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Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Poodle owners like you. What should I feed a picky Poodle? What should I not feed my Poodle? Human food! You should also avoid toxic foods for dogs like chocolate, garlic, onions, etc. Do Poodle need a special diet? Small-breed dog food is sometimes recommended by vets, but most small breeds can eat regular dog food without an issue. What is the best homemade food for Poodles? Soft dog foods that require little chewing are the best options for Poodles with no teeth. Should I put my Poodle on a diet plan? Unless your Poodle is overweight, suffering from a specific health condition, or has allergies, they should not be put on a diet. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog requires a new diet, less or more food, or prescription dog food. If your dog needs to lose weight, here are some tips you can try. Sticking with Blue Buffalo, we think that their canned puppy food is a contender for the best dog food for Poodle puppies. What should I look for in a dog food for my Poodle? Look for a dog food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Avoid dog foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Should I choose wet or dry food for my Poodle? Both wet and dry food can be suitable for Poodles. However, dry food may be better for dental health as it can help scrape off plaque and tartar. Can I feed my Poodle a homemade diet? Yes, you can feed your Poodle a homemade diet, here are some vet-approved recipes. While dog food specifically formulated for Poodles may be beneficial, it is not necessary. What is the best dog food for a Poodle with sensitive stomachs? Look for a dog food that is made with easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or lamb. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Can Poodles eat grain-free dog food? Yes, Poodles can eat grain-free dog food, but it is important to make sure that the food still contains essential nutrients and is not lacking in any areas. How much should I feed my Poodle? The amount of food your Poodle needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your Poodle. Should I choose a dog food that is high in fat? No, it is important to choose a dog food that is balanced and does not contain excessive amounts of fat. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. Is it necessary to feed my Poodle a dog food with added supplements? Can I feed my Poodle a vegetarian diet? Poodles require meat-based protein in their diet and typically cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet unless carefully prepared. Here are some vegetarian and vegan recipes and store-bought foods. Should I avoid dog foods that contain by-products? While by-products are often viewed negatively, they can provide essential nutrients for dogs but not when cooked in with kibble. By-products, such as chicken liver are healthy for dogs. Consistency is important for their digestive health. What is the best dog food for a senior Poodle? Look for a dog food that is lower in calories and fat, higher in protein, and contains joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Can I feed my Poodle a raw diet? Yes, a raw diet is a great choice. If you're looking for the best dog food for Poodles, chances are you're a Poodle parent! In that case—hey there. As a veterinarian, Poodle parents often ask me to recommend the best dog food brands for their furballs. Poodles are one of the most diverse dog breeds out there. However, they're also prone to obesity, especially as they grow older. And while there are many factors to Poodle obesity , giving them an improper amount of food definitely tops the bill. According to Dr. As a result, pet obesity has followed the human obesity trend. Unfortunately, pets are getting high-fat, high-calorie treats, human food, toppers, etc. It's essential to find the best dog food for Poodles to fit your dog's nutritional profile and feed them according to their needs. You should first consider your dog's current activity levels, health conditions, age and life stage, and other variables. You sure wouldn't want to feed your dog with foods that aren't beneficial to them, would you? Below, I will take a closer look at the Poodle breed across all sizes. We'll also discuss their general needs and nutritional requirements before we review some of the best dog foods for Poodles. Did you know that the Poodle was once a duck-retrieving dog? It's true! The Poodle has also been around for over a century and was developed in France and Germany. Over the past years, the breed has been molded into the variations we know today. Each type looks identical to the others except for the size. Toy Poodles tend to weigh under 10 pounds, miniatures fall between pounds, and the standard is large at pounds. They all possess a thick, densely curly coat, floppy ears, a long tail, and expressive dark eyes. The Toy Poodle lives the longest, up to 15 years, while the standard's lifespan is about years. Poodles are fun, energetic dogs that love to be around people. They tend to be very good with children and possess a natural athletic ability. Poodles have never forgotten their heritage. Most are great swimmers and expert retrievers. They are a breed to be considered by avid sportsmen as they make excellent, intelligent duck dogs. Nutritional Needs It's this dynamic nature that makes it challenging to feed a Poodle. No matter what size you own, you must find the best dog food for Poodles to meet the breed's nutritional requirements. And above that, your specific dog's needs. But Dr. Shores, should I feed my toy poodle less because she's small? And is puppy food okay? My advice is: Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your Poodle. Your vet is the best place to start. They'll make recommendations based on your Poodle's age, weight, activity level, and any health issues she may have. It will also help if you do your research which is where this article comes into play. I wrote this article based on my and my expert colleagues' recommended dog food brands for Poodles. We will discuss them based on their different life stages and body condition. If this is your purpose in reading this article, I suggest you bookmark this article, start the car, and go to the vet clinic. Continue reading when your vet gives you the advice you need on feeding your Poodle based on her nutritional needs. There are certain factors, even in the best food for poodles, that you must consider before buying one. Here are the important factors to keep you guided: Age The type of poodle dog food you'll buy will depend on her life stage. During the puppy stage and gestation period, too! In this case, you need to buy the best food for poodles that will give them all the vitamins and minerals that a growing puppy or pregnant dog, whichever is the case needs. Breed Size Yes, your poodle dog food will vary depending on your pooch's breed size. Every size of this breed has its respective metabolism. Smaller poodles tend to mature faster, which means they need nutrient-packed poodle dog food. Wet or Dry Feed Most dog owners prefer dry dog food or kibble because it's cost-effective. Nothing wrong with that. However, if your vet recommends having a mixed feed, you might need to combine wet and dry feed for your pooch. Nutrition The golden rule when buying the best food for poodles is to be balanced and complete. This means that the essential nutrients should be present in every serving. Providing a balanced meal for your pooch also means that the nutrients are in the right ratio and suitable for the poodles, depending on their age and breed size. What to Feed a Poodle Puppy Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet can replace a consultation with a vet, including this one. I always recommend this to new owners of puppy Poodles. They've also done the legwork in developing the most digestible food for Poodle puppies. The unique flat, square kibble of Royal Canin makes it easier for their small mouths to pick up and chew. This food should be given to your dog for up to 10 months. Best Puppy Food for Standard Poodle Standard poodles are less likely to have developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia than other breeds. However, they are more at risk than their smaller poodle counterparts. While there is a genetic component to these diseases, significant nutritional risk factors play a part during puppyhood. These risk factors are rapid growth and excess dietary calcium intake. Of course, you don't want your Standard Poodle to develop these. This is why feeding your Poodle enough of the right balance of nutrients is crucial. Below are some of the frequently asked questions by Poodle lovers! What is the recommended amount of food for a Poodle? It depends on how active your Poodle is. A very busy poodle will require more food than a sedentary poodle. For example, puppies need more calories than adult dogs, and elderly dogs need fewer calories than adult dogs. The best way to determine how much food your dog needs is to feed them a diet based on their age, weight, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about how much food to feed your Poodle. Can my Poodle be fed dry dog food kibble instead of wet food? There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that dry food is better for dogs because it helps keep their teeth clean, while others believe that wet food is better because it contains more nutrients. Ultimately, the best diet for your Poodle will depend on his individual needs and preferences. There are pros and cons to both dry dog food kibble and wet dog food. Ultimately, the best food for your Poodle depends on his specific dietary needs and preferences. It can also be easier to portion control because the kibble can be weighed or measured. Wet dog food is usually more nutritious than dry dog food since it contains more fresh ingredients, and it can be a good choice if your Poodle has difficulty chewing or swallowing. Can poodle puppies eat dry dog food? Yes, dry dog food is safe for poodle puppies. As long as the food is specifically meant for puppies, it will provide them with all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop properly. Make sure to choose a food high in protein and low in carbohydrates, as puppies are naturally carnivores and need more protein than adult dogs. The majority of puppies have little trouble chewing dry dog food. However, you can soften the kibble by adding a little water or wetting it if they do. Until then, continue providing whatever diet is appropriate for his age and weight. If my Poodle has difficulty chewing, what should I do? You can do a few things if your Poodle seems to have trouble chewing. One option is to feed your dog softer foods, like canned food or boiled chicken. You can also purchase a special diet for dogs with dental problems. Finally, you can ask your veterinarian about giving your dog prescription toothpaste or chew toys designed to help clean their teeth. Can my Poodle eat grains? Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, but they also contain gluten which can be hard for some dogs to digest. In addition, dogs that are allergic to grains will often have skin problems, digestive issues, and excessive shedding. Can I feed leftovers to my Poodle? Leftovers can make a nutritious meal for your Poodle if they are not too fatty or high in salt. Be sure to avoid giving them any toxic food to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, or onions. You can also give them cooked meat, rice, and vegetables. A balanced diet is essential for keeping your Poodle healthy and happy. Feeding your poodle leftovers can also be unhealthy, as they may not be getting the balanced diet they need. Instead, try to give your Poodle specifically-made dog food tailored to their nutritional needs. This will help keep them healthy and prevent any weight problems from developing. Do I have any options if my Poodle is a fussy eater? You can do a few things to get your Poodle to eat. One is to try different types of food. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in diet to get a dog to start eating again. You can also try mixing wet and dry food or warming up the food slightly before serving it. If your Poodle is particularly fussy, you may have to resort to hand-feeding her small meals several times a day until she starts eating on her own again. What foods are toxic to poodles? Yes, there are a few foods that are toxic to poodles. Chocolate, raisins, garlic, and the artificial sweetener xylitol pose a threat to poodles. Cavities and gum disease are common problems in dogs, and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. In many cases, cavities can be treated with antibiotics or surgery, and gum disease can be treated with a special diet or surgery. Your Poodle may be having trouble chewing because its teeth are not clean. You might also want to try giving your poodle rawhide bones or chew toys to help keep its teeth healthy and clean. What other foods should poodles never eat? Yes, there are other foods that poodles should never eat. Other dangerous foods for poodles include grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions. Why not give my Poodle those treats that look like bacon, hot dogs, and pork chops? Poodles are prone to obesity, and these treats are high in fat and calories. Stick to crunchy treats that are low in fat and calories instead. My dog eats the grass in my yard and other plants. How can I prevent this? However, this has yet to be proven. Is fiber necessary for poodles? Yes, poodles need fiber. A high-fiber diet will help keep their bowels regular and help minimize the risk of constipation. Is a low-fat diet for my Poodle appropriate? Dogs have higher fat, and dietary requirements than humans and do not often suffer from the same obesity-related health issues that humans do. A low-fat diet would be dangerous for your Poodle and could lead to deficiencies in essential fatty acids. Feed your dog a balanced diet appropriate for their breed and age, and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Could I feed my Poodle raw foods? There are pros and cons to a raw foods diet for your Poodle. On the one hand, a raw foods diet can be healthier for your dog because it is more natural and closer to what they eat in the wild. However, on the other hand, it can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare than a traditional kibble diet. If you consider switching your dog to a raw foods diet, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need. A raw foods diet should always include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein sources like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Is frozen raw food a good option for poodles? Yes, I do recommend frozen raw foods for poodles. I recommend all dogs eat a diet of at least some frozen raw food. Frozen raw food is the healthiest type of diet you can feed your dog. It contains all the nutrients and enzymes your dog needs to stay healthy and strong. Plus, feeding your dog frozen raw food can help protect them against many common health problems, including allergies, skin problems, weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. Is it okay to feed eggs to my Poodle? How about eggshells? You can feed eggs to your Poodle, but you should take care not to give them too many eggshells. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, but if your dog eats too many, they could end up with an eggshell calcium overdose. A safe dose for a healthy poodle is about 5 grams of eggshells per day. Poodles, do they need supplements? Yes, Poodles do need supplements, and there are a few are particularly beneficial for joint and bone growth. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most popular supplements for joint health, and they can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for joint health, as they can help reduce stiffness and pain. Vitamin D is another important supplement for Poodles, as it helps to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. What man-made food can Poodles eat? Raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog, as are cooked eggs, salmon, and blueberries. However, be sure to avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything else that might be harmful to your pup. Conclusion — Final Verdict! Now that you know a little more about the best dog food for Poodles, we hope you feel confident in your ability to choose the right food for your pup. We wish you and your pup all the best in finding the perfect diet! Related Links. Sure, there are various flavors and formulas, but it goes much deeper than that. Poodles are relatively healthy when it comes to health conditions that may affect which food you choose. Diseases like diabetes or allergies may influence which product you give your pooch. In these cases, you can get a prescription diet to feed your Poodle. You should only feed your pet the food meant for the species. Breed Size Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. They vary in size from 4—70 pounds. However, even within the breed, there are differences in what you should feed your dog. The reason rests with metabolism. Smaller pups mature much faster than large ones. Whereas the Toy Poodle is an adult at 12 months, the Standard Poodle may take up to 16 months to develop fully. That fact affects the food you should give your pooch. Products for small breeds have more calories to support this rapid growth. The ones for large dogs, on the other hand, have less since they mature more slowly. Feeding your Standard Poodle a diet meant for a Toy Poodle may cause him to gain weight and become obese. Many commercial diets will have this information on the label to help you choose the right one. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Updated March 4, This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links. Poodle puppies are lively and rambunctious creatures who are ready for anything. The breed has a long history that dates back several centuries. While many people know them for strutting their stuff at a dog show or performing tricks at a circus, most Poodles end up being a lovable member of the family. Good nutrition is crucial for proper development. In a hurry? The first is their size classification. There are three main Poodle varieties. These include Toy, Mini, and Standard. Toy Poodles are the smallest of the bunch, maxing out at about nine pounds as an adult. Standard Poodles, on the other hand, can get quite large. They can weigh as much as 70 pounds. However, most stay around the neighborhood of 60 pounds. All dogs start out small. They experience a significant growth spurt during the puppy stage. Before you know it, your young dog will be approaching their adult size. You need to have a good idea of how big your dog will get to supply them with the right amount of food. With a protein content of 31 percent, your puppy will receive all the amino acids they need to grow strong muscles. To support their changing digestive system, plenty of probiotics are added as well. Buy on Chewy 2. Most of it comes from deboned chicken and chicken meal. The dry food also has plenty of healthy fat to support their growing coat and brain. Healthy doses of calcium and phosphorous are included. These ingredients support bone growth and may be able to help your puppy avoid joint and skeletal issues in the future. Buy on Chewy 3. Chicken, lamb, and salmon all contribute to the high protein content. Because so many animal meat sources are used, your puppy can get a complex profile of amino acids to support their muscles. The kibble is also chock-full of fruits and vegetables. Ingredients like apples, spinach, and blueberries give your puppy a dose of vitamins. This particular formula is ideal for Standard Poodles. Buy on Chewy 4. It supports ocular health, improves their digestive system, strengthens their immune system, and provides plenty of energy. It does this with high-quality ingredients. Chicken and turkey are the main protein sources. Buy on Chewy 5. Chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal are the most prevalent ingredients in the recipe. They make up the 24 percent protein content. The food also has a number of beneficial nutrients. Buy on Chewy nutritional requirements While the Poodle size classifications are vastly different, their nutritional requirements remain the same. The only thing that will be different is the amount of food you provide. During the first year, your dog is developing muscles, strong bones, and healthy organs. Poodle puppies are quite active. This constant activity eats up a lot of energy. Not only that, but their bodies are changing. On average, Poodle puppies will need about 55 calories per pound of body weight. More active puppies may need upwards of 60 calories. On the other side of the spectrum, lazier pups will need about .You can use this general guideline to figure out how much food your puppy will need at various stages of development. If not, you may have to soften the kibble a bit to get them to eat or start with wet food. Compared to their birth weight, Poodles will be surprisingly large for only being a few months of age. Toy Poodles The average weight of a Toy Poodle at three months is about two and a half pounds. