff around the yard to become familiar with its area. Just make sure you supervise the puppy at all times. It also gives the puppy a chance to stretch its legs. Or it may be more timid and scared. Adapt as necessary. Bailey minutes after we brought him home. Getting ready to do his thing in the backyard! If the puppy is comfortable exploring and playing outside, you can wait until it goes. Or you can take it inside but make sure to try again soon. As noted previously, puppies at this age go frequently. All puppies have telltale signs when they need to go potty, and your job early on is to learn those. He will need time to adjust. So will you. Go slow. Be patient. If you opt to introduce the puppy to the whole house, make sure you supervise your Golden puppy at all times. A mistake most new and even experienced dog owners make is allowing their puppies too much space early on. A confined area for your puppy could include a designated play area with a crate inside or a room with gates to limit his space. We let our Golden puppy Bailey roam the house the first few days, and we quickly realized it was a huge mistake. Introductions You should limit introduction on the first day to the immediate family only. You do not want to overwhelm or scare the puppy, and being passed from stranger to stranger might not be the best experience for him. All introductions should be controlled and supervised at all times, especially with children and other pets. A good rule of thumb is to go slow and to keep the interactions both brief and positive. Small children, especially toddlers, may be keen to pick up the cuddly furball, and they may not be well equipped to do this gently and safely. Keep a watchful eye at all times and prevent children from handling the puppy or pulling his tail. Have children and even adults sit on the floor and allow the puppy to come to them. Try having family members entice the puppy with a treat. Let the puppy dictate the pace of introductions to feel safe and have a positive experience. Suppose you have other dogs or a cat. In that case, these introductions require a more nuanced approach, and extra caution and supervision are required. Most new owners tend to rush these things, and small, baby steps are better than moving too fast and then having to take two steps back. You can even keep them apart for a week or two or longer , so they get accustomed to seeing and being in proximity of each other before the initial introductions. Temperament plays a role here as well. Some pups, cats, and dogs will need extra space and time to adjust, whereas; some others will adapt more quickly. Just like people, each one has a unique personality. Just make sure all parties are safe. Keep the puppy, and other dogs secured on-leash, and allow the cat to escape if it desires. Supervision is vital, as is knowing the temperament of your animals and how much they will tolerate. Bailey and the cat getting along. A slow introduction when he was very young was key. Essential Routines: Feeding Time, Potty Training, and Bedtime Although the first day is a mostly transitional day for your puppy, some training can start immediately, including feeding routines, potty training, and a bedtime routine. Feeding Time Puppies generally should be fed two or three times per day based on weight and age consult your dog food bag or follow what the breeder was doing. Depending on what time you brought your Golden puppy home, and if he has eaten a meal already before picking him up, this may be his 2nd or 3rd meal of the day. Some pups and dogs are not good at control. Consider doing some hand-feeding. The purpose of hand-feeding is twofold; a bonding experience and teaching your puppy to tolerate and trust hands around its food. Potty Training Same as with the feeding routine, you want to establish a pattern on day one for potty training. It would help if you were mindful that puppies usually like to go potty after exercising, playing, eating, or getting up from a night of sleep or a nap. Our Golden Retriever puppy at eight weeks went potty almost immediately after eating. BedTime The bedtime routine is the most significant transition for human parents on day one and will test your patience the most. Please be prepared for this and stay calm, loving, and supportive. Unless you have won the puppy lottery and it sleeps through the whole night, expect to be woken up a few times. And not just because your puppy will have to go out a few times to relieve itself, but your puppy may be anxious due to this being its first night with its new family. Your Golden puppy is going to be scared and lonely, so expect some heartbreaking whining. If your puppy whines at night, you can pick him up to take it outside if it has been a while since last relieving itself. Do not cave in and pick up your puppy right away. But you do not want to reinforce this behavior and inadvertently teach the puppy that whining results in immediate attention and play. If your puppy is still whining after, say, 15 or 20 minutes, then pick your puppy up to reassure it. It would help if you only did this for the first few days to a week. Your puppy should be able to go longer and longer without needing comfort. The goal is to have it sleep throughout the night as quickly as possible. The price you pay for picking up your puppy too frequently throughout the night is having this be your routine for the next few weeks instead of days. Also, expect to take your puppy out frequently throughout the night for the first few weeks so it can relieve itself. This part of the routine is the hardest, but in a few weeks, your pup will be sleeping a full 8 hours through the night. Keep in mind that it may take up to 12 weeks of age before they can sleep comfortably throughout the night. Often that happens much sooner. Nightime comforting and potty training can be a bit of a juggling act and challenging to sync correctly. Do your best. If it complains immediately after relieving itself, then try your best to hold off before comforting it. Ideally, you want to allow your puppy to learn how to self-soothe at night on its own. Bailey sleeping the first day we brought him home. BAR mostly slept throughout the night from day 1. Yes, we were fortunate. Tips for Bedtime Make sure your puppy has had adequate play and exercise throughout the day. It helps with bedtime if your puppy is mentally and physically tired out. Puppies need about 5 minutes for every one month of age. So, an eight-week-old will need about 10 minutes once or twice per day. Take your puppy outside to relieve itself just before bed. Your Golden puppy will get the hang of it soon. Dogs are social animals and want to sleep close to their family. Many breeders will give you a blanket or old shirt that has been with the mother. The ticking of the clock will soothe the puppy. Additional Tips The first day and night will be the hardest. However, you should expect some challenges. Tip 1. Accidents will happen, lots of them. Tip 2. Take a week of work, if at all possible. A puppy left alone a few days after being separated from his family is not ideal. It would be best if you had time to develop trust and a bond. Use a house line when your puppy is not in its contained area. A house line is a cheap leash that your puppy has on throughout the day. Tip 4. Your puppy will not have yet been vaccinated fully at this age of its life. Tip 5. Let the puppy have some downtime. Tip 6. Use reward-based training as your method of choice to teach your puppy the rules and acceptable behaviors. You may luck out and have a puppy that adjusts rapidly or one that takes a bit longer. Professional dog trainers discussing many of the suggestions outlined in this post. Most likely, that thought will occur during the night. With lots of affection and love, combined with consistent rules and routines, your puppy will adapt quickly. Just remember preparation, patience, and routines will set the foundation for the weeks, months, and years to come. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cosy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden coloured retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Our Top Recommendations 1. Read ahead of time. We felt well-educated on a plan for taking care of a puppy by reading books before Emma came home. We needed to be very hands-on and involved when Emma was here, so we were happy we already had a plan ahead of time. Planning allowed us to maximize our time with her and increase success. From Day 1, we worked on very simple training tasks with her and added more skills or increased the complexity each week. Watch your puppy like a hawk. Puppies do not know right vs. Our job is to teach Emma what she should and should not do. By watching her closely, we were maximizing success for the long term. The goal is to intervene or redirect her before she starts an undesired behavior. It is easier to provide direct supervision by using puppy gates to limit her access in the apartment. Start training from day 1. Puppies need mental and physical exercise. Puppy Training We followed a five-week training plan to cover basic obedience skills and a few fun tricks. We found each week's pace of training and structure to be highly successful in building a solid foundation. I would recommend following the training in order as each week build on the previous week starting with week 1 training. Puppy Socialization Our at-home training was supplemented with puppy socialization classes at a local training facility for Emma to be around other dogs and people. We were happy we were already registered for puppy socialization classes before Emma came home. Honestly, it is one of my favorite parts of the week. Emma always came home ready for a nap. I recommend searching in your area for puppy socialization classes by looking online, asking neighbors, or asking your vet. When Emma receives all her vaccinations, we will be out and about with her more often, which will help with socialization and provide the opportunity to continue training in various environments. We plan to visit some of the pet-friendly stores in our area. Lastly, we will sign Emma up for an obedience class to continue to work toward our goal of her becoming a therapy dog to continue our mission to spread smiles. Posted on November 30, by Galen Kauffman Share: While golden retriever puppies are naturally friendly and playful , they can still feel anxious and scared when spending their first night in a new home. After all, when you buy golden retriever puppies, you bring them into a new environment, away from those they already know and love. Because the first night can set the tone for the relationship, it is essential that you provide your puppy with warmth and care, even if they start to whine. It helps to set up a nightly routine. Start by taking your golden retriever puppy outside to go to the bathroom. This will make him less likely to have an accident in the middle of the night. Going on an evening walk can also help your puppy fall asleep more easily. Make sure you feed them with best dog food for golden retrievers and keep them well hydrated during the