labrador puppy 4 weeks old
Guest Contributor .How often a puppy poops and the consistency of the poop are good indicators of the presence of any diseases or digestive complaints. Depending on their age, most puppies poop between four and five times per day , typically shortly after eating. There is a significant difference in bowel movements between dog breeds, and their bowel habits will change as your dog ages. However, the key to a healthy, well-functioning digestive tract is a good diet regardless of age. High-protein puppy food can help ensure your puppy is pooping regularly and getting the nutrients they need. As a result, they should poop around four to five times per day. By the time your puppy reaches eight weeks, he or she should have a more stable diet and better control of their bowels. Your puppy may begin to poop once or twice per day at predictable times, a trend that should continue for the rest of their life. Diet Effects How Often a Puppy Poops What you feed your puppy at all stages of development impacts their defecation frequency. Knowing how much to feed a puppy, what to feed the puppy and how often to feed a puppy are things to consider when properly caring for your new pet. As your dog grows, these questions will be answered by how they behave when eating and how often he or she goes to the bathroom. A proper diet should involve routine and healthy food. Your dog should be fed the same amount of food at the same time of day to establish a pattern the dog can follow and adapt to. Dehydrated dog treats are an excellent incentive to reward your puppy for following proper eating and pooping habits while also boosting the protein and antioxidants in their diet. Your growing puppy should be fed grain-free dog food to provide all the essential nutrients like fiber, beta-carotene, omega 9 fatty acid and Vitamin E, without extra filler grains that might be harsh on their digestive tract. It is also important to prevent puppies from eating table scraps or other food they might find around; they cannot digest most foods and this could cause stomach and intestinal problems. These assessments can tell you if your dog is eating the correct diet and can show the presence of different diseases and problems your dog might have, like parasites and internal bleeding. These symptoms could indicate food allergies or gastrointestinal disease. It is important that all dog owners set their puppies up for good lives by feeding them a proper diet. The puppy food at Open Farm is designed with the needs of growing puppies in mind. Browse Open Farm for all your puppy food needs today! Share this post. By Sandra C. At times, it can seem like your new puppy is made of poop! But is this normal? Do puppies really poop more than adult dogs, and why? Here are the answers to everything you wanted to know about how often puppies should be pooping. How Often Should a Puppy Poop? In general, puppies poop a lot. They are small, with an intestinal tract that is still developing. In general, the younger the dog, the faster that the food will move through their digestive tract. It is not uncommon for a puppy to defecate times per day. Some will eliminate even more frequently. The good news is that the pace of pooping will slow down as the dog matures. Although a 2-week-old puppy may defecate at every feeding, by 12 weeks, they may be down to only 4 times per day. By 6 months, it may be 3 times per day. An adult dog usually poops once a day , but they could go up to 3 times a day. Pay attention to the frequency as well as the consistency, color, texture, and any coatings. If you suddenly notice that your puppy is defecating more than usual, look for any changes in color, consistency, or coatings, and pay attention to how your puppy is acting. Look for signs of discomfort and monitor your puppy for 24 hours. Almost all puppies are also born with intestinal parasites. This is one of the reasons veterinarians recommend deworming and testing stool samples frequently while they are young. This is rare in a healthy puppy! If your puppy suddenly starts producing less poop or straining , they may have eaten something that is causing an intestinal blockage. A possible intestinal blockage is an emergency situation. Anything your puppy chews, such as pieces of a chew toy or squeaker, can cause an intestinal blockage. When Should a Puppy Poop? Most puppies need to poop shortly after eating, but this can vary. It takes time for them to understand when their body is signaling they need to go, so training your puppy to go outside may take some time. After you feed your puppy, wait a few minutes, and then take them outside. Look for signs that your puppy needs to go, such as looking around and starting to sniff the floor. They may begin to circle and posture as if they are about to go. As soon as you notice the signs that pup is getting ready to go, get them outside quickly to aid in house-training! Puppy poo can be extremely variable in appearance, which can make it challenging to determine what is normal. As a rule, however, puppy stool should resemble a soft, large Tootsie roll. It should be brown and well-formed not soft or runny or too hard. The size of the stool will vary with the size of the dog, the time of day, and their diet, but pay attention to especially large or small stools. A small amount of mucus covering the stool is normal, but this should not be blood-tinged. Over time, your little pooping machine will go less and start to fall into a consistent pattern. Featured image: iStock. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? In the very least, you want your dog to be comfortable. That is why you are looking at this article in the first place. A grown Golden Retriever should average 1 to 2 bowel movements per day. How often should Golden Retrievers poop? Young Golden Retrievers might poop 3 to 5 times per day. As your dog gets older, he might only have 2 bowel movements per day. Really quick, before I explain how I get my retrievers on a schedule for one or two bowel movements a day, let me explain something that I am really excited about. There really are so many things that we need to know when it comes to new dogs. That is why I started this website for people that love Golden Retrievers and Labradors as much as I do. If you are interested in getting all of my puppy tips, click here to join my email list. I email out first aid, nutrition or training tips every week. I will never sell your email and I will never spam you with a bunch of unwanted useless nonsense. Just important tips to help you and your dog build a rock-solid bond that will endure for years to come. Join the Easy Retriever Training Tip List for a weekly insight to building a stronger bond with your retriever buddy and companion. Why is it important to know how often your Retriever should poop? When you have a new retriever puppy, you have to get her on a regular bathroom schedule. It is going to be one of the most important things you can do in your effort to potty train her. The more frequently your puppy goes to the bathroom outside instead of in the house—or worse in her crate—the faster she will recognize that her bathroom space is outside. In addition to helping with the potty training process, getting your new puppy on a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks is also important for their health. What if my Golden Retriever or Labrador is not pooping? If you notice that your dog is not having bowel movements when you take her outside, she might be constipated. The moisture in the food might help move things along. Exercise is also a really good way to get the bowels moving. Go play catch with your dog and you might find that she is emptying her bowels after a few retrieves. If your dog remains constipated for more than a few days, you really need to get her into the vet. It is possible that the bowels or intestines are obstructed. In that situation, it will take a medical procedure to fix the problem. If your dog gets constipated, make sure that you keep her hydrated. A regular schedule will help your Lab or Golden stay healthy If you have a house-trained or crate-trained retriever, she will do everything in her power to wait until you let her out. The best-case scenario, if you forget to give your dog a potty break is some carpet cleaning. Make sure that your family is aware of how your Retriever asks to get outside when the urge arises! The worst-case situation, however, is that you can actually cause a condition called If you have a regular exercise routine, you will notice that one of the first things that your dog does is empty her bowels and bladder. That is because her body knows that she is about to be running and jumping around. She does not want that extra weight. Better to just leave it all behind. My schedule for my Labradors is to get them out for exercise first thing in the morning. The very first thing I do is walk them over to the part of my property where I want them going to the bathroom. Once they have completely relieved themselves, then we go play. Sometimes is a bike ride. Other times we just play fetch in the park across the street from my home. Then we repeat the process about an hour before I want to go to bed. And, as a result, my 8-year-old Labrador takes a poop in the morning and most of the time another between 7 and 8. They hit the average of one to two poop breaks every day. For example, your retriever might have: urinary tract infection. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. When you get a Golden Retriever puppy, beware that you will become obsessed with their puppy poop. You may find yourself monitoring their bowel movements and observing their poop. You may begin wondering how often do Golden Retriever puppies poop and if that frequency is normal? In general, healthy Golden Retriever puppies will poop four to six times per day. However, their poop frequency depends on their age, diet, activity levels, hormones, stress, and how much and often they eat. As puppies age, pooping frequency gradually declines to once or twice per day as adults. Becoming a puppy poop inspector and poop expert is essential for a pet owner. We start with frequency. How often should a Golden Retriever puppy poop per day, including factors that impact frequency? Golden Retriever puppies poop a lot. It is pretty normal for Golden Retrievers puppies to poop four to six times per day. My Golden Retriever Bailey used to poop upwards of eight times per day, but he was a big plump puppy. Bailey was a pooping machine. Age Young puppies poop more. As your Golden Retriever puppy grows and gets older, it will poop less often. That means that your little Golden Retriever puppy will need to do his poop business quite frequently. The good news is that as Golden Retrievers puppies get older and larger, they gain more control over their intestines. They then gradually poop less often until eventually, it becomes similar to humans at one to three times per day in adulthood, with once to twice per day being the norm. At about 1. Puppy Size Size is also a significant determinant in how often your Golden Retriever puppy goes poop per day. The larger the Golden Retriever puppy, the more it typically will need to poop. Larger puppies typically eat more food and possibly more often due to their larger size, and what goes in must come out. So, all that extra food taken in means more poop coming out. For example, our Golden Retriever puppy Bailey was an enormous puppy for his age. He typically pooped upward eight times per day. Both how much it is fed and how often. As discussed in the previous section, a bigger puppy needs more food, and more going in means more coming out. Additionally, how often they are fed also impacts how much they need to go. More food and eating more frequently means more that needs to come out. But another factor is the type of food. If the food is higher in fiber or a brand your Golden Retriever may be sensitive to, poop frequency can increase. Changing the type of dog food often causes an adaptive period where the puppy must poop more. For example, when transitioning to a new food, vets typically recommend only mixing a quarter or half of a cup of the new food with the usual brand. Doing so helps the puppy transition with fewer issues. Another potential diet factor impacting frequency is snacks. Often the types of snacks and amounts can mean more poops for puppies. Bailey enjoys liver snaps, and when we started training him as a puppy, those snacks increased. And so did the number of his poops per day. Stress If you find your Golden Retriever puppy is not pooping within the range of four to six times per day, it is often due to stress. This is not unusual when the puppy is brought home, away from its mother and littermates. Now, the puppy is in a strange house with unfamiliar people and strange smells. That adds up to mega-stress. And stress means it can impact bowel movements by causing constipation. It can also affect hunger and appetite, so your puppy might eat less until it feels comfortable and safe. A decrease in poop frequency may also occur when you leave your puppy at home for the first time. However, during this separation period, your puppy must adjust to periods of being alone, and its anxiety levels increase. Again, stress or anxiety can impact digestive processes and appetite, causing constipation or reduced poop frequency. Exercise Exercise is essential for Golden Retriever puppies. Lack of sufficient exercise slows the transit of poop through the intestinal tract. As a result, a puppy or adult Golden Retriever will often return to regular bowel movements when exercised more. However, if exercise amounts are sufficient, there could be other reasons for decreased bowel movements or constipation. Specifically, the size, consistency, shape, color, smell, and composition of the poop can provide health indicators or potential issues. If you are walking your Golden Retriever, then inspecting poop is often a byproduct of picking up after your puppy I hope you are doing that. However, if your puppy has not yet had all its vaccinations and walking is not an option yet, you should still regularly inspect its poop. For walks, you will have to do it the old-fashioned way hand in the bag. But for the backyard, I recommend a pooper scooper as a handy helper. It is a vital action to ensure your puppy is pooping enough and that the poop is healthy. Below, we discuss each factor to look for to ensure healthy puppy poop. Amount of Food The size of the poop is usually in proportion to the amount of food being fed. For example, suppose your puppy is being fed the recommended amount for its size, and the poop seems small. In that case, that may indicate a potential issue. Generally speaking, the poop size should be relatively proportional to the amount of food that the puppy is eating. If you feel your Golden Retriever puppy regularly produces smaller-than-average poops, take a picture with your cell phone. Consistency Consistency refers to whether the poop is hard or soft. Puppy poops can range from watery to very hard and everywhere in between. A healthy poop should be soft but relatively well-formed. You should have little problem picking it up with a poop bag, and the poop should stay well-formed. If you have trouble picking up the poop or it is very mushy or liquidity, the dog may have diarrhea or other issues. In contrast, hard poop or pellets can indicate constipation. This puppy poop is mushy and not well-formed and not easy to pick up. Both diarrhea and constipation that do not resolve quickly as in a couple of days can indicate health issues. Shape Golden Retriever puppy poop shape should be sausage or log-like. Usually, there will be one or two pieces. It may be S or snake-shaped that is good. The poop should be moist or soft but well-formed and retain its form when picked up. If the sausage or log-shaped poop is quite hard or in the shape of round balls or pellets, the puppy is most likely constipated. Obviously, if it has no shape or is very watery, and picking it up is nearly impossible, diarrhea is most likely the issue. Or, at the least, something your puppy ate did not agree with it. In either case, watery or hard stools that do not resolve in a day or two require intervention, and you should chat with your vet. Often color is a tell-tale sign that something is off and action needs to be taken. The typical color of puppy poop should be light to dark brown with little to no additional color variations. Brown is good. Other colors may not be; however, be mindful that what your puppy has eaten may affect the color. For example, food colors or grass may affect the color of the poop. Be especially concerned if the poop is one of the brighter colors noted, such as red, orange, or yellow. Composition Puppy poop composition is simply what the poop is made up of. There should be no objects in the poop, such as plastic or small sticks. Red streaks could mean blood, and small whiter particles that look like rice could mean worms. It should not be overpowering and cause your eyes to water or want to make you run from the area screaming. A consistently strong odor may mean the puppy has issues with the food or is not digesting it properly. Another culprit could be snacks and human food. Too many snacks or feeding the dog-human food could signal that the puppy is being overfed or that the food is