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Top 5 Labradoodle Haircuts Be sure to check out our 2-part series on types of Doodle haircuts, with tons more pictures that cover overall body styles and variations of styles. Different groomers may have different ideas of what the following types of cuts are. If any of these pictures represent what you want your Labradoodle to look like, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access when dropping them off at the groomer! With the hair slightly rounder and longer around the face and legs, the Labradoodle teddy bear cut gives your pup the most adorable puppy-like look. As the name hints, the goal is to give your Labradoodle a puppy-like look with shorter hair on the body, and longer on the head. This look is not for the faint-hearted, but a dog as cute as a Labradoodle will surely pull this off. Labradoodle Long Clip Almost the same as the Labradoodle short clip, but not quite. The Labradoodle long clip is great for emphasizing those beautiful waves and an effortless, shaggy look. However, longer hair can also trap in more dirt, so make sure to set aside enough time for daily brushing. Here you can check out the best brushes for Labradoodles. A comb is also great for brushing hard-to-reach areas like the paws, face, and ears. Dog Clippers — When it comes to grooming, you are going to need a set of clippers to get the job done. Which ones should you choose? These are our favorite grooming scissors for Doodles. Dog Shears — Are you ready to take your grooming to the next level? Detangler Sprays — One of the best hacks for hassle-free brushing is having a detangler spray at hand. Use it before each brushing or just before bathtime, a good detangler spray cuts the time spent on tangles in half. Shampoo — A proper grooming routine includes an occasional bathtime. Whether your Labradoodle struggles with skin sensitivities or tends to shed a lot, there are tons of different options available on the market. Here are the top 6 dog shampoos that Labradoodle owners swear by. Ear Cleaning Products — With those cute floppy ears, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow. Take a look at some of the highest rated dog ear cleaner products that help prevent and treat minor ear infections. Grooming Tables — Every Labradoodle owner knows how difficult it can be to groom a Doodle with one hand, while trying to keep them still with the other. A grooming table will take care of all that you still need to do the grooming though… and save you from back pain. Check out the best dog grooming tables or create a DIY grooming table. Be sure to check out our guide on dealing with matted hair , and another about the line brushing method. Bathing: Before a haircut or after a muddy playtime, your Labradoodle will need a thorough wash. Typically, once a week should be perfectly enough. However, some pups might need a couple of times a week. Once in a while, you might want to use a special dog ear cleaner to prevent any infections. Here you can check our guide on Doodle ear infection symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Eye gunk: Gently remove any eye gunk you notice, as this will prevent discoloration around the eyes and bad smell. If you can do it daily, great! Here is our step-by-step video tutorial guide that includes the entire Doodle grooming process from head to paw. For example, the best Labradoodle haircuts for summer would be short so your pup has an easier time cooling down. The Labradoodle puppy cut is the most popular Labradoodle haircut. However, we recommend you choose high-quality tools, as they will last you a longer time. As a Labradoodle puppy starts to develop an adult coat, you should start with regular grooming. The sooner you introduce your puppy to the whole process of grooming, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. See Also: Click the image To conclude, we hope that you learned some useful Labradoodle grooming tips, and that we managed to inspire you with the Labradoodle haircuts that you can try on your Doodle for your next grooming session. Let us know in the comments! The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. The first grooming appointment can be frightening for your puppy. The following tips can help your puppy have a positive experience at the groomer. Handling and socializing your Labradoodle puppy Before scheduling your first appointment, make sure your puppy is comfortable with being touched and handled. Be sure to praise and reward your puppy for calm behavior. Continue socializing your puppy by introducing him or her to new people and animals. Introducing the grooming tools Once your puppy is comfortable with being touched, you can introduce common grooming tools. Let your puppy inspect and sniff the brush, comb, scissors, hair dryer, and clippers. Turn on the hair dryer and clippers while feeding your puppy treats to create a positive association. Grooming your puppy at home Keep your initial grooming sessions short and reward your puppy for good behavior. You can build up the duration over time, as your puppy gets more comfortable. The first session should be short and positive. In fact, just visiting for a quick introduction and nail clipping is a good start. The most important thing is to give your Labradoodle puppy a positive experience with professional grooming. After drop-off, always wait to be notified that your puppy is ready for pickup. Never come back to the grooming salon early. If your puppy sees you or hears your voice, it will be very difficult for the groomer to finish the job. Maintaining health with regular grooming For best results, your Labradoodle puppy should be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks. You will also need to brush your puppy at home. While many Labradoodles do not shed, their undercoats can mat and become difficult to manage. If you have questions about how we groom our Labradoodles, feel free to contact us any time. This does not mean that you do not need to maintain your puppies coat! You should start daily brushing with your Chris Christensen Big K slicker brush from day 1. At this point, it is not about the coat, it is about your pup's familiarity with the process of being restrained and brushed. Do a quick brush every day and a deep, thorough brushing once a week, ensuring that you are getting down to the skin not just top brushing the hair. Australian Labradoodles do not shed, but they do have hair fall, similar to humans. When these loose hairs enter the coat, you need to ensure that you are brushing them free, or you will have mats. They will not need a full grooming, but they must have a grooming experience during this critical time. Book them a bath, blow-out and trim of eyes, under the ear flaps, feet, sanitary and nail trim. How to Brush: Brush to the skin, working from under the coat. Work from the feet up to the body and the tail to the head. Brush in the direction of the hair, but add small amounts of coat to each stroke. They are not a stinky "dog smell" breed. However, they should get a bath every weeks, if you are not already having them groomed that often. You need to ensure that you are getting all the shampoo out of the coat! If you do not have good water pressure, you can use the tub facilities at many local pet stores. You will not get the benefits of either the shampoo, or the conditioner. Rinse the conditioner, but leave just the slightest amount behind. Follow up by towel drying and a leave in conditioner spray not a detangler. Blow drying with a commercial dryer again, available when you use the facilities at pet stores , will give your Doodle that gorgeous, fluffy, flowing coat that they are famous for. Never shampoo your dog when the coat is filthy, unless you want to felt the coat. Instead hose the dog down and then put the dog in its crate and wait for the mud to dry and drop out, follow up by deep brushing. Keeping a well-groomed dog is essential to maintaining their health, happiness, quality of life. This guide will instruct you on grooming as young as 8 weeks into adulthood. In order for this to be the best experience for you and your Doodle, the most important thing to remember is: Be patient! If it is frustrating for you at any time throughout the grooming process, take a break and come back later. We always want our Doodles to relate grooming with positivity! Well, short answer, I groom my dogs every 8 — 10 weeks. There are so many variables to the grooming question that I hate to boil it down to one sentence. First, we should ask ourselves a few questions: 1. How much time does he spend outdoors with the potential to get dirty? What sort of coat does your dog have? Different Coat Types Require Different Labradoodle Grooming Schedules I have dogs with different coat types, and they have different grooming schedules. My two older dogs both have a wool type coat. It is very curly, a little wiry, and not the easiest to brush. It is most like a poodle coat. These two get the most regular grooming appointments, and I keep them pretty short. With this type of cut and frequency I do not need to brush them out at all between grooms. I usually wait more time between grooms on this coat. I love the fluffy look when it grows out. Often the ears and collar area need regular brushing to prevent matting. If your doodle does not go out and get dirty, then cleaning is not an issue, and you could keep a longer coat with or without regular visits to the groomer. If a mat develops next to their skin it is painful for the dog, and you will need to have your Labradoodle shaved down to eliminate. Artistic Grooming Techniques And of course, there are all sorts of artistic grooming techniques. I often see the ears and tail left longer than the rest of the body. And the Teddy Bear- is always cute! Clearing the ear hair will help prevent ear infections as well as ear odor. If your groomer does not pluck ear hair, consider this task on your own or stop by your vet a few times a year to have them take care of the problem. Occasionally, a nice bath helps in between grooms too! This does mean however, that your dog requires regular clipping to keep the coat trimmed and free of knots and matting. This is important for the dog also, as their coats can get very heavy and hot and matted coats make them very uncomfortable. It will really depend on the length you want to keep your Labradoodles coat as to how much grooming you will have to do. What do I need? Hold the skin taught to protect from any discomfort, especially where you come across a knot, or matts. Like in human hair, work knots out gently, or cut through them with scissors or a matt breaker. Knots are quite common around the ears, jaw, and collar as well as behind the tops of their legs. If they wear a harness regularly, you may find matting from this too. Trim around their eyes and across the bridge of their nose between their eyes regularly — you can do this with blunt scissors, or use a little tool like the Wahl Pocket Pro, which is a little battery operated trimmer. Over bathing can reduce the oils and damage the coat. I usually bathe my dogs every weeks. It is important to use a good quality pet shampoo — dogs have a different PH in their skin to humans, so regular shampoos is not suitable for use on your pets. Fido products are expensive, but I find them very good and this is what I use on the puppies, and my own dogs. Some vets will advocate regular plucking, others may suggest trimming the hair, but regardless, keeping the hair minimal, and the ears clean, with the use of an ear cleanser or a drying agent will reduce the risk of problems. You pop the solution into each ear and massage it for seconds and then wipe it out with a tissue — never use ear buds! Check with your vet for tips on hair removal and which solution to use. Your dogs nails should be done each time they get their coat trimmed and this is a service most dog groomers usually do as part of their clip. If you choose to do this, be sure to get your groomer, or your vet to show you how to trim the nails correctly. Grooming How frequently you choose to get your dog clipped will depend on lifestyle, how long you want their coat to be and, your regular maintenance regimes. Besides you want to enjoy that adorable puppy shagginess for a little while! The Puppy Trim Trim between their eyes so they can see Fringe should be cut so there is an inverted"V"above the nose. If the fringe is thick, it can be neatened with thinning scissors. Trim the ear length back to about 1 cm following the shape of the ear leather. Neaten the face, especially if the beard is long. The Full Clip Ears Trim the ears, following the edge of the ear leather. To gauge the length — pull forward to the nose. The length of the ear should be just short of the nose. Taper the tip of the ear. Hair on the outside of the ear should be layered on the to about 3cm, and the tip of the ear tapered. Trim back any thickness behind the ear. The underside of the ear should be shaved or cut very short underneath to allow good air flow. Trim hair inside the ear canal. Top of the head The top of the head should be natural, and cut long enough that it parts naturally by itself. To trim, pull the hair forward and up and trim to around cm. You want to be able to see the dogs eyes easily. Leave the eyelashes long — it helps to keep hair out of their eyes. Eyes Below the eye at the muzzle, trim the top of the muzzle short at an angle just under the eyes so they can see easily. This makes it easier to clean around the eyes also. Muzzle The beard and moustache should be layered and trimmed into a circular shape, rather than blunt - aim for around cm in length. Body the body can be trimmed to whatever length suits the lifestyle. Tail should be evened up. If the body is left long, the tummy can be trimmed shorter, or even shaved in summer to keep the dog cool. Trim the hair between the pads, so the pads touch the ground. Trim the nails. Taper the hind quarters to the tail gradually. Brush and trim the tail to a natural length, and trim underneath. Private Parts Shave or trim close the dogs private area to keep clean and free from matting and any dags. While the adult coat is establishing, you will need to brush multiple times a week, and I find this the best time to give your pet his first trim. It will be difficult to keep up with the matting in the longer coat, but with a trim, it is very manageable, and the beauty of the adult coat is better realized. Once your dog gets to 12 to 14 months, the adult coat will be fully established, and this is the coat you can expect to work with for your dog's adult life. I find that the picture to the right will help to clarify the instructions you will need to convey for your dog's face. It is best to print this picture and take it with you to the groomer. A three-fourths inch blade don't go shorter than one-half inch will keep your dog's coat nice and full but give a smooth consistent length all over. If you like your dogs coat longer, your groomer should have a guard they can use to achieve this. The legs are typically just a little longer than the rest of the coat if you trim the coat to three-fourths inch. FEET: The feet will need a "slipper" cut to achieve the floppy, full leg look. The leg will look like a column. TAIL: The tail needs to be de-matted and trimmed. It is also important to have the hair removed, either trimmed or pulled, inside the dog's ears. Click the grooming picture for an enlarged, printable version and take it with you to your groomer! However, they need to get accustom to being handled. They should be brushed, have their ears and teeth looked at, and nails handled or trimmed every day. At around nine to sixteen months the adult coat starts to grow in. The puppy coat does not fall out and will start to cause matts. Brushing thoroughly to pull the puppy coat out from the new adult hair is necessary. This could be a good time to consider a good clip to ease the amount of brushing and formation of mats. It is important to start introducing your puppy to the groomer early so when he is older he will be comfortable with the grooming process. Once your Labradoodle puppy has had all of his shots, he can safely be taken to the groomer. Up to this point, handling and brushing your puppy everyday will prepare him for his first trip to the groomer. Let the groomer know you have a puppy and want to have an introductory visit. Even just for your puppy to meet and have a nail clip might be enough to start a good, calm rapport with the groomer. Follow up visits can begin to include a simple session of brushing, washing, drying, nail clip and ear hair pluck. Your puppy and groomer will be thankful for these small visits every weeks so puppy can get used to all of the sights, sounds and sensations till he is ready for a full clip. Grooming Your Adult Labradoodle You can maintain a long fleece coat with thorough brushing weekly. A curly fleece will need more attention than a wavy fleece. Curlier coats will be easier to maintain if it is kept shorter. Many owners have their labradoodles clipped two to four times a year depending on personal preference, lifestyle and curliness of the fleece. They get a full groom with a 1. For your doodle to not look like a poodle, talk to your groomer about what you want. Pictures of a well groomed labradoodle can help. Regular bathing is mostly unnecessary. Even after getting muddy, it will dry and fall off or can be brushed out. If you take your Labradoodle to the groomer regularly, they should take care of the nails adequately. Pay special attention to the ears. The hair in and around the outside of the ear canal clogs the inside and prevents air flow. This can cause ear infections. The hair needs to be pulled out of the ear canal and kept trimmed around the opening and under the ear. This can be done every months. Your groomer should be doing this and will keep it maintained. Also, if you do not use a groomer often, make sure the hair around the anus does not get too long and cause problems with waste build up. Brushing Your Labradoodle When your Labradoodle has short hair, an inch or two, regular brushing with a pin brush or slicker can work just fine. Once the hair gets longer, it is important to make sure you are reaching all the way to the base of the hair. If not, loose hair is not removed below the surface and matts will begin to form. If that hair builds up, it is not going to be possible to clip the hair at a decent length and the only alternative will be to shave the hair close to the skin. In order to keep a coat longer than and inch or so, you will want to use a technique called line brushing. Line Brushing It is simply done by parting the coat with your free hand and brushing the loose hair on the other side of the part, starting at the base of the hair. With every other stroke or so, you can bring down a small bit of the hair being held up by your hand. You will slowly move your hand up that section of coat. Start low on a section of the body and work your way up. Using the edge of the pin brush, start brushing from the part, down the length of the hair. Complete the stroke to the end of the hair. Repeat till smooth and ready to continue. Pick up a small amount of hair from the other side of the part to continue the process, working your way up that section of the body.
Depending on the intensity of dilution, they may appear to be steel blue, powder blue, or dark gray when under the sun. Blue German Shepherd dogs are quite uncommon. Their coloration is a result of genetic modification that washes or fades out the usual black coat color. Aside from a solid color, blue German Shepherds can also exhibit blue and tan, blue and sable, and blue bicolor coats. Unfortunately, blue German Shepherd dogs are frowned upon on show rings because the breed standard prefers intense, rich colors. In fact, the blue color is considered a severe fault in dog competitions, even though blue is a standard color for the German Shepherds. Hence, these blue Shepherds are often sold only as companion pets. In terms of personality, blue German Shepherds are not different from their other siblings. They remain loyal, courageous, obedient, and confident pooches. Thus, they are perfect for guarding duties. Are Blue German Shepherds Rare? A blue German Shepherd dog is difficult to find and is considered rare. It is mainly because of its coat genetics. The gene responsible for blue pigmentation is recessive. On another note, some breeders are discouraged from breeding blue GSDs since it is considered a severe fault in conformation shows. This dramatically affects the production of these blue puppers. Photo by floydthedeutsche IG Except for coat color, the blue German Shepherds share the same characteristics and physical traits as their other siblings. They are medium to large-size dogs with muscular and well-balanced figures. Their overall appearances display nobility, intelligence, and composure. A male blue German Shepherd dog usually stands between 24 and 26 inches tall and weighs around 65 to 90 pounds. Meanwhile, its female counterpart can reach 22 to 24 inches in height and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. What most people consider appealing about blue German Shepherds are their blue eyes, thanks to the dilution gene. However, some may also have yellow or amber eyes. The head of a male blue German Shepherd dog should look masculine, while a female blue GSD should be distinctly feminine. They also have slightly pointed ears and long muzzles. Blue German Shepherds have medium-length double coats. Their outer hairs should be dense, straight, harsh, and lying flat close to their bodies. The tones of the blue pigmentation vary depending on the intensity of dilution. Some may exhibit rich blue color, while others may sport a grayish-blue hue. Dilute German Shepherds Aside from a solid blue color, blue German shepherds can also sport bicolor coats: blue bicolor, blue and tan, and blue and sable. However, the coat of a blue and tan German Shepherd has larger tan areas than the blue bicolor GSD coat. Dogs have two primary pigments in the body called eumelanin black and pheomelanin red. Through gene modification, other pigments such as blue, gray, and yellow are produced out of the two primary colors. The gene responsible for the blue coloring of blue German Shepherds is known as the dilution gene. This particular gene lightens up or washes out the rich and dark base colors, turning black into blue or gray and red into yellow or cream. So technically, blue German Shepherds are black dogs whose colors are washed out or lightened up by the dilution gene. The dilution gene is recessive. Meaning, a German Shepherd puppy must inherit two copies of it to exhibit a blue coat. This is one of the reasons why blue shepherd dogs are rare sights. The color of a puppy, in general, is predetermined by genetics. You cannot expect a puppy with black color genes to grow up having a yellow coat. That is not how it works. Some blue GSD puppies may be born with seemingly black or darker coats, but they gradually lighten up and turn blue as they grow. The intensity of the pigmentation in the coat may change until they reach the age of two. Meanwhile, the tan points of bicolor GSDs might show up months after they are born. Blue is a standard color of the German Shepherd breed acknowledged by the AKC, along with black , gray, liver , sable , and white. However, blue German Shepherds are considered undesirable for conformation shows since the standard favors GSDs with strong and rich colors. In fact, washed-out hues such as blue and liver are marked as serious faults even though they are standard coat variations. But then again, your blue German Shepherd can still join herding and sporting events without any problem sponsored by major kennel clubs! Photo by floydthedeutsche IG Coat colors do not affect the temperament and behavior of dogs. This is true for all pooches regardless of breed and color. It is considered a loyal, courageous, obedient, and very intelligent dog that is perfect for guarding duties. They are also known to be calm, patient, gentle, and loving towards children. They will unhesitantly protect any of their family members if they sense any danger. With Other Dogs and Pets: Blue GSDs get along pretty well with other pets and dogs, especially if they have been with them for a long time. If they are given early socialization and training, they will behave well around other pets and dogs. With Strangers: Generally, blue German Shepherds can be quite suspicious of strangers. A well-trained blue GSD will remain calm and patient around unfamiliar people but will always be vigilant. They are always ready to protect their families from possible threats. The individual temperament of each dog is influenced by the training it receives. If you want your blue German Shepherd puppy to have a befitting personality, make sure to provide training and socialization at a young age. Be aware that GSDs are active working dogs. They require regular exercises and tasks for physical and mental stimulation. Their lifespans range between 9 and 13 years. Some believe that blue German Shepherds are unhealthy dogs. Their health conditions are exactly the same as their GSD siblings. Likewise, blue GSDs are also susceptible to the common health issues experienced by other German Shepherd variants. Like human beings, they might develop various health problems throughout their lifetime even though they are usually healthy dogs. Here are some of the common health issues of blue German Shepherds that you should be aware of: Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a joint-related disease that mainly affects large dogs. The deterioration of the joints in the hips results in severe pain, which could debilitate a dog. A blue German Shepherd suffering from this condition will show signs of lameness, decrease in motion, and reluctance to move. Degenerative Myelopathy: This condition affects the spinal cord, which results in the slow progression of hind limbs, weakness, and paralysis. The exact cause of this disease is still unknown. At later stages, this condition could lead to immobility. Hemophilia: Characterized by prolonged bleeding, hemophilia is a common severe ailment for blue German Shepherds. It is an inherited condition that results from the deficiency of clotting activity in the blood. Aortic Stenosis: This heart disease occurs when the aortic valve of the heart narrows down. When this happens, blood circulation in the heart is affected, which could lead to other complications. In terms of coloration, there is no substantial evidence that links the blue coloration in German Shepherd dogs to specific pigment-related ailments. Although the dilution gene is known to cause alopecia or hair loss in other dog breeds with blue coats, blue German Shepherds do not seem to be affected by this condition. Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses in owning a blue German Shepherd puppy: Type of Expense. The blue coloration in Blue German Shepherds refers to a faded gray color. This gene is also responsible for other breeds like the Blue Frenchie and Pittie. The dilution gene is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must carry the gene for it to show in their offspring. It is important to note that while the blue coloration is unique and eye-catching, health must take priority during breeding. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Blue German Shepherds are a large dog breed, and they can grow quite tall. Males typically stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are usually between 22 and 24 inches tall. In terms of weight, they typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. Coat and Color The coat of a Blue German Shepherd is typically thick and dense, with a medium length. The fur is usually straight and lies close to the body, which helps to protect the dog from the elements. The color of a Blue German Shepherd is, as the name suggests, blue faded gray. This is actually a dilution of the traditional black coloration of a German Shepherd. There are several Blue GSD varieties, including: Blue and tan GSDs — They have a blue-gray coat with tan markings; Blue merle — These blue dogs have dark gray spots on a lighter background; Blue brindle, combining blue and brindle patterns; Blue fawn — They have a light gray shade on the face and a lighter, fawn-like hue on the body; Long-haired Blue GSDs; and Blue pied — They have a white base with patches of blue-gray. While the blue-gray coat color sets them apart, Blue German Shepherds have the same physical characteristics as traditional German Shepherds, including their distinctive pointed ears, muscular build, and intelligent expression. They have a strong, well-muscled, and balanced build. Their body is neither too heavy nor too light, designed for agility and endurance. German Shepherds have a deep chest that provides space for their strong lungs. Their body is moderately long and well-proportioned. They have a wedge-shaped head and a long, proportional muzzle. Their ears are erect, and the eyes can vary in color, but they are usually light blue or gray. German Shepherds are known for their efficient and smooth gait, allowing them to cover ground gracefully. Temperament and Behavior Blue German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are confident dogs who are eager to please their owners. They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions. Their intelligent but obedient nature is what makes GSDs the superior police dog. Blue German Shepherds are typically calm and composed when it comes to behavior. They are not known to be aggressive unless they feel threatened or their family is in danger. They are excellent guard dogs and will protect their family and home at all costs. Blue German Shepherds are also very social animals. They enjoy being around people and other dogs. They are great with children and make excellent family pets. They are also very adaptable and can adjust to different living situations, whether a large house or a small apartment. Suitability for Families and Other Pets Blue German Shepherds are great with children and other pets when socialized properly from a young age. However, adults must always supervise interactions between dogs and small kids to prevent accidents. Socializing guardian breeds like German Shepherds means teaching them to be neutral toward other dogs and strangers by plenty of exposure and obedience training. When it comes to other pets, Blue German Shepherds can coexist if introduced and socialized early on. Overall, Blue German Shepherds can make great family pets and are well-suited for households with children and other pets as long as they receive proper socialization. They are said to be as bright as a 3-year-old, and that is based on our definition of human intelligence. They are also calmer than intelligent dogs like Malinois and Border Collies, making them ideal pets and working dogs. Obedience, socialization, and crate training are essential for a Blue German Shepherd. Use positive reinforcement like treats, praise, and toys to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key, so make sure everyone in the family uses the same commands and rewards. This means that GSDs are often badly bred, or bred to extremes such as overly sloping backs and angulated hind legs, leading to many health issues. A study of German Shepherds in the UK showed that the leading causes of death were musculoskeletal disorder .This condition is caused by a recessive gene that affects the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and skin irritation. CDA is more common in blue-coated dogs than in other colors. The symptoms of CDA usually appear between 6 months to 3 years of age and can include patchy hair loss, dry and flaky skin, and a dull coat. It is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints, causing pain, inflammation, and mobility issues. Hip dysplasia can range from mild to severe, leading to arthritis and other joint problems. Eye Conditions Blue German Shepherds are also prone to certain eye conditions, including cataracts, Pink eye, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and glaucoma. These conditions can cause vision loss and discomfort for the dog. Stomach Issues Blue German Shepherds have very sensitive tummies and are known to suffer from bouts of diarrhea. Their deep chests also increase their susceptibility to GDV or bloat, which is the twisting of the stomach. Issues that contribute to these GI problems include Pancreatic acinar atrophy pancreatic cell death , Megaesophagus enlarged esophagus , inflammatory bowel disease IBD , and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency causing indigestion and yellow poop. Other Health Issues Spinal issues like canine degenerative myelopathy causes progressive disease of the spinal cord. Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism. Neurological issues like epilepsy. Mild to moderate issues like skin infections, obesity, allergies, and dental issues. It is essential to avoid overfeeding, as Blue German Shepherds are prone to obesity. German Shepherds are highly susceptible to bloat , so break down their food into smaller portions. Exercise Requirements Blue German Shepherds are an active breed and require plenty of exercise. They should exercise at least 60 minutes per day, including walks, runs, and playtime in a fenced yard. It is important to note that Blue German Shepherds are prone to joint problems, so it is important to avoid activities that put excessive strain on their joints, such as jumping or running on hard surfaces. Swimming is a great, low-impact exercise that can help keep them active and healthy. Grooming Needs Blue German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular grooming. Brush their coats twice a week. They shed heavily twice a year, so brushing them daily during these periods is essential to prevent matting and tangling. It is also essential to clean their ears biweekly with canine wipes to prevent infections and dental problems. Brush their teeth at least twice a week and give them dental chews and rinses in between. Clip their nails every month with a canine clipper. Wash them monthly with a gentle dog shampoo. Finding a Blue German Shepherd Breeder When looking for a Blue German Shepherd breeder, it is essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are a few tips to help you find a responsible breeder: Research online Research for Blue German Shepherd breeders in your area. Check out their websites and social media pages to get an idea of their breeding practices, the quality of their dogs, and their overall reputation. Attend dog shows and events Attend dog shows and events in your area to meet breeders in person and see their dogs up close. This can give you a better idea of the temperament and physical characteristics of the breed. Ask for referrals Ask for referrals from other Blue German Shepherd owners or breeders. They can recommend a reputable breeder with whom they have had a positive experience. Check for health certifications Ensure the breeder you choose has health certifications for their dogs, such as hip and elbow dysplasia clearances and eye certifications. This can help ensure the puppies are healthy and free from genetic health issues. Visit the breeder Before buying, visit the breeder in person to see their facility and meet their dogs. This can give you a better idea of their breeding practices and the care they provide for their dogs. Remember, a responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs over profit. Take your time and research to find a breeder dedicated to producing healthy, well-tempered Blue German Shepherds. The price range for Blue German Shepherds can vary greatly depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree. Where can I find Blue German Shepherd puppies for sale? You can find Blue German Shepherd puppies for sale through reputable breeders, online marketplaces, and pet stores. It is vital to do research and only purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and well-being of the puppy. What are some health problems that Blue German Shepherds may face? Blue German Shepherds may face health problems like hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and skin allergies. It is essential to have regular check-ups with a veterinarian and to purchase from a breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs. What is the rarity of Blue German Shepherds? Blue German Shepherds are considered a rare color variation of the traditional black and tan German Shepherd. While they are not as common, the American Kennel Club still recognizes them, and you can find them through reputable breeders. Blue German Shepherds have a blue or gray coat, while White Blue German Shepherds have a white coat with blue or gray markings. They are similar to the Panda GSD. Are there any reputable Blue German Shepherd breeders? Yes, there are reputable Blue German Shepherd breeders who conduct health screenings on their breeding dogs and prioritize the well-being of their puppies. It is essential to do research and only purchase from a reputable breeder to ensure the health and temperament of the puppy. They are known for their beautiful blue coat that sets them apart from the traditional black and tan coloration of other German Shepherds. Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? In fact, the German Shepherd comes in quite a few different colors, but one of the rarest in the Blue German Shepherd. With the same temperament and characteristics of the standard German Shepherd, this breed is a relatively new addition to the GSD family. History Of The Blue German Shepherd The German Shepherd was originally bred to be a herding dog, but over the years they have shown themselves to be wonderful working dogs and have taken on roles such as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, watchdogs, guard dogs, police and military dogs and even just companion dogs! There are a number of different color variations of the German Shepherd. The Blue German Shepherd is one of the rarest variations and it is difficult to know when they first appeared. This is also the same for the liver colored German Shepherd. However, others say that the blue is caused by a gene mutation and it should have been bred out over time. They were first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted the German Shepherd at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in and were recognized by the AKC in .Therefore, these dogs carry the same characteristics and temperament. However, they are much more rare and are therefore a lot more expensive. You should always make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Blue German Shepherd puppies are normally born in litter sizes of between 1 and 15 puppies. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find a breeder as many breeders choose to breed the more standard and more popular black and tan GSD. These dogs have a domed shape head with a long, square muzzle. They have erect ears and long necks, which sit low when running or prowling. They are a very strong breed and often are said to resemble their wolf ancestors. Coat German Shepherds will have one of two coats — a medium coat or long coat. They are both double coats, having a more dense guard layer with a softer undercoat which helps to keep them warm when they are out as working dogs. These dogs are known to shed so they may not be the pup for those with allergies. However, a proper grooming routine, which we will go into more detail about below, will help to reduce the amount that these dogs shed. That being said, the appearance of these coats actually makes them look more gray or black than blue. Remember, the coat color of the GSD does not change their temperament or personality, which we will look at next. Temperament The German Shepherd is extremely loyal and very family orientated. Because they are a working dog, they will believe that their job is to protect you as a family and are known for being alert and watchful, sometimes barking if they feel like they are in danger. Although socialization is important for a dog at any age, proper socialization for a German Shepherd will ensure they can interact with the family properly. Socialization is also important around young people. These dogs are very playful and active and love to be outside getting physical exercise. They also need a lot of mental stimulation as they are very intelligent and do not like to be left alone. If they are left alone for long periods of time they can become bored and begin to exhibit destructive behaviors as a result from separation anxiety. Therefore, they are not the dog for you if you are out for hours everyday! Lifespan The average life expectancy of a Blue German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. Many of the problems they are more likely to develop are the same problems that other breeds of German Shepherd deal with. The most common health concern for the German Shepherd dog breed is elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition that is seen in many large dogs and is a disease of a malformation of the joints. The joints can become very painful and may worsen over time causing lameness. Blue German Shepherds can also be prone to other health problems, due to the fact they are bred from a single bloodline and there may have been genetic mutations along the way. These health concerns are degenerative myelopathy, a slow, non-painful degradation of the spinal cord, and congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis and patent ductus arteriosus. The best way to ensure your pup is less prone to any of these conditions is to buy from a reputable breeder and to ensure you get health clearances from both parents. You should also check your dog often for any signs of these issues and take them to the vet regularly for checkups. Insurance is always available for your dog, too. This is often a good idea as the German Shepherd breed can be known to develop health issues regularly. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits of the Blue German Shepherd, it is time to take a look at what every day life with of these dogs is like. Like all German Shepherds, these dogs make an excellent companion to many but they do have somewhat high care needs thanks to their size, build and athletic nature. Below we will cover their food and diet, their exercise requirements and their grooming needs. Experts recommend that this dog should be eating 20 calories per lb of body weight a day, which may come to around calories. This is around 3 cups of food. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to see how much food you should be feeding your pup based on their weight. As a puppy, they should be fed three to four times a day. This is particularly important in the larger breeds as they are most predisposed to bloat, where the stomach becomes bloated and twisted and is usually fatal. These three to four meals can then be decreased to two meals a day as an adult. However, if you have a busy lifestyle then this can just be one meal a day. Their food should be healthy and nutritious. It should cover all the nutrients that a dog of this size needs, including proteins, fats and carbohydrates. High-quality dry kibble is a great option, although some dog owners opt to feed their pup raw food. If you do go for a kibble, it is recommended that you feed them a diet specially formulated for large dog breeds. Take a look at the food we recommend below. The majority of people say that it is a white color dog breed. However, white blue German shepherd and steel blue German shepherd are other dog breeds that are almost the same in looks. A large number of people believe that White Blue German Shepherd has a damaged stomach, which we shall discuss later. Further than his color, the dog is also famous because of his strength. So, if you want to buy one. Read on to know all the facts about Blue German Shepherd puppy. It was the time when a German Officer dreamt. His dream was to create a dog, which is wild but not aggressive. After a long time of struggle, the officer achieved his dream and found a dog by the name of German Shepherd, who is almost like a wolf in looks. Once he gets his fame in German, then he becomes the most knowable dog breed in the world. His ranking is not only because of power, but this dog breed is the most preferable family dog , which he proves. However, the actual date of the Blue German Shepherd Puppy is unknown. In fact, there are so many people, who want to stop the breed. Many scientists believe that the blue color of the German Shepherd is a disease. In fact, the dog is truly purebred. Some people think that it is because of gene duplication. To understand the concept, you need to learn about its genetics in detail. All genes of coat color are controlled by a group of genes. All the group genes work together and then color is generated. His gene is present in all German shepherds. Once the pairs of genes work together the blue color in German shepherd comes. I know that it is a very complex subject. Logically, the dog is a Black German Shepherd. The dog comes from the following gene pairs. A pure Blue German Shepherd should be created if both of his parents are non-blue color and both have recessive genes. Appearance Further than his color, the blue shepherd is the same as an ordinary shepherd. As we have already read that the blue color in German shepherd is not actually blue. It is just a shade of light blue color. Then, the story of the Blue German Shepherd has started. According to scientists, it has been believed that wolves are the ancestor of the German shepherds. The most viewed and favorite colors in blue shepherd are down bellow Blue. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. The Blue Bay Shepherd was carefully produced by crossing fifth-generation wolf dogs with blue European German Shepherds. After the addition of several other breeds including Alaskan Malamutes, the newly emerging breed sports a rich, thick blue coat and a definite lupine appearance. How much do Blue Bay Shepherds cost? The price is mainly based on the decades of work that have gone into creating this new breed and the costs associated with the care and housing of the foundation stock, which included wolf dogs. Southern Breeze Kennels is the birthplace of the breed and home of the continuing development of Blue Bays. All legitimate Blue Bay Shepherds are registered with a number and a certificate hand signed by the founder. Why Are They So Expensive? Creating a new breed incurs a lot of expenses. Multiple breeds must be properly cared for and expenses like vet and feed bills quickly add up. Additionally, building and maintaining expansive outdoor enclosures for the wolf dogs used initially is not an inexpensive endeavor. Will the Price Decrease Soon? Once a true standard has been established, a breed club has been formed, other dedicated breeders are involved in furthering the breed, and the Blue Bay is well on the way to full AKC recognition, prices may start to decrease. The kennel through which all Blue Bay Shepherds are sold purposely does not list prices online. While this may be a little frustrating, the reasons for this are valid. Just keep in mind that the following prices are approximations and only apply to a pet-quality dog. Crossbreeding canines to create new sub-breeds and variants is not a new idea. It should never be done willy-nilly, however, and is best done very carefully and selectively over the years by dedicated breeders with the knowledge and ethics to create a healthy, happy dog. Vicki Spencer is still actively trying to breed them towards an even more wolf-like appearance. Luckily, you have us to help you decide if this brand-new hybrid breed is a good match for your home. It will be many years, if not decades,- before it gets an official breed status. Remember, you should never choose a companion animal for looks alone. You must educate yourself on the breed and its quirks and ensure that you have the right family dynamic, lifestyle, and home for the dog. Only a few people currently own blue Bays, and their owners do love them. Most of these dogs average around 30 inches tall at the shoulder, with females leaning smaller and some males taller. The temperament of a dog is just as important as its looks. The Blue Bay is bred to be an excellent family dog with a stable temperament. Here are its key characteristics: Couch potatoes, but with a lot of energy to burn. They may get destructive if under-exercised Sweet and affectionate Non-aggressive to livestock and small animals Not timid around people As trainable as a standard German Shepherd Clever Powerful chewers Remember that every dog has a unique personality. To be happy, healthy, and stable in temperament, dogs need to be well raised, socialized and trained. Just like any other dog, Blue Bays need intensive care and love from their humans. Any dog can be aggressive if raised that way or if its natural need for mental stimulation is ignored, and the smarter the breed, the more stimulation they need. This is a very high-energy breed, despite the sweet temperament, so plan to spend a good few hours a day exercising the dog. Remember that these costs cover the care, attention, and careful breeding dedicated to the new line by the current breeder. Also, remember that there is only one Blue Bay breeder. If you see any listed somewhere else, or people claim to have Blue Bays that are not from Vicki Spencer, it will be a scam, so proceed accordingly. The Spencer-bred Blue Bays all have a registration certificate and a unique number. This is, quite literally, a rare breed. So rare that you can only get it from one breeder, Vicki Spencer. The breeding stock for this dog is incredibly rare, too. Blue German Shepherds are not unknown but are definitely not common or easy to find. The same goes for blue wolfdog hybrids. Surprisingly, Vicki struggled to find the right Shepherd more than the right wolfdog, which she had previous experience with breeding and handling. When she encountered a beautiful and intact blue wolf-dog hybrid, she set out to find the perfect partner for them. The original Blue Bay stock was bred from a litter she was offered, but the need to bring in new genes and keep the temperament balance she wants makes this a very long-term and careful project. The first Blue Bay Shepherd litter was born in .The parents were a French-bred Blue German Shepherd and her existing blue wolf-dog stock. Again, you can look at the older Labradoodle hybrid breed for more about this phenomenon. However, the very first official Blue Bays were 5 generations away from the pure wolf line. Once Blue Bays can be bred exclusively to other Blue Bays, this will reduce with time. You also see it on the Russian Blue cat. All large-breed dogs with deep chests are also at risk of bloating. Avoiding strenuous activity for 2 hours after eating will prevent bloat issues. It is important to stress that this is a very new breed. This lack of fixed literature on the topic must always be kept in mind when discussing the Blue Bay. Remember that you need to budget for regular vet checks at important milestones, their annual shots, and have good pet insurance or personal funds to provide veterinary care as needed. You should never buy a dog of any breed on a whim, but instead, make sure you have the money and time to devote to making a happy, healthy hound. Diet and Food Costs A great diet is critical for the health and well-being of this unusual breed. They typically need at least 5 cups of food daily, and it should be a well-balanced, high-quality brand with premium ingredients. Keep in mind that some Blue Bays are prone to sensitive stomachs. Some owners prefer other feeding regimes, such as raw feeding. Grooming Costs While the Blue Bay Shepherd coat is designed to look a little wild and rugged, it will still need careful care to keep it clean and mat-free, and to remove loose hairs. They may also need their ears and eyes cleaned on a regular basis. Still, the years of loyalty and love will be worth it for the right dog.
