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Why your German Shepherd is skinny It is likely that each of the different reasons will come with some clues. Below, I will show you why it might be skinny and what would make each of the reasons more likely. Genes The reason why your German Shepherd is skinny could be that it is in its genes. This would be more likely if it was relatively skinny as a puppy and if you have been feeding it the right amount according to a vet. In this case, it would not be something to worry about unless it has been showing signs of the cause being due to one of the things mentioned below. Diet The cause of it being skinny could be that it has not been getting the right diet. It could be that it is eating the right foods but it is not getting enough calories for its activity levels. German Shepherds require to calories per day but active ones require to source. On the other hand, it could be the case that it has been eating the wrong foods. You can look here to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Exercise It could be the case that it is getting too much exercise. However, this is unlikely since German Shepherds were bred to be working dogs and it was not unusual for them to spend entire days working alongside their owners. If your German Shepherd is very active then it would be more likely that it is not getting enough calories. It would help to discuss this with your vet the next time you see them. Illness If your German Shepherd has become skinny suddenly then it might be the case that it has gotten an illness. This would be more likely if it has been showing signs of being ill such as vomiting, being fatigued or a change in its behavior. If it does seem to be ill or it has become skinny suddenly and you have not changed anything in its lifestyle then it would be important to take it to a vet. Anxiety It might be the case that anxiety is causing it to be anxious. This would be more likely if it was not always skinny and it became more skinny since something happened that could be causing it to be anxious. Things that might have caused it to become anxious could include someone mistreating it, moving homes, another pet dying or an owner leaving. Consider whether or not it has always been skinny When trying to figure out what has been causing it to be skinny it would help to consider if it has always been skinny or if it has suddenly become skinny. If it has become skinny suddenly then it would be more likely that it is due to things such as illness, anxiety, suddenly being a lot more active without eating more or a sudden change in its diet. It would help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it became skinny. In this case, it would be important to take it to a vet. If it has always been skinny then it would make it more likely that it is in its genes to be skinny. How to get your German Shepherd to be less skinny The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop being skinny will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd is skinny, it has become skinny suddenly or it has been acting unusually then it would be the best option to take it to a vet. Make sure that it is getting the right diet As mentioned above it could be the case that its diet is the issue. Generally, a German Shepherd should be getting to calories per day unless it is very active in which case it should get up to .You can also look here to see what you should and should not be feeding it. Make sure that it is eating the right amount for its activity level When feeding your German Shepherd it is important to consider how active it is. Generally, a German Shepherd should be getting an hour of exercise per day. If it is getting around an hour of exercise per day then it would be adequate to feed it a regular amount. Whereas, if it is spending most of the day doing exercise then it would be necessary to feed it more. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Other Causes Senior Dogs Older dogs tend to have smaller appetites and a general lack of interest in eating. This is often caused by underlying health problems, so the best course of action would be to consult with a veterinarian. This usually happens when a dog is used to being fed table scraps or treats and it loses interest in plain dog food. Check For Any Medical Conditions Should you verify that your German Shepherd is indeed unhealthily skinny, your first course of action should be to take the dog to a veterinarian. Again, you would have to feed your German Shepherd at least 1, calories to 2, calories daily depending on its activity level. Do note however, that the calories per cup may vary depending on the brand of dog food, and thus you would have to adjust the calculations based on the actual numbers provided on the packaging. Aside from the amount, be sure to also consider the quality of the food. While feeding your German Shepherd a high amount of low-quality dog food will prevent it from being skinny, it will eventually lead to other issues such as skin disorders and lethargy. Your vet will be able to recommend a diet plan to help get your dog back into healthy shape. To do that, you have to make your dog understand that there are no other food options. Meaning, you only set out food for a limited amount of time, and whether or not the food was eaten, you take it away after the time has passed. What this does is make it clear to your dog that there are no other options. In The Case Of Senior Dogs Opposite to the case of picky eaters, you may want to add more appetizing options for senior dogs. Old dogs tend to lose interest in dry food so your best option would be to add chicken broth or canned food to make meals more appealing. In some cases, you may also have to make your old dog home-cooked meals just so your dog would find mealtimes more enjoyable. If all else fails, you can get your dog medication and appetite stimulants to help it eat. You can do this in a variety of ways such as by providing your German Shepherd with enough physical and mental stimulation, providing a calm and relaxing environment free of loud noises, or by identifying and removing the stressor. To summarize. Your German Shepherd may be skinny due to following reasons: Poor diet and nutrition Stress Age The usual culprit though would be the first two. And so, if your German Shepherd is unnecessarily skinny, your best course of action would be to take it to the vet. Final Thoughts I wish that this article has helped you understand how to handle and help your skinny German Shepherd. I also hope that it serves as a guide to help you get your dog back into healthy shape. That said, if your German Shepherd ever does have issues, be it being underweight or any other medical condition, do consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. It can be a minor issue or flat-out hazardous. So, we applaud you for trying to learn why you have a skinny German Shepherd. Excessive Exercise It could be likely that your skinny male German Shepherd is overly active and getting a lot of exercise. More work means more food, not just any food but those high in calories. Dental Issues We often let dental problems in our dogs go unnoticed. It can be a sore, abscess, ulcer, or even broken teeth and gum infections. It can cause weight loss over time or even spread to other areas in the body if not treated quickly. Health problems that affect their weight can range widely. Parasites and worms are common issues in many dogs, while more severe problems like cancer and heart disease also cause unusual weight loss. Look for other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and dizziness as they usually accompany weight loss when the dog suffers from a serious health issue. Your dog can get undesirable effects too. Not getting enough attention, training , exercise, or not socializing enough can lead to anxiety in your dog. Other causes include moving to a new home and bringing home a new pet. Think about what might be causing stress in your dog and consider how you can improve its overall living quality. Genetics Sometimes, the reason for a skinny German Shepherd can be as simple as its genetic factor. Most working German Shepherds are lean, so your dog will most probably be skinny because it is from this bloodline. Try to recollect how it looked when it was younger. Aging causes dental problems and appetite loss, which makes them skinny. However, it can also be because of deeper health problems brought about by aging, like cancer. Here are some effective options you can consider: Visit the Vet The foremost thing to do when your German Shepherd is suddenly losing weight is to see a vet. Consider Puppy Food Puppy food contains ingredients that help puppies grow rapidly and healthily. Try feeding puppy food to your older dog to let it gain weight. However, consult with the vet before implementing this step to ensure safety. Try Wet Food German Shepherds with dental problems will benefit tremendously from wet food. It is much easier to consume, making your pet want to eat more. Let Them Eat When They Want German Shepherd parents who cannot make time to give them multiple meals daily should consider leaving the food out for them to eat anytime. Leave dry food instead of wet food, as they will remain fresh for longer. Homemade Treats Might Help Making treats for your dog at home ensures a healthier diet. Cheese and peanut butter are great options. While buying them, make sure to look for those high in calories. Note: Steer clear of grapes and chocolates while preparing homemade treats for your GSD. It can also relieve you to know that your pooch is gaining weight, even if slowly. The Takeaway Whether you have a skinny female German Shepherd or a male one, seeing them lose weight can be disheartening. While some breeds are lean by nature, a variety of underlying health issues might be causing it. Take it to the vet to rule out all possibilities, or treat them ASAP. You can also help your dog gain back weight by following the above measures. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. The genes inherited from the parents and other ancestors in their lineage will significantly influence their growth and development. If your German Shepherd comes from bloodlines consisting mainly of smaller dogs, they will likely end up on the smaller side themselves. Reputable breeders focus on breeding dogs that meet the breed standard, which for male German Shepherds is inches tall and pounds. Females are inches and pounds. However, backyard breeders or puppy mills may not pay as much attention to size, producing German Shepherds outside of the standard. So if you obtained your dog from disreputable sources, this could explain the smaller stature. Examining the Parents One of the best ways to estimate the size your German Shepherd will reach is to look at the parents. If both the sire and dam are on the smaller side, chances are your puppy will be too. This will give you a good idea of what to expect as your dog matures. While environmental factors can influence size too, genetics lay the foundation. Some of the most common issues that may stunt growth include: Panosteitis Panosteitis is a condition that causes painful inflammation in the long bones of large breed puppies during growth spurts. It usually develops between months of age. The pain causes affected puppies to become reluctant to exercise and play. Without proper activity levels, muscle and bone development can suffer. Puppies with chronic panosteitis often end up undersized as adults. Treatment involves pain management and anti-inflammatory medications. Hypothyroidism An underactive thyroid gland prevents adequate production of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism and growth. Without enough thyroid hormones, a German Shepherd puppy may demonstrate stunted development. Blood testing can diagnose hypothyroidism. Once treated with supplemental thyroid medication, normal growth can resume. But if left untreated for a long period, the dog may remain undersized. Orthopedic Problems Issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans OCD can impede proper limb development. The pain and joint changes make exercise difficult. Lack of exercise can allow muscles to atrophy and bones to stop reaching their growth potential. Corrective surgery and medications to control orthopedic diseases may help get development back on track. But any damage already done may prevent the dog from reaching full size. Congenital Defects Birth defects impacting the skeleton or vital organs can interfere with growth in some cases. One example is a liver shunt, where blood bypasses the liver. Liver shunts disrupt nutrient absorption and metabolism, often resulting in stunted growth. Surgical correction may allow more normal development. But if the dog is older at the time of diagnosis, they may remain small for their breed. Parasites Could be Robbing Nutrients Intestinal parasites like worms can infest puppies and drain vital nutrients. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are common parasites found in dogs that prevent adequate absorption of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Severe infestations can even be life-threatening without proper deworming treatments. All puppies should be dewormed starting at 2 weeks old, then regularly throughout the first year. Adult dogs require periodic fecal testing and deworming to keep parasites under control. Keeping your German Shepherd free of parasites ensures they can properly digest and absorb their food to support healthy development. Puppies who miss out on deworming are at risk for remaining undersized. Feeding an inappropriate diet with deficient calories or nutrients during crucial developmental stages can result in a smaller dog. Not Enough Calories German Shepherds need more calories per pound of body weight when young to fuel their rapid growth. Pregnant and nursing dams also require increased calories and nutrition. If the mother was fed poorly, growth could be impacted even before birth. Switch to a high-quality puppy formula after weaning to ensure adequate calories for your German Shepherd puppy. Follow feeding guidelines based on their current weight and activity level. Missing Key Nutrients German Shepherd puppies need proper amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in their diet. Diets deficient in certain nutrients will not properly support full growth and development. For example, inadequate calcium and phosphorus levels can impair bone growth. Lack of protein may result in muscle loss and slow weight gain. Omega fatty acids like DHA are essential for brain, eye, and nervous system maturation. Choose a premium commercial puppy food formulated for large breed growth. Alternatively, work with a veterinary nutritionist to develop a custom balanced homemade diet. Avoid cheap diets with nutrient fillers. Transitioning Foods Too Quickly When switching your German Shepherd puppy to a new diet, allow at least days to transition gradually. Abrupt changes can disrupt digestion, limiting calorie absorption required for growth. Mix a little new food with the previous food, slowly adjusting the ratios over a week. This gives their gastrointestinal system time to adapt to different ingredients and nutrients in the new food. Proper diet transitions help ensure your puppy maintains proper growth and development on their new food. Drastic switches could result in nutritional imbalance. Activity Levels Impact Growth Potential German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy and need adequate exercise and activity. Without enough exercise, their muscle and bone development can suffer, resulting in a smaller than expected adult size. Not Enough Exercise Regular activity and play encourages bone lengthening and muscle growth. When puppies get insufficient exercise, bones and muscles do not receive the stimulatory signals to reach their genetic potential. German Shepherd puppies need at least minutes of activity per day. This might include leash walking, playing fetch, or running around a yard under supervision. Keep sessions short but frequent for young puppies. Overexercising On the other hand, exercising a German Shepherd puppy too aggressively can also impair growth. Their bones and joints are still developing, so excessive jogging, jumping, or similar activities can damage their body. If they seem reluctant to exercise or limp afterward, the sessions are too extreme. Stick to moderate, controlled activities that encourage extension and motion without overstressing the limbs. With the right balance of activity tailored to their age, your German Shepherd will develop strong muscles and bones to match their genetic size potential. Other Environmental Factors Aside from the key reasons covered above, other environmental factors may contribute to a smaller than expected German Shepherd. If the mother rejects the litter or cannot produce enough milk, growth may be impacted even before weaning. Signs of poor maternal care include low birth weights, failure to gain weight, and increased health problems in the litter. Taking over supplemental feedings and care of affected puppies can help get nutrition back on track. The physical recovery combined with emotional impacts may limit their ability to reach full genetic size potential. General Health or Illness Any illness that causes poor appetite, maldigestion, or malabsorption of food can potentially slow growth. Examples include parasites, infections, liver or kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disorders. Once the underlying condition is treated, normal development may resume. But extended illnesses during crucial growth periods could still result in a smaller than expected adult size. While a smaller than expected German Shepherd may simply have genetics for a petite size, rule out any medical reasons for their limited growth. Schedule a veterinary exam to check for parasites, orthopedic disease, thyroid problems, and other conditions. Discuss their current diet and activity levels with the vet as well to ensure their nutritional and exercise needs are being met. With any identified issues properly addressed, your German Shepherd should continue to develop normally toward a healthy adult body condition. As long as they appear proportional, fit, and in good body condition, a petite German Shepherd can still live a long, full life. Focus on health rather than specific size measurements. Not all German Shepherds will meet breed height and weight standards. With the right care and nutrition, you can ensure your small-statured German Shepherd reaches their own ideal weight and figure. A responsible dog owner knows that good health comes in all sizes! The best way to estimate adult size is to look at the parents. German Shepherds generally fall within a few inches of height and 10 pounds of weight compared to their sire and dam. Growth charts also provide reasonable projections. What is a standard-sized German Shepherd? The American Kennel Club breed standard states male German Shepherds should stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Females should be inches tall and pounds. But size can vary naturally. Is my German Shepherd underweight? You should be able to feel but not see the ribs in a healthy weight dog. Severely underweight dogs will have ribs, spine, and hip bones visibly protruding. Follow healthy feeding and exercise guidelines tailored to their age from your vet. Forcing overfeeding or supplementation can actually harm bone and joint development. At what age is a German Shepherd full grown? German Shepherds reach their full adult height between months old but can continue filling out muscle and thickness up to years old. Make sure to transition to an adult food at around a year to meet changing nutritional needs. The Takeaway If your German Shepherd is smaller than expected, take a look at their genetic history, health, diet, and activity to identify any factors that could be limiting their growth. With the right care and barring any medical issues, most German Shepherds will reach a healthy size in line with their genes. Focus on good health and nutrition rather than specific measurements. Related posts:. Itching around the anus. Sometimes the answers are on what kind of food they have and how much they eat. German Shepherds can grow really big. Thus, they need the right amount of food to sustain their growth. In addition, they are tireless dogs. They can run, move or exercise all day. They need the right amount of food to replace the calories they burn. There are a lot of dog food choices out there. Some or most of them may have ingredients that have no nutritional value. But is it the same for your German Shepherd? Could it be the reason why they refuse to eat? Now, this is one huge misconception that many dog owners seem to fall victim to. You think they get tired of their meals so you buy them a new one. And then your dog eats it with gusto so you think it solved the problem. Along with their being smart and manipulative. Think of it this way. Losing weight, on the other hand, cannot go unnoticed. Dogs will have a hard time eating if they suffer from dental problems. These can lead to them losing weight over time. Dental problems can be an abscess, ulcer or sores. These also include gum problems, infections, and chipped or broken teeth. Discover problems before they get worse. A dog suffering from advanced dental disease does not feel well over all. It will lead to other complications such as infections in the heart and kidneys. For a German Shepherd, getting old means becoming less active. They eat less and less. And they also lose appetite. These could explain why they are skinny. Sometimes, they are afflicted by health problems such as cancer. These health issues also play a role in them getting skinny. They are picky. It is the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose, or blood sugar. It then allows glucose to be an energy source for cells. Sometimes, the pancreas messes up and produces an insufficient amount of insulin. It spells trouble for your dog. Too much glucose then enters the bloodstream and gets excreted. The body will then break down fat and protein. This leads to increased urination, excessive thirst and weight loss. One reason for developing diabetes is a genetic predisposition. Some dogs are more prone than others. In addition, unspayed female dogs are at a higher risk because their hormones mess with insulin production. Did you get another pet? Did a girlfriend move in with you? These things seem small to you. But these can stress your German Shepherd for a while. As a result, they may have problems eating properly while adjusting to new changes. One is to release nutrients to make the body healthy. This leads to a loss in appetite and vomiting. And we know this eventually leads to weight loss. Did you know that German Shepherds are prone to liver disease? This could explain them being skinny. Years, health, life. It leads to weight loss because of the metabolic demands of the tumor. Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma are the types of cancer associated with weight loss. Cancer is more common in senior dogs. And German Shepherds are prone to a canine oral melanoma. It is an oral tumor that makes it painful to eat and swallow. The pain and discomfort prevent your dog from eating properly. When depressed, a German Shepherd loses appetite and cannot eat properly. If not treated, it can lead to weight loss. Your German Shepherd is depressed if they show the following: Lethargy. Loss of interest in things they enjoyed before. Major changes cause depression in dogs. It could be moving into a new house or place. Even having a new baby, spouse or another pet can cause depression. But the biggest causes are the loss of an owner or a companion animal. In this article , the author related how her dogs went through depression after the death of another dog. It was as though the dogs were grieving. They refused to go on walks, refused to eat and drink, and kept hiding. You need to be concerned about chronic stress. Your German Shepherd becomes susceptible to infections. This is not like other conditions where weight loss is a symptom. The disease may have already progressed before it is diagnosed. So when your dog is checked up, they have already lost weight. Only then it becomes clear that the dog has been losing weight for quite some time. The condition worsens when the dog experiences vomiting, dehydration, and loss of appetite. No wonder the dog becomes emaciated. Only to find out that the gain weight is actually fluid accumulation. If they have lost some weight, add calories to their food. If they gain weight, then it should be okay. This is caused by a decrease in hormone production from the other part of the adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are located near the kidneys. Vomiting and diarrhea prevent their bodies from getting the nutrients from their food. Aside from these, dogs can suffer from malabsorption or maldigestion disorders. These disorders prevent the intestine from breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food. German Shepherds that suffer from these disorders are skinny. So do dogs. Your German Shepherd suffers from hormonal imbalance if they have thyroid problems. As a result, their body experiences rapid metabolism. This leads to extreme weight loss. The right food is one of the first steps in helping your dog gain weight. The dog food may not contain the right calories your German Shepherd needs to gain weight. You should give them between 1, to 2, calories a day. But this depends on their activity level. Commercial dog food has calories in a cup. This means you need to feed your dog cups a day. Divide that into 2 meals. Aside from all that, your dog food needs to be of high quality. Also, avoid dog foods made of fillers. To help them gain weight, give them food with a high amount of calories. So when choosing their dog food, check the labels for calories. As you may know, dog foods are not equal. Some may have more calories than others. Choose the one with higher calories and fat to help your pooch gain weight. Filler will not satisfy and make your German Shepherd healthy. BUT… Consult with your vet first. You can feed your German Shepherd 4 small meals a day. Or 2 big meals and one small meal. Four small meals a day is the best choice since your dog is struggling to eat. Especially if your dog is picky and on their way to being overweight. But we are talking about your German Shepherd being skinny. And we are looking for ways to help fatten them up. Giving treats can aid in bringing your German Shepherd to a healthy weight. You can easily buy from a pet store. Choose ones that are high in calories. Or you can actually make your own home-made treats. The advantage to this is you know what goes into the treats. That way, you know that your German Shepherd gets nothing but healthy food. There are many simple recipes for dog treats. Some only need a few ingredients from scratch. Just do some mixing, pop it into the oven, and in no time at all, you have home-made treats! Here is a sample of a three-ingredient recipe: Half a cup of peanut butter. A cup of whole wheat flour. A cup of mashed sweet potatoes. See how easy it is? And your dog will surely love it. Feed your German Shepherd some home-made meals. Dogs love having variation in their food. Introducing new food can motivate them to eat more. Some of the food you can give them are chicken, rice, egg, and vegetables such as pumpkin. But before doing this, consult your vet. You want to make sure you are giving the right food and the right amount. There are several ways to do that. One is to weigh them weekly. If you can afford a dog scale, then go ahead and buy one. There are scales where your dog only needs to step on it. Or you can take your dog to the vet for a weigh in. Two, keep a journal for your dog. Record what they eat and how much. Check the recorded weight every two weeks or so. Wet food is easier to chew. And since they can eat with less discomfort, they will be motivated to eat more. Including whether they have medical conditions that make them skinny. If this is the case, take your dog to the vet. Your vet can recommend tests to eliminate diseases. If your dog is diagnosed with something, you can start the treatment asap. If your German Shepherd is one, there are some ways to correct the behavior: First, make them understand that the food you prepare is the only option. Second, time their mealtimes. For instance, give them 15 minutes to eat the food. When the time is up, remove their bowl. You may also consider the reason why they are picky. For instance, they eat wet food more than dry food due to dental problems. As they age, they lose interest in a lot of things. Including their food. In their case, limiting food options is not the right choice. The good thing to do is feed them appetizing food. Try adding chicken broth or canned food for variety. You can also give them home-made meals to encourage them to eat more. Related posts:. Your veterinarian can check for worms with a stool sample. Certain types of worms such as roundworms can be fatal in puppies if left untreated, so it is crucial that you take your puppy for regular checkups. Has your Puppy Been Traveling Regularly? If you feel that your GSD puppy is too skinny, consider if you have been taking it along for car rides on a consistent basis. Many puppies experience motion sickness. This does not necessarily mean that they will vomit or have an upset stomach only. Some puppies will do neither, and instead, decrease their eating to the point of losing weight. If this is the case, limit the amount of time your puppy spends traveling in a car. This will allow your puppy to have you as a reference point and a distraction. Provide a small puppy bed on the seat. Make sure that the temperature in the car is neither too hot or cold. Pay attention to how you drive. Often times we take our driving for granted without considering the comfort of our passengers. Puppies can be especially sensitive during car rides, so be sure to take turns gently, and do not brake or accelerate suddenly. A change in the environment is a common cause of a longer-term loss of appetite and weight loss in puppies. A change in environment for your puppy does not just mean that it has moved from one physical location to another. They learn and function well with routine. This can sometimes result in a long term lack of appetite and weight loss. You may likely find that if one or more of the above changes are addressed, that your puppy will resume a normal eating schedule and quickly bounce back from being underweight. Your GSD puppy needs adequate nutrients in its diet for growth and to maintain a healthy weight. GSDs are considered medium to large-sized dogs, and they need to be fed the appropriate breed-formulated dog food, especially as puppies. If you are not feeding it the right formulation for its breed size, this can result in undernourishment and a skinny puppy.