day. That will also help them get a good nights rest. Golden retriever puppies can feel frightened if they are kept in an isolated area during the night, and this will cause them to whine and scratch at their crate. Different types of golden retrievers can also act differently when they are isolated. Most of it will depend on your individual puppy. Above all else, demonstrate your love for your golden retriever puppy. Browse Our Available Puppies. Feb 2, Aug 25, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The second puppy was no different. As I always say every puppy is different, but here are a few pointers from the GDA manual on what we as puppy raisers are told to do on the first day s with your new puppy. Up to this point your puppy has been with its mother and littermates in a comfortable setting. The puppy should be allowed to explore and meet his new family. You should now start teaching the puppy his name. When you first arrive home give your puppy a chance to relieve itself in the area you have designated for that purpose. Remember, this maybe the first time your puppy has heard these words. Try again in 10 minutes. If the puppy does relieve itself in the proper area, give him lots of praise. Afterwards you may take it inside, but remember to supervise the puppy; do not let it out of your sight. Talk to the puppy when it explores to make it feel more at home. This is important for everyone not just puppy raisers because we are so excited to introduce them to everyone and everything, but temper your excitement for now and keep it a quiet first week. Teach Your Puppy His Name — yep, we wrote an entire article on teaching your puppy his name. Go check it out! A good start is to show him his spot when you first arrive home. Talk to your puppy to make him feel more at home — you want your puppy to get used to your voice and have it be a soothing sound to him. Take it easy those first few days. Get him used to his environment. You have his entire life to show him off as a proud new puppy parent. What about you? Let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Revered for their versatility as companion and for their dedication to work, this breed has the distinction of being the first dog ever used as a guide for the blind. Today the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Character The German Shepherd is a breed of classic beauty and possesses superior intelligence. They are highly adaptable, energetic, curious, strong, and dependable. This breed displays a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile with great stamina and endurance. Temperament A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd is fearless, bold, hard working, and alert. They are esteemed for their loyalty, deep devotion, and courage. This breed thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are exceptionally wary of strangers. They will most generally get along with other household pets they have been raised with. This breed will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves. The German Shepherd is not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner. Care This breed requires daily brushing to minimize loose hair. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to preserve the integrity of the coat. German Shepherds are prone to such health issues as blood disorders, elbow and hip dysplasia, epilepsy, flea allergies, digestive problems, and chronic eczema. Coat The German Shepherd is a double coat breed. The outer coat is harsh, straight, and thick. The under coat is dense and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors such as black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, and sable. The German Shepherd comes in three varieties: rough coat, long hair, and long rough coat. This breed is a continuous shedder with seasonal heavy shedding. Training The German Shepherd requires early intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. This breed is obedient and quick to learn. Training must be done with respect, firmness, fairness, reward, and consistency. They are exceptionally talented in tracking, schutzhund, agility, obedience, fly-ball, and ring sport. The German Shepherd is often used in police work, search and rescue, as a guide for the blind, and military work. Activity This breed is happiest when given a job to do. They require strenuous exercise and enjoy securely leashed walks, family play sessions, and a large safely fenced area to romp and run freely in. The German Shepherd will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, stimulation, and attention. Jean-Francois: How much is a purebred German Shepherd puppy without papers worth? I'm guessing it's a rip-off. Our nonpaper German shepherd just had 12, her 1st litter of no papers German shepherd pups. You can visually see the traits. I do suggest making sure vaccinations are given before buying the puppy. Answer by JTP Actually, that is a great price! I would even say that's pretty cheap, especially since it's a German Shepherd. Answer by SuperGirl It doesn't matter if the parents have papers. Parents with papers should have puppies that have papers as well. I'm also guessing mom and dad don't really have papers either, because papers come to puppies with papered parents. Answer by Kayleigh Let me explain what happened to us. I was young at the time and didn't realize what "limited" rights were. This means the woman who sold me my puppy would not give me the right to register my purebred GSD as a purebred GSD unless I got her spayed. We bought her with the intention of eventually breeding and keeping some puppies for ourselves but also selling a few. I would be breeding my dog with a purebred GSD who is registered, but since I cannot register my dog due to this lady's way of giving me limited rights I would not be able to register the pups either. She is our rescue dog. I got a blood test done that shows she is a purebred German Shepherd, but there is no way of knowing whether she was registered or not. We are going to breed her with one of my friend's purebred German Shepherd males. I was thinking of selling the puppies for around , which is about 1, dollars cheaper than what they are selling registered puppies for in this area. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

By Patricia Kaowthumrong. Reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Dec. Since then, the dogs have been coveted companions that are beloved for having low-shedding qualities, a clever-yet-highly-trainable personality, and a patient family-friendly nature. The standard large-size, wavy-haired Goldendoodle can grow to 20—24 inches tall and about 50—90 pounds, but also come in smaller sizes as Mini Goldendoodles. Caring for a Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle is bred to exhibit the best qualities of both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. Goldendoodles are very intelligent and do well in obedience classes and agility training. While they can live happily with other dogs, cats, and children, the pups can be prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle Health Issues Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs that can live 10—15 years, but they are prone to common health conditions of the Poodle and Golden Retriever breeds. Discomfort is commonly displayed by pups via limited mobility, which can include reduced activity, difficulty going up stairs, or even difficulty just getting up. Heart Disease Goldendoodles are genetically predisposed to heart disease, particularly a congenital variation called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS. The heart must work harder than normal to pump blood through this narrowed area, causing heart muscle abnormalities, says Whittenburg. Grain-free and boutique brand foods should be avoided. Glaucoma is an eye disease involving increased pressure. Symptoms pet parents should look out for include bulging eyeballs, watery discharge, redness to the whites of the eyes, and dilated pupils. The condition can be treated with long-term medication. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Cataracts is a common condition in dogs that causes clouding in the eyes and can lead to vision loss. Cataracts can be treated with surgery but, left untreated, can lead to complete loss of vision. What To Feed a Goldendoodle A balanced diet will help your Goldendoodle maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related health conditions. That means ensuring your pup eats the proper amount of high-quality dog food and always has access to fresh water. First bred in the late s as guide dogs, the Goldendoodle—a crossbreed of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle—became a popular household pet in the United States during the s. To help reduce the risks of heart disease, avoid feeding your dog grain-free and boutique brand foods, Whittenburg says. Behavior and Training Tips for Goldendoodles Goldendoodle Personality and Temperament If socialized properly as puppies, Goldendoodles can certainly live in homes with other canines. Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that require 30—60 minutes of physical exercise per day, which can encompass a combination of everything from walks and runs to hikes and playtime. Pet parents should avoid leaving their four-legged friends at home alone for too long. Goldendoodles are energetic dogs that require 30—60 minutes of physical exercise per day. Overall, Goldendoodles are known for their gentle temperament, making them ideal for households with kids and elders. Goldendoodle Training Goldendoodles are known for being intelligent and easily trained, so they excel in activities like agility and obedience classes. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, using treats to reward good behavior. At the time, Labradoodles and Cockapoos had already gained popularity as service dogs. However, over time, breeders received requests for smaller versions and started breeding Golden Retrievers with Poodles of different sizes. Now, Goldendoodles typically come in the following three sizes: Miniature: The miniature Goldendoodle stands at inches and weighs pounds. Small: The small Goldendoodle is much more comparable to medium-sized dog breeds , standing at inches and weighing an average of 50 pounds. Large: The large Goldendoodle is similar to other large breeds, weighing pounds with a height of inches. However, most Goldendoodles take after their Golden Retriever parents with golden fur, while others have Poodle colors ranging from orange and cream to dark brown, gray, and black. The type of Goldendoodle coat also varies depending on the parents. For example, you can find Goldendoodles with wavy, straight or curly coats, and many even have tight curls. However, Golden Retrievers and Poodles are highly active dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Poodles and Golden Retrievers are two of the smartest dog breeds, making Goldendoodles highly intelligent and eager to please, which is good news for you! In addition, your Goldendoodle will be easy to train and love to learn, so they make great service dogs. For example, a recent study found that Goldendoodles experienced more dog-directed fear than Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Ensure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent destructive behavior. Therefore, when adopting a Goldendoodle, try to learn as much as possible about the parents and ensure they have no history of health issues. Goldendoodles are prone to certain conditions like hip dysplasia and canine seizures because Golden Retrievers and Poodles are. Additionally, Goldendoodles score significantly higher than their parent breeds in some problematic behaviors, including dog-directed aggression, dog-directed fear, and stranger-directed fear. Most Goldendoodles will be happy with at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, but some might need several hours, depending on their age and overall health. In any case, expect your dog to want to spend a lot of time outside playing fetch, running off-leash, and going on adventures. Nutrition Like all dogs, Goldendoodles require a balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Your dog should eat high-quality food appropriate for their age. For example, puppies should eat food formulated for puppies to ensure they get the right balance of nutrients. How much you feed them is as important as feeding them a healthy diet. How much your Goldendoodle should eat largely depends on their activity level. The more your Goldendoodle runs and plays, the more they should eat. Grooming Grooming is essential for all dogs because it can help prevent odor and treat certain skin conditions like canine dermatitis. Goldendoodles shed minimally but still need regular brushing and baths to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, some Goldendoodles have skin allergies you can treat with medicated shampoos. Your Goldendoodle will also need regular trims to prevent their fur from matting. Dogs with floppy ears, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to ear infections , so you should check their ears for discharge and odor every time you groom them. Training Goldendoodles are highly active, intelligent dogs that will require training. High-energy dogs without proper training are prone to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture or jumping on people. However, obedience training at a young age can prevent undesirable behaviors. These dogs are known to be food motivated, so find them a treat they love and invest in reward-based obedience training to help them learn how to behave in everyday situations. In addition to obedience training, you should focus on socializing your dog. However, socialization can prevent fearfulness around strangers and other dogs. Abused or neglected dogs are more likely to have behavioral problems, so taking the time to train your Goldendoodle should prevent any unwanted behaviors. Additionally, training is beneficial for your dog because it provides mental stimulation that can prevent boredom and keep them calm when relaxing at home. This breed typically does best in homes with extensive, enclosed yards that allow them to roam freely, run, and play. Where can I get a Goldendoodle? You can adopt a Goldendoodle from a shelter or purchase one from a reputable breeder. However, adopting from a rescue specializing in Goldendoodles is usually much cheaper. Are there any downsides to owning a Goldendoodle? However, there are several downsides to owning a Goldendoodle. However, if you get your dog from a shelter or breeder, they can provide a health history to ensure both parents are healthy. In addition to potential health issues, Goldendoodles need a lot of exercise and play. Goldendoodles that don't receive enough exercise may engage in undesirable behaviors. Goldendoodles also require lots of grooming, like their Poodle parents, to prevent their fur from matting. Taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every month or so is recommended. They also make good family pets since they're social. Apart from grooming and providing them with exercise, caring for a Goldendoodle is straightforward. Talk to a Dutch vet today. Dutch offers telemedicine for pets to ensure your Goldendoodle gets the care they need from the comfort of home. Try Dutch today. Published on Mar 07, and updated at Mar 13, .October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Click Play to Learn More About the Lovable Goldendoodle History of the Goldendoodle Goldendoodles were first bred in to be guide dogs, but the breed gained popularity among breeders during the s. The idea for the crossbreed was inspired by the successful breeding of the labradoodle, which is a poodle and Labrador retriever hybrid. As one of the most popular domestic dog breeds in the United States, the golden retriever was an obvious choice for crossbreeding with the delightfully hypoallergenic poodle. The first three dogs to earn the American Kennel Club Obedience Champion title after its introduction in were golden retrievers, which proves their loyalty and ease of trainability poodles were originally bred as retrievers and water dogs, and both the breeds score in the top 5 of the smartest dog breeds. These genes pass on to the goldendoodle, so owners can be assured of an athletic, intelligent and obedient companion. Goldendoodle Care Though low-maintenance, goldendoodles require adequate exercise, grooming, and training. This social breed thrives with its family and friends inside. The fur of a goldendoodle varies, but most of the time, their fur is in between the two extremes when it comes to grooming. They respond best to positive, reward-based training and will gladly show off their tricks for a tasty treat. Exercise With average to above average energy levels, goldendoodles require daily exercise and love to go for walks, runs, hikes, and swims. Their playful nature and retriever genes make them great fetch partners, too. Owners should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day including walking, running, swimming, and tackling agility courses. To keep their skin and coat healthy, they need a moisturizing bath every few months. Depending on the dog, a goldendoodles may grow long hair over its eyes or between its toes and appropriate trimming is required. Training Goldendoodles are obedient, athletic, and smart so they take well to training and are eager to please. Agility comes to them naturally and courses are a great place for goldendoodles to burn energy and create a strong bond between owner and companion. They may inherit the health problems associated with poodles and golden retrievers, but it is possible that the hybrid minimizes health problems due to their genetic diversity. Goldendoodles often do exhibit this enhanced health, but only when its parents are purebred golden retrievers and poodles who have been bred responsibly and have no hereditary health issues. Hip dysplasia : Poodles and golden retrievers are both prone to hip dysplasia, so a hip exam is highly recommended to keep a potential issue in check. Eye disorders : Eye issues are also a common problem among poodles and golden retrievers. Setting up an annual eye exam with your veterinarian is a great idea for all goldendoodle owners. A dry kibble high in protein and fats does the trick. Dry kibble is helpful in removing plaque and promoting general dental hygiene. Corn, wheat, soy, and dairy are common canine food allergies. Goldendoodles are susceptible to food allergies, so it is a good idea to minimize these ingredients in their diet. Go for a grain-free diet with whole vegetables. Where to Adopt or Buy a Goldendoodle Check with your local animal shelter or rescue group to see if there's a goldendoodle available for your home. Big Fluffy Dog Rescue also includes goldendoodles in the type of dogs that it rescues. The Goldendoodle Association of North America provides a list of breeders on its website. Goldendoodle Overview Smart and fairly easy to train Good for those with pet allergies Friendly dogs that are good with kids and other pets Cons Needs at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise Doesn't do well being left alone for long periods of time Susceptible to food allergies, requiring higher-quality, allergen-free food What Is a Designer Dog Breed? Like goldendoodles? You might also enjoy these breeds:. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. It is wise not to acquire your puppy until she is at least weeks old and has already had at least one inoculation shot protecting him. Vaccinations — Your puppy needs a series of shots while she is still very young. Talk to your Vet for a more thorough list as well as any special issues for the area in which you live. She will need a series of at least two to three more of these inoculations given 3 weeks apart. DO NOT have a rabies shot given at the same time as the other inoculations. It is best to wait at least two months after the combined shots before giving the rabies serum. We recommend that you not place your puppy on the ground in public areas until they have received their full series of puppy shots. Teeth—of dogs are often overlooked and should be cleaned regularly. Once you get the hang of it only takes a couple of minutes. Teeth of mature dogs should be kept free of tarter, which destroys gums and teeth prematurely and can cause other heath related problems. Ears —should be kept clean and free of excess hair on which ear wax can gather. You can use a liquid or powder cleaner and antiseptic in each ear from time to time. Since you will be taking your Goldendoodle to a groomer every couple of months they will be sure the ears are clean and alert you of any issues that may arise. Toenails—need to be trimmed every weeks. Your groomer or Vet can take care of this process for you. We do not remove dew claws these are kind of like a thumb and are located inside and an inch or two above the front paws. These nails will need trimmed occasionally as well. Hair on the bottom of the foot pads should also be trimmed off to insure good footing. Tear Staining — All dogs tear, but on a few it will stain muzzle below the eye to a dark brown. Often the tearing is due to hair touching the eye causing it to continually tear keeping the area below the eye wet. To prevent these stains, keep the hair below the eyes trimmed short and regularly dry with a tissue until the issue is resolved. Hair hanging over the eyes may cause irritation and excessive tearing. Keeping this hair trimmed up and away from the eyes will help to keep tearing minimal. If the eyes are crusty looking or have a yellowish green discharge, take her to the veterinarian as this is a sign of infection. Feed a premium, high quality food without additives, food color, corn or wheat will aid in maintaining white stain-free faces. Corn and wheat are the two most common ingredients that can cause food allergies in dogs. Most of the time it quickly clears up and returns to normal. If it persists a bit longer then try a good dog probiotic like Pro-Pectalin. The easiest way to do this is by using a plastic spoon and a small Zip Loc bag. Scoop up a bit and drop the spoon and all in the bag.

