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Here are our top recommended toys with links to where to purchase them. Have a bit more time? Check out the full reviews below. Pick 1: BetterBone Tough. This eco-friendly and hypoallergenic chew bone is the perfect pick for pups that destroy their chew toys and bones after a few chewing sessions. A fab, fun and engaging chase toy that doubles as a great way of dispensing kibble dinners to prevent dogs from simply gobbling it down. Pick 3: Kong Classic Dog Toy. This plastic puzzle ball provides clever pups with hours of enjoyment as they chase it about the house or garden trying to figure out how to get at the treats inside. Pick 6: Chuckit! A classic for fetch, this durable rubber ball is nicely light and extremely bouncy making it perfectly suited for games in the park or down at the beach. So, for these dogs, mental stimulation is every bit as important as exercise. Not only does it stop them from getting bored and engaging in unwanted behaviors such as barking, digging, and chewing, it also can help to keep them from piling on the pounds. Most owners recommend having an assortment of toys about the house. Gone are the days of a dog bone and a teddy bear. These days dogs have nearly as many play choices as children do. To stop your Goldendoodle getting bored, you might look into getting some of these: Chew Toys Perfect for pups who are a fan of a good old chew and who usually zero in on the last thing in the house that you actually want them to chomp down on, naturally. Chew toys are a perfect distraction from your clothes, shoes, and furniture. BetterBone Tough from The Kind Pet From a health perspective, these toys are great for keeping teeth clean and debris-free. They also make useful tools for teething puppies — this generally begins somewhere in the vicinity of four months. A few products have even been specifically designed for this purpose. Puzzle Toys With their working dog ancestors, Goldendoodles benefit from toys that can help keep them happily engaged for long periods. This is where puzzle toys come into play. These self-amusement devices often dispense treats to keep dogs going for even longer than they otherwise might as they try to solve the puzzle to get at the reward. Of course, the downside of this is while they may be exercising, they will still be eating. To get around this, you might consider serving them up their meal-time kibble using one of these instead of additional snacks. Rope Toys Specially constructed rope, usually twisted and knotted at both ends, is great as both an active and distraction toy. It gives chewing pups the chance to work their jaws on something a little softer and with a bit more give than bone. A word of caution, though, on this type of toy. If you do choose to buy one for your dog, take care that it is carefully constructed for dogs and inspect it frequently for wear and tear. Thin strands of rope can be extremely harmful if swallowed. Fetch toys Excellent for Doodles as they tend to have a ton of energy; fetch toys can really help your dog get the very best from their time spent outdoors. Moreover, they provide the perfect way for you to spend some quality time with your pooch and develop a close and loving bond with them. The most well-known of fetch toys is the ball, and these are great for most dogs. However, fetch toys now come in an array of shapes and sizes that make them travel further when thrown, easier for dogs to grip and run with, or perfect for playing games of tug with either their owner or their doggy friends. Plush toys Soft toys are great for helping your dog feel comforted when you are away from the house. They will quite often enjoy having these around while they sleep. How fit for purpose is it? How is it likely to keep your dog interested? Some pups can be incredibly picky with their toys, as they are with their food. They may perhaps just need a little time to figure it out, is all. Quality Goldendoodles can get a little rough with their toys, chewing on them and shaking them about — especially when they are on the young side. This is one of the reasons why only dog toys will do. Toys designed for children are not likely to be as durable. Pay close attention to manufacturer recommendations for how well it will hold up to teeth and claws, and never buy something just because it looks good. Cost Luckily many options keep the cost of dog toys reasonable. You can pick up some great items at relatively affordable prices. Just be careful about the quality of the product in question. Twitter Pinterest Searching for the best toys for Goldendoodles that will make your pupper over-the-moon happy? Then welcome to our pack! Best toys for Goldendoodles In a hurry? Here are our top choices. This is especially helpful for those Doodles who are finicky eaters. Peanut butter xylitol-free is a popular choice for many pet parents. I like to use a peanut butter-filled Kong toy as a happy distraction when brushing and grooming my Goldendoodle. Since most Goldendoodles are energetic and many are natural retrievers, this ball is ideal for all those endless rounds of fetch you can play together. The thick nylon tassels combined with the round body think of an octopus give dogs plenty of tugging action. Why is it a winner for Goldendoodles? The squeaker, of course. All the toys included in this list have been played with, loved on, and generally enjoyed by one very happy, inquisitive, chewy, and smart adult Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles, a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle breeds, are typically very intelligent dogs. Our Goldendoodle loves having to work for her food and I love that it stimulates her mind. Why we both like it: I like using this interactive puzzle toy at mealtime as a substitution for a regular dog bowl. First, I ask her to sit and stay. Then I say, Get it! For dogs who gobble their food, the slots and sliders slow mealtime down. It makes a great boredom buster. The material is surprisingly durable and the construction is solid. What could be better: This puzzle has a difficulty level of two. If your Goldendoodle has solved food puzzles before and needs more challenge, you may want to go up a difficulty level. In full transparency, we purchased two interactive puzzle toys from the Nina Ottosson brand. The one in the photo above was hands down our favorite—the quality of the material was much more durable. Best classic dog toy What it is: A wobbly toy you can fill with treats. My favorite way to use this toy is as a happy distraction during Goldendoodle grooming or at-home dog nail trims. I have several Kong toys that I partially fill with peanut butter and pop in the freezer. BTW…check the ingredient list on your peanut butter before giving it to your dog. Freezing makes licking all the yummy treats inside the Kong toy extra challenging for my dog. Why we both like it: The wobbly shape makes it more challenging for my Doodle to get to the yummy treats inside. The rubber material is durable yet easy on the teeth. What could be better: If you do wash it by hand, I find it hard to get all the ridges clean. Breathe Right Fetch Ball Best fetch ball for physical enrichment What it is: A fetch ball that is hollow, flexible, and designed so dogs can breathe easier when the ball is in the mouth. Even as a Goldendoodle puppy , she was a natural retriever. Would it really hold up? Turns out…YES! At last count, I think we have four Chuckit! Breathe Right Fetch Balls. Since the ball is super lightweight, I know all those airborne catches will be gentle on her mouth. A tired dog is a happy dog! For us, these balls have stood the test of time and given us many joyful games of endless fetch. The ball comes in four sizes. My dog, a medium Goldendoodle , plays with the medium-sized balls. Some reviews mention dogs chewing and destroying this ball. Why we like it: It gives energetic Doodles plenty of physical exercise. It feels a bit heavier than the average frisbee, so you may have to adjust the amount of fling you put into your toss. Worth mentioning, we also have a Kong flying disc that our Goldendoodle plays with too. We use both frisbees and rotate them just to keep it interesting for her. As with any toy, supervise during play. You know your dogs best—whether they can play nicely together and whether they are toy aggressive. They like to play chase games as well as play tug with each other. What could be better: No toy is indestructible. Eventually the tassels on this toy frayed from play and they started to pull away from the body. At this point, I put the toy up. However, I was satisfied that it lasted for many puppy playdates. My dog gets so excited over the squeak. BPA free. For a complete list of dog toys and other products we have used and recommend please visit our Goldendoodle Supplies store. What makes a good dog toy for Goldendoodles Wondering what makes a good toy for a Goldendoodle? Here are three ways I evaluate which types of toys make it into our home. These are both standards that I first learned from integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby. Dogs can easily break a tooth chewing on a hard toy. Does the dog toy provide plenty of canine enrichment? I try to keep a variety of dog toys around our home for physical, cognitive, and social play. How safe is it? If the strings from a rope toy are ingested, they can cause intestinal blockage. Be careful out there, Doods. Finally, while these dog toys make my Goldendoodle happy, every Doodle dog is different. As with all toys, please supervise your dog when playing. Better yet, play along with him or her! And if your dog starts to pick or chew or pull a toy apart, quickly remove it. Safety first and happiness will follow! Play happy. Play together. Thank you for checking out our list! Wholesale 6 Best Dog Toys for Goldendoodles and Labradoodles Growing in popularity throughout the world, the Goldendoodle is a lovable, energetic bundle of fluff that brings happiness to every home. These adorable teddy bear like dogs are also destructive chewers. In need of a Holiday gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our goldendoodle gift guide. From dog toy giftboxes to mugs, we have everything you need for the dood in your life. These toys are especially fabulous because each toy includes a secret squeaky ball inside so you really get 2 for 1. It comes in sizes perfect for small and large dogs and adorable designs like koalas, cactus and pigs. Our raving fans give this toy a 1 paws up! The Bob-A-Lot is designed to store dog food and kibble but the small openings make it challenging for your dog to retrieve them. The Bob-A-Lot is made of durable, non-toxic materials and is also dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. Click here to purchase from Amazon. Goughnuts Ring Toy The 1 sturdiest dog toy on the planet hands down. This GoughNuts Ring bounces, rolls and even floats, so it can stand up to extreme games of fetch and all types of outdoor play. Click here for more details. West Paw Hurley Bone This classic bone is a safer alternative to wood sticks and is best for dogs who love to gnaw and play fetch especially in water. Hurley's classic design makes it easy for dogs to carry in their mouthes while its bright colors, make Hurley easy to spot indoors or out. Made in the USA, it floats and its non-toxic. Click here for details. Benebone Chew Toys One of the leading dog chew brands, Benebone is certainly a fan fave. Their chews are all made in the USA and come in yummy favors your pup will love like chicken, mint, peanut butter and bacon! The company is also fully