Website: appleridgegsd. They have been deeply committed to the breed for over a couple of years, and they are one of the only breeders in the state to have both AKC and SV German Shepherd Dog Club of America breeding permits. They are a small, family-run kennel that breeds German Shepherds for companionship or working purposes. They breed German Shepherd dogs that are versatile, stable, loving, loyal, extremely smart, and trainable from the best West German lines in the world. Their breeding stock is all OFA certified for hips, elbows, heart, and diabetes. Their breeding stock is also VWD-free, so their puppies will not contract the disease. They strive to breed German Shepherds that are healthy, happy and have good temperaments. They also have a small number of retired adults who are looking for loving homes! Please contact them if you are interested in adopting one of these pets. You are guaranteed lifetime support and coaching! Provided at no additional cost. Emial: mechezarreta yahoo. They breed German Shepherds and provide a stud service, drawing on the best genetics acquired from Germany to achieve their success. Their puppies come with a health guarantee, which makes them one of the few breeders who do so. If you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from them, they can assist you with the full process of bringing your new pet into the country in order to make it as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones. A hereditary hip and elbow guarantee, current vaccinations and deworming, a microchip, and AKC registration papers are all included with every puppy purchased from Puppy Heaven. The puppies are available in two sizes: small and medium. According to their owners, a number of championships, including Best In Show, have been won by their Shepherds at both the regional and national levels. If you are looking for a reputable and reliable breeder of German Shepherds in Florida, then these 11 breeders should be at the top of your list. Each of them has a long history of breeding healthy, happy, and beautiful puppies that make excellent family pets or working dogs. We hope this list will help you decide which of these kennels are best for your family and pets. Do any of them sound like a good fit? What other factors do you think should be considered before making this decision? Remember, this is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, so take some time to research these breeders before contacting them. The German Shepherd makes a wonderful companion dog, as well as a guard dog if trained properly. The breed has been used in many roles throughout history, including therapy and search-and-rescue. If you have any questions about the breed or their temperament then feel free to contact your local German Shepherd rescue for more information on how this amazing dog can enrich your life. Are there any other Florida German shepherd breeders that should be on this list? Please let us know by leaving a comment below. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community. We offer lifetime guarantees on health and temperament. Our bloodlines started out of the top 2 bloodlines in the world, Vom Arlett and Bad-Boll. As I continue this blog I will help you learn how to assure you are picking a healthy and happy pup for your next family companion. Recent Posts. These puppies have been raised indoors and around other dogs since birth. We expect these puppies to have nice deep pigments, solid nerves, nice bone structure and all in all an excellent quality dog from top pedigrees from Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Dad is a 95 pound Sable Male with good hips and elbows along with solid nerves and a great disposition. Mom is 84 pounds with an extremely nice blocky build. She too has good hips and elbows. Mom is more of a fun loving free spirited dog. We own a 50 acre kennel in Daytona Beach, Florida. Our goal is to improve the breed through selective, quality breeding. All Imported sires and dams used for breeding have Europes highest hip ratings A Stamp. Importing German Shepherds of this quality is not easy nor is it inexpensive. Unlike most American breed Shepherds, our German Shepherd adults and puppies have great temperaments and strong nerves. Our breeding stock is here on site and impressive to say the least. You may make an appointment to visit our kennel at anytime. If you are interested in purchasing a pup in the near future, keep in mind that many times the pups are sold before the litter arrives so you may have to be on a waiting list. We take great care in the placement of our animals. The ideal home for a German Shepherd will include a yard or kennel run with plenty of daily exercise. Hope you enjoy the pictures on our site! Receive updates on new litters, get PupPact Assistance from Mike, communicate with other Shepherd's Meadow Parents and Staff or share information about your new pup. Merry Christmas! Thanks for visiting our pages on the web and see some of our friends, best German Shepherd dogs, in their natural strength. Our own German shepherd breeding program We are German Shepherd breeders. K-9 Specialists have a history of working with the best German Shepherd pedigree owners in Europe. Our program was established originally in our first location in Denver, where we have seen a natural symbiosis of K9 training with development from the very young age. Our convenient Central Florida location allows us to work with clients from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, to Orlando, Delray Beach all the way to Jacksonville. Puppies Our latest batch of German shepherd puppies was born in March .Great blood line, expecting to meet with their new owner in just few weeks. Call us at .Read before meeting with German shepherd breeders There are many German shepherd breeders. Before you choose the one that will deliver your companion for many years to come, make sure to do the research. To start you up, please read the basics of the German Shepherd encyclopedia below. All German shepherd breeders will appreciate your knowledge during interview later. Naturally, we are happy to field any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us via form below or call us .Contrary to popular opinion, it is no more closely related to the wolf than any other breed of dog. A consortium of German breeders worked to make a brave, intelligent dog that could herd sheep and run quickly with great stamina. They produced an agile, powerful dog which quickly showed its usefulness at police work and guarding. During World War I, the breed name was changed to Alsatian Alsatia is a German speaking region of France to protect the breed against possible anti-German sentiment. This name lasted only briefly in some countries such as America but remains to this day in others. German Shepherd Dogs became the most popular breed in America after the rise of German Shepherd movie star Rin Tin Tin, who thrilled audiences with astounding skills such as leaping nearly 12 feet high. Rin Tin Tin was known to dine on tenderloin steaks prepared by a personal chef. While no longer the country number one breed, the incredibly adaptable German Shepherd Dog is today a popular guard dog, police dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, drug-sniffing dog, and pet. Size: The German Shepherd Dog has a shoulder height of cm in and weighs kg lbs. It is a long, muscular dog with a black nose, powerful scissors bite, wide, erect ears, and intelligent, almond-shaped eyes. German Shepherd Dogs have a flat back, bushy, low hanging tail, muscular legs and chest, and short, round feet. They are the image of power and dignity. German Shepherd Dogs with a shoulder height over 64 cm 25 in and weight over 41 kg 90 lbs are sometimes called King Shepherds, but this breed is not recognized as distinct by the American Kennel Club. Coat: There are three varieties of German Shepherd Dog: coarse and short-haired, coarse and long-haired, and wavy and long-haired. Long-haired varieties may or may not have a double coat. The prototypical German Shepherd Dog is tan with a black back and mask, but German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors including solid black, grey, brown, and yellow, tricolor black, white, and brown or red , or sable black and red, silver, or tan , plus a variety of marking designations including penciling black lines on the toes and tar heels black on the back of the leg. German Shepherd Dogs may not be white, though in some countries this is considered a separate breed. Character: The German Shepherd Dog is unusually intelligent and unconditionally loyal, obedient, brave, and protective. It is known for its fearlessness but it is by no means hostile or aggressive. German Shepherd Dogs are poignant and devoted, making wonderful companions and ideal watchdogs. They are highly versatile and can fit in with many different lifestyles. Temperament: German Shepherd Dogs are highly territorial, making them among the least likely of breeds to run away from a fight. They are not friendly towards strangers and will stop unwanted visitors. The German Shepherd Dog gets along fine with children and other animals, provided proper socialization has taken place, but does not prefer the companionship of other dogs. Care: The German Shepherd Dog should be brushed weekly. During shedding, a special comb to remove dead hairs may be required. Like other large breeds, German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to elbow and hip problems. Meals should be spread throughout the day to avoid bloat. The German Shepherd Dog has a life span of years. Training: German Shepherd Dogs are eager pupils and are quick to learn new tricks. They are most responsive to their owner voice. Activity: German Shepherd Dogs are happiest when doing some type of work, such as agility, obedience, or police trials. Over-exercising when young can cause damage to growing bones, joints, and muscles. The German Shepherd Dog prefers a yard to play in, but can tolerate life in an apartment if sufficient Let our experience and training bring you and your dog closer together. Contact us if you wish to learn more about our dogs, philosophy and successes.

But despite being a hybrid, the German Shepherd-Boxer cross was created to be the perfect guard dog and are used for different types of work. DRA , though. Did you know that their name initially served as an umbrella term for a variety of herding dogs? It all started in the s when a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, developed the breed using those dogs. He also co-founded the first club dedicated to German Shepherds and is widely credited for introducing the modern GSD and setting its standards. From there, they were recognized by the AKC in .This large breed that stands 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall and weighs 75 to 95 pounds 34 to 43 kg is a picture of strength and dignity. Fun facts: The German Shepherd is the most common dog breed used in detecting explosives. Amazing, right? They even have their own motto, courtesy of Captain Stephanitz — Utility and Intelligence. The amazing Boxer dog Big Boxer dog playing with a baby boy Boxers are also from Germany, but you can trace their ancestry as far as 2, B. Since then, the Boxer was bred to be smaller but just as impressive. They stand about 20 to 25 inches 51 to 64 cm tall and can weigh up to 70 pounds 32 kg. Just by looking at them, you can say that this doggo is tough and quite intimidating. Fun facts: Ancient Assyrians used Boxers as war dogs because of their power and bravery. Generally, this is a mix breed with an imposing appearance like the Boxer. They can appear quite intimidating because of their tall, muscular build, alert expression, and broad muzzle. Size: How big will a German Shepherd Boxer mix get? This large to giant dog has a height of 23 to 27 inches 58 to 69 cm and a weight of 65 to 95 pounds .You also have to think about its energy level. A little fluff can be expected if the GSD parent has a longer coat. For coat colors, their main shades include black, tan, brown, gray, and white. The typical color is brown, but it can range from a light tan to chocolate brown. Black can be seen as a mask or patches over their face and muzzle. In some cases, you may see patches of white or light gray, too. Personality: Is the German Shepherd Boxer mix a good family dog? But are German Shepherd Boxer mixes good family dogs? Pet parents are aware that not one breed fits with everyone. For this pooch, they need to be with experienced dog owners who are active and can keep up with their daily demands. Also, they should be with families who have older kids, like ten years and up. Boxer Shepherds are loyal guardians with a playful streak. Do Boxer Shepherds have separation anxiety? But the way they are treated can cause destructive behavior to develop, including being ignored and left alone for too long. Even a well-trained canine can get bored and frustrated. We recommend that you look for a good dog sitter if you need to be away from your fur baby for hours. Are Boxer Shepherds considered smart dogs? Keep in mind, though, that your relationship with your pet should be of mutual understanding and respect. This fido has low tolerance when being dominated by owners, and forcing them to do something will only create aggression and resentment from your dog towards you. Clicker training works well for this canine. You can give your pup tasks like fetching, finding, or carrying things. You can also give him mechanical toys to herd around the house or an automatic ball launcher. Are you worried if a German Shepherd-Boxer mix is a barker? You can enroll your fur baby in puppy and agility classes, but you should still supervise interactions with other people, dogs, and small pets. Just like Linux in this video: Taking care of your German Shepherd Boxer mix The Boxer German Shepherd breed is considered a high-maintenance dog because they require a lot of patience to manage their needs. Every pet should be treated as a family member. How much exercise do they need? You can divide it into two walks and then play. There are a lot of activities to do other than a walk around the neighborhood. Since the German Shepherd Boxer mix dog is up for anything, take him on a hiking journey, play hide-and-seek, a game of tag, or build him a hurdle course that he can use on his own or during training. If you live on a ranch or farm, this hybrid will happily help you tend your livestock, just like its ancestors. Puzzles and interactive feeders should keep your canine companion mentally stimulated and entertained. Grooming: Do Boxer German Shepherd mixes shed? Those with a double coat will shed moderately. Heavy shedding tendencies are also possible when the seasons are changing spring and fall. You have to do it more often if your furry pal is active in fields, ponds, or lakes. You have to wash your German Shepherd Boxer mix if he loves swimming. Dental chews are excellent treats to make his breath smell better. How much food should a Boxer Shepherd mix eat? Highly active canines need refueling, and this fido will do well with whole meat or raw diet. Dry dog food is also an excellent choice, as long as it consists of protein and that the fat and carbs are derived from natural sources. If you opt for kibbles, 3 to 4 cups will be enough for your German Shepherd Boxer mix, and then divide it into two meals. You can use this calculator to compute how many calories your pup needs. We recommend that you get a slow feeder in case your beautiful dog is a voracious eater. Aside from avoiding obesity by slowing him down during meals and controlling treats, it can also prevent bloat. Health issues: How long does a Boxer Shepherd live? German Shepherd Boxer mixes are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, where some can live up to 15 years. Still, they can inherit health problems that their purebred parents are predisposed to. For this hybrid, those include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are common in large breed dogs. Those include an elbow and hip evaluation, a cardiac exam, a thyroid test, and a degenerative myelopathy DNA test. How much is a Boxer German Shepherd Mix puppy? Before you sign any contract or pay for a pup, make sure you meet the little guy, its littermates, and parents. Reputable breeders will often voluntarily let you check the essential documents and medical records related to the dogs. Many crossbreeds, even purebreds, end up in shelters. You should still be careful when adopting this mix, especially older dogs. Ready to start your search? Your dog should have a healthy weight. Extra weight or being overweight is bad for dogs because this places additional pressure on its spine. Obesity can also lead to some medical conditions that can be fatal for your dog. One of the most common causes of obesity is giving your dog treats. Therefore, you should never give your dog food treats when training your dog. The following dog food brands are perfect for German Shepherd Boxer mix breeds 1. Blue Buffalo There are reasons why more pet owners trust Blue Buffalo. It is made from whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal to keep your dog satiated and to help sustain its energy all day long. Blue Buffalo helps maintain regular digestion. It is available for large breed dogs and small breed dogs. Halo also has low-carb options with ingredients like salmon, turkey, and flaxseeds. Iams Iams is a well-known dog food with a fantastic nutrient profile. The ingredients are naturally made from real meat and whole grains. This brand will help your dog maintain its ideal weight and energy levels. Never give your German