causing gastrointestinal issues. Not mushy, watery, or hard Light to dark brown Well-formed like a sausage — it can be S-shaped One or two segments. But what if your Golden Retriever puppy is pooping only once or twice per day? Is that normal? A Golden Retriever puppy that is only pooping once or twice per day is likely suffering from constipation. While pooping once or twice per day may be expected for an adult Golden Retriever, it is typically not enough for a puppy. It is equally important to watch your Golden Retriever puppy taking a poop as it is to inspect the poop. If your puppy is only pooping twice per day, often watching your puppy as it attempts a bowel movement will confirm constipation. Suppose the puppy struggles to push poop out, is visibly uncomfortable, or makes multiple attempts without any success. In that case, you are likely witnessing constipation. You may observe your dog circling excessively, scooting dragging the bottom along the ground or squatting frequently, or even crying out in severe cases. Constipation can be caused by many factors, such as too much or little fiber, a change in diet, an addition to the usual diet, such as snacks or human food, lack of exercise, dehydration, or not enough water. Other issues could be medications, stress, hormones, underlying health issues, or injuries. Constipation can be serious. If your puppy does not improve within 48 hours, call your veterinarian. To ensure your Golden Retriever puppy has consistent and healthy puppy poops, there are three main areas that you can focus on. First on the list is diet. The ideal time to discuss food with your veterinarian is when you take your puppy to the veterinarian for its first visit. It is also essential to ensure that your breeder advises you of the food brand they are using to feed your puppy. Also, beware of snacks and human food. Additions to the diet, either the ingredient or the amount of food, can cause issues. If you need some snacks for training your puppy, ask your veterinarian what is appropriate and if the meal size should be reduced. The concern with reducing food size or amounts is the reduction of vital nutrients needed for your growing puppy, so talk to your vet. Also, make sure your Golden Retriever puppy always has access to plenty of fresh water. Dehydration is a recipe for constipation. As discussed, regular and enough exercise is vital for the digestive process in dogs. Being sedentary seems to affect digestive efficiency and transit time. Exercise for your puppy improves transit time. So, make sure your Golden Retriever puppy has enough exercise daily. Combined with a healthy diet and enough water, this will ensure healthy poops. How much exercise? A good rule of thumb is this: Golden Retriever puppies need about five minutes of exercise per their age in months, twice daily up to a maximum of 2 hours. Keep in mind that this is a general rule, and some Golden Retriever puppies will need more if they are incredibly energetic. For example, my Golden Retriever Bailey far exceeded that exercise requirement. He was and is today a highly energetic and active dog that needed more than the recommended exercise to satisfy his needs. Lastly, be mindful of stressors. But unfortunately, stress and anxiety can affect digestion and reduce appetite. Stress is most often seen in puppies when they are first brought home from the breeders and the puppy adjusts to their new home. Another stress for puppies is if everyone in the household works, and the puppy must be left alone. However, you can take steps to reduce the strain on your puppy during this separation stage, and you read about them here: Raising a Golden Retriever Puppy While Working: Guilt-Free Solutions. Last, Golden Retrievers are a sensitive dog breed and do not do well with aversives, punishment, or loud physical reprimands such as yelling. Doing so can add stress to your puppy. Aside from bowel issues, you may be setting your puppy up to be insecure or have behavioral problems. So, you have a Golden Retriever puppy, and pooping four to six times per day, and even up to eight, can be expected. That means you will be doing a lot of running to get your puppy outside before he makes a mess in the house. Puppy poop messes in the house are an inevitable part of having a puppy. However, you can do a few things to help the process and make potty training more manageable, such as knowing when to take your Golden Retriever puppy out to poop. Knowing the signs of impending poop-dom is proactive versus reactive step. In addition, learning the routines associated with when it has to go poop is a vital step. Some of those routines are discussed below. After holding it all night, the puppy may be ready for a poop. If not for a poop, then most definitely a pee. I would suggest not delaying this step. As adults, we should have control over our bladders and bowels much better than a puppy, so forget everything until the puppy has had time to go. Take your puppy out immediately after waking to go potty Naps are similar to nighttime, and after a rest, especially following a meal, the puppy might need to poop. At the least, the puppy might need to pee, so take it out, and if a bowel movement is also in order, they will typically do both. After Meals Puppies usually must go for a poop after meals. Typically, you do not have to wait more than five to 30 minutes before seeing the little one sniffing, squatting, or doing circles. Puppies often need to suddenly have a bowel movement quickly during play. This is because play stimulates the digestive tract. Because puppies do not have control of their intestines, things can happen quickly. When he was a puppy, our Golden Retriever Bailey would suddenly try to run and disappear into another room. Or he would abruptly stop and then start to squat. Usually, before bed, the puppy will likely take a pee since the last bowel movement is usually after supper. However, it is precautionary. Too many snacks, stomach upset, or food from supper that took a bit longer in transit might need to come out. Better safe than sorry, right!! Four to six times is normal, and even up to eight times is not out of the ordinary. As a result, they can be pooping machines. Become a poop inspector. Also, monitor how much and frequently you feed your puppy. If poop looks unusual, or your puppy is going too much or little, then call your vet to ensure everything is A-Ok. With puppies, safe is always better than sorry. Dec 23, Jul 16, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Bringing a new puppy home is one of the most exciting—and terrifying—times for all new pet parents! While my dog is a senior now, I remember his puppy days vividly and know that I was completely clueless about how often puppies poop. Needless to say, I was completely unprepared for the amount of poop a tiny puppy can create! It is completely normal for young puppies to pee and poop much more frequently than adult dogs. Technically speaking, how often a puppy should poop in a day depends on a lot of factors. Most young puppies poop between one and five times a day, depending on their age and the amount of food they eat. Bear in mind, younger puppies need to poop more frequently than older puppies. And if you are raising sibling puppies , be prepared for a lot of poop and even different pooping schedules. More often than not, a healthy puppy will need to defecate after eating or within 30 minutes after the meal. Therefore, if you feed your puppy four times a day, you should expect a minimum of four poops each day. If you are taking care of newborn puppies, you should expect them to poop even more frequently. During their first week of life, newborn puppies need to nurse every two hours; therefore, your new pup should poop every two hours throughout the day. As your puppies grow and get older, they will eat less, and consequently defecate less often. As stated, health problems are one of the factors that can affect the number of times your puppy will poop in a day. Puppies with health issues may poop more or less often depending on the type of health issue they are dealing with. Since dogs are creatures of habit and like to follow a routine, you can expect that your puppy will poop around the same time every day. If this is your first time raising a puppy, you may have trouble grasping the frequency of their bowel movements. Luckily, once you survive the first week with a new puppy , you will have an idea of how many times puppies should poop in a day and what is normal for your pup. Even if you are fairly certain about the number of times your puppy will poop in one day, there are several factors that can cause your puppy to poop more. Listed below are the most common reasons why your puppy is pooping more than usual. Eating More Young puppies are still growing and developing and naturally need to eat more food than adult dogs. As your puppy starts to grow and fill out, you may have an urge to start feeding them more. In the end, everything that goes into your pup must come out, so with more food comes more poop. Besides causing your puppy to poop more, the extra calories can lead to obesity and growth abnormalities. Therefore, err on the side of caution and talk with your veterinarian or canine nutritionist first. Eating More Fiber Like people, dogs can experience many health benefits from eating fiber-rich foods. It is worth mentioning, there are two types of fiber—soluble fiber and insoluble fiber—and both support a healthy gastrointestinal system. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool, thus speeding up its passage through the gut. Soluble fiber, on the other hand, encourages water retention in the stool, making it softer and easier for your puppy to pass it through their intestines. Eating fiber-rich food is great for your puppy and supports their digestive health. But as often happens in life, too much of a good thing can be bad, and eating too much fiber can cause your puppy to poop more often. If your puppy is on a high-fiber diet, start transitioning them to a moderate- or low-fiber puppy food. Stress You may be surprised, but puppies can experience nervous poops and feel the need to eliminate frequently in stressful situations. Figuring out that your puppy is stressed-out is not an easy feat, but pinpointing the stressor may be even more difficult. If your puppy is pooping more often than usual, try to think about what could be the reason behind their stress and anxiety. Many things can cause stress and anxiety in young puppies. Identifying and removing the stressor is the only way you can help your puppy and put a stop to nervous poops. Medication Increased elimination is a common side effect of many medications. Certain types of pain relievers, diuretics, and antihistamines can cause your puppy to poop more often than usual. However, while some puppies poop more, others may develop constipation depending on their digestive tract. Furthermore, certain medications can also cause increased urination in puppies. If your puppy is pooping and peeing more than usual, they might be at risk of dehydration and further complications. So, if you notice any of these side effects, consult your veterinarian right away for advice and a potential change of treatment. If you thought picking after your puppy is the closest you are going to get to their poop, think again! So before you pick up the poop in a doggy bag, you should inspect it. Color Healthy and normal puppy poop should be brown in color. However, variations in color are completely normal and depend on how hydrated your puppy is and the type of food they are eating. Furthermore, black stool can be a sign of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Stool with red streaks or red stool can indicate that your puppy has bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Green bits in normal-colored brown poop are most likely traces of grass your puppy ingested on some of their walks. Constipation, on the other hand, might be tricky to spot since the poop may come out in firm pieces or fragments. However, if you pay close attention to your puppy, you will notice that they are straining and having a hard time pooping when constipated. However, if your pup has diarrhea or constipation for more than two days, you should take them to the veterinarian for a full checkup. Any kind of mucous coating can indicate that your puppy is having a large bowel inflammation. If your puppy strained while pooping, you might notice a small amount of blood coating the stool. However, you should pay attention to any sudden changes. Watch out, or rather sniff out, any sweet or extremely foul-smelling puppy poop. These types of changes can indicate a bacterial infection or other health problems. Anything except grass in small amounts can be a sign of concern and calls for further inspection. Healthy puppies should poop between one and five times a day, usually right after a meal or within 30 minutes after eating. But, how many times puppies should poop depends on a lot of factors such as age, breed, diet, amount of exercise, and health issues. Newborn puppies, for example, need to nurse every two hours and should poop after every meal throughout the day. In most cases, a puppy will want to poop as soon as they finish eating their meal, while others will defecate within the next 30 minutes. Keeping this in mind, you can design a consistent eating schedule and a regular pooping routine. With this information, you can start house training your puppy from a young age and avoid cleaning puppy poop from your favorite rugs and carpets. There is a general belief that puppies can hold it one hour for every month of age. So, a three-month-old puppy should poop four times a day. However, your pup may poop more or less frequently depending on the amount and type of food they are eating. Most puppies will poop after every meal, and the frequency of the meals will dictate how often a puppy will poop in a day. Generally speaking, puppies can go up to 48 hours without pooping. However, not having any bowel movements in two days is a clear sign of constipation and can indicate other health problems as well. It is never too soon to start potty training your new puppy, and you will make much more progress by starting house training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. A nine-week-old-puppy is at the right age to start potty training both indoors and outdoors. You should establish a toilet area and start teaching your puppy self-control using positive reinforcement techniques like praise and rewards. And if you have any concerns about the amount of poop your puppy is producing, or lack of it, consult your veterinarian and take your puppy for a full checkup. Related Articles:. How often your golden retriever poops will be determined by a few factors, though. Do golden retrievers poop a lot? Golden retrievers poop based on how often they are fed, what they are fed, the health they are in, and how often they can relieve themselves. They will poop approximately times a day when they are puppies and, depending on the factors listed above, will poop about times a day as an older dog. With all the factors that go into the bowel movements of your golden retriever, there may not be an exact number to help you decide if they are pooping a lot or a little, as the choice would be based on your own perception. How often you feed your golden retriever will depend on the type of food, weight, and age of your dog. Keeping that in mind, I will give approximate feeding instructions for puppies and adult golden retrievers of average health. Puppies Puppies are most often recommended to be fed three or four times a day. Puppy food will have feeding instructions on their containers. Make sure you check with your vet and read the food instructions, first. Check the ingredients, too. Avoid food with corn or by-products as they are hard for puppies to digest and can lead to health problems. Check that their poop is solid to know if the food is setting okay with their stomachs. Your puppies will need to poop as much as they ingest, so keep that in mind when you are scheduling their feeding and potty breaks. Each time your puppy eats, they will need to go outside not long after. Puppies will need to time relieve themselves every couple of hours, minimum, to at least pee if not poop. Older Dogs Older dogs need to eat approximately twice a day. A good schedule would be once in the morning and once in the evening. Take care to schedule potty breaks after each meal, as well as outside of them. Older dogs will also need care to avoid foods with corn or by-products, as well. Making sure the first ingredient is meat is important to make sure they are getting the right kind of nutrients. Corn can cause them to not get the nutrients they need from food, and it can cause health issues. As with puppies, what dogs ingest they will need to evacuate from their bodies in one form or another. Being sure that they have healthy stools and urine is key to a healthy dog and your understanding of their needs. Check with your vet to find the best food and schedule for your golden retriever. Health Concerns and Poop If your dog is suffering any ailment, their urine and poop are often the first signs of trouble. Some common ailments for dogs and the poop and urine signs to look for are dehydration, urinary tract infections, worms, and constipation.