committed to the welfare of dogs through product donations and community involvement. They are sold via amazon or at your local high end retailers. Sodapup Coffee Treat Dispensing Toy Sodapup is one of our absolute favorite toy companies for heavy chewer dog toys. Their toys are made in the USA, are extremely durable for tough chewers and the owners of the company are fantastic. Click here to learn more about their treat dispensing dog toys. If you're still searching for the perfect holiday gift for your dog, our adorable and trendy plush dog toys are always a great gift. If you need a gift for the special goldendoodle in your life, check out our Holiday Gift Guide For Goldendoodle Lovers Brought to you by Patchwork Pet- a leading plush dog toy company based in sunny southern California. Check Price This toy is a textured hard rubber ball that looks like a glorified tennis ball. It is intended for heavy chewers, which makes it perfect for Goldendoodles. This toy has a 4. They also make a squeaker ball that is on the top of many dog toy lists. It is constructed of soft rubber and durable multilayer nylon, this is the perfect solution for fitness, exercise and training. Best Tug of War Toys For Goldendoodles The trouble with most ropes or other tug-of-war toys is that they are not very durable. While aggressive chewers can be hard to satisfy, we found a couple of toys that are made for large dogs. The toy comes in two sizes, and the handles are plenty big to let your Golden puppy clamp down and pull. This toy stretches and recoils and is completely indestructible. Unlike most ropes that last about a day. Goughnuts Maxx Check Price This durable toy looks like a figure eight where your dog latches onto one end, and you hang on the other. It stretches, recoils, and will provide a lot of wonderful play time for your Goldendoodle. The trick about this toy is its width. A dog cannot complete their bite if the toy sticks out the sides of its mouth, so your dog will keep trying to readjust its bite around the toy. This toy comes in two sizes, so depending on how grown your Goldendoodle is, you can purchase the appropriate-sized tug toy. Conclusion When searching for the best toy for your Goldendoodle or any breed it is best to keep in mind the activity and intelligence level of your dog. Some breeds like the Goldendoodles need the proper amount of care by providing appropriate mental and physical activities found in toys meant for these purposes. Mental challenges will help your dog learn and keep his brain active, just remember you should always supervise your dog while playing with their toys. As pointed out, dog toys can satisfy different purposes; puzzle toys for mental ability, fetch toys for exercise, and chew toys to stave off boredom, with the added benefit of improving dental care. When it comes to dog chew toys, new studies have shown that certain unsafe dog toys usually Chinese expose dogs to many harmful substances, for example, dog chews containing rawhide can possibly contain Salmonella or E. Further, digestion issues can occur in some dogs, therefore, it is best to avoid these types of toys including pig ears and cow knuckles. But, not just any toys, chew toys. They go through a teething phase like our human babies. During this time, it seems like everything is a chew toy. So, if you want to save your furniture and shoes, we recommend chewing toys. Keep reading to find the best chew toys for a Goldendoodle puppy and the worst. Ensuring Safety Before we start talking about the best chew toys for a Goldendoodle puppy, we need to talk about safety. Every year hundreds of dogs are rushed to the emergency clinics for toy-related accidents. Too small of a chew toy could be a choking hazard. Every chew toy has various sizes intended for different weights. It is best to keep within the products recommended size chart. No Loose Parts- Any toy that you give your puppy should not have any loose or dangling parts. That means no ribbons, buttons, or moveable pieces. Puppies are compulsive chewers and will chew these pieces off and eat them. Loose parts are not only a choking hazard, but can also become lodged in the intestines. Inspection- You should be checking toys every day. Any toy that is compromised is a hazard to your dog. Always look for chipped pieces, cracks, and all parts are functioning. They could also pose as an intestinal blockage if accidentally swallowed. Avoid Stuffing- If your dog is being left alone with toys, it is best to avoid stuffing. Puppies destroy toys in the blink of an eye. Stuffing poses a choking hazard and blockage potential. Getting unstuffed toys for when you are gone is safer. Avoid Batteries- If you have toys that are battery operated, it is best to leave them for supervised playtimes only. If your puppy chews into the battery, they could get severe burns and poisoning. Know Your Dog- If your dog is an aggressive chewer, it is best not to choose soft toys. And vice versa. For teething puppies, you want to choose something softer. As your puppy ages and gets adult teeth , they can handle tougher chews. Supervision- The most critical part is always to supervise your puppy with any toy. All toys break and can pose a danger, and nothing is indestructible. If you follow all of these safety rules, then your puppy should have no problem with most toys. These chew toys can be dangerous and pose risks that most people do not understand. Nylabone Plaque Attacker Nylabone is one of the first branded chew toys. They make some wonderful edible chew toys. But, toys such as the Nylabone Plaque Attacker poses a real danger to puppies. This toy, and many like it, have small sharp pieces meant to stimulate and clean the gums. But these pieces easily fall off, and your puppy will likely swallow it. Rawhides Rawhides are strips of leather that are chemically processed with formaldehyde and arsenic. Not only are these chemicals harmful to your puppy, but the rawhide itself is a choking hazard. Hundreds of dogs a year are hospitalized after ingesting pieces of rawhide that get lodged in the intestines. The only way to remove them is with surgery. Even with supervision, it is best to stay away from the rawhide bones, rolls, and strips. Soft Rubber Stay away from soft rubber chew toys. These toys fall apart, and your puppy is more likely to eat the pieces. These small pieces can come off slowly at first but can make the entire toy crumble with aggressive chewing. Cow Hooves And Antlers These chew toys can be used with constant supervision, but you should be warned. These hooves and antlers can cause significant damage to aggressive chewers. Puppies have cracked teeth and even break their jaw on these bones because of their durability. If your dog is a soft chewer, it is safe to use with supervision. Cooked Bones Cooked bones of all kinds splinter and can cause the same issues as cow hooves. Bones that you typically get from pet stores are all cooked, and therefore should be avoided. You can, however, go to your local butcher and ask for raw cow knuckles for your puppy to chew. They will love the flavor and nutrition. This will eliminate trips to the vet and any safety issues that you might have with other chew toys. Below is our list of the best chew toys for a Goldendoodle puppy. If your Goldendoodle loves sticks, then they will love these natural Dogwood flavored chews. This toy is durable and tastes excellent. They are also safer and come in a variety of sizes. These sticks come in several sizes to match your pup the best. These natural rings are easy to digest and full of flavor. Your puppy will love the shape of these rings. You will enjoy the long-lasting durability without compromising safety. They have a great smell and robust flavor. The Soup Bone is nutritious and completely edible. They even come in regular and mini sizes for smaller puppies. They not only help your puppy teeth but they also safely clean teeth and gums. These sticks start hard, and as your puppy chews, they become soft and pliable. They are easily digestible, durable, and tasty. Homemade Jerky Chews If you own a dehydrator, you might be interested in making your own jerky chews. Here are a couple of our favorite easy recipes. This homemade jerky has an easy step by step instructions. They even give you instructions on using your oven as a dehydrator. With so many protein options, this is a great place to start. These recipes are perfectly marinaded and keep your puppy coming back for more. Here is another great dehydrated sweet potato recipe that is sure to be a hit. Dehydrated sweet potatoes can be a great teething toy for your Goldendoodle puppy. The only thing we would not recommend about this toy is attaching it to a rope. The rope could break with chewing and become a choking hazard. In the first few days, they seem excited and love their new toys. But then the novelty wears off. How do you prevent this? With puppies, less can sometimes mean more. They can get overwhelmed with so many options that they choose nothing at all. To keep your puppy engaged, there are a few things you can do. Toy Rotation— Have enough toys that you can switch them out every few days. Every time you bring out an old box, it will be like new all over again. Variety— In this rotation, make sure that you have a variety of different chew types, flavors, textures, interactive, and unstuffed toys. The mixture will keep your puppy interested. It will also help you learn what he likes or dislikes. Work Rotation— Have a different rotation for when you are gone to work. This might sound like a lot of toys, but it is a sure-fire way to keep your puppy engaged in his toys. It will keep your puppy happy, and your property safe from puppy teeth. In Conclusion While your dog grows and you get a sense of what they enjoy, you can add even more variety to their chew toys. Hopefully, you can get through the teething years without too much damage to your furniture and shoes. Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. Sharing is caring! Goldendoodles, which are a mix between golden retrievers and poodles , are high-energy, playful, friendly, and highly intelligent dogs. They are ideal for families that go on a lot of walks and hikes and enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also get your dog toys to challenge him mentally. Here are the best dog toys for goldendoodles that will make playtime much more fun. Squeaky Toys Photo via dublyndoodle Goldendoodles, on average, weigh 50 to 70 pounds. A squeaky toy will be sure to entice him and tap into his natural hunting instincts. A stuffed toy like a teddy bear for dogs could provide some fun. This hide-and-seek toy was designed to eliminate boredom and encourage positive play. This plush toy features different squirrels with squeakers that you can hide inside of a tree. Then, your dog has to find them. You can reward your pup by simply letting him play with the squirrel, or give him some peanut butter as well to encourage him to keep playing with the toy. It will provide physical and mental stimulation as well as hours of fun. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide the mental stimulation your Goldendoodle needs. As one of the smartest dog breeds, goldendoodles enjoy flexing their intelligence… especially when it involves getting their favorite treats or dog food at the same time. A food puzzle or snuffle mat are great outlets to do this. If your goldendoodle masters this one, you can move up to difficulty level three to see if he can conquer that one as well. Flip lid compartments open up to reveal the first compartment and can also slides to reveal a hidden second compartment….