Shepherd Boxer the following food. Keep in mind that not all human food is safe. Some dogs may also have allergies so be careful in giving your pet just any kind of food. Salty foods and junk food Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Chocolate, coffee, or tea Apart from the unconditional love that your pooch gets from you, you should know how important their nutrition is for their happy life. Your hairy friend is a descendant of two gorgeous parents, who can sometimes differ a lot from one another. This means that your pooch can develop a propensity for various food types and you can experiment with best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food , too. If you want to see your puppy strong, happy, and healthy, consider some of the best puppy food brands , while senior dog owners have the best senior dry dog food on their menu. Just make sure to consult with your vet first! You need to spend enough time daily to exercise and play with your dog; otherwise, it can become bored and develop destructive behavior. A tired dog is a good dog, so they say, and the only way to tire this dog is to give it a good run and to play active games. Activities, like running, jogging, swimming, Frisbee and fetch, are perfect for this breed. Playing with your dog is not just a way to exercise your dog but will also help you develop a strong bond with your pet. As much as possible play with your dog daily. Invest in durable toys for your dog. And most of all, this dental chew toy will make his breath smell better and protect his teeth. Baily is soft and cuddly and is also washable. The Chuckit! These are easy to clean too if only you can take this toy away from your dog! Training this mixed breed is easy, but you need to do it right. Here are a few tricks that you can use to train your dog. Offer Positive ReinforcementAvoid food treats. Provide positive reinforcement to support proper behavior. The moment it arrives home, teach it simple house rules. Show your dog where this will sleep and where it will find its food and water bowl. Be patient, and your puppy will surely understand where everything is at. One way is to use the clicker method. The clicker is a small device that gives an audible click, something that your dog will love to hear. The point of the clicker is to give a click if your dog follows your command. You can use the clicker for any trick. Just click the clicker after your dog follows your command and then click this again when you want your pet to repeat the behavior. Clickers are available in most pet stores. Avoid Confusing Your Dog Dogs can be easily distracted. Just a loud noise or strangers can distract them from learning new tricks. So at an early age, train your pup in a quiet environment with no distractions. Avoid confusing your dog at this stage so he can learn tricks fast. Start training your dog indoors and gradually introduce him to the outdoors. You will know that he is ready for outdoor training once he is less distracted to noise and other pets and people. A Boxer German Shepherd dog can be trained to become service dogs and guard dogs. You can ask a professional to train your dog so he can learn obedience training, protection training, attack training and so on. One, this dog will love to be with their masters and will do everything they can to please them. Next, this dog will defend his territory and will guard his family with his life. This dog will also be patient with other dogs and other pets at home. The Boxer German Shepherd should be allowed to socialize with other dogs and people as early as possible. If this is not done, the dog can develop anti-social behaviors and may become aggressive with people or other dogs. Your German Shepherd Boxer pup will grow up to be a well-behaved, loving, happy and healthy dog when you train it early and expose it to people and other animals in your home or community. It is a cross between the Boxer and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Full of life and always wanting attention, I never leave her behind. She is very sweet and a great cuddle buddy, but this goes without mentioning her evil side. She has a mind of her own but as long as you speak to her as an equal , she will never leave your side. Very friendly and plays great with other dogs big and small. He also plays great with our three cats. He loves rides in the car and truck. I found her over the internet and fell in love with her picture. I drove 30 miles to go get her. She's had her tail docked.But she still likes to chase her stub even though she can't reach it. I've seen her go after it for awhile though. And when she's excited her whole body shakes. She's a sweet puppy and her best friend is my one year old son. I noticed that Boxer-Shepherds aren't a popular hybrid, but I think I've come across one of the best breeds that will ever have existed. She's in great health. She's 4 years old in this picture. She loves to run around sometimes, but most of the time she lays around. She is .She has another dog friend named Biskit, which they get along okay but do fight lot. Nothing serious though. Temperament: Alert, protective and reliable. However, you will certainly get a tall dog with a very muscular build. To see one standing on the front porch and guarding its home is quite a sight. They have a large, broad muzzle and very strong jawbones. Their eyes are dark and its floppy ears can stand erect or fold over at the tips. Height and Weight Both male and females stand between inches tall however, females are usually a bit shorter. Females will weigh between pounds, will males weighing up to 95 pounds. Breed Colors and Coat Brown is the typical base fur color for this breed — it can be anything from chocolate brown to a light tan. Black can appear in large patches or as a mask over their face and muzzle. In some cases, you may see white or light grey patches. If they inherit a coat from the German Shepherd parent it will be a short, fluffy double coat. Whereas a coat from a Boxer will be smooth and closely cropped to the skin. Mixes will a double coat will shed moderately and those with single coats even less. They will need to be brushed once a week and daily during shedding season. Both parent breeds are commonly employed in this type of work. What makes the Boxer Shepherd so unique is its mischievous, playful attitude in addition to being a hard worker. Both German Shepherds and Boxers have an unfair reputation for being aggressive. In reality, a well trained Shepherd, Boxer, or mix is extremely even tempered and friendly. The Boxer is the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States, as of .The German Shepherd is the 2nd most popular breed. You can expect them to be a bit of a goofball as well as a loyal guard dog. These dogs are not aggressive by nature, but they will bite if they are provoked. Your relationship with them should be one of mutual respect and understanding. You need to keep in mind that working dogs always want something to do and will have high energy levels — so you will need to keep them as active as possible throughout the day. A well trained dog will be very quiet and only bark when something is wrong. However it will take time to train a puppy out of their natural suspicion of strangers. Expect a bit of barking here and there as your puppy learns who they can and cannot trust. Since these pups are so suspicious of other people, early socialization is a must. Even socialized puppies will remain distant to people outside of their home. Finally, you should know that this dog does not like to be left alone — so you should find a good dog sitter if you are away from home often. A German Shepherd Boxer Mix makes a great family dog for the right type of family. Apartments and urban areas do not make the best home for one. Your dog will need their own outdoor space to let out all of their energy. If you have ever owned a German Shepherd or a Boxer, a mix will not be too much more difficult to manage. Keeping this pup active and entertained is the biggest challenge for the breed. They are not for owners with inactive lifestyles. Exercise Requirements This very active dog will want to be on its feet for most of the day. If you are a born outdoorsman, your furry friend will be eager to join you on all of your adventures. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. This could be with a 30 minute walk and then an hour of play. Your dog will be up for just about anything, but running is their very favorite thing to do. Try a game of tag with your pooch, or a game of hide and seek. You can also cater to their love of agility with an exciting backyard hurdle course. If you live on a farm then they will help you tend your livestock just like their Shepherd ancestors would do. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding Their short coat makes grooming fairly easy. Once a week brushing is fine for most of the year, but you will have to brush them daily during these shedding seasons. As tempting as it may be to stick a dirty dog right in the tub, you should only bathe them once every 3 months. Too much bathing will wash out the oils in their skin. Also, make sure to get between those big floppy ears. Feeding and Diet When you have an energetic dog it is important to fuel their day the right way. This breed will do well with a raw or whole meat diet. Protein should make up most of their diet. Carbs and fats should be derived from natural sources such as fruits and veggies. The fillers in many commercial dog foods are nothing but empty calories. It is very common for large dogs and causes pain and impaired mobility. Physical therapy and pain medication can treat mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia, while surgery may be needed for more severe cases. EPI is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and dogs with EPI must be given enzyme supplements. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! Male and female Boxer Shepherds are usually around the same size and weight, although the females tend to be slightly shorter. You can expect the following: Males: 23 to 27 inches tall and up to 95 pounds Females: 21 to 25 inches tall and up to 75 pounds How to Feed a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Energetic dogs tend to eat more, and the same is true for the Boxer Shepherd mix. You can expect to feed them two or three times a day. The goal is to end up at 1, calories per day. These calories should be made up of raw or all-natural meat protein. They require some carbohydrates, too, which can be consumed in the form of fruits and veggies. Stay away from commercial dog foods that do not utilize real ingredients. These are empty calories that will not help your German Shepherd Boxer mix grow and remain healthy. The grooming requirements for a German Shepherd Boxer solely depends on what type of coat he inherits. Follow these general guidelines: If your dog has a short, thick coat from the Boxer parent, brushing one weekly is enough to keep the coat healthy. Bathing should take place every two to three weeks. Your Boxer Shepherd should also have his teeth brushed regularly and nails clipped. They are incredibly obedient and take commands well. With their high intelligence, they learn swiftly. However, the drawback to this mixed breed is that they also do not like being dominated. So how can you make sure you train your Boxer Shepherd successfully? Well, mutual respect is vital. Clickers tend to work really well with this mixed dog breed, too. Aside from training, socialization is necessary for this dog breed. Otherwise, they may end up feisty and aggressive. Start socializing your pup around people of all ages at a young age. Socialization classes are a great way to go. If you are struggling with training your Boxer Shepherd, the best thing to do is to have your dog professionally trained. You will need to be there for the classes so the trainer can show you how to be assertive without being dominant with your German Shepherd Boxer mix. The Boxer Shepherd is known for being a very active dog, as both parents are known for their high energy levels. As far as exercise needs are concerned, these mixed canines need at least one long walk per day, although two or more is ideal. They also require a large yard where they can run and play throughout the day. Provide them with stimulating toys and jobs to do, too, as these intelligent canines need plenty of stimulation to avoid destruction and mayhem. Boxer Shepherd Health One of the many great things about the German Shepherd Boxer mix is that they are relatively healthy. However, there are a few health issues that this breed may have, including: Hip dysplasia.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Learn More Now What People Say All of our volunteers have full time jobs, families and other commitments, but we continue to make room in our hearts and homes for unwanted and neglected bulldogs in need of rescue. They're a compassionate group of volunteers helping connect loving bulldogs with loving families. My bulldog's foster mom, Casey, helped select the perfect furbaby for me. In my experience, IBR puts a lot of care and concern into matching potential parents to their new family member. Long after the adoption, IBR continues offering post-adoption support for our family. Thanks to IBR, my family is now complete with the addition of a very handsome bulldog. Thank you, IBR! When the time was right, Jeff and I were given the honor to be rescued by Mr. Humphries and Maggie. One month later, I met him and agreed to our first date, persuaded by the fact that I'd get to hang out with a really cute bulldog even if the date flopped! I met Cleo on our second date at the park, and two years later, she was the star of our engagement photos. She's a major diva, and we wouldn't haven't any other way! As Mike often tells Cleo, "Pops has a type! We found the process was appropriately diligent and thorough -- being a bulldog parent isn't a cakewalk after all. The additional "gift with purchase" was the IBR community and following the antics of fellow adoptive families and following the antics of our girl's foster family this organization gets everything right in our book. Indiana Bulldog Rescue was amazing to work with. Thank you IBR for extending our family! Even after the adoption they were there helping me understand the breed! They were a great support system for me and my bulldog! Christa West Deserree Simonson They do amazing work to unite bulldogs with loving forever home. We were blessed to find our baby Fiona through IBR. IBR is the quintessential rescue organization. An experience with IBR is a reflection of love and hope. Susy Murphy Amanda Jacob Very easy to work with! Perfect way to get the bully breed you love and still supporting adoption? Have you been thinking about French Bulldog rescue? There are French Bulldog rescue organizations that exist for the sole purpose of saving Frenchies who are no longer able to stay in their current environment. There are many reasons why a French Bulldog may need rehomed, such as medical issues, owner surrender or shelter surrender. Many times these issues can develop into chronic or severe illness as the Frenchie puppy grows into an adult, or sustains an injury. An unsuspecting owner who may have purchased a puppy from a pet shop sourced from puppy mills or unethical breeder will not realize until later that their puppy has health concerns that may cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in veterinary care to remedy. French Bulldog rescue organizations exist to help these animals in need of medical care to survive and live their best lives. Owner Surrender: Sometimes owners find themselves in situations they did not anticipate after purchasing a French Bulldog puppy. A change in the family dynamic, such as a birth or death of a family member, or changes in housing or living arrangements can cause a dog to need rehoming. Sometimes behavioral issues arise that the owner cannot manage, and the dog is no longer able to stay in the home for fear that the dog may harm another animal or person. Rescue organizations have the ability to rehabilitate French Bulldogs through training and behavioral intervention so that the dog can be adopted. Shelter Surrender: Not all dog shelters are able to provide the specialized care that a Frenchie needs while at the shelter, especially if they are an all-breed facility. French Bulldog rescue organizations are better equipped to provide a foster home environment for the homeless bulldog while it is recovering or in rehabilitation, and are also the best at finding the perfect homes for them. After all, these lovable companions that snore, zoom, and snuggle are a breed apart when it comes to adding a new fur-baby to your family. It is important, however, to do your homework. Many times the Frenchies who wind up at a shelter or rescue organization have special needs, either physical, medical, or social. This means that they will require special care or circumstances in their new homes. If you do not want to adopt from a French Bulldog rescue organization but you still want to help, there are many opportunities that you can take advantage of! They are always in need of donations and volunteers, and they might be looking for foster homes too. Here are a few recommendations if you are looking for a French Bulldog Rescue Organization in or near Indiana:.