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles typically weigh about five pounds at this age and need approximately calories to stay healthy. Standard Poodles Standard Poodles are well on their weight to reaching adulthood at three months. They should already weight about 20 pounds. This equates to over 1, calories every day. You should continue to monitor their growth and adjust their diets as needed. Toy Poodles Toy Poodles almost double their weight by this age. They typically weigh in at just under five pounds, thus requiring about calories. Miniature Poodles By six months old, most Miniature Poodles tip the scales at about 9 pounds. Standard Poodles At around 35 to 39 pounds, Standard Poodles will do well with just over 2, calories of food. One Year of Age Take out the birthday candles and some dog-friendly cake! This is a great time to look back on your previous weigh-ins to see how much your puppy has changed. Your Poodle should be close to their target adult weight. They will continue to grow a bit longer, especially Standard Poodles. However, the changes will be a bit more difficult to see. Toy Poodles While it may not seem like much growth, Toy Poodles have come a long way since birth. Your tiny canine companion should weigh in at about six pounds and require about calories of food each day. Miniature Poodles Miniature Poodles have an average weight of about 13 pounds when they are one year old. As a result, you should be feeding them just under calories. Standard Poodles At a year old, your Standard Poodle is probably too big to be a lapdog anymore. Most puppies weigh about 50 pounds. They will need between 2, and 2, calories each day. Young Poodles need to eat many times throughout the day. When their suckling off their mothers, puppies typically free feed. Your dog will have the urge to eat a lot as a result. From there, you need to slowly decrease their meal frequency. When you hit the six-month mark, go down to three meals. At one year old, you should try to work your way down to two meals. Your puppy may not like this very much. If they seem to have a problem with hunger throughout the day, you can continue to feed them three meals for another few months. The time to switch your puppy to adult food will depend on a couple of factors. Some dogs take a bit longer to reach their adult weight than others. They need continued support as they make that last push to adulthood. Switching too early can do more harm than good. This is because they are considered adults at about one year old. The other two classifications continue to grow, albeit slowly, until about a year and a half. Their digestive system is still quite sensitive to changes. You can ease the transition by introducing small amounts of adult food to their puppy formula. Dry food and wet food both have their advantages. Starting off with canned food gives your puppy the opportunity to develop stronger muscles before they move onto something tough. It should be noted that wet food is usually less dense than kibble. To avoid weight gain, you should move onto dry kibble when your puppy is about six months old. Here are some great recipes for young Poodle pups. The food comes in a mash form. It can also be mixed in with dry food for an additional kick of flavor. It comes in a convenient tray for mess-free eating. The recipe is comprised of great ingredients like beef and liver. There are also visible vegetables. Over to You Creating an effective diet plan for a growing Poodle puppy is a lot different than doing so for an adult. They need all the fuel they can get. With a bit of extra knowledge and planning, you can provide your dog with a great diet that helps them grow up to a healthy adult. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese Grapes and raisins Sweets and desserts Avocados Dogs can have dried cranberries as a treat, as these berries are good for digestive and bladder health. However, raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to significant kidney failure. If you fear your dog has eaten raisins or grapes, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dry Food Vs. Wet Food Dogs should rely on dry food as opposed to wet food. However, wet food should be a consistent portion of their diet. Although most dogs would eat only wet food if they could, too much wet food can cause digestive problems and make dogs sick. Dry food offers fibrous content that dogs need for a healthy bowel movement. Wet food offers food rife with vitamins and minerals — alongside an appealing taste for most dogs. However, dry food can help with tooth health and fight gum disease. A healthy combination of dry and wet food can lead to a well-balanced meal and a happy dog. The best possible dog food varieties include those that offer your Poodle only the healthiest and high-quality ingredients available. Although some of these dog food choices may be expensive, they also offer lean proteins like duck and sweet potato, so you know your Poodle is getting only the best from their diet. Although the first ingredient is a chicken by-product, this dog food option is rife with protein, vitamins, and minerals that will help your Poodle feel at the top of its game. The kibbles included in this dog food choice are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and contain vitamins that will assist in healthy coat formation and healthy gums. Not only is this brand recommended by vets around the world, but it also includes a flavor that dogs seem to love and ingredients that pet owners can feel good about. While the cost for this dog food option is a touch high, it offers the security of knowing that your dog will have all the nutrients and vitamins needed to live a long and healthy life. Each variety contains the exclusive Nutrivantage, and no filler or meat bi-product. Chicken meal and rice flavor. No Corn, no wheat, no soy, no meat bi-products. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Alongside lean protein and quality sources of fat, this dog food option also offers tons of vitamins and minerals. Although this dog food choice is expensive, it is also ideal for dogs who are currently training or need a boost in their performance. Contains one 1 30 lb. Blue Buffalo is notorious for making only the best dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. This is rife with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that will help your Poodle thrive. Additionally, this dog food is also enhanced with vitamins and minerals specifically for immune system support. ALL NATURAL: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dog's.However, the calorie content of this food is a little high, which can cause weight gain. Additionally, this dog food brand is more expensive than the average, although it does have everything your Poodle will need to keep them healthy and happy. Larger Poodles may not get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from this dog food option, as it is meant for smaller breeds. This choice may be the least expensive choice for dog food while maintaining high-quality ingredients and food rife with minerals and vitamins. There are no artificial ingredients, and there is plenty of protein in this food option. This brand prides itself on not including any animal by-products or fillers. This product is rife with vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy gums and a full coat. Poodles Require Special Nutrients Poodles need more protein than other dogs because of their lean shape, meaning that Poodles may require a unique brand of dog food that can offer enhanced vitamins, minerals, and protein content. Whether you are looking for the best Poodle dog food available on the market or preparing for adoption, these top seven dog food options stand apart from other dog food options because they offer more essential nutrients for your Poodle. Although some options are expensive, these brands can help your Poodle avoid harsh and destructive ingredients like artificial dyes linked with cancer in animals, fillers, and empty calories. Instead, they boast quality and put healthy dog food ahead of profit. Small Poodles may be less than 40 pounds, meaning they may need even more nutrient-dense food to accommodate their small stature — something these dog food brands are passionate about providing. With the best dog food for Poodles on this list, you can be sure that your Poodle is getting everything they need from its diet. Similar Posts.

To breed French Bulldog puppies, you need to choose dogs that have a good health history, and who have characteristics you would like to pass onto puppies. Think about physical characteristics, like size and color, along with other qualities like temperament and personality. Have both dogs genetically tested and tested for infectious diseases like Brucellosis so you know they're healthy before you breed them. Typically, a bitch will start ovulating about 5 days into her cycle, once she has started spotting. When you have confirmation that your bitch is ovulating, place her in the same room as your stud. Make sure to supervise the mating session closely to prevent any aggressive outbursts. That way you can pull them apart and control their interaction better to prevent injury. This is completely normal and typically lasts around 20 minutes. You can request veterinarian assistance with artificially inseminating your bitch, rather than actually mating the two dogs. This method can be much easier on the female, so it is often the method of choice for veteran breeders. Keep the female on her back with her hips slightly elevated to help ensure conception. Don't try to perform this yourself unless you've been trained or you could hurt the dogs or cause an infection. Frenchies with tan points - black and tan Frenchie, blue and tan Frenchie, lilac and tan Frenchie, chocolate and tan Frenchie etc. Trindles - French Bulldogs which have brindle in their tan points. All black French Bulldogs - with no trace of brindle is also quite rare. How do you Artificially Inseminate a French bulldog? For the majority of dog breeds, natural mating is the most effective and cheapest way to produce a litter of puppies. This is not the scenario for French bulldogs. French bulldogs have unusually small hips and an oversized head. This makes it quite difficult for the male to mount the female naturally. When it comes to breeding French bulldogs, artificial insemination is the safest and most effective way. Caesarean sections for Frenchies One of the reasons why French bulldogs are quite expensive is because of the cost involved in birthing one. For Frenchies a C-section is usually considered the safest option. Caesarean section or C-section will involve the use of surgery to deliver the puppies. This is often necessary when a vaginal delivery will be too unsafe for the dam or the puppy or both. The oversized heads of the puppies and narrow pelvis of the dam makes it difficult for the dog to give birth naturally. What is the minimum mating age for French Bulldogs? Age of maturity differs from one dog breed to another. It has however been found that small breeds mature faster than large breeds. Male French bulldogs become fertile after about six months old. They can also reach full sexual maturity by 12 to 15 months. If your male Frenchie is healthy, he may even remain sexually active and fertile at old age. For your dam, their first heat season estrus comes after six months. In some situations though, this estrus has delayed for up to 18 months or even two years of age. The heat season of your dam should come at intervals of six months until old age. It is however considered controversial and against standard to breed your dam in her first season. According to the American Kennel Club Rules the registration of a litter out of a dam less than 8 months or more than 12 years of age is not ordinarily allowed. What is the Cycle of a French Bulldog Dam? Knowing the cycle of your female is necessary. This will help you track her reproductive periods. The cycle of a dam is divided into four: Proestrus: Your dam is in her proestrus when she has a bloody vaginal discharge and her vulva becomes swollen. This is when she attracts males, not for breeding. This period lasts for about nine days. Estrus: This follows the proestrus and also lasts for about nine days. During this time the female is fertile and will allow breeding. For breeding purposes, please note that ovulation will usually occur in the first 48 hours of this period. It is a period of about 60 to 63 days. It will occur whether or not your dam becomes pregnant. If your female becomes pregnant during estrus, the diestrus stage will last until she whelps or gives birth. False pregnancy is however also possible during this period. In this situation, your Dam may show signs of being pregnant even though she is not. Anestrus: This period lasts between three to four months. During this time, no sexual activity takes place. After the Estrus, you have to look for signs of pregnancy in your dam. These signs include an increase in appetite, weight, or nipple size. This is however not that conclusive in itself. As mentioned earlier, your dam may show pregnancy signs and still not be pregnant. A Vet can make this confirmation for you by conductingan ultrasound or X-ray or by examining her abdominal palpitation at 28 days. Once you have confirmed that your dam is pregnant, you have to start talking to the Vet about the special attention required for breeding a French bulldog. This will include how to identify emergency situations that would require immediate medical attention. This should also include details about her labor and what to expect after she gives birth. French bulldogs are like any other dog breed when it comes to pregnancy length. This period should last between 58 to 68 days. The average pregnancy period is usually 63 days from the day of conception. This is about two months altogether. A few days close to birthing, your dam may stop eating or have reduced appetite. Approximately 24 hours after her temperature drops,she can be expected to enter the first stage of labor when the cervix dilates and opens the birth canal for the passage of puppies. At this time, she will pant, strain, and appear restless. A few moments to birth, her body temperature may drop to 99 degrees or lower. This stage is then followed by actual abdominal straining and birthing. As mentioned above natural birth is not recommended for French Bulldogs due to their breathing difficulties and small hips coupled with larger puppy heads. Compared to other dogs that birth quite a sizable number of puppies, French bulldogs only birth a few. When breeding a French bulldog, the number of puppies you can expect in the litter will range from 3 to 5. There are some rare instances where French bulldogs have birthed as high as 7 puppies. French bulldogs are naturally small breeds. As such, a smaller number of litter mates would mean better conditions for the puppies inside the womb. The complications that may arise out of doing this will not only endanger the female, it may also create avoidable birth defects for the puppies. What is a pup back deal between French Bulldog breeders? A pup back deal is a puppy back to the Frenchie stud owner in exchange for the stud service. In most cases a puppy back is not ideal and can fall through for many reasons. If you insist on doing this type of deal you should consider the following to protect yourself: Always have a contract no matter who it is, even if it is a relative. Wording is very important. It is advisable to have a lawyer draft a sample agreement for you that you can use for future deals. Only make this deal with someone local that you really trust and have a relationship with. Open lines of communication is key. Always keep in mind that if the deal fall through for any reason it may sour the relationship so ask yourself if that deal is worth it to you. And finally know that not everyone is an honest person but on the same token not everyone is a dishonest person either. How do you know if two French Bulldog puppies are twins? It is rare but it does happen. How do we determine whether or not two French Bulldogs are identical twins? When the mother Frenchie dog is giving birth, count the placentas. If two newborn Frenchie puppies share a placenta there is a good chance you have some identical twins on your hands. If you want to know for sure your puppies are identical twins you can confirm that with a blood test. This is it for this Pawsletter. We hope you enjoyed reading or listening to this article and hope you learned something new along the way. We create these to educate, and inspire you to be the best French Bulldog owner you can be. If you want us to write about a particular topic please let us know below. Also don't forget to pawscribe to our email list. We always notify our loyal customers and friends with any new Pawsletter, event or announcement. We live in Oregon and will travel to Washington or northern California if needed. Michelle July 25, I have a tan Merle male looking to stud out in about months. I live in Oregon. JP July 10, Hello! Juan July 10, Hello! Please if anyone is interested to breed with my handsome boy you can contact me by email or text. Email denise. Thank you all and have a blessed one. In Houston, Texas!!! Julie June 23, Hello, in about a year I will be looking for a stud to mate with my two girls. I will need a stud that has had all his genetic testing plus eyes and hips. I live in California. He has a champion bloodline. Please contact me if interested. Misty June 23, We have a Blue brindle male with amber colored eyes and a blue piebald with blue eyes… just wondering what colors they may throw. Jason Lebron December 21, I have a blue Merle frenchie who will be 1 in January and I am excited to find his lover. Contact me anytime at or cruzpet Bronx ny bucks Lebron Rebekah Axelson December 14, I have a 3 yr old fawn male with black mask, black ears with white on his breast. Very muscular with lean and great personality. He has had DNA testing and has no allergies we know of. He has only in the last 7 months become extremely sexually driven with a need to breed. Because of his stamina and fit we feel having him fixed may take some of this away. .We have purchased aggressive chew toys and they usually work but there are days that the Boston terrier across the street goes into heat and he becomes very antsy and will even try to relieve himself. I would like to stud him for a puppy to have grow up with him preferably a female but not for breeding purposes. .I would then talk about options for having him neutered. I can also stud him for the possibility of buying a puppy with the stud fee. .I want what is best for him and feel he is a great color, fit and intelligent guy that having a litter would benefit him, myself and the Frenchie breed. Yet my goal and main concern is to give him relief without having him neutered at only 3 yrs Mary November 17, Hi, I have a 1. Thanks Hope November 12, We have a beautiful 8 month old male, who is a blue merle we are looking to offer stud service in the near future! Amazing quality, structure and genetics. If interest please contact me at for pictures and more info. Toure November 02, I have a 9 month old male frenchie fawn with the black mask that I am looking to breed in the NYC area. He has beautiful coloring and a spunky spirit. Warthog71 Excellent article! We have a brand new litter at 39 days old. The other girls have brown. All blue eyes may change to green. All pups carry Choco from the dad Isabella. The mom is standard Black Mask Fawn. All pups have their first round of deworming and are already eating solid food, though still nursing from mom, as is necessary for development. They are playing and curious and socializing like any normal, healthy litter. Contact for more info on this litter, future litters or stud service. Also, feel free to contact with any questions on the breed in general. We are all one big family. Steve Kazan info warthog.Champion bloodlines, IG CuzcoBusco. Michele Oneal May 24, Hi! I loved reading your article as I pick up my Puppy in 3 wks. His Dad competes and has won National Ribbons. My Breeder does DNA testing and has done this for 15 yrs. She does it for love, and will only sell to people that can stay home with her dogs. She is not interested in breeding for exotic colors but formation is key! I was Blessed to see one of her pups out with his owner at Lowes one day. It was by far the Best Frenchie I had seen! She truly is a lover and expert on them, which Is why I buying from her. We have a very beautiful Brindle male stud that is looking for a girlfriend. His name is Franc and he has the sweetest disposition! He loves to play with other dogs and children. He has a champion bloodline and we would love to have one of his babies! We live in Arkansas. If you are interested, please contact me ASAP at traci. God bless! Let us know if you have additional questions. Just like humans the body needs time to adjust and heal from a CS. We hope this helps. Pin 0 Shares With their unique look and adorable size, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular pet breeds we see today. Many owners will think breeding Frenchies is a quick way to make a buck. However, this is before they realise the problems surrounding French Bulldogs being able to breed naturally and mate or reproduce under their own steam. Can French Bulldogs breed naturally? It is very hard for Frenchies to breed by themselves. The way in which they have been bred, leads to difficulties in them being able to mate and reproduce themselves without the aid of human intervention. Frenchies have been bred down the years to such as an extent that their physical characteristics have changed significantly. The reason why French Bulldogs cannot breed on their own is due to the way they have been bred. This has resulted in short legs, a compact body and narrow hips. The male Frenchie cannot mount the female efficiently in order to reproduce. In fact, a breeder I spoke to even advised that you should not force the issue. If you do, it can lead to the dogs overheating! The breeding also means that giving birth is something that also needs human assistance. The female Frenchie is at great risk of harm if she has a natural birth. The puppies are also at risk of death due to the narrow birth canals — you can read more about this and watch a video in my post about natural Frenchie births. So, in short, can you breed French Bulldogs naturally? Most breeders use artificial insemination. Are French Bulldogs