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For the complete list please see our Golden Retriever List page. Purebred bloodlines can command a higher price, as well as puppies that are destined for the show ring. It is possible to find a free Golden Retriever puppy in New Hampshire, but it is not easy. Most breeders do not give away their puppies and those that do usually have a waiting list. There are a few organizations that specialize in finding homes for rescued dogs, but most of these dogs are mixed breeds. If you are looking for a purebred Golden Retriever puppy, your best bet is to contact a reputable breeder. These groups usually specialize in a particular breed of dog and can help you find the perfect pup for your family. A responsible breeder breeds for the health and welfare of their dogs and takes great care in placing their puppies with the right families. You can also get referrals from friends or family who have recently bought a dog. Responsible breeders will be happy to talk about their dogs and will be proud of their breeding program. Breeders who are members of the GRCA adhere to strict breeding standards and have pledged to uphold the welfare of their dogs. Meet the breeder and their dogs in person. Ask about health clearances for both parents. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for genetic diseases common to Golden Retrievers and will ensure that both parents are cleared of any health issues. Make sure you understand the contract before you buy a puppy. A responsible breeder will require that you sign a contract stating that you will spay or neuter your dog, and will provide a written health guarantee. This will allow you to see the environment the puppies are being raised in and also allow you to meet the parents of the puppies. By meeting the parents, you can get a feel for the temperament of the breed. Visiting your potential breeder will also give you the opportunity to ask questions about their breeding program. Make sure your breeder is a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America. Golden Retrievers make great family pets, and with a little bit of homework, you can find the perfect one for your home. Ask Questions About the Breeding Program When visiting a breeder, be sure to ask questions about their breeding program. Find out how long they have been breeding golden retrievers and what kind of health testing they do on their dogs. You should also ask about the history of any genetic problems in the lines of dogs that the breeder has used. This will help you to get feedback from other people who have worked with this breeder in the past. Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it can also help you to make an informed decision about which breeder is the best fit for you and your family. Asking for references from past clients is a crucial step. References can also help you to determine whether or not the breeder is the right fit for you and your family. This will give you the opportunity to ask them questions about their experience with the breeder. Meeting past customers will allow you to see their puppy in its home environment and will help you to determine if the breeder is the right fit for you. You can see the temperament of the puppies in their home environment and get a feel for how the breeder interacts with their clients. A responsible breeder will be happy to provide references from past customers and will be proud of their breeding program. This contract should outline the responsibilities of both the breeder and the buyer. Some things that you should look for in a contract include: The price of the puppy The guarantee provided by the breeder The return policy of the breeder What happens if the dog is no longer wanted by the buyer What type of health testing has been done on the parents of the puppy The breeding rights of the puppy The clause requires spaying or neutering of the puppy. Be sure to ask your breeder any questions you have about the contract before signing it. This will help to ensure that both parties are aware of their responsibilities. This will help you to determine if the breeder is taking good care of their dogs. A reputable breeder will have a good relationship with their veterinarian and will take their dogs for regular check-ups. A responsible breeder will take care of their dogs and will ensure that they receive regular veterinary care. This will ensure that your puppy is healthy and has been cleared for travel. Puppies should be vaccinated against parvo, Distemper, Adenovirus, and Coronavirus 4-in-1 at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. They should also be given a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age. Deworming should be done every weeks until the puppy is 12 weeks old. They should be happy to answer. If the breeder is asking for a lot of money for a puppy, this might be a sign that they are not reputable. A responsible breeder will not charge more than what is considered to be fair market value for a puppy. If the breeder is unwilling to answer your questions or provides vague answers, this might be a sign that they are hiding something. A responsible breeder will be happy to answer any questions that you have about their breeding program. A responsible breeder will want you to see their puppies in their home environment. This will help you to determine if the puppies are being well taken care of. If the breeder is not breeding for the love of the breed, but rather for the money, this might be a sign that they are not reputable. A responsible breeder will only breed healthy dogs with good temperaments and will only sell their puppies to the right families. This will give you some idea of what health problems your puppy may inherit. The New Hampshire breeder should also be able to tell you about the health of the puppies themselves. They should be able to tell you about any congenital problems problems that are present at birth that the puppies may have, as well as any health problems that may develop as the puppies grow older. Be sure to ask the breeder if they have had their puppies tested for genetic diseases. Many genetic diseases can be detected through blood tests. Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and PRA progressive retinal atrophy. A responsible breeder will be happy to tell you about the health of their puppies and will be proud of their breeding program. Make sure that you have your puppy examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. This guarantee should cover any genetic diseases that the puppy may inherit from its parents. It is also important to ask the breeder to specify which genetic diseases they are covering in their health guarantee. Some breeders will only cover a few specific diseases, while others will cover all genetic diseases. A responsible breeder will be happy to provide a written health guarantee for their puppies. You will need to set up a place for the puppy to sleep, as well as a place for them to play. You will also need to provide food and water dishes, as well as a place for the puppy to eliminate. Be sure to put away any poisonous plants or chemicals, as well as any small objects that the puppy could choke on. If you have other pets in your home, be sure to introduce them slowly. You will also want to keep an eye on them when the puppy is first introduced, in case they decide to fight. If you have children in your home, it is important to teach them how to properly interact with the puppy. They should never be allowed to tease the puppy or pull their hair. It will take some time for the puppy to get used to their new home, so be patient and give them plenty of time to adjust. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New Hampshire Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New Hampshire? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New Hampshire? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. I live on 18 acres of land which gives me plenty of room to let my dogs stretch out their legs to exercise in fresh air daily. Each of my dogs are foremost a family member and a big part of my life. I have been breeding and showing goldens for almost 20 years and am proud of the goldens I have produced. My goldens have earned many titles in the breed ring, rally titles, therapy titles, CD and CGC titles. I have worked hard to follow a more holistic path for my goldens. I am committed to producing the healthiest in mind body and soul in my goldens. My goldens are feed the highest quality meats, supplements and purified water with the cleanest environment for them. I do minimal vaccinations and instead do titers to check immunity levels rather than re-vaccinating. I do not use any toxic chemicals in, on or around my goldens. Producing goldens with wonderful temperaments and healthy immune systems is most important to me. Many of my puppies go to homes all over the United States and I feel very lucky to have such great families who travel far and wide to obtain one of my pups. My goldens have enriched many family lives bringing much love and devotion. We require our future puppy owners to follow our minimal vaccination schedule. To also follow a more holistic approach to control flea and tick prevention. Please check out my Recommended Holistic Vet page and find a holistic vet near you or go to the link Holistic Veterinarians' Association www. I do require you feed a raw diet as well. He is racking up points quickly with 2 Best of Breed wins. Less than 2 hours from Boston, MA. Gage 11 months old So excited to have this beautiful sweet boy. Born July .Great things are planned ahead for this amazing boy. Breeder of top quality golden retrievers for companion, competition, and working homes since .Producing the Best by feeding a raw diet and using only holistic measures to keep them safe and healthy since .I have been breeding, raising and showing goldens since .I am a member in good standings with the American Kennel Club and a current member and past board member of Yankee Golden Retriever Club and past member of the Framingham District Kennel Club and current board member of the Lakes Regional Kennel club. Their eyes are certified by a board ophthalmologist, screening for any abnormalities, and cleared of cardiovascular disease by a cardiologist. My goldens are raised with a holistic approach and a Natural rearing to diet and care. My Goldens are fed a raw diet and I do minimal vaccinations. I believe that the appropriate diet, less vaccinations, less toxic chemicals in and around them is key in raising a healthy immune system. To find out more about diet and vaccination protocols please see My raw diet page and vaccination page. My litters are born and socialized in my home at an early age until they come to you at 8 weeks of age. My pups have complete and thorough examinations by my vet at the age of 8 weeks and are guaranteed to be in good health on departure to their new homes. I sell my pups with a limited registrations. I will give guidance to each family in helping you raise your new puppy or dog in the holistic path for the life of your new golden. It is my passion and goal to make sure every puppy I produce has a clean slate and is given the best chance for a long and healthy life.
Photo from: pugjohnjohn Apricot Pug puppies and fawn Pug puppies may be hard to tell apart as infants. Pug puppies start out darker and get lighter as they get older. Apricot Pugs can be a bright orange color, a deep shade of apricot, or a paler shade that is more fawn-like. On the other hand, some apricot Pugs mature with a darker, richer gold hue. To best understand how this color comes about, it can be a good idea to learn the fundamentals of the genetics at play in order to understand how this hue develops within the breed. Every dog receives two coat color genes. The instructions for a particular color will typically be found in these genes. Only one of these two genes, though, can actually manifest as the actual coat color. It all comes down to some fundamental mechanics as to which gene is selected to be expressed. We will talk about the genetics of different colors in Pugs in more detail later on, but let us first cover the general breed history so that we have some good foundations. Some Pekingese dogs were even given titles of status in China, where they were widely venerated in a manner resembling royalty. Many of them had attendants who took care of them and made sure they were as comfortable as possible. The Pug was well-known in Asia before making its way to the West, and it appears that Russia was a stop along the way to Europe. Always, a dominant gene will prevail over a recessive gene and determine which one is expressed in the dog. As a result, no dominant genes must be present for a recessive gene to express. Particularly in apricot Pugs, a recessive gene is responsible for the apricot coloration. This indicates that two of the genes necessary for the dog to express the apricot coat color are present. The final hue produced by this recessive gene can, however, vary greatly in shade. Due to the overlap between these colors, it is possible that you will get a color that is considerably closer to fawn. Select a breeder with parents who are both brightly colored apricot to increase your chances of getting an apricot-hued cute Pug. Apricot fawn is one of the several coat hues available for the fawn Pug. There are, however, four distinct colors, according to the Federation Cynologique Internationale FCI : apricot, fawn, black, and silver Pugs. There are also some other patterns that are much rarer, such as the merle Pug and the brindle Pug. Apricot Pug Appearance Photo from: archie. Their heads have recognizable deep creases, short, flat noses, and recognizable black masks. Their big, commanding eyes, which overwhelm their silly, wrinkled face, reflect a range of emotions, including surprise, grumble, delight, and curiosity. Apricot Pug Coat As was already noted, this coat comes in a variety of colors, from fawn to apricot. Apricot Pug coats can have various tones of color within the same coat and should be close to a light yellow-golden tint. The fawn Pug has a considerably paler color that resembles cream. The shade might differ within the coat itself, just like the apricot. They might refer to them as apricot fawn Pugs, though. This is what we call trace. Apricot Pug Size As we previously stated, apricot Pugs look exactly like other members of the breed, even in terms of height and weight. Despite their tough exteriors, apricot pugs are considered toys. Their height ranges from 10 to 11 inches, and they weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. They have broad limbs and are sturdy, square-looking dogs. Apricot Pug Temperament Photo from: archie. They enjoy curling up on the couch with you while you watch a movie or read a book because they are normally sedentary pets. Instead, they can be comical, animated dogs who like socializing and amusing their owners with silly behaviors. Temperament is influenced by a variety of factors, including upbringing, socialization, and heredity. Apricot Pug puppies are typically dogs with positive attitudes and are friendly, engaging, and eager to cuddle. Socialization is crucial for ensuring that your apricot Pug puppy grows up from a shy baby animal to a well-rounded adult canine. Children love apricot Pugs because they are playful and adaptable to practically any living circumstance. These courageous and sturdy tiny dogs make wonderful family pets and are a good choice for families with younger children due to their small size. Are Apricot Pugs Aggressive? Pugs are not regarded as an aggressive breed and are typically lively and adaptable. However, like other small breeds, apricot Pugs can be easily startled. If your dog feels threatened or anxious, aggressive tendencies like barking and biting may manifest. A dog with high socialization skills will be assured, amiable, and less likely to exhibit unwelcome aggressiveness when out and about. They do, however, show a small amount of stubbornness, which may be overcome with sufficient training. They often rebel and turn against you since they are sensitive and soft-hearted and do not react well to strictness and severe penalties. So, in order to train your Pug, positive reinforcement and admiration