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Height: 26 inches Ratio: .This should give you their height. For example, 26 inches times 0. Using the other example, .Since each dog is going to be different, you need to look at their overall body condition rather than a weight range. Fortunately, there are body conditioning charts that you can use to figure out if your German Shepherd is at their ideal weight. Just look at them from the side and from above, feeling for ribs and pelvic bones when necessary. Younger dogs will also typically be on the thin side before they fully fill out as adults. Years of line breeding has produced several distinct types of Shepherds. Show dogs are known for a sloped back in which the back legs are shorter than the front. This unnatural formation can cause back and hip problems along with an abnormal gait. German Shepherds bred for show will also be thinner than their hardworking cousins. As you can see in this picture, this is a show-bred German Shepherd with an obvious curved back and short back legs. Working dogs, on the other hand, are bred for a sturdy, straight back so they can work long hours without getting sore. They tend to be thicker than show dogs and will, therefore, weigh more, even at the same height. As you can see in this picture, this dog has a straighter back and longer back legs, so it has been bred for working. Something else I wanted to mention here is that, according to some sources, Black German Shepherds are larger than their bi-colored cousins, despite being otherwise the same. So, if you have one of these rare and beautiful creatures, you can follow the same charts that were listed above. If your German Shepherd is diagnosed by a veterinarian as underweight or overweight for their age, then the first thing you should do is ask him or her to help you figure out the underlying cause of the problem. This will determine what should be done next. Do you have a giant German Shepherd? What about a tiny one? Comment below to tell us more about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. American German shepherds have straighter backs then German shepherds. If you have a german shepherd and their lineages are close to their German roots they will have that arch in their back. Frequently Asked Questions German Shepherds German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular breeds and are my absolute favorite breed. That's why I've had five in total, three boys and two girls. From their loyal and obedient personalities to their beautiful coats and markings, they bring joy to many homes, including mine. With impressive intelligence, these puppies are easy to train and make excellent companion animals. The German shepherd is a large breed, usually weighing between pounds for males and up to 75 pounds for females. Their coats require minimal grooming but will benefit from occasional brushing. German shepherds are very active dogs who love to run around; they need plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. They also enjoy activities such as agility training or nose work games where they can use their smarts! Factors Influencing Weight But what about their size? German shepherds can vary in size based on gender, age, nutrition, and because of their breeding. For example, a German working line shepherd is much more energetic than the more laid-back American show line dog. A puppy from working lines may weigh less than the average on the charts. Be sure to consider factors such as gender and environment when monitoring your pup's development. A good rule of thumb is that by eight weeks of age, a German Shepherd puppy should weigh between pounds, depending on the genetic factors mentioned above. By six months, most male puppies will weigh between 49lbs — 57lbs with an average weight of 53lbs, and a female will weigh between 44lbs — 49lbs with an average weight of 46lbs. For this reason, when consulting a weight chart for a German shepherd puppy, it's essential to understand the breed, lineage, and pedigree of the dog, as well as the sex of the dog. Our puppy weight charts are specific to German Shepherd Dogs and consider all these factors. It's an excellent tool for monitoring your pup's growth and health. These charts show the average expected weight range for male and female German shepherds at different ages, from puppies to adults. Knowing the expected range can help ensure your pup grows normally and stays within healthy boundaries. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. Our chart differs from others in that you can track your puppy's weight based on his actual weight at a point in time. Many other weight charts are either for non-specific breeds, or if they are specific to a German Shepherd, they only give you the averages and a range. While this is all useful and included in our charts, what is missing from many others is what weight your puppy will likely be based on his actual weight now. Most people bring their new puppy home at 8 weeks old 2 months. The range for a female German Shepherd puppy at that age is between lbs. As you already know your puppy's weight, you can estimate how much they are likely to weigh when older using our chart. For example, if your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old. To estimate how much they are likely to weigh at 6 months old, you would find that weight on the chart and follow it down to the 6-month-old row and see that she would most likely weigh 46lbs by the time she is 6 months old and 68lbs when fully grown. Of course, these are just estimates, and all puppies grow at different speeds, as will yours. Another way this chart is helpful is if, using the same example, your puppy weighs 14 lbs at 8 weeks old and then jumps to 49 lbs at 6 months old, instead of the predicted 46 lbs. In that situation, you would follow that new column down and see that she is now closer to weighing 70 lbs when fully grown. They are heavier-boned, more muscular, and have deeper chests. If you know what you're looking for, you can distinguish a male from a female German shepherd by looking at their heads, as a male is larger and have a more masculine look. Using the German Shepherd Puppy Weight Charts To use this chart, find your pup's current weight along the top and go down the left side of the chart to find his age. If he is in range, you can follow that column down to see what he will likely weigh at each age milestone. For example, if your male German Shepherd puppy weighs 18 lbs at 8 weeks old, then you would find the nearest weight at that age on the chart. In this case, it's .In this instance, he would weigh approximately .Under no circumstances should you try to adjust your dog's diet or exercise to fit in with the chart; it is merely a guide. German Shepherd Weight Chart for Female Puppies Female German shepherds, on the whole, have a much narrower head and nose and have an overall feminine look, especially around the eyes. If you know what you're looking for, you can guess whether they are male or female by looking at their face. Having said that, my girl, Ava, was very tall for a female and was often mistaken for a boy, even when she was wearing her pink collar and leash! But I still think her face was much more feminine than her brother Hudson's. This breed of dog has unique growth development. During the first three months of their life, a German Shepherd's body goes through a significant growth spurt. Typically, they can double their birth weight in the first week! At 12 weeks, you can expect your pup to weigh about pounds for a male and pounds for a female. This growth spurt will continue through five months old; by the time they're six months, you'll likely have a large, goofy puppy on your hands. After that initial growth period is over, you'll find that your German shepherd will gain weight slowly from then on out until it reaches its full adult size at around two or three years old. On average, female German Shepherds reach an adult weight of pounds, while males reach pounds. German Shepherd Puppy Height Chart German shepherds come in a range of sizes, some taller than others. It can be helpful to know the different heights of German shepherds to ensure that the one you choose fits your lifestyle and needs. When looking at a German shepherd height chart, it's essential to remember that males tend to be larger than females. Depending on where they were bred, most standard-sized male adults will stand between inches, while female adult German shepherds typically reach inches in height from paw to shoulder. Below is our height chart for German shepherd puppies you can use to estimate your puppy's height at each age milestone based on his starting or current height. It also includes the average percentage of adult height reached each age milestone. If your puppy's weight is outside the guidelines, it may be less of an issue than you think. Puppy weights can vary greatly depending on breed, genetics, and other factors included on this page. While ensuring your puppy receives proper nutrition and exercise is essential, several factors can influence their weight. One way to determine your puppy's adult weight is to check with your breeder. They can make an educated guess as to what your furry friend will weigh once they reach adulthood. A reputable breeder should have a good understanding of their dog's genetics and be able to provide insight into the typical size range of their litter. This information can give you a rough estimate of what weight you can expect for your German shepherd as they grow older. Another factor to consider when determining the adult weight of your pup is their parents' size, and again the breeder can give you much more information on this. You can also speak with your veterinarian about your puppy's overall health and development, and they may be able to provide some insight into their expected adult size. It's important to avoid becoming too fixated on your puppy's weight if they fall outside the standard guidelines. Don't worry if your puppy is a little bigger or smaller than listed here, and if you still want to determine their adult weight, you can also use the puppy weight chart for a large or giant breed dog here. Conclusion In conclusion,German Shepherds are a fantastic breed of dogs, and understanding their growth and development is essential for pet owners. Knowing the average weight and height of male and female German Shepherds can help you be better prepared for your new pup's growth. With the proper diet, exercise, and vet care, your German shepherd will be healthy and happy throughout their life. Keep in mind that these charts are only a general guide — every pup is different! A 3-month-old German Shepherd should weigh between 17 lbs - 26 lbs for a female, with an average weight of .For males, it'll be between 22 lbs and 30 lbs, with an average of 26 lbs. How much does a 5 month old German Shepherd puppy weigh? A 5-month-old puppy will weigh between 40 lbs - 49 lbs for a male with an average weight of .A female GSD puppy will weigh between 35 lbs - 44 lbs with an average of .When will my German shepherd puppy stop growing? Most German shepherd puppies continue growing until they are two or three years old. You might like these. What is a healthy weight for your dog? Your tiny, cute German Shepherd puppy will likely grow into a medium-sized or large dog. Females will probably weigh in on the medium side, while males can get pretty big. GSD puppies experience a phenomenal rate of growth, especially before six months, so be ready. Just remember that dogs as big as male German Shepherds are at risk for joint problems because they grow so quickly, and overfeeding them can exacerbate those problems as they get older. Factors Effecting German Shepherd Size German Shepherd size is dependent on age, but there are many other factors too. Female Shepherds are smaller and lighter than males. How your dog is fed and exercised will play a part. In this article we will look at the height and weight of GSDs at different stages of their development. And at what you might expect your cute German Shepherd puppy to measure and weigh when they are a full grown German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherds are the third most popular dog in the USA right now, having been recently nudged down a place by the French Bulldog. The breed belongs to the Pastoral group of dogs traditionally used as herding dogs. Some shepherd breeds were also used to guard livestock. German Shepherd Dog size is linked to this important role. The German Shepherd temperament is also tied in with this purpose and has made them uniquely suited to work as a service dog. With the right training, German Shepherd dogs also make excellent family pets. Working German Shepherd Size Because of their dual purpose as both herding and guard dogs, they are one of the larger shepherd dog breeds. He also turned to refining them into good police and guard dogs, creating a very versatile breed still in demand as herding became less common. German dog breeds became unpopular during the second world war and lovers of the breed began referring to them as the Alsatian dog, to protect their dogs from anti-German sentiment. They are easily trained, so they make good show and work dogs. Specifically with weight and growth rate. Being overweight can be harmful to German Shepherd health, just as it can to other breeds. Black German Shepherd puppies weigh the same as pups of other colors Weight issues in adult dogs is not the only area of concern, GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which has been linked in some cases to overly rapid growth in puppies. They also suffer fromosteochondritis dissecans, disorders of the pancreas, panosteitis causing lameness, eye and ear issues, and allergies. And are vulnerable to bloat. In addition, some GSDs have deeply sloping backs and angulation in the legs that may be causing health issues. German Shepherd Puppy Size An average weight of German Shepherd puppies, according to a giant census study of dogs in Italy, is about grams or 1. A baby German Shepherd can range from 0. By about a week of age, they will weigh 1. This is one of the reasons why large breed-specific dog foods exist: to control the growth of these dogs in a way that will maximize their health and minimize joint problems. But up to 3 or 4lbs either side of that is normal. At this age most puppies are settled in with their new families and are on three meals a day. At this age pups can look quite gawky and skinny. Growth rate starts to really slow down now and many dogs will look a lot less puppyish than they did a month ago 9 month old German Shepherd puppy By nine months, your Shepherd will weigh between .At that point, the dog is about 90 percent of his or her adult weight. But in the coming months your pup will fill out, look less gawky, and may carry on gaining weight for another months. Bear in mind that this should be muscle gain, not fat, so keep an eye on that waistline! German Shepherd puppies generally stop growing significantly in height by nine months for males, eight months for females. Males may get an extra inch by 15 months and females slightly less than that by months. They reach their adult weight at 36 months. GSDs, like many larger breeds, are considered fully grown by about 18 months, when they have reached 98 percent of their growth. A golden shepherd golden retriever shepherd mix may be very similar but a shepherd mix dog where one parent is much smaller, will not. The answer is no, not really, though it is possible to harm your dog by overfeeding either as a puppy or an adult. German Shepherd dogs will no longer grow in height after 36 months of age, or three years. Dog individuals vary, just like human individuals do. You can ask your vet for a weigh in and a check up to discuss any concerns Average German Shepherd Height On average, male German shepherds reach a larger size when adult than females. So your girl German Shepherd is likely to be a little smaller than her brothers when she is full grown. The German Shepherd breed standard specifies that a good height for adult male German Shepherds is inches at the withers. For females, a size of inches at the withers is about right. How tall is a German Shepherd — length vs height These dogs are longer than they are tall. Fully grown male German Shepherd size is usually between inches tall and lbs. And adult female German Shepherd size is typically within inches tall and lb. However, you can expect your male GSD to weight about 80 lbs by 18 months of age, and 84 lbs by 36 months of age. Female German Shepherd weight is going to be less than male, the average weight at 18 months of age is about 62 lbs. But a good weight for females can like anywhere from lbs, and a good weight for males will be anywhere from lbs, depending on individual factors. Shepherds are often not as greedy as some other popular dog breeds, but obesity can still be a problem in this breed. Remember that exercise or lack of it is rarely at the heart of excessive weight issues in dogs. The problem is almost always too much food. Red German Shepherd Some slight weight loss may occur naturally in an old german shepherd. Older dogs may lose their sense of taste or smell and have less of an appetite than they did when young. When our 8-weeks puppies leave home, we always say. But how much and how fast should a puppy grow? What should they weight at 3, 5, 8 months? We have been very skeptical to give this information to our families, but many of our puppy families want this chart, so here it is. Some of the reasons we hesitated to provide this chart with every puppy — is because we know that once there is an actual chart to follow, it can be very stressful for families, as they might think that this is the ONLY way their puppy will and should develop and anything off these numbers is a fault. This is not true. This can be overwhelming! I remember when our first born kid, a daughter Malasha