difficult to breed naturally? As you can imagine, French Bulldogs are hard to breed, and it can also be very expensive. If you want to become a breeder for French Bulldogs, the process is actually a lot more complex than shutting them in a room together and letting nature take their course. In the case of studs, although they have working penises and testicles and can indeed produce semen, it is difficult for them to mate. This is because they are unable to properly regulate temperatures due to their short noses and short coat. Given that the breed is characterised by narrow hips and large heads, the pregnancy as a whole as well as the process of giving birth is extremely risky for the mother — again, it is possible, but is strongly discouraged by vets. The breed is also known for their lack of maternal instincts around their puppies which may be the result of the bypassing of the natural birth process. Consequently, the most common route that professional French Bulldog breeder go down is artificial insemination and a caesarean section. Artificial insemination and caesareans are both incredibly expensive procedures. Also, with the French Bulldog breed being associated with various medical issues, it could be that any puppies born have similar genetic issues. Before undertaking the responsibility of breeding a French Bulldog, you should always make sure that you have the time and finances to see the process through without there being any detriment to the mother. The remainder of this article will explore the breeding process itself and is designed to inform rather than be a substitute for any actual medical advice. How do I know if my French Bulldog can be bred? The intervention of breeders over the years has meant that entire dog breeds which would have never come about naturally are now commonplace. French Bulldogs were made by crossing terriers with English Bulldogs, and an unfortunate side-effect of this non-natural breeding is that some Frenchies have birth defects or other genetic issues as a result. Because the breed is flat-faced with shorter-than-normal snouts, they are known for having breathing issues. Lots of French Bulldogs also suffer from allergies and problems to do with their eyes, joints and bones. This is why it is especially important to test your French Bulldog for any genetic defects before breeding them. Although different breeding organisations have different guidelines on genetically testing your Frenchie, it is generally recommended that you undergo the following process before attempting to breed them: Visit your vet so they can give your Frenchie a general health screening in order to establish if they suffer from any health issues themselves. Ensure your pup undergoes two separate DNA tests for the avoidance of any doubt or error about their genetic makeup and potential issues. If you find that your French Bulldog has any genetic issues, breeding them would be extremely irresponsible. Furthermore, you should work to establish whether your Frenchie is the result of two closely related dogs like siblings conceiving. If this is the case, this has the potential to cause more potential genetic issues for any offspring further down the line. Related breeding and mating questions If you found this article informative, you might want to look at the answers to some of these related questions below. How do I get my French Bulldogs to mate? Avoid letting your Frenchies mate naturally. Instead the question should be how you select two French Bulldogs to mate. In simple terms you should: Select a male and female with characteristics and genetics you wish to pass down to the offspring. Ensure that the male and female have no health issues or generic problems after consultation and checks with your vet. Ensure that the dogs are not related to each other. Do not stress your Frenchie out by travelling long distances. How many times can you breed a French Bulldog? A female French Bulldog is said to be able to breed twice a year, but because the caesarean and pregnancy can take a toll on the animal, it is recommended to wait at least 18 to 24 months before breeding them a second time, and so forth. You can read more about this in this blog post about breeding regularity. How old does a female French Bulldog have to be to breed? Responsible breeders recommend that female French Bulldogs should be at least 2 years old before you can consider breeding them. When can a male French Bulldog breed and mate? Male French Bulldogs do not mature sexually until they are aged around 15 months old. At this age they are more than capable of breeding — albeit by artificial extraction and insemination. Male Frenchies can actually produce sperm at a younger age, sometimes as young as 6 months — but it is not advisable to breed them at this age. Is it safe to breed French Bulldogs? Is it safe to breed French Bulldogs, but not naturally. Due to their genetic make-up, you should not let your Frenchies mate and reproduce naturally but instead use artificial insemination followed by C-section delivery. Is breeding French Bulldogs profitable? Breeding Frenchies can be a profitable business, and because of this, a lot of unscrupulous breeders do get involved. Due to French Bulldogs being unable to breed naturally, they are a more valued breed. This means they can be sold at higher prices. However, you should bear in mind that there will be a lot of medical expenses involved in the breeding process. How much does it cost to breed a French Bulldog? You will need to account for C-section costs , medical bills, vet support, and more. How many puppies do French Bulldogs have? Due to the smaller build of French Bulldogs and their narrow hips, their litters are one of the smallest compared to other breeds. On average, female French Bulldogs have litters of 2 to 4 puppies, although in rare cases it has been known for litters to be as big as six. This is a classic litter size for a Frenchie birth. You can read more about this in my guide to Frenchie litter sizes. Although naturally breeding and reproduction of French Bulldogs is physically possible, it is not only difficult for the animals to do, but can also be very dangerous and harmful for them. A responsible French Bulldog breeder should therefore avoid trying to force the natural route and work closely with their vet — discussing procedures like artificial insemination, caesareans as well as how best to care for your French Bulldog bitch and their puppies whence they arrive. If you are thinking of purchasing a French Bulldog puppy, you should also be wary of buying from a breeder that seems to cut corners with medical procedures. It can mean the puppies are unhealthy and the parents are mistreated. The area should be a minimum of 43, ideally around square foot square meters. Initially, a smaller area is sufficient, but as the puppies grow and learn to walk they will need more room, which naturally calls for a larger area. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! That means that someone needs to be at home at all times, monitoring and nurturing both the mother and the newborns. A pregnant dog, especially during the last weeks before delivery, requires constant supervision. That allows the breeder to promptly notice any issues that may arise and seek immediate professional assistance. Continuous supervision can even ensure the survival of the puppies and preventing complications. At the earliest, the puppies can be left alone for hours when they reach 4 weeks of age. This level of round-the-clock attention is required for a minimum of weeks. After that you should check on them every 2 hours until they reach weeks of age or until they are placed with their new owners. Responsibilities around the mother dog The Frenchie mom should be up to date on all necessary treatments. That includes regular deworming and protection against both internal and external parasites, like heartworms and mites. Things to Consider After Mating Caring for a pregnant Frenchie mom Just like any expectant mother, your beloved Frenchie mom requires special attention and care during pregnancy. Regular exercise is still important, but it should be gentle and tailored to her needs. Long walks should be replaced with shorter, leisurely strolls, especially during hot weather. Engage in shorter walks and engage in interactive play sessions to keep her active and mentally stimulated. Shower her with extra love and attention during this special time. Keep her away from unfamiliar dogs to minimize the risk of illness. Remember, continuous monitoring is essential. Keep a close eye on her health and behavior throughout the pregnancy. As the pregnancy progresses and she enters the final weeks, create a calm and tranquil environment for her. Provide a cool and quiet space where she can rest comfortably. Minimize stressors and ensure she feels secure and at ease. Food and supplements Until you know that the mating was successful for sure, there is no need to change the amount or type of food your female Frenchie gets. Once her abdomen starts to round slightly after a few weeks , the food portion should be minimally increased, but you should avoid overfeeding. A Frenchie mom requires more nutrients during pregnancy to deliver healthy puppies, so it is important to pay attention to her diet. Feed your Frenchie mom twice a day and provide fresh cold water every morning. Avoid giving raw meat and raw eggs to your pregnant dog! Ultrasound It is recommended to have an ultrasound performed around the 28th to 30th day of pregnancy. By this time, the fetuses can be visible in the images, and their well-being can be assessed. Prior to the examination, it is important to ensure that the mother is calm and relaxed, as anxiety or fear can influence the results. It is generally not advisable to perform additional ultrasound examinations during the course of the pregnancy as it can cause significant stress to the mother towards the end of gestation, which can be risky. Choosing the right veterinarian The veterinarian will play a vital role in ensuring a successful pregnancy and safe delivery for your Frenchie mom. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind: Look for a vet who has experience in artificial insemination and C-sections. They should be knowledgeable about the specific needs and challenges associated with French Bulldog breeding. Make sure the veterinarian has access to the necessary facilities and equipment required for artificial insemination and cesarean sections. Seek recommendations from other dog owners and breeders who have had experience with your chosen vet. Choose someone who you feel comfortable with, who listens to your concerns and provides clear explanations. Make sure that the vet is readily available, both during regular hours and for emergencies. Here are some essential items to gather: Whelping box made of wood or plastic, with surrounding rails to prevent the mother from accidentally crushing the puppies against the walls. Bedding: Cut some rugs or mats to fit the bottom of the whelping box. These will be easily replaceable in case of dirt or mess. Avoid using blankets, as they can pose a risk to the puppies. Wipeable and waterproof underpads: These can be purchased from a baby store and placed underneath the mother and provide easy cleanup. A hanging heat lamp will ensure a warm and comfortable environment for the puppies. A smaller plastic box with high sides to transport the newborn puppies. Line it with a soft bedding for their comfort during transportation. Cleaning supplies: Stock up on washcloths, disinfectant wipes and baby wipes for cleaning and maintaining hygiene. Keep some fresh meat, such as lean turkey or any other lean white meat in the freezer. The mom may not eat her regular food during the first few days after delivery, so offering fresh meat can entice her to eat. Royal Canin Babydog Milk: Have a puppy milk replacer kit ready, including a nursing bottle in case of difficulties with breastfeeding. Scale to weigh the puppies and track their growth and development. Nesting behavior: The mother starts looking for a suitable place to give birth, often scratching and seeking out secluded spots. Vomiting and diarrhea Milk production: The nipples may become swollen, but this might only happen within a few hours after delivery for some dogs. Restlessness: The mother may display signs of discomfort, such as excessive panting, restlessness, and walking back and forth. Behavioral changes: The mom may seem restless, excited, or even spend most of the day lying down. If you notice these signs before the expected date, call your vet immediately! Provide a calm and secure environment for the mother dog. Praise, comfort her and gently pet her. Talking to her in a soothing tone can help keep her relaxed. As soon as you can see clear signs of labor, you should immediately notify the vet. Follow their guidance and instructions throughout the delivery process. Caesarean section During a C-section, the mother dog is placed under anesthesia. The veterinarian makes an incision on her abdomen to access the uterus, and removes the puppies one by one. Then they cut the umbilical cord and cleans the puppies. Finally, the vet stitches up the incision, and the mother dog gradually wakes up from the anesthesia. During the caesarean section the owner is not allowed in the room. The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking about half an hour for the puppies to be delivered. The incision on the mother can be painful and sensitive, requiring careful attention. The stitches will be removed after 10 days. After anesthesia, the mother dog may be disoriented and trembling, unaware that her puppies have been born. Since the anesthesia also affects the puppies, they are born asleep and may not cry or move much, which can be distressing even for an experienced breeder. It takes time for them to wake up, cry, and start moving. Rubbing them gently can help stimulate them, the assistants will help with that. Once all the puppies have woken up and are healthy, they should be taken home separately from the mother. The puppies need to be transported in a box, covered and kept warm, while the mother is transported in a crate. Things to Consider After Delivery Caring for the pups at home The Frenchie mom meets her puppies for the first time at home. You should be very cautious and have someone with you to carefully place the puppies next to the mom, as she may inadvertently harm them. She can sniff them, but only under close supervision. In the initial period, the mother should be brought to the puppies every three hours until all the pups are well-fed. When the mother licks and cares for the puppies, make sure to praise her. On the other hand, if you see any aggression from the mom towards the puppies, tell her off immediately, as such behavior is unacceptable in your presence. Every time you handle the puppies, thorough handwashing and hand sanitization are necessary. If they are huddled together and sleeping close to the heat lamp, it means they are cold. You should experiment with the height of the heat lamp and adjust the temperature accordingly. It contains essential nutrients that are crucial for their development, survival and strengthening of their immune system. If a puppy is too weak and cannot get enough milk, you should recognize that immediately. These pups will not thrive without supplementing their feeding with a milk replacer. Our recommendation is Royal Canin Babydog Milk, which is available in a kit with a nursing bottle, and you only need warm water to prepare it. Simply mix the powder with water, shake well, and it is ready to be fed. The First Week It takes a minimum of 3 days for the mother to adjust to the new situation, become comfortable with cleaning the puppies, nursing them, and start bonding with them. During the first week, she should never be left alone with the puppies, no matter how good she seems to be. Since she can accidentally lie on top of them, she should be placed in a lying position, and the puppies should only be allowed near her nipples. You should make sure that the pups are not near the sides of the whelping box, as they can get trapped and suffocate when the mom moves. It is important to maintain the appropriate temperature, both in the room and under the heat lamp, while monitoring the puppies. Daily ventilation is necessary, and during that time, the puppies should be covered with a blanket. Due to the sensitivity and pain from the incision, the Frenchie mom should only be taken for a quick walk and should not be allowed to jump. She should be kept in a secure place where she cannot access the puppies. It is normal for the mother to experience bleeding as part of the postpartum process. Feed her in the morning and evening. If she does not eat the regular food, which is likely to happen, you need to cook for her. Boil lean white meat in plain, unsalted water and mix it with a small amount of cooked rice. If she enjoys it, you can add cooked vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or pumpkins. Read this article to learn more about how the pups develop in their first few weeks. Second Week By this time, feeding the pups every 4 hours is sufficient. They become stronger during this week and start eating on their own, so there is no need to keep them on the nipple. At this stage, the mother dog becomes very attached to the puppies and enjoys being with them. There is no need to visit a vet for this. Using a sharp, sterilized nail clipper, carefully cut each stitch and then disinfect the area. Third Week The puppies become much stronger during this week, and feeding every 5 hours is sufficient at this stage. Their eyes are fully open, and they start to interact with each other, which is the most adorable phase. They push themselves up with their front paws and begin to stand on their feet. Fourth Week During the fourth week, the puppies begin to learn how to walk but may still be a bit unsteady. They will require more space from now on to move around freely and play. If the weather is nice, you can start taking them outdoors on a blanket towards the end of the fourth week. You can also begin training them to use doggy pads in a separate area, preferably in one corner. Towards the end of the week, you can start introducing weaning with warm water-soaked Royal Canin Starter food, thoroughly blended to a liquid consistency. Initially, you can apply it on their tongue and gradually assist them in standing next to the food bowl. Start with small portions and they will grow to enjoy it. You can also give them water, but only in very small amounts to prevent choking. What treatments should the puppies get The puppies need to be dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old. At 10 weeks a booster shot of the combination vaccine At 12 weeks against rabies At 14 weeks against kennel cough optional. Talk to them to help them get accustomed to human voices and human presence. As they begin to grow, take them out regularly, hold them in your lap, show them affection, and make it natural for them to receive attention. Once they start walking, introduce them to different locations apart from their own designated area. Allow them to explore certain parts of the house, where they can encounter unfamiliar smells, sounds, and objects, of course, within safe limits. Start teaching them to distinguish between what is allowed and what is not. Let them interact with children and elderly individuals, but ensure that everyone handles them gently and with care. Ultimate Guide. No, you cannot just start breeding your French Bulldog. French Bulldogs have many, many special medical needs and are prone to birth defects and other issues if poor breeding takes place. French Bulldog breeding is hard. Frenchies are notoriously stubborn to breed effectively and safely. French Bulldog females are often totally incapable of giving natural birth due to hip dysplasia hips are weakened and too narrow for natural birth. This means breeding your female french bulldogs will often require a caesarian section c-section. Further, French Bulldog puppies are incredibly delicate and must have around-the-clock care in order to ensure the litter is breathing well, eating well, and not too hot or cold. French Bulldog Breeding and Health Concerns French Bulldogs are replete with health concerns and breeders work year after year trying to improve the overall health and well-being of the breed by selecting champion international pedigrees, paying thousands for top quality studs, and going so far as to rely on modern bio-genetic engineering to try and filter out fatal health conditions in their puppies. French Bulldogs are prone to fatal breathing problems due to pinched nostrils known as stenotic nares , an elongated soft palette, and hyperventilation due to excessive exercise, exhaustion, and overheating. Breeding French Bulldogs with health issues is the primary cause of the continuation and proliferation of genetic health issues in the breed. Breeding a rare breed of dog like Frenchies is difficult and when done wrong, only hurts the animal and their offspring, and continues to weaken the conformation of the breed. Backyard French Bulldog breeding is a terrible thing to do or attempt to do. If you have no experience breeding French Bulldogs, then we are begging you, please do not try. Consult with a professional breeder first. Breeders do not breed and show their champion animals for profit. They breed French Bulldogs to try and help the breed live longer, healthier lives by breeding out or circumventing bad health problems. The French Bulldog Club of America will not permit French Bulldogs who have had any medical procedures other than removal of the dewclaws. This is critical to preserving and protecting the breed. French Bulldogs are one of the most celebrated dog breeds of all time, but poor and immoral breeding practices has resulted in the proliferation of health issues among the breed.