It is very much a family and extended ohana endeavor when babies are here! As a dog trainer, behaviorist, breeder, and most recently the creator of Pono Puppy Method on Maui, I have witnessed first-hand the need and desire families have for high-quality Labrador Retrievers in the state. My background is in raising service dog puppies has grown into a love for the willing, loyal, and highly trainable Labrador spirit. Not finding what we were looking for in Hawaii, we imported our foundation bitch, Sandy, from Australia. Our stud dogs reside in Portland, Oregon and we maintain a close relationship with the breeder there, ensuring that we breed to the healthiest males with the laid-back temperaments and personalities we are seeking. All of our studs are champion show dogs and have produced many amazing litters. While you may not be seeking a dog for the show ring, you have the assurance that he will have the qualities that true English Labradors should have, including health, temperament, and conformation. It is our mission to provide healthy, well-mannered, quality Labradors to families in our beautiful island state. She has never met a dog or human that she doesn't love, and vice versa! She is clever, smart, and oh so sweet. The perfect Labrador temperament. She has had 2 beautiful litters so far. Her kids have gone on to become service dogs, preschool nanny dogs, military family pets, Mahi Pono Farm worker support dog, and even truffle hunters! Such versatility. Fully health tested and clear for breed related health problems. Tikka has the perfect Labrador temperament, build, and disposition. She has "mothered" kittens, chickens, and ducks! We are looking forward to her becoming a mama to her own puppies this fall. Embark DNA tested and clear. Hips and elbows pending tikka Always happy, just like her mama Sandy. Just look at that smile! I see therapy dog potential for sure. She is very intuitive and attentive to her humans. Standing at stud at Devonshire Labradors Huck Proven sire, champion in the show ring and a perfect family companion. Huck passes on his laid back, loving personality to his offspring and has sired many successful service dogs. He is the epitome of man's or woman's best friend. He has been there, done that, with great ease and confidence. He has spent many months each year aboard a fishing boat in Alaska, as a hunting companion, and as the perfect family pet in his Maui home. This is the temperament you want from your Labrador! Fully health tested and clear for Labrador genetic disorders. Embark panel available on request. Ryder Captain Ryder. Great build, great disposition. Such a lovely boy, inside and out! And yes, he will wear his hat and glasses all day! Ryder Sweet, gentle soul. He is just beginning his career as a therapy dog and is a big hit with the keiki in schools. Way to go, Ryder! Ryder Handsome puppy! Dylan is an international grand champion in the show ring, full health clearances, and absolutely gorgeous! We are excited add this pedigree to our program. Stay tuned for a litter announcement for Dylan. We are grateful for the opportunity to add Dylan to our breeding program. He will be bred to Sandy later this year or in the spring. Video Multi-sensory enrichment We use Pono Puppy Method, a developmentally appropriate enrichment program that I developed. Puppies get developmentally appropriate enrichment and challenges daily. Fun play time that nurtures the brain and body. You will receive a Pono Puppy Method workbook to continue training your puppy when he comes home. Puppy at 5 weeks. Positve Crate exposure Your puppy's first introduction to a crate environment is positive and delicious with a yummy meaty marrow bone. Once the pups have all settled in, the doors are quietly opened, allowing them to decide if they want to remain or come out. The choice is theirs. Age 5 weeks Learning through play Puppies are offered a variety of surfaces, textures, and objects to keep them entertained and engaged. Playtime is structured and scheduled throughout the day with plenty of breaks for napping, a puppy's favorite pastime. Video Almost perfect manners at 7 weeks! These puppies have learned to volunteer good manners, aka "sit", for attention, meals, and treats. They are not being cued or commanded to do anything. The guest simply waits for manners, then rewards with attention. The right answer is always "sit". Good job, Fruit Basket Litter, .Finding their feet Flooring and footing is specially designed for young pups to avoid slipping and sliding. Learning to walk is difficult enough so we make sure they have the most success early on. Playtime grows with the puppies As the pups develop, they need more challenges. A favorite is always the slide. It not only challenges the body, but the brain and confidence levels, as well. Opportunities like this build enrichment seeking pups, ready to take on the world! Socialization Socialization Socialization We use the developmentally, scientifically proven approach of the Pono Puppy Method. This is an early enrichment program that gives the puppies a head start in their development socially, physically, and emotionally. This helps our puppies grow up confident, balanced, and ready to take on any endeavor their human family presents to them. Pups are exposed to sounds, sights, smells, humans of all sizes, and as many Auntie and Uncle dogs of varying types as we can recruit along with many other enriching activities stimuli. We even teach the puppies to swim and enjoy the water! Puppies will have had at least 3 car rides, some exposure to the leash and collar, and will have learned to volunteer good manners. Puppies have their very own room in our house and will be allowed to explore the living spaces when they become mobile. They are raised as part of the family, not in outdoor kennels. We believe that this is important to help prepare them for life as family members in their new homes. Further, all have good clearances for hips and elbows and eyes through OFA. Puppies will go home with their first sets of shots at 8 weeks of age and will have been wormed regularly as infants. Pups are weaned naturally with goat's milk mush made with quality puppy kibble, goat's milk, and a regular dose of prebiotic. Mama does a great job of letting pups know when she is no longer willing to nurse and we allow her to dry up naturally. Pups will be fully weaned onto a high quality puppy kibble well before they go home. Training open door policy open door policy We literally start training as soon as puppies can hear. We introduce sounds and help build their startle response along with desensitizing them to normal household sounds like the vacuum cleaner. I introduce the clicker as soon as I notice that the pups are operant, usually around 3 weeks. At that time, they learn to offer manners manding in exchange for treats and attention. Pups will be comfortable sleeping in and volunteering time in crates. However, you will need to expand on this training once they are away from the rest of the litter in your home. I highly encourage you to seek out more information and videos of these processes on the Pono Puppy Method website www. Typically, our girls are more than happy to let visitors see and hold her pups from very early on, but only for a short time. Mama sets the limit here and we listen to her. By the time the pups are about 4 weeks and older, we can separate mama from the litter for visits. I also offer a link to our puppy cam that you can access most of the day! We love to share the journey with adoptive families. What's included Puppy will go home with a Pono Puppy Method go-home kit: small bag of quality food that the puppy has been weaned on customized treat reward pouch for training new collar and leash first set of vaccinations, de-wormer, and vet record AKC limited registration paperwork for pet families full AKC registration for guarding families, which I maintain until she is no longer in the breeding program one in-home training session at 9 weeks, Maui only Deposits You will be contacted once we have a confirmed pregnancy. If we cannot provide you with a puppy from this litter, the deposit will be refunded. Otherwise, the deposit is non-refundable. Guardian Family Option Become a Guardian Family to a future breeding female Occasionally, we place a female or 2 with families who will raise and care for her as their own while we maintain breeding rights to her in the future. The puppy is offered at a greatly discounted rate and once she is no longer in the breeding program, she is fully yours. Please inquire for more information. Maui only. See videos of our litter on you tube link below! Photo Gallery. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Mauka and Lilo's litter, born 3. Our next breeding will likely be in Fall, .Feel free to reach out should you want to join our wait list! You will not see rows of cages, no permanent outdoor living areas or separation of our dogs from each other except during times of heat cycles. From fur on our couch and floors to stepping over Labrador speed bumps in our kitchen, we embrace them one and all! Our family works around the clock when the pups are young and we continue personal, engaged care for each puppy in our litter during their time with us. We make sure all are well-cared for and provide them with exercise, a bit of training, lots of loving and good, plain common sense while they are in our care. We give the mamas a break and try to let them decide where they want to be at any given time. This gives them some space if they so choose. We take turns sleeping in the puppy house and are always present while they are very small. Our family makes it as easy as we can on the mama with plenty of our puppy lovin' to free-up her time and energy. It socializes the babies and gets them used to human handling from a little one to a grown-up. Our puppies are well-socialized, eager to please and we are frankly wrapped around their little paws! We Care In order to maintain credibility in a sea of shady breeders, we only advertise through word of mouth, the AKC. If you decide to get a pup elsewhere, please be sure the breeder vets their adults through DNA, hips, shoulders and eyes. Nothing is more heartbreaking than to fall in love with a little one only to have them suffer debilitating health issues due to irresponsible breeding. Fenced yard or similar Labs need exercise. Dog should not be left alone for extended periods of time. At least one person in the household that will be the puppy's advocate and trainer for a great life! This also allows for better personality matching. First on the list chooses first and so forth. If you have a certain gender in mind and that gender is not available at the time of your choosing and you don't fall in love with a puppy, you may remain on the waitlist for the next litter. Once you have chosen your puppy I will send you individual photos and videos every couple of days. Our previous puppy parents appreciate this and it sets us apart from others! We also reserve the right to refuse adoption to a prospect for any reason. Our puppies and their quality of life are important to us; parents that don't provide the lifestyle or temperament that we seek in an owner and a furever home will be graciously declined. This means your puppy can be registered, but their offspring cannot. We are committed to protecting the breed as a whole for their future. They have both Show English and Field American in their heritage for the best of both in the Labrador world. They are cleared through OFA for elbows and shoulders. We only breed dogs that have been given a "good" or better OFA rating. Our dogs' eyes are CERF-cleared. We welcome the good, the bad and the ugly parts mostly good! We wouldn't have it any other way. Latest Dog Articles The first steps of a puppy at new home Finally, there is a long-awaited puppy in the house. This may be a street dog or a dog of show class, which was purposefully and persistently was looked for. In any case - the puppy should get not only affection and care in the house. It needs to be prope How to take care of dog's hair properly? Despite the fact, there are different breeds of dogs, every dog in one way or another needs care. There are less problems