was born, I was stressing when a pediatrician would place her on a scale every month — if she was not gaining on the top of the percentile chart, I was feeling that I am failing as a breastfeeding mother. Now, after four absolutely different pregnancies, births and many years of breastfeeding, I know that each child is different, unique and for as long as there is a continuous progress and development — we are doing ok as parents. If you will keep this is mind and not stress every month - then please use this table. We did not create these numbers, but used the data we found online, we just put it into a nicer design. The numbers on this German Shepherd Growth Chart are simply averages. This chart may become helpful to give owners an idea of what to expect as their puppy matures. As these numbers give you an approximation of what weight an average GSD puppy is typically at that particular age in months. Remember not to get frustrated if your puppy does not match these perfectly, but if you notice significant difference, bring this up with your veterinarian during your next visit. Not a bad idea to have a well-puppy check up to see how your puppy is doing health-wise and to make sure there are no underlying causes making this an issue. Raising German Shepherds for the first eight weeks, we are amazed by the amount of growth and development they go through in such short amount of time. One time we had a litter of eight weeks of age and a newborn litter at the same time, so I asked Serge to hold a newborn puppy in one hand and a puppy of 8 weeks in his other and took a picture for comparison. It was just amazing to see! All our neonatal care happens in those eight weeks and there is such a tremendous difference! When our puppies leave from our kennel home they average at 12 lbs. When we are updated with images and weights, it is absolutely incredible to see how fast they grow! If you think of it: a newborn puppy is typically a pound and by their first year they often weigh around 80 pounds for a male and about 65 to 70 for a female! If you think about it, that is a phenomenal amount of growth for anything to go through in just one year! Many people just take it for granted but we think it is amazing. This baby would be about the size of a school bus by the time it was a year old! That is crazy! Finally, we want to once again address the size of a German Shepherd Dog as an adult as it is listed in a breed standard. An allowance of 2. German Shepherd Dogs will slow their growth after 12 months, but they will continue to grow up until 24 months. At 24 months old they will stop grow in size but will fill their body and especially chest with muscles. Again, this varies from German Shepherd to German Shepherd but this is a good starting place to keep in mind since German Shepherd development can vary so much from dog to dog. Please, feel free to leave your story in comments. Shares are welcome. However, there are certain breeds that are easier to train than others. Thankfully, German Shepherds fit into that category because they are very intelligent and quick learners. This includes house training , crate training , basic obedience commands as well as learning tricks. We recommend attending a puppy kindergarten class as part of your German Shepherd puppy socialization strategy. Once your pup knows their basic obedience commands, you can enroll them in Schutzhund training aka IPO. Partnership and teamwork between yourself and your dog are the basis for this type of training. Note that the Schutzhund environment is not a place for dogs with aggression issues, neither towards other dogs nor people! If they pass that initial level which includes a temperament test, they can move on to IPO 2 minimum age 19 months and IPO 3 minimum age 20 months. That said, protection dog trainers recommend starting training classes that include bitework and high jumps once your German Shepherd puppy is 12 months old. Dutch and Czech are two other languages that commands are frequently taught in. Stanley, my former long-haired GSD dog walking client, started going to Schutzhund training when he was a little over 12 months old. His owners practiced commands in German with him on a daily basis, and I remember getting a print out of his German commands as they asked me to use them on our walks as well. Lots, ha! German Shepherds need a minimum of 2 hours of physical exercise per day, but generally speaking, the more exercise you can provide your GSD with, the more they will thrive. Remember, German Shepherds are high-energy, athletic dogs bred to be active all day long, especially if they come from a working line! Physical Exercise Ideas for German Shepherds As far as physical exercise, this can be a mix of walks, runs, bike rides, fetch and playtime. This is Nala, one of my former pet sitting clients. She was crazy about frisbees and balls. One of my favorite ways of increasing the energy and calories a dog burns on a regular walk or hike is by using a doggie backpack. Mental Stimulation for German Shepherds Besides providing a good physical workout, dog backpacks also burn mental energy. As you probably know, bored dogs can quickly become destructive as they figure out ways of entertaining themselves. For example, chewing up your furniture and shoes, scratching doors, raiding your kitchen trash can or digging up your flower beds. So do yourself a favor and make sure your GSD gets plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, and that applies to German Shepherds as much as it does to any other dog breed! Former GSD client Remi pooped after a long walk. Bottom Line So, how big does a German Shepherd get? Well, German Shepherds are medium to large size dogs, so they can weigh anywhere between lbs. That said, the average expected weight for a male GSD is between lbs, and the average expected weight for a female GSD is between lbs. Both reach sexual maturity somewhere between months and are considered fully grown at about the 2 year mark. Keeping that in mind, your GSD breeder should be able to give you a good general idea of how big your German Shepherd puppy will grow to be! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Barbara is a trilingual, something dog lover, e-book author, founder, copywriter, dog nutrition blogger and editor at K9sOverCoffee. Post navigation.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. 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. This is especially true with dogs like German Shepherds because they have a strong prey drive, but this nipping and biting can also quickly get out of hand. This often comes out as biting and nipping, but puppies will also bite when they are teething and to taste the world around them. This can, of course, quickly get out of hand if not taken care of swiftly. In this article, we look at the reasons behind German Shepherd puppies biting and seven steps to help stop the behavior. Training The first and most important step in stopping your puppy from biting is early and focused training. Beginning training at an early age is vital for powerful dogs like GSDs, as without it, they can easily develop problematic behaviors and even become aggressive. An important part of training is socialization, and getting your GSD to interact with other dogs will help teach them boundaries, as any biting too hard will have instant consequences for them. Image Credit: AnjaGh, Pixabay 2. Toys Toys are ideal for your GSD puppy to exercise their teething. There is a massive variety of suitable chew toys available, and whenever you notice your pooch getting the urge to chew, you can gently offer them a chew toy instead. Commands Basic and simple commands should be taught to your GSD from a young age. Whenever they get overexcited and bite down too hard, you can then simply issue a verbal command that catches their attention. After you issue the commands, leave your puppy alone for a few minutes so they learn that this behavior is unacceptable. Image Credit: Jim Sluder, Pixabay 4. Redirection Redirection is a useful tool in training and can work well with biting too. This method is simple and works by keeping your pup from unwanted behavior and offering them appropriate behavior instead. Whenever your pooch bites or nips, try to offer them a chew toy of some kind instead, and this will gradually lead them to chew toys as opposed to your hands. Squeak toys are great for this type of redirection, as the noise is enticing to most puppies and dogs. Reward good behavior Positive reinforcement training methods are best for leading your puppy toward desired behaviors and away from unwanted ones. These methods involve no scolding or harsh treatment, so they are ideal for cementing the bond between you and your pup. When you offer your dog a chew toy instead of biting and they take it or you issue a command that they instantly follow, you simply reward that behavior with either a treat or praise. You ignore any bad behavior. They will swiftly associate treats with good behavior and stop the bad behavior that gets them no attention. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 6. Games Since GSDs are such powerful and athletic animals, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated through games and interactive play. Games are also the best time to engage and enforce training techniques and get your GSD accustomed to them before biting gets out of hand. Stick to simple games like fetch or frisbee, where you can train your pooch to give the ball back when you tell them to. Harsh treatments like hitting or shouting are highly unlikely to solve the problem and will probably just make it worse, as your dog will simply become nervous and wary of you. With a powerful dog like German Shepherds, trust is vital. They are highly intelligent and aware animals, and the smallest of sounds or movements are enough to set them off. There are several reasons for this, including: GSD puppies will begin teething as early as 2 weeks old, and this can be uncomfortable and even painful for them. This behavior can go on until your puppy is 6 months old, and they will chew on almost anything that they can find — including your hand — in an attempt to try and soothe their discomfort. Separated too young. The first 2 months of your GSDs life is vital to their socialization and learning, and if they are taken away from their mother and litter too young, this may cause a lack of understanding of boundaries. Puppies will play and learn with the rest of their littermates, where they learn to control the force of their bite. GSDs should be at least 8 weeks old before they are re-homed. Fear or overstimulation. Fear, anxiety, and overstimulation are common reasons for puppies to lose control of their bite because this can cause them to become irritable or defensive and lead them into the habit of biting. Conclusion Since German Shepherds are such powerful dogs, proper training is vital, and bite inhibition is an essential part of that training. Proper training is the vital first step and will set the tone for all other methods. With time, consistency, patience, and gentle leadership, your German Shepherd puppy should kick the biting habit in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share!

Female Labrador Overview Whether chocolate, black, or yellow, Labradors have a friendly and loving nature that makes them a popular choice for families. Is one better than the other? Is there any significant difference? The differences between a male and female Lab may be minor, but they could have a big influence on your decision. Find out what you should consider when choosing the sex of your Labrador. The breed originated in the UK and was developed from Canadian fishing dogs as a gundog, meaning that it was bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game. These medium-to-large dogs are gentle giants with a dense, hard coat that can be a deep black, rich chocolate, or vibrant yellow. One of the best features of the Lab is its eyes, however, which radiate calmness and intelligence. Labs tend to get along with all family members—human and animal alike—and enjoy energetic activities like swimming, fetch, and hunting. Of the few differences in the sexes, males are usually more playful and goofier, more attention-seeking, and more social with people and other pets. Some males may have a higher drive to please their owners. Males tend to be more protective of the family or the territory. Training Labs are easy to train compared to other breeds, but male Labs get distracted easily and may be harder to train than females. Males also need more maintenance and consistency in reinforcing training behaviors. Males may also experience perianal tumors and hernias in old age. Be sure to speak to your vet about the best time to neuter your Lab to reduce the risk of these conditions. At that time, the male may relentlessly seek a female for mating, which may include humping furniture, toys, and people. Intact males may also display sexually-based aggression or marking behaviors to establish and protect their territory. Female Labradors sometimes have a reputation for being more stubborn than males, but there is no conclusive evidence for this. A mature female Labrador comes into heat twice a year — spaying will prevent this, but it has disadvantages as well. Are there behavioral differences between female and male Labs? What about health problems? Is one sex more prone to inherited conditions? Others say that male Labradors are more affectionate and easier to train. When it comes to the lovable Lab, is one sex better than the other? The only noticeable difference between the body of a female and male will be size. Females are typically, slightly smaller. They stand between .The female usually weighs from 55 to 70 pounds, the male from 65 to 80 pounds. Keep in mind, that these are guidelines, and that some female Labs will be larger than males depending on the size of the parents. Coat Types One of the most distinctive traits of the Labrador is their short, dense, water resistant coat. They traditionally come in chocolate, black, or yellow, with a range of shades within each color. In terms of variation of coat length, color, and pattern, there is no difference between the sexes. This study found female Labs were less likely to engage in aggressive behaviors towards their owner. It also determined that there was no difference between the sexes when it came to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. These dogs are highly motivated to learn by both their devotion to people and their insatiable love of food rewards. But is there a difference in female vs male Lab trainability? Female dogs are generally considered to mature faster than males. And some say that this gives them a slight edge when it comes to training and house-training. This study found that females are superior in focusing on stimuli. An ability to be less prone to distraction could make girls easier to train. Conversely, this study determined that male dogs were quicker to implement a different tactic to find an item. All in all, when it comes to training, the differences between the sexes are negligible. Female vs Male Labrador Lifespan According to this study, the average lifespan of all Labrador Retrievers is 12 years. Females were found to have a median lifespan of .However, neutered Labradors had an average of .Female Labrador Health There are a number of health issues that affect both female and male Labradors. Luckily, health testing is available for the following inherited conditions.

Pugs are purebred dogs that were originally lap dogs. This is a highly sensitive breed that does not adapt well to being alone for long periods. However, they are adaptable to apartment living given their compact size inches and pounds. Pugs are a good choice for novice pet owners as they are loving and easygoing. They are affectionate with family members, kid-friendly, and get along well with other dogs in the household. In terms of grooming, Pugs shed a lot but they are quite easy to groom. Pugs are not the most intelligent canines but they can be trained to comply with requests using reward games. If you are an individual or family interested in Pug puppies in Tennessee, you should know this breed has moderate exercise needs and energy levels. But Pugs are an extremely playful breed, which makes them the ideal pets for Tennessee families with kids. All in all, Pugs are the ideal companions with their lovable flat faces, deep wrinkles, big, dark eyes, and comical expressions. Puppy Hero pre-screens all breeders, so you can bring an adorable Pug puppy home with peace of mind. She is spayed, microchipped, up to date on all vaccinations, and on heart worm prevention. Raven is an oh-so-sweet girl looking for a forever home. She found herself in rescue after her owner sadly passed away. She is a very loving girl and loves being with her humans. She gets along well with her fur siblings and enjoys playtime with them outside. She is house trained and has no accidents as long as she gets apprpriate potty breaks. At night, she will sleep in bed with you or in her doggy bed. She also enjoys car rides. Raven is just an all around good girl and will make a wonderful companion. If you would like to give Raven her forever home, please submit an application at southerncrossbtr. She is being fostered in Selmer, TN. Approved adopters must be willing to travel to where the dog is being fostered in order to adopt them. For a complete listing of all of our available Bostons, or to learn more about SCBTR, please visit our website at www. Follow us on Facebook at facebook. Thank you for choosing rescue and for considering Southern Cross for your next furbaby.