Sabrina A. Luna Lou when she was itty bitty Bath time can be a stressful time for our pets but also for us! Here are a few tips that have helped us make bath time a little more enjoyable for everyone. Dallas will tiptoe around a puddle if she can. Therefore, I do what I can to make it as pleasant as possible. Lucky for them, I used to be a hairstylist and give a mean scrub and massage. But before we get to the rubby-dubby stuff I start with a warm bath and some sweet talking. I run the tub with warm water and double check the temp before letting them in. I call them over with positive energy and promises of treats. One really important thing to have is an anti-slip mat for your tub. It really helps them stand and feel more confident in the bath. Make sure you have your shampoo, towels, cup, and something to put under your knees. Our dogs, being bulldogs, can have skin irritations so I use a shampoo that is formulated for sensitive skin and has little to no scent. Just like humans, dogs all have different needs and that should be taken into consideration when choosing their shampoo. As I mentioned, I stay away from strong smelling shampoos. As tempting as it is to buy the luxurious smelling dog shampoo and how nice it would be for us to snuggle our noses into their perfumed fur, you have to remember how sensitive dogs noses are and also those strong perfumes can be drying on their skin. Washing Off the Stink Once they are in the tub, I take a cup and scoop the warm water and get them all wet. I am very careful not to get water in their face and ears. I just use my one hand to hold her ears out of the way while I carefully pour water behind her ears. I avoid washing their face and just use a wash cloth. Next, I add soap to my hands and start scrubbing. I rinse her all off and then do a second shampoo. This time I let it sit on while I give her one of my super massages and good butt scratches. I now do a final rinse and continue until all soap is gone. You really want to make sure you get it all off or it can cause irritation. I follow that with a rub with my hands to try and get some water off before taking them out of the tub. I like to have a couple towels on the floor layered open on top of each other. It is what it is! Good thing they are cute, right?! After they have shaken all the water off themselves and all over your bathroom sorry, no tip for that one…if you have one, please share! If you have a bulldog or any other wrinkly faced pooch, make sure to dry their wrinkles well. Same goes for that tail pocket. I like to use my blow dryer on low with a few shots of cool to dry the tail pocket. Just like people, washing too often will strip them of their natural oils. Usually the nose knows. If they are smelling a little wild, we bathe. That is usually every couple months. During allergy season we bathe more often. They are vet checked and micro chipped prior to going to their forever homes. We may consider full registration on very specific puppies and families. All of our puppies and dogs are raised in our home, where they are loved first and foremost. If we do not keep back from a certain breeding those on the list will automatically be moved up in picks. We always have inquiries regarding our puppies, and another family may be ready to reserve that same puppy. We encourage you to place a deposit as soon as you are ready! The puppy will be offered to the next family if we do not receive proof that the funds have been sent. Dorothy is a busy spit fire. She plays with other dogs and loves her toys. Loves all dog as long as they can handle her outgoing fast paced personality. On Jan. My vet found that she has grade 1 luxating petellas in both knees. She shows no clinical signs of issues, lameness or of being in pain. So her vet check really surprised me with this out come. I have attached my vets notes in pictures above. This 18 week old boy is available. He is a sweet goofy little man who is really wanting his fur ever family. Through no fault of his own he is available again. This little man deserves to find his new family. Never, ever, ever buy a dog registered with the CKC Continental Kennel Club if your intention is to breed, show, or stud the animal. The Continental Kennel Club is a giant scam. Mike Roy, the owner of the CKC, does not care about the quality of breeds or the animals he allows to be registered with his illegitimate company. This is especially true for rare and uncommon breeds such as the French Bulldog. The AKC hosts countless conformation, agility, and Best in Show events all over the country and world at large. There are endless titles and ranks professionally administered and presided over by the AKC. The AKC has in its posession over years of documented dog breed pedigrees. Their requirements for registering litters are stringent. Both parents must be AKC registered in order to register a litter. Pedigrees can be tracked right from the AKC website. Now Stop. Realize that the CKC offers none of this. The Continental Kennel Club does not offer reliable pedigrees for their registered dogs. From the very beginning, the AKC has approached breed management through stringent biology and documentation. Official AKC-accepted breeds are qualified by documented histories of registered litters between dams and sires dating back nearly years. The Continental Kennel Club cannot offer this reliability to you. The Continental Kennel Club Has No Registration Standard The CKC will allow anyone with any dog, regardless of pedigree, to register their litters and receive paperwork for free that looks like legitimate dog registration applications similar to what one would receive from an AKC-registered breeder. This is a continuation of the scam. The CKC requires only a handful of photos to register a dog as purebred. This means the degradation of the breed. The CKC exists purely as a scam to fool unsuspecting people into buying questionably bred dogs from breeders who do not want to adhere to the humane and stringent quality standards set forth by the AKC. Note Well: If you are absolutely in love with a puppy registered with the Continental Kennel Club, try to set your emotions aside and consider the ramifications of paying the breeder for the dog. We have personally dug up several puppy mills operating as legitimate breeders by simply looking up who registers their animals with the Continental Kennel Club. Nine times out of ten, the conditions were unfit for the animals and the owners were slapped with some nice legal charges for their hubris. When searching for a people, we encourage you to report anyone attempting to sell animals registered with the CKC, as it is an immediate red flag of sub-par breeding and it follows that cutting corners means poor conditions for the puppies and their parents. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. However, the French Bulldog breed's distinguished breed heritage and intriguing history as a European companion dog place him on a level far above that of any swine. Modern French Bulldogs are descendants of large, ancient dogs that were kept by a Greek tribe known as the Molossians. The breed, known as the Molossus, is believed to have spread to other countries on the ships of seafaring peoples. Over time, the Molossus found its way to Britain, where British breeders created a new dog from his lineage: the Mastiff. Although the Mastiff's enormous physique has little in common with the petite French Bulldog, the breeds share a genetic link. Bullenbeissers were a subdivision of the mastiff lineage bred specifically for bullbaiting. Bullbaiting was a popular English blood sport during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in which bulls were tied to a pole with 30 feet of leash. A bullbaiting dog was bred to crawl on his stomach toward the bull, avoid being gored by the horns, and bite the enraged bull on the snout. Many bullbaiting dogs were maimed or killed fighting bulls, and the British Parliament banned the practice in by passing the Cruelty to Animals Act. When the British Parliament outlawed bullbaiting, breeders focused on more humane roles for the dogs to fulfill in society. Many owners appreciated the tenacity and strength of bullbaiting dogs and attempted to make smaller versions that would carry those traits into companionship roles. The bullbaiting dogs were mixed with smaller breeds, such as terriers and pugs, hoping to create a more compact version of the beloved Bulldog. Toy Bulldogs emerged in England during the first half of the nineteenth century. Far lighter than the original Bulldog, some weighed as little as 12 pounds. Toy-sized Bulldogs fit better with city life than their larger counterparts. Since toy Bulldogs were smaller and lighter, they were easier to carry, and many male and female workers of the British Industrial Revolution chose toy Bulldogs as their pets. Workers who left Britain to find jobs as lace workers in France popularized the breed in their host country. The breed's now iconic, bat-like ears became a desired trait that distinguished the French Bulldog from the toy Bulldog. French socialites, especially women, grew particularly fond of the peculiar-looking dog, and many chose the French Bulldog specifically for his exceeding patience during gossip sessions. The French Bulldog became an accessory to fashionable women since the dog's appearance with his art nouveau ears drew the attention of onlookers and passersby during walks. Miniature Bulldogs became so popular in France that, by the year , French demand had nearly outstripped the supply of pups being exported by British breeders. News of the French Bulldog spread further west in the latter half of the nineteenth century. As in France, America's most elite families fawned over the breed, including the Rockefellers and the Morgans. In the twenty-first century, the French Bulldog was recognized as one of the top twenty most popular breeds in the United States. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size, shaped rather square, and in proportion to the rest of the body. From the front, the topskull is flat, or nearly flat, between the ears. In profile, the topskull appears long and slightly rounded and should not appear short or flat. It should be free from excess skin and wrinkles. The muscles, including those of the cheeks and the temporal muscles, are well-developed. The superciliary arches and a furrow at the stop are prominent. The occiput is not prominent. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Eyes: The eyes are moderate in size, open-oval to round in shape, set rather far apart from one another and from the ears, and as dark in color as possible or self-colored according to the coat in lighter dogs. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Eye rims are darkly pigmented and tight-fitting. There should be no looseness, and the whites of the eyes should not be visible when looking forward. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Muzzle: The muzzle is broad, deep, full, well-developed, and may be somewhat laid back. It should never be so short as to appear flat in profile. Upper and lower jaws are wide, have good bone substance, and are strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak. The lower jaw and chin are just slightly upturned, well-developed, and visible from the front or in profile; however, they should never protrude beyond the break of the lips when the mouth is shut. A very slight roll of skin is permissible on the top of the muzzle; however, a roll-free muzzle is preferred for hygienic reasons. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented, black, or self-colored, according to the coat in non-standard color varieties. The nostrils are well-opened. Neck: Moderate length allows for a proud head carriage, strongly muscled, with a slight arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows or just below. Body: Compact, solid, somewhat cobby, and of good substance. The body is never racy or refined. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Toes may be oriented slightly outward. Tail: Set somewhat low on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. The tail should be left natural and never docked short. Natural tails are of a short to medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints, or less, when held down. The tail may be straight or gently curved. Inverted tails, corkscrew tails, and kinked tails are extremely undesirable and potentially unhealthy. Movement: The movement is powerful, free, energetic, and efficient. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The French Bulldog breed is well-known for their calm and well-mannered temperament. They are intelligent, capable of learning many different types of tricks and disciplines, and take any task they are given very seriously. They are devoted, playful, and alert. They are lively, gregarious, and get along well with people, other dogs, and other animals that they have been socialized to, making them an ideal family companion. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal body height-to-length ratio is between and .The build is compact, solid, and sturdy without appearing cloddy. Males should appear masculine, being more substantial in size and mass, while females should appear more feminine and slightly less substantial. Neither should lack overall type. The weight of males or females is always in proportion to height. Lightweight: Up to 22 pounds Heavyweight: pounds Head General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic skull-type, moderate in size, shaped rather square, and in proportion to the rest of the body. Expression: Intelligent, inquisitive, friendly, and jaunty, although capable of appearing to be quite professional. Stop: The stop is definite, preferably forming at least a degree angle between the topskull and muzzle. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between to , with the topskull being longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is convergent. Lips or Flews: Lips are broad and thick but clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. Cheeks: The cheeks are well-padded, broad, and well-developed, adding to the square appearance of the face. They should never appear chiseled or flat. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, reverse-scissor, or undershot. The tongue and teeth should remain concealed when the mouth is closed. Body and Tail General Description: Compact, solid, somewhat cobby, and of good substance. Topline: Straight and level from withers to croup. A gentle arch at the loin area is tolerated. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The back is never swayed or roached, and the croup should never rise higher than the withers. Croup: Gently sloped. Underline: A slight tuck-up is present or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The distance from the withers to the brisket may be equal to or greater than the distance from the elbows to the ground. Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle, solid bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of solid bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The coat is short, smooth, soft, glossy, and close to the body throughout. No fringe or feather is permissible. Standard coat color variety: Cream, tan, fawn tan with black mask , brindle, all with or without white markings, solid white. Non-standard coat color variety: Any colors that occur in the French Bulldog that are not accepted as standard colors, which include: Black, mouse, gray, blue, liver, Isabella, all with or without tan or brindle points, all as fawn mask , all as brindle, all with or without brindle white. Movement The movement is powerful, free, energetic, and efficient. Temperament The French Bulldog breed is well-known for their calm and well-mannered temperament. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Find a Puppy. Showing 1 - 40 of resultsPage 1 - results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. All of our puppies are ckc registered, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, come with a.They come in Lilac and Cream chocolate Merles and blue Merle and one solid chocolate. They come microchipped, They come from a CKC mom and dad! Both parents are small and compact. We do not keep them locked in cages. Website : Georgianbayfrenchies. Glamorous frenchies currently have.This will be our last litter of the year and will be ready to go home mid-September. Beverley is blue and tan and.All puppies are born in Ontario, Canada. This is a full hands on kennel with.Born July 19th. Ready for their furever families September 14th. One male available! Home born and.Both parents are my personal dogs who I spent years looking for them specifically. Both come from health tested.Transportation can be arranged. All puppies are sold on pet only contracts. Mom and.As most of our families know we take so much time and.Please Contact Beautiful CKC registered French Bulldog Puppies Lethbridge These beautiful home raised little bundles of fun - confident, playful and affectionate - are ready to go to their new homes. Mom and Dad are the last two pictures. Both parents have been cleared from breed known diseases. No allergies. Our pups are raised in our home and come pre socialized with people including children and other dogs! Please Contact French bulldogs blues!!!! Victoria Ckc registered puppies ready to set foot in their forever homes beginning of September Dna health tested All puppies will be up to date on vaccinations dewormed and veterinarian health checked. CKC registered comes with health guarantee and they are ready to go new home now. All our puppies are raised by us in home.Please Contact Dilute lilac blue fawn french bulldog boy Victoria Stunning calm very sweet french bulldog boy needs a home. He is vet checked Dewormed Microchipped Has his first and second vaccines Both his parents are ckc registered Parents are health tested clear.Dartmouth Hello everyone, we had a beautiful litter yesterday!! The last 2 pictures are of mom and dad, both ckc registered, dewormed, health checked.Large puppy package included. Please call or text. Parents picture in last photos. Canadian Kennel Club registered plus much more. Puppies born in Saskatchewan, Canada at our local vet office. All boys We have 2 new shade and
German Australian Shepherd Video Temperament and Behavior Known for their intelligence, alertness, and loyalty, the Australian German Shepherds are extremely devoted to their family members, spending time playing. They get along well with the kids provided they are socialized when young. As in the case of most herding dogs , they are reserved and unresponsive with strangers. Being protective by nature, they do a great job watching and guarding their house and family. Because of their kind and loving behavior towards their family members, they are considered good family pets. However, they need confident and firm leadership and are thus not suitable for the timid or first-time owners. Care Exercise As a lively dog, it needs a minimum one-hour of daily activities including running, playing, and agility exercises. Keep your pet occupied and mentally stimulated by providing it with puzzle toys. Long walks are also recommended for avoiding boredom and inactivity. Grooming Routine maintenance will ensure a shinier and healthier coat. Utilize a slicker brush to stroke its hair in the direction of its growth. This will keep dead hairs from coming on your clothes as well as furnishings. Do not bathe your pet too often as it might strip its skin of all its natural oils. Trim its nails occasionally to prevent them from growing too long. Keep its teeth and gums healthy by brushing them with a gentle toothbrush and vet-recommended toothpaste. Health Problems These dogs might be prone to common health conditions including food and contact allergies, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders, as well as some other diseases affecting its parent breeds. While adopting a puppy, it is advisable that you check the health clearances of its parents from the breeder. Training Let your pet know that you are its leader and it should follow your commands. Enforce strict and positive training methods, but do not be too harsh. You may reward it by praising its good behavior, offering foods, or playing with toys. This will encourage your pet to listen to your commands and accept training. Feeding Keep an eye on the quality as well as the quantity of food you provide your pet. A low-calorie diet with small amounts of fat and protein is necessary to keep it in good shape. Do not offer more than cups of dog food a day. Temperament: Work-oriented, people-pleasing, and intelligent. These differences among parent breeds mean that your mix will certainly be unique. They will typically be smaller than a standard German Shepherd but larger than a standard Australian Shepherd. Although both the parent breeds are herding dogs, there is still a lot of differences in their appearances. Height and Weight You can expect a fully grown Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix to weigh anywhere from pounds. Males tend to be at the heavier end of the scale, with females being at the lighter end. As for height, anywhere from inches tall. Colors and Coat We all know that German Shepherds are typically black and tan with a double coat. And Australian Shepherds come in a variety of different colors and mixes with a medium-length coat. This means that the Australian German Shepherd mix can come in many different colors and mixes of whites, blacks, tans, silvers, blues and greys. With both parent breeds having a medium-length double coat be prepared for grooming and shedding. These mixes will shed profusely twice a year during their bi-annual blowout. During this time you will need to brush the undercoat to remove the extra dead hair trapped. This will need to be done every day or so. This hybrid will excel at agility competitions. They can be wary of strangers which makes them amazing watchdogs. Do not be surprised if the Australian German shepherd tries to herd small kids. Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament One thing to keep in mind with this breed is that they need huge amounts of both mental and physical stimulation. Daily exercise will keep your German Shepherd Aussie mix happy and entertained, and prevent any destruction that can result from boredom. Their intelligence needs should be met by consistent training sessions to keep their mind sharp. Agility, herding, and tracking are a few sporting activities that this mix excels at. Whether or not you choose to compete in these events you should still consider some form of obedience training. They are hard workers and should be provided with enrichment to combat boredom. Because of their self-confidence and nearly unmatched intelligence, they excel in high-pressure jobs. They are amazing problem solvers and thus both the German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd can be used as police dogs or service dogs. Again as both their parent breeds were bred to herd flocks all day they have a very high energy level. Without consistent exercise, they will make their boredom and frustration known. A bored Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix will let you know by barking, chewing, and digging. Their high energy levels are almost as high as the affection they have for their family. This dog wants nothing more than to play with their family. They can be a little wary of strangers but are still an overall very confident dog. Their wariness of strangers makes them great guard dogs and you can expect some barking from them when strangers are near. However, this is not ideal for the sort of family who consistently has guests over and wants them to feel welcomed. The good thing is since the Australian German Shepherd mix is so easy to train this can easily be stopped by socializing them as a puppy. The Australian German Shepherd is a good family dog because of their loving nature. They enjoy human attention and would fit best in an active family — they are a breed that enjoys going on long walks or hikes with their owners. Caring for an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Remember these dogs require a great deal of physical and mental stimulation. This may be a mixed-breed dog but for the most part, they are still working dog. Be prepared for lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Also, their undercoat will need consistently raking out during shedding season. Training should begin early on so that they knows their boundaries — when properly trained they will make a great companion. Exercise Requirements This point can not be stressed enough — This crossbreed requires plenty of exercise and stimulating games. They are not ideal apartment dogs because of this and do best in a home that has a large yard or garden. A fun exercise that your Australian German Shepherd mix would enjoy is being in water. Both of their parent breeds are known for excelling at dock diving competitions so your mix should be no exception. They would appreciate a long walk each day and then some time to play in addition to this. They should be left off leash while in an enclosed backyard for playtime. Remember they do have prey driven instincts so while walking around the neighborhood it is important to keep them on leash. Grooming and Shedding Grooming and shedding are also important things to consider when getting an Australian German Shepherd mix. They will have a medium-length double coat that will require at least weekly brushing throughout the year. This mix will shed moderately all year long therefore if you suffer from pet allergies this will not be an ideal dog for you. Twice a year in the spring and fall they will shed their entire undercoat which will require daily brushing to avoid matting. At this time, you should expect to rake large clumps of undercoat from this dog. Their ears stand upright and naturally collect a lot of dust and dirt. This can lead to ear infections therefore it is crucial to clean their ears at least once a week as well. Bathing should be done as needed to avoid irritating the skin. Feeding and Diet When choosing what type of food to feed, you should look for a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age. Food that is low in carbs is also ideal. You should also consider the activity levels of your dog. Active dogs will need lots of protein to keep their muscles and body healthy. Some common health problems to watch out for are:. Intentional breeding likely started in the recent past, probably in the United States. For over years, these dogs have roamed the American West, rounding up livestock for farmers and ranchers. While the breed was refined in the Outback, this purebred got its actual start working the hills of Europe. Needless to say, the modern Aussie comes from a long line of herding champions! German Shepherd? More like canine bodyguard! Brave and powerful German Shepherd dogIn the 19th century, German officer Captain Max von Stephanitz sought to create a German herding dog like no other. Through careful crossbreeding, the modern German Shepherd Dog emerged. Shortened to GSD, these canines quickly proved capable of far more than herding. One even became a famous movie star named Rin Tin Tin. DRA does. Most have well-proportioned, athletic bodies. Set up high on their well-proportioned head are triangular ears with rounded tips. It could still range anywhere from upright and alert to floppy and folded. Their almond-shaped eyes have that observant and intelligent expression. Eye color varies from dog to dog. Most often, we see them with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. Your pooch might even inherit heterochromia from their Aussie side, a condition that gives them two different eye colors! Muzzles can be medium or long that slightly tapers and have a rounded tip. Your Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix is likely to have a fluffy, plumed tail that can be long or short, depending on which parent breed they take after. They sport a solid color, while others have a combination of black, tan, red, cream, golden, white, blue merle, or red merle. Some might even be tricolor or have tinges of silvery gray or brindle, with speckled or spotted markings. How big will a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix get? Full-grown Aussie German Shepherds usually have a height of 19 to 26 inches tall 48 to 66 cm and weigh 45 to 80 pounds 20 to 36 kg , where males tend to be heavier than females. This is assuming that your pup has a standard-sized Australian Shepherd parent. If your pooch comes from a Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd, they could be much smaller. Their energy is far too boundless for anything but a spacious home with a large yard. Farms and ranches would also make a great home for this mixed breed. Do Aussie German Shepherds make good house dogs? With this crossbreed, you get a skilled guard dog and family companion, all rolled into one. Because this pooch is quite aloof and a little wary of strangers, it makes them a reliable watchdog. Exposure to different people and situations is essential for this hybrid. To keep them engaged, include plenty of praise and tasty treats. You might even consider muzzle training your hybrid friend, especially if he joins your pack as an adolescent or adult. This might seem harsh, but muzzles can be an excellent tool for keeping your dog and other people safe. If this crossbreed is starting to sound a little intimidating, keep in mind that they are completely devoted to their families, and they love to play! Take a minute to watch this video of Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies playing with their littermates and toys. Your kids will enjoy this hybrid, too. Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are known for their patience and friendliness toward children. Think of their crossbreed offspring as a canine nanny of sorts. You should also exercise caution if you have other pets in the home—especially pets that look like food. Confident, experienced owners who can spend a good portion of each day bonding with and training this pup will undoubtedly reap the rewards. Well-trained German Aussie mixes are capable of some amazing feats. You should still consider providing mental enrichment at home by giving your German Aussie Shepherd mix puzzles, interactive toys, as well as clicker and obedience training. Owning an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix Every dog needs some assistance when it comes to general care and maintenance. One of the first things you need to consider when raising your Aussie German Shepherd is that they have moderate tolerance to heat. Do Australian German Shepherd mixes shed? Their crossbreed offspring is considered a moderate shedder with average grooming needs. But like other double-coated canines, they shed profusely during their bi-annual blowout — spring and fall. We recommend using a slicker brush and a rake while moving in the same direction as the hair growth. Baths should only be given when necessary using a mild dog shampoo when washing your pet to avoid irritating her skin or drying out her fur. Ears that are upright can quickly accumulate dirt and dust. Cleaning can be done once a week with a damp cloth or an ear wipe. Not only do sharp talons take the fun out of playing with your dog, but long claws can splinter and break. Most pups can do with a pedicure once a month or so, but this varies from dog to dog. Exercise: how much activity does a German Aussie Shepherd need? Plan on a full two hours of daily exercise for this fireball of a canine. Ideally, this time will be split between strenuous activity and play, training, or casual walks. To keep them and yourself happy, think outside the proverbial box. Walks are great, sure, but have you ever seen a GSD Aussie mix dock dive? What about flyball? This is one clever pooch, so they can learn to do just about anything. And for them, learning is half the fun. Combining exercise with mental exertion is a fantastic way to wear out your pup. It also strengthens your bond. You can teach your fur buddy to catch flying discs with this Kong Frisbee, which is well-loved by active fidos. For a satisfied Aussie German Shepherd tummy, aim for 2. Divide this amount into two meals to discourage overeating, bloat, and keep your canine friend fueled. Being overweight can be a sign of illnesses like insulinoma and hypothyroidism. Are Australian German Shepherd dogs healthy? Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes are generally healthy dogs that could enjoy a lifespan of 9 to 15 years! But like any dog, owners will still need to watch out for some health problems. Joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia are possible in both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. A few other health issues to look out for are hemophilia, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, drug sensitivity like MPR , EPI , and cancer. How much are Australian German Shepherd puppies? Wondering if you can afford one of these remarkable dogs? You might find one for a lower price, but expect to pay somewhere in this range. Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix breeders Picking a breeder is just as important as picking out your puppy. To make matters worse, you could get your heart set on an unhealthy pup. Keep in mind that these documents should include more than a standard vet checkup. The best breeders care just as much about their puppies as their clients do. Furthermore, breeders should have an evident bond with their pups. If the adult dogs or puppies at a breeding facility seem detached or fearful, this is a huge red flag. You might be able to find one of these pups through a rescue. For starters, you can save quite a bit of money. You also have the option of bringing home an older dog and avoiding the more trying aspects of puppyhood hello, potty training. Perhaps the most joyful part of doggy rescue is providing a needy pooch with a loving, stable home. One or two other breeds may be thrown into the mix. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. The German Shepherd mixed with Australian Shepherd dogs weighs from 46 to 65 pounds. Its parent breeds are notably medium to large-sized dogs. The height of this crossbreed could range from 20 to 23 inches. Its coat is remarkably dense. You should be wary about warm places due to the coat of this dog. The colors of their coat can come out as a combination of white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, and sable. The Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix makes a very energetic dog, suitable for owners and families with an active lifestyle. This dog also loves going outdoors and exploring nature. The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs. They can be trained well to become service and therapy dogs. High intelligence causes less worry and more pride to the owners. The trainers would require less training time for this crossbreed. The mixed puppy has a clingy nature. Its affectionate nature may also contribute to a fearful state, often leading to separation anxiety. This condition may be averted by employing effective obedience training and socialization. Overall, this crossbreed is a dependable and wonderful companion. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Puppies for Sale Finding a breeder for a crossbreed tends to be more difficult than going into a pet store and purchasing a new pet. The quality of the crossbreed is drastically high when the dog is acquired through reliable breeders. One place where you can spot potential professional breeders is at a dog show. Certified breeders often attend this event. You can gauge the temperament and disposition of some dog breeds during the dog show as well. This event could help you decide better on what breed to get. There are designated and verified parent clubs that you can access and reach out to. These parent clubs provide support for breed-specific studies, along with the help of AKC. You can seek out public opinion regarding some breeders. There are breeders with website and comments. You will see disappointed owners or prospective buyers if the breeder has pending issues on the environment and health problems of the dogs. There is no accessible list of substantiated breeders for the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix dogs at this time. These places are good grounds for acquiring your new family member. Following these steps will assure that your dog will be in top appearance throughout all the seasons. Brushing is an essential part of grooming this mixed breed. The German Shepherd Australian Shepherds shed heavily throughout the year. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. I recommend two to four times of brushing per week for this crossbreed. Another function of brushing the coat is providing proper insulation for the dog. Some owners prefer this step. This may or may not reduce the insulating property of the coat. There is a possibility that the coat will not grow as well as before it was shaved. While you are brushing its coat, you should also check for tick and flea infestations. You may also need a pair of thinning shears. You need to do minimal trimming of the feet, tail, ears, britches, and legs. With the use of a slicker brush, you will gently brush the hair from the toes toward the leg of the dog. You will cut the hair sticking above the foot and the lengthier hair surrounding the foot. You can use the shears to cut a vertical line at the end of the tail. You only need to cut the hair with excess length. Trimming this part involves following the natural curve of the coat. The special spot to notice is the coat on the ear. If you lack the basic grooming tools or enough time, there are dog wash salons that may also offer grooming services. You can also contact and find professional groomers to help you with the activity. The risk factors and genetic mutations in the parent breeds affect the disposition of the offspring. The Australian Shepherd parent breed is relatively healthier than the other dog breeds. It suffers less skin, coat, and bone problems. It manifests as spontaneous bleeding. Dogs could have internal bleeding in muscles or joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia: This malformation can spontaneously occur to the dog. It leads to joint inflammation at a young dog age. The cartilage in the hip socket is greatly affected in this disease. This degenerative disease ultimately ends in blindness. Epilepsy: It is a serious neurologic disorder that can be triggered by infections and injury. This may have structural or idiopathic causes. For German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs, this health issue has an idiopathic origin. Collie Eye Anomaly: This is a group of eye issues that may be minor to fatal. It may cause unilateral or bilateral disturbances. If you established enough rapport with the breeder, you can contact him more about the proper management of the dogs. Professional breeders will gladly inform you about the health hazards, genetic and non-genetics, and other things you need to watch for. They made the effort to subject the parent dogs and the offspring to screening tests. A regular appointment with a reliable veterinarian can help you a lot in maintaining the health of the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix dogs. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements You will need a great diet plan to sustain the energy of this agile crossbreed. This mixed pup could grow to a helpful working dog, so it is crucial to maintaining a steady and strong development. A healthy quantity of the dog depends on some variables. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are chloride and sodium. They affect the cardiac and skeletal muscles. They also contribute to the correct functioning of the nervous system. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Australian Shepherd crossed with German Shepherd dogs. These ingredients contribute to building strong muscles and giving energy to the dog. It is gluten-free. The formula has Omega-3 and Omega-6 for a shiny coat. It also includes minerals for the optimal function of the joints and strength of teeth and bones. Orijen Dog Food: This well-known formulation has a high content of protein, amounting to 75 to 80 percent. The recipe for this dog food is patterned on the diet of the wolf ancestors. Canidae Life Stages: This is quite a one-size-fits-all dog food. It can be suitable for dogs of all ages and kinds. It is equipped with antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics. It contains chicken, turkey, lamb, oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice, white rice, and cracked pearled barley. It can be digested easily. It has a healthy source of fat called flaxseed. It is important to know the benefits of this dry food, like its advantage to the brain and eye development. It has vitamins C and E that provide help to the immune system. This is a vet-approved formulation without any artificial flavors and colors. It has whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, and whole grain corn. Giving proper nutrition does not end in providing the food. You need to monitor if the diet contributes to the good development of the dog. You can check for possible weight gain by touching his spine and ribs. There is a breed standard that the dogs need to achieve. If you are able to feel the ribs, the dog is less likely to be overweight. Owners should be cautious with the possibility of obesity because it may be a manifestation of a systemic disease like hypothyroidism, insulinoma. Your inquiries can be addressed by setting up an appointment with a veterinarian. The professional can also create a detailed diet plan for the dog. There are also some brands that you should keep off of their food bowls, such as the worst dry dog food. Dogs pass on the genes to their puppy pups, and thus they can develop a different taste for food, which is why you can try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. If you own a puppy, scan through the best puppy food brands, and for gray-coated grandpa doggos, chose something from the best senior dry dog food list. All changes in nutrition should be made after discussing it with your vet. The crossbreed inherited the athletic nature of its parent breeds. The duration of vigorous physical activities should be at least one and a half hour. Different techniques to gain the attention and interest of the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies are required to avoid irritability and aggressiveness from manifesting. You can involve the dog in physical activities such as long walks, jogging, hiking, tug-of-war, and fetching. Tug-of-war may intimidate some new owners because it could lead to increased aggression. This has great benefits if done properly, such as teaching about rules and boundaries and bonding with your dog. For fetching activities, the Legendog Flying Disc Rubber Catcher is a great toy that can fly higher than the average flying discs. It has edge bulges to let the dogs bite firmly. It keeps the dog fairly occupied. It has no preservatives, salt, sugar, or plastic. You can give it to dogs of all ages. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs has a high possibility of being hailed as service dogs, involved in search and rescue, and therapy dogs. These dogs are highly trainable and willing to learn. The owner has a role in supporting and keeping a level head during the training process. The emotions of the owners could confuse and distract the dogs. Choose particular tasks: You can heighten the productivity of the dog if you choose to train it with specific tasks. These tasks may involve fetching the newspaper or loading the dishwasher. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Basic commands: The breeding instinct of the Australian Shepherd may manifest in their offspring. Invest in obedience classes: Your dog will benefit greatly with knowing the basic commands through formal classes. You can have fewer frustrations as well because another person is responsible for the training. It is important to allow time for the dog to process the commands and avoid unnecessary pressure. Training will also contribute to better mental health for the dogs. If you are hesitant of the proper training techniques for your dog, you can refer to an experienced dog trainer. It is affectionate and loyal to its owners. An important factor in building a good family dynamics with the Australian Shepherd German Shepherds is making the dog feel that it can be part of the family, even if it is still new. You must do early socialization. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. Aside from its benefit to family dynamics, socialization allows the dog to be friendly to your friends. They are also friendly to children. With the proper training and early socialization, you can be assured that these dogs will exhibit minimal herding behaviors with your little children and other animals. You need to be careful in dealing with boredom in these crossbreeds. They could manifest with destructive behaviors if left unattended for a long period of time. These behaviors may include excessive barking which may affect your relationship with your neighbors. Origin Story of the Aussie German Shepherd Mix It might not be a shock to hear this about mixed breeds, but the origin story of the Australian Shepherd mixed with the German Shepherd is somewhat unclear. What is known about the German Shepherd Aussie is that the breed was developed sometime between the s and s. However, like other mix-breeds, the only way you can really decipher what this dog is all about is by understanding their purebred parents. Von Stephanitz did this by using a selection of the best shepherd breeds that were scattered around the German countryside. The German Shepherd dog also referred to as GSD has quickly proved to be capable of far more than just herding. Nowadays, these dogs are synonymous with police work, bomb and drug detection, and personal protection. While the breed was refined in the outback, this purebred got its actual start working the hills and countryside of Europe. In the last hundred years, the Aussie Shepherd transitioned to the Australian West, rounding up livestock for farmers and ranchers. They, too, are astute and will often try to outsmart their owners. So, be prepared to remain on your toes at all times. Australian Shepherd The Aussie Shepherd is an emotionally supportive dog but can, at times, be reserved and independent. At heart, the Australian Shepherd loves the company of its owners. Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd Mix Appearance Whenever you get a designer pup, you can never fully predict what physical traits the dog will adopt from either parent. These dogs are mostly well-proportioned with strong athletic bodies. Their sloping back and long legs give this half German Shepherd half Australian shepherd the ambling gait of a GSD with the pep-in-step of the Aussie. This hybrid will most likely have a fluffy, plumed tail that can be long or short. This will be dependent on which parent breed they take after. Their almond-shaped eyes are very expressive. With these dogs, their eyes are truly the windows to their soul. Eye colors vary from dog to dog. Typically, you can see them with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. In some cases, the German Shepherd Aussie can inherit Heterochromia , a condition that causes two different eye colors. Males tend to be at the heavier end of the scale. These dogs tend to sport a solid color, while a few might have a combination of colors. Some are even speckled or spotted dogs with a tricolor or tinges of silvery gray or brindle. It really depends on the parents and who has the dominant gene. Therefore, grooming these dogs can take a bit of time and concentrated effort. Grooming this hybrid requires plenty of brushing and trimming to keep their coats in top shape. Since their coats are primarily straight hairs, you can use a dog comb and a dematting brush at least twice each week. Baths should only be given when necessary using a mild dog shampoo. This will help to avoid irritating the dogs skin or drying out their fur. Doing so helps them avoid ear infections. And to finish off a full grooming program, keep their nails down with some quality dog nail clippers. If your dog gets enough exercise, it is less likely that they will need their nails clipped each month. If you run on asphalt or hike with them, their nails will naturally wear down. This designer mix, however, is a moderate shedder with half the grooming needs of their parents. This occurs in the Spring and Fall seasons when the dog will lose clumps of hair and shed much more than usual. During this time, it is best to take them to a groomer to effectively get rid of the shedding hair. Shaving is never the solution for dogs with a double coat. Shaving a double-coated dog can actually make it harder for them to cool off. This part of their personality is thanks to their German Shepherd heritage. However, both the German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd are amazing problem solvers and can work as police or service dogs. German Aussie puppies have a very high energy level, and without consistent exercise, they will make their boredom and frustration known. They will bark all night and day, chew on things and dig, dig, dig. Essentially, all this dog wants is to play with its family. They can be a little wary of strangers but are overall still very confident dogs. Their wariness of strangers makes them great guard dogs, though, so you can expect some barking from them when strangers approach. Are They a Good Family Dog? The German Shepherd and Aussie mix is a great addition to any family. They adore human attention and would fit best in an active family — they are a breed that enjoys going on long walks or hikes with their owners. This breed can get along with other pets. The most significant factor in their acceptance of other animals is their socialization when they are puppies. Both parent breeds are known for being quite relaxed as properly socialized dogs. They can even get along with cats and other small animals if introduced slowly and correctly. Well, it all boils down to the breeding business. Some breeders are well-established and have pedigree dogs in their kennels. Breeding is an expensive business, and very few breeders make any profit at all. To make matters worse, you could get your heart set on an unhealthy pup. These documents should include more than a standard vet checkup. The best breeders care just as much about their puppies as their clients do. When it comes to rescuing a German Shepherd Aussie mix, there are several benefits to adopting one. For starters, you can save quite a bit of money. You can also have the option of bringing home an older dog and avoid the highs and lows of potty training a whining puppy. One or two other breeds may be thrown into the mix. Take the time to observe if the breeders or rescue staff have an evident bond with their pups. If the adult dogs or puppies at one of these breeding or rescue facilities seem detached or fearful, this is a huge red flag. As both parent breeds were bred to be obedient working dogs, their cross also has that focus and obedience during training. With plenty of positive affirmations and repetition, you will have a wonderful, well-trained dog in no time. Exercise for German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Mix As previously mentioned, this breed is highly energetic, so it needs plenty of exercise. The German Shepherd Aussie will need about 2 hours of activity spread throughout the day. But you will probably have to walk with them twice a day to fulfill their exercise quota for the week. Diet and Nutrition for the German Shepherd Aussie As an active breed, your German Shepherd Aussie mix needs a diet high in protein to keep its body and muscles strong and healthy. This is an estimated 1, calories a day. Divide this amount into two meals to discourage overeating and bloating. You should also check if your German Shepherd Aussie mix is gaining too much weight by doing a touch test. This is where you run your fingers through their coat and feel for their ribs. Being overweight can be a sign of illnesses like insulinoma a tumor of the pancreas and hypothyroidism an underactive thyroid condition. As for the Aussie Shepherd, this dog enjoys a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. It is suggested that the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix could live for between 13 and 15 years, adopting its Aussie genetics. Sometimes, unsound breeding practices in their parents can contribute to a greater risk of hereditary conditions. Joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia are possible in German and Australian Shepherds. However, below are some potentially serious health conditions affecting the half Aussie half German Shepherd breed. Hemophilia An inherited condition that stops blood from clotting. Dogs with this condition can have prolonged, spontaneous bleeding from injuries or even from the nose and eyes. Epilepsy Seizures can be caused by trauma or sickness, but in many cases, the real reason is unknown. Luckily, this can be managed with lifelong medication. A visit to the vet may prescribe eye drops to reduce inflammation, but surgery to remove the cataract is the most effective treatment. It usually occurs after the dog has eaten or drank excessively, often just before or after exercise. The stomach starts to fill up with gas, then twists around on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the organs and rupturing the stomach lining. Without emergency surgery, the dog will not survive. Collie Eye Anomaly This is actually a group of eye problems affecting Collie-type breeds. They range from mild to potentially fatal, and some can cause blindness in one or both eyes. Your dog must be checked regularly for any sign of eye problems of this nature. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord that stops the brain from communicating with the hindquarters. It is a progressive disease that almost always results in complete paralysis of the back legs. In many cases, their front legs are weakened, and they become incontinent. The only good news here is that the dog is not in pain while experiencing this disease. They do, however, require a diligent owner. Novice pet parents or those with packed schedules should think twice before bringing one of these puppies home. The primary consideration you must make with these pups is their need for space and attention. As long as you make the effort, they will be an excellent addition to your home. White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black, sable, cream Suitable for: Active families and singles, those with large outdoor spaces Temperament: Loyal, happy, obedient, loving These dogs are somewhat adaptable, but more than anything, they need plenty of exercise and prefer plenty of room to roam. That is why they are not good apartment dwellers. Overall, these dogs make excellent pets, especially if you want to train a working dog. If you are interested in adopting a German Australian Shepherd, read on to learn all you need to know about the breed, their history, and caring for them properly. 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. Both parent breeds are expensive, especially if they have a pedigree. If one of the parent dogs used in the cross to produce a German Australian Shepherd has a good family background and high-quality breeding, your puppy is bound to be more expensive. Hybrids are almost always less expensive than the average price for a purebred puppy. This fact stays true when you look into the price of a German Australian Shepherd. Since their parent dogs are relatively common in North America, there is a chance that you might find this mixed breed at a shelter. It is best to adopt an abandoned dog from a shelter instead of breeding more puppies. There are many positive aspects to getting a pup from a breeder, though. If you decide to go this route, ensure that you support a breeder that treats their dogs well. Ask to get a tour of their facility before adopting to ensure that the dogs are kept in a proper living space. German Shepherds have quite a few joint and back issues. They are energetic dogs but have down-to-earth personalities. That often translates into a sort of understanding of indoor and outdoor behaviors, knowing when to be rambunctious and lively and when to settle down. These dogs are loyal and can be trained to protect if you need them to. They tend to be good around and accepting of strangers if they have been appropriately socialized. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Since this dog is a medium to large breed , it is best to keep them around families without small kids, since their size alone can be damaging if they get rowdy. This breed can get along with other pets. The most significant factor in their acceptance of other animals is their socialization when they are younger. If they were not socialized much, they are likely to be more protective and territorial. Both parent breeds are known for being quite relaxed as properly socialized dogs. They can even get along with cats and other small animals if introduced slowly and the right way. They need about 3 cups of food divided between three meals during the day. It is best to find them food with a high protein level. This way, they can build muscle during their activities and stay in top shape instead of wearing out. The German Australian Shepherd is considered a high-energy breed. That means they will need about 2 hours of activity spread throughout the day. You can do things like go on walks with them, hike, swim, take them to the dog park, run, or work. If you prefer to walk with your dog more often than any other activity, you should try to walk them for about 14 miles each week. Another reason that they make such wonderful pets is their trainability. Both parent breeds were bred to be obedient working dogs. That makes their cross also easy to train. Use plenty of positive affirmation and repetition, and you will have a wonderful, well-trained dog. They have a double coat that they inherit from both of their parents. That means you will need to do plenty of grooming to keep their coats in healthy shape and mitigate the amount of fur that falls out. Since their coats are primarily made up of straight hairs, you can use a wide variety of combs without worrying about curls getting stuck and causing them pain. We suggest using a comb and a de-matter at least twice each week. Try to get out both the shedding top hairs and the dense undercoat. They will lose gobs of hair and shed much more than usual. It is best to take them to a groomer at least once during this period to most effectively get rid of the shedding hair. Use a damp, soft towel to get in their ear and clean out any dirt inside. Doing this helps them avoid ear infections. Finally, keep their nails clipped down using a nail clipper. If your pup gets enough exercise, it is less likely that they will need their nails clipped each month. If you run on asphalt or hike with them, their nails will naturally wear down. The German Shepherd in particular suffers from many bones and joint concerns, like hip dysplasia, because of their sloping back. There are still a few things that you want to watch out for, though. Minor Conditions. Also known as a GEA or Aussie-Shepherd , they can be loyal and loving family members while still retaining some of the instincts of both breeds that make them excellent working dogs. German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix is the result of two herding breeds mating. A German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix will inherit physical traits from its parents, including size, fur color, and potential herding behavior. Appearance: A GSAD mix will often have the physical characteristics of both parents but may also look quite different. Most commonly, they will have the fur coat of an Australian Shepherd and the coloring of a German Shepherd. They may also have the long snout of a GSD and the pointy ears of an Aussie. As with any crossbreed, their appearance will vary from dog to dog. The range tends to be more along the lines of medium-large-sized dogs like an Australian Shepherd or a German Shepherd. Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy for this mix is around 12 years. However, many factors could affect this number, including health, diet, and lifestyle choices. These dogs were bred to work, so they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation in order to be happy and healthy. The good news is that these dogs are generally very eager to please their owners and are usually quick to learn new commands. So with a little bit of effort, you should be able to train your German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix into a well-behaved member of the family. Just be sure to start training your dog early and be consistent with your commands. Grooming Requirements: The grooming of puppies is very important for the overall health and well-being of the pet. Puppies are not born with their adult dog coat or head of hair, instead, they are born without any fur at all! Before the new baby coat grows in, it will be completely dependent on its parents to keep them clean, comfortable, warm, and free of parasites. The grooming of puppies begins on the day that they are born. The mother dog will clean her new babies daily, licking them all over to keep the skin free of debris and infections, so it is very important for the mom to be able to bond with her newborns since she will have to take on this task as well as feed them and protect them from harm. You can use a gentle dog shampoo or even baby shampoo, and make sure to rinse off all the suds to avoid skin irritation. Puppy nails will also need to be trimmed on a regular basis, especially if they are scratching themselves or causing damage to furniture with their sharp little claws. There are many different types of nail clippers available, but the guillotine style is usually the easiest for new pet owners to use. You can use a good dog ear cleaner or even non-alcohol baby wipes that you can buy from your local supermarket. Some people prefer to use cotton balls as a safer alternative to wipes or a cleaner, but my preference is to wipe as they are easy to use and tend not to push debris further in. When it comes time for coat brushing and combing, it is very important that the pet owner only uses a dog brush and comb and never human hair products. A small dog brush and comb is perfect for puppies and toy breeds, while a larger brush and comb is better suited for adult dogs and especially those with long hair. It is also a good idea to keep a comb or brush in the car for those times when your dog decides to take an impromptu dirt bath, and you need to get them clean and dried off before coming inside the house. Regular grooming will help keep your German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix healthy and free from parasites, as well as keep their coat looking shiny and smooth. Grooming is also a great time for you to check your dog over for any lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities that may need to be checked out by your veterinarian. So take some time each week to give your furry friend a good groom, and they will return the favor with lots of love and wagging tails. Some of the health problems that may affect this mix include hip dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy, and cancer. This condition is common in many dog breeds, including German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. Ear infections are also common in both of these breeds and can be particularly troublesome in German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mixes because their floppy ears can make it difficult for bacteria and moisture to evaporate from the ear canal. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to hearing loss. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that can affect any dog breed, and German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mixes are no exception. Seizures can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, head injuries, and poisoning. Finally, cancer is also a common health problem in dogs and can affect any breed. While the cause of cancer can vary, some types of cancer are more common in certain breeds than others. For example, bladder cancer is more common in Bulldogs, while mast cell tumors are more common in Cocker Spaniels. While all dog breeds are susceptible to certain health conditions, German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mixes may be more likely than other breeds to develop the conditions listed above. This is because Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds are both herding dog mixes that share a large number of genetic similarities, which means their offspring may inherit similar health problems. It just means you need to know what symptoms to look for and take appropriate precautions. Keep in mind that every dog is different, and certain dogs will be predisposed to certain health conditions more than others just like people. With proper veterinary care, most of these conditions can be treated and managed effectively. Nutrition Requirements: Since a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is a mixed breed, their nutritional needs will vary depending on their genetics. However, as a general rule, they will need around 2, calories per day. This can be split between two meals or four smaller ones. Their diet should include a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Some good sources of protein for a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix include chicken, beef, salmon, lamb, and eggs. Healthy carbohydrates include sweet potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, and oats. Good sources of healthy fats include nuts, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados. It is important to make sure that your dog always has access to clean water. Socialization: The German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix is a great dog for people who are looking for a versatile pet. They are very social animals and love spending time with their family. There are many different places you can take your German Shepherd Australian Shepherd Mix to socialize with them. You can take them to the park, the grocery store, or even out on walks. Be sure to introduce them to new people and new dogs, as well. This will help them get used to interacting with others and will make them better-rounded dogs. They are both working dog breeds and have many of the same characteristics. They are both intelligent, loyal, and have a strong work ethic. They also tend to be good with children and other animals. A German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix can make an excellent family pet or working dog. They are versatile and can excel in a variety of settings. Whether you are looking for a pet to keep you active or a working dog to help you with your daily tasks, a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix may be the perfect dog for you. They are loyal, protective, and good with children. However, all dogs should be supervised around children to ensure that both the dog and the child remain safe. It is important to remember that any dog can potentially become aggressive if provoked, so it is always best to err on the side of caution. Temperament: Temperament is also something that a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix inherits from its parents. This can be both a positive and a negative influence, depending on the situation at hand. In theory, any genetic combination could happen when breeding two separate breeds together; however, generally speaking, the most likely combination of genetic material is that which creates the breed resulting in the fewest genetic deviations from the original breeds sampled. When it comes to mood, many owners are surprised to learn they have an aggressive dog on their hands. For example, some people expect aggressive behavior from a German shepherd because this breed has long been known as a guard dog. The reality is that any dog, regardless of breed or mix, can be aggressive to varying degrees. With this said, there are some key behavioral differences that you will need to look out for if your German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix inherits aggression from their parents. In general, physical confrontations with a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix tend to involve more biting and grappling with another individual, whereas an Aussie may use barking and chasing as a means of confrontation. This is not to say that the latter approach is right or wrong; it just depends on how these behaviors have been interpreted by the dog in question at a young age and what role they have been exposed to in comparison with their peers. As is the case with any dog, socialization is key to preventing aggression in a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix. If your puppy has been exposed to positive experiences with other people and animals from a young age, they are less likely to become aggressive as adults. This is not to say that all puppies who are not well-socialized will become aggressive; however, it is one of the most important factors to consider when trying to prevent this type of behavior in your pet. Overall, the best way to deal with aggression in a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix is by identifying any potential triggers and then working with a professional trainer to help your dog learn how to respond appropriately. With early prevention and intervention, most cases of aggression can be managed successfully. Physical confrontations between a GSAD mix and another individual tend to involve more biting and grappling, whereas an Aussie may use barking and chase as a means of confrontation. It is also important to socialize your puppy early on with positive experiences with other people and animals in order to help prevent aggression as an adult. The good things will be listed in the pros column, and the not-so-good qualities will be found in the cons column. A GSD-Aussie mix may be more inclined than other mixes to act as some sort of duty or protection dog due to their genetic makeup. Companionship — Sheepdogs are famously loyal and affectionate with their people counterparts. Great with Children — This is a tough one because oftentimes, certain breeds are known to be better with children than others. In this case, both breeds have a very good temperament. In fact, they can become bored fairly easily if training or working becomes monotonous. A large GSD-Aussie mix could potentially weigh as much as pounds. Energetic — Both breeds are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercises. Need for Attention — Again, both breeds are very people-oriented and crave attention from their families. When left alone for long periods of time, they can develop separation anxiety which may lead to destructive behavior. Guard Dog Tendencies — While the majority of both breeds are excellent protectors, there is the potential for your mix to become territorial and aggressive around other dogs. If you have a problem with this, this may not be the dog for you. So, as you can see, there are both pros and cons to owning a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix breed dog. If you can provide plenty of exercise, attention, and training, then this may be the perfect breed for you. Aussies are known for their high energy levels, so the GSD in the mix will keep them entertained and active. These mixes make great working dogs and are commonly used for police work. Their adult coloring typically changes, however. Because of their high energy levels, many tend to play too rough with small children. Make sure you teach them early how to properly play with younger members of the family. They can become overly protective of their owners, especially if they sense that they are in danger. They need to build a close bond with their human families. Final Thoughts: German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mixes make excellent pets for families who have plenty of time to exercise and play with them. If you are looking for a loving, active dog who will be a loyal member of your family, a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix may be the perfect pet for you. The German Shepherd mixed with Australian Shepherd dogs weighs 46 to 65 pounds. This crossbreed has a medium-sized or large parent breed. Its height could range anywhere between 20 inches for small dog breeds like Pugs all the way up to inch heights found in more significant kinds such as Labs which typically weigh about 60 pounds. Do Australian German shepherds shed? The Australian Shepherd is a very active breed that sheds moderately, and their coat needs regular maintenance to avoid matting. Owners will have to brush them weekly or risk having dirty fur stuck in their hands after every brushing session! Do Australian shepherd German shepherds make good guard dogs? Some may be very protective of their family and property. In contrast, others may not be interested in guarding their home turf. Generally, Australian shepherd German shepherd mixes are very active and require a lot of exercise. They also make great companions and can be good with kids if adequately socialized. Do Australian German Shepherds like to cuddle? Do German Shepherds bite? This can be common to all dogs; however, their character will depend on how well they were raised as puppies by the owner. If you want your shepherd mix to stay away from nipping or biting people or other animals, make sure he gets enough time outdoors to play with both you or another trusted family member and other pets — usually, cats will do! Post navigation.
German Shepherds are very gentle dogs and are much known for their protective traits. Unfortunately, last , there was a new adoption fee. Adopting a German Shepherd in Maryland would now cost around dollars to dollars. These German Shepherds are provided with consistent medical care. Ever since the German Shepherd gets rescued, they will closely be monitored and have the privilege of being spayed and neutered. Care also includes all kinds of shots for dogs. Choosing a Good German Shepherd Rescue If you are trying to adopt a rescued German Shepherd from German Shepherd shelters, you might be confused about what you should consider. If you ask people to like your friends and family, they might have different opinions that confuse you. But there is not so much to consider. The fact that you chose to adopt a rescued German Shepherd rather than buying one is already one act of kindness. You might already know that there are so many rescued German Shepherds in the world and only a few German Shepherd shelters. If the German Shepherd comes at you with no hesitations and no aggressiveness, you would know that it was a good rescue. If the German Shepherd is warm and inviting on your first encounter, it is already a good rescue because there are no signs of trauma or aggression. How do I pick a good rescue German Shepherd? You might ask yourself what kind of German Shepherd you should adopt and rehome. You can look for outgoing dogs. You can tell that by observing their body language when you first meet. However, if you are also not down to unlimited patience, you can avoid a shy German Shepherd. These dogs can be a little bit of work because they are afraid and run away from you. If you are outgoing and are a very hands-on person, you might not enjoy your German Shepherd because of its shyness. Dogs can be trained and can also be flexible like some people are. If you love a challenge, you can pick any dog you want. Summary If you live in or around Maryland, you will have numerous alternatives to choose from, owing to the many German Shepherd shelters in the area. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. In a word, adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter would need a significant amount of time and patience on your part. Other States. The dogs need more care than our guests need a little tchotchke! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving us Casen and we hope that all the dogs find their furever homes! These two incredible dogs had clearly been through some difficult times. Recognizing that these special pups would be most successful if they decompressed in foster homes, another rescue arranged for them to stay in foster families while they waited out their stray hold. Both dogs were placed in loving foster homes with other dogs. When their stray hold had ended and they had had some time to decompress, we were asked if we could welcome both dogs into the rescue. Really, who could say no to such a lovely pair of dogs? Brandi is a lovely girl. She arrived with wounds on her shoulders and underweight. Her foster family worked hard to get Brandi healed and healthy. Although we do not know anything about Brandi's past, it does appear that she was mishandled at some point. As a result, she can be timid and fearful with new people, particularly with men. A slow approach and some tasty treats go a long way with Brandi. She does warm up with a calm, confident, and patient handler. Brandi is looking for a forever family that will give her the opportunity to slowly adjust to the household. Providing Brandi with clear structure, routine, and guidance will be key to her success. When ready, Brandi will benefit greatly from training. Training will help Brandi build a strong, healthy bond with her forever family; it will also help her develop the stability and confidence needed to navigate her world. While living with her foster family in the south, Brandi did begin to develop her socialization skills. She also has learned the joys of living in a safe and loving home. At this time Brandi is housebroken and crate trained. However, she will likely need to fine tune her skills once she finds her forever home. Unfortunately, Brandi is heartworm positive. This diagnosis could have easily been avoided had Brandi been provided with monthly heartworm preventatives. Although treatment is very expensive, this active little girl is beyond worth the cost. Donations toward her care are greatly appreciated as this will help us not only help this lovely girl get all of the care that she needs, but it will also help us continue to support medical dogs in need. Brandi will need to take it easy over the next few months while she completes her treatment. However, this will give her time to adjust to her forever family. If Brandi sounds like the right match for your household, ask to meet her today. Update: Are you by any chance a morning person? Do you like to jog or hike? Brandi is looking to be your best friend. She wakes up ready to go and wants to be a velcro pup. After being here for a few weeks we've gotten a chance to see a little bit more about her. She is a pokey puppy. She loves to poke her nose everywhere and get the latest news. I also think she might have been best friends with a cat at some point. She constantly rubs up against everything just like a cat-- starting at her shoulder and curving down to the tail. So cute! She would do best in a house with a little space from neighbors. She sings the blues when left alone and talks in yips and barks about her day regularly. She also barks loudly at people outside the door. Not characteristics that would be loved by apartment neighbors! She is housebroken when kept to her schedule and sticks to her potty spot. She shows great potential but would do better if allowed exercise to calm her busy brain before being asked to focus. I think she would be best with older children only. She likes to jump up and lick your face when she is anxious or needs to check back in with you. We are working on correcting that habit but she can't get any exercise right now which doesn't help. She also can be a bit mouthy and she has tried to catch hold of my sleeve not my arm a few times. Surprisingly though, she doesn't bite down on your hand when taking a treat. Your whole hand can end up in her mouth with her exuberance to get the food. But, at least she doesn't bite down on you. She is very food motivated and very food-focused right now. She will try to take food away from my dog so she would do best with a dog that is not food protective. I think she would do fine in a house with other dogs that tolerate teen rough-housing, or in a house without other dogs. She could use the exercise provided by a pack but would be fine if you plan on being that exercise source. She does very well with our routine and knows where she's supposed to be and, most importantly, which meal is supposed to come next. Did I mention she's food fixated? She is not the best gardening buddy. Her favorite thing is to sit right in front of you, right on the dirt you just dug up so you could plant something, sticks her nose in the dirt to check the news, and then tries to give you a kiss right on the mouth. She will help dig though! She is prey driven, however, so she does keep the rabits, birds, and squirrels away from the garden very well. Hard toys only for this pup. She eviscerated a stuffy, grabbed up the pieces and chomped like she was going to swallow them in less than a minute. Fortunately, she is also very distractable with the promise of food of course. She is very ready to find her forever family. If you're looking to add a happy, bouncy young lady to your home, please consider her! Update: Brandi really is a special girl; she is a true GSD and loves with all of her heart and every piece of fur even the stray ones on the floor! Despite her previous hardships, the battle wounds on her shoulders, and coming in grossly underweight, she loves fiercely. Thankfully, her foster family continues to diligently work on helping her to heal from the trauma she experienced during the first part of her life. As a result, she is timid and fearful with new people, in particular, men. Therefore, multifaceted and multiple approaches to warm up to Brandi would go a long way with her! Think of slow, gentle, yet confident, approaches with some tasty treats! She will do best in a home with a family who is familiar or eager to learn the ways of a true GSD - while providing the essentials - training, structure, boundaries, routines, and continued guidance. Providing her with these basic needs, you will watch Brandi blossom in front of your eyes. Her foster family got a sneak peak of her potential socialization skills, crate trained, house broken, sloppy kisses and more , she just needs a forever family to get her the rest of the way to completely blossom into the beautiful, fiercely loving and fun pooch she has the potential to be. Brandi will form a healthy bond with her forever family and greatly benefit from continued training once she has had the time to complete her decompression and recognize she is safe with her forever family. Where do I start? I am trying my hardest, and have been through the best training a dog can receive Mason Dixon K9 , this I am really really grateful for! I am slowly rebuilding my confidence, learning that I can trust all humans again, but it takes me time. I like to sniff you out, get used to you and see you a few times. Once I trust you, I will protect you with my life! Will you take a chance on me? I will if you will!! The information provided is the best information we have on the dogs. MAGSR makes no explicit or implicit guarantees regarding the temperament of the dogs or the information included in the profile.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Commit to training your German Shepherd daily. Be prepared to train your German Shepherd for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day. You should practice basic obedience training, but also include fun training games to keep them interested in their training and engaged with you. Aim for five three-minute sessions daily in the beginning, as a minimum. But start with no more than a few minutes in a short session and gradually build onto each individual session longer times. During each session work on just one or two commands so that your dog learns the right way to perform the command. Ready to start using games during your German Shepherd training? How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on many factors, for example, if you have a puppy or adult. It takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to train a German Shepherd to learn basic obedience commands. Crate training will take about a week to introduce slowly and have your dog or puppy go into the crate on their own to relax. But if your dog has had a bad experience with the crate it could take months. Keep in mind that if you have an adult Shepherd who has already lived with another owner or many dog owners then you may have to undo improper training or behavior problems. This means that you have many months ahead of you of training. Some GSDs are aggressive or reactive and it may take years before they learn to relax around other dogs in a calm manner. While other German Shepherds have excellent dog social experiences from the start and can mix in with other dogs on a whim and quickly pick up their training basics. German Shepherd puppies are ready for simple training as young as 7 weeks old. Your puppy is capable and ready to learn at 6 to 7 weeks old many simple obedience commands. A 1 minutes session is long enough for a young puppy. After a couple of weeks, your German Shepherd puppy should know to sit, stay, and down, as well as its name. Although a reliable off-leash come recall usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks of proper dog training. It took me only about a day to train my German Shepherd to sit using lure and reward training. This means, I use one of the best, tasty treats to move her into the position I want, and then reward her with the food. My GSD took about 7 days to sit and wait at doors before barging out, but… She only takes a day to unlearn this behavior if I relax on it and let her out without waiting! Something complicated like staying in place with tons of distractions think cats or squirrels running by might take you at least 6 months to work up to. Keep in mind that German Shepherd training requires you to work in very small steps and build upon their success. You started with basic math, then geometry, algebra, and so on. German Shepherd Training: The Right Way How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on how consistent you are and how well you support your dog to understand. You must also consider your GSDs: age — are they an energetic puppy or more confident adult previous training — are they fresh to obedience or do they have some basics under their belt whether you are using the right training methods that are simple for your dog to understand The most effective and easy-to-understand system for German Shepherds to learn is called positive reward training. Using positive rewards allows you to mark the specific behaviors your German Shepherd performs right at nearly the exact moment they do them. Use a scientifically-based program to learn positive, reward-based training, like this Brain Training for Dogs official program. The Brain Training Program gives you step-by-step dog training to help you speed up your success rate and the time it takes you to train your GSD. Have you seen the price of in-person German Shepherd training these days? Harsh punishments and the wrong types of corrections can cause your dog to become fearful of you. Stick with positive dog training, or reward-based training, for a better bond with your special breed. Remember, any lack of training on your part is still considered training! You are the dog trainer and must learn the right ways to train a German Shepherd. Remember… Your dog is a brilliant breed, but you must give them the time and attention they need in order to see the most success. Vary up your training environments When you start your training sessions at home, you probably use a quiet room, turn off the TV, and maybe even close the door to your practice area so that you can pay attention to your training. Then, train your German Shepherd to become slowly used to following your command in those places. Train consistently Training skills will go quickly downhill without regular practice. Skills you once thought your dog knew can be unlearned without consistent repetition. If time goes by and you or your family let the training routine slip, an enthusiastic German Shepherd who likes to jump to greet visitors will resort back to their natural instincts to jump on people. Set aside time each day for specific command training, but also remember that every interaction with your German Shepherd is a training opportunity! Look for training opportunities during your day to get the most training benefits. Use high-quality rewards for high-quality learning Find out what treats really motivate your dog. Some German Shepherds will work for lower quality rewards, like their regular kibble, while others may need more motivation. Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, says that freeze-dried liver treats are the Ferrari of high-quality food rewards. But you can also choose other healthy treats for a German Shepherd if your dog prefers a different flavor. This will only set you back in your own German Shepherd training! Instead, build up in small steps by starting in a distraction-free area with your basic German Shepherd training commands. Even in the most desirable situations, your dog may struggle with particular commands. When you see your German Shepherd forget a command, go back to square one — the beginning of the command — and work on the training… again. Try using your phone to record you training your dog. Online training is easy and simple to follow, and the step-by-step directions guide you through the correct ways to train your German Shepherd with the best results. I use the Brain Training for Dogs program for the step-by-step online training from the comfort of home that has a done-for-you schedule. Instead, set up a daily training schedule to help you train them quickly. You can speed up training by using the right methods to train a German Shepherd… Which is positive, reward-based training. If you get tired of training, take a short break with these fun ways to make a German Shepherd happy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Categories Dog Training German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence, strength, and bravery. And although they are the third smartest dog breed, owners may wonder if this helps with training. German Shepherds are incredibly easy to train. As a highly intelligent breed, GSDs will learn fast and retain their learning with ease. Our guide walks you through all you need to know about how easy German Shepherds are to train. With this knowledge and a little bit of effort, you can have a wonderful companion trained to perfection. Read on to learn more. The GSD has one of the highest marks when it comes to obedience and working intelligence. And how exactly do we measure it in dogs? The term was originally coined by famed canine psychologist and researcher, Stanley Coren. This term essentially measures how quickly a dog learns commands, in addition to how well a dog can retain their obedience training. The correlation of fast-learning and intelligence has some merit. In fact, Coren believed that German Shepherds are just very eager to work and please their handler. After all, German Shepherds are premier working dogs. And because of their excellent brains, these large dogs tend to respond quickly to organized and efficient training. As a result, this is the reason why they excel in so many jobs, from police dogs to therapy dogs. Their loyalty and intelligence combine to create a dog that not only loves to learn, but can do so quickly and most effectively. And of course, German Shepherds are no exception. And while most German Shepherds are generally easy to train, this can vary and will depend on you and the dog. Fortunately, many of these factors are within your control. Training a German Shepherd early on will make it easier In general, the sooner you start training a German Shepherd, the better and easier it will go. A young GSD puppy will likely be easier to train than an older one without any training. And this holds true for all dog breeds. Though puppies might have a shorter attention span , they can still pick up on training early on. Socialization Training While owners might be tempted to skip to potty training or teaching their German Shepherd the basic commands, socialization should come first. There is a reason why you should immediately look into socialization training. The crucial window for socializing your puppy arrives quickly around weeks. During this time, they are more curious and willing to explore or interact. Without this solid social foundation, training a German Shepherd in other areas can be a bit harder. A GSD that is not socialized will generally be more anxious, and they will have a hard time learning when other people or animals are present. Fortunately, socializing a German Shepherd puppy is far from a difficult task. Their naturally confident temperament helps them engage in social encounters from a young age. With some effort and a consistent plan, you should have no trouble with this part of training your German Shepherd. This is especially important if you have carpets or rugs. With their higher intelligence, they can make connections quicker. So you could have success in potty training your German Shepherd from about twelve weeks of age. Still, there will be a learning curve and it can take several weeks before you see results. During this time, accidents will be bound to happen. Simply clean up. They might just not have full control of their bladder. What is important is to show patience and be warm rather than getting frustrated. Yes, cleaning carpets can be a pain. But patience will pay off in the long run with a well-adjusted GSD who is well trained. However, many would argue that these are generally the least important part of training your German Shepherd. Even so, obedience training in general is still very important. And without it, they can develop aggressive tendencies. But it still demands some time. In fact, it might be best to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy obedience class to lay a solid foundation. But German Shepherds are easy to train when it comes to commands. And you can incorporate this type of training at the same time as socializing or potty training your dog. With their sharp minds, German Shepherd puppies might even start picking up simple commands from as young as seven week. Like the other forms of training, patience and consistency will be key. And lots of treats! German Shepherds may be a brilliant dog, but a reward will always go a long way in helping them learn any command or trick. In some cases, your German Shepherd is adopted or a rescue dog. After all, they are still going to be wicked smart dogs. Instead, what it means is that their training should take into account their history. Just like humans, a GSD picks up most of their habits and develop their personality while younger. If any training is new for them, it may be more difficult. And despite popular belief, an older German Shepherd can certainly change, learn new habits, and alter its behavior. However, you will need to work with what came before. So if you are adopting or rescuing a German Shepherd, it will be crucial to learn as much about their previous experiences. This information might end up being thin, but every little bit will help when it comes to training your dog. For example, if you are adopting a German Shepherd from a friend, they might already be potty trained and all, but maybe they never experienced learning commands. Also, a rescue dog might have had some difficult times in its life. So it might naturally be a bit more anxious or wary, which can make training move a bit slower. In any case, training should not be impossible. It is just a matter of adapting and working with your German Shepherd to best suit their needs. Picking the right method and showing consistency With the right and proper methods, German Shepherds are undeniably easy to train. But consistency and technique will still be crucial factors. These will vary slightly depending on the type of training you want your German Shepherd to have. But consistency and routine will always be in your favor. The less you change factors while training your German Shepherd, the better things will go. Below we have put together a list of some of the most important aspects to include in any training regimen for your German Shepherd. Rewards Instead of Punishment: Dogs and any animals, including humans respond far better to reward than to punishment. Whether this is a treat, encouraging words or praise, or more playtime. Punishment tends only to have the opposite effect and works counter to training. Consistency and Calm: Try keeping all elements of your training as consistent as possible, and designed to put your dog at ease. A relaxed German Shepherd that knows it is training time will learn faster. Maintain Authority: Jumping, nipping, and biting need to be nipped themselves. By being authoritative from square one, your dog will act with more obedience and respond better to your efforts. Inconsistency in rules or expectations will only serve to confuse your German Shepherd. Choose a Good Name: Tempting as it may be to give your dog a rolling, lengthy name, they respond best to short names with strong endings. Your approach and attitude can make training easier In many ways, German Shepherds are easy to train. How an owner approaches training will play a large role. If you approach training your dog with some compassion and understanding, you are headed in the right direction. If you maintain a positive attitude and demonstrate patience, your German Shepherd will respond far better than if you do the opposite. That will only make them more stressed out. Equally important is to work with your German Shepherd, and not train at it. Training may take time and effort, but it will ultimately be rewarding for both you and your German Shepherd. Let us know how your experience was with training your German Shepherd. Share in the comments below if you picked up on any extra-helpful tips or tricks to train your German Shepherd. Here are all the things to consider when bringing these big dogs into a small home. Plus, extra training tips for the special situation. The good news is that German Shepherds are easy to train. However, you will need to train your dog with your kids. In this guide, we go over why the two furry companions can peacefully co-exist. But it does require plenty of work on your part! Post navigation. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Aug 11, Share German Shepherds are typically easy to train. They are brilliant, devoted dogs. Typically, these canines can quickly pick up the meaning of commands and are more than willing to listen to their owners. However, there are many misconceptions about what training a German Shepherd should look like. Many dog organizations and dog trainer organizations no longer recommend dominance training theory for this reason. Instead, German Shepherds need to be trained using positive reinforcement. The bond between a German Shepherd and their owners is essential. Therefore, training should revolve around that bond and seek to encourage it. When you train a German Shepherd correctly, the process should be fun and straightforward. These intelligent dogs want to follow commands and please their family, making training relatively easy. Each dog is different and will struggle and thrive in different areas of training. Some dogs may accomplish specific commands quickly and then have trouble with another one. You should feel free to slow down and speed up as necessary. If your dog masters a command, there is no reason to linger on it for longer than necessary. If your canine takes a bit longer to catch on to another command, feel free to take as long as they need to master it! German Shepherds need a strong foundation if training is going to work! That said, training a German Shepherd on all the basics usually takes about 8 weeks. Not every dog will meet this timeline, however. These intelligent dogs need constant training to stay happy and healthy. Otherwise, they may try to find their own mental stimulation, which usually involves destructive behavior. You should commit to training your dog throughout their whole lifespan. Otherwise, a German Shepperd is not the best breed for you. If you seek out the correct help, German Shepherds are often easy enough for nearly anyone to train. They are willing to take part in training and intelligent enough to learn most commands quickly. They are not an easy breed to care for, even though they can be trained efficiently. They have many requirements that can be hard for a new dog owner to meet. For instance, they are incredibly active. German Shepherds are working dogs, through and through. They need to be out and about for hours a day. Without the proper exercise, they can become destructive and reactive. Furthermore, their extreme intelligence means that you will need to provide plenty of mental stimulation. Training is an excellent way to accomplish this, but puzzle toys and canine sports can also be good options. These dogs need to be brushed at least every other day, although every day is best. Their coats shed frequently, and they need regular brushing to keep them clean. This breed is usually easy to potty train. German Shepherds are intelligent and take to just about any training. They are also large dogs, which means they have large bladders when puppies. Smaller dogs are notoriously difficult to potty train because they need to use the bathroom frequently. Their bladders are just so tiny! Luckily, German Shepherds do not fit into this category. That said, they are still puppies, and the easiest way to potty train them involves taking them outside on a regular basis. You should never delay training a German Shepherd. Most high-quality breeders will start training their puppies before they even adopt them out. German Shepherds like training, even as puppies. They will feel much more comfortable learning the rules of the house right away. Start with the basics and keep the sessions short. You only want to train your pup for a few minutes at a time, as puppies can get overwhelmed and bored. They have short attention spans, just like human children. Socialization and More Socialization! You need to introduce your German Shepherd to as many people, places, and pets as possible. Otherwise, they can be territorial and aggressive as adults. A well-socialized German Shepherd is a confident German Shepherd. We highly recommend puppy training classes for this reason. They are safe places to socialize your puppy with other people and dogs. They need more than an hour-long class once a week. You should plan on training your German Shepherd for about 10 minutes, twice a day, at least. Many dogs benefit more from three or four sessions a day, especially when younger and a bit more rambunctious. These training sessions help your dog master commands, as well as keep them entertained. Training sessions for your German Shepherd should continue for their entire life. You may be able to cut back to one session a day for older dogs, but you should never remove them altogether. German Shepherds love training and benefit from the mental challenge well into their senior years. These dogs were not made to lie around all day without a job. Giving them something to do, like training, is vital to their wellbeing. The journey means more for these dogs than the destination. Final Thoughts German Shepherds were bred to be trained. Due to their high intelligence, they can easily understand commands. They are responsive to their owners because they want to make you happy! Training should focus on building your relationship with your dog, as this is what makes the German Shepherd obedient. Training should begin as soon as you adopt your puppy. Training is a lifelong activity for German Shepherds. It keeps their brains active and prevents them from needing to find their own fun. Many destructive behaviors in this breed are linked to a lack of mental or physical exercise. Otherwise, they can become incredibly territorial. Training and socialization should go hand-in-hand. Featured Image Credit: marcin jucha, Shutterstock Contents. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. Learn how to train a German shepherd properly with Pawp's top tips. German shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds out there, which is why you spot so many of them working alongside policemen, helping out TSA at the airport, and much more. Their high intelligence paired with their keen sense of smell make these pups excellent crime-fighting sidekicks, to say the least. Hundreds of years ago, German shepherds were bred in Germany and originally used to herd sheep and protect them from potential predators. Just make sure you have a large backyard or frequent dog parks enough to keep this active breed satisfied. If you're wondering how to train a German shepherd and have no clue where to start, check out this easy guide. How to train a German shepherd: 5 tips 1. Otherwise, your German shepherd could have unforeseen health issues or other ailments due to cross breeding or a lack of care from an early age. Since German shepherds are bred to be protectors and guardians, socialization at a young age for them is crucial. Even a few weeks after birth, your German shepherd puppy will be able to follow simple cues and commands from you. Make sure to bring your puppy around lots of friends and family so they can get used to different people right away. This will set them up for success in their training. You can start by playing short and simple games with your puppy. Whether you pick up some smart toys that will keep your puppy entertained or take them to different environments to play fetch, keeping them occupied and learning is key. This will help instill a sense of confidence in your dog, which will set them up for more success in the future. At three to nine months of age, you can teach your puppy commands like sit and stay. Your dog will be eager to learn and impress you. Treating your dog with kindness will help them keep up with their confidence throughout their lives, which will make them a stronger dog in every way possible. Maybe even take a road trip with your pup where they can run free and stretch their legs as much as possible. Anything you can do to keep up the positive reinforcements will benefit your German shepherd for the rest of their life. Training your new dog? Continue impulse control, obedience, and more Before the age of two or three, your German shepherd should be completely out of puppy mode and operating as an adult canine. That means the skills and tricks you have instilled during puppyhood should continue to be sharpened as the dog matures. At this time, you can teach your dog scent work and training if you so desire. Make sure to keep your dog motivated by introducing new challenges, whether that comes in the form of new toys, new games, or anything you can think of. More Articles.
Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content.
They are prone to take naps during daytime, but are alert and protective by disposition. Sometimes they tend to display independent and stubborn behavior if not properly trained from puppyhood. Care Exercise Considering their big size and high level of energy, the golden pyrenees need lots of activities daily. Take them out for brisk walks and jogging every day to assure they stay healthy and in good shape. These dogs love to play like fetching games etc. Allowing them to play and run around in an open but safe space would help relieve their energy. Grooming Most golden pyrenees dogs would shed a lot, and hence it is not the right dog for those who are looking for a low-shedding breed. Brush them every day, and quite frequently, if you think your dog is shedding too much. These dogs are also prone to developing that typical doggie odor, and hence try keeping it clean and hygienic. Bathing is advisable whenever you get that unpleasant stench. Health Problems Generally a healthy breed, they have no known breed-specific problems, but do keep an eye for any general dog health issues. Training Socialization training is a general requirement for all pet dogs. The golden pyrenees dogs are often obstinate and would try to act according to its own whims. Hence, a consistently firm training is required. However, if you act diligently to prove yourself its pack leader, the intelligent and easily-trainable dog would learn to be obedient right from its puppyhood. A professional training class should also help. Interesting Facts Some golden pyres are known to gain a weight of up to pounds. These dogs are accustomed to cold temperatures. But they can also withstand heat for short time periods of time provided they get enough shade and water. This mixed breed is a cross between two very definitive dog breeds — one a retriever or hunting and the other a guardian. This mix receives parts of both parent breeds. The Golden Retriever has been around since the early s, their presence documented in the accounts of a Scottish lord. This parent breed was designed to retrieve waterfowl without tiring and has also grown to exhibit an upbeat and overtly happy demeanor. The Great Pyrenees, however, tends to take a much calmer and quieter approach to life. These dogs were bred as mountain-top flock guardians. They appear unassuming at first but can snap into action fluidly to meet a potential threat. The product of these two well-known breeds, the Golden Pyrenees, has no breed standard as they are only crossbred. There are no breeders actively breeding these dogs. Their breed history is the combined history of their two parent breeds. The mixed breed can take on any trait or temperament from the two parent breeds, or any combination of them. On average, though, Golden Pyrenees tend to be less energetic than their Golden Retriever counterparts and more engaged than your typical Great Pyrenees. This Golden Retriever and Great Pyrenees mix will be highly intelligent. This is a fantastic trait to have, as it means the dog will be easier to train. However, this also means that the pup will need more mental stimulation. If dogs are bored, they can become destructive towards objects in the home. Thankfully, they can glean that mental stimulation from their humans. Their Golden Retriever parent typically passes on a friendly and outgoing personality. We all know the look of that goofy, constantly wagging tail. Goldens are known to have no discretion when it comes to asking for pets or playing. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, is very aloof. They tend to be quiet, calm, and watchful. This makes them fantastic with kids, as long as they are trained early on to understand their size and strength. They were bred for protection and can be a wonderful family guard — they will protect a farm and livestock, and they will also have the inclination to protect your children You will need to fine-tune these protective behaviors early in your Golden Pyrenees. Unchecked, these dogs will not learn boundaries and how to accept guests without extreme suspicion. Make sure to socialize your puppy properly. What does a Golden Pyrenees look like, you ask? Well, they can be any combination of the traits of their parents. The only characteristics that could come from both sides are the warm, brown eyes and lots of fluff. This crossbreed could be medium to long-haired, with colors ranging from stark white to deep honey gold. Both dog breeds express long, fluffy ears and big, broad heads. Another trait that occurs in most if not all the Great Pyrenees mixes is a double dewclaw in the hind end. The dewclaw is the claw that rests higher on the paw than the others, a remnant of what would have been the thumb. Some dogs have these on the front, some on the back, or some on both. Regular nail trims are necessary to keep the dewclaws from curling onto themselves. Nail trims also keep the dewclaws short so that they cannot snag on furniture or other objects. Ripped nails are highly preventable. The Great Pyrenees is known for having double dewclaws in the hind end, rather than only one. These dewclaws were originally there for assistance in scrabbling up the mountainside. The extra appendages can be removed early in life via surgery if there is no bone connection between the dewclaw and the leg bones. The only reason that these would be removed is if your dog has a talent for getting the claw caught on things and ripping the nail. These are not typically removed in puppyhood, and not all dewclaws can be removed. This should be a decision made by a veterinarian and should be solely based on whether there is a bone-to-bone connection between the extra digits and the leg itself. This procedure has been widely proven to cause chronic pain to the animal for the rest of their life. The Lifespan of a Golden Pyrenees Unlike other mixed breeds, the Golden Pyrenees does not seem to have gained any extra length to their lifespan. Both the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees have an average lifespan of years. Large breed dogs tend to have shorter lives due to the increased strain on their hearts in comparison to their smaller counterparts. A mix of the two seems to continue that trend and will not outlive their parent breeds. If you are looking for a dog with longevity, this may not be the breed for you. This is a mix of two large breed dogs; there is no opportunity for a different outcome. As such, a Golden Pyrenees should always be on a Large Breed diet. A Large Breed diet is any dog food that is specially formulated for large breed dogs. They contain the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support quicker and more dramatic bone growth, larger muscles, and a higher body mass. Big dogs need more from their diet than little dogs. A Large Breed diet can sometimes even alleviate growing pains. Most brands have a Large Breed diet option. Your veterinarian will probably recommend Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Purina, as these three brands have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. It has also consistently been the easiest to find in pet stores. I cannot stress that enough. Grain Free foods have actually been proven to cause heart problems such as cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs, and they specifically used Golden Retrievers for the study. Stick to the brands and types of food recommended by your veterinarian so that your Golden Pyrenees or any other large breed dog can live a long, happy life. Large breed dogs are notorious for early onset arthritis and joint problems. You can start over-the-counter glucosamine chondroitin as early as 6 months to 1 year of age. Glucosamine chondroitin has no negative side effects so it can only help your dog strengthen their joints before they start to have problems rather than maintaining them after problems are noticed. A Golden Pyrenees is, without a doubt, going to need plenty of outside time. They may be medium to high energy, depending on how much of their energy comes from the Golden Retriever parent. However, the Pyrenees in them will make them want to patrol what they consider as their territory. If that is a backyard, they will probably prefer to be outside. These walks will also give your dog mental stimulation in terms of new sights and interesting smells. Walks are necessary unless you are releasing your dog into a yard or fenced area for an off-leash time. The trainability of a Golden Pyrenees Puppy With this crossbreed, you have a high chance of an easy training experience. Golden Retrievers are very rewarded motivated and the Great Pyrenees is known for its high intelligence. It stands to reason that training should go relatively well. There are, however, some specific behaviors that should be watched for and trained out early. These behaviors typically are inherited from the Great Pyrenees. The first of these is guarding behaviors and suspicion of strangers or guests. This can be caught and trained out early on. A second behavior that can be trained out of Golden Pyrenees while they are young is alert barking. They will let you know, in a very deep and loud voice, that someone or something is approaching. Even if that something is only left falling outside. Desensitization training and positive reinforcement for quiet responses are crucial. A third behavior that is inherited from the Great Pyrenees is nighttime pacing. This may not be something that you can train out. If you start to see this behavior in your puppy, consult a behaviorist who has a background in working with Great Pyrenees. This means that he wants to be outside patrolling and is anxious that he cannot do so. You may find that these dogs will do well as service animals. With a history of Golden Retrievers as guide dogs added to the calm energy of the Great Pyrenees, they have unlimited potential. They could be trained as guards or alert dogs, as well. There is not very much information on either of these two parent breeds as protection animals but if you partner with an experienced trainer, that is also possible. If you do decide to pursue guarding or protection tasks with your Golden Pyrenees, take extra caution to make sure that your dog can still assimilate into life as a house pet. They have the potential to do really well in guard dog training but it has to be taught young and they have to be guest and child-safe. Potential Health Problems of Golden Pyrenees This mixed breed has a chance of inheriting several health problems from their predecessors. One of these is early onset arthritis or inflammation in the joints. As a large dog breed, they are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. This is a physical deformity that worsens over time where the head of the femur the long bone that connects to the hip does not sit correctly in the socket of the pelvis that it is designed to fit. This gets worse with age and cannot typically be fixed. This is not the only type that could be affected. These dogs also have a higher chance of experiencing patellar luxation. This is the fancy name for when the kneecap pops out of its designated groove. This can sometimes be fixed with surgery but the surgery is usually less successful in larger breed dogs. For some reason, Goldens are known in the veterinary field for this issue specifically and that chance passes on to their offspring. Golden Retrievers could also share their tendency towards hypothyroidism. This is a complication with the thyroid, a gland that produces different hormones. When thyroid levels are too low, the body starts to slow down and becomes less functional. Another issue that would require chronic medication is allergies resulting in skin issues. Dogs can experience two types of allergies: food or environmental. If they encounter allergens the thing that they are allergic to , symptoms include itchy skin, stomach problems, and weepy or crusty eyes. Sometimes they itch to the point where they are causing themselves body-wide skin infections. Every dog is different and responds to different types of treatment. Seek out a veterinarian if your dog is itching beyond what you feel is normal. The final health problem that could possibly plague a Golden Pyrenees is entropion. This is when the eyelashes curl inward, scratching the cornea, or the surface of the eyeball. This needs to be surgically corrected or it could cause constant irritation, injury, and possibly blindness. There is one health concern to note that is not hereditary but these dogs would have a higher chance of contracting. Since these dogs desire to be outside most of the time, they are more at risk of heartworm and tick-borne diseases. A heartworm is a literal worm that is transmitted via mosquito bites and grows in the blood vessels of a dog until it blocks them completely, killing the pet. These are treatable but they are also preventable. In terms of what this dog would cost you, the vet bills are going to be the most expensive. Big dogs require bigger doses of medication which costs more money. Also, it would really benefit you to look into pet insurance. These dogs are going to eat you out of the house and home. Golden Pyrenees have the potential to grow to the size of a small horse and need to eat like one. Be prepared to look into the rewards programs at big-name pet stores to find savings on dog food. Refer this post to know how much it cost you to buy and raise a Golden Retriever Puppy. Is Golden Pyrenees Right for You? Would I recommend a Golden Pyrenees as a pet? I honestly would. I think that they have the potential to be fantastic family dogs as long as they are trained properly. They could also make excellent working dogs — working as service animals, alert dogs, guard dogs, or in certain cases, protection dogs. These are not cheap dogs, by any means. If you are operating on a low budget, I would not recommend these guys. Purchasing food alone for these dogs would beggar you. Vet bills would throw you into bankruptcy. I would also say that these Golden and Pyrenees mixes would not be ideal for an apartment situation. They want to be outside and have distinct territories and apartments may not fulfill that need. Also, if you have dark-colored furniture these are not the dogs for you. They will shed all over everything and light-colored fur will appear very obviously against dark couches. Overall, a Golden Pyrenees seems like a well-mixed breed to bring into the family. They are typically lower energy than the Golden and more outgoing than the Pyrenees. Just make sure you keep them on their year-round prevention, give them enough outside time, and train them properly when they are still young. These dogs could turn out to be great pets! Other Golden Retrievers Mixes. Lifespan Sociability The price of a mixed breed dog is partially determined by the average cost of its parents. A Golden Pyrenees puppy is generally less expensive than its parents. The pedigree of its parents also determines the price of a puppy. A show quality dog costs more than a pet store puppy. They have strong mothering-type instincts. Combining the traits of the two breeds that are the parents for the Golden Pyrenees equals a very loving and attentive dog. The dog practiced extreme care and loyalty for the flock and was aggressive towards suspected dangers. This trait often carries over in families with children. They are better suited for colder environments. The Great Pyrenees was a European mountain dog, and throughout decades of genetic preferences, they grew thick and long coats meant for protection in high altitudes and cold temperatures. The dog should be kept cool, though, especially during hot periods of the year. It is especially given to overheating and even heat stroke if left in warm conditions for long periods. Getting the dog blown out every spring is another fitting way to keep it cool. They need extra grooming to keep them looking silky and golden. The short, soft undercoat combined with the long, straight hair on the outer coat tends towards matting. The hair initially helped to protect the two dog breeds, helping to control their interior temperature. It does shed quite a lot, especially during spring and early summer. The Golden Pyrenees requires more grooming than most, needing a brush every day to keep the coat looking healthy and golden. This mix makes for an odd possibility of expected traits. Golden Retrievers are generally outgoing, sometimes overly friendly with people and other animals. The purpose of the breed is to retrieve. These tendencies contrast the Great Pyrenees, meant to be a watchdog and stay wary of strangers and other animals. The expectation for the Golden Pyrenees can typically be a cross, with the better characteristics winning out: enthusiastic and loving. These dogs are quite intelligent and have large personalities. This can be a lovable feature, but it also makes them more challenging to train than other more obedient breeds. These tendencies make the dog a better match for owners that are well-versed trainers or have a lot of determination. When it comes to having this bulky pooch around the kids, it needs to be watched due to its lack of understanding of its size. They like to believe they are lap dogs and may accidentally knock over very young children because of its sheer size. Are These Dogs Good for Families? It is very loyal and loving and will often protect its small companions if it feels danger approaching. It is not always the best fit for families with very young kids since it is so large. It would never do anything to harm a child purposefully, but may accidentally due to its sheer size. They have a very playful nature. Get them accustomed to strangers and other animals as young as possible to train them into being an approachable dog and agreeable with other animals in their space. Their food should be of high quality but can be a general kibble. Since this breed is genetically accustomed to cold temperatures and a high level of activity, they gain weight quickly without the right care. Watch them to make sure they avoid overeating and stay in the best shape for a long healthy life. On average, the dog should get around minutes of activity per day. This is why they are generally not suitable for apartment living, as having a yard or acreage to roam around in will supply them with the bulk of their needed activity. It is recommended that an owner be prepared to walk an average of nine miles with them each week to keep them fit. In order to train them well, they need a strong pack leader they can respect. The first part of training is convincing them that you are the pack leader and not them. They need a firm, calm owner to work with them. If more than one person is working with the dog, be sure that everyone agrees on the training protocol. Some owners rely on the expertise of a professional to guarantee a solid training regimen. They need to be brushed every day, even more during the seasons such as late spring and early summer, as the temperature increases. Golden Pyrenees may develop a doggie odor if they are not kept properly groomed. Although brushing them out frequently may help, it is also a good idea to give them a bath whenever the odor begins to develop. The best tools to use for the coat of this particular dog is a pin brush, a comb, and a deshedder to release the undercoat and keep them cool during warm months. Great Pyrenees often struggle with bloating, although proper exercise and a healthy diet help alleviate this stress. They also suffer from hip dysplasia, luxated patellas, as well as bone cancer. Any of these may carry down the line to the Golden Pyrenees puppies. This is not a guarantee that a Golden Pyrenees will suffer from these, but the owner should learn about and watch for early indicators. Lastly, due to their thick fur coats, Golden Pyrenees may struggle with skin irritants and other problems. This especially applies to humid areas around the world. Minor Conditions. The Golden Pyrenees is not purebred. It is a crossbreed of the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. The parent dogs are quite different in physical and personality traits. However, crossbreeding a Golden and Pyrenees brings out the best of these dogs in the resulting puppy. This dog is intelligent, friendly, loyal, and loves to please. Goldens are outgoing and will get along with family, strangers, children, and other dogs and animals. Besides, you can quickly train a Golden Retriever using its favorite treats to reward desired behavior. These are some of the great traits Dudley Marjoribanks, 1st Baron Tweedmouth, desired when he crossed several breeds to create a fast, energetic, and loyal dog — the Golden Retriever. Goldens were initially water and land retrievers, and they made faithful and obedient hunting companions. The popularity of Golden Retrievers has spread widely since then. Today, Golden Retrievers take the 3rd position in the most popular dog breeds list. Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees is a snowstorm at first glance. Its snow-white fur gives it an air of majesty, even though some Pyrs can come with markings. The Pyr is a good dog and is known for its patience and affection with family. However, a Great Pyrenees can also be a blazing fire if someone threatens their family as they have acute guarding and protective skills. Weighing the Pros and Cons At some point in history, Great Pyrenees dogs decreased in numbers with the decline in sheep predators. But their arrival in North America and their registration by the AKC in helped revive this royal breed. Appearance, Coat, and Colors Being a crossbreed, it is difficult to precisely predict what your Great Pyrenees Golden Retriever mix will look like. The crossbreed will adorn the majesty and elegance of the Pyr and show the symmetry of the Golden Retriever. In addition, your Golden Pyrenees will display the regal expression of the Pyr with an incorporated aspect of the kindly yet alert and confident expression of the Golden Retriever. First, your Golden Pyrenees pup will have a weather-resistant double coat that could be coarser like the one of the Pyr or take a softer texture after the Golden. The fur may be straight or wavy depending on their Golden parent or flat after their Pyr parent. The length of the fur may vary from medium to long. The Great Pyrenees and the Golden Retriever have heavier feathering on the neck, back, and tail. These aspects are likely to reflect in the Golden Pyrenees puppy. The Golden Pyrenees puppy coat can be golden in color after their Golden Retriever parent or pure white like their Great Pyrenees Parent. Alternatively, the puppy could come with a mixture of white and golden dark or light or bear reddish-brown, gray, tan, or badger markings from the Pyr parent. The head is proportionate to the body. Muzzle: The muzzle will tend more to a well-balanced length and head skull as with the Pyr parent or show more of the straight Golden muzzle that blends smoothly and firmly into the skull. Eyes: Medium-large eyes with the friendly and intelligent expression of the Golden Retriever. The eyelids fit closely. The color of the eyes is dark brown like that of the parent breeds. Nose: Black from both parents, with a possibility for a brownish-black nose from the Golden Retriever parent. Ears: Small to medium-sized ears, carried flat and close to the cheeks. Tail: Long, extending to the hock. It may be well plumed as that of the Pyr. The tail carriage may vary from low to level and have a moderate upward curve. The tail might also extend over the back like the Pyr. A male Golden Pyrenees will grow to around inches .A male Golden Pyrenees grows to approximately 65 to lbs .It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Great Pyrenees. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He was born at the end of January in Saskatchewan. Charlie is a laid-back, easy-going and very friendly dog. His best friend is my year-old boy; they are the perfect match. He has a temperament of a Great Pyrenees ; he likes to watch the world go by, but when he is outside playing ball he is as gentle as a Golden Retriever. Charlie is not a very active dog. We go to the dog park as many times as we can in the winter and most days in the summer he runs around for about 30 mins and then is looking to mom and dad to go home. Charlie lives with two cats that he gets along with great, one snake , and two Great Danes named Stella white Dane; she is deaf and Dexter, a mantle Dane that just came to us in January of .I owe them both a world of gratitude. Without knowing the training tips I have learned my home would be a scary place to visit and live. He is a Golden Pyrenees who we found at our local shelter in NC. He is so sweet and is famous in our neighborhood as everyone loves him. When I found him, he was 40 pounds at 1. He had been a stray for those 1. When we brought him inside, he did not know what to do with stairs so I had to carry him up and down the stairs to teach him. Let's say he has blossomed since we brought him home, and he now weighs pounds. He is the best dog we've ever had and would highly recommend his hybrid. Does not have a mean bone in his body. He is the picture of both breeds; he's very good with children, even at such a young age, gentle, intelligent and quite lazy. He weighs 30 pounds in these photos, and gets bigger by the day. His coat has the texture of a Golden, but hasn't completely filled out like a Pyrenees. He's got a very low energy level; two minute walks a day will suffice for him. He eats about two cups a day and maintains a very healthy weight. Our vet expects him to be around pounds as an adult with a projected height of 30 in. He's trained very well thus far and excels at demanding tasks. Fen adapts well to new people and situations, and is currently working toward getting his Canine Good Citizen certification. We have collected the best large breed dry dog food to help you choose the best options for your pooch, but we also have tips on how to recognize the worst dry dog food. It goes without saying that you should avoid overfeeding the dog with snacks once they have eaten their main meal as that can quickly lead to obesity. Feed your Golden Pyrenees with general dog food that is high quality and that is meant for their weight range and size. While they are young and still growing, you can offer them some of these best dry dog foods for small dogs or one of the overall best dry dog food brands on the market. Small breeds are known to have a refined taste, so you can bet your dog will enjoy those flavors, too. Give them plenty of physical exercise in order to keep their weight at a normal range. In case you think they need more from their diet, consult with your vet, and introduce a supplement if they agree. Golden Retriever Great Pyrenees Exercise Requirements Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults may only be moderately active because of their large size. They tend to sleep most of the time. Thus, two hours of regular exercise is desirable to keep them in shape. Keep your dog fit and active through long walks or runs at the park or in the neighborhood. A one- or two-hour walk each day should be sufficient for burning extra fat for a breed that has a tendency to gain weight. The problem with Golden Pyrenees, or golden pyres as some call them, is that they tend to grow up to pounds heavy. Thus, you should break this habit through constant regular exercise. Take care not to expose them to heat for a long time. Give them enough water and shade too during exercise if possible. This is because they are accustomed to the colder areas of the world. Take exercise breaks too in the form of intermittent naps. This should be good enough for Golden Pyrenees puppies and adults that are used to being a couch potato. These dogs love to play outdoor games such as fetching games. They can also join you and other family members in your swimming sessions. You may also run around with them in a large and open but entirely safe place. The importance of exercise is to keep them at a healthy weight range. Your dog is most likely to get sick if they put on excess weight. If you do not want swimming or jogging long distances, you can have a variety of play activities instead, from chasing a ball to playing tug of war. The most important thing is to do your play activity early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is not too hot for your dog. Overall, I recommend the following exercises for maximum benefit: Jogging. If a Great Pyrenees Mix takes after their Pyr parent, they will be a large, powerful, and intelligent dog that is loyal and affectionate with their families. They will also be protective of them. Great Pyrenees tend to have a calm and patient nature. Although they are a serious, focused, and independent working dog, they often have a sweet, gentle, and affectionate personality with their families. They tend to get along well with children and other pets and tend to take on a guardian role. Their protective instinct makes them wary of strangers, but they will open up once introduced as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect something similar from a Great Pyrenees Mix. In addition to talking to the breeder about the other parent breed, you can also meet the mother in person. This allows you to see what her temperament is like and what behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should have started some socialization and training, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. A Great Pyrenees is a moderately adaptable dog. They are built to roam and wander, so do best in homes with fenced yards. They do well in the cold, but are sensitive to heat. Although they are one of the most independent dog breeds and can handle some alone time, they may become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. The other parent breed will introduce their own quirks and traits that may affect adaptability, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You also want to be aware of any potential quirks you should be prepared for in a Great Pyrenees Mix. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parents, they could inherit some or all of them. Good breeding practices make a huge difference. From the Pyr side, potential health conditions to be aware of in a Great Pyrenees Mix include patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, eye conditions, and some types of cancer. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large dog breed, the Great Pyrenees can be at risk for bloat, which means a Great Pyrenees Mix may also be at risk for bloat in dogs. A Great Pyrenees is an independent work dog that is used to making their own decisions and working without guidance. Because of this, they are a better fit for experienced owners. Even if the other parent breed is a good fit for first-time dog owners, you need to be prepared for the potential of a Great Pyrenees Mix that may be a challenge to train. Being prepared to enroll in puppy training classes and to enlist the help of a professional trainer is a good idea with this mix. A Great Pyrenees Mix can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or one that is a mix of both. If they inherit a Pyr coat, they will shed year-round and more heavily when seasons change. Weekly brushing, brushing a few times a week during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are enough to keep a Pyr coat healthy. Nail trims once or twice monthly are usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste daily along with cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental disease later in life. The Great Pyrenees may be a working dog and need a job to do, but they sit in a more moderate activity range. Daily walks plus some activity to get them moving are usually enough. If the other parent breed has a higher or lower activity range, you will need to be prepared for that potential range in a Great Pyrenees Mix. A fully-grown Great Pyrenees usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Great Pyrenees generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Great Pyrenees Mix. Featured Great Pyrenees Mix Article. Saint Berdoodles perfectly combine the playful, obedient, eager-to-please side of the poodle with the gentle, calm, affectionate, and loyal side of the Saint Bernard. We have very happy buyers from our past litter, and two of the puppies from our last litter are now therapy dogs! Our puppies are extremely smart, easy to train, sweet, and are fully potty trained within their enclosure which should make potty training at home a lot easier! All puppies will be dewormed, health checked, and UTD on their shots. Baron male : Baron is a playful puppy with a very sweet temperament. He is black with tinges of brown, a white chest, white back toes, curly hair, and will be medium build between pounds After losing our sweet Millie Big-Butt, we decided to get a puppy. Teddy has received two-thumbs up by our vet in terms of his health and demeanor. After losing our sweet Millie Big-Butt, we decided to get a puppy. We are over the moon happy with Nova. Already sits on command and fetches most of the time. She is a beautiful puppy with a great temperament. She has caught on to potty training quickly too. Thank you soooo very much. From the moment the family handed her to us in a very simple exchange, she has been a very sweet, very healthy, exuberant pup. Thank you for raising her on a farm we are farmers and exposing her to all the good that comes from that type of life. We would highly recommend autumn creek ranch to anyone looking for a healthy, happy, ready for the world, pup! Thanks again! We had a lengthy car ride home from picking her up and she settled right in for the ride. She is smart as a whip and learning fast. We are enjoying every minute with her and love her very much! With a regular routine and high-food drive, Hamilton has learned so much in just one week; he is already house trained, sleeps in his crate with minimal fuss at night, and is excelling on sit, stay, lay down, paw, off, and no commands. We are so proud of him and so happy with our choice to get our Golden Retriever from your family farm! From our first communication to taking Hamilton home, you have been informative and timely with your responses to my many questions. The puppy selection process was clear and fair, and pick-up was seemless. And as a researcher, I really appreciate all the scholarly research you provided on why fresh food diets are best. Ham is thriving on his fresh food diet! We were very intrigued with the farm raised dogs, knowing they were coming from a good home meant a lot.
This discrepancy is most likely caused by the strong impact that certain topics have on public health and the fact that the medical consequences in companion animals are still poorly investigated and underestimated. Therefore, it turns out that the role of all practitioners is crucial so that they can advise owners on the best preventive and corrective behaviors to implement in indoor environments. Secondhand smoke and dogs In humans, the danger of active and passive smoking considered to be responsible for respiratory, cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases is well established. What happens to animals who share living spaces with smoking owners? Those who inhale tobacco inhale only 15 percent of the smoke; the remainder is dispersed into the environment. In the particulate matter that is released there are 4, chemical compounds 40 of which are recognized by the international scientific community as mutagens and carcinogens, among them hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Each individual compound has its own weight and, as a result, is progressively stratified within the air column, from the lightest at the top to the heaviest toward the bottom. Dogs and cats, for obvious reasons of size, breathe at a lower height than their owners, it follows that they too face risks ranging from chronic respiratory diseases to neoplasms. Studies on dogs A study conducted by Vasco De Gama University in Brazil on 30 Yorkshire-breed dogs, half of which came from homes with at least one consumer of 20 cigarettes per day, showed following a simple tracheobronchial wash that macrophages, cells deputed to defense, showed signs of anthracosis within them, that is, the deposition of charcoal particles and material directly from secondhand smoke inhalation. Further confirmation of the penetration of these compounds into the bodies of dogs was obtained by finding in the urine of dogs with smoking owners, a compound, cotinine, which results from the processing of inhaled nicotine. Simple smoke inhalation can increase by 2. Not just secondhand smoke In the home. There are two additional tobacco-related dangers that creep into both the home environment and daily walks. Many dogs, particularly young individuals and especially Labradors are wont to ingest what they find on the ground without making a big selection. In smokers' homes, this translates into some products that are carelessly left unattended such as: chewing tobacco, cigarette butts, and more. The nicotine in them is a toxic compound, and the systemic spread that follows ingestion can cause actual poisoning with symptoms that vary depending on the product and dose taken. While in smokers the bodily absorption of nicotine is lower because only a small part of it penetrates by the respiratory route, more care must be taken in pets. Case histories among dogs show that puppies, due to curiosity, are the most affected individuals. Nevertheless, such poisoning, which can in some borderline cases put or risk even the life of the affected person, is not common since many products possess a strong, sour and unappetizing taste. The acidic pH of the stomach also does not facilitate its systemic absorption as well as vomiting, an often common symptom, promotes its elimination after ingestion. During walks, an additional pitfall is butts thrown on the ground, which also often accumulate due to the long degradation time of one to two years. Within these residues is in fact the filter that collects and concentrates within it most of the chemical compounds present in a cigarette. Despite the fact that the toxic capacity of butts has long been well known in aquatic animals, a first extensive U. The symptomatology observed can be highly variable and include vomiting, lethargy, tremors, hypersalivation, and requires prompt veterinary attention. A surprising result The owner's strong emotional bond with his dog can also serve as an important stimulus to improve personal lifestyle and prompt the smoker to reflect on his behaviors. March 28, .We are glad you stopped in for a visit. We are located in Berks County in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Raising, training and hunting Labrador Retrievers is a major part of our lives. Our own dogs are well socialized and share time in our house as part of the family. Our labs are carefully selected for temperament, intelligence, drive and great looks. A lot of thought, careful planning, and research goes into each breeding. We do everything possible to ensure that our litters will produce puppies that are genetically sound. Our pups are born and raised in our home and they are socialized by children, young adults, and adults alike. Pups are exposed to various sights and sounds and have plenty of play time in our outside turf area. Our pups come with a month guarantee that covers hips and eyes. Pups have dewclaws removed by our vet, are wormed 3 times, receive 6-week vaccination, and are vet checked at 7 weeks of age. Pups are fed a quality large breed puppy food. Contact us for the details. We do not ship puppies at this time. Puppies cannot leave our kennel until they are 8 weeks old. I began shooting around him just recently and from the very beginning he was fearless. He just looks straight ahead waiting to be released. As far as family is concerned he is a wonderful new addition. He is such a lover and truly enjoys being with his people. I also have to admit that he might be a bit spoiled, but we enjoy having him know that he is loved. Thank you for bringing him into our lives. I will continue to train him and develop him into a great hunt dog. All of the foundations are there, we just need continued reinforcement as any good hunt dog does. Woody is a superb dog trainer and teacher about retriever training. Twin Lakes is an extraordinary facility. All will have clean genetic pedigrees. Most importantly, Woody is an honest, straightforward man who will tell you both the strengths and weaknesses of any dog he sells or you wish to have evaluated. I would stake my own reputation on this. Scanlon MD. The world has lost a man of great sensitivity, wisdom and spirit. He was wonderful friend. During that time I got to meet many professional retriever dog trainers all across the United States. Woody Thurman, whom I have known for more than 20 years, was and is my favorite. He is an extremely intelligent, honest, hard working and trustworthy man. In addition, he has a unique natural gift in knowing how read and train a dog that I have seen only a few possess. He is a truly outstanding professional dog trainer and, supported by his wife Judy, has devoted his life to his trade. All that I can tell you is that from my years of personal experience in the Hunt Test program as both a participant and Judge, Woody was the man that I instinctively went to twice for what proved to be magnificent Labrador Retrievers. He helped train both of them and, me too. I highly recommend him, without qualification, to anyone looking for a retriever or to have one trained and cared for properly. He will get the most out of your retriever while treating and training it as if it were his own. Not only have they played a feature role in this period of our lives; in many ways their presence defined it. Three of their dogs became our dogs. The love, devotion, and superior training Woody and Judi provided for their dogs—which then became our dogs—has impacted us daily. Woody is brilliant. All of them have such awesome form and style. His dogs know it, show it and prove it with one incomprehensible feat after another. To see Woody and his dogs work is nothing short of captivating. Their dogs—our dogs—certainly ended up owning us. Every second owner will tell you the same: the dogs always belong to Woody and Judi. They deserve the credit, God deserves the glory and our cup runneth over. Because of Woody and Judi our dogs had the ability to deliver moments and days and years of treasured time together. Yes, indeed, their presence defined us. Rush James, St. I am no rookie to this process. This would be my fifth hunting dog and I wanted a male which could do it all—pheasant, ducks, and geese. When Woody interviewed me, I told him I had trained two of my own dogs, so I had a good idea what I wanted. He showed me a two and half year old Labrador Retriever named Chase and that was that for the next eleven years! Did I mention I also needed a dog who would be part of the family? He was the greatest hunter I have ever seen on all birds and a great friend. He is honest, has an undeniable sense about dogs, and above all, knows what you need in a dog. I bought my second dog from Woody three years ago, the most dominant female I have ever experienced. But again, she is an outstanding hunter, great with people including our grand daughter. Trust is the core value of a team; good judgment is also a key ingredient for success in any situation. Woody and his wife, Judi, are the Best. We are blessed to have them as teamster! Iaquinta, M. He loves his wife and family; he loves music; he loves literature and he loves his Labrador Retrievers. His character and integrity come through in the Labs he so lovingly trains. You will not go wrong choosing a Labrador Retriever for the hunt or for the home from this man. I wanted to say thank you, again, for putting up with me during the puppy process! You all were so sweet to send pictures and answer my questions, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with you. You were also right about how smart she would be! April and her family are loving Guage, their new Lab. Here are a few pics of him. We hope that you are all doing well and thank you, once again, for our amazing dog. Thanks, again, for breeding the best dog in the world as far as I am concerned! Smoke is really shaping up to be every ducks worse nightmare. By the way, Smoke went 17 for 18 in the last 2 days. He is a natural with amazing drive. Thanks, again. Twin Lakes Kennel is the number 1 resource for Labrador Retriever puppies. We select from the most dominant American field bloodlines and breed for natural hunting instinct and tractability. Our Labs, both puppies and adults, are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. The end results are the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retrievers possible, making them a most desirable family pet. More than eight thousand 8, Labrador Retrievers have been bred and trained during those thirty-five years. He has won the Ducks Unlimited Open Championships twice. Our Labrador Retriever puppies are the culmination of a 30 year search for the most talented, well rounded Labrador Retriever possible. Our puppies begin a structured socialization program in the litter box and are introduced to birds at six weeks. All our Labrador Retriever Puppies carry a guarantee against hereditary defects and to have basic retrieving instincts. Parents of all our Labrador Retriever puppies are physically sound with certified hips and eyes. They are out of the top working Labrador Retriever bloodlines in the country. We guarantee all our Labrador Retriever puppies to be free from hereditary defects. Call Woody and Judi at for more information. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! He must have been thinking of a Lab! Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog in the USA year after year since .For good reasons considering they make gentle friends, are great with children, have outgoing personalities, are very intelligent, eager to learn, easy to train with a high natural retrieving instinct, and are excellent hunting companions. Here at Southern Flight Retrievers we raise and focus on working retrievers. They are bred and built for endurance, speed, and agility in the field. While most of the puppies we raise go to Field Trial , Hunt Test, and Hunting homes, we also have sold and continue to sell pups for the other useful work Labs are quite capable of doing. Labs are becoming increasingly popular for the use of Guide Dog services for the physically handicapped or for Search and Rescue dogs. Their excellent sense of smell makes them highly effective in Detection work as well. All in all, it is hard to go wrong with choosing a working Labrador Retriever. We look forward to helping you find the perfect lab puppy to fit your need and situation. American Labs are typically bred to compete and hunt. They tend to be taller and more athletic with muscular body conformation. American labs are preferred for better mobility in marshes, waterways, and muddy fields. A true British Labrador is short and stocky. They would typically be found in show rings. If a person sees American and British Labradors side by side, there is a noticeable difference. For a good idea of what a puppy from us will look like grown up please visit our Client Gallery under the Photo Gallery tab.
labrador puppies st louis mo - Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:.