Why should you consider French Bulldog puppies from happykennels. Is their more than 1 breeder for site or kennel? I was a licensed French bulldog breeder through Pinellas Animal Control for 14 years. My license number was .For past 2 years, I've been breeding in the Tampa Bay area. I don't breed a cheap French Bulldog. I have a quality bloodline. Bloodline is the most important factor when owning a French Bulldog. A healthy French Bulldog bloodline is key! French Bulldogs are by far the most awesome dog to be part of anyone's family. Breeding rights are NOT given. I will always be here for my pups and or help to their families regarding questions or concerns. Red is not a fad color. A Furever Friend There is a reason why French Bulldog puppies have become so many folks favorite dog. Any first timers, I promise you will understand within a week of having one. They are people pleasing manipulators with unconditional love. They know how to work a crowd or individual. First week around new environment, they are so good and study everything you may like or dislike and they will remember it. Bullheaded, clownish, mischievous, lover baby, couch potato is just a start to their shenanigans. They will end up knowing you better than you know you and make you laugh, cry and proud maybe all in the same day. For an emotional support animal, there is no better choice. They are a natural as long as they had a proper upbringing. Along with very little grooming and exercise required, they will charm you with their le chic. Luckily, I have French Bulldog puppies for sale in Florida. Only thing better than having one os two. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. We work hard to maintain the highest standards of health and pedigrees to ensure that our puppies grow into healthy and happy adults. That is how we match french bulldog puppies with their families forever. We are dedicated to providing you with the best service and support throughout the entire process, from selecting your frenchton to bringing them home We certainly know how exciting it is to bring a new french bulldog puppie into the family. For this reason we bring to you the most frequently asked doubts: asked by our frenchies lovers before taking a new puppy home. Are french bulldog easy to train? French bulldog puppies are not the easiest to train, but not the most difficult either. It is important to stick to a routine patiently for 6 to 8 months to let your furry understand it. Please take into account that it is a puppy, from month 8 onwards you can do more strong activities such as jumping or running as it will be appropriately grown to do so. Is french bulldog smart? Tenderly called Frenchies, this breed is considered active, well-behaved and intelligent according to the American Kennel Club AKC , their owners and soon you will too! They are considered the most intelligent breed among bulldogs. French bulldogs puppies like to be the center of attention but are also eager to please their family members. Are french bulldog lazy? This is one of the most common myths about french bulldogs. Are they lazy? Having a proper exercise routine is important to control their weight. Playing with other dogs or with their parents is one of their favorite activities as well, They will be just as happy with you in the car or lying on the couch, but it will be up to you to create healthy and active habits for them.

Schedule appointment We Love our Owners as much as our Puppies! We are a breeders specializing in Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians. Not only do we love our puppies, we want what is best for the owners as well! Our dogs are carefully selected and bred to ensure that we are producing quality family members with great temperaments. They are a part of our family and all of of our puppies are raised in our home to make sure they receive as much love and care as possible! Our goal is to raise happy, healthy, well socialized puppies that make each family very happy. We want to help you find the perfect puppy so ask as many questions as you would like and we will be happy to answer them all! We feed all our dogs Life's Abundance. Give your dog a high quality, orthopedic bed that is built to last. Free Shipping. Stop buying throw away pillow beds, invest in a Kuranda bed for life. Made in USA. Elevated Off the Ground. Easy to Clean. We love caring and connecting with animals and creating everlasting relationships. We provide boarding for your fur baby as if they were our own, and ensure that they receive the highest quality care while you're away. Reliable and Trustworthy Caretakers When you live a busy life, it is hard to consistently provide the attention and care that your pets can demand. With years of satisfied owners and loved pets, you can rely on us to care for your pets when you're away. Satisfaction Guaranteed We are always prepared for any pet's needs and ensure that your pet will receive the best care and love. Their happiness and care is our priority and we strive to provide a service we would want our own pets to receive. Contact Us. Nature has a way of changing our plans sometimes. We cannot put in an order for the correct amount of females or males. We will also only breed if we have a substantial amount of commitment deposits for that litter. Please be patient, we are committed to find the right puppy for you, it might even be with another breeder we recommend that would better fit your needs. Phoenix, Arizona. We breed quality Golden Retrievers for service, therapy, facility, hunting and pets. Sires we pick have all of the same health certifications as well. Which means that our goals for being a good breeder revolve around Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility and Tradition. Our local owners enjoy six weeks of free puppy classes after they take their pups home and have unlimited counseling with us and our trainer. Family Pets Goldens are made to love We believe Golden Retrievers are the best for all types of owners. They are so gentle that you can be assured your loved ones are safe around these wonderful dogs with responsible training. Service, Therapy and Facility Dogs goldens are made to serve We breed for service, therapy and facility dogs at a high quality. All of our puppies are trained as if they are going into service. We typically have about pups in every litter that go into service of some kind. We usualy donate one puppy out of every litter. It is our tithe and a gift we love to give to someone in need. Our Training Mission goldens are made to work We strive for excellence in our training program. All puppies are introduced to many sounds, textures and surfaces to create a confident dog. We offer complimentary 6 weeks of puppy Socialization and Obedience with their litter mates. Testimonials "Quality parentage and conscientious breeding standards.He is beyond eager to learn. She has truly changed our lives, especially our daughters life. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Arizona Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Arizona? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Arizona? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are affectionate, obedient and loyal to a fault. Originally bred as a hunting dog for retrieving waterfowl it makes an ideal pet for any type of family. They make a great family dog because of its patience, versatility, and adaptability. A golden retriever is super easy to train because of how smart and devoted they are to their owner. Goldens are gentle and playful with children and other pets, making them a perfect family pet. Their coat comes in various shades of gold and is dense, waterproof and may be wavy or straight. Discover more about our Golden Retriever puppies below! Interestingly, the Golden Retriever is very calm and relaxed indoors despite its hunting roots. However, they immensely enjoy activities, such as carrying objects around in its mouth and a good game of catch. The breed is faithful, obedient and easy to train. Golden Retriever Disposition The Golden Retriever does best when kept inside with the family, though it needs daily exercise. The Golden Retriever is very playful. Not surprisingly, it lives up to its name as a great retriever, excelling in games of catch and carrying objects around in its mouth. While it enjoys active time outdoors, the Golden Retriever is calm indoors — making it a great household pet for anyone. They do especially well with kids too. This breed is highly regarded for its love of human companionship. It is faithful, obedient and picks up easily on new commands. The Golden Retriever is among the easiest breeds to train. Its enthusiasm for learning new tricks and the ability to quickly and easily understand new commands makes it a pleasure to own and train. See store for details on this particular puppy. American Canine Association.

Cute golden retriever. A delightful image of a playful and charming labrador retriever, captured in vector art. Author Unknown. From timeless classics to modern gems, these names are pawfect for your golden girl. Six of the puppies are golden cream in color and two are a little darker. He is highly intelligent, courageous, and protective without being an overly aggressive dog. Fluffy Golden pup on bench. Taken separately or as a whole, each of these seventeen traits endears the Golden Retriever to us and … There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy … Cute golden retriever dog looking surprised with big eyes while. Golden retriever dog names don't have to be serious! Maximize the adorableness of your new pup by encouraging the kids to suggest names, or do a social-media callout .Is steady-tempered and dependable with everyone. Bailey is the most popular name, having received more likes than any other in this list of Golden Retriever Names for boy dogs. Free for personal, educational, editorial or non-commercial use. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Cute Golden retriever portrait vector illustration. Are you maximizing your golden retriever potential? You have to maximize your golden retriever, because this breed has unlimited potential. If you love your Golden or just want one to love, celebrate them through coloring! Today, the Golden Retriever. Published on February 3, by Kelsie Weisenberger. Find Golden Retriever puppies for sale. Fluffy pup in a basket on grass. Goldens Shine in Dog Sports. Published on June 29, .Scrawny Golden pup in yard. Get your doodle a teddy bear cut and watch him break the cuteness scale. Cody: Jane Alexander. Sandy — inspired by the beautiful golden sands of a sunny beach; this name is perfect for a dog who loves to paddle in the sea. Boy Photography Poses. Playful Energy Sharing our love for Golden Retrievers! Follow us on all your favorite Social Media! Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Youtube! Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Top Name. Champagne is a region of France made famous by its production of the alcoholic beverage of the same name. Tess: James Gaddis. They're exceptionally clever dogs, and can often be found helping the blind, the police, and even rescue services. Have a look through these unique golden retriever names for creative names and inspiration. Chunky Golden pup running through yard. Golden Retriever coloring page. Dog Pictures. Cutest Golden Retriever Names. Is peaceful with other animals. The furs of Golden Retrievers are multi-layered. These dogs are both very popular, and breeding them together makes a fantastic dog! They still retain the excellent … A Golden Retriever by this name can be a very spoiled but sweet and loyal pet. Gaelic name meaning "dark stream", this is just a cute name for a laid-back Golden. This vide is the cutest thing ever! Amelia meets Buddy for the first time. We wake Amelia up with Buddy and look how happy she is to see him! It's so adorably cute to watch her with such innocence jus From the easily recognizable Goldendoodle to a host of other cute varieties, here are 10 of the best Golden Retriever mixes. A video on TikTok has people cooing over a golden retriever puppy in a clip with over 4. Ever dependable, they are smart, playful and gentle with children. Easy Golden Retriever Coloring Page. Golden Retrievers are featured in movies, TV shows, comics, and novels, and for good reason. Free or royalty-free photos and images. A Golden Retriever is an attention hog, and they put their paws on their owners to get and hold their attention. Dog House. He was a loyal and friendly dog who always had a positive attitude. Golden Retriever, sitting, 8 years old. Do you really give him the Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Centennial, CO. Read on to discover 19 of the cutest golden retriever mixes below! Girl Photo Poses. Check out some of our greatest videos below! Fluffy Animals. Joyce Brackney Yreka, CA .Three cute golden retriever puppies. Currently, this page has about 51, followers who look forward to the daily Feb 20, - Explore Emily Jo's board "Golden retriever wallpaper" on Pinterest. Bo: timothy Leary. Teddy, a golden retriever … This kids coloring book is full of cute and adorable golden retrievers for you to color! The perfect gift for kids! Enjoy hours of fun while bringing out the artist in you! Inside this coloring book, The cost of a Golden Retriever. Find the perfect name for your Golden Retriever boy puppy. Their exterior furs are lengthy and seamless, with a wavy and luxurious undercoat. They have a certain charm and sweetness that is perfect for a pup like the Golden. Here, find 10 Golden Retriever dog names that pay homage to those glossy, golden coats. Golden Retriever Names: Stats. Dogs are man's best … Happy dog. Enter: the near-perfect golden cavalier. Vote up the cutest, sweetest Golden Retriever pictures below. Not sure if the kids are ready? AKC Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers have long been near the … Check out our golden retriever cute selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our pet portraits shops. Goldendoodle or Groodle Goldendoodle is a mix between a Golden … Is large, athletic, and natural-looking. In … Check out our cute golden retriever selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our garden decoration shops. Stella Golden Retrievers are known for their adorable and playful nature, making them a favorite breed among dog lovers. Golden retrievers are sweet-tempered. Related wallpaper galleries. Buddy was a Golden Retriever who could play basketball, football, and soccer. Dogs and technology Cutest Golden Retriever Names. Additionally, they are biddable willing to learn and follow instructions. The video has been shared on the Instagram page that is dedicated to this cute Golden Retriever dog named Rio Nimesh. Goldens are very loyal, and need a whole lot of time to run around and play. Cartoon Golden Retriever Sitting. Looking for grooming style ideas for your Golden Retriever? We've gathered up 10 Best chihuahua haircuts from all over the internet for you! Tell us which one is your favorite! The Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable, friendly, affectionate, and all-around loyal companion. Molly — Rebellious — Golden — Traditional. Show Cut. For their appearance, they are often prominent show dogs. It is a good idea to keep in mind that you do not have to pay to adopt a dog as long as you are … Can we hit LIKES on this video? Luna: Luna means the moon. Royalty-free images. Cute golden retriever puppy holding a red rose in its mouth in a red present box on a white background. If MTV Cribs had a canine reboot, there's no doubt that this lucky pup's pad would be the show-stopper. See more ideas about retriever, cute dogs, cute puppies. Someone with so much love they can lift the spirits of a broken heart. Has a pretty feathered coat. Our stats suggest that they are less fashionable than they were six months ago. Golden Retrievers are fluffy, loyal, loving, and above else, totally adorable. This is our most extensive list of golden retriever names. Golden Retrievers are some of the purest and most precious things on Earth. Golden puppy Follow along with us and learn how to draw a golden retriever! Cute Puppies Shedding is pretty common and hair fall can be a menace to you if your Golden is shedding excessively. So, whether you consider a nifty trick or just a well-behaved dog cute, the Golden Retriever has the smarts to be trained to rise to the occasion. Learn more about Goldens Retrievers. Mixing a golden retriever with any smaller breed will result in the big golden personality in a tinier package. Golden retriever. Beethoven: Beethoven was a very famous musician and an immensely popular name for golden retrievers. Learn more. Find your perfect golden retriever image. Attribution is required in case of distribution. Epona — This amazing and creative name is inspired by a fictional horse from the Legend of Zelda series! Be sure to subscribe, make sure to enable ALL push notifications! Cute 3 golden retriever puppies wallpaper sitting together. Pups can be viewed right now though and we're accepting deposits. Puppy Dog Sitting. Golden Retrievers originally came into prominence because of the desire for a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game and waterfowl. Dona — Lady — Golden — Classic. The most suited name for a dog who you love to the moon and back. Dog breeds Vector Collection: Set of 30 different dog breeds in cartoon style. Photo by Johannnes Wikimedia commons. Gunner: A gunner is someone who hunts with a gun- what better name for hunting dogs like golden retrievers. They can be orange, cream, dark brown, gray, or black in color, although most are golden. Cute Animals. Names After Famous Golden Retrievers. As of September , Golden Retriever Names are trending down with new puppy owners. They began as a mix of Retrievers, Spaniels, and Red Setter. View Available Puppies. What is your favourite clip? Hope yo Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Seattle, WA. Age : Puppy. For some dogs, it may be hard to find where to find golden retriever puppies for adoption for free. You may also like wallpapers from these galleries. This cut has many small details that your groomer will be able to make to show off your golden retriever's beautiful locks. No membership required. See more ideas about cute dogs, puppies, cute puppies. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also … Cute golden retriever dog looking surprised with big eyes while. Foto Ideas The Golden Retriever is a friendly and intelligent breed of dog known for its luscious golden coat and gentle temperament. Ah, the classic golden retriever. The pet dog's female owner is running behind the dog, playing a happy game of chase. Violet: Maureen Mccormick. Teddy Bear Cut. Once you have everything close at hand, you can start working on your golden retriever sketch. Golden-Retriever Puppies. Let your golden's natural beauty shine with this low-maintenance, natural cut. Three cute golden retriever puppies Young purebred golden retriever puppies outdoors in the nature on grass meadow on a sunny summer day. Contact Us Call: Text: .Bailey is the most popular name, having received more likes than any other in this list of Golden Retriever Names for girl dogs. Now onto the cutest golden retriever girl names and their meaning! Name — Meaning — Color — Variation Category. Pontiac: Betty White. Deemed the most popular goldendoodle style by Danna Alexander, professional groomer and owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School, the teddy bear cut gives your dog cuddly, rounded features. So, God created the golden. He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility … A cute and energetic golden retriever runs toward the camera with a ball in his mouth. Free pictures to download and use in your next project. Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera. Train your golden retriever, spend time with your golden retriever and you will get hours and hours of pleasure from this breed. Watch the cute video featuring the toddler and Golden Retriever dog below: Since being shared a few hours ago, the video has garnered more than 2. Grammy: Enrique Iglesias. Download high quality Golden Retriever clip art graphics. First, with your pencil you need to draw a nice big circle slightly toward the right-hand side of the paper. Key Characteristics: Adaptable, lively. Flat-Coated Retriever Puppies. Countdown of the most adorable golden retriever puppy clips on YouTube. With lots of choices on the internet, it's impossible to find the best ones, but we tried. They're also extremely cute, and the only thing that I find sweeter than a Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever puppy! Goldie — Precious metal gold — Golden — Classic. Hamptonville, NC .Bella — Beautiful — Golden — Vintage. Browse 26, authentic golden retriever stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional golden retriever puppy or labrador retriever stock images to find the right photo at the right size and … 1, Free images of Golden Retriever. The show cut does not require much cutting, just trimming the fur along with the paws, ears, and sanitary areas. Golden Retriever. Public Domain adult golden retriever lying on grass during day, golden retiver; xpx. Check out our compilation video of the best golden retriever moments! For the spoiling, nurturing and whole-heartedly pet-obsessed, The Pet Collective is a playground that cultivates com Moved Permanently. CKC Goldendoodles. Healthy breakfast besides with tea, fruits and sweets. Golden Retriever Cute Names As puppies, golden retrievers are among the most adorable dogs, but as they grow, their faces retain a gentle, friendly face with soulful, piercing eyes. Golden retriever pups. So here are few quotes and saying about Golden Retrievers that we gathered up for you. Golden Retrievers Video. Red Golden Retrievers have a coat that's darker than your standard Goldie's - one that's reddish in color, but no less adorable! G ood morning, world! Or should we say, "Good morning, Hank! Hope you find this article Golden retrievers are truly "man's best friend". Has a cheerful, tail-wagging nature. Weight Range: pounds. Cool Girl Pictures. Before you start drawing your golden retriever, get a sketchbook or plain white paper, a pencil, eraser, and a black pen. Ad ID : .Golden Retriever pets dog puppy. Golden Retriever Dog Breed Infographic. See more ideas about retriever, dogs and puppies, puppies. See more ideas about retriever, dogs, golden retriever. Download Cute Golden Retriever Dog stock photos. Jessica Comstock. Seventeen reasons why Golden Retrievers are so cute. An iconic American dog, the Golden Retriever is playful and hard-working. Over 4. Bambi: Kyle Richards. Animal Pictures. Cute golden retriever dog at home working on laptop. AKC Breeders of Merit. Stay organized with collections Save and categorize content based on your preferences. Google image SEO best practices Google provides several Search features and products that help users visually discover information on the web, such as the text result images , Google Discover, and Google Images. While each feature and product looks different, the general recommendations for getting images to appear in them is the same. You can optimize your images to appear in Google's search results by following these best practices: Optimize the image landing pages Help us discover and index your images The technical requirements for getting your content in Google's search result applies to images too. 