Next up is another thing to do before you bring your puppy home… How To Puppy Proof Your House When puppy-proofing your house, think like a puppy. Crawl around on the floor and take note of what you see. Puppies will chew nearly anything, so make sure that there are no valuables down at puppy-height, or things that could be poisonous to them or be a choking hazard. Make sure there are no open cabinets or pantries where your puppy could get into food. Be careful of small trash cans that could hold some smelly trash that would be enticing to a puppy. And finally, next are a few other random tasks to do before you bring home your new puppy. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Not exactly. Find a vet. Find the closest emergency animal hospital. This is not something you want to wait until you need it before looking it up and making a plan. Find a list of local poisonous plants and animals. Talk to your vet and do some research so that you know which plants and animals to avoid. Find a puppy kindergarten class. This will help with training, socialization, and general learning how to be a puppy parent. Check your yard or house for any escape routes. This next section will cover everything from what to expect with a puppy, what to do the first 24 hours of bringing them home, how to train them, and more. A week after bringing Oliver home, it was very obvious to me why she asked me that. Puppies are hard work! Their little bladders can only hold it for a few hours, so this is expected. Chewing Puppies will try to chew any and everything. Like every thirty minutes often. Now, for the most important expectation of them all… You will miss puppyhood! Yes, you will miss the sleepless nights and puppy bites. So make sure to take lots of videos and pictures. How would you like to be treated in this situation? Here are some tips to help your puppy get comfortable in their new home. Let your puppy make decisions When you get to your house, set them at your open front door and let them choose to walk inside. Let them explore their new home on their own terms. Letting them make decisions can give them a sense of confidence, hope, and control, and ease into their new home. Limit visitors Now is the time to build the bond with your puppy and let them get to know you, not overstimulate them with a lot of people. Limit their access to your home Getting used to a new home with two rooms will be a lot easier than getting used to a new home with five rooms. Only let your puppy have access to a few rooms so that they get acclimated to their new area quicker, then as they get more comfortable you can allow them to explore new areas of the house. You can use baby gates to restrict access to sections of the house. Bonus benefit: this will also decrease the chances that they leave you a present in the guest room. In general, just keep things low key when you bring them home and let them get used to their surroundings. Training Your Golden Retriever Puppy Training your golden retriever puppy is one of the best things you can do both for them and with them. They have short attention spans and like to have fun, so short training sessions and training games work best. A lot of people think that training is just obedience training, like sit and stay , but it also includes life skills like crate training , potty training , how to not jump on people or bite them, and how to not pull on the leash. Socialization Socialization is something that is not talked about as much as it should be. It can help mitigate fear and aggression and help them become confident, well-adjusted adult dogs. You can socialize your puppy with other dogs by setting up play dates with gentle dogs that you know are vaccinated and by going to puppy kindergarten. Dog to other living beings includes humans, cats, and other animals. You can socialize them with other people by taking them to a pet-friendly store like home depot, and you can socialize them to other animals by taking a walk by the neighborhood cat with lots of distance between them, so neither animal gets overwhelmed. Dog to stuff is the broadest category, but no less important. When Oliver was very young we were on a walk and a FedEx truck drove by. He had never heard a big truck like that and was terrified. So make sure that your puppy is comfortable with trucks, cars, the garage door, buses, umbrellas, and whatever other objects they may encounter. For instance, if you live in Chicago, get them used to trains, buses and crowded streets. Every day, separate out five special treats for your puppy. For example, you might let your neighbor give your puppy a treat, or maybe you take your puppy to a bus stop and when the bus goes by you give them a treat, or maybe you introduce them to a cow and give them a treat. The treat helps them have a positive experience with these new things and people, plus it helps you easily remember to expose them to lots of these new things. Do this for the first four weeks of their life and before you know it, your puppy will have been exposed to new dogs, people, things, or environments, and will be well on their well to becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppy Raising Mistakes Below are some mistakes that new puppy owners make that could make it harder to train and raise their puppy into a happy, confident adult. Not remembering how young they are Puppies are like little toddlers. Waiting to train your puppy until they have a problem Training your puppy before they have any behavior problems will make life so much easier for you. Forcing things too quickly Things like crate training and potty training take time. Setbacks hurt more than stretching their limits will help, so be patient and take things slowly. Conclusion Golden retriever puppies might just be the best living beings on the planet. However, they are a lot of work and can be quite naughty sometimes. Have any questions about golden retriever puppies? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is thinking about getting a golden retriever puppy, please share this with them. Related articles:. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. January 24, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? What does it take to be considered ideal for a family dog? How do you know if the Golden Retriever is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Golden Retrievers! Bred in the highlands of Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth in the mid to late s, Goldens are a cross between a Yellow Retriever and an extinct dog breed, the Tweed Water Spaniel. Lord Tweedmouth wanted the ideal gundog to accompany him during fowl hunting and be able to withstand the rugged terrain and rainy conditions. Aside from being able to retrieve fowl, Lord Tweedmouth wanted an even-tempered dog to have at home when not hunting. And so, the Golden Retriever was born. Later in the s, they soon became a popular breed amongst American families when President Gerald Ford had a Golden named Liberty as his family dog. Golden Retrievers, like their name states, are golden! Their luxurious coats come in a variety of light to dark shades, ranging from light like the white Golden Retriever or English Cream to dark golden colors, even close to chocolate. Their coats feature feathering down their backs, chest, belly, hindquarters, and tails. Goldens have soft expressions combined with floppy expressive ears that give them a puppy-like appearance even as adults. Another thing to note of the Golden Retriever is that those fluffy coats are actually what are known as double coats. A strong water repellant coat on top coupled with a dense undercoat to regulate their body heat. This all means these pups can be heavy shedders! What are Golden Retrievers Personalities like? There is something to be said about being named a perfect family dog. The Golden Retriever breed is loyal, affectionate, playful, and gentle. If brought into a home with children, your Golden Retriever puppy will be a great addition for help introducing your new Golden Retriever pup to your kids and how to play together, check out our blog! But being a great family dog doesn't mean they are easy! Goldens have lots of energy which can come out in more jumping and being more mouthy, especially as puppies. Check our training tips for raising a well-mannered Golden at the end of this blog! Two to three daily walks are a must, and throw in fun activities like hiking or going for a swim, your pup will stay golden! Golden Retrievers are eager to please type of breed. They generally have happy go lucky demeanors which lends itself to affection and friendliness, including toward strangers. If you wanted a pup that could eventually become a service dog, a Golden Retriever is a great choice and make for excellent working pups! As a high-energy breed, Golden Retrievers do best in a home that will provide them ample access to romp around. Homes with fenced in yards or access to a park or field on a daily basis where they can run and fetch to their hearts content are the best environment for Goldens! These pups, with consistent early socialization, can adapt and thrive to living in a home with other dogs, or pets, and children! They love to play and make great playmates. That being said, their social nature can lead to dependencies on their owners and family. Golden Retrievers may develop separation anxiety if left alone and not properly trained from an early age. Golden Retrievers may also contract heart disease called subvalvular aortic stenosis SAS that with early diagnosis and treatment can allow for a regular life-span. When you are looking to add a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure you are working with a reputable breeder that cares for the health quality of the dogs they breed. Take advantage of that natural drive and eagerness to please by setting foundations at home. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home. Include consistent feeding, nap, play and obedience training times throughout the day to help your Golden pup learn what to expect and build confidence at home. During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship! Since Golden Retrievers love to work, positive reinforcement and food rewards will be valuable motivators to get your puppy focused and listening. In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it! Teach Your Golden Retriever How to Greet New People and Dogs While their open friendly disposition will help your puppy make new friends where ever they go, make sure to teach your puppy the right way to do so! Some overly energetic and friendly pups can get excitable around new people and dogs. That can result in some unwanted whining, lunging, and jumping. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on those common over-excited behaviors when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success! Do Calming Obedience Exercises With all their high-energy and high-drive, teaching your Golden how to be calm in everyday scenarios will help tame that wild side! Great calming exercises include having your puppy learn to wait for their food bowl and in thresholds each time you enter or leave a space. This also extends to activities like fetch. Goldens are a natal for this! This can be done simply by having your pup drop the toy when they return and pausing for a few moments giving them a chance to settle before throwing it again for them to retrieve. Teach Them to Walk Nicely on Leash Many high-energy pups have a tendency to lunge toward exciting new things! Couple that with a social nature, and you may encounter that your Golden Retriever puppy will start to pull on leash. Focus on teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping and excited whining, barking or nipping at them! That can greatly help possible bad encounters with strangers and other dogs while teaching them great habits! Did you recently bring home a Golden Retriever 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! Goldens are often very people-oriented dogs, aside from their beauty and cuteness. When considering adding a Golden Retriever to your pack, it is prudent to conduct research by speaking with golden retriever breeders, rescues, and parents. These are huge, lively dogs that are often unaware of their size. The good news is that golden retriever training is super easy as they are eager to please, especially when it comes to high-value puppy treats. It is important to get the best puppy training treats, whether you're teaching your puppy to lie down, sit, or potty train. Keep things interesting and exciting for your Golden throughout each training session. Instead of a severe tone, use a cheerful one. Avoid screaming and practise patience instead. If your pet ignores your cues, you can re-engage him by being playful and making the process a little simpler. You can also use delicious training treats while training your golden retriever. Make it enjoyable Food and play are powerful motivators for goldens. Positive reinforcement is guaranteed to help with golden retriever training. Age and skill-appropriate golden retriever training We don't expect toddlers to perform algebra, so make sure your expectations for your dog are reasonable. Puppies, for example, require shorter training sessions—around minutes each—due to their underdeveloped bodies and brains. Adult dogs who are new to you and your house may not be ready for advanced training because they are still adjusting to their new surroundings and humans. Keep It Secure A well-fit dog collar, such as the Frisco solid martingale dog collar, is one of the best tools for Golden Retriever training. For everyday walking and training, you'll also need a foot flat training leash. Because Golden Retrievers may be huge, strong, and energetic dogs, you might want to consider using a gentle leader headcollar, such as the PetSafe Premier gentle leader rapid-release dog headcollar, to provide you with more control when walking your dog in a stimulating area. Make Golden Retriever Training Easy to Understand When your dog does it right, using the clicker training approach can help you provide very clear feedback. Clicker training is incredibly effective and is used to train different kinds of animals all over the world! A distinctive sound is used to signify a certain behavior in this procedure. Your dog will realize he has earned a reward if you use a dog clicker, such as the Downtown Pet Supply training dog clicker. It doesn't take long for a dog to grasp the concept and then repeat it. Include training in your daily routine We can't perfect skills without frequent practice, and your canine companion is no exception. Start with something basic, like potty training your golden retriever puppy. Is it dinner time yet? Then, before you set the bowl in front of your dog, practice "sit. Just before you pick up the leash, call your dog's name or whatever cue the dog might notice. After your dog's stroll, practice "down" and "stay" when he is more likely to respond to your command. Take advantage of the numerous opportunities to practice commands in everyday circumstances. Make training your golden retriever a family project Make sure your Golden Retriever gets along well with everyone in the family, including other pets. Encourage each family member to work with the dog on fundamental commands such as sit, down, off people, counters, furniture , stay, come, and "all done" to end sessions. Encourage everyone to make default behavior a priority for training your golden retriever. When supervision isn't possible, you can assist other pets to feel comfortable around your golden by using equipment a dog leash, crates, or baby gates to separate them as needed. Maintain Consistency Some "home rules" for your dog must be agreed upon by all family members. While little variances in how people interact with pets are acceptable, the dog will learn and keep his manners best if the rules are followed consistently. Parents may prefer to start with the fundamentals of training their golden retriever. After that, you can assist your children in teaching the dog how to ask for them as well. Train your dog in stages You can increase your training requirements as your Golden Retriever masters fundamental manners and rules. When your dog understands that he must sit and lie down at specific times, you can ask him to stay in that posture until he is freed. Commit for the rest