Bernedoodles, being fond of younger kids, are extremely affectionate to their families. Many owners boast about their Bernedoodles being incredibly loving and affectionate to them, as well as their family. This cute little dog can be a perfect childhood companion for your children, thanks to their longer average lifespan of years! They can't be left alone for long periods of time, or they start to exhibit behaviors of loneliness and separation anxiety. Bernedoodles are highly affectionate and love being around their human families, especially kids. They love attention and crave regular cuddle sessions. This affectionate breed makes excellent therapy dogs, and for a good reason. Naturally, this breed is curious and cautious before meeting someone new, but once it knows you usually within minutes , it won't stop asking for cuddles and hugs from you. Bernedoodles love spending time with their favorite people in the family and also love to interact with other dogs. So, it is a great idea to go for hikes and discover new places with your companion once in a while. This breed does not respond well to harsh corrections and punishments. A Bernedoodle will exceed your expectations if you provide a positive rewards-based approach in training sessions. They are sensitive to changes in family members moods or feelings. They can get their feelings hurt when harshly scolded but they are always ready to give love and comfort to children and adults alike. Don't Overwork Your Bernedoodle! Bernedoodles love to learn new things and are excited about everything they do, especially if they inherit more of the Poodle parent's traits. However, it is important to keep the training sessions short and let them practice one command at a time. A minute session should be plenty, don't overdo it; otherwise, your puppy might get too tired and won't respond to any command. Is a Bernedoodle Easy To Train? This hybrid breed loves to learn new things. Is a Bernedoodle Good For You? We say yes! But, we admit we're biased so you'll have to decide for yourself. It really depends on your lifestyle. Before choosing any breed, it is important to consider your lifestyle and evaluate whether or not you can provide the best environment to raise a dog and meet all its needs. Because they come in many sizes, it's a no-brainer to go for a Bernedoodle, even if you live in an apartment. Just make sure you can house train your dog, and try to ensure there is always someone to interact with your dog when you are not at home. Bernedoodles are very compatible in apartments as long as they receive regular exercise and stimulation. So if you can provide that, don't let lack of space limit you from inviting a sweet ball of fur to join your life. You won't regret it, I promise! Where Can I Get a Bernedoodle? The temperament of a Bernedoodle, its non-aggressive nature and ability to be trained makes it a great pet for many families! We at Down Home Doodle are a reputable and experienced team of Bernedoodle breeders and trainers. Our priority is to provide healthy puppies and offer the best training support to ensure a forever home for all of our puppies! Post not marked as liked1 Recent Posts. Although sometimes the terms are used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Service dog: A service dog is specifically trained to work with those who may have disabilities, such as blindness, visual impairment, diabetes, and more. Therapy dog: Unlike service dogs, a therapy dog can enter buildings such as nursing homes and schools to provide comfort and support. Emotional support dog: Lastly, an emotional support dog ESA is a dog that provides emotional support to those struggling with severe mental illnesses. They are not considered service dogs and therefore do not have to be allowed into buildings. Are Bernedoodles Good Therapy Dogs? Now that you know more about a service, therapy, and emotional support dog, we can determine whether a Bernedoodle is a good fit. We will start with therapy. A Bernedoodle is a top choice for therapy dogs. They inherit intelligence and obedience from their Poodle parent, which means they will be easy to train. On the other hand, they also inherit the charming, loving, and happy temperament from the Bernese Mountain Dog. Together, these qualities prepare the Bernedoodle to be an excellent therapy dog. There are only two essential things to keep in mind when it comes to a Bernedoodle becoming a therapy dog. For one, Bernedoodles typically come in three sizes. Depending on the dog, some Bernedoodles can have somewhat high energy needs. Otherwise, the Bernedoodle is the picture-perfect candidate for therapy. What is the Process of Becoming a Therapy Dog? Bernedoodle puppies may have some stubbornness. The good news is, this typically wears off as the Bernedoodle reaches adulthood. This is when their calm, intelligent, and eager-to-please attitude comes into play. Make sure that you are properly socializing your Bernedoodle, too. They should be around all types of people, places, and things to be well-versed with society. Register your hound so they can start helping people right away! Evaluation: To get certified, you will need to have your Bernedoodle evaluated. Renewal — Your Bernedoodle will need to renew its certification every three years. Training your Bernedoodle to be an actual therapy dog can be time-consuming and costly. Remember — a dog that has a calm, friendly, and supportive attitude is all that is necessary for a dog to become an emotional support dog. The Bernedoodle has these traits and more, making this designer breed a top-notch choice for emotional support. The only drawback is that an emotional support dog cannot enter all buildings like a service dog. Final Thoughts A Bernedoodle is an ideal candidate for a therapy dog. They are loving, caring, calm, and intelligent. After proper certification and registration, your Bernedoodle will be set to support and comfort people across the nation. Choosing a breed that will suit your needs and lifestyle is really important for all dog handlers. Many owners choose a mixed dog breed, since they can benefit from the advantages that two separate breeds offer. The Bernedoodle is a relatively new mixed dog breed, that becomes more and more popular due to its indisputable advantages. If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful breed, you may want to keep reading. This breed is a mixed breed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. A really important feature of these canines is that they are not identical and you as an owner can expect a distinctive animal. Sherry Rupke from Swissridge Kennels is considered the first man who started crossing these two breeds as he wanted to create a dog that features the nice temperament of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the intelligence of the Poodle. In addition, Poodles tend to shed less, which was another advantage that Rupke wanted to obtain when crossing both breeds. The American Kennel Club does not acknowledge the Bernedoodle, as it is a new breed, mixed from two pure breeds. Bernedoodle Generations First, we need to understand the labels and what exactly they mean. Every Bernedoodle generation is designated with the letter F. When a Bernedoodle generation features the letter B this means that it is a backcross. In some rare cases, it also can mean that the dog was bred back to a Bernese Mountain Dog. This indicates that this generation has been backcrossed with a Poodle twice. The number in the label indicates the generation-1 means first generation, 2 means second generation, etc. The first generation F1 of this breed is a mix of a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle in a ratio of .This generation is deemed as the healthiest one. The ratio shows that this generation is likely to inherit more features of the Poodle parent. Since Poodles tend to shed less than the Bernese Mountain Dogs, the F1b may be preferred by people allergic to dog fur. The second generation F2 is a crossed breed between two representatives of the first generation. This type of crossing is not recommended over too many generations, as it may increase the risk of genetic disorders. There are also other generations like: F1BB .Weight and Size The size and weight of this mixed breed may vary depending on its pedigree. In general, we can differentiate three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. The weight range of the first type is usually about lbs 4. The representatives of this type are about inches high cm. The second type- Mini Barnedoodles, can reach a weight range of about lbs kg and a height range of about inches cm. The representatives of the third type are usually about inches high cm and weigh approximately lbs kg. You would be happy to know that these doggies adapt really fast to different environments. However, you need to spend enough time for regular exercises, walks, and games, in order to keep your canine in a good shape. Among the canines with black, brown, and white coats, there are also representatives with three colored coats. However, the last ones are rare and hard to find. Do Bernedoodles Shed? As already explained above the Bernedoodles can look differently depending on the generation they belong to, and the way their parents looked. If they are more similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog parent, they are likely to have a long straight coat and shed more. In both cases, you need to take care of their coat and ensure that you get your dog groomed regularly. Although many breeders are able to recognize the coat type of the Bernedoodle at an early age, its appearance may change with the years. These canines are considered the most hypoallergenic type of all three types. Fortunately, these canines are not likely to be shed on the floor or on your furniture. However, as they shed upon their own coat, it is really important that you brush and trim them frequently. This coat type is maybe the most common coat type among the Bernedoodles. The representatives of this type are likely to shed less or to not shed at all. Their coat tends to be wavy or tangled. Although the name of this type excludes the possibility of having waves on their coat, these dogs may have slight waves. The third coat type is the rarest one. Lifespan and Health There is not much information about the lifespan of this breed, as it is relatively new. According to some breeders, the representatives of the Bernedoodles may be predisposed to some health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and skin problems. However, these dogs are considered really healthy and suitable for families. The lifespan of the Bernedoodles can be about years. The toy-sized canines are expected to live the longest, as small dogs are likely to have a longer lifespan than large dogs. Digestive system issues may be inherited from the Poodle genes, and bone structure disorders may be inherited from the Bernese Mountain Dog parent. We come to a very important part of our article, that you many people may be interested in. We have described the physical features of the Bernedoodles, but we have not mentioned anything about their temperament. Bernedoodle Temperament The temperament of these doggies depends on the personalities of their parent breeds as well as on the crossing ratio and the separate dog itself. However, these pups are welcomed by many families, due to their undeniable advantages. They are loyal, playful, and very gentle, they love being around people and getting attention. They are likely to inherit from their Poodle parent a high level of energy, and social skills. These doggies like being cuddled and can create a really strong bond with their handlers. Since they have a Bernese Mountain Dog parent, they may be predisposed to separation anxiety. That is why handlers may want to train their puppies at an early age to feel secure and comfortable while home alone. Crate training could be very helpful for your dog to feel relaxed while you are not at home. It could shape their behavior and prevent them from developing negative habits like stubbornness and sensitivity. These canines are easy-going with children and can provide good companionship. However, if you have small kids, we would recommend that you pay attention to the interaction between them and your dog. Children can hurt the toy-sized representatives of the breed by accident. On the other hand, the standard-sized canines can injure a kid during playtime, although they tend to be affectionate. Although the Bernedoodles are so lovely, intelligent, and affectionate, they could be really stubborn sometimes. The Bernedooes enjoy spending time outdoor, running, playing, and hiking. Depending on the impact of the Poodle parent, the Bernedoodles may like retrieving. Despite the stubbornness that some puppies may show, these doggies are intelligent and can obtain obedience skills. They are great at performing tasks related to companionship and interaction with people. In addition, they love being cuddled. In addition, these dogs require regular grooming that also can be expensive. Due to their personality and traits, we can say that these canines are worth the money. However, you can always adopt a canine from a shelter or a rescue. When adopting a Bernedoodle you need to be sure that all health tests were run and the canine is healthy and qualified to be adopted.