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The srcset attribute allows specifying different versions of the same image, specifically for different screen sizes. It offers a fallback approach so the browser can choose the right image depending on device capabilities, like pixel density and screen size. The picture element also comes in handy for using new image formats with built-in graceful degradation for clients that may not yet support the new formats. Per section 4. It's also a good idea to have the extension of your filename match with the file type. You can also inline images as Data URIs. For more on this, refer to the section on pros and cons of inlining images on our web. Optimize for speed and quality High-quality photos appeal to users more than blurry, unclear images. Also, sharp images are more appealing to users in the result thumbnail and can increase the likelihood of getting traffic from users. That said, images are often the largest contributor to overall page size, which can make pages slow and expensive to load. Make sure to apply the latest image optimization and responsive image techniques to provide a high quality and fast user experience. Analyze your site speed with PageSpeed Insights and visit our Why does speed matter? Optimize the image landing pages While not immediately obvious, the content and metadata of the pages where an image is embedded can have a great influence on how and where the image may appear in Google's search results. Check your page title and description Google Search automatically generates a title link and snippet to best explain each result and how it relates to the user query. This helps users decide whether or not to click on a result. Here are two examples how the title links and snippet might look like on a Google search result page: We use a number of different sources for this information, including information in the title and meta tags for each page. You can help us improve the quality of the title link and snippet displayed for your pages by following Google's title and snippet guidelines. Add structured data If you include structured data, Google can display your images in certain rich results , including a prominent badge in Google Images, which give users relevant information about your page and can drive better targeted traffic to your site. Follow the general structured data guidelines as well as any guidelines specific to your structured data type; otherwise your structured data might be ineligible for rich result display in Google Images. In each of these structured data types, the image attribute is a required field to be eligible for a badge and rich result in Google Images. Here are two examples how rich results might look like on Google Images: Use descriptive filenames, titles, and alt text Google extracts information about the subject matter of the image from the content of the page, including captions and image titles. Wherever possible, make sure images are placed near relevant text and on pages that are relevant to the image subject matter. Likewise, the filename can give Google very light clues about the subject matter of the image. When possible, use filenames that are short, but descriptive. For example, my-new-black-kitten. Avoid using generic filenames like image1. If your site has thousands of images, you might want to consider automating the naming of the images. If you localize your images, remember to also translate the filenames, keeping in mind the URL encoding guidelines if you're using non-latin or special characters. The most important attribute when it comes to providing more metadata for an image is the alt text text that describes an image , which also improves accessibility for people who can't see images on web pages, including users who use screen readers or have low-bandwidth connections. Google uses alt text along with computer vision algorithms and the contents of the page to understand the subject matter of the image. Also, alt text in images is useful as anchor text if you decide to use an image as a link. When writing alt text, focus on creating useful, information-rich content that uses keywords appropriately and is in context of the content of the page. Avoid filling alt attributes with keywords also known as keyword stuffing as it results in a negative user experience and may cause your site to be seen as spam. Opt out of Google Images inline linking If you choose, you can prevent the full-sized image from appearing in the Google Images search results page by opting out of inline linking in Google Images search results. To opt out of inline linking: When your image is requested, examine the HTTP referrer header in the request. Google will still crawl your page and see the image, but will display a thumbnail image generated at crawl time in search results. This opt-out is possible at any time, and doesn't require re-processing of a website's images. This behavior isn't considered image cloaking and won't result in manual actions. Alternatively, you can prevent the image from appearing in search results entirely. Optimize for SafeSearch SafeSearch is a setting in Google user accounts that specifies whether to show, blur, or block explicit images, videos, and websites in Google Search results. 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Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption.

Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bernedoodle Overview The Bernedoodle is a companion dog, through and through. The breed inherits the intelligence of its Poodle parents and the charming, goofy, happy-go-lucky temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Sometimes they get more Poodle traits, and other times they more closely resemble the Bernese. That said, fans of Bernedoodles adore their friendliness, playfulness, intelligence, and affection. They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, which is a blessing for allergy sufferers. In addition to their personalities, Bernedoodles can differ in appearance. Their coats can be curly and wavy or straight and come in a variety of colors. They come in three sizes; tiny, miniature, and standard. These sizes are determined by the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard. Bernedoodles are fairly adaptable and go with the flow. Smaller sized Bernedoodles make better apartment pets than Standard Bernedoodles, who do best with a yard to burn off energy. This breed has moderate exercise needs that are usually met with at least one long daily walk. Bernedoodle Highlights Gentle and loving: Bernedoodles are known for their gentle and loving personalities. They are good with children and other pets. Intelligent and trainable: Bernedoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They can learn basic commands quickly and can be trained to perform more complex tasks. Hypoallergenic: Bernedoodles are considered to be hypoallergenic, which means they are less likely to shed and cause allergies in people. Active but adaptable: Bernedoodles are active dogs that need a moderate amount of exercise. However, they are also adaptable and can do well in apartments or homes with small yards. Loyal and devoted: Bernedoodles are loyal and devoted dogs that make great companions. They are always happy to see their owners and love to cuddle. If you are looking for a loving, intelligent, and hypoallergenic dog, the Bernedoodle may be the right breed for you. Here are some additional details about the Bernedoodle breed: Size: Bernedoodles are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 45 and 90 pounds. Lifespan: Bernedoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Coat: Bernedoodles have a wavy or curly coat that can be either single- or double-coated. Colors: Bernedoodles can be a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and cream. Bernedoodles are a relatively new breed, so there is still some debate about their exact origins. However, it is believed that they were first bred in the United States in the early s. The goal was to create a dog that was hypoallergenic and had the best qualities of both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Bernedoodles are becoming increasingly popular dogs. They are a good choice for families with children and other pets. They are also a good choice for people with allergies. If you are thinking about getting a Bernedoodle, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. Bernedoodle History The Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed. While this is considered a designer breed, they do appear in shelters, and rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs will sometimes work with mixes of those breeds. There is no reason that you have to rely on a breeder for a Bernedoodle, and you should always adopt before shopping. Bernedoodle Size There are three sizes of Bernedoodle: tiny, miniature, and standard. These result from the size of the Poodle parent, which can be toy, mini, or standard size. The Tiny Bernedoodle stands at 12 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs about 10 to 24 pounds. The Miniature Bernedoodle stands at 18 to 22 inches tall and weighs 25 to 49 pounds. The Standard Bernedoodle stands at 23 to 29 inches and weigh 70 to 90 pounds. Males are generally larger than females. Bernedoodle Personality Bernedoodles seem to get many of the best personality traits from the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle breeds. Exactly which traits they inherit from their parents can differ a bit, though, and individual personalities of dogs within the breed vary. Bernedoodles tend to be highly intelligent, hardworking when necessary, loyal, and just a bit goofy. They are good with children and other dogs, provided they have been well socialized. Once they begin training, their intelligence helps them pick up commands more easily than other dogs. Bernedoodles can have high energy levels and crave attention and at least moderate exercise. They do best in homes where they are not left alone for long periods of time. Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles do better with apartment and city life than Standard Bernedoodles. Generally, they want nothing more than to be with their humans and are just as ready to go outside and play with them as they are to join them on the couch for cuddles. Bernedoodle Health Bernedoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, including: Hip dysplasia : This is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit together properly, causing pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia : This is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Bloat: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA : This is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. Hereditary cataracts : These are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause vision problems. Demodex mange : This is a skin condition caused by mites. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD : This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Hypothyroidism : This is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. It is important to take your Bernedoodle to the vet for regular checkups to monitor their health and catch any potential problems early. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of these health problems so that you can seek treatment promptly if necessary. Here are some tips for keeping your Bernedoodle healthy: Feed them a healthy diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Make sure they get plenty of exercise. Keep them at a healthy weight. Brush their teeth regularly. Take them to the vet for regular checkups. By following these tips, you can help your Bernedoodle live a long and healthy life. Bernedoodle Care Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles are more suited to apartment life, while Standard Bernedoodles do better with a nice yard to run around. They love being around their humans, so the less time they spend alone, the better. Like Poodles, Bernedoodles are quite intelligent, which means they can learn bad habits just as easily as good ones. It is important to keep up with training. Early socialization and exposure to other dogs and humans is always a good idea and will help keep them well-behaved when meeting new people or pets. Bernedoodle Feeding The appropriate amount to feed a Bernedoodle depends on their size, age, and activity level, which means it is highly individualized. You should ask your veterinarian for dietary recommendations that suit your particular dog. Sometimes Bernedoodles can have straighter coats, which shed more and are less hypoallergenic. The thickness of their coat helps this breed thrive in cool temperatures while providing them a fair amount of protection from the heat of summer months, as well. The color of Bernedoodle coats have quite a range. Some are pure black, others are black and white, and others are black and brown. Sometimes Bernedoodles are tri-colored with patches of black, white, and brown. They may even have other colors, as well. The most popular coat colors and markings for people seeking a Bernedoodle tend to resemble the tri-colored Bernese Mountain Dog. Because they shed less, they need to be brushed more often to prevent their coat from getting matted. Their coat must also be trimmed every few months, depending on how quickly it grows. Bernedoodle Children And Other Pets Bernedoodles are excellent for families with children, though it is always important to make sure children are instructed on how to properly treat animals, especially with Tiny and Miniature Bernedoodles that may be injured more easily. This breed is affectionate and loves to play, and they absolutely adore spending time with their families. Bernedoodles usually do well with other dogs, but it is important to begin socialization at an early age and keep up with it to make sure they are comfortable around new animals. Bernedoodle Rescue Groups Please search your local area for Bernedoodle up for adoption. Bernedoodle Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues More Info For You. About Bernedoodles About Bernedoodles The bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This hybrid blends the clever goofiness of the poodle, with the placid loyalty of the Bernese. I believe the bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. Although many are stunning, they are not bred for the show ring. They are meant to be at your side no matter whether you are hiking, snowshoeing, or lying on the couch watching a movie. Their only job is to be your best friend. No two bernedoodles are identical. That said, prospective owners must understand that there can be a lot of variation in a hybrid litter, and must therefore choose a breeder who can help match them with the best dog for their circumstances. Purebreds may be the preferred choice for people who want predictability. When I was writing descriptions of my dogs, I was struck by the consistency of the traits among the purebreds. With some minor variations, one well-bred Berner is very similar to the next: sweet, loving, and calm. One well-bred poodle is also very similar to the next: playful, intelligent, and goofy. This has led not only to health problems, but also to temperament issues. Poorly bred Berners may be extremely stubborn and skittish. Poorly bred poodles may be hyper and neurotic. It is incredibly difficult to find healthy Bernese and poodles with calm temperaments that also happen to be gorgeous. They are completely dedicated to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner and break its original bond. Berners are known for leaning on people to soak up all possible attention. Berners are exceptionally beautiful dogs with their distinctive tri-coloured coats. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese thrives in cold weather, and has a double coat that sheds quite heavily. This versatile breed does well in agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work. A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of just seven years. This is particularly sad when the Berner is known for being slow to mature, and somewhat challenging to train. Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand. The Poodle Everyone knows that the poodle ranks high on the canine intelligence scale. They are very trainable and excel in obedience. Most people are also aware that their low to non-shedding coat makes poodles a great choice for those with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog; it is believed to have originated as a water retriever in Germany. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colours. Where most dogs have double coats, poodles have a single-layer coat of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but does mat without proper care. A typical poodle is lively and playful, with a bouncy prance to its walk. It thrives best in a busy household, where it can get plenty of attention and stimulation. If bored, poodles may get into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Some poodles are high strung and sensitive to stress. They may have serious health problems, including eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Bernese Meets Poodle…Magic Ensues If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as the bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the poodle and the Bernese — two breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents. With careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the bernedoodle, the blend of the Bernese and the poodle produces a smart, friendly, playful dog. They tend to have the sweetness and loyalty of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Like the Bernese, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs. Most bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. Most of them have little need for personal space. My clients most commonly describe their bernedoodles as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, and loving. Despite my efforts to breed only the best purebreds, some offspring may inherit stubbornness or sensitivity from the Bernese. Their training requires patience, a light touch, and positive reinforcement. Further, from the poodle they can inherit an extremely high level of energy. In general, the bernedoodle is an intelligent, social, fun crossbreed with character and charisma. On the whole, bernedoodles tend to be quite similar to goldendoodles in nature, with the most notable difference being that the bernedoodle can be headstrong. This is more pronounced at the puppy stage, and tends to disappear when the bernedoodle is older and trained. Every dog has a different personality, but the two breeds have much in common, and those traits make them excellent family pets. Appearance Bernedoodles are usually pure black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colour black, white and brown , but I have seen other colours. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the poodle. Beyond colour, well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the Berner in a fairly consistent way. In short, bernedoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Many clients want a tri-color bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese mountain dog. That look is challenging to achieve, and people may have a long wait for it. Personally, I love bernedoodles of all colours. Temperament is far more important to me than colour and colours can fade. Coat Every bernedoodle has a different coat. The majority have a wavy coat that sheds minimally, if at all. Most people with allergies to dog dander i. However, the straighter the coat, the more it sheds, and the less suitable the dog will be for people with allergies. Bernedoodles with a curly coat are similar to the poodle and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, even if you have serious allergies to dander, you should do well with a curly-coated bernedoodle. Breeders can often tell by the time a dog is a few weeks old what type of coat it will have, and can help match you to the best coat type for your situation. If you are allergic to dog saliva, and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all bernedoodles regardless of coat type. Since there are no absolute guarantees with coat type, responsible breeders will give you some time to see if you are allergic to your puppy and will allow you to return the pup if it is not working out. Since most bernedoodles shed little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Sizes Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents and the vagaries of genetics. Females are usually smaller than males. A Standard Bernedoodle results from crossing a standard poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They will generally be 50 lbs and up, and around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lbs range. A mini bernedoodle results from crossing a miniature poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They generally range from 25 to 49 lbs, and are 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. A tiny bernedoodle results from crossing a toy poodle with a mini bernedoodle. They range from 10 to 24 lbs, and are about 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. These ranges capture the averages, but sometimes a pup will fall outside the expected height and weight. In terms of temperament, mini and tiny bernedoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard, to reflect the same in the miniature and toy poodle parents. However, using calm poodles, regardless of size, tends to produce docile bernedoodles. Different Generations F1 is a first generation cross in which the pup is 50 percent Bernese mountain dog and 50 percent poodle. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b is a backcross in which a bernedoodle is bred with a poodle. The puppy is 25 percent Bernese, and 75 percent poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Some breeders have backcrossed a bernedoodle with a Bernese, which results in a dog with more of the Bernese traits. I prefer not to breed this backcross as there is a greater likelihood of shedding. F2 is a second-generation cross in which an F1 bernedoodle is crossed with another F1 bernedoodle. If this is done for seven generations, a breeder could apply to register this dog as a purebred. The closer the generations come together, the more consistency there will be in the lines, but the genetic problems of the purebreds are more likely too reappear, and hybrid vigor diminishes. Some F2 pups may have an improper coat instead of the fleecy softness we love in the doodles. While bernedoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder will be able to give you an idea of what the pup will look like as an adult, based on what the parents have produced in the past and what traits they see in the pup. Health and Lifespan As a breed, the bernedoodle is still young, so there is limited information about longevity and health concerns. Of the hundreds of bernedoodles I have bred in the past decade, only few owners have reported a genetic health concern. Therefore, I am confident that hybrid vigor is indeed creating a healthier dog that will be with you for a long time. At this point, I can only estimate an average lifespan: I predict standard bernedoodles will live years, mini bernedoodles up to 17 years, and tiny bernedoodles up to 18 years. Usually, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives. While bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin problems, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix. Like any other breed of dog, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform a number of tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Bernedoodle Mismatch I believe the bernedoodle is a suitable dog for most people, with a few caveats: This is a very social dog that thrives on plenty of human interaction; if you have limited time for a dog, this may not be the breed for you. A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming. If your bernedoodle should happen to inherit the higher energy of the poodle or the stubbornness of the Bernese — or both! But if you have the time and enthusiasm, I predict your bernedoodle will become the best friend you ever had — at least of the canine variety. Watch me Grow. They were bred solely for companionship, so they love attention and lots of cuddles from their families. Bernedoodles are just as happy curling up on the couch as they are hiking a trail alongside their humans. They're playful and active dogs who can be willful as puppies but are highly trainable thanks to their big brains. Appearance Though Bernese mountain dogs have a black, tan, and white uniform, poodles can have a much wider range of coat colors. Because of this, Bernedoodles can vary in color. While they're typically tricolor like their mountain dog mom or dad, they can also be pure black, black and white, or a random mix. Their fur can also be curly like their poodle parent or straighter like a Bernese mountain dog. As a general rule, the straighter the coat, the more your Bernedoodle will shed. In both cases, the thickness of a Bernedoodle mane makes this breed suitable for colder temperatures. A curly Bernedoodle coat is typically sought-after because it's considered hypoallergenic. While no dog is percent allergen-friendly, this breed's coat can be a good option for those who tend to sneeze, sniffle, or itch around dogs. Bernedoodle breeders typically offer a tiny, miniature, and standard size, which allows for flexibility with the care and living needs of each pup. A smaller mix could easily live in an apartment as long as she gets plenty of walks and exercise. The standard Bernedoodle can reach up to 29 inches in height and weigh up to 90 pounds. A mini is between 18—22 inches tall and weighs 20—45 pounds. A "tiny," bred from a toy poodle, is only 12—17 inches and weighs 10—24 pounds, according to the United Bernedoodle Registry. Temperament Affectionate and playful, Bernedoodles are a perfect family pet. They are especially fond of younger kids and provide a wonderful lifelong companion as children grow into adults. Though they're intelligent pups , they tend to be goofy and love attention from their humans. Though they can't get enough of their family, Bernedoodles might first be apprehensive, sensitive, and skittish around strangers. As with all breeds, it's important to socialize your Bernedoodle puppy so she'll be comfortable and affectionate around new people, too. She can be very charming and charismatic with positive reinforcement training. Personal space is not a part of their vocabulary, and they should not be left alone much. Loneliness can result in separation anxiety, which could cause nervous habits like whining or chewing. They will end feeling more fulfilled and have less anxious, OCD behaviors. And no matter the size, this hybrid is especially gentle-natured and loves children. They're so gentle, in fact, they don't make good guard dogs: They bark infrequently and are more likely to befriend an intruder than scare them away. Care Most often, a Bernedoodle will have a wavy or curly coat that's ideal for those with allergies. In some cases, a Bernedoodle can have a straighter coat similar to that of a Bernese mountain dog. This means they'll shed more and might not agree with an owner who's allergic to pet dander. Once the litter is a few weeks old, a Bernedoodle breeder will be able to tell what kind of coat each puppy will have in order to match the right dog to the right owner. But with that curly coat comes a greater need for grooming. Bernedoodles don't shed much , so they'll need frequent brushing to prevent painful matting. Most doodles love being brushed, and the routine allows the owner to bond with their dog. Keep in mind a very curly, "hypoallergenic" dog will need a haircut every few months. Just because they're low-shedding doesn't mean they're low maintenance! They'll need daily walkies to burn off their energy, but so long as their physical needs are met, they likely won't turn to undesirable behaviors like digging to keep themselves entertained. They'll also need consistent social stimulation to reinforce positive behaviors. The more exposure they have to new pets and humans, the more likely they are to be well-behaved when introduced to a foreign person or situation. A Bernedoodle's smarts makes her typically easy to train. It also means she can learn behaviors good or bad quickly—that's why it's important to keep up with training, even past her puppy days. Training a Bernedoodle requires positive reinforcement and, in some cases, a high level of patience. Should the puppy inherit the Bernese's willfullness or the poodle's high energy, they'll need more of your time and attention. Health The Bernedoodle lifespan is 12—18 years. Luckily, the hybrid breed does not inherit the same health risks as the Bernese mountain dog. The Bernese side of their lineage has a life expectancy of only seven years and a high rate of cancer , hip and elbow dysplasia , heart disease , and epilepsy. And while Bernedoodles are far healthier than a purebred Bernese, they can still be "predisposed to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ocular diseases, and some allergies ," Christman says. Just be on the lookout for [warning signs like] excessive drooling and ability to gain some weight quickly. Hot spots are primarily caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. This is why it's so important to keep up with grooming—a Bernedoodle is more likely to pick at their skin when her coat is dirty and matted. History Being a relatively new breed, the history book on Bernedoodles is a short one. After years of breeding Bernese mountain dogs, Sherry Rupke of SwissRidge Bernedoodles wanted a way to make the purebreds more allergen-friendly and free from the health issues that plague the breed. Thus, the Bernedoodle or at least the first intentional pairing of a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle was born in .Now, dog owners everywhere have fallen in love with the loyal, loving breed that looks like a huggable teddy bear. She has more than 26, followers! Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig reportedly takes her mini Bernedoodle, Wizard, everywhere with her. Was this page helpful? February 7, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? When it comes to having the best of both worlds, Bernedoodles are it! These mixed breed designers pups were bred to be the perfect companion dog and quickly rose up in the ranks of popular puppy breeds over the last two decades! How do you know if a Bernedoodle is a right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Bernedoodles! Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels claims to be the very first breeder that purposely cross-bred two purebreeds: Standard Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dog. Since this breed is only approximately two decades old, the American Kennel Club still does not consider the Bernedoodle a purebred. Nevertheless, the rise in popularity has also led to many more breeders producing these pups. If you were interested in bringing a Bernedoodle home, while there are many reputable breeders that specialize in these pups, you can also find these pups in shelters or rescue groups that focus on Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, to potentially find these mixed pups! What are Bernedoodle Breed Characteristics? When it comes to range, few breeds can beat the Bernedoodle! These pups come in a variety of sizes and coat colors. Bernedoodles come in a few different sizes: tiny, miniature, medium, and standard. They can range in weight from ten pounds in the tiny category all the way to ninety pounds in the standard category. Along with variety in sizes, their coats can be within a range from completely black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colored with patches of either black, white, or brown. Probably the most common coat and markings people seek when looking for a Bernedoodle puppy is the tri-color variety that is in closer resemblance to the Bernese Mountain Dog. Depending on which side of their genetic makeup your pup takes after, some Bernedoodle pups coats can be curly, or wavy like the Standard Poodle and not shed as much making them a good candidate for parents who suffer from allergies. Other Bernedoodle pups can have straighter coats that have a tendency to shed more and are not hypoallergenic. What are Bernedoodles Personalities like? The Puppy Academy student, Hamilton! Goofy, smart, loyal to their families, and friendly, these pups have the best personality traits from both sides! Most Bernedoodles parents pick these pups because of their good demeanors and temperaments. Your puppy may lean toward the Standard Poodle side, depicting traits of high intelligence, hard-working, and loyal. Or your puppy can lean toward the Bernese Mountain Dog which is good-natured, confident, and affectionate. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs can be stubborn, in particular during their adolescent phase, and a bit aloof or standoffish toward strangers. With good basic obedience and early socialization, any Bernedoodle can make a great fit for a family and develop friendly demeanors toward new people. While these pups are considered to be working dogs and do require daily exercise, they are also content with hanging out with you at home. Moderate exercises such as one to two longer walks, with play sessions in between, a day is sufficient to burn off energy and keep your pup content! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles are better equipment for urban environment living whereas Medium to Standard sized Bernedoodles would need more space to exercise and play. No matter the size of your Bernedoodle puppy, they are going to need adequate exercise, which is why they do really well with active families! Tiny and Mini Bernedoodles will require a bit less activity and can adapt to tighter living spaces that come with urban environments such as apartments or condos. As for Medium to Standard-sized Bernedoodles which are taller and wider and can grow upwards of ninety pounds, they may be bumping into more coffee tables and have trouble fitting in the same hallway as you in smaller dwellings! For all sizes, access to either a fenced-in yard or a nearby park you can take them to is ideal for this breed! How to Care for Your Bernedoodle Puppy! When it comes to caring for your new Bernedoodle puppy, start off by scheduling a first veterinarian visit within the first week of bringing your puppy home! Like many large breed working dogs, Bernedoodle may suffer from joint dysplasia. Bernese Mountain Dogs have been known to suffer blood disorders, some cancers, and progressive retinal atrophy. Generally, Bernedoodles are healthy and sturdy especially if they come from a reputable breeder. General care for your Bernedoodle puppy will include brushing their teeth to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Floppy ears means they may be susceptible to ear infections so regularly check and clean them to avoid these from happening. Because their coat types can vary, depending on your puppy, if they have a curly coat you may need to frequently brush them to avoid matting. We recommend that you take your puppy to a professional groomer every few months to get their fur trimmed. The Puppy Academy student, Cali! Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule Bernedoodle puppies are smart and easily trained but they can have a stubborn streak as they get into their adolescence. Creating early structure at home can help mitigate this stubbornness by establishing daily routines your puppy can expect and also establish you as leader. Since Bernedoodles are made up of two intelligent hard-working breeds, basic obedience training with food positive reinforcement will benefit their behavioral growth! Socialize Your Bernedoodle Puppy with People, Children, and Other Pets Bernedoodles have friendly dispositions and make great family dogs, however, they can be standoffish to new people as they get older. Use Play to Help Train Them Tap into their playful nature and use your playtime sessions together to teach good manners! For example, use Fetch to teach your Bernedoodle how to come to you, Drop-it to give the toy back, then ask them to sit to teach polite manners as they learn to wait until you toss the toy again for them to get. Although Bernedoodles love to work, they sometimes need a bit more motivation! This can come with the aid of food rewards, and providing variation to their training routines to keep them engaged. Enrolling your puppy in training classes, or working with them by yourself at home using a program like our online puppy school will give you a plan to follow with basic training routines to teach your Bernedoodle good manners, as well as keep challenging them along the way so they never get bored, and advance their skillset! Did you recently bring home a Bernedoodle 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! A Bernedoodle also sometimes referred to as a Bernadoodle is a combination of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a toy, mini, or standard Poodle. Bernedoodles are known to be a friendly, happy go lucky, and mellow breed. Due to the Poodles sensitive nature and Bernese stubbornness, they will need firm yet gentle trainer. Bernedoodles are smart and eager to please. Basic training should begin as soon as you bring your Bernedoodle puppy home. Just remember that patience and consistency will be key! Bernedoodles are intelligent and will require mental stimulation and regular exercise to keep them happy and prevent them from becoming bored or obese. Due to the fact that they have a low to medium energy level, they typically do not require endless amounts of exercise. They are happy playing, romping, going for walks, and can even make a great jogging partner. Some Bernedoodles also like to swim! It is important to remember that not all Bernedoodles are the same and some may enjoy more or less exercise to keep them happy and healthy! This breed is often referred to as easy-going though they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training , playful, and loyal. They are very social and do best if they are not left alone for extended periods of time. The life expectancy of an Bernedoodle is between years. This seems like quite a large range right? Remember that in general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. It is important to keep in mind that many factors can affect their life expectancy such as diet, exercise, injury, genetics, etc. Since they were bred to be a working breed they can also be somewhat stubborn. Poodles on the other hand are non-shedding and typically have a longer lifespan. They are an extremely smart breed that is eager to please and often very easy to train. Did you know that Poodles were originally used as hunting dogs? The combination of these two breeds creates a smart, mellow dog that has a longer lifespan and is typically very low to non-shedding! There are several different generations of Bernedoodles. Most reputable Bernedoodle breeders will only cross a standard or moyen Poodle with a Bernese. Crossing a toy or mini Poodle with a Bernese often results in Bernedoodle puppies with short legs and a longer body like a Corgi. Most F1 Bernedoodles will be low shedding while others may shed moderately or not at all. F1b Bernedoodles tend to be a great choice for those with allergies because they have a higher percentage of Poodle. Most tend to shed very little or not at all. Yes and no. F2 Bernedoodle coats can be unpredictable due to the Bernese being IC improper coat affected. This means that they can produce puppies that do not shed at all, but they can also produce puppies that will be low or high shedders. Some F2 Bernedoodles will be furnished have doodle coats while others will be unfurnished no facial beard or doodle coat. Their percentages can be a mixture leaning towards either parent breed. When reputable breeders carefully plan and study their lines, multigens tend to be the most predictable generation when it comes to temperament, coat type, shedding factor, etc. Our multigen Bernedoodles typically are very low to non-shedding. However, sometimes we will intentionally pair two dogs together in order to create a litter that has some unfurnished coats. At Doodles of Oz we currently breed all 4 different coat types. An unfurnished Bernedoodle will have a straight, Bernese-like coat rather than a doodle coat. This means that they are more prone to shedding and are not normally recommended for those who suffer from allergies. Many unfurnished Bernedoodles do not shed as much as a full Bernese though! If you love the Bernese Mountain Dog but are looking for a similar dog that is expected to shed less and live longer or maybe even one that is smaller in size , then this may be the one for you! Bernedoodles are currently the only mix that we have with some unfurnished coats. Bernedoodle Temperament Conceived in the early s, the Bernedoodle is one of the youngest doodle dog breeds out there. Also known as a Bernepoo, Bernesedoodle, Bernesepoo, and Bernese mountain poo, these super easygoing dogs were bred to be calm and even-tempered. While Goldendoodles and Labradoodles are wonderful family pets, their high-energy temperament can make them a handful for more laid-back households. Enter the Bernedoodle, with the placid, loyal nature of its Bernese mountain dog mother and the intellect and low-shedding coat of its poodle father. Click the link to see all of the beautiful Bernedoodle puppies for sale we have ready to adopt today! Bernedoodle Dog Breed Overview Bernedoodles are loyal, smart and utterly adorable. Everything from their size, hypoallergenic potential, color, weight and demeanor can vary, but they always retain some characteristics from each parent. For example, a dog might inherit the curious, energetic nature from the poodle or be more stubborn and calm like the Bernedoodle parent. Smart, goofy and dedicated are just a few words that Bernedoodle owners regularly use to describe their beloved pets. Bernedoodle Designer Breed History Unlike many dogs on the designer breed registry, Bernedoodles have a well-known history. Originally developed by Bernedoodle breeder Sherry Rupke at SwissRidge Kennels, the first litter of two was born in .In addition to poodles and Bernese mountain parent dogs of various sizes, Rupke has added the Australian Labradoodle to her lines, resulting in the Australian Bernedoodle. These dogs have more consistent litters and tend to be somewhat hypoallergenic, even with straight or wavy coats. Where a dog like a golden retriever is bred to have a trusting, friendly temperament, Bernese dogs are reserved and suspicious of new people, making them slightly better guard dogs. Due to their history as herders and cart pullers, they