of your life Even if your dog is a beloved family member with excellent manners, there are always new things to learn. Training your golden retriever stimulates the brain, allowing you to better utilize your golden's high activity level. It also deepens the human-animal link, benefiting the whole family. Learn about new sports and activities, including nose work, agility, rallying, and therapeutic visits. Summary These suggestions can assist your new Golden Retriever in understanding the training. Whether you start with an 8-week-old puppy, an adolescent rescue, or a senior dog, these tips will result in success. It also allows you to assist him in burning energy, providing excitement, and developing a deep bond with your dog. Share this on:. Schools Hospitals The veterinary clinic. Plus puppies are a great stress relief and your puppy may be just what the staff need to get through a hard day. Not only does it keep them healthy but it may also decrease the tendency toward poor behavior and helps them sleep. There are many things you can do with your Golden Retriever beyond just neighborhood walks, here are some suggestions: Swimming. Even puppies can swim, just take the time to introduce them slowly to deep water. Throwing a toy helps. Playing catch. Playing ball is great exercise, just avoid tossing things like discs where they may try to jump and injure them selves Tug of War. Gentle tug of war is a great game that most Goldens love. Playing with other puppies or similarly sized dogs Chasing the kids around the yard. Have them drag a rope toy and run let your pup catch it every once in a while. This has the added benefit of exercising your kids too. Training your Golden Retriever puppy is essential, he or she needs to understand what is good behavior and what is not. Golden Retrievers are very smart dogs who learn quickly and enjoy training with their people. House training and teaching basic commands is an essential part of raising a Golden Retriever puppy. Additional training, whether that is advanced obedience or training them to do tricks, can be a great way to enjoy your puppy and creating a lasting bond. Golden Retriever puppies are able to learn as well as adults by 8 weeks of age. Even younger pups can learn basic behaviors like sit with just a little patience. Here we give a few suggestions, but we have a fantastic article on Training your Golden Retriever that goes into detail. Here are some commands every dog should know. Your Golden Retriever puppy should come right away every time you call. Carry treats in your pocket and practice this command everywhere you go. Coming when you call could save your dogs life one day. This one is critical for when you want your Golden to stop jumping on guests or when you want your pup to calm down. It can also be used in place of sit for not jumping on guests. Leave it. This one is important to get them away from that dead animal they want to roll in, the goose poop they want to eat, or the pacifier that your neighbors toddler dropped in front of your pup. Yes wait not stay. This means walk by my side without pulling on the leash. Some Fun Tricks and Commands to Teach Your Dog One of the best parts of raising a Golden Retriever puppy, is seeing first hand how smart they are and how much they love learning new things. Here are a few just for fun things you can teach your dog. Bring it. Point to a toy or object and have them bring it to you. Turn off the light once they are big enough to reach the switch. Off is easier than on but they can learn that too. Jump through the hoop. All you need is a simple hula hoop and a partner. Note Golden Retriever puppies should not jump higher than a inches before 6 months. They should not jump more than shoulder height before 1 year of age when their growth plates are closed. High five. Yup this is exactly what it sounds like, having your pup give you a high five. Be careful not to use the same hand signals for other commands. For example holding your hand up by your shoulder usually means sit, so you should hold your hand in a different spot for high five. If you are loving teaching these tricks, AKC has a Trick dog title you can earn with your dog. Or if you love dancing, canine freestyle, dancing competitions for you and your dog might be fun for you. Again, this could be an entire article on its own, but since I have not written one, I have included a link to a video that I think will be helpful. What I like about this trainer is his emphasis on positive reinforcement rewards and NO punishment negative reinforcement. This is exactly the technique I used to train my own dogs. See what you think. For other helpful tips see our article on article on Training your Golden Retriever. Also, you will discover while raising your Golden Retriever puppy, that they can be a bit exuberant or really hyper in the case of some field bred lines , check out this article on How to Train your Golden Retriever to be Calm. Dogs are by instinct more comfortable sleeping in a den a confined space with only one opening. Staring crate training early will make sure everyone in your household gets the right sleep. Even if you plan on letting your Golden pup sleep in your bed again I remind you they will be big dogs, so prepare for a bed hog , crate training can be helpful as a safe place for your pup to stay while you are not able to watch them. This is especially important if you plan on raising a Golden Retriever puppy while working. See our article on How to crate Train a Golden Retriever for tips. That is where some really great dog toys come in. This critter is on of our favorite toys for Golden Retriever Puppies. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. Make sure to watch your puppy carefully. You may need to change types of toys as your puppy gets older. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. However if your puppy becomes a moderate chewer, here are two that my dogs enjoy. Best Ball Toy View on Amazon This ball is made of tough rubber and is a different texture than the ever ubiquitous tennis ball. My dogs can pop, skin and take apart a standard tennis ball in about 5 minutes, making it both a hazard and a waste of money. They come in a couple of sizes so you can get the larger ones as your puppy grows. Here I have recommended the 3. It comes as a set with a ball thrower and a ball but you can get the balls separately if needed. The good news is that inside is a regular Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just fetch it. They do come smaller for younger puppies. For more dog toy ideas and recommendations, check out our article on the Best Dog Toys for Golden Retrievers. This needs to start early with letting them get used to normal things like brushing, bathing, and dental care. You should gently brush your Golden Retriever puppy as often as times a week for just a few minutes. It is not that they need it, as much as you are training them that the brush is nice and feels good. Wait until they are sleepy and treat it like a petting session at first until they get used to the idea. For the rest of the list of recommended brushes here is the Full article, Best Brushes for Golden Retrievers. When to bathe and groom your puppy might become obvious. I find that there is not much of a need to put dates in the calendar because they find something to get into that necessitates a bath every couple of weeks. The first veterinary visit should be right after you bring your puppy home even if the breeder or shelter has already started their puppy shots. At that visit your veterinarian will make sure your pup is healthy and recommend the preventative care your pup needs. This may include a series of vaccinations to protect against common infectious diseases, heartworm and intestinal worm preventatives, and flea and tick medication. It takes tons of time, money and dedication. If you are not a professional breeder or are not willing to do all of the things necessary to become a responsible breeder, then your puppy should be spayed or neutered. For detailed information in this required surgery and when do have it done, see our article on Spaying and Neutering Golden Retrievers. Conclusions on Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy Following these essential steps when raising a Golden Retriever Puppy will help you to have a happy, healthy family member for years to come. My husband and I are bringing home our first puppy in September a goldendoodle and this was super helpful! Emily June 29, , am Thank you so much for this, Jen! I look forward to the post on favorite dog toys! We just got a puppy and, while its only been a week, we are definitely having some issues getting puppy to embrace his crate. He is doing really well with potty training, and has yet to have an accident in his crate, but soon after he enters his crate the howling begins. This way he associates it with a positive place. Also, leave treats in there. Some dogs do better with their crates covered so like drape a blanket over the sides so it feels more like a cave. You might also try placing a t-shirt or something that smells like you in there. Also, leave the door open all the time and praise him if he goes in on his own. Good luck! OH, what a difference! Long after they no longer needed their crates, we kept them and always left the door opened. They would go into them when they were tired, knowing they were in a safe place; their place. Friends always said to us that they would have a dog if it behaved like our dogs. Be consistent. Fun for all of you. I can definitely see how teaching while a puppy can make a huge difference. Looking forward to your next dog related posts :. Reply Link Megan June 29, , pm Ahh thank you for this post! My husband and I are looking into getting a pug puppy soon and these tips are so helpful. Looking forward to reading more posts on this, especially the crate training. Love the tips, we are still trying to stay the course with the UD group classes! Golden are the best! It has been such an eye-opening month with our new puppy. Our other dog is 8 so everything feels brand new. I actually wrote about it in my post for tomorrow, but a puppy is like a baby. My boyfriend and I are getting a golden pup in the fall and while I grew up with the breed I have never trained a pup on my own. We made the choice to get a puppy mostly to instil good habits and behaviour long term. So long story short, I would never put a puppy or young dog or any age in airplane cargo! Reply Link Megan June 30, , pm Good tips! Socializing him right away and crate training him were so key to having an awesome, well-adjusted dog! Reply Link Josi August 20, , pm Hello! Just wondering where you got your goldens? This really helped me figure out what to do when she gets here. Jen May 3, , pm YAY! Our 3rd Golden in about 33 years and know he has some big paws to fill Taegan was wonderful for 14 years. We are so excited!! I have a new English Cream Golden. I feel like I need to work for his affection. Great otherwise! Not super energetic. Bursts of energy followed up by lots of naps but never really interested in walks. First timer here. Your pup could really benefit from basic positive obedience! I would recommend seeking out an experienced trainer in your area to help you as your pup grows! Having a puppy in the home can be fantastic, but you also need to make sure that you can offer it the best as well. She has been really easy to house break. We are excited to bring her home. Thank you for the helpful tips. That is a good idea to make sure that we are committed to doing the work to train this dog. We do really want him to be well trained. Thanks for the tips! Thank you so much for this super informative post! Reply Link Jen January 22, , pm I always made sure she went before we got to the gym and walked her frequently. Meghan January 29, , am Thank you so much for the reply!! We kept each of our puppies on a leash in the house, never out of our sight except when they were in the crate for 4 months before we gradually gave them independence. We always messed with them and held them. They had accidents as you would expect until fully house trained at about 4 months, but never any destructive or aggressive behavior. We gave them plenty of tough chew toys. Also training classes. They were never nervous or skittish. They love to lay on us and never have had any trouble with grooming, food guarding, loud noises, children or other animals. Goldens are great dogs but like any dog, they can only know what you teach them. Great article!! Kathrinne May 5, , am Hi Jen, how old are your puppies when you let them go out? Jen May 5, , am What do you mean? Reply Link Carly September 8, , pm Thank you so much for your article! What would your input be? Do you think they would focus on each other more than their humans? Would 2 puppies be so much more difficult than 1? Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Love the name Zoey!! Any tips to Prevent that?? Reply Link Christine November 1, , am About to get golden 3. Learning all over about everything. Reply Link Jen November 1, , pm It is like starting over again but you will figure it out! Every pup is different but be patient and consistent! This is my first large dog breed so a little nervous. I read your post and you give wonderful tips that I will follow. Please let me know if it is safe to put a flea collar on the puppy. Thank you. Reply Link Jen January 29, , pm I would consult with your vet to see what they recommend for flea prevention and treatment. Also, about the scratching. It could be due to something else like an allergen outside. I have not had a dog in 3 years because I lost my last one in a painful way for me and I am afraid to get another one. I am now ready to get one and this page has helped me prepare for my new puppy. I am a 74 yr old male in pretty good shape no health issues, and retired so I should be around a while to look after a dog. My wife passed about four months ago so I guess I am looking to fill a void. I live in a single family home and have plenty of time to spare. Thanks Reply Link marion duffield April 14, , am I am picking my pup up in 2 weeks! This is the best AND most realistic article I have read about training…. My pup Tank will be 4 months when we get him. He is absolutely adorable. Have only seen photos. He lives with his breeder in Missouri and we live in Canada…. I am so excited for you!!!! Puppies are intense but so much fun. And wow, that is going to be an adventure! Reply Link Theresa April 30, , am Do you have suggestions about golden retriever puppy biting? We got ours at 7 weeks. She is now .How do we stop her from snapping and biting? She is smart and loving. The biting has been rough though. Can you help? But I love dogs soooo much. This info is everything to me. I love this post Soo much. Thanks a ton. You left puppy in car? Or what? Reply Link Madeline October 31, , pm I am picking up my 7 week old golden in 2 days! I am so excited! How did you go out taking him places before he had his full shots? I want to socialize him, and of course potty train him immediately, but obviously there are risks. Whats your take on this? So the whole crate training thing is not going so well. She hates it. Emily Camalo April 2, , pm Hi! Really appreciate you sharing all of this advice! It was super valuable. Reply Link Julie April 11, , am Loved your comments. I have a 9 week double doodle. I have crate trained since day 1 and she has been really good, day 1 upset for a couple of minutes. Day 2 no problem at all. Now just the occasional cry when I leave her but that is over with in a very short space of time. I also leave a low radio on for her. She uses the garden most of the time for toileting, but occasionally she will come into the house and do another wee. The problem I have at the moment is trying to stop her biting. I have tried the gentle command which she listens to some of the time. And I have tried standing and turning my back on her so she realises I am not playing when she bites, but she will then go for trousers or feet, which I try my best to ignore, or she will just go off and do something else like chew a mat or something which is a no no. Any ideas? Regards Reply Link Stephanie January 25, , am Really great info, thank you for your article. Our puppy arrives in 5 days and we have been preparing for months. Your advice is. Very helpful. Blessings to you.