For the complete list please Click Here. This number can vary depending on the breeder and where you purchase your new puppy from. This will guarantee that the puppy is purebred, healthy, and up-to-date on its vaccinations. The health of any breed is largely dependent upon its breeding practices, so this becomes even more important with purebred dogs such as boxers who are prone to hereditary diseases. Be aware that the vast majority of the pet stores have their puppies supplied by unscrupulous breeders. The best place to find reputable boxer breeders will be through the local boxer breed clubs, they will be able to put you in touch with responsible breeders who are aware of the health issues specific to this breed. Above all, take your time. Do not ever, rush into any decision when purchasing a new family member. If you do so, then chances are that it may turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes of your life. Visit Your Arizona Boxer Breeder in Person Every responsible breeder will insist on you visiting them in person before buying a puppy. The breeder should be happy to offer you references from previous purchasers, as well as conducting an interview with yourself the potential new owner. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Arizona Most responsible breeders will have no problem in offering you references from people that they have sold puppies to previously, even better if they can provide more than just one. Other than asking for references from previous buyers, always ask the breeder what type of after-care is provided. Reputable breeders will also offer at least a 6-month health guarantee with their puppies; this means that they will either fix or replace your boxer puppy at no cost to yourself if it falls ill within this time frame. This way you can be assured that you are purchasing a healthy boxer pup, free of known genetic issues. The most reputable boxer breeders will have no issues in allowing their clients to meet one another. Find out whether the breeder uses a good vet. If they do, then they will be more than willing to give you contact information for their veterinarian, as well as provide you with a recommendation. It is unfortunate but true that puppy mills do exist and finding one can be extremely difficult as most will go out of their way to make it appear as if they are running a legitimate business. Healthy boxer pups grow into healthy boxers, so quality over quantity should always be the goal. This is not a sign of distrust but rather one of concern for both you and your new boxer pup. A good breeder will ask you what type of contract you would like before selling a puppy to you. By asking this question you can ensure that your boxer pup has never had ANY health problems such as Parvo or other issues that may become apparent in later life such as heart disease. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy The age at which your new boxer pup is received will often determine how much preparation you need to do. While it may seem like a daunting task, if done properly it can be achieved within just a week or two of arriving home — providing that everyone in the household understands what is expected and are prepared for this new addition. Boxers are very intelligent dogs which means that, with patience on your part, they will soon learn exactly where they are supposed to go. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. He is a fantastic dog. .He does like to play with chew toys and if this boy becomes yours.He loves his doggie pool filled with water an human in-ground pools too! He loves to play fetch with the object landing in the pool for him to take a splash while retrieving it. He loves car rides. He can get a bit of "selective hearing" when he plays. He knows a few basic commands but could use some more training as far as not jumping up on you when playing. Chopper loves to be outside so a home that allows him indoor access but also outside time too would be best. He gets along wth dogs but is the alpha , we have had him around older kids and he does great. We have not tested him with cats or young children, when he gets super excited he can jump up and does not know his own strength, so if you have children, you would have to remind him to stay down. Chopper is neutered, up to date of vaccines and microchipped. Please note: Chopper has been DNA tested. Although we thought he had pitbull in him, he does not have any pittie in him. His body is the size of an adult lab. Vet guesses his birthday to be around December
Veterinarian Owned Royale French Bulldogs is owned and operated by a highly trained and experienced veterinarian. One Year Warranty Our puppies are guaranteed to have a clean bill of health and free from genetic issues for one full year Champion Bloodline Our sires and dames are carefully selected from Europe with champion bloodlines. They answered all questions promptly whether it was by text or phone call. We had our sweet girl delivered to us in Las Vegas by their nanny service and received text and pictures along the way. Our puppy Hazel is very healthy and full of energy. I would definitely do business with Royale French Bulldogs again. Thank you for your professionalism from start to finish. The whole transaction was smooth and seamless! Our baby is even more beautiful in person! Thanks Royale French Bulldogs for everything. They are by far the best I found. They care about their dogs like every single one is their own. We now have two from them and have recommended others to get their puppies from them. The care you receive is top notch. Michelle- Portland When we got Luda, we thought it was cool that he and my dad shared the same birthday. My dad passed away yesterday and I cant help to think there is a reason Luda was sent to us! Even more special now! Thank you for this amazing Angel! These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time! Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.
They are intelligent, loyal and energetic dogs when grown, but require lots of training and stimulation to avoid boredom and become well-adjusted socially. While loving to their owners, they are often distant with strangers and can suffer from separation anxiety when their owner is away. It is highly unusual for the puppy's owner to care for them during this time and is best left to a responsible, reputable breeder. Your puppy's body will double in weight as their muscles, organs and bones develop. Nutrition During the neonatal stage, your German Shepherd puppy will get most of their nutrition from their mother's milk. At around 4 weeks you may wish to introduce a few kibbles mixed with warm water. Health During this time it is important to monitor your GSD for any infections, diseases or birth defects. Puppies are unable to urinate or defecate by themselves initially, so their mother helps them but may additionally require your assistance. Keep your vet's contact details close by and educate yourself thoroughly on this stage of puppy development. By the end of this period, your puppy will be mobile and will explore the world mouth first — be sure to keep choking hazards and toxic foods out of their reach. Behaviour During most of this time your GSD will be asleep or inactive, but they will soon be playing with their brothers and sisters. After weeks they will go through as much sensory development as a human baby does in a few months. It is important to avoid disturbing the puppies' mother as she will be likely be protective, but some interaction with the young pups is normal so they become used to human touch. This is a formative time for your puppy and will be when they learn to walk, play, bite, hold their bladder, and interact with others. In this time your GSD will develop a trusting relationship with you and will respond negatively to harsh treatment, so be sure be assertive and establish your dominance but avoid shouting. Nutrition During the weaning stage, you should slowly introduce into their diet a nutritionally complete dog food which is appropriate to your German Shepherd's large size and young age. This breed tend not to be gluttons and quickly work off any weight during exercise, but this time is crucial for developing healthy bones and joints so feed them the best quality food you can. You should also familiarise yourself with lists of toxic foods and plants to avoid and hide as your puppy will soon find ways to get into places it shouldn't be. If your GSD is a long-haired variant you should make them familiar with brushing early as this will become a daily necessity for their entire life. You must be careful to monitor play and not allow your puppy to play too rough or they may irreversibly damage their sensitive back legs and shoulders. Behaviour Due to the changes in their environment, your GSD will likely be under a significant amount of stress. It's important that you provide lots of attention and build your relationship early, but be careful not to allow your puppy to become dependent on your attention and presence. GSDs are often described as aloof since they are shy with strangers — it is important to socialise them with strangers early so that they do not become aggressive towards people and dogs they are unfamiliar with. Your GSD will be full of energy and already require lots of time exercising, playing and in training. Your dog will likely do well at puppy training school and will benefit from obedience training to help control them in public. Nutrition Your German Shepherd puppy's diet should be based around a high quality, nutritionally complete puppy food. It is particularly important that you make sure your pup has the right diet at this time to help them grow properly and avoid joint or bone problems later in life. Your GSD has a double coat which changes with the seasons: the bottom layer sheds in the warmer weather, but will need daily or weekly brushing to help it along. After around 8 weeks your puppy will be due for some vaccinations, so they will need a checkup at the vet and to arrange for boosters after that. Studies showed that dogs supplemented with a diet of bovine colostrum had a quicker and stronger immune system response to CDV vaccine as compared to dogs fed a control diet. Colostrum supplemented dogs maintained a higher antibody level even after 40 weeks. A diet supplemented with Colostrum helps bridge the immunity gap in puppies that occurs between 3 weeks and 5 months of age. Behaviour German Shepherds are unendingly loyal to their family but are distant with people they don't know, so familiarise them with friends, strangers and other dogs early. It is vital to teach your pup early to be patient with children who may not respect their boundaries and might otherwise provoke aggressive behaviour. It is important to provide your GSD with lots of sturdy, entertaining toys to stimulate them — a bored German Shepherd will destroy your furniture and backyard for fun. Recommended Articles. Let your pet enjoy a fun and interactive playing session with the help of some good dog toys. Here is a list of some of the most popular and affordable toys that are apt for large dogs. This dog food is easy to digest and is free from soy, eggs, dairy, red meat and more to give the right nutrition to your pet. This food is great for giving balanced nutrition to your pet without causing any disturbance in digestive health. Besides German Shepherds, you can use this pack of food to feed adult pugs, beagles, labradors, golden retrievers and more. This is a pack of dry dog food that is meant for dogs above the age of 18 months. Being apt for active dogs, this food can be used to feed most of the German Shepherds that are kept for security purposes and undergo training sessions regularly. If you are introducing this food to your pet dog, make sure that you refer to the feeding instructions given on the packaging to ensure the proper health of your pet dog. Besides German Shepherds, you can even feed this food to Dobermans, St. Bernards and more. Read more about German Shepherd dog food here. Purina Supercoat Adult Dry Dog Food If you have an adult German Shepherd at home, you can buy this pack of dry dog food to ensure a shiny and healthy coat for your pet. This food is a good source of proteins to make the muscles of your pet dog stronger. Regular consumption of this food can even ensure proper digestive health and a good immune system to keep your pet dog happy and healthy. This food is available in a tempting chicken flavour to easily attract your pet German Shepherd for the meal. Since it is free from artificial colours and flavours, you need not think too much before buying it online for your pet. If you are not sure about the quantity of food that is right for every serving, you can refer to the feeding instructions given on the packaging. Besides German Shepherds, you can even serve this food to puppies of other breeds as well. Also read:. Swine gestation calculator. Dog due date, labor, and pregnancy Your dog can get pregnant between the ages of 2 to 6. The female is most fertile in her 2nd or 3rd heat heat happens every 5 to 11 months. That's also when we can expect the largest litter. When pregnant, your dog will start to eat more and gain weight, and lab tests may show anemia and an elevated number of white blood cells. Remember that false pregnancy is a relatively common occurrence in dogs! Factors that may influence the number of puppies: Breed of the dog large dogs: puppies, small dogs: ; Amount of the male's sperm; Breeding time; Health of a female; and The state of the dog's uterus previous pregnancies. Our dog gestation period calculator will familiarize you with how your dog's pregnancy develops and the time left until her labor. At that time, your dog's temperature will drop by 1. She will breathe more rapidly and have an elevated thirst. The dog will start to get nervous and will gather all her toys in a safe, quiet place. Once we computed the labor date with the dog due date calculator, it's sensible to prepare for it in advance. When the big day comes, you'll need: Sterile gloves; A bottle with prepared formula. Did you know? A dog's egg cell must mature for days before it can be fertilized by sperm! The puppy's wellbeing Once you've used the pregnancy calculator and you know the exact date your new puppies will arrive, try to keep in mind the following rules: During pregnancy, you have to avoid certain medications, including some antibiotics or antifungal treatments. Inform your vet that you suspect that your dog might be pregnant. Check if your dog is consuming enough food. During lactation, your dog should consume twice as much food as usual too. Pups will start to open their eyes after days. They can't discriminate between shapes until the 18th day of their life! So, if they have trouble with sucking, you must help them navigate to their mother's nipples don't worry, they know what to do once there. We hope that our puppy due date calculator helps you assure yourself that everything's ready and under control for the arrival of some new lives! Share the joy! They'll be eager to devour everything once they're older! You may find out more about the possible danger in our dog chocolate toxicity calculator. Here are some signs that your dog may be pregnant: Weight gain;. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since. Do you prefer to watch a video? It is packed with nutrients, vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium, and fiber. It is also low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Dogs can benefit from this antioxidant-rich vegetable as it protects against illness and defends the immune system. However, only feed your dog a tiny portion and provide it slowly to avoid choking and possible digestive blockages. You can give it raw. Asparagus German Shepherds can eat asparagus. It is a healthy option for your dog because of its vitamin K, A, B1, B2, C, and E, folate, iron, copper, fiber, manganese, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants that help flush out toxins from the bloodstream. Sometimes asparagus can make urine smell unpleasant, so consider this if your German Shepherd is not yet fully house-trained! Also, it is advised to feed cooked asparagus as the stalks can be pretty tough to chew for some dogs. I try not to overcook my asparagus as it can lose a lot of nutrients. Beets Beets beetroot are full of iron, fiber, and vitamins. However, as they are pretty acidic, giving your dog a tiny amount is best. Bell Peppers All color of bell peppers contains essential vitamins and minerals for your dog, although the red variety is best as it contains the highest amount of vitamins and antioxidants. They are also very low in calories and can be given in moderation as a healthy treat. You must remove the seeds and stems to avoid indigestion. You can feed bell peppers raw. However, your dog will find the skin tough to chew, so it would be better to steam or mash the pepper to make it easier to digest. Do NOT give your dog red chili peppers; the spicy taste will make your dog sick, and they will not thank you! Broccoli Broccoli is a vegetable that is also okay to eat in minimal quantities. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, broccoli florets contain a chemical that can cause significant gas in some dogs, so you must experiment first, as it could be unpleasant for everyone in the house! You will also need to take care when feeding your dog the stalks as they could cause an obstruction, so make sure you cut them into small pieces. Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that are great for dogs. In addition, they contain vitamin K, which helps the blood clot properly, builds bones, and protects the heart. I hate Brussels sprouts, so my German Shepherd has never tried them! Cabbage German Shepherds can eat cabbage including red, savoy, and bok choy. It is safe for dogs and full of nutrients, especially vitamins C and K, and fiber. Carrot Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack. They are high in potassium, fiber, and beta-carotene, producing vitamin A, which is good for healthy bones, eyes, and the immune system. Frozen or raw carrots are ideal for your puppy if they are teething. My German Shepherd loves to crunch on a raw piece of carrot as a treat, and it also helps to clean her teeth. Carrots are one of the best vegetables you can give your dog. Cauliflower German Shepherds can eat cauliflower, and it is known for its nutritional qualities. It may also reduce inflammation and cancer. Cauliflower does, however, contain a chemical that will give your dog the dreaded gas! Celery German Shepherds can eat celery. Celery contains vitamins A, C, and K, folate, potassium, and manganese, and it is an excellent source of fiber. These excellent nutrients are needed to promote a healthy heart and even fight cancer. In addition, celery is good for your dog to crunch on and might even freshen up their doggy breath! Corn German Shepherds can eat corn. It can provide your dog with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. However, it is a starchy vegetable high in carbohydrates, so feed it sparingly. Corn is not the best choice of vegetable for nutrition, as I describe better alternatives in this article. You should only feed your dog small amounts to avoid weight gain or possible dental issues. On the other hand, if your dog is with you on a long walk and needs a quick energy boost, corn is an ideal alternative treat to take with you. Canned corn usually high in sodium and popcorn containing butter or salt should also not be given. Eggplant German Shepherds can eat eggplant aubergine. It also contains B vitamins, vitamin K, and potassium and can protect your dog from chronic diseases. It also contains a small amount of toxic solanine in high concentrations. Cook the eggplant before giving it to your dog, as the raw flavor is not very nice and difficult to digest. It can be grilled, roasted, or baked; always feed it in small bite-sized pieces. Green Beans German Shepherds can eat green beans, and they are highly nutritious. Green beans are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber and are also low in calories. If you feed them raw, remember to cut them up first to prevent choking and help with digestion. Most dogs seem to like green beans. I wish I could say the same when I tried to feed them to my kids at mealtimes! Due to its high water content, the nutritional value of lettuce is low, but it does contain beta-carotene and fiber. It could be a practical choice of snack or treat if your dog is overweight due to its very low-calorie content. You must ensure lettuce is washed thoroughly before feeding it to your GSD. Other healthy and more nutritious choices include spinach, green beans, and asparagus. Parsnips Parsnips are a safe vegetable to give to your GSD, and they contain plenty of vitamins C and B6, folic acid, and potassium. Parsnips also have antioxidants that help fight cancer. You can feed them raw as long as they are chopped up into small digestible pieces, or they can be cooked, which is even better for your dog. As parsnips are starchy along with other root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets and high in sugar, ensure you only feed in moderation. Peas Peas are safe for German Shepherds and contain several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, and many B vitamins. Peas also contain fiber, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium and are good for the eyes, skin, and heart. They are great for boosting energy levels as they are starchy carbohydrates. They are high in fiber, so they can help your dog maintain a healthy weight. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid the canned variety as they may contain a lot of sodium and additives. Potato Cooked Potatoes are starchy vegetables and are okay to feed your dog ; however, they must be cooked and the skin removed. Do not give your GSD raw potato or if the potato is green on the outside as they contain a compound called solanine which is toxic to them. However, cooking a potato reduces the levels of solanine, thus making them less dangerous. Potatoes contain vitamin C, B6, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are great nutrients for your dog. As they are high in carbohydrates which provides energy , you should only feed a minimal amount, especially if your dog already has issues with obesity or diabetes. If this is the case, it would be best to avoid them altogether. Potatoes should be baked, boiled, or mashed, with nothing added like salt or butter. French fries or potato chips are a definite no, as these are unhealthy for you, me, and your dog! Sweet potatoes are a healthier choice as they are much more nutritious. Pumpkin German Shepherds can eat pumpkins. Pumpkin is full of fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants to help to promote overall cardiovascular health. Therefore, it is one of the best vegetables recommended for digestion and overall health properties. Both raw and cooked pumpkin is fine for your German Shepherd; however, it is better cooked as your dog can digest it easier. Both rutabaga swede and turnip contain calcium, potassium, vitamins A, C, and folate and are also low in calories. They are highly nutritious, well known for their antioxidant qualities, and are good overall disease-fighting vegetables. If you feed it raw to your German Shepherd, cut it into small pieces and thoroughly wash it first to eliminate any traces of bacteria or pesticides. Spinach German Shepherds can eat spinach, which has nutritional properties that can benefit your GSD. It is high in iron and provides fiber, vitamins, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. Spinach is also known as a cancer fighter. Sweet Potato German Shepherds can eat sweet potatoes. They are perfect for their digestive system as they contain an excellent source of fiber. Sweet potato is also rich in an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which provides various benefits. This veggie helps lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers and is good for your GSDs immune system. However, as sweet potatoes are mainly starchy carbohydrates, if your dog is diabetic, overweight, or inactive, they are probably best avoided unless you give him a minimal amount. Sweet potatoes must be cooked and the skin removed before feeding your dog. You can bake, mash, or puree them. They are also a healthier choice than cooked white potatoes. Squash Squash butternut is safe for your dog. It is technically a fruit, but we will discuss it here as it is used as a vegetable. It belongs to the same family as pumpkin, and so if your dog enjoys the taste of pumpkin, then they will like the naturally sweet taste of squash too! It is highly nutritious and contains vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, magnesium, and potassium. Squash is good for overall general health, including eyes, skin, bones, and immune function, and can fight certain diseases. It is relatively low in sugar and calories, and the fleshy part is easy for German Shepherds to digest as long as it is cooked. Avoid giving the skin as it is too hard for your dog to digest. It is better cooked, either boiled or roasted and fed in bite-sized treats. Zucchini Zucchini courgette is safe for your GSD and contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially vitamin C and potassium. It is low in fat and cholesterol and, therefore, a good choice for overweight dogs instead of feeding a high-calorie treat. In the summer, a small portion of frozen zucchini is excellent for your German Shepherd. Can German Shepherds Eat Vegetables? We only need to look at the history of the domesticated dog when deciding if German Shepherds can eat vegetables. German Shepherds can eat vegetables as dogs have adapted to a starch-rich diet over hundreds of years of domestication, and their digestive system can process vegetables. Vegetables can provide an additional nutrient source for your dog, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can also be given as a supplement in their diet. As vegetables are low in calories and fat, they make a good choice if your dog needs to lose weight. They are also cholesterol-free and contain less sugar than fruits. All treats should be fed in moderation ; a few small pieces a day will be fine. Pro Tip! The amount of daily calories that your dog needs depends on his size, age, and level of activity. Ideally, they should be cooked first, as dogs may find most of them hard to digest. I like to steam mine because veggies taste better cooked this way. Do not add salt or seasoning to the cooking process, as too much of this is bad for your dog. Some vegetables like carrots, celery, lettuce, and green beans can be given RAW. This helps rinse away any dirt, bacteria, and any remaining pesticides. Many dogs will try to swallow raw bites of a vegetable whole, which can cause choking or digestive issues, so make sure you feed them in small pieces. While fresh vegetables are the best option, frozen vegetables offer convenience and have the same healthy nutrients as fresh ones. You can also freeze vegetables by following the below steps: Wash them in cold water first. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanch them by placing them in a pan of boiling water for a couple of minutes. This helps to remove any bacteria and helps to retain vitamins and minerals. Remove from the boiling water and place in cold water until chilled. Place in freezer bags and freeze. Be wary of canned vegetables, as many brands are high in salt, which can cause your dog to become dehydrated or, in extreme cases, cause salt poisoning. Canned vegetables may also contain unnecessary additives. If you want more information on the best fruits for German Shepherds , check out my complete guide. The below vegetables are toxic to dogs and must not be fed to your German Shepherd: Garlic German Shepherds can not eat garlic as it is toxic and damages the red blood cells, leading to anemia. While garlic can be okay in tiny amounts, large amounts can be poisonous, even though your pet must eat a lot to get very sick. Your dog may display symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and breathing problems. Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives German Shepherds can not eat onions, shallots, leeks, and chives as they are poisonous to most pets. These foods can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and breathing problems. Rhubarb Leaves Although the stalks of the rhubarb plant are safe for your German Shepherd in small quantities and can be good if your dog has constipation , the leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to dogs. This can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors. You must be careful if you grow rhubarb at home and ensure your dog is never unsupervised. Cooked potato with the skin removed is okay to eat as the cooking reduces the amount of solanine. Mushrooms Wild German Shepherds can not eat mushrooms wild as they can be toxic. There are thousands of wild mushroom species, and while only a few are poisonous, this could be very serious if your dog eats one. Toxic mushroom ingestion can cause severe stomach upset, seizures, liver failure, and death. Feeding German Shepherds vegetables can provide several benefits to their overall health and well-being. These vitamins help to support the immune system, promote healthy skin and coat, and even help to improve vision. How often can German Shepherds eat vegetables? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the age and size of your German Shepherd and the type of vegetables you are feeding them. Generally speaking, German Shepherds can eat vegetables daily, but ensuring that the vegetables you provide are appropriate for their age and size is essential. What are the best vegetables for German Shepherds? The best vegetables for German Shepherds are those high in fiber and low in fat. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, green beans, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash are all excellent sources of fiber and low in fat. Final Thoughts You now know what vegetables you can safely feed your German Shepherd and which ones to avoid! We all love to reward our dogs with treats and experiment with new ones, and vegetables make a great option. Related Posts You May Like:. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.