Facebook: Willow Brooke Bernedoodles 8. They would like to let you know that their aim in breeding is to leave a healthy legacy behind them. When a breeder has that kind of intention, then you know they are a reputable breeder. Besides being conscientious, they also have a lot of experience in breeding, along with a true passion, which is maybe the most important part. So, here, you have the whole package. So, hoppity hop to their site and fill out their form, which is the initial way to contact them. Or, just give them a call and learn the details. Then, it is time for the puppy contract. They can be considered experts as they have more than 14 years of tradition and love for these pups. It was love between one standard Poodle and one Bernese Mountain Dog that produced their first puppies. So, you will definitely find the standard version here, and if you are looking for a medium-sized dog, they have them, too. They believe that dogs are more than just dogs. They will give you instructions on how to behave with your new Doodle, and also inform you about everything so that you can decide whether that is your cup of tea. He will come with a two-year health guarantee, and all vaccinations, deworming, and certificates. If you want cuteness overload, I recommend visiting their website because there are a lot of cute pictures there. Details About The Breeder:. So below we have created a list of questions you should ask the breeder. If you have looking such as searching for a service or watch dog and cannot find one at the shelter, it is a good idea to get one from a reputable breeder. Also, when you visit a breeder, check out their surroundings and all the facilities they offer to their puppies. You need to understand what is the difference between a good breeder and a puppy mill. List of the Questions you should Ask the Breeder: 1. How long have you been experiencing the breeding of this breed the breed you are planning to get? They should have good experience in it. Are you from a club of any race? If he says yes Ask for evidence. Do you raise any other type of dogs besides this breed? Are the Puppies healthy? If he says yes, ask for a medical certificate issued by the vet. Check their bloodline. If yes, see the contract and read It carefully. What are you feeding to these puppies? Make sure he used good quality food without chemical ingredients. If you know any great Bernedoodle breeder who lives in Ontario, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Ontario? It really helps others who are looking for a Bernedoodle Puppies in Ontario. Conclusion for Bernedoodle Breeders in Ontario Hope you Like this post, so these are the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Ontario that we have added to our list. If you are looking for the best Bernedoodle Breeders in Ontario, you can consider one of these breeders. Contact us The cross between our beautiful registered purebred Bernese Mountain Dog females and registered purebred Poodle males is amazing! We get the best of both breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an easy going, intelligent, affectionate and loyal breed. However, a Bernese generally has a short life span and is prone to several health issues including cancer, heart disease, dysplasia, and epilepsy. This causes many purebred Bernese owners to look for a solution which is a hybrid breed. The Poodle is known as a highly intelligent breed. They are easily trained with an amazing personality; they are very playful and love to clown around! When bred with a Poodle, the result is a Bernedoodle. The hybrid results in puppies that are healthier than their parents. Therefore, they have a longer life expectancy. The combination of the Bernese and the Poodle is then an easy going dog, gentle with children and elderly, but there is also a wonderful sense of vibrancy. Coat types range from wavy to curly. The curlier the coat, the less your dog will shed. Even if the coat is wavy, it will still be classed as low shedding, especially in comparison to a purebred Bernese. To keep this beautiful coat we recommend your Bernedoodle sees a groomer times a year. They are also health tested by certified veterinarians and declared suitable for breeding. It is a crossbreed between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. The combinations vary in appearance but share the same features and coats as their parent breeds. The Bernedoodle dog is typically amiable and intelligent. It comes in various sizes, depending on how big the parents are. It usually has a thick, wavy coat that does not shed much. They are well known for being versatile dogs and making excellent family pets. Where to find Bernedoodle Puppies? Bernedoodle puppies can be found in a few places, depending on where you live. In your area, you can contact local breeders who may have litters available, or they may be able to point you in the right direction if they have litters available in your area. There are also a lot of sites online that you can turn to if you are looking for Bernedoodle puppies for sale. There are many websites out there that specialize in selling Bernedoodle puppies. A rescue organization that specializes in Bernedoodles is an excellent place to start. They are likely to have puppies available for adoption, or they may be able to refer you to a trustworthy breeder. How to Choose a Bernedoodle Breeder? Initially: If you are looking for a Bernedoodle breeder, you should consider a few things before making your decision. Step: 1 Ask around and do your research to find out whether the breeder has had any complaints filed against them. Make sure the breeder is reputable and has a good reputation. Step: 2 If you plan on getting a Bernedoodle, make sure the breeder has experience with the breed and is knowledgeable about it. Ask the breeder questions about the breed and see how they respond. Step: 3 When you find a few potential breeders willing to work with you, you want to visit their facilities and meet the dogs. Make sure that the dogs are well taken care of and that the breeder is knowledgeable and able to answer any questions you might have. After selecting a breeder you are comfortable with, you can choose the puppy you are satisfied with. Finally: It is essential to trust your gut when making a decision about which Bernedoodle breeder to select. If something does not seem right, walk away from it. There are many much better Bernedoodle breeders out there, so there is no reason to settle for anything less. This small family business has been breeding Bernedoodles for over ten years. These dogs are very well-behaved and look stunning. They have been bred Bernedoodles for over five years and have some of the most beautiful dogs. They are also friendly and have a great temperament, making them stand out in the crowd. Their dogs are born from the finest European lines and cared for meticulously in our state-of-the-art facility. They have standard and mini Bernedoodles available, and their prices are very reasonable. Their Bernedoodles are healthy, happy, and have lovely temperaments. Willow Brooke: This small family-run business specializes in producing high-quality Bernedoodle puppies in Ontario, Canada. Willow Brooke Bernedoodles is one of the premier breeders of Bernedoodles in Canada. All their dogs are health tested, and they only use the best breeding stock available to breed our puppies. In addition to offering delivery, pick-up, and shipping, we also offer a money-back guarantee so that you can feel confident in your purchase. We strive to provide our customers with the best possible experience. They have a great selection of Bernedoodles and are always up-to-date on all of the latest Bernedoodle news. This breed is known for many reasons, including its intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. A Bernedoodle is a great family pet as well. It would help if you found a breeder who is reputable and well-respected when you are looking for one. Riverview: Several well-respected Riverview Bernedoodle breeders are located in Ontario. Some of these breeders have years of experience and are well-established in the dog breeding scene. Others are just getting started and are rapidly making a name for themselves with their high-quality dogs. We have been breeding Bernedoodles for over ten years and have a wealth of knowledge and experience. In addition to producing high-quality, healthy puppies, they believe Bernedoodles make wonderful family pets. They have a wide selection of Bernedoodle puppies for sale. Taking pride in producing high-quality puppies that will be cherished additions to your home, their Bernedoodles are bred for health, temperament, and beauty. Our puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, and we are happy to help you find the perfect match. All of their puppies are raised in a loving home environment and are well-socialized with children and other pets. Besides puppy and obedience training, Willow Brooke Bernedoodles offers behavior modification services. Related Questions: How much do Bernedoodles cost in Ontario? What is the average lifespan of a Bernedoodle? Bernedoodles live between 12 and 18 years. However, they do not carry the same health risk as Bernese mountain dogs. They also have a life expectancy of only seven years among their Bernese descendants, who have cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and epilepsy. What is the rarest color Bernedoodle? Black and white Bernedoodles, phantoms, merles, solid blacks, and solid whites are among the rarest variations. Moreover, the tri-color Bernedoodle is a highly coveted variation, so you may have to wait a little longer to adopt this Bernese-looking dog. What are Teddy Bear Bernedoodles? They have just a little more Poodle than Bernese and are an excellent choice for families with mild to moderate allergies. Are Bernedoodles high maintenance? To keep the Bernedoodle healthy and happy, regular grooming sessions are required. The fur must be trimmed and brushed regularly to keep it from tangling. Neglecting the coat can result in tangled hair, causing