with smooth-coated breeds Great Danes, Boxers, Rottweilers, Dobermanns, and others. They can be cleaned every few days. If you have Games with the dog Games for the dog and its owner are not only good entertainment! It is also a great opportunity to establish a psychological contact with the pet and the most powerful tool of training. How to play with the dog rightly, so that it was not only pleasant bu A leash and a collar Collar and leash are an integral part of your dog's life from an early age, for the simple reason that they are useful in all aspects of life: during walks, education, training and in fights against bad habits of your pet. To accustom the puppy to the amm How to learn to understand the body language of dogs? Dogs are expressive. There is information sharing and expression of emotions between the members of the pack and between individuals of this species of living beings. Dogs use their body to communicate. They are able to transfer the body language of the a Yorkshire Terrier: Diseases Yorkshire terrier is breed of dogs that won the hearts of many lovers of four-legged friends. Could it be the other way? Today, in the bustling world we are looking for a small outlet. Yorkshire Terrier is an excellent creature: a small size, does not she please choose. Castlecary Labrador Retrievers are a talented breed. Did you know that hunters used these highly intelligent dogs to retrieve their shots? Take a look! Oahu Labrador This is another local family-run service specializing in white and yellow Labrador retrievers. They expose their lab puppies to a wide range of noises, sights, and scents, as well as humans and other dogs. They also rear their puppies in loving environments and take them on car rides from 6 weeks of age. Oahu Labradors also ensure that the pups are in good health before going to their new homes. All of the pups are fully weaned and vaccinated. What began as a hobby for the owner and her family became a full-time business to keep up with their growing number of clients. They have been breeding top-quality Lab pups with mellow temperaments and sound physiques that are easy to train. They also provide pup customization services. The customer can choose certain features of his or her future Labrador from its color, markings, and so on. Labsnsand also offers lifetime support after the purchase of a Labrador puppy from them. In most cases, they also supply food if you request them to.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our litter theme is Irish for St. Upcoming litter is to be announced likely winter .At The RedBrick Farm we raise our puppies with puppy culture, they are Vallard aptitude tested, vet checked with UTD vaccines and dewormer appropriate for their age. They are exposed to kids, chickens, ducks, cattle, goats, bunnies, and cats. So well socialized! They will come with a puppy package of the essentials for their first couple weeks. Which includes their own collar, food, a toy, a blanket rubbed down with mommas scent, sample vitamin supplements and puppy passport vaccine record. They will also be started on basic commands sit, down, come, kennel as well as beginning leash training. Some specialized training is available. Contact us for more info on that. Wendy and Chief are both genetic tested and is clear of all genetic conditions through Embark. They are CKC registered. Both parents are also vet checked and have great bill of health. Puppies come with a 2 year health guarantee. Contact us for more info. We are located near Payette Idaho. Additional training as guardians and Obedience training for an additional fee. He is a solid white. Please read the info at the top of the page for what we do with our puppies. He is white with badger markings. She is a white with badger markings. He is a white with badger markings. She is a solid white. Poodles are highly intelligent, non-shedding, and generally healthy. Great Pyrenees also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog are huge, majestic dogs. Known for their unconditional love for family, guardian instincts against intruders, and elegant thick white coats, Pyrenees are well-known as livestock protectors as well as wonderful family dogs. Great Pyrenees typically rank as being excellent family dogs; very friendly with their family and great with kids. There are five main reasons many people consider a Pyredoodle a better fit for their family than a Purebred Pyrenees: Hypoallergenic: The Poodles' non-shedding coat is hypo-allergenic. Because the poodle coat is the dominant gene, many poodle crosses often called doodles get the non-shedding coat. This is particularly the case with thick coated dogs like the Great Pyrenees. Families who want an inside dog appreciate a low-to-non shedding coat that the Pyredoodle offers. Trainable: Great Pyrenees are not recommended for novice dog owners. Because of their stubborn streak, Pyrenees can be difficult to train. By contrast Poodles are extremely easy to train. They are the most frequently used dog in circus acts or on shows like America's Got Talent, because they are extremely intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Pyredoodles are much easier to house train and teach other basic training commands than a pure Great Pyrenees. Most Pyredoodle owners find their Pyredoodle puppy to be eager to please and pleasant to train. Healthy: The Great Pyrenees lifespan is usually years. On average, doodles live years longer than that. Hybrid vigor the added strength by combining different breeds causes doodles to typically be healthy. Because Poodles are far less likely to develop Gastric Torsion bloat , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Addison's disease, or Entropian than Great Pyrenees, the Pyredoodle is much less likely to struggle with these health issues that are common in a purebed Pyrenees. Quieter: The Great Pyrenees are known for their incredible watch dog ability, which means that most of them bark--quite a bit. We intentionally cross the Great Pyrenees with very quiet poodles. Pyredoodles can be bred with a variety of color combinations much greater than that of a purebred AKC Great Pyrenees. Most families who have owned a Great Pyrenees have fallen in love with their devoted, affectionate, family protector. They've learned to live with their drawbacks, but in private conversation they might tell you that if only their beloved pet "didn't bark quite so much, wasn't quite so stubborn, didn't shed all that hair, and lived longer than 11 years they would be the PERFECT dog. With any mixed breed it's impossible to perfectly predict the outcome of the hybrid, but so far Pyredoodles have been met with enthusiastic response. Pyredoodle owners love their devoted, affectionate nature, low-to-non shedding coats, more quiet temperaments, and outstanding intuition. Pyredoodles are perhaps the best of all doodles for being like a "nanny"--entirely devoted to children and small animals. Pyredoodles love to protect small things. They are one of the only doodle breeds that can function as a watch dog. Most doodles are just as likely to lick as intruder as to bark. Pyredoodles tend to be fine with "strangers" who are welcomed by the family, but anyone that is uninvited will be very suspect to a typical Pyredoodle. Since Poodles love to stay close to home, a Pyredoodle is much less likely to wander than a purebred Great Pyrenees. However, we still recommend that all Pyredoodle owners to have a fence. Great Pyrenees can be wanderers. Pyrenees are believed to have descended from huge dogs that wandered the mountains of Asia thousands of years ago. Great Pyrenees History For generations, Pyrenees have been the world's most famous livestock protectors. It is deeply ingrained in the Pyrenees to protect the young, small, and helpless. They're the best friend of children and small animals. Pyrenees were accorded royalty status by becoming the famous guardians of French royalty for generations. The young French prince instantly fell in love with this elegant giant dog that was so loving towards him and protective. The eight year old prince brought the Pyrenees back to live with him at the Louvre. Several aristocratic French families fell in love with the prince's Great Pyrenees and bought their own. A few decades later the Great Pyrenees had transformed from a country guard dog to the official French dog of royalty. Today the breed has been popularized by it's many appearances in movies and TV shows. Because of their devoted, affectionate nature, Great Pyrenees are used as therapy and service dogs. Because of their guardian instincts to care for their own, while protecting against enemies, many Pyrenees are still used as livestock guardians throughout the world today. They are gorgeous, majestic, head-turners. As large as the Newfiedoodle and Saint Berdoodle, Pyredoodles look more majestic, regal and statuesque than most other large dog breeds, which often are described as cuddly, or teddy bear like. Many people who own Pyredoodles talk about the head-turner nature of their dog. You'll be asked by people everywhere about your huge white, thick coated, straight-standing attentive, nanny dog. Because of the independent nature of the Great Pyrenees, we typically do not recommend the Pyredoodle for a first time dog owner. We also like to point out to families that this is the only doodle we breed that has watch dog characteristics. Many families appreciate the watch dog nature of the Pyredoodle who sees itself as a protector of the family, but others desire a gentle giant Newfiedoodle who lumbers around the house and almost never barks--a dog who would roll over on its back when someone knocks on the door. Men and women alike tend to love Pyredoodles. We've found that some doodles i. The Pyredoodle has strong appeal to both men and women. Many men love the thought of a huge majestic guard dog, and women love the Pyredoodles' nanny nature, love for family, and gorgeous white coat. Like any dog, it's important to train the Pyredoodle at an early age, so that your majestic guardian is well trained from its earliest months. Pyredoodles have great appeal to families who were considering a Sheepadoodle. Old English Sheepdogs are originally herding dogs, similar to the livestock protection nature of the Pyredoodle. Pyredoodles tend to be a little larger than Sheepadoodles, calmer than Sheepadoodles, much less nippy as puppies, and much less likely to try to "herd" children. Many families that initially contact Crockett Doodles interested in a Sheepadoodle end up wanting a Pyredoodle instead after further research. Our dogs and goats are loved on daily with extra special attention given to our pregnant mamas. Since we only have one litter of puppies per year, we can spend time with each puppy and give them the best start at life. While mama Bishop is pregnant, we supplement her feed with free range chicken eggs and pet her extra every day. Studies have shown that relaxed and pampered mama dogs give birth to calmer, happier puppies. After birth, the puppies stay with mama to be fed, comforted, and cleaned. We handle the puppies daily to get them used to human interactions right from the start. On day three, we start early neurological stimulation ENS. ENS consists of four short movements for each puppy that stimulate the nervous system daily. ENS is completed through day 16 and more information about it can be found here. We watch our puppies closely and when they first startle at a noise, we begin habituation exercises. They normally start hearing around two weeks and we want them to hear a new noise daily after that. Noises we ensure they hear include, but are not limited to: vacuum, hairdryer, dropped pans, kids screaming, and cows mooing. As the puppies grow, we introduce them to new experiences and people. Dogs do not generalize so they need to meet people of all ages, shapes, sizes, colors, and clothing choices. Our puppies are socialized with kids daily since we have kids so they will be very ready for human siblings! To begin the weaning process, we give the puppies goat milk from our grass fed, holistically raised goats. Their first foods include raw goat meat cuts before they are transitioned to puppy food. Their puppy food is soaked in