These dogs boast wonderfully calm natures which paired to their intelligence and trainability make them the perfect choice as family pets. They are renowned for being one of the best breeds used a guide dogs. They excel at other jobs they are asked to do which includes detecting bombs, tracking and competing in obedience classes. They are one of the top choices of dogs used in search and rescue situations. They boast loyal and affectionate natures whether they are working dogs or family pets thanks to their loyal and trustworthy personalities. The dogs the Lord watched perform had wavy, thick coats and they stood at around inches at the withers. Their coats ranged from a cream to light biscuit in colour and the Lord liked the look of them so much, he purchased the dogs which he then took to his estate in Scotland where he used his dogs to track down deer and other game. The first time Golden Retrievers were ever shown at the Crystal Palace was in by Viscount Harcourt and then a year or so later at Crufts. Some facts about the breed……. Height at the withers: Males 56 — 61 cm, Females 51 — 56 cm Average Weight: Males 29 — 34 kg, Females 25 — 29 kg Golden Retrievers are well-balanced, powerful looking dogs that boast an intelligent and ultra-kind expression. Their heads are well proportioned in relation to their bodies. They have strong muzzles which are deep and wide with a black nose. Their eyes are deep set and dark brown in colour with black rims, and they are set well apart. Their ears are medium in size which dogs hold level to their eyes giving them the kind and intelligent expression the breed is so well known for. They have strong, muscular necks and nicely formed forequarters with shoulders well laid back. Hindquarters are strong and muscular with powerful back legs and feet that are very cat-like in appearance. When it comes to their coat, Golden Retrievers have either a wavy or flat extremely water-resistant double coat with a good amount of feathering. Every stride is free-moving with dogs covering a lot of ground. To describe a Golden Retriever in a nutshell, these dogs are confident by nature as well as being extremely kind and affectionate which is why they have become one of the top choices of family pets the world over having been at the top of the list when it comes to popularity both in a home and working environment. They are not known to be the best watch dogs simply because they are too kind and rarely would a Golden Retriever show any sort of aggression towards people or other animals. However, they are more relaxed than Border Collies and are quite happy to chill out too. Is a Golden Retriever a good choice for first time owners? Golden Retrievers are a great choice for first time owners because they are so biddable and easy going by nature which makes them easy to train. However, they hate being left on their own for long periods which means owners need to have enough time to dedicate to their canine companions for them to be truly happy in a home environment. What about prey drive? Golden Retrievers are confident, laid-back dogs by nature and although they are extremely good working dogs in the field, they do not have a high prey drive, preferring to get on with other animals and pets they meet. What about playfulness? Golden Retrievers remain very puppy-like well into their senior years and thoroughly enjoy playing interactive games. Being so intelligent, they learn new tricks extremely quickly which is why they are so good at many canine sports including agility which is an activity they are known to excel at and which they thoroughly enjoy. Golden Retrievers are known to suffer from depression if they are left on their own for too long which is why they are better suited to households where one person stays at home when everyone else is out so they never spend a lot of time on their own. Are Golden Retrievers Adaptable Dogs? With this said, they need enough space to express themselves as they should which means they are better suited to living in houses rather than apartments. There is nothing a Golden Retriever enjoys more than being able to romp around in a secure back garden whenever they can so they can really let off steam. Do They Bark a lot? It would be their way of showing how unhappy they are about the situation. Do Golden Retrievers like Swimming? Golden Retrievers have a real affinity with water and will jump in whenever they can and they are strong swimmers. Their double coats offer them a tremendous amount of protection because they are so water repellent. Anyone who shares a home with one of these lovely dogs should always take great care when walking their pets off the lead anywhere near more dangerous watercourses just in case they decide to leap in. Are Golden Retrievers good watchdogs? A Golden Retriever would always tell their owners when strangers are about, but thanks to their kind and friendly natures, they are not the best watchdogs. Anyone looking for a more impressive watchdog would do better to choose another breed. Are they easy to train? Golden Retrievers are extremely intelligent dogs which is paired to the fact they are always keen and eager to please. This makes them ultra-easy to train which is one of the reasons why Goldens excel at so many things including fieldwork. When correctly handled and trained, these dogs excel at so many different disciplines and they are frequently used as assistant dogs for the disabled. However, Golden Retrievers are sensitive by nature and therefore do not respond well to any sort of harsher training methods or correction. They do respond to positive reinforcement and will be more accommodating and sensitive to this type of guidance and direction. Golden Retrievers are one of the top breeds to take part in Field Trials. As a hybrid dog, the Golden Irish will inherit the physical and behavioral traits of both its parent dog breeds, however, not all Golden Irish dogs will inherit the same characteristics even if from the same litter. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with both the Golden Retriever and the Irish Setter if you are planning on adopting a Golden Irish as the breed can have more characteristics of one parent breed than the other. Golden Irish are known for being very loyal and affectionate dogs with exceptional agility. They are very friendly and should make a wonderful companion or family dogs. Golden Irish are active dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Exercise is essential as it helps them burn off excess energy, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen their muscles and bones, improve their cardiovascular health, and prevent behavioral issues such as boredom and destructive behaviors. The intensity necessary may vary depending on their age, health, and lifestyle. Responsible dog owners should ensure that their furry friends get plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Important Notice!!!!!! Due to scams and imposters, please make sure and submit your deposits and payments only via this website! Never send money directly to an email, PayPal, Venmo, or other accounts not listed on this website!! We never ask for any remaining funds, until the day you pick up your puppy, or the day prior to shipping. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Transportation We will provide transportation for your puppy if needed and have had great success with our puppies traveling all over the USA. We handle all travel arrangements and details. Pet Nanny flights may be more expensive depending on location. Contact Us. They are extremely kind, affectionate and intelligent puppies. They are like teddy bears and love their cuddles like their mom Heidi and dad Duke. They are bred to a very high standard and their pedigree is available. This is the first litter from our gorgeous family dog, Heidi, who is an excellent family pet. We have one male and one female cream puppy available, they are in perfect health and displaying a friendly temperament, much like their mother. Our puppies have been raised and played with by my nine grandchildren since they were born, so they are well accustomed to being handled regularly. They were also born the same time our cat had kittens so they are well used to and quite affectionate with our cats and kittens. Each puppy is IKC registered, vaccinated, wormed, and microchipped. We would be more than happy for you to visit and meet the puppies before making any commitments. It is very important to us that the puppies go to suitable homes that will provide love and affection aswell as proper looking after. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. We ensured that none of the Labradoodle breeders mentioned here has a bad reputation and that no breeders with unethical procedures or puppy mills were listed. Secondly, PuppySpot offers a range of resources and services to make the process of bringing your new Labradoodle home as easy as possible. Lastly, PuppySpot is committed to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. They have a strict policy against working with puppy mills or substandard breeders and partner with animal welfare organizations to support their mission. They make the process easy, and their commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare is something to be proud of! You can trust this breeder, who has been breeding Australian multigenerational miniature and standard-sized Labradoodles since , to do everything she can to raise healthy and happy puppies. All puppies have been vaccinated, microchipped, and checked their health. You can also request health and genetic tests from this breeder. Hips, eyes, and other joints are among the most common health examinations. Furthermore, genetic testing guarantees that your dog will be free of inherited disorders. You will get a Labradoodle puppy that will share your home for the rest of its life. Each breeding parent has undergone extensive health checks and genetic testing. Before you can be approved as a breeder, both organizations need you to undergo health tests on your dogs. This breeder spends time exposing puppies to various stimuli and lifelong conditions such as nail trimming and bathing. Most Labradoodle breeders in New York will not provide their puppies with this additional training and stimulation. All puppies are vet-checked, given their first set of immunizations, dewormed, and come with a health guarantee. Parent dogs are health-tested and genetically checked, providing you peace of mind when choosing a Labradoodle puppy. This breeder is known for its multigeneration medium-sized Labradoodles. All pups come with a health guarantee of 2-years, up-to-date immunizations, microchipping, and free pet insurance for an initial period of 30 days. All breeding parents are entirely healthy and have had their eyes, hearts, knees, elbows, and hips examined by the OFA. This breeder is known for its multigenerational medium and standard-size Labradoodles. They only have a limited amount of certified therapy and service dogs available each year, so talk to them if you want your Labradoodle to be more than just a family pet or a companion dog. In New York, Guardianship initiatives are an excellent method to receive a low-cost Labradoodle pup. Within one week of the buyer receiving the puppy, a veterinarian will inspect the puppy. They breed F2B standard-sized Labradoodle puppies. At 6 weeks of age, the puppies will get their first checkup and vaccinations with the Country Side doctor. We usually suggest contacting each breeder individually and asking them a range of questions. Choose a breeder willing to address your issues and choose the best dog on the basis of temperament rather than appearance. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink.
I started breeding Olde English Bulldogges back in .After a few years, I added English Bulldogs to my program. I have always prided myself on breeding healthy family pets. In I had to take a break due to being diagnosed with breast cancer. I am super excited to be able to begin my breeding program again. Right now, we have two females, Tito and Bailey. Tito is Baileys mom. They live in our home and are a part of our everyday lives. The English Bulldog is an old and unmistakable breed. Their compact, muscular frame and copious wrinkles make them stand out from any group of dogs. They're known to have a gentle disposition, calm demeanor and love human attention. English Bulldogs are well suited for aparment life and more calm lifestyles as they don't require a large yard or a lot of exercise. They suffer in extreme heat and cold and do best in temperate climate. They are loud breathers and are known for their snoring and wheezing. Their coats don't require much attention but you will want to keep their facial folds and wrinkles clean to prevent skin infections. English Bulldogs aren't an easy breed to raise. They require artificial insemination and c-sections and require around the clock care the first few weeks. Bulldog moms can be clumsy and lay on their babies while nursing so they have to be watched closely. By providing proper food, vaccinations and care for 8 weeks, the Bulldog breeder invests a lot of time and money into each litter. If you add up the cost of stud service, progesterone tests, c-section, vaccinations, etc. This is just a quick summary of why English Bulldogs cost what they do. You can certainly find cheaper puppies but this is one of those times when you "get what you pay for". Home: About Us. You can search for the puppy you want on the said website, and you can even filter the search to make a quicker and better search. Moreover, you can find further tips and information that can come in handy on their site. Here is the link to the AKC Marketplace. In it, you can find both Bulldog Pups and adults that are near you. You can also filter the searches with the sex and age of the dog that you want. Here is a link to their website. Provide a suitable bed. Make sure your puppy already has its bed where it can sleep. A crate is ideal for your new puppy. One thing you can do is provide a stress-free sleeping area. Thus, you should maintain the space with a quiet environment. Put the bed somewhere you can see so you can always keep an eye for your pet. Your pet should have his food and water bowls. It would be best to have a customized food and water bowls intended for your pet. Always have it available at a scheduled time. It will also train your pup to eat in a planned manner. Provide toys for your pet to chew. All puppies and dogs like to chew, so be sure to have a toy ready for your pup to chew. It will also prevent your pup from chewing on appliances and furniture. Provide a suitable collar and leash for it. It would save you the effort to purchase or look for one when you want to walk your pup. Try to ask your vet for grooming products you can use for your bulldog puppy. Keep in contact with your veterinarian. Puppies are always playful, so be sure to avoid having access to items that can be dangerous for them. Keep furniture with sharp edges away from your puppy, and remove items that are prone to falling. Always have your yard and fence secured to prevent your pup from running away. Look for small openings and cover it. It will help you prevent your puppy from going out and disappearing. Is not someone who has a puppy mill. It means they should breed only one or two kinds and do not breed only to sell it immediately. Will not have a litter of pups always ready for you. A good breeder knows almost everything about the breed. We are a "Professional Hobby" breeder in the greater Boston area. What makes us "Professional Hobby" breeder? We take every decision very seriously. We have great pride in the quality of dogs we own and even more in the ones we produce. We focus on Health and Temperament first. Our main goal is to continue to create a better Bulldogge. Our breeding stock has been chosen with a specific plan on how each dog can help us to maintain our high standards and get us closer to our goals. We keep puppies back from every breeding and these dogs are scrutinized from birth. We have a very clear vision of what a bulldog should be and what role we play in this as breeders. We are responsible to ourselves first. We are very passionate about what we do. One of our favorite things is showing off our dogs or just talking to anyone about them. All our dogs are raised in the house with the entire family helping. We have four children ages 6 to 13 and they are heavily involved in all the dog activities from birth to whelping to general cleaning up :. The socialization and temperament of the Olde English Bulldogge is by far the most attractive thing about this breed. They are a perfect breed for a family setting with a busy life style. Their ability to adapt and their desire to please continues to amaze us. Our Olde English Bulldogges are dogs with great health, drive, and athletic ability. They are able to handle the New England weather in both the summer and the winter. They have a great temperament and not shy whatsoever, they are easy to play with and always have a desire to please. They are proud, determined and protective at all times. Latest Breeding. See what our clients have to say about us and our dogs! Biscuit Hi Joe. I just wanted to email you to let you know that our puppy Biscuit is far and away the best dog that we have ever met. She is gentle, mellow, smart and just and all around love. We have three kids — ages 2, 4 and 6 and she is a best friend to all of them. She has been the perfect additional to our family. Thank you again for bringing her in to our lives. We picked up Drago from you guys in July and we just love him!!! We receive countless compliments on what a beautiful dog he is. Great coloring, wonderful temperament and really an amazing addition to the family!! Here are a few pictures of him at 5 months! He is a wonderful part of our family already. You were patient, knowledgeable and thoughtful about picking the right dog for our family and we appreciate that so much. Ollie was a nice healthy bog at his first vet appointment and the technician just fell in love with his blue eyes. He is awesome and so are you. Thanks for everything. The Andrews Family Doubletake Bulldogge Churchill It was great to see the pups parents and see the environment they came from I was impressed! My husband picked up a pup and he cuddled up to him right away, he was the one. Now we have a baby after having Churchill for over a year he has adjusted so well. Thank you Joe!!! Producing healthy, well-bred puppies with stable family temperaments. Puppies are Now Available For Sale!