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labrador puppies st louis mo - While free-feeding is generally okay when feeding your puppy, it is wise to introduce a feeding routine at around 13 weeks old. As for adult Goldendoodles, you can feed them one meal in the morning and another in the evening. This should be enough to make them feel full throughout the day. Senior Goldendoodles, on the other hand, can be fed once in the morning or once at night. If your dog still prefers two meals, you can feed them similarly as you would an adult. While on the topic of optimal feeding time, it is also important to know when to give treats to your dog. Usually, it is best to give treats to your pooch in between meals — not right before and not right after. Preferably, you should only use treats to reward your dog. In turn, this will also affect their potty schedule and interfere with the balanced diet they should be getting. Always remember that you can tweak these optimal feeding times so that it fits your lifestyle better. However, it is best to feed them around the same time each day. They love any food and can eat almost anything you serve. However, it is still essential to know the best foods to give your Goldendoodle. Providing the best kinds of food for your dog is not only good for their health, but it also helps preserve some of their best features, such as their hypoallergenic trait and calm disposition. Wet food is easier to chew than dry food and is suitable for dogs with weak teeth, senior dogs, sick dogs, or dehydrated dogs. Wet food is arguably the best puppy food. Its flavor and softness are excellent for developing teeth. Dry Food: Dry food or kibble is the most convenient food to serve your dog. In addition, dry food is also one of the best food choices for a Goldendoodle as it is excellent for their dental health. Dry food prevents tartar buildup and gum disease and promotes stronger teeth. Kibble is best for adult Goldendoodles as their teeth are as strong as it gets. Some ingredients you should look for when choosing kibble are chicken fat, flaxseed, omega-3, and meat protein. There are also grain-free options if your dog prefers those. This consists of raw meat, bones, fish meal, and a mix of fruits and vegetables. Feeding your Goldendoodle a raw diet reduces the use of commercial dog foods that have added preservatives and unhealthy processed foods. BARF diet has been proven to bring health benefits such as healthier and shinier skin and coat, good dental health, fewer ear infections, and less odor in Goldendoodles. Plus, Goldendoodles like the taste of raw food! Homemade Diet: A homemade diet is very much acceptable for Goldendoodles. They can thrive with this diet as long as proper nutrients are provided. Make sure to supply them with the six key nutrients a dog needs — protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Preparing a homemade meal is also much cheaper. Moreover, it also gives you more control over what your dog consumes. Likewise, a Goldendoodle with an underlying health condition might be better off with a homemade diet. In addition, some Goldendoodles may benefit from specific kinds of foods or supplements that are tailored for their coat color. To learn more about Goldendoodle coat colors, read our comprehensive guide on the topic. On some occasions, the generation of a Goldendoodle can also affect the best diet for it. In conclusion, the best dog food is always on a case-to-case basis. Consult a vet if you want to be sure! These dogs are prone to bloating and often have different allergies to food. Certain foods cause pain, vomiting, and diarrhea in these dogs. Some of the most dangerous foods for your Goldendoodle are grapes, raisins, and prunes. These three foods contain an unknown toxic substance that can trigger major problems such as choking and kidney failure. Cherries are also notorious for your Goldendoodle. Its pits, seeds, stems, and leaves contain cyanide , a poisonous substance that can cause an upset stomach. Soda is not just unhealthy for humans but for dogs as well. The carbonation and sugar levels of soda can be hard for dogs to handle. It can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal problems, excessive flatulence , and diarrhea. Moreover, as we all know, chocolate is toxic to Goldendoodles. It contains a xanthine compound known as theobromine , which dogs cannot digest and metabolize. Needless to say, keep your Goldendoodle away from chocolate! But if your dog happens to consume chocolate and shows signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, and increased heart rate, visit the nearest vet immediately. Onions and garlic should also be kept away from Goldendoodle because these contain a thiosulphate compound. This compound may cause discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, any food with a high level of sugar and salt is bad for your Goldendoodle. Salty foods will dehydrate your dog, and excessively sweet foods can cause diabetes. It is a good habit to also check the sugar and salt levels of any food you give to your Goldendoodles. Other harmful foods are macadamia nuts, walnuts, raw or undercooked food, coffee, dairy products, citrus fruits, and avocados. Luckily for you, Goldendoodles are generally not picky eaters. The ideal time for the transitioning period is around 10 days. Do this until your Goldendoodle is comfortable enough to try completely new food. Refer to the table below for a more detailed breakdown of transitioning your dog to a new food: Day. Not all dog foods are created equal, nor is it a one-size-fits-all situation. Always talk to your vet about the best food choice for your goldendoodle. The protein content in your dog's food should not only be high, it should also be high-quality protein. There are many options available for high quality dog food. Congratulations on your new family member! Your adorable, teddy bear-like bundle of energy and cuddles known as a goldendoodle puppy, who has inherited intelligence , friendliness, and sociability from both of its parent breeds golden retriever and poodle. Obviously, you want a high-quality dog food, so you're probably wondering, "What is the best puppy food? Best Puppy Food for Your Goldendoodle There are a lot of requirements and factors to consider when you're selecting a pet food for your goldendoodle puppy. However, most high-quality puppy foods should be formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of your goldendoodle at any life stage. You should think about: Your puppy's weight and size Your puppy's nutritional needs. Nutritional requirements of a Goldendoodle What exactly should the diet of a Goldendoodle consist of for optimal health? Protein from quality meat sources 2. Essential Fatty acids and omegas 3. Natural vitamins and minerals from bone and plant sources 5. Hydration — high moisture foods and drinking water 1. Protein When selecting what to feed your Goldendoodle, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish. As such, protein impacts canine health in many ways, including: Providing consistent energy Forms new skin, hair, nails, and other tissue. Keeps the immune system healthy. Makes hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. Properly balanced fats are essential for optimal health, and also provide energy. Dietary fat we generally refer to as a triglyceride. There are two types of triglyceride, saturated and unsaturated fat. In balance, they promote a healthy coat, skin, eyes, nervous system, control hormones, fuel brain and learning, and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrates, such as vegetables and some fruits, provide fibre, prebiotics food for beneficial bacteria , and antioxidants that are lacking in meat alone. Dogs are carnivores, but they can benefit from some vegetation in their diets for optimal health. Natural vitamins and minerals A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Goldendoodle, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times. Incorporating ground bone in meals or providing recreational bones for enrichment add nutrients that will support digestion, skin and bone health, and mobility. As such, water is a vital nutrient for all cells, systems and functions, including: The regulation of body temperature Maintaining healthy organ function. The digestion and absorption of nutrients. Detoxification; water helps to flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Preventing dehydration which can lead to serious health problems, including kidney damage and heat stroke. Lubrication and cushioning of joints, thereby supporting ease of movement. Discover more about a raw food diet for dogs in our complete. Goldendoodle raw feeding guide Whilst you could create homemade raw food meals for your Goldendoodle, dog owners new to raw feeding can often find making their own raw dog food meals complicated. Formulating meals with the appropriate ratios of key ingredients is essential to ensure your dog receives optimal nutrients, so going it alone can seem daunting. The good news is there is a much simpler approach. By choosing a reputable supplier of pre-prepared raw dog food supplier, you can stock your freezer with quality raw food meals at the click of a button. Goldendoodle Feeding Chart. Divide the total number of calories that your dog will consume in a day into two or three meals. Give him some of these lesser amounts multiple times throughout the course of the day at various intervals. Here is a guide to what you should be feeding your goldendoodle puppy based on its age. During the first five to twelve weeks of their lives, young goldendoodle puppies need to consume at least three and sometimes even more meals every day in order to meet their nutritional needs. In order to accomplish this, you will need to split the total amount of food into three equal portions, using a goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule that is given with their food product, and then feed it to them at a variety of different times throughout the day. As your dog gets older, you should gradually reduce the number of meals it receives each day until you get to twice a day. This transition should take between three and twelve months. Dogs who are at least a year old are considered adults and should be fed in the normal manner of two portions per day. You are going to need to cut their nutritional requirements in half. The hours of seven in the morning, twelve in the middle of the day, and five in the afternoon are often reserved for feeding goldendoodle puppies. If you truly need to make some alterations to your mealtime schedule, it is acceptable for you to opt to give your puppy more than three meals per day. Before you go to bed, make sure to give the dog ample time to digest the meal and then eliminate it in the bathroom. Another alternative is to leave enough food out for your dog to consume throughout the day. Controlling the amount of food served to your goldendoodle puppy is vital if you want to make sure it gets the appropriate amount of calories for its age and size. How to feed goldendoodle puppy Your Goldendoodle puppy will need a healthy, well-balanced diet to reach its full growth potential and maintain its high level of activity throughout the day. You can feed your Goldendoodle puppy one of two different kinds of food. You may either buy dog food in a bag or cook it up fresh every day. As a precaution against nutritional deficiencies, many pet owners prefer to give their canines commercial dog food. Your Goldendoodle will thrive on a diet rich in protein and fat from strong sources, so keep that in mind as you shop. Packaged foods should include an ingredient list for items that contain two or more types of beef proteins. Fish and meat. Either fish or beef feed can count as an acceptable source of protein so long as those two components come first on the ingredient list. As a consequence of this, the meal contains very few additives or carbs, which suggests that meat is one of the most important components of any dog meal. Protein can typically be found in dog food in the form of peas, beans, and various other types of protein-rich vegetables. In addition to beef and chicken, other types of protein and fiber that are beneficial for pups include all grains and green vegetables. They contribute very little in the way of nutrients and are therefore frequently used as fillers. Talking to the veterinarian who cares for your dog is the best way to get a more accurate picture of the amount of food that your Goldendoodle ought to be eating. When should you change the goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule to an adult one? You are going to have to wean your puppy off of puppy food and transition him over to a mature dog diet instead so that he can get all the nutrients he needs. The size of a breed is an important factor to consider when feeding a puppy, and this stage of development is no exception. Because larger strains require longer maturing, it is possible that they will require some puppy food for up to two years. On average, dogs should start eating food formulated for adults between the ages of one and two years old. If you are uncertain of how to handle the transition and how you can make it less traumatic for your dog, you should seek the opinion of the veterinarian who treats the dog if you feel unsure of how to handle the situation. Goldendoodles are also susceptible to a number of health problems resulting from unnatural eating patterns. Illnesses that are commonly seen in Goldendoodles are caused by poor diet, and they include: The Deformity of the Hip Joint Both forms of hip dysplasia result from improper growth of the hip joint. Your dog may have trouble climbing stairs or running around if he or she is afflicted with hip dysplasia. In some dogs, this can result in paralysis. Goldendoodles should maintain a healthy weight to prevent hip dysplasia, which is more common and has more severe symptoms in obese dogs. You can do this by developing a goldendoodle puppy feeding schedule that keeps the amount of food the puppy receives in check. Patellar Dislocation It is not uncommon for a dog to experience a dislocation or partial dislocation of the patella. Stumbling and pain could result from a dislocated patella. Some of the discomfort associated with patella luxation can be mitigated by keeping your dog at a healthy weight. FAQ 1. To prevent your puppy from becoming overweight or malnourished, you should give it two-thirds of a cup of puppy meal each day. How Often Should Goldendoodles be Fed? It is recommended that you give your puppy food three to four times per day. Therefore, it will be able to sleep soundly all night long. It normally takes puppies between five and thirty minutes after eating to defecate. Apply the guidelines on our meal chart to your dog. Conclusion There you have it! It may seem like a lot to take in, but your little guy is worth the effort. These guidelines are going to set him up for the healthiest life possible and make the first few weeks go a lot more smoothly for both of you. Remember, any time there is a question, always consult your veterinarian. Related Posts. The Proper Care and Feeding of Goldendoodles Feb 14 Written By Skye Parker There are a lot of different factors you should consider when you are thinking about the right food and the right amount. Like their age, how much they weigh, or what to do if your Goldendoodle is a picky eater. We will talk about the different ages of puppies and how much to feed them as they grow older. We will talk about the different options for dog food and what you should get and avoid. It's also essential to think about what to do in different situations where you have a picky eater or what to do if they ever get sick. When your Goldendoodle is younger, you will need to feed them more often than when they get older; they will eat less at a time too. Anytime you are transitioning your puppies' feeding options, whether it's giving them more, switching brands, or from puppy food to dog food, you will want to do it gradually. For a while, you will mix the two. If you make a sudden change in their diet, it could cause stomach problems for your Goldendoodle. Transitioning will usually take about days. Standard Goldendoodles will need cups per day. This is an excellent guide to follow; however, all dogs are different, and if your dog ever acts hungry or aggressive constantly, this is a sign that you should increase their eating portion. If you can ever see your Goldendoodles' ribs, that is a strong indication that they need more food. Most dogs will stop eating when they get full, but it is still better to have set feeding times throughout the day rather than having one big meal available at all times. Foods That are Unhealthy or Poisonous for Goldendoodles There are a few foods that we may eat regularly that aren't healthy for Goldendoodles. This is very important to know of the foods to be mindful of. Grapes or raisins: These can cause your Goldendoodle to choke, and they will have a hard time digesting them. This also includes prunes. Dairy Products: When dairy products are given in large amounts, it can mess with the digestive system. Dogs' bodies are not used to processing dairy, which could cause problems if they have a lot. However, even though it's best to avoid this, a small amount is acceptable. Cherries: This might seem like a weird thing to be on this list, but they are toxic to Goldendoodles as well as other dogs. Any foods that are raw or uncooked could cause salmonella and other diseases. You should also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat. Soda: This isn't the best for humans and even worse for dogs. They don't do very well with carbonation or high amounts of sugar. Chocolate: This is the most commonly known food that is toxic for all dogs, and it is accurate. Whether dark or light chocolate, dogs don't react well to this food. Coffee, avocado, onions, and garlic are all foods Goldendoodles should avoid eating. Any salty foods are not healthy for your dog either. It can cause them to get sick and dehydrated. Foods with a lot of sugar or even constantly providing food containing sugar can cause your dog to get diabetes. You don't have to change your Goldendoodles diet when they get sick, but most vets will recommend switching to white rice and chicken for their meals when they're ill or after surgery. When you are preparing this meal for your pup, you will want to give them only white meat with all bones and fat removed. As for the rice, people will usually say brown rice is healthier because it has more grains, but white rice is easier for them to digest when they are sick. Boil the chicken like you usually would until cooked. Then drain the water, pull off all bones and fat, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. As for the rice, you can boil it like you usually would or use the chicken broth from the chicken earlier. However you decide to prepare it, do not use any seasonings; these can be toxic for your puppy and worsen the condition. When deciding how much to give your puppy, use a one-to-two ratio. You will also want to check the temperature of the food to ensure they don't get burnt. Feeding a Picky Goldendoodle If your Goldendoodle is a picky eater, the solution is usually a quick fix. The common reasons for being picky could be that they are fed too often, they lack physical activities, receiving too many treats, or if your dog is stressed or sick. These are reasonable causes for a picky eater; they also have easy fixes. If you follow all of the guidelines brought out in this article, you will be sure to have a healthy and happy Goldendoodle. Their diet affects their behavior a lot more than some people may realize. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle, you can visit our available puppies page. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension. Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame. A quantity of calcium has caused rickets-like signs in some dogs. Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized in one area or generalized all over the body. Occasionally, there may be watery release from the eyes or nose. How much should I feed my Goldendoodle puppy? Feel about its ribs — you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. You can also ask the breeder who sold you the puppy to see if they have any suggestions. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time. Since puppies grow fast, the importance and frequency of meals change as they develop. Summary Feeding a Goldendoodle can both be difficult and comfortable at the same time. Since they are not choosy eaters, these dogs can adapt well to new meals. The downside is that the Goldendoodle manages to have an acute stomach. This means you have to be alert about what you give your puppy. Remember, satisfied dogs are the healthful ones. This means you should avoid leaving food out for them at all times, as they can eat too much and become sick or even develop bloat, which can quickly become deadly. How To Feed Your Goldendoodle Puppy This may seem like a silly question, but it is relevant because the answer is actually not that obvious! You should be able to cover the food with your hand without your puppy making too much fuss. Allow them to start eating. While they are eating, stroke them and pet their heads. This is an excellent time to brush them, too, as they are occupied and not scrambling around. This is an important practice to get them used to your presence and prevent food guarding and aggression. Considering how large Goldendoodles can get even when they are puppies, this is an important part of their training. Next, give your puppy about 15 minutes to eat their food. During this time, they will either eat all of their food or eat until they are full and lose interest in the rest. After 15 minutes is up, remove any of the uneaten food left behind. If your puppy is still eating, then let them finish their food. The number of options can be overwhelming! Hopefully, I can whittle it down for you and make the decision a little easier. The American Kennel Club recommends using premium or high-end puppy food as they typically have a higher nutritional density and are more consistent, whereas cheaper foods can be inconsistent and contain filler products. Puppies have higher nutritional needs than adult dogs. Their food should be more nutrient-dense because they can only eat a little bit at a time. Their food will generally be more expensive owing to its quality; however, it should last you longer than a bag of adult food. Just like with adult dog food, you can choose between kibble or solid food, pouches or semi-moist food, or canned soft food. Top Puppy Food Suggestions For Goldendoodles While there are innumerable options out there for you to choose from, I have carefully narrowed them down to three products that I highly recommend for your Goldendoodle. Your Goldendoodle will grow to be very large and be prone to joint problems, so it is a wise decision to start them on puppy food that will support their growth through the time when they are doing most of it. Here are my three favorite Goldendoodle puppy foods and the features I love about them: Product. Here are a four steps you can take to help your Goldendoodle achieve a healthy weight. Four tricks to encourage your goldendoodle to eat 1. Try free feeding Goldendoodles often do better grazing rather than having set mealtimes. Generally, goldendoodles tend to be leaner like their poodle ancestors so having continual access to food is beneficial. Observe whether your doodle seems to eat more certain times of the day. Some goldendoodes even like to eat overnight. If your dog can eat a midnight snack without needing an overnight trip to the bathroom, leaving food down for her at bedtime is a great option. Make mealtimes a game Sometimes eating food out of a dish is a bit boring. Slow feeders and doggie puzzles are a great way to liven up dinner. Pick up a snuffle mat , slow feeder bowl or ball , and a fun mental stimulation puzzle to see what your pup likes best. Moisten kibble Sometimes simply moistening food with a little bit of water can make it more appealing. You can also use a few tablespoons of fresh, raw goat milk not cow milk to make food a little extra irresistible. You can experiment by leaving out some dry kibble as well to see which you dog prefers. Since your goldendoodle will only use a small amount each day, divide the milk into pint or quart glass canning jars and store on the freezer until your pup is ready to use it. Will changing dog foods help my goldendoodle eat better? Switching to a new kibble will probably help your goldendoodle eat more for about days. Soon the luster of the new food will wear off and your goldendoodle will return to her normal eating habits. What food should goldendoodles eat? Whatever dog food you select, it is important to read the ingredients and select a kibble that contains no more than one legume ingredient i. When do I switch my goldendoodle puppy to adult dog food? You can switch your puppy to adult food between months of age — whenever in that timeframe that it comes time for a new bag of food, go ahead and order adult instead of puppy. How much should I feed my goldendoodle? Is my goldendoodle too skinny? Consults your dog food bag for a guide of how much your goldendoodle should be eating of that particular kibble. Each dog kibble should have feeding recommendations on the bag of how much your dog should be eating based on her age and weight. If you have any questions about whether your goldendoodle is too skinny, consult your veterinarian. Not every doodle wants to weigh as much as humans think she should. Is your doodle peeing and pooping normally? Does your dog have a normal energy level? Is she playful and happy? If your doodle is a puppy who is 6 months or younger, is she gaining weight each week? Try the tricks shared about to encourage eating, and allow your pup to eat the amount she wants. Disclaimer: this information is not intended as veterinarian advice. Please consult a licensed practicing veterinarian. Share this:.