might have a tendency to herd family members or other pets. Because of their intelligence, they require lots of stimulation and prefer to be with people rather than spending long periods of time alone. As working dogs, they were primarily duck hunters. They tend to favor one person and are very loyal and defensive of their owners. Poodles are one of the most popular choices for crossing purebred dogs because of their low- to no-shedding coat, which is more manageable than traditional dog fur. However, many pet owners prefer that their dog is less trusting and disinclined to approach unfamiliar people. Bernedoodles get very attached to their pet parents and require lots of attention and stimulation. A trip to the shops or an appointment should be fine, but no more than a few hours at a time or the dog may get anxious and fearful. Separation anxiety can result in unwanted behaviors such as accidents, barking, chewing and hyperactivity. Of course, this devotion is what makes them such wonderful companions for dog lovers. Second-generation F2 and multigenerational Bernedoodles might be smaller when a larger percentage of poodle is added into the mix. They usually measure between 12 and 17 inches and weigh between 10 and 24 pounds. Standard Bernedoodle Standard Bernedoodles take longer to mature than mini Bernedoodles and tiny Bernedoodles, which take 12 months each. On average, standard Bernedoodles weigh approximately 70 to 90 pounds. Appearance The Bernedoodle is a beautiful dog with a luscious coat and a teddy bear-like aesthetic. It has some adorable quirks when it comes to appearance. For instance, a Bernedoodle puppy often has a pink nose that turns black once the dog is fully matured. Straight Coat vs Wavy Coat vs Curly Coat In addition to different sizes of Bernedoodles, there are also different coat types: straight, wavy and curly. The latter is the most popular for many people, whether they have a family with mild allergies or simply want to minimize the amount of fur that makes its way onto their furniture. Doodles with curly fur shed less than their wavy or straight counterparts, but they have more stringent grooming needs. Straight coats are the easiest to manage grooming-wise but tend to shed more than wavy or curly coats. Because of their relatively normal shedding, this type of doodle is the least common. Wavy-coated Bernedoodles fall somewhere in the middle. Colors Bernedoodles coats can display in any combination of black, brown and white. All black is common, as is black and white or black and brown. In recent years, an even rarer gem has materialized: the merle Bernedoodle. These dogs have marbled grey coats with white and sometimes brown too. The Bernedoodle Breed and Family Life Bernedoodles are particularly well-suited to family life, even for first-time dog owners. They love being near people and are gentle and caring when it comes to small kids, but they also adore running around the backyard with older children and adults. Because they bond so closely with their loved ones, they make excellent companions and protectors. Training Your Bernadoodle Young Bernadoodles tend to inherit the stubbornness characteristic of both their poodle and Bernese mountain dog parents. Provided they have the right input, doodles are highly responsive to training because of their calm, eager-to-please and intelligent personality. You should still expect them to be mischievous, cheeky and headstrong, but just remember that patience, consistency and positive reinforcement will always deliver the best results. Bernedoodles are highly sensitive dogs, so losing patience or getting upset with them can be entirely counterproductive. Treats, playtime and effusive verbal praise when your dog gets it right will always be infinitely more effective than shouting at them or telling them off when they do something wrong. By doing this, you prevent them from getting anxious or overexcited when met with new experiences. Feed your pet the best-quality food you can afford and be diligent about sticking to a regular routine with feeding. There are four main types of food: wet, kibble, cooked and raw. A combination of dry and wet is often the most healthful and practical choice. When used alone, kibble can lead to dental issues and wet food can lead to digestive issues. Be sure to give a standard Bernedoodle food for larger dogs and miniature and toy Bernedoodles food for smaller dogs. Exercise While activity levels can vary depending on a variety of factors, Bernedoodles are generally considered to be moderately active. Miniature or toy doodles can be excellent apartment pets, but even these little guys will need at least one long walk per day and plenty of space to move around. Because of their intelligence, mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation. Grooming Requirements Take bathing cues from how your dog smells, but generally Bernedoodles need a bath every four to eight weeks. Clean its eyes and ears once per week, and give its nails a trim every time you bathe your dog. Brushing it two to three times a week staves off mats and tangles, and a trip to the groomer every three to five months helps your Bernedoodle look and feel its best. Dogs love getting pampered almost as much as we do! Doing it any earlier could result in its fur not growing properly for the rest of its life. Like many larger dog breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia are possible. With these conditions, the hips and elbows weaken and become arthritic. Some of the other potential health issues Bernedoodles potentially face include: Heart disease. What Is the History of the Bernedoodle? First created by breeder Sherry Rupke in , the bernedoodle hails from Canada and traces its genetics back to a mix of the Bernese mountain dog and the standard poodle. The resulting mix of these two intelligent, loyal, and loving breeds led to an affectionate pup with the gentle nature of the Bernese mountain dog and the intelligent, loyal attitude of the standard poodle. Most bernedoodles exhibit an even split of genetics between their parents and appear with Bernese mountain dog markings and the short, curly fur of the standard poodle. However, because this is not a purebred dog it is a crossbreed, also sometimes called a hybrid dog , there is no breed standard. So the exact characteristics of your bernedoodle will vary based on their parents and the specifications the breeder is selecting for. There are three sizes of bernedoodle around today — tiny, miniature, and standard — though the standard remains the most commonly seen. Bernedoodles with the tri-color pattern of Bernese mountain dogs are the most popular, and this breed is loved for its gentle nature, loving attitude, and energetic friendliness. They make a perfect choice for a family dog or for first-time dog owners that want a playful dog without extreme exercise and high-maintenance care needs. What Do Bernedoodles Look Like? This dog ranges in size from small to slightly larger than a medium-sized dog, and they have friendly faces complete with floppy ears. The coat of the bernedoodle will either be very curly and short or a bit longer and straighter depending on whether the Bernese mountain dog or standard poodle is more dominant in their genetics. Bernedoodles come in many different colors, including black, white, rust or red, blue, tan, sable, and silver, and they will be available in patterns such as tri-color, piebald, or merle. What Size Is a Bernedoodle? The bernedoodle comes in a few different sizes — tiny sometimes called toy , miniature, and standard. Tiny bernedoodles will stand between 10 and 17 inches and weigh between 10 and 24 pounds, while miniatures will stand between 18 and 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 49 pounds. The standard-sized bernedoodle will stand between 23 and 29 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. The standard size of this pup is generally the most popular, but the tiny and miniature versions are also fairly sought after for their cute teddy bear-like appearance. Typically, the coloration of the coat will appear much like the Bernese mountain dog, while the coat is short and curly or wavy, thanks to their poodle genetics. Bernedoodles are affectionate, loyal, and playful and are often thought of as the perfect family pet. They get along well with children and other animals, and their energetic nature makes them a great companion for playing in the park or going on a long walk outdoors. This dog is easily trained, friendly, and eager to please despite a streak of stubbornness. They love spending time with their family members learning new tricks. Bernedoodles learn fast thanks to their higher-than-average intelligence, and they enjoy giving affection as much as receiving it. Are Bernedoodles Affectionate? Bernedoodles are known for being a highly affectionate breed, and they love to receive attention as much as they love to give it. This dog makes strong bonds with their family and will enjoy spending as much time with you as possible simply cuddling, playing, or taking walks. Are Bernedoodles Good With Kids? Bernedoodles have a gentle nature and are typically good with kids. They love to play with children and show affection, though they might play rough with very young children. Overall, if your dog has training and your children know how to properly interact with dogs, this pup will easily blend into a family with children. This means that they are likely to get along with other animals easily and will make friends with both dogs and cats that they meet. However, the temperament of your dog can vary based on their personality, so always be cautious when introducing a new animal to your bernedoodle and monitor their first interactions closely. Are Bernedoodles Aggressive? Bernedoodles are not known for being aggressive or for having a high prey drive. This means that they are unlikely to attack or develop aggressive behavioral traits. However, they need a lot of socializing and time spent with their family to prevent anxiety or boredom from becoming destructive behaviors. Do Bernedoodles Bark a Lot? Bernedoodles are generally quiet, moderate barkers and will only bark loudly when they need to. Your dog might get excited and bark quite a bit, or they may see something suspicious around your property and alert you to it. Are Bernedoodles Intelligent? Bernedoodles are a fairly intelligent breed, mostly thanks to their poodle parentage. They learn commands and new tricks easily and are very sensitive to the needs of their owners. This high intelligence also means that your bernedoodle will need lots of physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored or engaging in destructive behaviors. Are Bernedoodles Easy to Train? Bernedoodles can be easy to train thanks to their high intelligence and their eagerness to please their owners, but they also have a strong streak of stubbornness thanks to their Bernese mountain dog lineage. Proper training and socialization should be started in puppyhood to help them grow out of their puppy rebelliousness and set the stage for easier training as they mature. Are Bernedoodles Energetic? Bernedoodles often have a lot of energy, and this dog will need a moderate level of exercise to stay happy. Bernedoodles are very playful and will want to spend lots of time with their families outdoors, playing, walking, or running around with their toys. Two long walks daily and time spent playing with their toys is a good amount of exercise for this pup and will use up their high energy levels. Are Bernedoodles Good Apartment Dogs? A miniature or tiny-sized bernedoodle might be a better choice for an apartment dog as long as they get lots of time outside to play and enough space to move around in while inside your apartment. Are Bernedoodles Good Watchdogs? The bernedoodle is very loyal and protective of its owners, and they make good watchdogs as a result. This dog is unlikely to bark unless they see something suspicious, which can be helpful if you are looking for a good watchdog, and their larger size might scare away potential intruders. Plus, this dog is typically intelligent and alert, both good traits for a watchdog. Are Bernedoodles Good Service Dogs? Due to their eager-to-please nature, high intelligence, and loving attitude, the bernedoodle does make for a good service dog. The standard size of this breed can be trained as a guide dog or mobility assistance dog, and all sizes of bernedoodle can help out as medical alert or psychiatric service dogs. Bernedoodles love learning new things and quickly pick up even complex commands, making them a good choice for a service dog or therapy dog. How to Care for a Bernedoodle Bernedoodles are energetic dogs that need to spend lots of time with their family, as they crave affection and can become anxious when left alone for too long. This companion dog should never spend more than 8 hours home alone, and they should have lots of toys to play with to keep them mentally stimulated when you are not around. You will need to give your bernedoodle at least two long walks per day and some playtime out in the yard with their toys. Make sure to train your bernedoodle to prevent any stubbornness or behavioral issues from occurring, and take the time to socialize your dog from puppyhood so that they get along with children or other animals. Your bernedoodle will need to be brushed a few times a week, especially if their coat is very curly, and will need regular grooming to ensure their hair stays out of their eyes. Additionally, your bernedoodle will need a diet of high-quality wet or dry food split into two or three meals a day and lots of love from its family to stay healthy and happy. Do You Need to Groom a Bernedoodle? You will need to groom your bernedoodle through regular brushings, especially if they have very curly fur that is prone to becoming tangled. Brush your dog several times a week and take them to a groomer several times a year every three to four months is recommended for a full bath, help with deshedding, and to trim up any fur that may be making them uncomfortable or getting in their eyes. Do Bernedoodles Shed? Bernedoodles can shed, but depending on whether the poodle or Bernese mountain dog trait is the strongest, they might not shed a lot. Bernedoodles with straighter, longer fur will require less brushing, but they are also more prone to shedding fur throughout the day. What Should a Bernedoodle Eat? Your bernedoodle should be eating a diet consisting of high-quality dry or wet dog food that is supplemented occasionally with healthy treats. How much you feed your bernedoodle each day depends on how large your dog is and whether or not they are a puppy or fully grown. Daily food amounts can range from 1 to 7 cups, split into two or three meals. Consult with a veterinarian if you need advice or feeding recommendations for your bernedoodle. While the bernedoodle is a generally healthy breed, there are a few health issues that they may be predisposed to, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye and heart diseases, allergies, skin issues like hot spots , and Von Willebrand disease. Taking good care of your dog and ensuring you go to regular vet visits will help to counteract any health issues or catch health problems before they become too serious. How Long Do Bernedoodles Live? The bernedoodle breed is known to live between 12 and 18 years; the smaller sizes of this dog generally have longer lifespans than the standard size, as is the case with most larger dogs. Are Bernedoodles Expensive? This price has such a large range due to the many factors that go into bernedoodle breeding, such as size, appearance, and desirable traits. The best way to find a reputable breeder to purchase from is to perform an internet search or to ask families and friends in the areas that you live in. Make sure when researching bernedoodle breeders that you pick one with proper licenses and certifications, and that the living conditions of the breeding dogs and their puppies are humane. Do your best to avoid puppy mills or irresponsible breeding practices, and keep in mind that if the price for a puppy seems too good to be true, it probably is. Can You Adopt a Bernedoodle? You may be able to adopt a bernedoodle from a local shelter or a national rescue organization, but this is not the most common way to add a bernedoodle to your family. Because this pup is typically purchased from breeders, they are unlikely to end up in a shelter for adoption. However, it does happen occasionally, so if you really want to rescue a bernedoodle, keep checking local and national organizations to see if one becomes available. Are Bernedoodles Purebred? Bernedoodles are not purebred dogs, as they are a mixed breed created from the Bernese mountain dog and the standard poodle. Can You Show Bernedoodles? Bernedoodles are not purebred dogs and are not recognized by the American Kennel Club , making them ineligible to be shown through AKC events or shows. However, this pup may be recognized by other local and national crossbreed dog kennel clubs and eligible to participate in shows through these organizations. Perform an internet search if you want to find a mixed breed kennel club or a bernedoodle organization to show your dog in. Bernedoodles are a fairly easy dog to care for. Bernedoodles are also affectionate, smart, and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners looking for a loving and playful companion. Is a Bernedoodle the Right Dog for Me? Deciding whether or not the bernedoodle is the right dog for you can be overwhelming. Use our bullet points below to review factors about this dog and make your decision more easily. The bernedoodle is the right dog for you if: You want a friendly family dog that loves being a companion to you and your family wherever you go. You want a dog that is easily trained and intelligent enough to learn more complex commands, even service dog commands with the right training. You need a dog that will easily get along with children or other pets that you may have living in your home. After reviewing all of these points, you should know whether the bernedoodle is the best breed to add to your family. Carefully read our dog breed guide as you decide whether or not to adopt one of these fun-loving, playful, and gentle pups, and make sure to give all of your love and care to any dog you adopt, as this will ensure you both live together happily for as long as possible. For allergy-friendly needs, F1b puppies are optimal Standard-sized need space to stretch Mini or tiny sizes available for smaller spaces see puppies Why Should I Get a Bernedoodle Puppy? Like many other types of Doodles, the Bernedoodle breed is well known for its high intelligence, loyalty, great health, and longevity. As loyal as they can be, the Bernedoodle is quite gentle and goofy when it comes to their personalities. With such a big and loving heart, the Bernedoodles can also serve exceptionally well as guard dogs. Bernedoodles are also incredibly friendly dogs and great around children, which makes them a fantastic family dog breed! Why Central Illinois Doodles? Our Bernedoodle pups are also raised according to the highest ethical standards and undergo early socialization, ensuring they grow healthy, well-mannered, and incredibly friendly. And if you need proof, the insurance of health warranty backs up our Bernedoodle Puppies. No matter what you may call them nicknames include Bernese Mountain dog poodle mix, the Bernese Mountain Poo, the Bernedoodle, the Berne-doodle, and even just the Doodle , the mini Bernedoodle is the perfect companion for all lifestyles. Check out our Bernedoodles for sale at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are one of the best Bernedoodle dog breeders in the Midwest, helping you find your high-quality Bernedoodle companion. History of Bernedoodles As covered, the Bernedoodle is a mixed dog breed. Due to their pedigree, Bernedoodles are very affectionate , incredibly loyal, and good-natured, which are the traits they inherit from Bernese Mountain Dogs. Bernedoodle puppies are also very well-mannered, a trait common among Poodles. At least not to the level this magnificent breed deserves. Bred from Great Mastiffs and other types of guard dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was brought over to Switzerland approximately 2, years ago by the Romans. Aside from being known for having a loving personality, these breeds are only one of the four kinds of Sennenhund-type dogs from the Swiss Alps. These dogs were generally known as farm dogs that worked hard. Eventually, the Bernese Mountain Dog breed mixed with the Poodle breed led to the creation of the incredible Bernedoodle dog breed. Types of Bernedoodles. However, the Bernedoodle was first intentionally bred by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels in , as she wanted to combine the Poodles clever and goofy personality with the unfaltering loyalty of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Where the Bernedoodle is a relatively new breed, the two breeds involved in its make-up go way back. The origins of the Bernese Mountain Dog can be traced back 2, years when the Romans invaded Switzerland with their cattle drovers and guard dogs. As with all crossbreeds, you must be ready for any combination of the parent breeds physical and behavioural traits. The Poodle is an active working dog who needs plenty of exercise, thrives on having a job to do, and loves training and exercising their busy brains. The Bernese Mountain Dog is far calmer and laid-back and is often happy lying around watching what is going on. So, you could end up with a light-ish build dog who needs a lot of exercise and training, or you could end up with a heavier dog whose body and brain is more that of a friendly couch potato! Even an active Bernedoodle may not mature for quite some time, so short periods of exercise several times a day are far better so as not to permanently damage growing bones and joints. With this in mind, exercising first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening when the sun is cooler may be necessary. Take advice from both your breeder and your vet.