homemade bone broth to soften it while they are still little. Some Pyredoodles do have separation anxiety, so we make sure each puppy gets individual time away from their siblings daily. While this does not guarantee the dog will not develop separation anxiety, it should help reduce the chances. Our puppies are also introduced to a crate. They are allowed to explore the crate at their leisure and learn that it is a safe place to relax or nap. Once the pups show an interest in treats, clicker training begins. All pups learn basic clicker training and are taught to sit, rather than jump up, when they want attention. Although the puppies mainly live in our detached garage turned puppy palace, we give them inside time daily. We know our puppies will eventually be family dogs, so they need to feel comfortable inside and out. They learn at a young age to poop outside their sleeping and indoor area. It takes a bit longer with pee, but they will have the basic idea of where to go potty when they go home. Our Pyredoodle puppies are only available once per year, and we accept deposits once pregnancy is confirmed. While we cannot guarantee coloring or gender, we do our best to match puppy personality with families on our waitlist. Contact us now to chat about availability and upcoming litters! A doodle is less likely to shed than its purebred, non-poodle parent. Based on the history of the Poodle, most doodles do well with kids, are gentle, and tolerant. What is a Pyredoodle? The Great Pyrenees is a large dog known for their love for family, guardian instincts, and thick white coats that shed a lot. They are often utilized as livestock guardian dogs, like our mama dog, Bishop. They normally seem very calm but can jump to action if a threat is detected. The Standard Poodle is a very intelligent, athletic dog known for its versatility and desire to please. They are affectionate with family, good with children, and very playful. They do not shed and are less likely to drool than other breeds. A Pyredoodle inherits many of these wonderful traits from both breeds. They are known for being the protectors of the house. Normally calm and gentle, they will notify their families of any perceived threat. What type of socialization will my puppy have? We raise our puppies using Puppy Culture methods. Puppy Culture is a training program that produces confident, balanced, easy to train dogs. Puppies will be introduced to as many different sights, sounds, and experiences as possible before they go home with you. We will also start clicker training with your pup and each puppy is sent home with their own clicker to continue training. They will want further training, of course, since training is so fun! And it is a great bonding experience for everyone involved. How big do Pyredoodles get? Based on the size of Mama Bishop and Dad Jazz, our puppies are estimated to grow to pounds. When can my puppy come home? Puppies are generally weaned and ready to go to their forever homes between weeks of age. We will plan a time that works for all of us once you have selected a puppy. How can I reserve a puppy? Can I visit my puppy before bringing them home? We encourage visitors as it is good for socializing the puppies. We do ask that all visitors are feeling healthy and have not been around sick dogs, though. What type of dog food are puppies started on? Puppies eat Taste of the Wild grain-free puppy recipe food. It can be found on Amazon here. We soak the puppy food in homemade bone broth to soften it while they are still little. Your puppy will be sent home with enough food for a few days worth of meals. How many puppies in a litter? Litter sizes vary, but are generally between pups. How many boys and girls per litter? This also varies. The generation in dogs reflects if the puppies are purebred or hybrid. P1 is the parent generation or purebred such as a Great Pyrenees, Standard Poodle, etc. When two P1 generations are bred, the resulting puppies are considered F1. Normally, the F1 dog is bred back to a Poodle, but technically, any back cross is an F1b cross. The F1 is half Poodle and half Great Pyrenees. When a dog from that type of cross is then bred to a Poodle, the amount of Poodle DNA inherited from parents is increased, and the non-shedding trait enhanced. In theory, an F1b should be less likely to shed and more hypoallergenic than either an F1 or an F2.

Introduction Are you looking for a loyal and loving companion? Look no further than the French Bulldog Cross Staffy! This unique pup has a charming personality and endearing look that make them the perfect pet for any household. These pups are affectionate, smart, and easy to train, and their manageable size makes them the ideal pet for any size home. Their low-maintenance nature means they can fit into any lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to welcome your newest family member — the adorable French Bulldog Cross Staffy! It is a medium-sized, active and loyal breed that can make a fantastic pet for families. With its charming personality and endearing looks, the FBXS is sure to be your new best friend! The FBXS is also an incredibly affectionate companion, making it a great family pet. Because of this, the FBXS is a low maintenance pet that anyone can enjoy! They are incredibly affectionate, making them the ideal companion for any pet owner. They love to be around people, and will quickly learn how to respond to commands and obey rules. The staffy parentage gives the FBXS a muscular body, which makes for a strong pup you can cuddle with and show off. The FBXS is not just a pretty face, they have a charming personality too! All in all, the FBXS is the perfect pup for you! Its signature smushed face, big eyes, and short muzzle give it an unmistakable look. Its expression is gentle and sweet, making it an absolute delight to have around. It has a huge range of colors and markings, so you can find the perfect pup to fit your lifestyle. It can also show a range of expressions when excited, ranging from pure joy to mischievousness. This makes it a great pet for anyone who loves to spend time with their furry friend. Their physique is robust and powerful, conveying a sense of strength and agility. You can expect your FBXS to be an active and energetic pup, always ready to play, run and explore. It will be strong enough to keep up with your exercises and outdoor activities, and yet small enough to fit into your home with ease. With the signature Frenchie face and the body of a Staffy, your pup will capture the hearts of all that lay eyes upon it. Having a pup that is both strong and adorable can be a huge bonus and adds to the appeal of the FBXS. The muscular body of the Staffy that is combined with the French Bulldog is truly a match made in heaven. These two breeds have been carefully chosen and bred to create the perfect pup with both the strength of a Staffy and the loveable cuteness of a Frenchie. Your FBXS will quickly become your best friend thanks to its affectionate nature. This breed is known for being very intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for those who are new to dog ownership. With its endearing looks and charming personality, the FBXS is sure to receive plenty of attention and admiration from family, friends, and strangers alike. Training your FBXS should be a breeze with its eagerness to please. Establishing a routine and regularly reinforcing desired behaviors will help to ensure your pup learns quickly. Positive reinforcement is the way to go with this breed, as they are particularly sensitive to harsh words and punishment. The FBXS is the perfect size to fit into any home, and they are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Daily brushing and trimming of their nails is necessary to keep them looking their best, but beyond that, their small size makes them easy to care for. These pups are especially attentive and loving, and will always have your back. Your FBXS will be happy to curl up with you on the couch, snuggle in your lap, and follow you around the house. They love spending time with their owners and will show it in countless ways. Your FBXS will also be an intelligent, easy-to-train pup. They learn routines quickly, respond to commands, and are eager to please you. Your FBXS will learn quickly and be happy to show off their new skills! They are very intelligent and eager to please, so they learn quickly with positive reinforcement. Always use positive reinforcement and rewards when training your FBXS — a treat here and there goes a long way! To help your pup stay focused, keep training sessions short and sweet. Try to practice once or twice a day and build up the length and difficulty of the sessions as they get better. Their size is perfect for any home, and they require very little maintenance. These adorable fur babies have a charming personality and an endearing look that will make your heart swell with love. French Bulldogs are known for their characteristic faces and the Staffy for their muscular bodies. Both breeds are incredibly affectionate and make great companions. They are also intelligent meaning they can be easy to train, and they make a pleasant addition to any home. When you add all of these wonderful traits together, you have the perfect pet — the French Bulldog Cross Staffy. They will surely bring you lots of love and joy for years to come. Being an active breed, they need plenty of exercise but not as much as a larger breed. These furry friends are also a low-maintenance breed. That makes them a smart choice for many households. They do not require frequent grooming and their short coat makes them easy to maintain. This breed is also relatively low-shedding, so there is no need to worry about constant vacuuming and washing. These dogs also tend to be quite healthy, which means that vet visits are kept to a minimum. All in all, the FBXS is a great choice for anyone looking for a loyal companion with minimal upkeep. The FBXS is also a great pet for those who live in small spaces. Their small size means that they can fit comfortably into most homes, and they are quite content with a small backyard or even just a couple of long walks per day. This breed is also relatively quiet and well-behaved, so they make a great pet for those living in apartments or other shared living environments. The FBXS is an ideal pet for anyone looking for a low-maintenance companion. With their charming personality and endearing looks, they make a loyal and loving friend that can easily fit into any home. Their low-maintenance nature makes them easy to keep happy and healthy. With the right care, this breed can make for a wonderful pet for years to come. These charming pups are incredibly affectionate, loyal and intelligent. Not to mention, they can fit into any space, so they are perfect for city dwellers or families who are short on space. They require minimal grooming and maintenance, so you can spend your time enjoying their company, rather than on grooming and upkeep. With their lovable personalities and endearing looks, they are sure to become a cherished member of your family. Post Views: .Stenchie Staffy French Bulldog Characteristics Both Staffies and French Bulldogs are sturdy dogs and together they create small to medium-sized dogs; their legs are short but their bodies are solid. One of the most distinctive features of the Staffy French Bulldog is its bat-like ears that are usually almost or fully erect on the top of their head; it gives them a unique and appealing look. In terms of grooming, the Staffy French is easy to maintain due to its short fur. Brushing once or twice a week will keep their coat glossy and looking healthy. Talking of health, the French Bulldog cross Staffy has two main health issues every owner should be aware of; congenital heart disease and hip dysplasia. If there are health issues with the French Bulldog parent, such as brachycephalic flattened face and short muzzle , this can also create other genetic health problems. They also make great family pets; their main aim is to please their owners. Socialising this hybrid dog from a young age is also advised, as their aggressive side can come out if not properly trained. Amy Jacks Amy has been writing for as long as she can remember.