For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders by State guide page. The cost of a German Shepherd puppy in South Carolina can vary widely. If you are looking for an extremely high-quality pup, expect to pay more than that. When assessing the price of your pup, do not forget to take vet fees into account. Be sure to talk with the breeder about any additional costs associated with caring for your dog after it is brought home. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with all the information you need about taking care of your new best friend. First, ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know of any good breeders in the area. Chances are, someone you know has purchased a dog from a breeder in the past and can recommend someone trustworthy. Second, do some online research. There are many websites devoted to helping dog owners find responsible breeders. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a decision. Finally, contact your local German Shepherd rescue organization. These organizations often work with reputable breeders who have puppies available for adoption. This is a great way to find exactly the kind of pup you are looking for, while ensuring that your money goes to a good cause. If you do your research and contact breeders ahead of time, finding the perfect German Shepherd puppy for sale in South Carolina should be easy. First, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your queries and will provide you with detailed information about their puppies. Second, take the time to meet the parents of your potential pup. If the parents are friendly and healthy, it is likely that their puppies will be as well. Finally, spend some time playing with the puppies. This is a great way to get a feel for their personality and temperament. Be sure to bring your entire family along so everyone can have a chance to interact with the puppies. If you follow these guidelines, finding a responsible German Shepherd breeder in South Carolina should be easy. Just take your time and contact several different breeders before making a final decision. A good breeder will have no problem giving you the contact information of happy customers. If possible, visit the homes of some of these customers to see the puppies firsthand. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from your new puppy. References will be able to tell you a lot about your potential breeder, so be sure to ask for them. If your breeder is reputable, they will have no problem with you contacting some of their previous buyers. Ask these customers about their experience with the breeder and their puppies. Were the puppies healthy and well-socialized? Was the breeder easy to work with? Did they provide any after-sale support? A good breeder will be happy to provide them. If they do, this is a promising sign. A reputable breeder will take their puppies to the veterinarian for regular checkups and preventative treatments. Make sure you confirm your suspicions before proceeding any further. Your breeder should take their German Shepherds to the vet regularly. A reputable breeder will be very open about allowing you to meet either or both parents. Reputable breeders will always offer written health guarantees so that both parties can be protected against illness or genetic defects. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy. You can also report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local animal control agency. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are a huge problem in the United States, and they often prey on unsuspecting buyers who are looking for a new pet. The breeder is secretive and unwilling to answer your questions. The puppies are much cheaper than average, indicating that the breeder is trying to make a quick buck. You deserve much better than that. A responsible breeder will be more than happy to answer all your questions. You should expect health guarantees from any responsible South Carolina German shepherd dog breeder. These guarantees will protect both you and the breeder in case your puppy ever falls ill or inherits an illness or condition. A responsible breeder will always put the welfare of their puppies first, and they will be more than happy to answer all your questions. The breeders who meet these high standards will ensure that both you and your new pup are happy with your decision. However, there are a few things you should do before your pup arrives to make life as easy as possible for both of you. Set up the Crate Ensure that the crate you choose is large enough for your German Shepherd puppy to stand up and turn around. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly afterward so that neither of you accidentally steps on anything harmful. Here are a few tips to get started: 1. Take your pup outside immediately after they eat, drink, or play. Reward your pup when they successfully pee or poop outside. A treat or some verbal praise will do the trick. Have patience. It may take a little while for your pup to get the hang of things, but they will eventually learn where is appropriate to relieve themselves. If all else fails, consider using puppy pads or training pads until your pup has learned where to go. Congratulations on your life with your new puppy! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Our dogs are x-rayed and certified through the orthopedic foundation for animals OFA and they are also PennHip certified. We participate in conformation shows through the United Kennel Club and have several champions. Learn more about our breeding program here Knowledge in raising the finest puppies There is more to producing amazing puppies than just careful selection in breeding. We strive to produce perfection in the way we nourish, train and enrich our puppies lives from birth. What sets us above the rest is the enrichment we provide for our litters. We go the extra mile to make sure that our puppies have the best start in life as possible. We focus on quality over quantity by never having more then 2 litters at a time. We have been raising these magnificent dogs for over 20 years. Learn more about how our puppies are raised here Located in beautiful South Carolina We are located in the beautiful midlands of South Carolina. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! Learn more about GSD colors here We hope you enjoy looking around our website and getting to know about us, our dogs and the unique way we raise our puppies! Visits are by appointment only. If you are in California and want a puppy from us we can still make it happen as we can deliver! My husband got this made for me in .Past Pups Gallery About our dogs The dogs in our breeding program are dogs we live with and cherish. We see them as family members. Some our dogs prefer to be outside more than in and some of them prefer to be inside more then out, just depends on the individual dog. With having several intact adult dogs we have found it very necessary to have some kennels set up. We have several very spacious kennels that our dogs actually loving being in. We use the kennels as a safe place to keep our puppies and adult dogs in when we are not home or when they can't be properly supervised. Leaving a litter of puppies or even just 1 puppy loose in the countryside is just asking for trouble! We also use the kennels to prevent unplanned litters by keeping girls separated from the boys. All our dogs are naturally protective of our house and family members, we always know when some is approaching the house! They are very confident dogs and know when to be friendly and when not to be. There is always a dog or 2 with us when we go places, so the dog needs to have a good sound temperament to "travel" with and be apart of the family. Our main goal is to produce German Shepherds with sound temperaments and good health. Intelligent, eager to learn, happy dogs that want to be with you, please you and protect you if need be! We are fully dedicated to improving the German Shepherd breed now and for many years to come. You will notice that we prefer dogs with straighter backs and no extreme angulations. We get comments all the time about how our shepherds look like the shepherds of "years ago. Our dogs also don't have the "roach back" common of some german lines. The temperaments of our dogs are also very "old style. To see the revision, click here. All our dogs come from excellent bloodlines that we have carefully researched. Remember that these dogs are also our companions so we do want the best! We have all our dogs hips x-rayed before breeding and we will only breed dogs clear of hip dysplasia. Our dogs are fed a high quality food and are supplemented with Ester C. They receive regular veterinary care and are all happy, healthy dogs and it really shows! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.
labrador puppy 4 weeks old - Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. 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. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD. German Shepherd Puppies Price Range The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high. Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners. Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. Purebred GSD s have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. Is It Normal? All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood. Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD. Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color. Why Does the Cost Vary First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy. Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color. Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD. Food The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat smaller meals each day. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy. Shelter Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first. Other factors to consider Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider. Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo toys, and other unforeseen problems. You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications. Conclusion Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression. Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. What should I look for when purchasing a German Shepherd puppy? You should also consider travel costs to go get the puppy or have the puppy travel to you if the breeder is not local. There are many purebred German Shepherds who are in need of homes in animal shelters or German Shepherd rescues as well. The emotional and mental benefits of giving a good home to a puppy or dog in need are priceless, for both the German Shepherd and the rescuer. Is a German Shepherd Right for Me? Before bringing home a German Shepherd Dog, consider the following: Is anyone living in your house allergic to dogs? If you are renting, does your rental property allow dogs? Can you afford the pet fee? Can you provide daily exercise such as walks or runs for about an hour? How long will your dog be alone every day? Dogs are very social, and it is cruel for them to spend their lives alone or in a cage for excessive amounts of time. Dogs left alone can become bored , which can lead to destructive behaviors. If you cannot come home from work to take your dog outside to relieve himself mid-day, can you afford a dog walker? Do you have the time and ability to socialize your puppy to make him comfortable in different situations? Can you afford to take your puppy to training classes? Do you know how much to train German Shepherd costs? Do you have a fenced yard or access to a fenced yard to play fetch with your puppy? If not, can you afford to take your puppy to the groomer? Can you forgive your puppy for chewing your favorite shoes or pillow? Can you afford your puppy? According to ASPCA , a dog is a commitment of approximately 8 to 15 years ; sometimes more, sometimes less. The most important thing to do before purchasing a puppy or adopting a puppy or dog is to ensure that you are ready and able to give them the best home possible. According to The Telegraph , Dogs have the intelligence of 2-year-old human children. They are smart and will quickly become valued members of your family. According to VetStreet , You will spare yourself and the dog mental and emotional heartbreak if you are honest with yourself before bringing one home. Show Quality vs. Pet Quality vs. Rescue When you begin your search, you need to determine what type of German Shepherd you want. While these dogs possess different physical qualities, none are superior and all can make great pets. If you are interested in showing, this is the type of dog that you would want to purchase. Due to the careful breeding and extra efforts that show quality breeders must adhere to, these dogs are the most expensive. This does not make them any less purebred, this just means they would not qualify to be shown because their anatomy is not what the breed standard requires. Pet quality german shepherd breeders should breed their dogs with the same care as show quality breeders but may do so for the love of the breed rather than specifically to show. Pet quality dogs are generally a little less expensive than show quality dogs. For further discussion about show quality dogs v. A Rescue German Shepherd may be purebred or mixed with other breeds. Dogs of both types, show quality, and pet quality, are available for adoption. All rescue dogs have one thing in common; they do not have a home and they need one. Dogs are in need of homes for a variety of reasons, such as their owner died, their owner was no longer able to afford them, their owner decided they were too much work, their owner got bored with them, their owner did not want an elderly dog, etc. Whatever the reason, it does not mean that they will not make a good addition to your family. The sources available to you to find a German Shepherd are nearly endless, thanks to the internet: The American Kennel Club Market Place is an excellent place to find purebred German Shepherd puppies bred by reputable breeders. The German Shepherd Dog Club of America Classified Advertisements is another place to find quality breeders who care about breeding healthy dogs. Social media can also be a great resource for finding your next German Shepherd. Many breeders post pictures of their litters, or you can find a purebred puppy or adult who needs a home from a German Shepherd Rescue or a private individual. To thank these four-legged heroes for their service, they help retired working military dogs find homes to live out the rest of their lives happily in peace. If you are looking to rescue a German Shepherd, Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue has many wonderful dogs waiting for loving homes. If you live in Virginia and want to rescue a German Shepherd, browse the adoptable shepherds waiting for loving homes with the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue. Pet Quality breeders often list their German Shepherd puppies on Craiglist. Private individuals also list their puppies or dogs on Craigslist in an attempt to re-home them. Compare them to the following standards: A good breeder breeds for the love of the breed, not just to make money. The amount of care the puppies receive will be indicative of their love for the breed. The puppies should have been taken to a veterinarian, and they should have clean and safe living quarters. The puppies should not be available for sale before they are 8 weeks of age. Breeders who just want to make money sell puppies while they still need their mother in an attempt to make money faster. A good breeder cares where their puppies go and will communicate with you. They will want to talk to you about the puppy, make sure that you will provide the puppy with a good home, and ask if you have any questions about the breed. They may ask to connect on social media to keep in contact with the puppy. Most importantly, they will ask you to bring the puppy back to them should you ever no longer want the puppy. One of the most telling traits of a good breeder is what they do when the puppy has health issues. They will want to provide you with whatever information you need and should state that the puppy is returned to them if you do not want to keep it. If your puppy dies due to health issues, they should want to provide you want another puppy for free or for a reduced rate. If their mother is not on-site, this is a red flag, as it means they may have been separated from her sooner than they should have been. Puppies need their mother for health reasons for approximately the first 8 weeks of their lives. While you should expect to see the puppies go to the bathroom, the urine and droppings should be promptly cleaned up; the puppies should not be sitting in old excrement. Always use caution when a breeder does not communicate well with you. When you hold the puppies, look for the following: Are their ears clean or dirty? Do they have fleas? Are their noses runny? Are their eyes watery? Is their bottom clean or dirty? Is their nose wet or dry and cracked? Is Craigslist safe to buy a dog? While breeders may advertise puppies on Craiglist, that does not make it the best place to sell puppies. Craiglist is a very dangerous place to list dogs who need homes; sadly, individuals involved in dogfighting often use craigslist to find cheap or free bait dogs to train their fighting dogs. If you decide to purchase a pure German Shepherd puppy from Craiglist, always use caution, as many scammers utilize the website. Never wire money to someone in exchange for a puppy, as scammers often use this method to steal money. Adding a German Shepherd Puppy to your family is exciting; they are so cute! Watch this YouTube video. While they make wonderful additions to families with or without children, German Shepherds are an active and intelligent breed of dogs, making owning them a significant responsibility. They need a family who enjoys playing with them, exercising them, and training them. Before adding a German Shepherd to your family, be sure that you can afford a dog, that you can fulfill their exercise needs , and that you can provide the dog with a good home. What is the average price for a purebred German Shepherd puppy? Answer: The price can vary depending on where and how you acquire the puppy. What factors should I consider before getting a German Shepherd? How can I find a reputable breeder for my German Shepherd puppy? Social media can also be a great resource for finding your next German Shepherd, or you can adopt a former military dog from Mission K9, or from a rescue like Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue or Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue. How much does owning a German Shepherd puppy cost? Answer: The actual cost of owning a puppy goes beyond the initial cost of purchasing the puppy. When holding the puppies, look for any signs of health issues such as dirty ears, fleas, runny nose, or watery eyes. Always use caution when purchasing from Craigslist and beware of potential scammers. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.