skin irritation and health problems. We have found many Bernedoodle breeders in Ontario. They make excellent pets because they are intelligent, loyal, and very affectionate. Several of these breeders are on our list if you are looking for a breeder in Ontario. We are confident that you will find what you need there. They are the best to provide you with the Bernedoodle pups you desire. Showing 1 - 40 of 52 resultsPage 1 - 52 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. Maynooth Doodledale has been graced with 7 beautiful bernedoodle babies. They will be trained with Early Neurological Stimulation and Puppy Culture practices from day 3 until you take them.Their mom is the most gentle sweet natured mini Poodle one could ever have the.Kingston We have 3 boys first 6 pics and 2 girls last 4 pics left in our F1b Bernedoodle summer litter. More pics available if interested. These pups have very unique markings and coloring. Will have.Cross between a Bernese Mountain dog, and a Standard Poodle. Choose from a selection of tricolored and phantom puppies. Our puppies are vet checked and dewormed. Our adults are DNA tested. This allows.Dam mother is an F1 bernedoodle Bernese mountain dog and standard poodle 65lbs. Sire father is an F2 bernedoodle medium bernedoodle and.See all Mini bernedoodles genetic tested. This weekend Special price. Ottawa Bernedoodle Hugs has a litter of mini bernedoodles for sale. The puppies are raised in a.Both parents have genetic testing. They are raised in a loving home. They were bornJuly 17th and are ready.This little teddy bear was the single pup from Kada. He is ready for his forever home Aug .He has had his first vaccine and a clean bill of health at his.A .I am expecting some Tri coloured puppues. My puppies go through Early Neurological.Mom is.These affectionate companions are perfect for families or individuals with allergies. Parents are on site, mom is a Bernedoodle 37lb and dad.Ihave 5 females and 1 male left. They are completely independent and make good family pets. They have been raised around young kids and cats, have.Approximately 30lbslbs full grown! Have they're 1st vaccinations, dewormed,and vet checked! They are ready to come to their forever home!! They will fill your heart and.Scooby loves to cuddle and loves being around kids. Scooby will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of his parents, he.Daisy will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of her parents, she will make a great addition to any household. Daisy is all up.Arnold loves to cuddle and loves being around kids. Arnold will be right around 35 lbs full grown based off of the weight of his parents, he will.I have one black and white female and one Merle female still looking for homes. Both parents are genetically.They have a lot of extra training and an extra vaccine. They are very laidback and love children and people of all ages. They have been.They are ready to go any day. They have there first shots dewormed miccrochipped health records and a year health guarantee. The mini grow.He is ready to leave for his new home. He has started house and crate training. He is a sweet, affectionate puppy.

Life Span Did You Know? The Pug, or Pug Dog, is famous for its flat-faced appearance and large, soulful eyes. They are an ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2, years ago. They were originally developed as a refined pet of Chinese royalty along with the Pekingese and the Shih Tzu. During this time, the Pug was considered a national treasure that outsiders could only access if one was gifted to them. Dutch traders from the s can be credited with bringing the Pug onto the world stage when they brought some back to Europe with them. The Pug made its way to the United States in the s. Now, the Pug is a popular dog breed worldwide. They are a popular companion that provides their owners with plenty of love and laughter from their comedic and playful antics. The Pug is a playful and outgoing dog breed with a charming personality. They tend to be very loving towards children and also get along well with other pets and dogs. They are a companion breed at heart known for their gentle nature and sociable personality. They love to give love and receive it in return. Their sensitive nature makes them intuitive as well and Pugs will often sense the moods of their owners and react accordingly. They crave attention and affection from their owners and are big fans of napping. This dog breed is often described as an ideal house dog and they are moderately adaptable. They will do well in homes of any size, including apartments. The Pug also adapts well to city or country life and are a good fit for singles or families of any size. Although they are highly adaptable to various living situations, they are less adaptable to climates. Pugs are very sensitive to the heat and overexertion, so they are best-suited to moderate climates. They also love to be with their families and will not be happy if left alone for a long time. As with any dog breed, the Pug has some health conditions to be aware of. In particular, corneal ulcers and dry eye are some potential eye problems that can occur. Additionally, Pugs can be susceptible to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and encephalitis. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see health clearances can help allay concerns for some of these health issues. Pugs are also big foodies. They love to eat! Their love for food means this dog breed is prone to obesity. As a brachycephalic dog, their large head and short snout often cause respiratory problems, which can limit their exercise at times and contribute to weight gain. This will cause them to quickly gasp and snort, which can sound relatively alarming. These episodes are usually not harmful as your Pug is just clearing their palate and throat. The Pug tends to be easy to train and is a good fit for owners of any experience level. They are eager to please their owners and tend to pick up on commands quickly. They are sensitive souls and their feelings can be hurt easily, so they will not respond well to harsh corrections. This dog breed responds best to consistent training that focuses on positive rewards and will benefit from participation in puppy training classes. Pugs have a smooth, glossy, and short coat. Their fur is fine and soft. Although their coat is generally low-maintenance, it will shed throughout the year. Aside from brushing, Pugs only need occasional baths on an as-needed basis. Because Pugs have ears that drop down, they can be susceptible to moisture, dirt, or debris. Checking their ears regularly and cleaning as needed helps to keep them healthy and comfortable. The same goes for their iconic face wrinkles. Daily brushing is ideal, but if your Pug is not allowing you to do that, a few times a week should be sufficient. Getting your Pug used to these grooming tasks as a puppy will help make it a positive bonding experience and a much easier process throughout their life. This dog breed has a low to moderate energy level. Generally, daily walks and some play sessions are enough exercise for this dog breed. They may have short bursts of energy as they have a very playful nature, but they will tire easily. Some Pugs can handle a little more activity and even compete in some dogs sports like agility, rally, and obedience. Make sure you check with your vet first before jumping into dog sports with your dog. A full-grown Pug will usually stand 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. The Pug was a popular pet of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Featured Pug Article. The address will have no connection to the actual scam as they will be an innocent third party Individuals who are looking to buy a pug puppy online are being targeted by scammers. These criminals have created a website called Brianapugcutepuppies. They post adverts on community websites advertising puppys. After you contact the scammers about the puppy, the scammers state that the puppy needs to be transferred to their area and that requires an upfront payment. The prefered payment system is Moneygram, Western Union or Walmart to Walmart but they will accept any form of payment including bitcoin, iTunes vounchers or bank transfer. The down payment is then sent via wire transfer. The scammers then ignore your calls and emails or will contact you and tell you that something else has come up and they need further payment for the delivery of the puppy. These criminals are happy for you to give them your Credit Card details which they will later use to empty your account. Of course once you have given them your credit card details they will demand that you pay by wire transfer! These scammers have even been known to charge for pet food delivery for a non existent pet! To see more scam websites involving pug puppys have a look at Pug Puppy Scams. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Toggle menu Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more! Viewers of The Real Housewives of Orange County might have seen the kids making appearances with Briana at home in past seasons, but they may not know that the RHOC daughter is also the parent of two fuzzy children: her dogs, Bear and Winnie! Catch up on the Bravo App. If you haven't seen Bear and Winnie before, Briana's husband, Ryan Culberson happens to offer a wealth of four-legged family photos on his Instagram account because he is a proud pet papa. Briana keeps her own Instagram account private for her immediate friends and family; her bio on the app says, "I don't accept anyone I don't know. For reals. You'll notice right away that Bear is a big German Shepherd and Winnie is a little pug, and they like to hang out with each other as siblings despite their differences in size, appearance, and demeanor. They also, unfortunately, shed a whole lot, but Ryan says, "Loyalty and love is worth every dog hair!

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. 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. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!