are required. Pugs are generally good socializers and friendly toward everyone. Apricot Pug Exercise The energy level of apricot, fawn, and black Pugs is the same. Pugs enjoy cuddling up next to you on the couch. Although they are not a breed with a lot of energy, they are fun and vivacious and would enjoy going on an adventure with you. Dogs with brachycephalic faces, such as the French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Pugs, are less tolerant of hot weather. Make sure they take frequent pauses, drink lots of water, and refrain from strenuous exercise on hot summer days. You should avoid the heat of the day by taking your apricot Pug for a walk in the early morning or late evening. Pugs benefit from regular exercise and would love to take daily walks for at least 30 minutes. Apricot Pug Grooming For grooming, pugs are a low-maintenance breed. Everything you need to take care of your Pug can be done at home. You can wash them in your sink or tub if they are filthy after a walk or have found something disgusting to roll in. Their quick-drying short hair will help. Weekly nail trimming maintains the health of their joints and paws. Walking can be painful and difficult when they have long nails. Your Pug can accept nail trimming calmly with some practice. To keep your Pug healthy, give its wrinkles and nostrils a periodic cleaning. To avoid accumulation, wipe in between wrinkles and the nostrils. Apricot Pug Health Photo from: archie. They are predisposed to a variety of different medical disorders, some of which are more dangerous than others, because of their particular physiology, brachycephalic head shape, and genetics. Having said that, apricot Pugs can still live a happy and healthy life if you keep a close eye on them and take them to the vet for regular health testing. Most of the time, keeping your Pug healthy means spotting problems early and treating them before they worsen. The health issues listed below can also affect apricot Pugs as well as the Pug breed as a whole. If your Pug squints or if its eyes are unusually bloodshot and crying, call your veterinarian straight away. Corneal ulcers normally get better with treatment, but left unattended, they can rupture the eye or possibly cause blindness. Dry Eye Pugs are susceptible to keratoconjunctivitis sicca and pigmentary keratitis. They could occur simultaneously or one at a time. If this is the problem, your veterinarian can do tests to see whether medication and additional care can be used to treat it. Pigmentary keratitis is characterized by black spots on the cornea, particularly in the vicinity of the nose. If the pigment completely covers the eye, blindness may occur. Both of these eye conditions require constant care and treatment. The cause of this illness in Pugs is unknown, and there is no way to diagnose or treat it. PDE typically affects young pups, who may experience seizures, circles, blindness, coma, and even death. Hip Dysplasia This illness affects both small and large breeds, including Pugs. This deformity of the hip joint is thought to be caused by a number of elements, including genetics, environment, and diet. Affected Pugs often lead normal, healthy lives when given the proper veterinary treatment. Apricot Pug Lifespan The lifespan of an apricot Pug is the same as that of any other Pug, as the color of the coat has no bearing on either longevity or health. A Pug can live for 12 to 15 years on average. While some Pugs can live up to 20 years, due to their predisposition to gain weight quickly and general respiratory issues, most of them do not survive past the age of .Apricot Pug Price Photo from: archie. However, apricot Pugs may fetch a greater price than typical since they are regarded as exceptional by some individuals. Conclusion Apricot fawn is one of the several coat hues available for the fawn Pug. According to the American Kennel Club, apricot Pugs are not given their own category; instead, they are grouped with fawn Pugs. We hope this article has provided some clarification on this cute little Pug variant. We tried to cover all the characteristics of the apricot Pug that set them apart from other Pugs as well as those that demonstrate how similar they are. If you do, make sure to thoroughly investigate every Pug breeder you have access to and choose the best one. Good luck with your new best friend! Post navigation. Conclusion Price These are scarce variety , and therefore, costly too. Origin This color is a part of pug genes, and surprisingly this is not a mixed breed. Pugs have a dominant and a recessive gene. The recessive one is apricot, and both the parents have to pass on the recessive gene to get the apricot-colored pug. Physical Appearance Since apricot is a subcategory of fawn-colored pugs, these are similar to fawn pugs. The coat is smooth and elegant. They have a few reddish-brown hair, scattered around their skin, which gives their fur a reddish shade making it look like an apricot. The apricot puppy pugs are generally more red than the fawn puppies. As they grow older, the intense red color starts fading to a lighter tone forming a peach hue. This is one of the reasons why these are pricey. Health Issues These pugs manage to avoid many coat-related health issues and do not need any extra care or unique treatments. However, one should always keep things in mind while keeping this dog. Conclusion We are all aware of the great companionship that these pugs offer to humans, and for pugs, with an apricot coat, we get some extra beauty and rarity in our home that is eye candy for the onlooker. Post navigation. Pug Dog Colors Overview Pugs can be found in four major colors, though not all are standard colors with certain kennel clubs. The two most common colors are fawn and black. Silver and apricot can also be seen with this breed, and while not standard colors per the AKC, these colors are indeed recognized by the FCI and other kennel clubs. Brindle Pugs do exist, though this is not without some controversy. All non-black Pugs have black masks and black ears. There are some unique color markings that can appear on Pugs which include the trace and the thumbprint, found only on non-black Pugs. This section will cover all of the details regarding Pug colors, both standard and alternate, as well as various markings and other color-related elements. But, of course, since other colors exist, an AKC Pug can be silver also known as silver-fawn , apricot also known as apricot-fawn , or even the rare and controversial brindle. If you have a Pug with a non-standard color silver-fawn, apricot, or even brindle , as of the time of this writing, if you register your Pug via postal mail not online and send in photos of your Pug that clearly shows the non-standard coat, the AKC will usually grant you a registration with the appropriate color or pattern listed as an alternate color. Though a Pug of any color can be registered, this does not mean the color is accepted in the show ring. For AKC conformation events, any color other than fawn or black is a disqualification. It should be noted that the AKC, which follows the guidelines set forth by the Pug Dog Club of America, used to accept both silver and apricot-fawn. If you are in the US, where most Pugs are either fawn or black, keep in mind that owners from 27 countries took part in the survey. Other well-recognized kennel clubs such as the FCI and KC make this much easier, since they accept apricot and silver coat colors in the show ring. And, the CKC allows distinction between fawn and sliver, by having 'silver-fawn' as an option. With these clubs, fawn is a light to medium cream. However, because the AKC will register a fawn as a fawn and an apricot or a silver as a fawn because they are non-black Pugs , but can also grant a registration for an apricot or silver to be as such via an alternate color, an AKC fawn Pug may truly be a fawn ranging from light cream to medium cream or technically be a silver or apricot more ahead on these colors. All non-black Pugs, including fawn, have black ears and black masks more ahead on this. Variances: Fawns are not always solid, there are variances in the coat. Many Pugs have a trace which is a stripe of back-tipped hairs running down the back that break up the fawn color. And, it is not uncommon for two shades of fawn to be seen within one coat; for example, a light cream fawn can blend into a light apricot-fawn. The wrinkles on a Pug are also responsible for color variances since a thumbprint may be present which is black fur in the creases and folds of the forehead. AKC Color Disqualification: Though fawn has a range of light to medium, the AKC does make it clear that anything other than fawn or black is a disqualification in the show ring. This refers to not only what the registration papers say but by what color is seen in person during the competition. Since there is sometimes a blurred line between silver and fawn or apricot and fawn, this can make things tricky. These colors are found all throughout the world, but in the US, show breeders focus on keeping the fawn a fawn without silver or apricot tones. Examples of Fawn Pugs: Dubi at 6 years old, a fawn Pug photo courtesy of Carmina Bautista Poppy, at 4 months old, a Pug with a combination of light and medium fawns photo courtesy of Maria Silver Fawn and Silver Overview: This is a color that is not overly common with Pugs; though, many owners of silver or silver fawn Pugs can easily be labeling their dogs as fawn, especially if that is what the registration papers state. Because, as the name implies, silver fawn is a type of fawn. It is very light and is in fact the lightest color that a Pug can be. The AKC does not recognize this as a standard color, but may grant a request for a silver-fawn Pug to be registered as such via an alternate color, and if so, generally only responds to requests that are sent via postal mail. Both the FCI and KC allow for silver and the CKC allows for silver-fawn; both are essentially the same coat color but are referred to with these different terms. With some other breeds, this sort of orange hue is referred to as fawn like with Boxers or as orange like with Pomeranians. But, with Pugs, this is a nice, shiny orange hue that is set apart from the more common fawn coat. It is very common for apricot Pugs to not be fully apricot; there may be some fawn or even an almost white color found in patches, most often on the chest. Though, just like silver or silver fawn, this is also a color that may be present in the coat, but owners refer to their Pugs as simply 'fawn', especially if that is what the registration papers deem the Pug to be. And, just like other non-standard AKC colors, an apricot Pug may be registered as a fawn or as an apricot if the owner requests for this alternate coloring to appear on the document. With the CKC, apricot is not its own color, but rather their definition of fawn includes all shades in the fawn family including light to deep apricot. Apricot Pugs have black masks and black ears. And, just like all non-black Pugs, a trace and a thumbprint are desired in the show ring of all well-recognized kennel clubs. Example of an Apricot Pug: Peggie, at 4 years old, a registered apricot Pug photo courtesy of Susi R Ludlow Black Pugs Overview: It is rather amazing how very different the two main colors of Pugs are; fawn is a very light cream with black ears and mask, and black Pugs are just about the complete opposite with a rich, dark black coat. Of course, the ears and mask are black too, but there is no discernible difference since the entire Pug is black. Many black Pugs have solid coats, but it is possible for there to be a small white marking; if this is present, it is usually on the chest. As Pugs age into their senior years, gray hairs may appear on the face or in different areas of the body and this is much more noticeable with black Pugs. Examples of Black Pugs: Henry, at 10 months old photo courtesy of Maxine Aird Pearl photo courtesy of Saz Race Wonder how much exercise Pugs need and how to keep activity safe for this brachycephalic breed? Check out Pug Dog Exercise. Brindle Pugs Overview: Brindle is a pattern of interlocking light and dark colors which creates a striping effect. With Pugs, this is typically in the grey to black range. This type of coat pattern is found with quite a few other dog breeds including the Bull Terrier, Boxer, and American Bulldog. The Debate: Many wonder if a purebred brindle Pug can even exist. The answer is yes. This said, there are some explanations to be given. On one hand is the argument that brindle does not exist within the Pug's bloodline. It is true that this is not a color pattern that should be seen with today's breeding programs since it is not a standard color. One of the goals of reputable breeders is to produce dogs that come as close to breed standards as possible. So, brindle is not something that most breeders would strive for and any champion dogs would not have recessive brindle genes. But, did brindle appear in the bloodline at some point in the past? The answer is, yes, it very well could have. This goes back, in part, to the fact that every single dog breed that exists to day was developed from the pairing of other breeds. As to which breeds, exactly, were used to develop the Pug is unknown. We know that this breed was developed in China. Somewhere around B. And he was indeed successful. Therefore, the first element to note is that no one can say if, looking back, brindle is or is not found in the Pug's bloodline. In fact, paintings from the 's show Pug dogs with brindle coats. This said, those brindle lines most likely died out. It has also been debated that brindle Pugs are a myth since the gene responsible for the pattern is dominant and would 'take over' the entire Pug breed with eventually only brindles existing, making fawns and black obsolete. But, that point is not accurate. Brindle exists in other breeds and does not take over. One example is the Boxer dog in which there are both brindles and fawns. So, if there are brindle Pugs, however rare, where does the brindle come from? The answer is that brindle was introduced into the bloodline via another breed at some point. For each individual Pug, this could be recent or it could be many generations in the past. This may seem contradictory. As time goes by, a random brindle is thrown every now and then. Examples of Brindle Pugs: Luna at 8 months old, a brindle Pug photo courtesy of Brenda photo courtesy of Mike Dillow Color Changes It is normal for a Pug puppy's coat to change coat color to a certain degree as he or she is maturing from pup to adolescent. With fawn Pugs, the coat may lighten or darken, predominately during the first year. It's not uncommon for there to be smuttiness at a young age which is the term for black hairs intermingled with a light color coat. This may remain, lighten, darken, or fade in other areas except for a line running down the center of the back which is known as a trace. The ears and mask may darken into a more solid black as a Pug grows. For example, here we see Yoda as a young puppy first photo below on mobile with a fawn base and lots of black hairs running through the coat referred to as smuttiness - details ahead. And, then we can see Yoda as a 3-year-old adult Pug second photo below on mobile , the fawn is much lighter and the black-tipped hairs are now a much more faded trace that runs down her back. The black mask has darkened and her head wrinkles are fully developed. There can be other color changes as well. Apricot tones may not appear until a Pug is a bit older; so, a Pug that is registered as a fawn may very well be an apricot. Another change that typically happens with black Pugs, but may also be seen on some fawns, is that hairs around the muzzle and face may gray as a Pug transitions into the senior years. If this occurs, it is generally starts around the 8 year mark and increases in time. Wondering how much sleep a Pug needs and ways to help this breed achieve a good night's rest? Check out Pug Dog Sleep. Smuttiness If you take a very closeup look at a light-colored Pug, you may see a scattering of a few black hairs over the body and this is generally not enough to classified a Pug has having smuttiness. Smuttiness on a Pug refers to a noticeable overlay of black hairs on a light