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labrador puppy 4 weeks old - Parent Breeds The parent breeds of the German shepherd pitbull mix include the German shepherd and the American pitbull terrier. As these breeds are both large dogs, the resulting mix is a large dog with unique physical and personality traits from both parent breeds. German Shepherd The German shepherd was originally selectively bred from shepherd dogs in 19th century Germany, where it was used as a herding dog. The breed was developed to be intelligent, strong, agile, and protective of flocks, all qualities that made it successful in its line of work. Horand von Grafath was recognized as the first German shepherd dog in .Today, the breed is still regarded as one of the best working dogs in the world because of its loyalty and eagerness to please. The German shepherd is used in police work, detection, service work, and search and rescue. German shepherd pitbull mixes often inherit the protective, hardworking temperament, strength, and wolf-like features of the German shepherd. The dogs were bred from terriers and bulldogs and used in blood sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. American pitbull terriers were later selectively bred in the United States to have the muscular builds, sizes, and affectionate temperaments seen today. With proper socialization, American pitbull terriers make loyal, well-behaved companions. Lifespan A German shepherd pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years if the dog follows a nutritious diet and exercises daily. Regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of health complications in German shepherd pitbull mixes. This mixed breed comes in shades of tan, white, gray, or black. Height and Weight German shepherd pitbull mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 18—26 inches, and a weight of 30—90 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Most German sheppits are lean, muscular, and slightly taller than their pitbull parents. Colors German shepherd pitbull mixes are typically tan, white, or black with bicolor markings. The coat color depends on the genes they inherit from their parents: German shepherd colors: Most common color combination is black and tan. Other colors include solid black, gray, red, and white. American pitbull terrier colors: Common colors are brown, black, and tan with various markings. Rare colors include solid white and brindle. German sheppits shed minimally to moderately throughout the year, depending on coat type. Double-coated dogs blow their coats twice a year. Personality and Temperament Photo by spcaofnorthernnevada German shepherd pitbull mixes are smart, affectionate, and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along well with kids, and their intelligence and athletic stature make them well-suited to agility classes and fieldwork. Socializing and training this mixed breed from a young age will help it grow into an outgoing, obedient, and even-tempered adult. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement from an early age to not bark excessively. Left alone, German sheppits often experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, like barking and scratching, to cope. While smart and not fussy over food, these dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Food Needs A German sheppit adult should be fed 2 to 3. Grooming Needs The German shepherd pitbull mix should be brushed weekly, or a few times per week if it has inherited a double coat, to distribute natural oils and keep its fur tangle-free. Bathe the dog once every few months and ensure its nails are well-trimmed. Exercise Needs An adult German shepherd pitbull mix requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, split into two separate walks, to remain physically fit. A two-month-old puppy needs 10 minutes of exercise per day, while a four-month-old puppy requires 20 minutes. German sheppits do best in homes with large, secure backyards where they can run freely. Certain states, cities, and territories have laws in place that restrict or ban pitbulls and pitbull mixes. Check local laws before exercising this mixed breed in new areas. Mental Needs German shepherd pitbull mixes need 60 minutes of mental stimulation per day to prevent aggression, boredom, and anxiety. Suitable mentally-stimulating activities include obedience training, scent work, herding, puzzle toys, agility classes, and interactive games like fetch. Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed with medication and surgery. Bloat : When the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and then twists, causing severe abdominal pain. Bloat is often fatal if not treated immediately. Hip dysplasia : Abnormal formation of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. Treatable with surgery and lifestyle changes. Degenerative myelopathy : Degeneration of the spinal cord that causes leg weakness, incontinence, and eventually paralysis. The condition is managed and treated with lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, exercise intolerance, and coat changes. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication. Cataracts : Cloudiness of the eye lens that causes vision issues. The German sheppit is particularly prone to food and skin allergies. Take these dogs to regular vet checkups to reduce their risks of health complications. Use positive reinforcement and be firm and consistent when training this mixed breed. Never use punishment-based training methods because these can cause anxiety in dogs and exacerbate their aggressive behaviors. These dogs need plenty of training and socialization throughout their lives to keep their dog aggression in check. German shepherd pitbull mixes are often available for adoption from rescue shelters. This price includes expenses such as food, treats, vet checkups, toys, and training. First-year costs are higher than subsequent years because of the costs of first-year puppy vaccinations and neutering or spaying, and initial supplies like bedding. The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles. German shepherd pitbull mixes are suitable for people that are active, have a large backyard, and can dedicate lots of time to socializing and training the dog. The best owners for these dogs are people that use positive reinforcement measures and stick to set boundaries. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. You can expect moderate shedding from this crossbreed. Be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner often. Most German Sheppits will come in a variety of colors like tan, black, white, fawn, and gray. Some have beautiful multi-colored coats like the GSD, while others inherit the brindle coats of their Pittie parents. Because of its moderate shedding, the German Pit is not the ideal dog for people who suffer from allergies to dander. Is a Shepherd-Pitbull mix dangerous? As we mentioned before, this breed is often negatively associated with being aggressive. A Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a loyal, intelligent, protective, and bold dog that likes spending time with his family. This canine has a calm and loving personality toward its owner, but it can be an attention-grabber, too. She loves nothing more than to run, play Frisbee, and roll around all day. Just make sure that your German Pitbull mix puppy is introduced correctly to small kids. Proper socialization and training are crucial because these dogs tend to chase down smaller animals. They may also have a dominant personality and may try to be the alpha to other dogs. Being raised with other pets will help this crossbreed co-exist with them. With early training and socialization, this naturally friendly and affectionate dog is an excellent choice for a family pet and the perfect companion for children. How much activity does this crossbreed need? A Pitbull German Shepherd hybrid has a strong and robust physique and he requires plenty of physical activity. You can take your dog on a one-hour jog or run in the morning and a minute walk in the evening to keep him in the excellent physical condition and as release excess energy. Without a proper exercise regimen, he may exhibit unruly and destructive behaviors like excessive barking, hole-digging, or chewing on slippers. Remember to keep it slow with a German Pit puppy because his legs are shorter. After that age, you can increase your speed as long as he can keep up. He can also have some playtime, like romping in the dog park. Or maybe play some fetch and let him catch a frisbee so his brain gets a workout, too. These crossbreeds require a high level of physical and mental activity to be in their best form. How to train Pitbull German Shepherd mix puppies The unfortunate truth is that this hybrid is not easy to train and is not suited for first-time dog owners. You need to be a firm and confident alpha , or he will try to control you. Be patient and try not to give in. Socializing him at an early age helps him interact better with other animals and encourages a better sense of adaptability in the dog. Socialization also fixes anxious and timid behavior and will help your pet get along with your family members. This breed may be intelligent, but he has a certain level of stubbornness when it comes to training. This hybrid tends to bark quite frequently, too, so you may want to include a routine that will help you control excessive barking. Try including crate training and leash training in your sessions. Starting it young is the best way to train a German Sheppit. The best age to start would be at seven weeks old. An adult dog can still receive training, although it will be more difficult. These are the most common health concerns to watch out for in your German Sheppit:. Conclusion 1. What does a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix look like? It is impossible to tell with certainty what the dog will look like when it is a mixed breed. What we do know is that this breed is more likely to have the face of the Pitbull, with a broad head and a short muzzle. As for coloring, this breed comes in a variety of colors: black, white, brown, tan, gray and fawn. Given that both the Pitbull and German Shepherd have strong physiques, it is not surprising that this mixed breed does too. Fully grown, these dogs are large , as mentioned in the first paragraph their average weight between lbs 29 — 38 kgs , so it is important that you have her under control. You can do this by properly training and socializing her. What characteristics can I expect? As with all crossbreeds, it is not easy to say precisely what temperament this dog will have, as it will always be a different combination. In my experience, however, they tend to have the following traits: High energy All dogs need regular exercise to stay fit, and this large breed usually needs a whole lot. I recommend at least a one-hour walk a day, providing you have an outdoor space where she can release excess energy for the rest of the day. By giving her the exercise she needs, you will avoid undesired behaviors such as slipper-chewing, hole-digging or nuisance barking. As long as she gets her exercise needs met, she will be happy to settle down and relax with you. Loyal and loving Pitbull German Shepherd mixes are very affectionate dogs when raised right. While they are good at entertaining themselves, they still love to be around you and make a good family dog. This dog can have a very protective nature. This is due to its German Shepherd relatives , who were bred to herd and guard livestock. To prevent this from the outset, you should socialize her with people as much as possible from an early age. Intelligence Both the Pitbull and the German Shepherd are incredibly intelligent breeds. It is no surprise, then, that this mix is no exception. These dogs learn quickly and respond incredibly well to training and commands. Just as you exercise her body, it is important to keep her mind stimulated, too. You should start training at the earliest possible stage. It is important to keep a close eye on this type of behavior because, if it gets out of control, it can turn into aggression. What are the common health problems? Providing that she has a healthy lifestyle, as we mentioned above this breed can live for up to 12 years. Every dog breed is susceptible to certain health difficulties, however, and it is good to be aware of these so that you can treat your dog accordingly. In the meantime, it is worth knowing that this breed can suffer from the following diseases: Skin irritation The Pitbull German Shepherd mix can be prone to skin irritation, which they inherit from the Pitbull side of its family. They tend to have more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites as well as to fleas and ticks. To prevent this reaction, make sure you use a high-quality tick and flea treatment. Diet also plays an important part in maintaining the health of the skin. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that can begin in dogs as they grow and results in an unstable or loose hip joint. While weight management is essential for any dog breed, it is highly important that this breed maintains a healthy weight to avoid stressing the hip joint. How much will I need to groom her? This mix has a coat that can range from short to medium in length. I recommend starting your grooming regime when she is a puppy so that she can get used to the routine. I do not advise over-bathing these dogs no more than once a month due to their tendency to skin irritation. It may also be worth buying a shampoo specifically designed for dogs with sensitive skin. German Pits are usually floppy-eared, which means they get less air circulation and are therefore more prone to earwax build-up and ear infections. I advise that you get her ears checked at least monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. So is the German Pit the right fit for me? After all the information you have read, it is now important to put this question to yourself. As you can see, these dogs have the potential to be lovely, loyal dogs that are ideal for a family. Yet they require a lot of attention, walking and training, so they need a dedicated, and preferably experienced, dog owner. Conclusion Here are the main points to consider before committing to owning one of these dogs: Are you an experienced dog owner? Are you dedicated to walking your dog at least an hour a day? Do you have a spacious house with a yard, or can you walk her twice daily? Are you able to provide a rigorous and dedicated training routine? If not, it might be time to reconsider getting a different breed of dog. Do you own a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I have worked with various large breeds all my life. The German Shepherd is my favorite. I recently brought home a mixed breed. .Our Puppy is high energy at 8 weeks old. Highly intelligent and very affectionate. I have a large family with lots of boys and 1 girl. So our family is definitely the right fit! In my opinion every family member should have an caring active role in raising the family dog. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepherd Pit Bulls are prone to weight gain. They also have high energy levels. About three hours a day of activity is recommended. Agility training, hiking, walking, running, or playing around a yard will keep them happy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for a German Shepherd Pit Bull is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Vets or groomers are good at performing this messy task. You should consult your veterinarian or professional pet nutritionist for advice on what to feed your German Shepherd Pit Bull and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your German Shepherd Pit Bull and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of German Shepherd Pit Bulls coats are brown, black, white, grey, tan, and fawn. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They usually have short thick coats, and this mixed breed is not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require at least three good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. German Shepherd Pit Bulls may be able to handle some extreme weather conditions for short periods of time. These dogs must live indoors with their families. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child. German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or American Pit Bull Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. Temperament: It depends. A German Pit dog can be gentle, loving and protective of its family. It will like to be top dog and may challenge authority but with proper training it will learn who the master is. It gets bored easily. They cannot be left alone for long periods of time, or they can become noisy and naughty. Feelings and signals: Dogs communicate in many ways from playing to barking. Never approach a dog with its tail way down! How should you train a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? With patience! There are several types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization. Each is important to help this type of puppy learn to socialize and behave. This looks like a dangerous dog so it is important to train it to challenge perceptions and show people the best of this breed instead. How do you begin puppy training? It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer — Here are some tips to begin: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems. A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving. Early warning signs are — stiffness when getting up or walking, reluctance to get up when prompted and its usual walking style can change. It can occur early or later in life. The only way to check is to trace the health history of the birth parents. There is no cure but a Vet will help with medication to manage the pain. Skin problems Atopic dermatitis They can develop allergies causing skin conditions and itching — from grass, mold, pollen etc. Bloat Gastric Dilatation-volvulus Affects many deep-chested, larger dog breeds that like to eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. Early signs are: restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject excess air or food through ineffective retching. In each case it is important to seek medical help! Exercise: This will be a very active dog, with lots of energy and need lots of exercise. They like to play chase and fetch. A puppy needs hours of exercise every day and more when older otherwise it will get bored. It will love running around and adventures but not adapt to small spaces. Therefore not suited to apartment living. Remember: Puppies should not be exercised too much on hard ground as their paws are still delicate so a mix of hard and softer ground is recommended until they are at least 2 years of age. Leash training is strongly recommended for discipline, safety and control in the early years. Feeding: Feed as an active large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food. A Vet will advise the food type, exact amount, how often and if they need extra mineral and vitamins. Puppies should have their daily amount split into 3 daily feeds. Be careful not to over-feed them as weight gain can put pressure on their hips. Grooming: This dog has a short to medium length coat of hair that does shed but not too much so it only needs to be brushed times a week. A good brush is recommended. Bathing: This dog has short hair like the Pitbull so bathing is only recommended when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil; which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain shampoos have the double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Chewing helps, so use doggie chew toys, bare bones, soft tooth brushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be regularly checked for dirt build-up or infection. Anything unusual should be checked by a Vet. What is life like for a GSPM? Otherwise, with their high energy levels they may show their boredom through destroying or chewing things and barking. They can make a great family dog. Remember just how active this dog is before choosing one. How much does it cost? Always best to adopt rather than buy if you can.