If you notice any symptoms or changes to their appetite, mood, or energy levels, make an appointment with your vet. As a large mixed breed, New Sheps may tend to grow and develop rapidly. This can cause bone and joint issues in the long run. This is often a higher quality food that is lower in calories. It is important for this food to contain high-quality ingredients and to be free of any fillers, preservatives, or additives that will unnecessarily add calories to the food. Always measure out the appropriate amount for each meal. As a puppy, it is best to restrict treats and snacks too. Even as a puppy, your New Shep will require regular exercise. As mentioned, though, these pups are at higher risk of bone and joint issues since they grow so rapidly from the age of four to seven months. You need to be careful with how you exercise your puppy for this period. Steer clear of hard pavements and surfaces — anything that can be tough on their bones or joints. In particular, prevent them from jumping around on such surfaces. It is fine for them to play on grass and similarly soft surfaces. If your pup takes after their Newfoundland parent, they will love to swim, so this is an activity that you can try. Swimming is a great way for your pup to get a workout without putting too much stress on their joints. For high-energy dogs, break this up into two sessions. A brisk walk is the easiest physical activity. Frisbee and fetch are great for keeping things interesting. A good way to decide how much exercise your dog needs is to give them about 30 minutes and take note of their energy levels. If they seem content and not overly tired, you have hit the right time limit. If your pup still seems to have a lot of energy, slowly increase their playtime until they are satisfied. You should be aware that some New Sheps can be a bit lazy when it comes to exercise. Despite this, your dog should get a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day. You may need to be a bit firm about taking them outside. If your pooch is on the smaller side and takes after their German Shepherd more, they may also enjoy agility training. On the other hand, make sure that you schedule a regular swimming session if your New Shep takes after their Newfoundland parent a bit more. You can expect quite a bit of shedding with this mixed breed. The best way to minimize this is to brush them regularly. Make it a point to brush your dog at least three times a week to reduce loose fur around the house. You will need to use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake as your dog has a double coat. It will make all the difference. If your New Shep has a coat that is more similar to Newfoundland, you should be aware that it will attract dirt, grit, and burrs. This means that your dog needs to be brushed whenever you take them out to a wooded area or a dog park. Failing to do so can leave the fur matted and dirty. Your dog will likely blow their coat a couple of times a year and the shedding will reach peak levels at this point. During this period, you should brush them out every day and use the undercoat rake more regularly. You will also have to add a de-shedding brush to the routine. Once every month or two is more than enough unless your dog gets dirty. Bathing them too often can dry out their skin and damage their coat. It should be noted that their coat can be rather overwhelming to the groom. This is why owners will often hire groomers to handle this task. They are best suited to cool or cold climates. They should always be kept indoors when the sun is out. It is best if they are close to a fan or air conditioning. Keep a close eye on your pooch to make sure that they are as cool as possible. Avoid taking your dog out during the hottest parts of the day as they can overheat quickly. Give them exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. New Sheps are far too big for apartments. They need a lot of space so they will work better in larger homes. In smaller spaces, they may be prone to knocking things over. If your New Shep is of the high energy variety, though, having access to a yard can help them to burn off some excess energy. These dogs love human companionship , so never leave them alone in the yard for a long period. Instead, give them the option of coming in and out so that they can spend time with you when they want. Newfoundland German Shepherds are highly trainable. They have a great work ethic and are intelligent to pick up a wide variety of commands and instructions. You should start their training from the moment you bring your pup home. They can be difficult to control as they get bigger so starting young can help to avoid a lot of issues. These dogs are people pleasers so use positive reinforcement to get them to learn tricks more readily. You will need to find a breeder that specializes in this particular mix. Look for one that has tracked the health of both parent breeds, going back several generations. This can help to prevent various diseases in your pup. This is a rare mixed breed and is a designer one to boot. You may not always find one in a shelter, but looking at German Shepherd or Newfoundland-specific shelters may help. These dogs can grow as tall as 28 inches and weigh over lbs and might need to be classified as an extra-large breed. They are excellent family dogs and are great with children and other pets. This wraps up our guide to Newfoundland German Shepherds. With this information, you can now decide whether this pup is a good fit for you. 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. Final Thoughts The question may arise — if people have carefully perfected purebred dogs, like German Shepherds and Newfoundlands, why do they need to mix these breeds now? The German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is not bred accidentally, of course. The answer is that the purpose was to receive the dogs with the best features inherited from the two breeds, such as a larger working potential and a calmer temperament. That is the answer to your question. The new dog hybrid is also called a New Shep or the Newfie Shepherd, and it is a designer dog whose characteristics are more predictable than those of other mixes. After reading this article, you will be able to decide whether this dog is right for you. Characteristics of the Crossbreed If you are interested in a New Shep, learn what characteristic features it inherits from its predecessors — German Shepherds and Newfoundlands. German Shepherds look intimidating and bark loudly. They are highly intelligent and become loyal companions to their beloved owners. They are also pretty trainable, eager to please the owner, and have a strong working drive. Shepherds are multipurpose workers suitable for doing jobs in the police, military, and guidance services. Guarding is also a good job for them because they are fierce and alert. Newfoundlands are much bigger and stronger than Shepherds. Though, they are also much calmer. The abundance of fur and big bones make them look impressive. They are gentle and sweet, but they also make perfect working dogs to carry out emergency services and rescues, especially those that include swimming in icy water. Rescuing children and adults from drowning is the job they have become well-known for. Nowadays, Newfoundlands are kept as home pets. The German Shepherd Newfoundland mix puppy is the offspring of crossbreeding that displays the best characteristics of German Shepherds and Newfoundland dogs. It is larger than a Shepherd but much calmer and more affectionate. It is more open and patient to the presence of strangers, and more welcoming to other animals. Nevertheless, the New Shep has an outstanding work drive and very strong protective instincts. Appearance Like in other dog breeds, males and females differ in size. The male is usually inches cm in height, and they weigh pounds kg. Females are usually smaller and lighter. They can grow as tall as inches cm , and their weight is as much as pounds kg. Some dogs can grow very big and weigh up to pounds 91 kg. The typical Newfoundland German Shepherd mix has medium-length hair, and the double coat is immensely thick. The colors of the coat may vary a lot. These hybrid dogs can be solid black, sable, or even liver, blue, and white. However, the most common color after the GSD is tan with a black saddle. Some crosses may also inherit the color from their Newfoundland parent, and their coat may be brown or gray. The other characteristic features inherited from the two breeds depend on the gene mix. They can do well with children of all ages and people who are not a part of the family. These dogs are pretty approachable, though they may look intimidating because of their massiveness. New Sheps are amazing family dogs without the aggressive tendencies German Shepherds are usually prone to. They are very careful and patient with young kids. If this dog is properly socialized, it can get along well with other household pets. However, it can be wary of other dogs, especially if they are of the same sex. These dogs are very strong and fast, despite their big size. So, they can be excellent herders and work successfully in criminal apprehension for the police. They are also agile swimmers due to the feature inherited from their Newfoundland parents. The mix of German Shepherds and Newfoundlands produces more admirable personalities. While German Shepherds are alert and courageous, though prone to fearfulness, aggression, and neurotic spans if bred and socialized improperly, Newfoundlands are more loyal and selfless, courageous, calm, and patient. The mix most often displays the sweet and docile nature of Newfoundland. While being trained, New Sheps can be more stubborn and need more repetitions and consistency than their German Shepherd ancestor. This trait is also inherited from Newfoundlands and should be taken into account. It is longer than in purebred Newfoundlands but shorter than in German Shepherds. The reason is bigger because all large dog breeds tend to live shorter. The puppies are mostly born healthy, and this mix generally is not prone to severe health issues if it is bred responsibly and then well-cared and fed. The German Shepherd tends to get such minor issues as hot spots, allergies, perianal fistulas, and cataracts. The Newfoundland also tends to have cataracts as well as eye issues such as abnormal eyelid and lower eyelid droop. So, all these conditions can be inherited by your mix-bred puppy from its parents. As for serious health problems, the German Shepherd can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, bone inflammation, heart disease, fungal infections, and gastric torsion. You will need to have hip, elbow, and cardiac testing, DNA tests, and a complete physical examination for your puppy with your experienced vet to be sure about its health condition. Having the appropriate health test certificates from your reputable breeder is also great. Feeding and Care Since a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very large dog breed, it requires a special, high-quality diet meant for big dogs. You should give it 3 cups of kibble at least twice per day. You need to talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about weight loss or gain. Your doggy may need nutritious supplements or more exercise. You may also feed your hybrid puppy with a homemade raw diet, but it should be properly balanced and high-quality. Remember that human food is inappropriate for your dog, and human supplements do not suit it, either. As for taking care of the New Shep, it needs a lot of grooming. The immensely thick coats require brushing on a daily basis. The undercoat is very dense, so if left without care, it can form tangles and get matted. Brushing is especially important in springs and early autumns, when shedding is excessive. Do not bathe your dog too often. Bathing is necessary to remove heavy