coat fawn, silver, silver-fawn, apricot, or apricot-fawn. These patches of black hairs are thin enough to see the lighter hairs underneath, however it gives an overall appearance of a "haze". The more there is, either in density or coverage, the more smuttiness a Pug has. Note that black or darker hairs are desired in certain places on a Pug; running down the center of the back the trace and on the forehead the thumbprint - more ahead on both of these markings. But, when there is an overabundance of these black hairs in areas other than the forehead wrinkles or the back, the term smuttiness is then used. Smuttiness may appear in just about any area on a Pug including the saddle back , flanks, legs, and head. In the show world, this is not a disqualification, however it is considered to be a fault points are deducted. Example of Smuttiness on a Pug: Winston at 11 years old; this is an example of heavy smuttiness on the head. Though not something rewarded for in the show ring, there is no denying how cute this Pug looks. In fact, this is such a heavy intermingling of black hairs that Winston almost looks like a half fawn and half black Pug dog. The trace may begin on the nape of the neck or further down the back. It will run in a predominantly straight line, ending at the base of the tail. The thickness and the density of the trace can vary. Though a trace is a very desired trait in conformation dog shows, not all non-black Pugs have this marking. A trace may be very apparent during the puppy years and then fade as a Pug matures. On the flip side, this marking may not show at all during the newborn phase and then become apparent as the Pug grows. This particular element is considered to be an official marking of the breed and is thought to give Pugs character. In the show ring, the blacker the trace, the better. That said, if your Pug does not have a trace, this is nothing to be concerned about. If, however, when Pugs are being considered for a breeding program with the goal of producing show quality dogs, those with no trace at all are often excluded since this is a heredity trait. Example of a Trace on a Pug: Do you have a Pug and are worried about leaving them home alone? Find helpful tips for Pug Dog Separation Anxiety. The Thumbprint A Pug's thumbprint, also referred to as a thumb mark or diamond, is a darkened spot centered on the forehead. This, of course, is not seen on Pugs with black coats. Though this is another desired trait when Pugs are judged in conformation events, not all non-black Pugs have a thumbprint. Another way to look at this is that approximately 3 out of 4 non-black Pugs have a thumbprint or thumb mark. Though it is sometimes called a diamond, it may resemble an oval, a circle, or be an irregular shape. While the wrinkles on the forehead can cause shading that may appear to be a thumb mark, the thumb mark is actually a splash of darker color on the fur. This type of marking is usually present at birth. It is rare for a Pug born without this to develop one as he ages. When a young pup has a small thumbprint marking, it may grow larger or become darker as a Pug ages and matures. Example of a Thumbprint on a Pug: This is Tommy, a Pug with a nice thumbprint on his deep forehead wrinkles. This is an area of black that typically starts under the chin, covers the muzzle, and extends around the eyes. Though this is the general description, the mask can vary quite a bit on Pugs. One element to take note of is that the black may be mainly on the muzzle and then again with black fur around the eyes with little connection between the two points or, quite contrary to that, black may extend from the muzzle to the eye area with no interruption at all. In addition, while a very dark black mask is desired in the conformation show ring, the black mask on some Pugs may contain any number of fawn or lighter-colored hairs. This can range from medium to dark brown and eyes can be so dark that they almost appear black. With canine breed standards, the term dark means dark brown. Coat color does not affect eye color; for example, a fawn Pug does not automatically have lighter eyes than a black Pug. You may be curious to know if Pugs can have blue eyes. Blue is not in this breed's genetic code. However, similar to humans, dogs are usually born with dark blue eyes due to low levels of melanin in the eyes. The eyes darken as melanin levels naturally increase. This transition is usually complete by week six or seven. White Paws Can a Pug have mitted, white paws? The term 'mitted' is often used with cats since it is much more common for felines to have this type of color marking. It refers to coloring that falls on the paws that is different than the main body color, as if the animal is wearing mittens. White paws on a Pug is not common at all and is considered a major fault in the show ring; however, it can happen. This Pug below has a fawn coat and white markings on the paws and on the chest. Both photos are of Mr. Mittens, at 3 months old; photos courtesy of Suzanne White markings like this are able to exist due to the parti-factor gene. This very same color gene is responsible for small white markings on the chest that are occasionally seen with Pugs of all colors. Rarely, the parti-factor is thrown to one, some, or all paws, resulting in purebred Pugs with white mitted paws. Are you taking care of your Pug's teeth? For this brachycephalic breed, dental care is very important. Learn how to keep your Pug's teeth clean and healthy. Behavior and Personality Traits Based on Color Many people wonder if there are inbred character traits that vary depending on the coat color of the Pug. As with any other breed, the coloring of the coat has no effect on energy level, personality, behavioral quirks or any other element. But, it is easy to leap to the belief that color matters in this regard. An owner may have a black Pug that is more energetic than his fawn counterpart, for example. However, there are just as many owners who have energetic fawns compared to laid back black Pugs. Each dog is an individual, and Pugs will have their own unique personalities, regardless of coat color. Differences in Coat and Shedding Most Pugs have coats consisting of two layers of fur, an inner and an outer coat. Some, but not all black Pugs are single coated. For this reason, a percentage of black coated Pugs may shed less in comparison to fawn, apricots or slivers. And, the color of your carpeting and furniture can affect how much shedding you notice. Fur that sheds from a black Pug onto light-colored surfaces is going to be much more noticeable than fur that falls from a fawn Pug. And, fur that sheds from a fawn Pug onto dark surfaces is going to be much more visible than fur that falls from a black Pug. Though it's not suggested to buy furniture and flooring that matches your Pug, this is something to keep in mind. Did you find this to be informative? See what's inside. Related: Black Pug Dogs - More photos of black Pug puppies and dogs with a recap of color information. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. They closely resemble Lion Dogs and the Pekingese, the other two breeds bred by Chinese emperors and Mongolian monks around the same time. Due to their exotic looks, Pugs were given royal status, protected, and fed the finest meals. It was given the same status as his wives! Stealing or attempting to steal the dog was a capital offense punishable by death. Almost 2, years later, in the s, Pugs started appearing in Europe. It took another several hundred years for Pugs to appear in the US. Historians place their arrival dates in the 18th and 19th centuries, although it is not known when the first apricot Pug was developed. As we have stated, Chinese emperors and monks bred and took care of them, inspiring other citizens to do so too. In the 20th and 21st centuries, their popularity was propelled by many factors. First, Pugs have unique wrinkly faces, small bodies, and short noses. These features make them stand out and as such, many people find them adorable. Lastly, Pugs and French Bulldogs are known as celebrity dogs partly because they are owned by celebrities, or they are celebrities themselves. Doug the Pug is the most popular celebrity Pug with over 12 million followers across many social media platforms. Some celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kelly Osborne own Pugs, which has also helped fuel their popularity. However, if presented with both fawn and apricot Pugs, you will definitely spot the difference. According to the organization, fawn may range from light to deep apricot to reddish gold. Even though AKC does not recognize apricot Pugs, owners can still register them under alternate colors. The only catch is pups cannot be shown in competition. Apricot Pugs are rare While fawn is the most common Pug , getting a true apricot Pug will cost you heavily. They are rare because of the difficulties associated with getting true apricot parents whose genes will produce orange-yellow pups. The symbol, together with anything that it appears on, be it natural or man-made, was highly valued. In a bid to make it clearer, Chinese breeders selected parents with more detailed wrinkles. Image Credit: Igor Anfinogentov, Shutterstock 3. Apricot Pugs are not related to Bulldogs despite their close resemblance Bulldogs and Pugs are both short-nosed breeds. Additionally, both breeds are fiercely loyal, protective, and patient. Pugs are poor swimmers Ever thought of taking a dip with your Pug? Pugs have wide faces and short legs , which prevents them from swimming. Their wide faces cause drag, requiring more energy to swim, while their short legs are not good at paddling. Another possible reason is the location of the nose will funnel water into the lungs. So for a Pug to swim safely , it must raise its head in an awkward position. Apricot Pugs are good pets. They are committed to people, loyal, and protective, making them fantastic companion animals. Families with children also enjoy the company of Pugs. They are playful and will keep kids entertained. Even though Pugs shed a lot, their smooth coat is easy to brush, reducing grooming time. Lastly, Pugs are small in size, and traveling with them is easy. Originating from China, their coat color ranges from orange-yellow to light orange and is often confused with fawn. If you buy an apricot Pug, you will not only have the best companion animal but also enjoy the services of a dedicated, loyal, and playful dog.
Special Note: You can contact them through their Facebook page. He considers his Goldens as an extension of his family so he makes sure that they are well taken care of. This breeder does not advertise puppies that much and in most cases, the litters are sold through referrals or repeat purchases. You would really have to reach out to him for his available puppies. Since his dogs are often repeated purchases, several families already own second and third-generation Golden Retrievers from this breeder. If this also sounds appealing to you, check the dogs out through their webpage. The main breeder of Eirlys named Marina Hall Phillips has an extensive background in animal genetics, behavior, and husbandry. She has been in the service dog industry for 20 years before she decided to start breeding Golden Retrievers. As a result of her years of experience, the Goldens that her kennel produces are very much delightful as they have a balanced temperament, excellent working ability, perfect structure, and penchant for family companionship. Nevertheless, if you want to take your chances, please do so. Their litter is well-planned so they really offer quality puppies. However, if you want to verify their legitimacy, read our ultimate puppy buying guide for some proven tips on how to safely find a breeder online or how to find a puppy for sale while avoiding scams. The majority of the puppies being advertised here came from AKC champion bloodlines. Similar to the AKC, they have member breeders who also sell their puppies through the organization. My Golden Retriever Puppies — Originally, this began as a partnership between two families of breeders but grew to become a network of multiple breeders based in Ohio. Essentially, this is an advertising website where one can post their litter for sale. Anyone can buy a puppy from this bunch of Ohio breeders even though they are not from the same state. They screen breeders intensively before allowing them to post their puppies on their website and they also ensure that their dogs underwent health checks. They ship worldwide and most dogs come with health guarantees. Of course, if you want a dog from a champion bloodline, that would be more costly. Aside from this initial cost, you also have to provide some necessary items for your pup. Visit us on facebook click the blue f to be directed to our page. There you will see a very active community of families with Clinton Oaks pups and happy puppy owners from past litters. A Golden Retriever acquired from an experienced reputable breeder they will be intelligent, easy to train and they will have sweet, loving dispositions. They are the perfect family companion. Breeders aspire to meet these requirements. There are differences between the Pointers, Flushing Spaniels and Retrievers. While you might like the appearance of one over another, you should "not judge a book by its cover". You must be aware that even well bred individuals of some breeds have personality traits that may not be appropriate for a family home. There are also different 'factions' within the breed. For instance, breeders of Obedience dogs and Hunting dogs selectively breed for certain traits in certain pedigrees that make them better in the obedience ring or field. Some pedigrees are "run hot" or "high energy" so they have snappy performances, these traits may not be compatible as a house pet, the dog may be difficult to live with. Whatever the case, we match the perfect dog to your home from our litter. If we do not have what you are looking for we will refer you to a another breeder that we are confident will meet your needs and expectations. Key words in the above paragraphs.It is not hard to breed dogs, anybody can do it. However, doing it the right way is very time consuming and expensive. Reputable breeders rarely if ever advertise in the paper.Over the years we have matched many puppies to great families, countless owners have come back for their 3rd or 4th companion. All of our dogs have had their hips exrayed and evaluated for Hip Dysplasia, Eyes are dialated and checked for abnormalities by a Board Certified Canine Opthalomologist. We also warranty temperaments, in writing. In we changed our spay or neuter requirements. We no longer require spaying or neutering at 6 months of age. We recommend waiting for at least two years. This was a HUGE reversal of a self imposed mandate that is standard operating procedure amongst our peers. Some have criticized our beliefs, maybe even your own Veterinarian may disagree with my thoughts. However there is significant data to support early sterilization dramatically impacts the health of pets. My suggestion is to ask the Vet this question "What harm is there in delaying the surgical sterilization? Aside from major appearance changes in males and females alike, there is a reduction in life expectancy. In our opinion, there are some unintended consequences to altering a dog prior to physical maturity. As a precaution we request our clients delay the procedure. Who wouldn't want to give their pet every opportunity to live a long and healthy life? Some of the negative side effects are: Increased instances of long bone and hemangiosarcoma cancers. Unsightly appearance. Too tall, fine boned and coats that are incorrect. Make an informed decision. This is YOUR dog.This is considered an early age. Our recommendation is that females are allowed to go through their first two heat cycles prior to spaying. We prefer the procedure not be done not sooner than 24 months. Males neutered not sooner than 24 months, if ever. Quite frankly, it is not the males that are responsible for unwanted puppies. It is the girls. We see no valid reason to neuter a male unless there are indications of dog agression toward other males. I would love to talk to you about this topic and our dogs. Feel free to contact me.
Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Salt and pepper Light brown or golden Her coat is usually thick and fluffy, with long, short, dense or medium fur. Perfect to cuddle up to on a cold night! Both parents have double coats, which helped them work in cold weather, and the German Shepherd Husky Mix has this dual layer, too. This means they are better living in cold climates. So if you are thinking of getting one of these dogs and you live in a place where it reaches high temperatures, this is not the dog for you! The Gerberian Shepsky is a moderate shedder and, as its coat is thick and fluffy, it is prone to matting. I advise brushing 2 -3 times a week to keep her double coat shiny and tangle-free. German Shepherds were bred to herd livestock and are now often used as police and military dogs; in these roles, they work closely with their owners and are able to learn commands quickly. The Siberian Husky is also a working dog that was trained to pull loads over long distances in the Arctic wilderness. This mix results in an alert dog who is quick to learn. She will respond well to whistles and verbal commands after just a few repetitions, which makes her easily trainable. This dog does well in dog agility, a great way for intelligent, high-energy dogs to expel energy and exercise their mind. A warning, though: this breed can be a bit obstinate. She may not obey if she senses that you are not a strong leader. Look how quickly this young dog already handles all types off commands: 3. If you are a couch potato, or you struggle to walk for more than an hour, this is not the dog for you. Like its parents, this dog can go for miles without tiring. They are perfect exercise companions and should be taken out twice a day, preferably for an hour or more each time. These dogs love to run, so you should take her to an area where she can go off leash providing she is trained. You can also teach her to jog or run alongside you. In large breed dogs like this one, their plates usually set at around 12 months , so it is best to wait until 12 — 15 months before starting more vigorous exercise. You should talk to your veterinarian to get the okay before starting any exercise program. I repeat: this dog is only for active, sporty types! Given their size and energy levels, I would only recommend this dog to someone with a house and spacious yard. She likes to be employed As well as physical exercise, these dogs like to fulfill the task they were bred for: doing a job. You should stimulate this need in her to avoid her becoming frustrated. You can fit her with a specially designed doggie backpack , which holds water and supplies and even your cell phone! Not to mention that it helps her burn off more of that pent-up energy. Like their German Shepherd parent, whose job was to keep watch over the herd, they are natural protectors. This can sometimes develop into overprotectiveness and territorial behavior, however, and may lead to displays of aggression towards strangers. It is imperative that you keep this under control through socializing your dog: make sure your puppy is used to being around as many people as possible from a very young age. You should get her a few toys she can play with at home like squeaky toys and tug toys. Try to socialize her with other puppies too — you could join a puppy training class and make connections, then get your puppies together for a play date! Potential health conditions Crossbreeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. However, this dog could be prone to some health conditions that can occur in its parents. There are two main health problems, including: Elbow and hip dysplasia This is a condition that results in an unstable or loose joint. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog, so as not to put stress on her joints. Eye conditions Juvenile cataracts: These may not start until 6 years old. They appear as opacity in the lens of the eye and can cause a slight decrease in eyesight to complete blindness in more severe cases. Corneal dystrophy: This condition, in which abnormal material accumulates in the clear, outer layer of the eye the cornea , can cause visual impairment. It tends to affect both eyes and develops slowly. Progressive retinal atrophy: This can occur in later life and can lead to partial or complete blindness. Early symptoms can show as night blindness, dilated pupils and the inability to see clearly in bright light. Unfortunately, this condition is inherited, and it cannot be cured. If diagnosed early, however, there is a chance of saving the dog from going completely blind by using specific antioxidant supplementation. Other health problems can include digestive problems, blood disorders, bloat, and epilepsy. Feeding your Gerberian Shepsky who can be a little bit fussy As they are highly active dogs, the German Shepherd Husky Mix more often than not has a healthy appetite and requires a protein-rich diet. Bear in mind, though, that these critters can be fussy eaters! Try to find a brand that appeals to your dog, whether it is one in particular or a combination. Once you do, stick with what she likes. Given that these dogs are prone to digestive problems, it may mean some trial and error when trying to find the best dog food for her. Conclusion When it comes to genetics, Gerberian Shepskies got the good end of the deal. They are beautiful, intelligent, loyal, playful and easy to train, as long as you are a firm leader. Just remember, if you are thinking of getting one of these hybrids, you should be an active, outdoorsy person who is comfortable walking for at least 2 hours a day and has a house with a spacious yard. Thinking of getting a Gerberian Shepsky? Already the owner of one and want to share your story? Comment below! 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. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Shepskies are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. One hour of exercise per day is a good starting point. They need dog parks and wide open spaces. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Shepsky Feeding A Shepsky diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Shepsky and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your Shepsky and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of Shepskies are brown, black, cream, white, red, and blue. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require a few good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. These pups are well suited for cold weather. Their Siberian Husky parentage is straight from Russia, which is about as cold as it gets. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Shepsky is part pack dog and should be socialized early on. Introducing an adult Shepsky to a household with other pets can be more difficult if the German Shepherd parentage personality prevails and may require more work and professional trainers. Find out if this is the right dog for you by learning about their German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents. Shepsky Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Shepskies because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Siberian Husky breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
What is the price of a golden retriever puppy? Do you require a deposit to reserve a golden retriever puppy? No, we do not require a deposit. Do you deliver golden retriever puppies? Yes, if we have at least four puppies going to the Chicago area, we are open to making a trip to Chicago to deliver puppies. While heading to Chicago, we could also make a stop in Champaign, IL. Do you ship golden retriever puppies? No, we do not ship golden retriever puppies. What is the average size of the golden retriever litter? On average each litter will produce around ten golden retriever puppies. What is your return policy? Although we do our best to match personality, energy level, and temperament, there is no guarantee on these issues since socialization, life experiences, training or lack of , and environmental issues are beyond our control. This offer only applies to original owners. What testing is done on the adult golden retriever dogs being bred? With the exception of Cleo and Sophie our older golden retrievers who have had proven litters , our adult golden retriever dogs are OFA certified and Embark genetic tested; certifications are available upon request. What color are the golden retriever puppies? The color of our golden retriever puppies is litter-specific and will not be determined until puppies are born. Where are you located? See the map below for reference. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Chicago Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Chicago? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Chicago? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. There are a number of factors that affect how much Golden Retriever puppies Illinois would be. A Golden Retriever breeder Illinois that has more experience also tends to sell their dogs at a higher price. Do your breeders transport puppies out of state? Are there Golden Retriever breeders near me? We work with breeders and businesses from all 48 states in the continental US. All of them have a proven track record of transporting dogs safely to any major airport. How do you screen breeders? Learn more about our criteria at the Breeder Pledge page. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Simple: We care about animals and the families they will go home to. With us, you are. We have a wide network of partner breeders and companies, and we can attest to the legitimacy of each and every one of them. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are businesses that prioritize money over animal welfare. They produce puppies with no consideration of animal rights, ethical breeding practices, or health condition--the only thing that matters is the bottom line. If you buy a Golden Retriever for sale Illinois from a puppy mill, expect to spend a lot on vet bills—with no guarantee how long your dog will live. Are there any purebred Golden Retriever puppies for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? We want to make your life with your new best friend the happiest it can be--and it starts with choosing the right puppy for you. Some of our happy clients share their stories below. We hope one day, you will too.
E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.
Temperament: Exuberant, outgoing and friendly. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance As a cross their appearance can vary greatly between a nice mix of the two, or can lean more towards one parent or the other. The same thing can be said about their size with some being a heavier set like the Labrador or others being leaner like Aussies. Aussiedors are generally broad-shouldered and solid in structure with the broad face and large head of a Labrador. Their ears hang low and their tail is relatively long compared to the body. Size Once fully grown you can expect them to stand 25 inches tall, although they can be as short as 18 inches. As for weight it should range between pounds. Colors Despite the fairly basic colors of its parents, the Aussiedor is quite the rainbow dog. They come in nearly every color imaginable! The most common colors for this mix include bicolor black and white , tricolor black, tan and white , blue or red merle, tan, black and tan, spotted, speckled or brindle. Coat Their coat can be a mixture of types thanks to the difference of coat between Australian Shepherds and Labradors. It can either be straight or somewhat wavy and length can vary too. No matter how it may look all coats are typically dense and repel water like Labradors. Both the Labrador and the Australian Shepherd are heavy shedders, and the Aussiedor is no different — in fact, they usually shed even more than their parents. If you do not like finding fur everywhere, the Aussiedor may not be the dog for you. Their devotion to their family means they are also prone to separation anxiety. It is likely they will have the herding instincts of their Australian Shepherd parent. The wide range of colors means they can have numerous different markings. Aussiedors make excellent family dogs and adore children. Due to their easy going nature, they do not make the best guard dog. They are loyal to their people, kind and gentle with children and friendly to people that it knows. Some Australian Shepherd Lab mixes might lean more towards their Aussie side and be cautious around strangers, whereas others will lean more towards their Lab side. As a general rule though they tend to lean towards the easy-going attitude of the Labrador Retriever. Both Australian Shepherds and Labradors are high energy breeds, meaning that this cross is no different. They need lots of physical stimulation every day to keep them occupied and plenty of toys to play with. These dogs can easily play and run around for hours on end without breaking a sweat so make sure you have plenty of room and time to exercise them. They also excel at dog sports, including flyball, agility, and other active sports. They are not big barkers although they will bark to alert the family to anyone coming up to the house, or sometimes when they play. One important thing to know is they can sometimes have the herding instincts of the Australian Shepherd and attempt to herd small children or small animals. Fortunately, they are incredibly smart and are easily trained out of these undesirable behaviors. These dogs make excellent companions for families. Labradors are generally amazing with kids and also great with strangers and Australian Shepherds are similar although they can be more aloof. This creates a nice mix that adores children and playing, but can also be a bit protective of their family. Caring for an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix The Aussiedor is an amazing companion but their exercise and grooming requirements are not for busy adults. These dogs need a lot of time to be able to run around and be brushed. Even more, brushing will be needed if they have a coat that is similar to the Australian Shepherd. However, their easy-going nature makes them a perfect companion for novice dog owners or someone looking for their next competition dog. They are also amazing dogs with children which means there is almost no family that this dog does not fit with. Remember these dogs do not do well living in an apartment and some even have issues living in suburbs. Exercise Requirements As both their parent breeds are high energy your Australian Shepherd Lab mix will also be high energy. They can handle living in the suburbs with a fenced-in yard to play in along with daily walks, although they thrive on farms or larger properties with a job. At least two walks a day are needed for the Aussiedor. Just a walk around the block will not be enough for this dog, they need to be off-leash with space to run around. They will also need time to play when you get back home. Agility is a great game to teach and a great way to burn their energy out. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding The biggest downfall to this incredible breed is the grooming and shedding responsibilities. Both Australian Shepherds and Labradors shed a lot, so the Aussiedor is no exception. Although their coat will blow out in the spring and fall, you should still be prepared for a lot of shedding throughout the rest of the year. At the very least the Shepherd Lab mix needs to be brushed weekly, although this should increase to every couple days during shedding season. Brushing your dog regularly and blowing out their coat if they have the longer fur of an Aussie can help control the extreme shedding. Shorter coat variations also do well with a damp washcloth being run over their coat to remove any excess fur. Feeding and Diet Just like their Labrador parent, the Aussiedor is prone to eating everything in sight and putting on weight. So with this pooch, you need to keep a close eye on their weight. A high-quality, calorie-rich, dry dog food is best for this breed. You might also need to use a slow eater bowl since they are prone to bloat. Australian Shepherds tend to live for about nine years, while Labradors typically live for closer to twelve. Thanks to the hybrid vigor, you can expect Aussiedors to live closer to about twelve years. Regardless both breeds are very smart and pick up on things quickly. They respond best to positive reinforcement especially if they lean more towards the Aussie. Aggressive methods such as pinch collars should be avoided as it will cause your Aussiedor to shut down and become disinterested in learning. Make sure to stick with only light corrections. As with any dog, socialization is an important part of doggy training when the Australian Shepherd Lab is young, but not as important as some other breeds. By nature, this is an easy-going dog that gets along well with everyone including kids, cats, and sometimes even strangers. They need their fair share of mental stimulation so you can set up a few jumps — training their agility is a great way to meet both their physical and mental stimulation needs. These dogs are physical athletes and they love being able to perform. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever parents. The main colors of Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes are brown, cream, black, tan, and brindle. They are often a blend and mix of any of these colors. These dogs are generally not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit. Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, should be supervised when around youngsters. They may try to herd small children thinking they are part of their flock. Australian Shepherd Labs do get along with other dogs but it is important to socialize puppies. This gets them used to other dogs and also to people, although they are also affectionate to strangers. These pups like to stay active through the day. If they get bored, they could become destructive. They enjoy activities like frisbee, swimming, hiking, and walking. If you need a running partner, the Aussie Shepherd Lab could be your new coach. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix History The Australian Shepherd Lab mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retrievers in the late s, likely in North America. Today they make great companions and guide dogs, and often work as drug detection dogs. They need to have jobs and are happiest when they are active. They were originally bread to herd cattle and need to stay active. The Aussie Shepherd Lab mix was bread to be a super working dog. Mixing two breeds also minimizes health issues that tend to affect pure breeds, as they are often inbred. Breeders continued to create Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the pup for you. Check your local shelters, look up Australian Shepherd Lab Mix rescues, or check with breed specific Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breed dogs. That said, as a mix between Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever parents, you can expect Australian Shepherd Lab Mixes to be in the medium size range. Most weigh in at 40 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 25 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Many Australian Shepherd Lab Mix lovers describe their dogs as protective, loyal, athletic companions. They are medium in size and full of energy and with lots of love to give. One thing Australian Shepherd Labs are not good at is being alone for long periods of time. Without the companionship they need—as well as exercise and the chance to put their intelligence to work—they become bored and frustrated. Like every dog, the Australian Shepherd Lab needs early socialization. Lots of walks and outings to local parks can help with this. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Australian Shepherd Labs are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Opt for cotton balls over q-tips. Due to their floppy ears they are prone to infection. They should be checked weekly for redness or a strong odor. This may indicate signs of an infection. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One main concern when it comes to your Australian Shepherd Labs care will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as this breed is prone to tartar buildup. Dental chews can also help combat the plaque buildup. How much your adult dog eats depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Australian Shepherd Lab diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They tend to shed quite a bit, if you are not familiar with robotic vacuums, consider looking into a RoboVac. These pups will require a few good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. Australian Shepherd Lab mixes have a water resistant top coat and a warm undercoat. They are resilient in rain and snow. They can be very tolerant of children, but like all dogs, should be supervised when around youngsters. Always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Socialization teaches puppies how to behave and greet other dogs. Find out if this is the right dog for you by learning about their Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever parents. However, you may want to try Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppies This mix is a smart, high-energy, high-shedding ball of fun. They require socialization due to guarding tendencies, and have some potential for inherited health issues, but they also have all the earmarks of a great pet. Today we will take a look at the pros and cons of the Australian Shepherd Lab mix. We do know more about the origins of the parent breeds. If you have a first generation Aussiedor, then her origins really start with Labs and Aussies. Even if your mixed pup is second generation or beyond, the history of the parent breeds can heavily inform the makeup of the individual dog. These retrievers were later mixed with Newfoundlands to produce the classic Lab that we recognize now. They are prized as hunting partners, service dogs and of course family pets. Aussies descend from sheep-herding dogs that are believed to have originated in the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain and France. However, the Australian Shepherd that we know today was refined in the United States. Today, Australian Shepherds are still used for herding in some areas, but many of them are beloved farm dogs. They accompany their owners on trail rides or farmers who are working crops. They are also popular family pets. Especially for people with small children and good-sized yards that allow games of fetch and chase! What To Expect From An Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Learning about the parent breeds can help us to understand the possible temperament, behaviors, and appearance of a mixed breed like the Aussiedor. Labs are a little taller, ranging up to .Aussies can range between 40 and 65 pounds, and Labs are usually slightly bigger, ranging from 55 to 85 pounds. A Labrador Australian Shepherd mix will likely be a medium-sized dog, falling somewhere in the range of the parent breeds. They have sturdy, athletic frames and happy wagging tails. What are some other options? A black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, for example, could have the dark fur of the Lab parent, the generally lighter solid coat of the Australian Shepherd, or a multicolored coat like many Aussies. Chocolate Labs are perhaps the most popular color variation in the very popular Labrador Retriever breed. But just as with the black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, no one can promise that your Aussiedor will have a chocolate coat. On top of that, chocolate Labs have a recessive gene, making them a more rare coloration. Yellow Labrador Retrievers are more common than chocolate Labs, but not as commonly seen as black Labs. So you may still find it tricky to track down an Australian Shepherd yellow Lab mix. Ultimately, whether you find a black Lab Australian Shepherd mix, an Australian Shepherd chocolate Lab mix, or an Australian Shepherd yellow Lab mix, the exact coloration is impossible to guarantee. Australian Shepherds also have something of a reputation, so your Labrador Australian Shepherd mix will shed prolifically. However, an Aussie double-coat will require a good bit more maintenance. You might consider using a slicker brush to prevent the coat from tangling, to get rid of dead hair, and to remove whatever debris that your pup picks up during the work or play day. This dog will need weekly brushing at minimum; an Aussiedor with an Aussie-type coat might benefit from regular trips to the groomer to keep his fur from matting. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament When it comes to temperament, the Australian Shepherd and Lab mix is most likely going to be a handful for novice dog owners. Both Labradors and Australian Shepherds are high-energy dogs that were bred to work. Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Personality Due to their strong herding and thus guarding instincts, some Australian Shepherds can be protective of their families. This may make them shy or a little bit aggressive around strangers. Socializing an Aussie from a young age may reduce the chances of their guarding instinct from showing up later. Conversely, Labrador Retrievers are usually NOT shy or reserved with strangers or other dogs although a few individuals may be so. They are generally very smiley and happy dogs that love anyone who will give them attention. Knowing whether an Aussiedor will act more like a Labrador possibly a bit jumpy and prone to following her nose or an Australian Shepherd very jumpy and possibly prone to nipping at heels is a coin toss. Socialization Socialization is important for all breeds, really. Training your dog to react well in new and different circumstances is part of raising a happy, well-behaved pet. Introduce your pup to different environments, people of all ages, and other animals. Training And Exercise Australian Shepherd Lab mix training is best carried out with positive methods. From day one, reward behaviors you want to see, like calmness, ignoring the wildlife and not jumping up. Keep that buy brain occupied. This mix is not a lap dog or a couch potato. They need lots of interaction and play time in order to be happy and both physically and mentally healthy. Exercise Requirements This mix will do well with a fenced-in yard for play time, but they will truly thrive on a farm or larger property that will give them a job to do. They are people-pleasers who will love being your best mate or farm hand! Australian Shepherd Lab Mix Health And Care Just like purebred dogs, hybrid dogs may also develop certain conditions based on their genetics. Labrador Health Labs are generally quite healthy for medium to large dogs, but they do have some potential for health problems, both inherited and acquired. Inherited issues include hip and elbow dysplasia and PRA. Labs are also prone to other problems that may crop up along the way, such as obesity, ear issues, and skin allergies. Australian Shepherd Health Australian Shepherds can be prone to hypothyroidism, or autoimmune thyroiditis. Lymphoma is also unfortunately common in Australian Shepherd dogs. According to a study published by the Journal of Veterinary Medicine, idiopathic primary epilepsy is commonly inherited in the Australian Shepherd breed. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation should not be given certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, dewormers, pain medications, or tranquilizers. Mix Health Your Aussiedor could potentially inherit any of the health problems to which the parent breeds are prone. Both Australian Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip or elbow dysplasia and cataracts. Make sure they both have good hip and elbow scores and a recent vet check. The Lab parent should also be PRA clear. Some sources suggest that the average Aussie lives between 12 and 15 years; however, one study found that the median age was closer to 9 years. In general, mixed breeds live a little longer than purebreds. So you could reasonably hope for your Aussiedor to have a life expectancy near the latter end of this spectrum. Shelter Dogs Fully grown rescue dogs have more reliable temperaments. When introducing a new adult dog into your home and neighborhood, be cautious around children and other animals until you can be secure in their behavior. Especially when you wish to purchase a puppy from a responsible breeder who uses genetic testing. The exact amount that you pay may also vary based on the parent stock, how much they are worth to the breeder, and the number of puppies available. Eye problems like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal dysplasia Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondritis Hypothyroidism To make sure that your pup is healthy, take it to the vet the moment it arrives home. It should be tested against the genes that cause hereditary cataracts. He must receive nutrition that is ideal for its build and weight. As much as possible, your dog should maintain a perfect and healthy weight. Giving your dog treats is the number one cause of obesity and being overweight. If you want to train your dog and reward it for good behavior, use positive reinforcement instead. The following dog food is the best for Australian Shepherd Lab mix breeds: 1. It is also made from brown rice, sweet potatoes, apples, spinach, carrots and more. It also comes with vitamins, minerals, and supplements that can help your dog burn fat more efficiently. It does not contain coarse grains but is made from wholesome ingredients and has a high-protein formula. It is the best food for highly-energetic dogs that are prone to digestive problems. Canidae Grain-Free Pure Sky Dog Food This mixed breed may come with digestive issues and allergies; therefore, this dog food may help your dog reduce these medical conditions. This will help maintain muscle mass and healthy digestion. Not all human food is good for dogs. Avoid the following food as much as possible: Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Chocolate, coffee, and tea Onions, chives, and garlic Salty foods and junk food You want your dog to have a healthy life, full of joy and happiness. The owners should try to provide them for their pups, but at the same time stay away from worst dry dog food. Puppies need energy for their active social life so take a look at our list of best puppy food brands. Dog-grandpas who prefer to stay home and watch TV might enjoy best senior dry dog food. Your pup inherits lots of genes from their lovely parents so you can try out best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food and see if any of them sticks. This dog needs you for mental and physical stimulation. It requires a lot of time for exercise and play. If this is not met, your dog could become bored and could become destructive. Activities, like running, jogging, Frisbee and fetch, are good activities to do every day. Take your dog to a playground or dog park where you can play with your dog in a safe environment. This mixed breed loves to swim owing to its Labrador Retriever roots. You can take this to a lake or dog pool where it can master its diving, fetching and retriever talents. Invest in the following durable toys for your dog. This rope toy is durable and will never break or tear. Your dog will love to play with this toy again and again. You can play all kinds of games indoors or outdoors with this durable toy. Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy Durable and will last forever, this ball dog toy is made from rubber and is safe for your dogs. You can play catch, fetch or any game or play outdoors with this soft toy. It is straightforward to train this dog, and with the following techniques, you can prepare this breed quickly, efficiently and safely. Give Your Dog Positive Reinforcement Food treats can cause obesity and other medical conditions which can cause the life and health of your dog. Instead of treats, offer encouraging words, pats, and hugs and play with your dog. You may also provide his favorite toy instead of treats. As soon as it arrives home, teach it house proofing rules. Show where he will eat, sleep and where it will find its food and water. Your little one may not get it right away, but with constant training, he will do just well. Therefore it would be best to train your dog new tricks by doing this indoors or in a familiar and safe environment. You may train it in your backyard or indoors and then gradually move outdoors once he is more comfortable and less distracted. A Lab Australian Shepherd dog may get professional training to become service dogs, herding dogs or guard dogs. An expert may train your dog for obedience training, protection training, attack training and other special tricks he can perform daily. But aside from its endearing and loving nature, it can also be used as a guard dog. This dog is brave and will guard its flock no matter what happens. This dog loves to play with kids and will herd them if they are not herding sheep or livestock. This dog will be patient and will like to be with other dogs and pets at home. The Lab Australian Shepherd should socialize with other dogs and people early. This should be done the soonest to prevent developing anti-social behaviors and aggression against people or other pets or dogs. Your Australian Shepherd Lab pup will become a disciplined, happy and healthy dog when caring for it and train it early. It should be exposed to other pets soon and receive ample hours of exercise and training daily. The Australian Shepherd Lab Mix, affectionately known as an Aussiedor, is a strong and playful, medium-sized dog breed with a solid build. The Aussiedor is a mixed breed dog from cross-breeding a purebred Australian Shepherd with a purebred Labrador Retriever. Designer dogs come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This hybrid dog breed has a striking appearance with expressive almond-shaped eyes and is highly intelligent, active, and hardworking. An Aussiedor puppy makes an adorable family pet and companion for any dog owner that wants a high energy pooch. Fact: The Australian Shepherd dog did not originate in Australia as the name suggests. It actually originated as a herding dog in the 19th Century to work on ranches in the West of the United States of America. This loveable dog is known from its roles in Cowboy and Western-type movies as the herding dog on the ranch. Over time, the Aussie has developed a reputation as a strong and intelligent working dog that is easily trainable. It has, therefore, has been used successfully, for many decades, as a herding dog and shepherd dog, a service dog, a protection dog, and in a variety of search and rescue jobs. The Aussie has a high energy level with a herding instinct and is happiest when it is being kept very active and where it knows what it has to do. This is not your average couch potato pooch but it can be a happy family dog as long as it is kept busy. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada. Possibly as early as the s, they were used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are all good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not damage the prey they are ordered to retrieve. This dog breed came to Great Britain around .The 5th Duke of Buccleuch, a British Aristocrat, heard about their retrieving skills and is believed to have been one of the first people to import the Labrador Retriever dog from Newfoundland, Canada. He did this because he wanted a smart working dog on his estate on the Scotland Borders. He wanted to use them as gun dogs for retrieving the wild ducks he shot on his estate. Another British Aristocrat, the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury, was also a fan of Newfoundland retrieving dogs for hunting and quickly noticed their skill for retrieving waterfowl on land and in water. In , the new 6th Duke of Buccleuch met the new 3rd Earl of Malmesbury on a shoot and realized their mutual respect for these skilled hunting and retrieving dogs. The Earl then gifted two of his male Labrador retriever dogs to the Duke, who then used two of his female labs to begin breeding more and this is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline we still see today in our Labrador Retrievers. The lab is simply an adorable and gentle dog that makes the ideal family pet. Its fun-loving and loyal nature, and easy-going temperament, makes it suitable for any age of dog owner or living environment. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Australian Shepherd Lab mix puppy — the Aussiedor puppy. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Aussiedor puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of an Australian Shepherd Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbred dogs are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any puppy mix dog can inherit all, some or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of an Aussiedor are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Aussiedor — possible coat colors Both parents have a double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Aussiedor will inherit the same double coat. Fact: The merle gene is associated with health problems and if both parents have this dangerous gene it can cause various eye diseases and deafness in their offspring. Fortunately for this Australian Shepherd mix , its Labrador Retriever parent does not carry this gene. Loyalty and companionship The Aussie Lab is a relatively new breed. Given its parent mix, it will be extremely loyal with a loving temperament when trained and socialized properly. It will make a very caring and protective companion, and crave company and inclusion. It needs to have company and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. Reputation: This breed is kind and gentle. Both parents have herding instincts so the Aussiedor is likely to inherit these instincts too. This means it will want to work and herd, so it needs to be trained and socialized early to prevent young children and other family pets from becoming part of its herd! They have a reputation as a high energy breed that can be gentle but can inherit the cautious nature of the Aussie and be a little aloof with strangers. It is not known as an aggressive dog but needs to be kept occupied or it can be mischievous. Trainability: The Aussiedor puppy needs to be trained and socialized as early as is will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. This mixed breed is protective and could be occasionally aggressive with strangers. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. The trainability of this very intelligent breed should be quite easy as it is a working type dog. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint as it may rebel. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog that has a herding and working dog heritage. Any type of hybrid dog with two intelligent parents will be strong-willed and need to be active and occupied. They will not want a sedentary lifestyle and will enjoy as much exercise and action as the owner can provide. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around children and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. Behavior: The Australian Sheprador is agile, active, and can be strong-willed so it needs to be trained early as it can easily and will become destructive or mischievous. When trained it will be a playful and friendly companion and family pet. Physical Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Lab Mix This dog has an unusual appearance, with striking eyes, sometimes even different colors, and a beautiful coat. Both male and female tend to follow the same growth patterns in terms of size and weight. Unlike some breeds where males can grow to a larger size. Size: The Aussiedor is a medium sized dog. Aussie Lab Sheprador. The resulting puppies can be a perfect mix of both parent breeds. Or they can take more after the Lab, or be a perfect replica of an Australian shepherd parent. The chance of predicting the exact appearance of a mixed breed dog is like winning the lottery! However, taking a closer look at both parents can give you some idea of what traits you can expect to see in your puppy. Size As a cross between a Labrador and an Aussie shepherd, you can expect your Aussiedor to be a medium-sized dog. Most are between 18 and 25 inches high at withers and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds when fully grown. Color Purebred Labrador retrievers have solid coats that can come in various shades of yellow, chocolate, and black. On the other hand, Australian shepherds are never solid and their coats come in a variety of different colors, including merle, black, red merle, red tricolor, blue merle, red, and black tricolor. Aussiedors often have brown, cream, black, tan, or brindle coats, but they can come in many other color combinations. When it comes to length, this mix can have a short or medium-long coat depending on which parent it takes after more. Being a double-coated breed, your mix will shed quite a bit all year long and blow their coat twice a year. The Aussiedor will keep you and your vacuum cleaner busy every single day of the year! Like any other designer hybrid, this mix inherits traits from two very different dog breeds. To get a better idea of what personality traits you can expect to see in your pooch, take a closer look at both its parents — the Lab and the Aussie. Furthermore, being a mix of two working breeds, your sheprador will have an impeccable work ethic with a strong desire to work. Eager to please, protective, and friendly, the Aussie sheprador has an endless supply of energy and is always in the mood to play. Being a highly athletic breed, this mix is best suited for active families with older children who will know how to play and interact with a dog. Keep in mind that your sheprador might inherit a strong herding instinct from its Australian shepherd parent. The Australian shepherd and Lab mix is a people-oriented and outgoing dog that likes to be involved in all family activities. And although Aussie shepherds are often kept in barns to be close to cattle, the Aussiedor prefers human company and should live indoors, close to their family. Activity Level Since both Labs and Aussie shepherds are highly energetic working breeds, it should come as no surprise that the Australian shepherd Lab mix is a bouncing ball of energy. This mix needs around two hours of strenuous activity every day; otherwise, they will quickly become bored and destructive. Running, swimming, cycling, hiking, and agility sports are all great ways to keep your pooch physically challenged and exercised. Also, if you have a chance to put your dog to work, go for it! Being a true working breed at heart, your pooch will enjoy having a job to do and will happily complete whatever task you give them. Caring For An Aussie Lab Mix Like any other dog, the sheprador requires proper care and attention to stay happy and healthy. Here are a few things you should pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, shepradors have high exercise requirements and need around two hours of vigorous activity every day. Ideally, you should walk your pooch two to three times a day and also let them blow off some steam with activities such as running, swimming, or agility. Additionally, games such as fetch, flyball, and Frisbee are ideal for this mix since they keep your pup physically and mentally challenged at the same time. Intellectual Stimulation True to its parent breeds, the Aussie sheprador is one smart canine! Without proper mental stimulation, these intelligent dogs can easily become bored and frustrated. When bored, the good-natured Aussiedor turns into a menace that will chew, dig, and destroy your home and furniture. Companionship Aussie Labs are people-oriented and amiable dogs that crave human company. Without the companionship they need, Aussiedors can easily become depressed or develop separation anxiety. Due to their high social needs, this mix is best suited for large families and homes that are never completely empty. If you live alone and have long working hours, you should rethink getting this mix and consider a more independent dog breed. Grooming Australian shepradors usually have short or medium-long double coats that shed quite a bit. In terms of grooming, this mix is a high-maintenance breed. You should brush your Aussiedor five times a week to control the shedding and keep their coat clean and tangle-free. Bathe your dog once every two months or as needed using a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Aussiedors have floppy ears that easily trap dirt and are prone to frequent and painful ear infections. A sure sign your pooch needs to have its nails trimmed is if you hear them clicking on the floor. Diet Ideally, your Australian sheprador should eat food formulated for medium-sized breeds with high energy. How much food your dog needs will depend on its size, age, activity levels, and metabolism. Known Health Problems Although generally healthy Aussie Labs are predisposed to some of the same health problems that Labradors and Australian shepherds face. These include: Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are very painful conditions caused by malformation of the hip and elbow joints. Affected dogs usually experience mobility problems, lameness, and arthritis and must take pain meds during their lives. Cataracts: In Australian shepherds, hereditary cataracts start forming after two years of age and are caused by a gene mutation. This type of hereditary cataract leads to progressive vision loss. Life Expectancy Aussie shepradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, many Aussiedors stay completely healthy well into their senior years. How To Train Your Australian Shepherd And Lab Mix As an offspring of two highly intelligent and trainable dog breeds, the Aussiedor is a very smart breed with a huge training potential. Like all other dogs, this mix reacts well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training. In fact, it can only make matters worse and cause your pooch to shut down and be afraid of you. The people-loving and smart Aussiedor is eager to please and will learn obedience in no time with reward-based training. Start training your pooch as soon as you bring them home to help them grow into a well-behaved and obedient dog. Besides training, you should also start socializing your mix from a young age. If your mix takes more after its Australian shepherd parent, they might be wary of strangers. Exposing your pup to different people, sights, sounds, and smells from a young age will help them become friendlier and more accepting of other people and dogs. The Lab Aussie shepherd mix makes a wonderful pet to active people and outdoorsy families with older kids. Being a working dog breed, this mix is also suited for life on a ranch or a bustling farm. These highly energetic and athletic dogs need a job to do and prefer to be involved in all family activities. If you are an active person who can keep up with such an energetic dog and give it a job to do, the Aussiedor might just be the pup you are looking for. Before buying a pup, schedule an appointment to meet the mother and inspect the conditions the puppies are kept in. They will also be able to show health certificates for both parents and puppies. The exact price depends on a lot of factors including the breeder, your location, lineage, and coat color. Used by fishermen to catch fish and ducks, the Lab evolved into a universally loved family dog. Highly trainable and friendly, Labs make great service dogs for people with disabilities, and are also used as search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs. Australian Shepherd Despite what their name might suggest, the Australian shepherd was developed in the United States. Originally bred to herd livestock, Aussies make great family pets although they remain working dogs at heart. Loyal, protective, and smart, the Australian shepherd is one of the most energetic breeds you can find and is bound to keep you on your toes. The Lab Aussie shepherd mix makes a great pet to active people and families with older children. Highly energetic and agile, they should live in a large home with a fenced backyard, ranch, or farm. Not the one to sit idly, this mix needs an active owner that will know how to challenge them both physically and mentally. He was my first puppy as a an adult and as you might have guessed he was an Aussie Lab mix! Linus showed some of the above traits, but not all. His coat was more reminiscent of an Australian Shepherd which was longer, more fine, and very soft. Linus was an amazing dog. He could run with the best of them, but could also be very calm and focused. He had the herding instinct as we caught him rounding up the kids from time to time. All in all Linus had many of the traits mentioned above. I would not have considered him a high energy dog that required hours of exercise. He was fine and willing to run for hours, but also just as content curling up by your side while reading a book. Conclusion The Australian shepherd Lab mix can be a great pet and companion to active families with older kids and outdoorsy people. Highly energetic and smart, this mix will need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and thrive. If so, what is your pooch like? Tell us more about your experiences owning this mix in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
Updated August 1, .This photo gallery includes photos of the cutest Pug puppies as well as cute pictures of adult Pugs. Pugs are a short faced, wrinkled, small breed of dog. This breed has its origins in China, but was brought to Europe in the 16th century. Their coats are typically either black or fawn in color and they have a compact and very muscular body. Because of their short snouts, they often experience a lot of breathing problems, though those wrinkled faces are absolutely adorable. Vote up the cutest, sweetest Pug pictures below. Dogs are man's best friend and have a special ability to lift spirits. This is exactly what the sweet dogs on this list of the cutest Pug puppies do. This gallery of adorable pugs can perk you up no matter how sad you are feeling. Pugs are good companion dogs and great with children. They are very strong willed and have big personalities. These cute Pugs are known especially for their muscular bodies and vibrant personalities. For that reason, a pug puppy makes a great pet for the whole family. Big Eyes. Pug puppies for sale What can I expect to pay for a Pug puppy near me? Pugs for Sale in Lancaster, PA. They're great for families with kids and perfect for seniors and any dog lovers. Pug puppies adapt quickly to their new environments and are just as quick to bond with their new families. Boston Terriers are eager and easy to train, and are excellent with children. Similar Pug Puppies. Anything Look…Weird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. Short and stocky, with that cute curly tail over the back. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, Two Black male pug puppies and One Fawn male puppy available. We have 2 girls pugs and 2 boys pugs to sell, they are 5 weeks old, mum and dad are available to view, pups will be health checked, microchipped and first vaccinations will be done before pick up. Pugs are true joy bringers from the moment they are born. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale. If you find anything suspicious. Report this Listing Sellers are not affiliated with Lancaster Puppies. The puppies are very excited to meet you! Call today to adopt one of these precious puppies into your home! Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and. He is as sweet as they come. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug puppies. Pug Puppies For Sale No puppies available at this time. Indiana, New York and other states. Despite their tiny size, they have the biggest hearts. Location: Lancaster, PA We have adorable pug puppies available. View our Available Puppies. Say hello to these adorable Pug puppies! These beautiful pups will bring so much joy and happiness to your life with their sweet and friendly personalities! Rockvale Puppies are specialists in rare color, purebred Pugs. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified. Share this listing: Breed: Pug. Pug Puppies in Pennsylvania. Although this breed is most commonly called a Jug, they are sometimes also referred to as a Jack Pug or a Jack Russell Pug. Trotter - Pug Puppy for Sale in. Delightful Pug Puppies For Sale. They can all be viewed on our website along information on each individual puppy! Please contact us for more… Pug Puppies!! Greenfield Puppies has been finding loving homes for puppies for over a decade. Breeders on our site are located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. As the leading source of cute puppies for adoption from responsible pet breeders in Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas look no further than the team at Homemade Puppies. Pug puppies for sale in Lancaster, PA from trusted breeders. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Pugs for adoption in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area come with a year health guarantee. Location: New Florence, Pennsylvania. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Say hello to these charming Pug puppies! Their sweet, inquisitive personalities win over the hearts of all who meet them. Family and Companionship Thanks to their sweet, goofy, and kind nature, Pugs make fantastic companion pets for any type of owner. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Their motto is that they "raise right, raise well, and raise for you". Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Why buy a Pug puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Pug puppies in Lancaster who need a home. She has a white triangle patch on her chest and a white front paw. Find your new puppy here! Pug puppies for sale! Lancaster Puppies has your Pug puppy. Pug Puppies for Sale in Pennsylvania. All of our puppies will be seeing a vet at 7 weeks old. Call now to bring this darling puppy home with you! At AKC Marketplace, we connect you with only AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, as well as supply you with the tools you need to bring home the perfect puppy for you! She is as sweet as they come. Pug Puppies for Sale in Lancaster Pennsylvania. We expect every breeder to comply with all state laws and follow strict guidelines that we have put in place. Lancaster PA, Phone: Email: rockvalepuppies gmail. Interview the Breeder Contact the breeder and learn more about the puppy you are interested in. Pug Puppies for Sale in PA. Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near Lancaster Township , Pennsylvania? Size: Lancaster Puppies advertises puppies for. Browse our listings today to find your new pet or contact us about our breeding and puppy listing services using our web form. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Date Available: May 5, .Schedule Your Puppies Adoption Arrange a time to personally meet and adopt your puppy or schedule safe delivery to your home. Pugs for adoption in the Lancaster Township , Pennsylvania area come with a year health guarantee. Lancaster, PA Puppies for Sale. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to every need. Black and Fawn Male Pug Puppies available .As they are very active pups, they love exploring the outdoors and will make great playmates! If you're looking for a loyal friend and protector to keep you. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the. Pugs are in the "companion dog" category. Pug puppies for sale in PA. Puppies for Sale from Lancaster, Pennsylvania Breeders. Find Pug puppies for sale Near Lancaster, PA Smart and playful with a short muzzle and expressive eyes, the Pug's low-key lifestyle makes them perfect city dogs. Browse our listings today to find your new. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. Once the companions of Chinese royalty, their distinct faces are complemented by sweet demeanors. Browse our selection of reputable breeders. Will have shots, be wormed and have vet check. About Us. For out-of-state customers, we have nationwide delivery options tailored to. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact. Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article.