lab and labradoodle puppies - There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. Well, besides their beauty, both Golden Retriever puppies and adult doggos typically are very people-oriented dogs who exhibit good behavior, lots of affection and gentle temperaments. Golden Retriever breeders will tell you that these intelligent dogs have lots of energy and usually respond well to training. Here's how it works: When your dog performs a skill or behavior that you like, you give them treats, toys or praise. In time, your dog associates that skill or behavior with good outcomes and becomes more likely to repeat it. There's one catch, though: Positive reinforcement works best when pet parents stay consistent. For example, every time they ask a dog to sit or shake —and it is done correctly—a treat or toy should be given. Use a happy tone of voice rather than a stern one, avoid yelling, and exercise patience. Goldens are highly motivated by food and often by play. When you use highly rewarding training treats or dog toys during your dog training sessions, you reward the specific behaviors you are trying to teach your dog and you build an enthusiastic learner. Teach your dog to love learning. In the same vein, make sure your expectations are reasonable for your dog. For example, puppies need shorter training sessions—around three to five minutes each—because their bodies and brains are not well-developed yet and their attention span is shorter. Regarding age-appropriate training for puppies, Dr. George recommends the following: Potty Training: This should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Take your pup out to go potty several times per day and within a few minutes after eating. Socializing: You can begin socialization—aka introducing your puppy to new people, places and experiences—within a week or two of bringing your puppy home. George advises. Obedience Training: Start training your pup around eight weeks of age. Training your dog early will make it easier to take them to visit the vet, go on walks and thrive in other social situations. Even adult dogs who are new to you and your home may not be ready for high-level training because they still are adjusting to the new environment and people in their lives. Feel it out and practice patience. On that note, because Golden Retrievers are often large, strong and energetic dogs, you may want to consider a gentle leader head collar, such as the PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Head Collar. This gives you additional leverage whenever you are walking your pet in an exciting environment. Clicker training is extremely effective and is used worldwide to train all kinds of species. This method uses a special sound to mark a specific behavior. Speed up the process by including dog training during daily activities. Is it time for dinner? Are you about to take a walk? There are many opportunities to practice commands in everyday situations, so use that to your advantage! Encourage each family member to practice basic skills with the dog, including: Sit. Goldens are often very people-oriented dogs, aside from their beauty and cuteness. When considering adding a Golden Retriever to your pack, it is prudent to conduct research by speaking with golden retriever breeders, rescues, and parents. These are huge, lively dogs that are often unaware of their size. The good news is that golden retriever training is super easy as they are eager to please, especially when it comes to high-value puppy treats. It is important to get the best puppy training treats, whether you're teaching your puppy to lie down, sit, or potty train. Keep things interesting and exciting for your Golden throughout each training session. Instead of a severe tone, use a cheerful one. Avoid screaming and practise patience instead. If your pet ignores your cues, you can re-engage him by being playful and making the process a little simpler. You can also use delicious training treats while training your golden retriever. Make it enjoyable Food and play are powerful motivators for goldens. Positive reinforcement is guaranteed to help with golden retriever training. Age and skill-appropriate golden retriever training We don't expect toddlers to perform algebra, so make sure your expectations for your dog are reasonable. Puppies, for example, require shorter training sessions—around minutes each—due to their underdeveloped bodies and brains. Adult dogs who are new to you and your house may not be ready for advanced training because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings and humans. Keep It Secure A well-fit dog collar, such as the Frisco solid martingale dog collar, is one of the best tools for Golden Retriever training. For everyday walking and training, you'll also need a foot flat training leash. Because Golden Retrievers may be huge, strong, and energetic dogs, you might want to consider using a gentle leader headcollar, such as the PetSafe Premier gentle leader rapid-release dog headcollar, to provide you with more control when walking your dog in a stimulating area. Make Golden Retriever Training Easy to Understand When your dog does it right, using the clicker training approach can help you provide very clear feedback. Clicker training is incredibly effective and is used to train different kinds of animals all over the world! A distinctive sound is used to signify a certain behavior in this procedure. Your dog will realize he has earned a reward if you use a dog clicker, such as the Downtown Pet Supply training dog clicker. It doesn't take long for a dog to grasp the concept and then repeat it. Include training in your daily routine We can't perfect skills without frequent practice, and your canine companion is no exception. Start with something basic, like potty training your golden retriever puppy. Is it dinner time yet? Then, before you set the bowl in front of your dog, practice "sit. Just before you pick up the leash, call your dog's name or whatever cue the dog might notice. After your dog's stroll, practice "down" and "stay" when he is more likely to respond to your command. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to practice commands in everyday circumstances. Make training your golden retriever a family project Make sure your Golden Retriever gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. Encourage each family member to work with the dog on fundamental commands such as sit, down, off people, counters, furniture , stay, come, and "all done" to end sessions. Encourage everyone to make default behavior a priority for training your golden retriever. When supervision isn't possible, you can assist other pets to feel comfortable around your golden by using equipment a dog leash, crates, or baby gates to separate them as needed. Maintain Consistency Some "home rules" for your dog must be agreed upon by all family members. While little variances in how people interact with pets are acceptable, the dog will learn and keep his manners best if the rules are followed consistently. Parents may prefer to start with the fundamentals of training their golden retriever. After that, you can assist your children in teaching the dog how to ask for them as well. Train your dog in stages You can increase your training requirements as your Golden Retriever masters fundamental manners and rules. When your dog understands that he must sit and lie down at specific times, you can ask him to stay in that posture until he is freed. Commit for the rest of your life Even if your dog is a beloved family member with excellent manners, there are always new things to learn. Training your golden retriever stimulates the brain, allowing you to better utilize your golden's high activity level. It also deepens the human-animal link, benefiting the whole family. Learn about new sports and activities, including nose work, agility, rallying, and therapeutic visits. Summary These suggestions can assist your new Golden Retriever in understanding the training. Whether you start with an 8-week-old puppy, an adolescent rescue, or a senior dog, these tips will result in success. It also allows you to assist him in burning energy, providing excitement, and developing a deep bond with your dog. Share this on:.