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! I continue to be in love and always will be with my Snowcloud Shepherds.Mostly because Alice was like a Mom to me and I still miss her everyday! When I have a hard day, I just wish I could just call her like I used to.Alice has been gone for 6 years now and I love and appreciate her more and more : I also find that it's been harder and harder to let folks know about the Snowcloud Shepherds. They are actually very few and far between now and very hard to find. During the last 10 years of Alice's breeding, she bred several of our dog's into her bloodline.Yep, you read that right.There is no such thing : BUT.I was the only person given exclusive Snowcloud rights.I am hoping that with the new additions to the bloodline and also with the keeping of Alice's bloodlines, that we can all find a wonderful part of the Snowcloud Line that we love and cherish. I am certain that Alice did not want to keep the lines all her to herself or I and many others would not have some of the dogs that we have now. I am hoping that we can continue to work together and keep this wonderful line alive. As I talk just about the Snowcloud shepherds, I find that almost all of mine here at home are related to them. I think of all the shepherds that we are breeding now, only ONE is not related to the Snowcloud Line. Alice only made me think differently about them : and she was always there to help me figure this or that out. She shared in that love along with me.I love my dogs MORE today than ever!! No one.Just like myself, they are working towards what they feel is important to them. We are all lucky who have sought out and been able to find a Snowcloud Shepherd to add to our lines.Let's hope that we ALL continue to work together.I stayed with Alice many times, our whole family would travel there over a weekend, just to share.She mentored me and for that, I will be eternally grateful!! I will never let go of that love and I will always try to uphold her integrity.I do hope that those of us breeding the Snowcloud shepherds, find it in our hearts to tell folks that Snowcloud is more than just a NAME or Prestige, pedigree or picture.And I think if we are all honest with each other, that is what it's about for us as well.I also thank those of you who have some of our lines plus the Snowcloud lines mixed.It's important to me to know that we are working together to provide better shepherds for folks!! We have all mixed and intertwined our lines together to hopefully keep that love alive!! I felt I needed to add this after the years of Alice's passing.We are moving forward with love and hope in our hearts.God as our Light that we follow.The story of The Snowcloud Kennel is like any other story in life.You dream about something, decide it's worth going after, making the choices you hope will be good for everyone involved and then actually following through with your dream! Alice and her family did just that.I do not know all the details as I am not part of Alice's immediate family. I do not know of all the sacrifices that were made on everyone's part and I do not know all the EXACTS that happened to make this dream of Alice's come true.What I do know is that in the short 15 years that I have known Alice, I have learnt what an incredible lady she was and her stability in which she lived her life.I placed honor on her and her dogs long before now and those of you who have been with me all these years, know what Alice has always meant to me. I now have been handed a mighty task of caring for, loving and continued breeding of some of the last few and remaining White German Shepherds from Alice Horton. As you read below, please keep in mind that some of the wording I have used from Alice's last website. This is not to infringe on her rights, only to share with you what she has shared for over 40 years with others. Alice was very proud of her family, her shepherds and her accomplishments. That brings me to where I am in my life now as well. We had a Dream, we thought it out, we started with a foundation female, CODY and a wing and a prayer : We too are very proud of our shepherds. Alice's last few shepherds that we brought home are just that to me.And so, through happiness and sadness I have now acquired the bloodlines of Alice Horton's hard work and dedication. Thank you and Please continue to read on.The Snowcloud line that I have acquired was developed by Alice Horton by combining two major lines. Alice was able to obtain a daughter and two sons of Dorothy's Star "Chinookie" directly from Dorothy Crider. He was the first dog Alice trained. Alice's Khemo Von Snowcloud U. The other Line was brought to Fairfield by the Davis family that Alice incorporated. Davis told Alice he got them from the Lookout Kennels in Texas. In fact, he brought back all that they had as they were retiring. Alice was fortunate to have 5 of these special dogs. All of them were white. Within 4 generations Alice also found that several of the other dogs had been written about in the books telling how the German Shepherds had been developed. Example - Ch. This line produced the largest shepherds ever seen, often exceeding lbs. Crossing them with the dogs Alice had gotten from Dorothy Crider, produced larger dogs, both male and female, than the original ones from Dorothy. Alice continued to bring in new dogs as needed, always keeping in mind the size, looks and temperament. Tango was sired by White Shadow Crider. Six Years with Allied Studios. They won many trophies and placings as well as High Shepherd in trial. They were the first dogs that Alice had trained. Some of these have been written about in the books on the Foundation Shepherds. Tasso of Vdla Marina Ch. Bill Vom Klestweg - Gr. Western Candidate of Giralda Ch. Alice put more Titles on her dogs than any other breeder of White Shepherds in the States. Many other Snowcloud Shepherd owners have put Obedience Titles as well as Champion ratings in other clubs on their dogs. However, they must be AKC registered. The White German Shepherds of Snowcloud Kennel are snow-white with black nose, dark eyes, lips, and some have black nails. They grow to be exceptionally large. I have had the honor of owning several. The males usually mature from 29" up in height and the females 25" up, depending on the care they receive after leaving our home. Their bone structure is huge. They have tall straight ears and beautiful shaped heads. They are an over all balanced dog. They are very gentle and loving to their owners and make excellent family dogs. They have proven to be very good with children and are especially protective of women and children. They make very loyal watch dogs and traveling companions as well as home companions. They are excellent in Obedience work and are so intelligent that training and showing them is very rewarding even for a novice. We will diligently continue to provide folks with good, healthy and stable shepherds. How we acquired the Snowcloud Bloodlines.Richard Horton wrote the following letter.Richard is Alice Horton's son. He wrote this letter to help me find a way to let folks know where Alice Horton's last few remaining Snowcloud Shepherds will be making their home. We were able to travel to Illinois to get some but Richard was kind enough to bring the others home for us.Richard's own words.I have liquidated the kennel and sold the breeding stock to Kellie Mintern of Mintern's German Shepherds. Kellie was my first choice because of her dedication to maintaining quality and integrity in her own dogs. My mother incorporated some of Kellie's dogs into her own bloodline over the last few years. Kellie was also my mother's friend. She is currently breeding pure Snowcloud dogs as well as her own. To all the people that have purchased and loved one or more of my mother's dogs, I say Thank You and I hope everyone will give the same credit and consideration to Kellie that you have or would have given my mother, Alice Horton. Give Kellie a call at or email at misheps1 gmail. Kellie is the only one who has the resources to carry on the true bloodlines. We also agreed that the family's privacy was also important. I had previously had a dedication page to Alice on my website but because of different situations that arose, we best thought just to announce where the last few shepherds of Snowcloud have made their home. With Richard writing this reference for us, we will now hope to find wonderful homes for our upcoming litter of White Puppies. Alice Horton was a wonderful friend to us and we appreciate Richard writing the above to help us move forward. I cannot express my sadness to you and your family! Kellie, Paren and the Mintern Shepherds.The Pictures below do not BELONG to Me, they are the property of Alice Horton, but Alice allowed me to place her pictures on my website before, and now I am placing them on here so that you can see what she enjoyed producing. The pictures are meant to show you how beautiful, strong and intelligent her bloodlines are. Please do not copy nor reproduce. These pictures are the property Of Snowcloud Kennel Please do not copy or reproduce without permission resides in sunny California with Stephanie! Kimba is the perfect example of the beautiful white coats, dark eyes and lips.Tito was blessed to have you guys as his family! White German Shepherd puppies They do best in experienced homes with trainers that have lots of time to devote to positive reinforcement training and exercise. The white German Shepherd Dog has endured a long and difficult battle to earn its place as a purebred dog breed worldwide. It takes a deliberate and consistent breeding strategy to reliably produce all white German Shepherd puppies. Historically, white puppies would sometimes pop up amongst a litter of puppies bearing the more common black and earth tones. White German Shepherd Genetics Our understanding of the genes which control canine coat color is increasing all the time. But even as we unravel the unique DNA of other famously white dogs think of the Dalmatian, and the white English Bulldog , the white German Shepherd remains stubbornly mysterious. There was a time when all white German Shepherds were thought of as albinos. Nor do they carry the extreme white piebald gene which gives Dalmatians their white base. At the time of writing, in , the most widely accepted theory is that German Shepherds all have one spot in their genetic code which acts like a switch for white and non-white. But if they inherit the white gene for from both mom and dad, then all else in their genetic code is forgotten, and they are white. Because they need to inherit the white gene from both parents, it is described as a recessive trait. Only a pair of white German Shepherds are certain to have a litter of all white puppies. A careful breeder who understands German Shepherd coat color genetics can reliably produce a litter of white puppies by mating two white German Shepherd dogs. A solid white German Shepherd adult dog can range in weight from 60 to 85 pounds, with adult males outweighing adult females. As adults, the white GSD will stand anywhere from 22 inches to 26 inches high at the shoulder. Like the rest of their pedigree, the most common eye color for a white Shepherd is dark brown. However, coloration can range from a lighter amber to a dark mahogany color. Every so often, a pure white German Shepherd with blue eyes will be born. However, this is a rare trait attributed to expression of a recessive gene for eye color. A long haired one is even rarer! Long haired German Shepherds of every color owe their coats to a recessive gene for long hair. Historically, long haired GSDs were considered a genetic fault. Long haired dogs lack a waterproof, insulating undercoat, so they were unsuitable for working. But they are famously good-tempered and devoted, so modern long haired German Shepherds of every color are gaining popularity as pets and companion dogs. A German Shepherd with short hair has the same insulating undercoat as any German Shepherd, regardless of coat color. These dogs make for hard-working dogs who excel in guarding, herding, service, search and rescue, police, military and protection jobs. Their white coat helps to distinguish flock guard dogs from darker-haired predators such as coyotes and wolves. Grooming a White Shepherd In terms of coat care, the short haired white German Shepherd has the same basic grooming and coat maintenance needs as any short haired German Shepherd. All German Shepherds shed a lot, but white hair has a special talent for showing up against floors and furniture. They also shed out their short undercoat during the warm season. Frequent brushing and grooming can help keep shedding localized and manageable. The long haired German Shepherd will need more detailed and frequent grooming. You will need to pay special attention to cleaning and grooming their ears. Bathing should always be done sparingly to avoid removing necessary coat oils. Excessive washing can cause skin dryness that could lead to irritation or illness, so invest in a gentle shampoo. As with any working purebred dog breed, it is important to realize right away that these dogs are not bred to be lap dogs. They demand high level of work and interaction, or they will become bored and destructive. Are White German Shepherds Aggressive? In the past, many people trained GSDs to be wary of strangers, and aggressive towards trespassers. Most German Shepherds today are still wary of new people, and take a while to warm up to them. Early, daily, consistent and continuous socialization as a puppy will give them the confidence to greet new faces and situations calmly and confidently. From 8 to 14 weeks old, have visitors around every day, and take your puppy to plenty of busy locations. These include hip and elbow dysplasia — bone malformation at the joint, which causes painful arthritis and lameness. However, there is one condition that white German Shepherds might be more predisposed to. But further research is needed to see if this is correct. Are White German Shepherds Deaf? Has anyone ever told you that white dogs are more likely to be deaf? Dogs like Dalmatians, who owe their white coat to the extreme piebald gene, are more likely to have hearing loss. Dogs with the piebald or extreme piebald genes lack these cells, so they are white, and they may have hearing loss. But remember that white GSDs inherit their white coat, by a different, special gene? That means their coat is white, but their skin is still normally pigmented, and their hearing is unaffected! How Long Do They Live? The average German Shepherd Dog lives to 11 years old. There is no evidence that this would be any longer or shorter for a white GSD. Overall, ensuring your White German Shepherd puppy enjoys a lifetime of good health rests on choosing a breeder who invests in health screening for their sire and dam. But their striking looks are gaining legions of fans among a new generation of GSD lovers. But for unscrupulous breeders, this is exactly the way to get the litter they want, without travelling to reach a breeding partner who is unrelated enough. Good breeders will: Provide the results of hip and elbow dysplasia exams, and well as other health tests. Show you the full family tree of their puppies, and their co-efficient of inbreeding. Invite you to meet mom with her puppies, and dad if possible. White German Shepherd price can fluctuate depending on demand, breeder reputation, appearance, coat and eye color and gender. The top priority for a responsible breeder is raising a litter of happy, well-socialised puppies, and settling them into good homes. A white German Shepherd Dog can be a fabulous canine companion. Meeting the parent dogs and making sure a vet has conducted appropriate genetic tests on both parents. Your puppy will also need lots of time and interaction with you and plenty of physical activity daily. Socialization and ongoing training, as well as a whole lot of exercise, are also essential. All GSDs need a home where someone is around during the week as well as at weekends, to prevent them becoming bored and destructive. If you can provide these essential needs, then a white German Shepherd may be a fun and rewarding pet dog choice for you! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.