There are multiple possible combinations in the canine world. The coat color your pup ends up with depends on the mix of dominant and recessive genes that they receive from both parent dogs and how these genes interact. Golden Retriever Colors According to American Kennel Club standards, Golden Retrievers come in three distinct shades: dark golden, golden and light golden. Their coats are a single color all over with no apparent markings. Poodle Colors Poodles , on the other hand, can come in ten different solid colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. Poodles also bring patterns into the mix. See Also: Click the image The Science Bit Without going into too much detail, the coat color of every single dog on the planet is a product of two main pigments: eumelanin responsible for shades of black and pheomelanin which covers shades of red and yellow. The genes that a dog gets determines how much of each of these are produced, as well as how they might be diluted or mixed with white the complete absence of pigment. For more details on how this all plays out, check out this handy description by VCA Hospitals. Each puppy inherits one set of color genes known as alleles from their mother dog and one set from their father dog — so they end up with two in total. This all depends on whether the alleles are dominant or recessive, and some are more or less dominant than others. Predicting Goldendoodle Colors So, to get back to Goldendoodles…. The Poodle colors are more likely to come through. To be golden, the puppy would need to inherit two recessive golden alleles — one from each parent. The puppy will most likely be a similar color to their Poodle parent. Yet this obviously only applies to first-generation Goldendoodles. With later-generation dogs, things get even more complicated as there are more Poodle genes to contend with. For instance, you may feel confident that with two black dogs you will get black puppies, right? After all, black is dominant. Well, as covered above, dogs inherit two alleles, and even though the dominant one is expressed, a recessive one could be passed along to their offspring. If both parents have recessive golden color alleles and both pass these along, then you could very well end up with a golden puppy from two black parents! What we can do is take an educated guess based on what we know and what we have observed about how the genes that determine coat color interact. Breeders may also opt to have their dogs tested to see which alleles they carry. This can make any coat-color guestimations that much more accurate. All in all, with those crazy, varied Poodle genes, Goldendoodles can come in pretty much every color that a Poodle comes in — and weirdly more besides. Unlike with Poodles, pedigree standards do not govern the breeding of Doodles. So, we are starting to see an array of mixes and patterns, many of which we have detailed below. Their coloring is typically the result of a mutation in the gene that would otherwise produce a black coat. These mutated genes are recessive, so the puppy would need to inherit one from each parent to end up this color. While chocolate Goldendoodles are often born quite dark — sometimes even black, they tend to fade a fair bit as they age. This process can begin as early as six weeks and will be most noticeable at this time on their muzzle and between their paw pads. Apricot Goldendoodles A variation on red, an apricot coat is one of the most sought-after for a Goldendoodle. It gives pups the appearance of a cute teddy bear even more so than their hair and adorable features already do. However, as this color is created by a recessive gene, the puppy must inherit it from both parents. Photo used with permission. Credit: Taurean DuHart Photo used with permission. Credit: doodlikekylo This coat color typically starts off a little darker and lightens over time. Depending on the interplay of genes, it can lighten quite considerably. For this reason, apricot Goldies may sometimes be confused with cream or tan ones. They will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails, all inherited from the Poodle. Cream Goldendoodles Again, from the red line, cream Goldendoodles are frequently confused with white ones because of how light their coat can get — but they are very definitely not the same. These dogs are often used for breeding dogs with multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles covered later. Credit: Murphywestslopedoodle Cream Goldies inherit their colors from both parents — a touch of gold to a little white. This is one of the reasons that they have the most extensive variation of coat tones and points with either dark or pinkish noses and paw pads, and light or dark eyes. Champagne Goldendoodles are so named for the yellowish tinge to their light, beautiful coats. These dogs have a recessive red gene that is diluted into this stunning pale yellow tone. Credit: Pattie Martin In some cases, it might be a little tricky to tell the difference between a cream Goldie and a champagne one. Champagnes tend to have a touch more color. Puppies may be born with a darker golden coat which lightens as they age. Secondly, the gene that creates a black coat is recessive, meaning that black coats are only likely in second and third-generation dogs. Finally, the Poodle fading gene can be quite active in these pups, silvering them down to grey, blue, or, naturally, silver once they are past their puppy years. Credit: sweetpupneo Black and White Goldendoodles While most black Goldendoodles are a single color, occasionally, you will also come across ones with white markings. In some cases, white may even be the more dominant color with just a touch of black. As with other parti and patterned coats, black and white Goldies are most often found in later generations. Black and white Doodles may also be referred to as tuxedo, parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Gray Goldendoodles Not surprisingly, Gray is derived from the black line and inherited from the Poodle side of the Golden Retriever-Poodle combination. This is another rare shade in these types of dogs and only really occurs with multigenerational breeding. These Goldies are usually born very dark in color and start to show as gray after around six weeks. By the time these dogs hit two years of age, they will have faded into their adult hue. However, color holding can occur around the face and ears giving a cute two-tone effect. Blue Goldendoodles At first glance, blue Goldendoodles can look very similar to gray ones. However, they are generally a darker, more steely shade, and their coat can have both darker and lighter patches. This color is super rare, being recessive. It takes multiple generations of Goldendoodle breeding to achieve. Like gray Doods, blues are born dark and fade out across the first two years of their lives. Their coats may even continue to clear as they age, but a select few will remain truly blue. Again this color is tricky to predict. You never really know what you are going to get when you adopt a black Goldie. Silver Goldendoodles A lighter version of blue or gray Goldies, silvers are also born a much darker color and just keep on fading. You might see signs that a pup will be silver from somewhere around six to ten weeks, where you can start to spot lighter roots. You will likely also find white or silver hairs between their toes. The shift from black to silver is probably the most dramatic of any of the Doodle coat changes. Your pup will look like an entirely different dog when it is done. For this reason silvers are often mistaken for grays early on in life. Silver Beige Goldendoodles Unlike regular silvers, silver beige Goldendoodles are born dark brown. However, just like regular silvers, they lighten as they age. The lighter the final color, the earlier the puppy will start clearing — anywhere between six to twelve weeks. Silver beiges can sometimes be mistaken for sables as they start to fade. The combination of colors in their coat gives this effect. Tan Goldendoodles Tan Goldies get their coloring from their Retriever parent. Just as with apricot and cream dogs, tan occurs because of a dilution in the red pigment pheomelanin. This color sits somewhere between these other two more popular and more common ones. Often these dogs have shades of light apricot, cream, and white mixed in with their coat. Although from a distance, they do appear a single uniform shade. White Goldendoodles Although they look distinctly white from a distance compared with their warmer-toned cream counterparts , white Doods are often not white all over. They have various shades of cream mixed in throughout their coat. Unlike cream, white is not the result of fading, so white puppies will actually be born white and retain this color all through their lives. While these dogs look either brown or black at birth, even at this early time, the root of the hair is much lighter than the tip. Sable Goldendoodles tend to hold onto their dark color around the face and ears. The rest of their coat settles into more of a cream or tan shade, although always with darker tips and lighter roots. This makes for a really unique-looking dog! Abstract Goldendoodles Dogs with abstract coats are mostly one single color be it any of the ones outlined above with touches of another color. These are usually found on their face and around their chest and paws. Such dogs are also referred to as mismarked or chrome. Phantom Goldendoodles Super hard-to-find phantom Goldendoodles comprise two colors — a base shade solid chocolate or solid black and a lighter one. The lighter points are usually to be found around the eyes, muzzle, and legs. Most Phantom Goldendoodles are commonly black and tan, but this can vary, e. Parti Goldendoodles Dogs with parti coats are two distinct colors, with the second one usually being white. To be considered a parti rather than an abstract Doodle, the pup needs to have a color breakdown rather than simply a few highlights. You can find parti hounds in every color covered above, but no two look the same. As mentioned above, the parti gene is a recessive one, and so the Goldie would need two for them to be expressed. However, there are plenty of parti Poodles about. Tuxedo Goldendoodles Tuxedo Goldendoodles are another two-color mix. Any of the above colors are combined with white. However, the white is concentrated around the chest and front legs. This gives the pup the appearance of wearing a tuxedo hence the name. As you can imagine, these pooches are pretty popular because of their distinctive appearance — especially when in black and white. Their markings are apparent from birth. Although, naturally, the white splotches often begin small and get more prominent as the dog matures. Merle Goldendoodles Merle Goldendoodles are another extremely uncommon type. Watercolor merles, which are harder to find, also have tickings, but their coat lightens with age. Merle coats are tricky for breeders to work with as the gene that causes this pattern is also linked to health issues such as deafness and blindness. So careful breeding by someone very knowledgeable about canine genetics is needed. This unique pattern of dark and light coat is arranged in such a way as to make the dog look like it has tiger stripes. While the width and color of these stripes vary from dog to dog, in Goldendoodles, it usually takes the form of a black or brown base coat with lighter colored stripes. Tri-Colored Goldendoodles With the increasing amount of multigenerational Goldies, color options are becoming ever more varied. However, it is very usual in other types like Bernedoodles from the Bernese Mountain Dog. They usually have a little of another breed in them — one that does carry the tri-color gene. To date, no research has demonstrated a link between color and behavior. Rumors that say differently can actually be quite harmful. For instance, some people equate black dogs with higher aggression levels. This is simply not true. On the other hand, there are a few studies that link specific colors with certain health conditions. For instance, the merle gene as outlined above can lead to certain conditions such as deafness and blindness. These days, most breeders focus on breeding extremely healthy puppies over ones of a particular color or pattern type. The parent dogs are thoroughly tested for genetic conditions that they otherwise might pass down to their puppies. In all honesty, with no coat color being better than any other in terms of health and behavior, your choice of Goldendoodle should be based on health and temperament over looks. However, naturally, people have different preferences about these things. So, once you have ascertained that the puppies you are checking out are all good, you can choose the one that looks best to you. Usually, the intensity is reduced, and black dogs switch to gray or silver while red ones dull down to apricot or cream. The apricot Goldendoodle is the most popular color choice, with cream being second and red in third place. More popular colors usually translate into more expensive. Will my Goldendoodle change color? Most Goldendoodles are born with dark coat colors that change, fade, or silver to a lighter color with age, depending on their inherited genes. This is known as clearing and generally occurs within the first two years. The muzzles and ears of a Goldendoodle tend to hold more of the original colors as other parts change. What color Goldendoodle is best? There is no specific color of Goldendoodle that is best. The one that you opt for will be based on what you like. While red tones are pretty popular among the Doodle-fan crowd, some opt for dogs with rarer colors like black, blue, and silver. Others want different and distinct patterns that only come with multigenerational breeding. While color is one of the first things people notice about puppies, it should be one of the least important factors to base an adoption decision on. When purchasing a puppy, you want to ensure that they are healthy and have the right temperament — family-friendly, active, playful, etc. Only then should you start to consider color. No matter which Goldendoodle you decide is right for you, it will no doubt be love at first sight. Not just because of their adorable appearance, but because they make excellent, loving companions. You will never regret your choice to adopt one. What color of Goldendoodle is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Kennel club recognition is quite an arduous process and is often only available to purebreds. Poodle Standard colors: apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white. As you probably noticed, Golden Retrievers only come in three colors. This section discusses all 13 Goldendoodle colors for proper identification, including some of their charming pictures. Chocolate Image credit: the. You probably come across one in your neighborhood as you take your morning walk. They got their rich brown color from their dominant Poodle genes, but some of them experience silvering as they mature. Chocolate or brown dogs may become silver beige depending on their genes. The chocolate color in Goldendoodles is recessive , so you need two Goldendoodles that are either pure chocolate or have the chocolate gene in their lines to produce a chocolate Goldendoodle. Among all the colors listed here, apricot is probably the most sought-after because they resemble teddy bears. This is a trait they got from their Poodle parent, who also comes in the same tone. Apricot is also the last registered Poodle color. They are considered the brightest type because their coat simply stands out. This may fade into a lighter shade when they mature. They are often thought to be white Goldendoodles because they are very light in color. Creams have the largest variation when it comes to coat tones and points, so it is possible to see one with dark eyes, nose, and toenails and another with lighter features. Some are even pinkish under their coat. Champagne Champagne Goldendoodles exist, albeit rare. They possess a recessive red gene, which is also diluted to create a pale yellow to a cream tone. The rarity of these dogs makes them quite pricey, but they are still one to consider if you want a teddy-looking dog. However, their eyes, nose, and paw pads remain pure black. There are instances where white is more dominant, but those who are primarily black also exist. Contrary to what most people believe, not all black and white Goldendoodles should be called tuxedo because it pertains to a specific coat pattern. This will be focused on once the tuxedo coat pattern is discussed. When they reach two years old, their gray coloration even lightens to rustic silver, and there will be no more signs that they were once almost black. These dogs are very rare and are only achieved through multiple generations of breeding Goldendoodles. They also have blue noses and paw pads. Their hairs resemble that of an aged man, so you can easily identify them among others. Most silver Goldendoodles show signs that they are indeed silver as they reach 6 to 10 weeks. The tone of their coat has varying degrees, from dark to light silver. Silver Beige Image credit: wheresguthrie. They are originally born chocolate, but because of certain genes, their color cleared, and they become silver beige. What creates the effect that they are sables is the combination of silver to gray hairs and the beige coloration. Some parts of their body appear cream-colored, and this is expected from this variety. Aside from their impressive set of colors, Goldendoodles are even more unique because of their coat patterns. Usually, novice pet owners confuse this with certain coat diseases, but this is typical for this hybrid. The base coat may be one of the 13 basic colors discussed earlier. Usually, these are found on their face, chest, and paws. Often, two colors make up their coat: one is the base, and the second is a lighter shade. There is an exact location for the lighter points — above the eyes, along the sides of the muzzle, across the chest, along the legs, and under the tail. Most Goldendoodles with this coat pattern are developed through multi-generational breeding. This is why parti pups will have distinct appearances from each other. This creates the impression that they are wearing a tuxedo. Classic merle pups usually have some blue or chocolate patchwork or tickings on their body. Meanwhile, watercolor merles which are harder to come across, also have some tickings on their coat. They are distinct from the former because their coat lightens as they age. Most of them have light-base hairs, which makes their stripes stand out. The most popular color for Goldendoodles is also the last color to be recognized for Poodles — apricot. The fame it gained as the latest color for the breed is also reflected in its cross between the Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is followed by cream and red. Sables are also in demand even though they are not of the same level as the three shades mentioned above. Since these colors are desired by many, expect that they are a bit more expensive than their other cousins. Despite being common and easy to breed, these black pups are not highly sought after. What Is the Rarest Goldendoodle Color? The rarest Goldendoodle colors are those that can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. This means that in order to produce these dogs, you have to breed together puppies beyond f2 or second generations. These are gray, blue, and silver. Apart from these colors, two patterns are found to be rare. They are the phantom and parti Goldendoodle. Similar to the gray, blue, and silver dogs, they can only be achieved through multi-generational breeding. The color of every dog is a product of its two main pigments, eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is black in default, but it also produces certain diluted colors due to the genes inherited by the dog. The second pigment, which is pheomelanin, is primarily red, but it can become apricot, cream, tan, and other similar shades when altered by dilution genes. For a breeder to produce a certain Goldendoodle color, the parents must undergo DNA testing to determine whether they can produce the desired color for the litter. Some others carry a recessive gene that makes them exhibit a very different color from their parents. There are some myths that aim to taint the reputation of some varieties but have no scientific basis. For instance, the assumption that black Goldendoodles are aggressive simply because they are black colored. Make sure to look for pertinent data first before becoming influenced by mere opinions on the color and the breed of dogs. In fact, a friend of mine who has two male Goldendoodles of different colors, a blue three-year-old, and an apricot 2-year-old, has observed that the two have very similar temperaments. Both are affectionate and love being with him all the time. But if we are to consider the study of the University of Sydney, which investigated the life expectancy of dogs according to their colors, chocolate Goldendoodles may be prone to ear infections and various skin diseases. Merles are also observed to be predisposed to deafness, blindness, skin sensitivity, and skin cancer, especially when the two parents used to breed the puppy both carry the merle gene. These are extreme issues, so you better consider this in buying your pet. As is with other crosses and purebreds, Goldendoodles also experience subtle color changes as they mature. This phenomenon is brought about by their Poodle lineage. Mostly, red and its varieties lighten when they reach two years of age. But other colors may also undergo lightening through a process called silvering or dilution. This is more prevalent in black and chocolate puppies who turn out blue, silver, or silver beige, depending on their genes. However, this may not be true for all Goldendoodle puppies. Some may not have any genes that will lighten their colors and will retain their rich color all the