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lab and labradoodle puppies - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. However, it is still advised to ask for a senior-specific diet from your vet or pet nutritionist just to be safe. If you choose to give your German Shepherd dog homemade foods in all of its life stages, you may need to self-calculate and monitor its daily calorie consumption. Feeding German Shepherds has numerous factors to consider. How much you are providing them is crucial, but knowing how often you need to feed them is essential, too. Initially, feeding German Shepherd puppies begins with four puppy food meals daily. Then gradually, it should be transitioned into three equally proportioned meals a day at two months old. This gradual change should go on until they are 12 months old. After that, they should eat twice a day naturally during adulthood. Young puppies have a faster metabolism compared to adult dogs. In general, the last meal of your puppy for the day should be hours before its bedtime, so they have enough time to digest the food before they go to sleep. As for transitioning puppies to adult German Shepherds, the three meals should be given in the morning, noon, and nighttime, so they may be provided with a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is crucial for their growth, especially if they are active and working dogs. Having a feeding schedule can also help monitor their food intake to avoid weight-related issues. The optimal feeding time for adult and senior German Shepherds would be during the morning and night for their two meals daily. Lastly, as owners, we must seldom give treats to our German Shepherds, preferably only during training. Too much of anything may be bad for your dog. Moreover, it should provide the sufficient nutrients needed for growth and development. There are many commercial dog foods in the market, but you can also offer your GSD puppy homemade dog food or a raw diet. Consulting a vet is strongly advised to give your German Shepherd the best diet suited for its lifestyle. To help you in this dilemma, the list below has dog food options you may want to consider offering to your GSD puppy: Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is a commercial food widely available in pet stores and dog food manufacturers. A number of dry foods are formulated to provide a balanced diet for dogs, but checking their nutritional guidelines and value is crucial since a German Shepherd puppy may need high carb foods. It can be mixed with their dry kibble to add water or moisture to their diet. These kinds of commercial foods are expensive and can spoil quickly, and they may not be enough if fed alone to your puppy. BARF Diet: Biologically Appropriate Raw Food is a type of diet that consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw feeding is given as a substitute for processed foods with preservatives. We know a German Shepherd is a large breed dog. However, males tend to grow bigger and heavier than females, needing more food consumption. A German Shepherd puppy may need to eat at frequent schedules with smaller meals, while adult ones may not need to be fed much often but will need more significant meal portions each time. They tend to eat whatever falls from the dinner table or even whatever food they set their sights on. As we talk about food diets, we must not forget those foods you must avoid feeding your German Shepherd puppy. Generally, they may not be too sensitive to dog foods or ingredients, but other foods may be fatal to them. Coffee is one of the most toxic foods to dogs. They contain caffeine , which causes cardiac arrhythmias, high blood pressure, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Another toxic food German Shepherd owners should not feed their dog is chocolate. As yummy as this is, chocolates contain theobromine. All dog breeds cannot metabolize this substance. Gums, peanut butter, and candies that contain xylitol are also toxic to dogs. It causes disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse. This is much more threatening than coffee and chocolate, so you need to be extra careful with this. Aside from those mentioned above, there are many other toxic foods you should avoid feeding German Shepherds. They may not be fatal, but they can cause discomfort and progress to severe diseases. If you doubt certain foods or ingredients, you may consult a pet nutritionist or veterinarian just to be sure. Many large breed dogs visit vet clinics due to unmonitored food intake. It only fits a week-old German Shepherd. You may need to mix dry and wet foods at a certain age for your pup, or maybe you want to incorporate raw foods in their adult diet just like many dog owners do. You just have to make sure you know how to do it correctly, and you provide the most nutritious dry dog food or wet food. You should give enough time for your dog to adjust to a new food gradually. Like other shepherd breeds, you should allow a 7-day transition period from feeding German Shepherds their old food to their new diet. If there is discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may opt to slow down the process even more or consult your vet directly. Feeding an Overweight German Shepherd If you free-feed a German Shepherd, it may likely cause excessive weight gain or obesity. Furthermore, it can easily cause heavy or labored breathing during sleep and irregular movements, such as climbing stairs. Aside from dog food or canned food, a few more factors that can cause an overweight dog breed are table scraps, treats, and not enough exercise. There are a lot of alternatives for treats bought from pet stores, such as fruits and vegetables. These are easier to digest, lighter, and healthier. Eliminate table scraps and leftovers in their diet as they are unnecessary to these large breed puppies. Following a specific schedule with specific amounts of puppy food can significantly help lose weight. Implementing control in their daily meals can help reduce unnecessary food consumption. It is essential to understand that having an overweight dog is more likely caused by the lifestyle owners expose their dogs to. Also, inform family members about the diet plan, so your German Shepherd will not be too spoiled with food. There are a lot of factors why your GSD is not eating. It could be triggered by illness, dental problems , and environmental stress. But it can also be because of adverse reactions to medicines, sudden changes in food, increased body temperature, or your dog just being a picky eater. Do German Shepherds Eat a Lot? As a large breed dog, you can expect a German Shepherd to have a huge appetite. They are always eager to eat, may it be dry food, raw, or canned food. However, it is crucial to know when or how much to feed a German Shepherd to avoid weight problems and severe diseases. Can German Shepherds Eat Bones? German Shepherds can eat bones as it is a great source of minerals. However, there are cons to consider, too. According to AKC, if you want to consider giving them bones, there are certain rules you have to follow, such as giving them raw meat bones and throwing them out after three to four days. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Generally, German Shepherds can thrive and survive on a vegetarian diet, provided that they are supplied with enough nutrients, proteins, fats, and calories on a daily basis. Since German Shepherds are energetic dogs with huge appetites, we must put extra effort into planning out their diet. Options such as dry, wet, raw, and homemade diets are all great for them. Free feeding them or giving too many treats can lead to severe health problems. It is also essential to know what foods are healthy and should be avoided, as some foods are toxic. However, aside from research, we need to consult their vet to ensure that we provide them with essential nutrients for growth, good health, and development in all stages of their life, especially for giant German Shepherds , If you have other tips in feeding a German Shepherd, make sure to share them in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Time Zones puppy feeding schedule and recomendation Prior to weaning our German shepherd puppies, they would have obtain most of their nutritional needs from their mother's milk. By the time our puppies are ready to move into their new home, they will be fully weaned on to solid foods. The puppy is then entirely dependent on his new owner, to provide a fully balanced diet that will meet all of his nutritional requirements. All puppies thrive on the same basic nutrients as adult dogs, but due to their rapid growth rate, these nutrients are needed in proportionately larger quantities. Similar to human babies, puppies have small stomachs, so they need to be fed little portions but often. German shepherd puppies grow very rapidly in the early stages of their development. A German shepherd dog will reach about half their adult weight by five or six months of age. However, there is a wide variation in adult body weight between different breeds, and dogs mature at different rates, since this article is focus on the German shepherd puppy, we will focus at that. German shepherd puppies, in particular, which are most affected by the feeding regimen - as they are growing rapidly, these puppies are prone to disturbances in their skeletal development. It is unwise to overfeed such dogs at this stage in an attempt to obtain the maximum possible rate of growth. A puppy needs between two and four times as much energy as an adult of the same size - growing is an energetic business! They must have more protein than adults - this must contain all the right building blocks of the protein amino acids for growth, and they need just the right amount of minerals for healthy bones and teeth. Puppies therefore have to eat large amounts of food in relation to their body weight, but their stomachs have only a small capacity. To compensate for this, a puppy needs to be fed several small meals a day. It also helps if his diet is designed to meet a number of useful criteria: the food should be concentrated to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients before his stomach is full; The food should be easily digested to maximize its nutritive value; the diet must be balanced to provide the right amount of nutrients to meet the puppy's particular needs; and it should also be tasty so that he will eat it. Devising an acceptable nutritionally balanced diet for growth is thus a very complex exercise. Fortunately, feeding your puppy need not be as complicated as it sounds. Diets, which are specially formulated for growth, take all the guesswork out of rearing a healthy puppy and provide a balanced and concentrated diet, which he will enjoy and thrive. For a normal, healthy German shepherd puppy there is no need to use supplements. In some ways this could be harmful. If you do decide to use a supplement please consult your veterinarian. The feeding schedule of your puppy will depend greatly on his age and individual characteristics, until they are about four months old. Feeding can then be reduced to two times a day until six months of age. You can offer your puppy his daily food allowance in two separate meals. You can feed an adult diet from 14 months of age Since all puppies are individuals, some may need more and some less than the indicated amounts. Your puppy's condition is the best guide of whether you are feeding the correct amount. By recording his weight on a regular basis you will be able to check his growing at a healthy rate, appropriate to his breed. You can then make adjustments to avoid him becoming under - or overweight. Generally, a puppy should be allowed 10 to 15 minutes to eat at each mealtime. After then discard any uneaten food. Your puppy should have his own feeding and water bowls and should be kept clean, separate from the family's dishes. Provide fresh water daily If you notice that your puppy is excessively thirsty and often, you should consult your veterinarian. Note: When puppies come from a kennel environment "outside living", to a family house, most often they will show signs of panting and thirst. This is normal because they will be hot with-in. In few days they should adjust in being indoors. The "puppy" feeding schedule is a guideline for our German shepherd puppies. A puppy should be kept lean during 4 to 8 months of age rapid growth phase , BUT they should not appear thin. You should be able to feel the rib cage and the back bone, but not see them. Looking down on the dog, there should be a slight indentation between the end of the rib cage and the hip bones. If you have questions or comments that you would like to share, please EMAIL US Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.