way to adulthood. It gives Goldendoodles the appearance of a cute teddy bear. It is a common color to find among breeders since Apricot Poodles are recognized by the AKC as an official breed. Apricot coats typically grow lighter over time and may sometimes be confused with cream or tan Goldendoodles. These Goldendoodles will almost always have black eyes, eye rims, noses, and toenails inherited from the Poodle breed. Cream Goldendoodles are commonly used to breed multi-colored coats, such as merle or parti Goldendoodles. The physical features of cream Goldendoodles can vary greatly. Some have lighter attributes, while others have slightly darker noses or eyes. It is highly unlikely that you will find cream Goldendoodles with the same physical features. However, most cream Goldendoodles will have pinkish skin under their coat. Red Goldendoodle Like apricot-colored coats, red Goldendoodles also have a teddy bear look because of their color. The mahogany color is the most vibrant of the various coat colors. It is usually achieved by breeding a poodle carrying a darker coat with a yellow Golden Retriever. It is one of the most popular colors for Goldendoodle coats and is somewhat common among breeders. The red coat does lighten over time as your Goldendoodle puppy grows. Another popular coat for Goldendoodles is brown. Many brown Goldendoodles may also carry a recessive silver or black gene, so they may produce puppies of various colors or patterns. It is one of the more common Goldendoodle coat colors. A Chocolate Goldendoodle is a brown Goldendoodle without lighter markings. Tan Goldendoodle A tan Goldendoodle adult chilling in a backyard Tan Goldendoodles are not as popular as other light-colored coats. This breed is a combination of the cream and apricot Goldendoodle. Their fur often has shades of light apricot and white, which come from the Golden Retriever dog breed. If you want a tan Goldendoodle, you may want to find a reputable producer that breeds apricot and cream Goldendoodles to find this variety. Black Goldendoodle This Black Goldendoodle puppy is having a rest! Like brown Goldendoodles, black Goldendoodles also inherit their dark coat from their Poodle parent. It is not as sought after compared to the apricot or cream-colored coat. If they inherit curly fur, this breed could be mistaken for a regular Poodle. Black Goldendoodles are a unique variety, and finding this type of color is rare. The black coat will often stay dark unless they carry the recessive gray, silver, or blue gene. Then the color will lighten as they grow older. Their physical attributes, like their paws, noses, and eyes, will almost always be black. As puppies, their coats first appear black but will lighten as they grow to a full coat of blue, silver, or gray. As they age expect some white markings. If you have a gray Goldendoodle grey Goldendoodle for our Aussie and UK readers check our our mega list of actually good gray dog names! Sometimes known as the Tuxedo Goldendoodle, this type usually has a black coat with a white nose and chest. It also carries a streak of white on its head. However, Tuxedo Goldendoodles usually have slightly different markings, such as white hind legs, belly, and bib, with black extending down its back. It gives the impression that your Goldendoodle is wearing a tuxedo. You can achieve the black and white variety by breeding a parti Poodle with a Golden Retriever. However, it is very rare to find this type of Goldendoodle. Sable Goldendoodle One of the most unique Goldendoodle coats is sable. Their coat is dominantly a tan or lighter cream with the tips remaining black. As puppies, sable Goldendoodles are dark brown or black, but their puppy coat lightens as it grows out. However, those dark tips do not fade with time. Patterned Goldendoodle Colors In addition to the solid colors of the Goldendoodle, this breed can come with rare patterned and multi-colored coats. These coats are not always predictable before they are born or even when they are puppies. The rare varieties will also cost as much as three times more than a more common Goldendoodle. Below are some of the various color options that are rarer for Goldendoodles. Parti Goldendoodle coats happen when the recessive genes of the coat override the solid color. Rare recessive genes, therefore, need to be combined with other rare recessive genes. This variety is very difficult to predict before they are born. Parti Goldendoodles often come from multiple Goldendoodle generations with strong Poodle genes. Merle Goldendoodle Merle Goldendoodles are rare because their coat has patterns with random marks. Unlike Partis, merle Goldendoodles have dominant genes that override the solid color. Chocolate or blue Merles are born when the gene is carried by a chocolate or black Goldendoodle. Sometimes people refer to them as watercolor merle coats or chocolate merle. Merle Goldendoodles are sometimes manufactured when a Goldendoodle is bred with a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd , technically making them an Aussiedoodle. However, there are serious health considerations when breeding merle Goldendoodles. If you breed two merle Goldendoodles, their puppies may be born with deformities or be blind or deaf. To be considered a phantom breed, the Goldendoodle needs to have a primary color covering the majority of its body and a secondary color appearing on its eyes, muzzle, and lower parts of its legs. They are always born with those markings, so it is easy to tell right away if it is a phantom Goldendoodle. The color combinations may vary, but the most common is black and tan. Their coat is very rare, and two phantom Goldendoodles will seldom have the same look. Conclusion Though the AKC does not recognize the colors of the Goldendoodle, the three Golden Retriever colors and seven Poodle colors create thousands of coat color possibilities. Extensive DNA tests are the only way to get an exact picture of how the puppies will look. Look for a reputable breeder and choose the color that you like best. If you are looking for a specific Goldendoodle color, you may need to ask several different breeders and take a look at the parents and their litter. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. FAQ Here are the answers to some of the most pressing questions about Goldendoodle colors. What is the most popular color for Goldendoodles? The most popular color is apricot for Goldendoodle coats followed by cream. Red coats come in third. Sable is also a highly sought-after color for Goldendoodles. What color is best for Goldendoodles? There is no best color for Goldendoodles as it all depends on your personal preference. Whichever color you choose, make sure that it is one you and your family can enjoy. However, even these darker colors may change if the dog carries the blue, silver, or gray recessive gene. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The main traits people find attractive about the Goldendoodles are the low shedding, hypo-allergenic coat, coat color varieties, and the adorable ragamuffin look of this breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden Retriever has three standard colors: dark, golden, and light. There might be more we have yet to discover, but we will keep this article updated as we find more. Below, we look at different Goldendoodles colors with pictures and the differences in each. We also discuss what makes each color unique and so recognizable. Your Goldendoodle coat type will depend on the kind of curl gene they inherit from each parent. If you are curious to know what coat type and color coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have, you can perform an at-home DNA test to find out. Curly coats are the most popular coats in Goldendoodles and are seen more frequently in F1B and F3 breedings. These types of coats are considered to be the most non-shedding kind. A characteristic trait, if you will, of this hybrid breed. They tend to have more shedding than Goldendoodles, who carry furnishings, and they look more like Golden Retrievers. To ensure you have a proper coated Goldendoodle, you need to DNA test the parents or puppy before getting one. If you have a family with allergies, a Goldendoodle with an incorrect coat is not the best match for you. Long hair is a recessive trait, which means that for a dog to be long-coated, the FGF5 gene needs to be inherited from both parents. The Goldendoodle coat should be about 2 to 3 inches in length. Coat Color Changes In Goldendoodles Dogs of any age, gender, or breed can experience pigment changes in their skin and coat. Generally, puppies will change color as they mature, especially light and medium color Goldendoodle coats. The exceptions are black and darker brown Goldendoodles. However, these can still change to grey, silver, or blue if they carry the recessive gene. Goldendoodle coat changes pictures. Typically, the final coat color of a Goldenpoodle will settle and stay when they reach 4 to 6 months of age. That is when puppies lose their puppy coats, according to the AKC. Did you know feeding the wrong diet kibble to Goldendoodles can dramatically affect their coat, skin and health, and overall health? Chapter 2 All Goldendoodle colors in pictures Goldendoodle Colors Here is a compilation of the most popular, not-so-popular and rarest Goldendoodle colors. Brown Goldendoodle. Black For even more variety, there are patterns of these colors found in the Goldendoodle, including parti, merle, phantom, and brindle. Merle is a varied coat pattern. While a beautiful color, the merle gene can cause blindness and deafness if two parents carrying the merle gene are bred together, so merles should be bred only by very knowledgeable breeders who test for the merle gene and understand the genetics involved. Brindle patterns appear as stripes, the color and the width vary with each dog. With careful breeding, breeders can now produce litters with predictable coat types and shedding propensities. One of the things that many people find attractive about the Goldendoodle is the low shedding and hypo-allergenic qualities of the coat, and the adorable ragamuffin look of the Goldendoodle. No longer do you need to rely on the generation of a Goldendoodle to determine appearance or shedding intensity! This is why some Labradoodles have short coats in the early generations, whereas Goldendoodles do not. Curl KRT71 gene Goldendoodles can be curly, wavy, or straight. They inherit their number of curl genes from their parents. If a breeder tests the parent dogs for the curl gene, they can better predict the appearance of their puppies. Even more interestingly, genetic technology has taught us that furnishings are what confer the low- to non-shedding coats on our Goldendoodles that help make them such optimal family dogs. Based on Mendelian genetics, this educated guess was often just that—a guess about the odds. This is when the use of notations like F1 and F1b came about and what has caused many people to think they need to know the generation to guess about furnishings. In the recent past, new commercially available tests have been developed that allow us to genetically test our parent dogs for furnishing genes and other coat genes as well, such as curl so we can better predict coat type in puppies. This is much, much more accurate and dependable than the old Mendelian filial F1, F1b, etc. The gene responsible for furnishings is dominant; so by testing the parent dogs DNA, it can be determined if a breed pair will produce puppies that all have furnishings, or if there will be some puppies with an incorrect or Golden Retriever like coat. Dogs with one copy of the furnishings gene Ff or F IC are lower shedding than dogs without furnishings. Dogs with two copies of furnishing genes FF are typically non-shedding. If you have a family with allergies, a Goldendoodle with an incorrect coat is not the best match for you. Coat variation in the domestic dog is governed by variants in three genes. J Hered. The Shedding gene is still relevant for shedding for NON-furnished dogs short facial hair , but have no impact for shedding for our furnished Goldendoodles. Even a Goldendoodle with two furnishings genes does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to a particular dog. Allergies are very complex and shedding is just one of the components that factor in the equation. Consider that dander, saliva, proteins, and allergens carried on the dogs coat, etc. As you can see, there is a lot of science that goes into the selection of breeding mates to produce the ideal Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle Association supports its Member breeders by providing access to the latest research and guidance from experts in fields such as breed development, canine reproduction, and puppy development. This is a widget ready area. Add some and they will appear here. For all other questions: Email: admin goldendoodleassociation. Your membership helps to fund research and development regarding health, genetics, puppy development, and more. Member Application.
labrador puppies for sale limerick - Suffice to say that the dog has come a long way from its herding roots. Part of that perfect picture we have of these pups is the erect position of their ears. It gives them the qualities we associate with the breed, such as intelligence and confidence. Floppy ears strike us as a disconnect. These dogs have a dense coat that puts a lot of weight on their ears, relatively speaking. Also, large breeds like the German Shepherd mature more slowly than smaller dogs. It could just be a matter of time. That fact will come into play with the availability and price of the dog. It may have a disqualifying trait , such as floppy ears. This characteristic has a genetic component. Injury or Trauma Damaged the Cartilage Puppies sometimes play rough. They bite at each other, and sometimes the ears get the brunt of it. That often translates into slower healing times. Some manufactures produce tailor-made foods for specific breeds , such as the German Shepherd. That can go a long way to helping your dog recovering from an injury. It can interfere with air circulation in the ear canals, setting up the perfect storm for infections or mites. These conditions are horribly uncomfortable for your pup. Left untreated, it can cause a hematoma or swelling. This condition requires veterinary treatment. Several options exist, from aspirating or draining it to surgery. The best prevention is avoiding the conditions that caused the ear discomfort in the first place. All German Shepherds have floppy ears as puppies. The difference depends on when they start to change and stand up into their adult position. It can take several months. However, the number of adult dogs with floppy ears is about one in five. That may get its ears standing upright quicker. Taping the ears is usually part of the healing process when dogs get their ears cropped. The other concern is doing the procedure correctly. That could lead to ear trauma or a bowel obstruction if it swallows the materials. We suggest that you have your veterinarian do the job if you want to go this route. Final Thoughts The upright ears are an essential feature of the striking pose of the German Shepherd. Nature often has her plan for when that will happen in a puppy. Sometimes, it takes longer in pups with thicker fur or large ears. Healthy nutritional support will help the cartilage develop stronger and quicker. In the meantime, patience is the key. See also:. Bright eyes, strong profiles, and of course, those perky, attentive ears! When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, its ears will probably be floppy and droopy — at times, those ears may try to make a stand, only to fall back down again. What gives!? As your German Shepherd grows and gets the right nutrition among other things , the cartilage gets stronger and stronger. And voila — straight, pointy German Shepherd ears! But is it really that simple? Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. German Shepherd puppy ears can be unpredictable! The key is to be patient and give those ears time to develop on their own before stepping in. Those ears should perk back up after teething is over. If you want to learn more about the timing of teething and what to look for, check out this article on German Shepherd puppy teething. When went to visit my German Shepherd, Allie pictured above at 7 weeks old , her ears were floppy and undeniably precious. I brought Allie home at 8 weeks, and those ears still had their ups and downs, but by 10 weeks old, her ears were up permanently. So, the key is to catch it in time. This flip-floppy stage is completely normal. Genetics can also come into play when some breeders try to breed specifically for German Shepherds with larger ears. As a result, those big, oversized, heavy ears may be too much to stand up. If pointy, perky ears are important to you, then choose your breeder and puppy carefully. Make sure to check out the parents — how do their ears look? Any significant trauma to the ears during this time can cause permanent damage — which may also cause droopy ears. Try to have everyone keep their hands off those adorable ears as much as possible. Parasites: Yuck. Puppies need chew toys, as it exercises their jaw and their head and neck muscles. Those muscles are important for perky puppy ears. So, let your puppy chew, chew, and chew on the right things of course. If you need some ideas for durable dog toys that can withstand those chomping jaws, then check out this article for my picks of the best tough German Shepherd chew toys. Stick to a high-quality, natural diet instead. Cottage cheese and yogurt both have plenty of calcium without overdoing it , and chicken feet are a natural source of glucosamine, which helps strengthen cartilage. Give those ears time to develop on their own before you resort to taping. At the end of the article are some sources that go over common methods of taping. Note: There are several options that you can use for this — there are even foam dog ear forms. Thin, white surgical tape that tears easily. A 2-inch wide tape works well, and you can also get this at Walmart, CVS, or somewhere similar. Note: Do NOT use duct tape or electrical tape — these will do way more harm than good! An unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. Adhesive — either skin bond adhesive or eyelash glue are good choices. Give those ears plenty of time to develop and get stronger before taking action. How old was your German Shepherd puppy when its ears finally stood up? Let me know below! I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy.
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labrador puppies for sale limerick - Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Day 8 — Ohhhh…The Puppy Piles! The result of puppies sleeping close together to keep warm? Puppy Piles! Day 11 — Eyes Wide Open! What an exciting day for me and the pups. No more army crawl for these cute munchkins! Two or our Golden puppies, Bear and Buster. An end to the army crawl. Week 2 of our series on Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week-by-week growth charts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 -This is Week 2! Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So how about your guys? Have you ever raised a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Or maybe you have a litter of puppies coming soon. If you have any questions or comments please leave us a note in the comment section below. Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Our litter of Golden Retriever puppies week two. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.