debris and dirt but not more often than once in two months. The special dog shampoo should be applied to avoid bad skin irritations. The ears can be either erect or folded, depending on the gene inherited either from a German Shepherd or Newfoundland parent. However, you need to clean them carefully in both cases, especially when the ears are floppy. You should also trim its nails and brush its teeth regularly. Ask for expert advice from your veterinarian if you are unsure how to do it correctly. So, if you live in a small apartment, this dog is not appropriate for you. You should at least walk with your doggy for about 60 minutes per day and play a lot with it. These dogs love being in the water, and that allows them to burn off their excess energy. So, swimming is an essential part of exercising. The doggy will enjoy hiking and biking with you, too. The dog also needs a lot of mental stimulation, including puzzle toys and enrichment games. The trainability of the German Shepherd and Newfoundland mix is amazing. These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their owners and always ready to follow all the commands. They are playful and patient, with strong guarding instincts, alert to threats but open to the presence of strangers. However, they can be pretty obstinate sometimes. So, you need reward-based and persistent training sessions for your doggy from a very early age. These dogs can become outstanding search and rescue helpers and are also great at obedience training and agility sessions. They are perfect at water sports and hauling sleds and small carts will be appropriate for them. They also can become exceptional therapy dogs due to their patience and affectionate attitudes toward people. It makes up a perfect family dog with strong guarding and protective skills. It is intelligent, patient, calm, and affectionate. The dog can be a remarkable companion, rescuer, and hauler. However, be careful to socialize and train it properly. If you have decided to adopt the New Shep, you will get the best friend and amazing companion if it is properly socialized. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. They should be fed about 3 cups several times throughout the day with a high-quality kibble. Because of their large size, they will not be as suitable for apartments, but they love being in the water , which will allow them to burn off some of their excess energy. The Newfoundland part of the New Shep makes them excellent at water sports, hauling such as sleds or small carts and they have the potential to become exceptional therapy dogs. The undercoat tends to be dense and will be prone to tangles and matting. Particular attention should be paid during the spring and the summer when they start shedding. Dog skin differs from human skin and using the wrong shampoo might create skin problems for the dog. The ears of the New Shep might be erect like the German Shepherd or folded over like the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland is also susceptible to cataracts but also abnormal eyelid and lower eyelid droop. The vet will run allergy, skin and eye tests to screen your dog for any possible inherited health conditions from its parents. Your vet will run hip, elbow and cardiac tests as well as DNA tests and a full physical exam on your dog. Your New Shep is a hybrid, which means it might inherit some of these conditions from its parents, but it is less likely. Male vs. Female Female and male dogs tend to differ in size, with the female usually smaller and lighter. The male can be 25—28 inches and weigh — pounds and the female might be 23—26 inches and weigh 80— pounds. As previously mentioned, these dogs can actually weigh as much as pounds. Obviously, female and male dogs also differ biologically. If you decide to have your female dog spayed, the surgery is a little more challenging than neutering the male dog. This comes at a slightly higher expense and a longer recovery time for the dog. Some believe that there are personality differences between males and females. Generally speaking, males are thought of as being more aggressive than females. In contrast, the females are thought to be more affectionate. However, there are debates on this subject. The most important thing to consider in the male versus female dog debate is that the primary source of their personalities will come from how you train and socialize them when they are puppies. Final Thoughts When you combine the intelligence and the energy of the German Shepherd with the calm and affectionate Newfoundland, you might just end up with the perfect dog for your family. The New Shep is a beautiful, large dog that loves the water and will make an excellent watchdog but without the aggression. New Shep puppies are not easy to find so you might want to begin by speaking to breeders of German Shepherds and Newfoundland dogs. Attending dog shows and talking to rescue societies as well as local and national dog clubs could also prove helpful. Last of all, posting messages on social media will help you spread the world to a much bigger audience. The New Shep requires a fairly vigorous brushing routine, but otherwise, you will end up with a loyal and loving gentle giant that will become a beloved member of your family. See Also:. The Newfoundland dog is loving, gentle, and are also famous for their loyalty and strength. Whereas, the German Shephard is recognized for its protective nature and courage despite being loyal. Now let us see, what are the traits of the mixed breed of these two dogs, the Newfoundland German shepherd mix. Newfoundland German shepherd mix physical appearance: The Newfoundland German Shepherd cross is a giant, sturdy and athletic dog with a strong and heavy bone structure. Both the parent dogs have strong and straight backs usually, whereas in some cases, the back of German Shephard is slightly sloped whereas that of Newfoundland is leveled. The chest of Newfoundland is deep while the skull is broad. Looking at the muzzle, it is more tapered and long in the case of a German Shepherd. Both the breeds have commonly pointed ears and brown eyes. The nose of the New Shep Breed dog is either brown or black. In short, the Newfoundland dog German Shepherd Mix can have traits of any of its parents. Lastly, the average lifespan of the dog is 10 years. Newfoundland German shepherd cross temperament and personality: Mostly, the New Shep hybrids are a combination of the personality of the parent breeds so, both of them are good-mannered as well as confident. If not trained properly, they can develop aggressive and anxious temperament so, train them patiently. They are playful and happy among children, but their immense size can harm them so, keep the younger ones away. They are fun, calm, and easy with the family members as well. Although the dog is intelligent, you will surely have to put some effort to train this dog. Newfoundland German shepherd mix for sale: There are two options for having a purebred New Shep Breed dog, one you can buy it from a reputable breeder, and the second adopt it from a shelter, former owner, or rescue. But it is not always the truth so, be sure about the health and lineage of your dog before purchasing it from a breeder making false claims. The only difference between these two methods is that adoption will cost you very little as compared to purchasing it. Newfoundland German shepherd mix puppy coat: The Newfoundland German shepherd mix puppy has a slightly dense coat that is wavy in texture and medium in length. The coat of this dog breed is more likely to catch dust, debris, and other particles. Also, their hair gets tangles frequently and heavy shedding is common in New Shep breed dogs. So, purchase a de-shedder, comb, brush, and de-matter for maintaining the coat of the dog. There are many possibilities of the coat color including sable, black, white, blue, brown, grey, cream, red, and silver. Newfoundland dog German shepherd mix training: If you have a good experience with dogs, then start training them with patience after purchasing it. As the Newfoundland and German Shepherd Mix dog is intelligent, so they pick up things easily. Be aware of the little obstinate nature of the dog and handle it with patience rather than behaving harshly or aggressively. If you are unable to control and train the dog, then take it or group training sessions. Also, hiring a personal trainer will help you a lot in this regard but then get ready to pay a little more training price than usual. Newfoundland and German shepherd mix grooming: As discussed, the coat of the Newfoundland German shepherd mix dog is dense and tangles easily so, daily brushing is necessary to maintain the look of the dog. Usually, the coat sheds in the summer and spring season, so maintaining the coat in these seasons is a challenge. Excessive or cheap shampoo can damage the skin of your dog resulting in skin irritation so, only give it a bath when there is a dire need to remove the dirt. Keep on clipping the nails once a month and visit a professional groomer 3 to 6 times a year. Make sure you are providing a hygienic and quality diet to your dog. Usually, a New shep dog eats 3 cups of kibble every day. Well, if you observe any disturbance in the health of the dog, immediately consult your vet. New shep breed health concerns: Just like every other dog breed, purebred or mix, the New shep dog also has some common health concerns. Some of the minor concerns include bloating, gastric dilation volvulus, subaortic stenosis, degenerative myelopathy, perianal fistulas, and hip or elbow dysplasia. Whereas if we talk about some serious health conditions that can be fatal for the new shep breed dog, then these include pyoderma, mitral valve dysplasia, urolithiasis, pannus, cherry eye, cataracts, exocrine pancreatic, footpad disorder, insufficiency, progressive renal atrophy, persistent right aortic arch and many more. To prevent these conditions, keep a healthy track of the diet and physical activity of your dog. Male and female Newfoundland German shepherd mix puppies for sale: The height of a male Newfoundland dog German shepherd mix is 25 to 28 inches whereas that of a female dog is 23 to 26 inches. The weight of a female New Shep dog is 75 to 95 lbs while a male dog weighs 95 to lbs. The temperament of the dog depends on socialization and training rather than gender. Also, spaying of the female New shep dog is a bit complicated than neutering the male dog as spaying requires a little more time to recover. They will require plenty of space and humans that are strong enough to handle their size and weight. The color will depend on which parent it takes after. Most crosses that take after the GSD will don the famous tan coat with a black saddle. Other common coat colors include solid black and sable , while rarer GSD colors include liver , blue , and white. Similarly, crosses that inherit their coat from the Newfie parent are likely to be solid black, brown, or gray. Grooming Because the German Shepherd Newfoundland mix tends to have very dense undercoats, keeping them properly groomed involves a thorough brushing several times a week. This may become a daily requirement twice a year when they blow their coats and shed very heavily. Baths, however, can be done as infrequently as every 6 to 8 weeks. As with any other dog, regular toothbrushing is an essential part of keeping the Newfie-GSD mix properly groomed. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will keep odors at a minimum and will contribute greatly to good health and longevity. Strength Both German Shepherds and Newfoundlands are strong dogs, so their offspring will definitely be strong as well. Just seeing their size and musculature gives you a good idea of the strength of these dogs. This is a critical part of what makes them excellent working dogs. Speed Despite their size, Newfoundland-German Shepherd crosses are surprisingly nimble on their paws. Additionally, mutts that take after the Newfie parent are especially agile swimmers. They need lots of exercise to keep them on their best behavior. At a minimum, these dogs would need 30 minutes of moderate-to-intense physical activity per day — however many of these mixes will need more especially in their younger years. Among the activities they are likely to enjoy are hiking and swimming. Because of their heritage as working dogs, Newfoundland-German Shepherd mixes also require lots of mental stimulation. Enrichment games, puzzle toys , and regular training sessions will keep them sharp and happy. Trainability Among the best traits of the German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is that they are incredibly sweet and affectionate with their family. They are also playful and patient with young children as well as tolerant of other animals in the household. Despite their seemingly docile temperament, the Newfoundland-German Shepherd mix has strong guarding instincts. They are alert to threats and are capable of engaging if needed. However, they are more open to the presence of strangers than purebred GSDs. Health Newfie-GSDs are generally healthy dogs. However, their sheer size and weight make them more prone to bone and joint issues like elbow and hip dysplasia. Ideally, both parents would be screened for such conditions before being allowed to mate. Make sure to clean them regularly and keep them dry. Lifespan Newfie-GSDs are expected to live between 9 and 14 years old. Nevertheless, Newfoundland-GSD crosses often surpass this average lifespan when they maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. A high-quality, balanced diet is also essential to longevity. The AKC Canine Partners Program enables mixed breeds to register with the club and participate in various sports and canine events. This includes the eligibility to compete for titles in such activities as Agility , Diving Dogs , and Flyball. As far as crossbreeds go, the Newfoundland-German Shepherd mix is not very popular. That may have to do with the fact that each of these two breeds is more valuable as purebreds. However, it requires a dedicated handler willing to take on the responsibilities of such a large and active dog. Nevertheless, they can be an excellent dog to have, whether as a working companion or as a family pet. German Shepherd mixes come in many different forms and have many unique characteristics. The combination of these two breeds results in a dog with an outstanding temperament and robust physical strength. This sturdy breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness and obedience. They are also intelligent, eager to learn and make great family pets. Newfoundland and German Shepherd — Breeding History The Newfoundland is a large working dog breed originating from the island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada. They were originally bred for helping fishermen with tasks such as hauling in nets and catching fish that had escaped from the nets. They are also known for their water rescue abilities and were used extensively during the 19th century by lifeboat crews. The German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that originated in Germany in the late 19th century. They were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world and are highly prized for their loyalty and working ability. They were first used as police dogs back in in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. They are well known over the years as highly effective police and military dogs due to their loyalty, obedience, and intelligence. The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a relatively new crossbreed that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Known as adaptable designer dogs, the mix of these two breeds result in a dog with an outstanding temperament and robust physical strength. The most common reason people mix these two breeds is to take advantage of the best traits of each. Their characteristics will vary depending on which parent breed they take after more, but they will typically have the long head and muzzle of a German Shepherd combined with the thick coat and webbed feet of a Newfoundland. They are typically strong and muscular with a large, square head and medium to long coat. The typical size of a Newfoundland is inches cm at the shoulder, weighing between pounds kg. The typical size of a German Shepherd is inches cm at the shoulder, and they weigh between pounds kg. A mix of both breeds will typically fall somewhere in the middle, with males generally being larger than females. Coat Type The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will have a thick, double coat that is water-resistant and sheds moderately. Their fluffy coats can be either short or long, but is typically medium in length. They will have the thick undercoat of a Newfoundland combined with the longer outer coat of a German Shepherd. Colors New Sheps can come in a wide variety of colors, depending on their parentage. Their coat color can be either black, brown, gray, red, or white. They may also have markings of a different color on their face, chest, or paws. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. New Sheps are active dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. They are also guard dogs by nature and will bark to warn you of strangers or any potential danger. While they make fantastic family dogs, New Sheps are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their high energy levels and need for training and socialization. Protectiveness New Sheps display extreme protectiveness of their owners and are very loyal. This behavior is instinctive and cannot be trained out of them. It is important to socialize New Sheps early on so that they can learn to distinguish between actual threats and harmless strangers. Without early socialization, they may become overly suspicious of anyone who is not their owner and become aggressive toward them. New Sheps are also very protective of their families and will do anything to keep them safe. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to warn their family of any potential danger. They are also very loving and affectionate toward their families and will do anything to make them happy. Strength The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very strong and large dog. They are one of the strongest dog breeds, and their size can be intimidating to some people. They are also very muscular, and their coats are thick and dense, which helps protect them from the elements. Speed The speed of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is about 27 miles per hour mph , but can reach up to 35 mph when running. They are working dogs and were bred for their herding and guarding abilities, so they have a lot of energy. If you have an active lifestyle and are looking for a canine companion to join you on hikes, runs, or swims, this mix may be a good fit. Newfs are known for being relatively lazy, while German Shepherds are much more active. A good rule of thumb is that this mix should get at least an hour of daily exercise. This can be a combination of walks, runs, hikes, and playtime. If your dog is particularly energetic, they may need even more exercise than that. This could include water sports, agility sessions, or other intense activities. Having plenty of space for exercise will naturally be of huge benefit for you and your dog. This mix would be a great companion for you if you live an active lifestyle. They can keep up with most activities and will be happy to do so. Just make sure to give them plenty of breaks, as they can overheat easily. Along with physical exercise, they also need mental stimulation and regular brain exercise. They will likely become bored and destructive if they have excess energy and their activity level is not catered for. Make sure you are prepared to give them the exercise they need before bringing one home. Some may need more obedience training than others, while some may require more socialization. Always consult with a professional trainer to determine what training methods would be best for your specific dog. Typically, the first type of training a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will need is obedience training. This type of training will teach the dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. It is important to start obedience training early on, as it will set the foundation for all other types of training. The second type of training a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may need is socialization training. This training is important to help the dog develop a gentle nature and become comfortable around people and other animals. Socialization training can be started at any age, but it is typically best to start early on. They are going to be very trainable and will likely excel in obedience trials and other activities. Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are also likely to have above average intelligence when compared to other dog breeds. This means that they are likely to learn new tricks and commands quickly. They may also be quick to understand the intentions of their owners and be able to follow complex commands. So, if you are looking for a dog that is intelligent and easily trainable, then a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may be the perfect breed for you! Good with Other Dogs The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a good dog for people who have other dogs in their family. They are gentle and good-natured and get along well with other dogs. Due to their size, they need to be properly socialized with other dogs when they are puppies so that they know how to interact with them and not be afraid of them. They do have natural protective instincts, so they may be leery of strange dogs, but with proper socialization, they can learn to get along with just about any dog. They make great family dogs and love being around people, which is why they do well in homes where there are other dogs present. Good with Children The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a great breed of dog if you are looking for one that is good with children. This mix is known to be gentle, loving, and protective of those they love, which makes them perfect for families with young kids. They are also known for having an affectionate nature. They will quickly become a loyal and trusted friend to your children, and will always be there to lend a furry shoulder to cry on and for constant companionship. Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are also great dogs for first-time dog owners, as they are relatively easy to train and care for. For example, a growing puppy will need more calories than an adult dog, and a working dog will need more calories than a couch potato. In general, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will need a diet that is high in protein and fat, and moderate in carbohydrates. When it comes to choosing a commercial dog food, look for one that is specifically designed for large breeds. Avoid any food that contains fillers or by-products, and make sure the first ingredient is a meat protein. Grooming When it comes to grooming ,the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a low-maintenance dog. A weekly brushing will help to remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy and clean. Ears should be checked regularly and cleaned when necessary to prevent infection. Teeth should be brushed on a regular basis as well. Newfs are known for being heavy shedders, so expect some extra vacuuming during shedding season. Shedding The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will be a moderate to heavy shedder. Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are double-coated, so they will also require regular grooming to help reduce matting and tangles in their fur. Drooling The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is known to be a very sloppy dog in relation to drooling. This can be quite a nuisance for owners, as it can result in wet floors and furniture. Adaptability to Weather In terms of adapting to weather extremes, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very versatile dog. They can withstand very cold and very hot weather conditions better than most other breeds. They have a thick, double coat of fur that helps protect them against the cold weather and their long legs help them keep their balance in the snow. In terms of the hot weather, they do not have as much fur so they do not get as hot as other breeds. They also have a lot of energy and can run around in the heat without getting tired. Just be sure to provide plenty of shade and fresh water during extremely hot temperatures. Overall, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very versatile breed that can adapt to any type of weather condition. They are, however, susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, which is common in large breeds. No one knows for sure who first came up with the idea to breed a German Shepherd with a Newfoundland or exactly why. Experimentation with the breeding probably occurred a few times before anyone came up with a clear-cut reason or thought it was a good idea. We know the German Shepherd originated in Germany from generic herding dogs. A show dog named Hektor became the foundation type for the breed, further developed by Max von Stephanitz beginning in the late s. According to German Shepherd Rescue Elite , Stephanitz was a former student of Berlin Veterinary College and highly interested in how conformation correlated with working proficiency. Most experts agree that Newfoundland originated from native dogs of the Newfoundland coast and Labrador, in Canada, but are uncertain if the black wolf, Great Pyrenees, or others had the greatest influence. DNA confirms the fact that St. A well-established Newfie type was apparent by , represented by massive black dogs that had huge heads. George Cartwright officially named the Newfoundland in , and the English further modernized the breed beginning in the s. What is a designer dog? Undoubtedly clear to most, not every mixed dog is a designer dog. The marketing of specific breed combinations enables owners of these hybrids to ironically attain an elevated social status among their peers. In historical times, starting with the Victorian era in the s , many societies linked superiority with smaller genetic pools. Owning a purebred dog was equivalent to privilege. Until the advent of what would become the designer dog craze, purebred dogs remained at the pinnacle of desirability and personal worth in many societies. The appeal of certain purebred dogs, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, will probably never wane, but designer dogs have given owners another avenue to climb the social ladder. Generally, the name of the hybrid will be a blend of the two separate breed names. The Labradoodle was the first such designer dog, matching a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle in , and the New Shep arrived much later. The New Shep remains much less common than some of the other designer dogs. Many early designer dogs originated intending to introduce the hypoallergenic low-shedding hair of the Poodle to breeds with desirable charms like an easy-going steadfast temperament, unusual charisma, or unique coat color. Later, dog lovers sought to improve the health issues of breeds they loved such as the English Bulldog. Purely speculative, the New Shep may have come about to smooth some aggressive and neurotic tendencies of the Shepherd and increase the lifespan and add novelty colors and trainability to the Newfie. What makes the New Shep unpredictable? New Shep puppies have a greater number of standard characteristics in common with each other than alternative German Shepherd crosses because there are more of them. We can judge probability based on how the majority of current litters turn out. That being said, first-generation genetics is still largely a roll of the dice. Many features, like personality and temperament, are more unpredictable than coat length and size. Individuals inherit some qualities as a straightforward recessive or dominant single gene. Other genes, like those for coat color, are multiple and incompletely dominant. Separate breed standards tell the tale of the Newfie Shepherd Mix. Most people know what a purebred German Shepherd or Newfoundland looks like. The German Shepherd, with her elegant good looks, has a dome-shaped forehead with a narrow, somewhat square muzzle, a long back sloping down from the shoulders to the hips , brown slightly-slanted eyes, large open upright ears, and a thick tail. Classic colors are tan or red with a black saddle and black mask. German Shepherds can also be silver and black, sable, or solid colors like red, blue , black , or white. Where Shepherds are solidly-built and athletic, Newfoundlands are stately and powerful. One of their most remarkable features is their partially webbed feet, which contribute to their legendary swimming ability. Newfoundlands can sport the colors solid black, brown, white and black, known as Landseer, and, less commonly, gray. New Sheps range from 23 to 28 inches tall and average to pounds. The range, however, can be from to over pounds. New Shep dogs sport an array of colors such as black and tan, solid black, gray, silver, blue, or red, black and white, or sable. What is hybrid vigor? Hybrid vigor, despite numerous misconceptions, does not necessarily imply increased health and vitality. It refers, however, to improved biological functions which usually influence size and fertility. According to the Centre for Small Animal Studies in Suffolk , hybrids tend to have a higher lifespan than purebred dogs except for certain toy breeds. Moreover, any comparison between dogs illustrates a smaller size generally means a longer life. Not all crossbreeding results in hybrid vigor. New Sheps are frequently larger than their parents. It is not uncommon to see Shepherd Newfoundland mixes that are pounds. Giant size likely accounts for a shortened longevity. What kind of personality can you expect? German Shepherds are also courageous, loyal, affectionate with their families , and protective. Poor breeding allows fearfulness, aggression , or neurotic tendencies to enter specific German Shepherd lines. The breed standard for the Newfoundland calls for a sweet disposition to define her, more important than any other character trait. An irresponsibly bred Newfie can be fearful or aggressive. A German Shepherd Newfie cross should shine as a family companion with a loyal, sweet, and affectionate nature. Most puppies exhibit the calm and docile natures of the Newfoundland. New Sheps tend to get along with children and other dogs, especially with effective socialization by you the owner. Shepherd-Newfoundland hybrids may inherit some dog aggression from the GSD and same-sex aggression from the Newfie. Again, frequent exposure to other dogs as a puppy will help prevent inter-dog aggression from cropping up later in life. Does New Sheps have high intelligence and trainability? According to Dogbreedslist. The ranking includes purebred dogs. Both breeds are amenable to consistent and early training. The German Shepherd excels at learning quickly and obediently. She is considered one of the most trainable dogs. Newfoundlands demonstrate an uncanny instinct for the prevention of drowning and knowing how to save people from hazardous situations on land. However, they tend to be independent and need repetition to pick up simple commands. How much exercise does a New Shep need? Hybrids inherit the more laid-back demeanor of the Newfie, not nearly as exuberant as the Shepherd. They require moderate to low exercise. The winter cold is not likely to be a concern for your New Shep. Newfoundland and Shepherd mixes are also sure to enjoy swimming. Some training and walking services suggest 14 miles per week and an hour every day of exercise for your New Shep, although your dog will probably thrive on half that. Grooming requirements depend on coat thickness Both the Newfoundland and German Shepherd have thick undercoats. They have two large molts a year, dropping copious tufts of hair during these times. The Newfoundland requires daily brushing to prevent matting of his fleecy down. The rare Shepherd has long hair without an undercoat. Both dogs should get a consistent bath to eliminate odors and resistant dirt. German Shepherds are not particularly averse to water, but most Newfoundlands love it. New Sheps can possess a variety of coat types. Most of them will have a medium to long moderately thick wavy outer coat with dense underfur. Some have short hair and others have thinner hair than usual for either breed. A few dogs have straight hair while others appear to have loose curls in areas. Brushing is crucial for the same reasons as with the parent breeds. Will your New Shep be a good watchdog? While the German Shepherd is renowned for guard abilities, the Newfoundland has always had a more utilitarian heritage. Since biting and aggression is so contrary to rescuing people from the water, the Newfie has minimal guarding tendencies. You are pretty lucky if your Newfie barks to announce a stranger. You can expect a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix to be friendly and even affectionate to guests. They likely will make better watchdogs than Newfies, barking if sensing a disturbance. Certain families of dogs, as mentioned above, can produce New Sheps with the same undesirable characteristics of the responsible parent, such as fear-biting, uncharacteristic aggression, and shyness. Unfortunately, ailments plague all purebred dogs. While trying to improve a breed through hybridization is a noble endeavor, the reality often falls short. Improvement in the puppies is only possible when exercising a strict selection process with the parents. Some breeders do not adhere to strict breeding criteria, whether involved with purebreds or designer dogs. Moreover, potential owners may not know what kinds of problems their new dog may be susceptible to or what tests may pertain to particular breeds. Still, another factor is dogs inherit some disorders like hip dysplasia, across multiple genes While a few of the sources we ran across cited Shepherd Newfie hybrids as having no health issues, this is probably not entirely accurate. Because of their parentage, we must theorize that New Sheps are vulnerable to the following health issues, discussed by Science Direct and PetMD. According to the Veterinary DNA Center , Newfoundlands can exhibit cystinuria at the exceptionally young age of six months. What fun activities can you do with your New Shep? German Shepherds may excel at agility trials and obedience challenges, like Shutzhund, but Newfoundlands are better suited for hauling competitions and water sports. Both can make excellent therapy dogs and search and rescue workers. Some New Sheps may be more athletic than Newfies. Depending on their size, a hybrid will probably show the greatest promise in activities similar to what a Newfoundland does best. With a German Shepherd-Newfoundland hybrid, you are likely to get what looks like a giant black or black and tan Shepherd. His ears may be erect or semi-prick. Your New Shep will have intelligence and trainability approaching the Shepherd with a slightly stubborn or willful streak. She will greet strangers and friends alike with friendly enthusiasm but in a contained manner. She may bark at intruders but will likely blend in happily with children and other animals in your household. Your Newfie Shepherd cross may take to the water like a sea lion and may even have webbed feet. The only drawbacks are a medium tendency to drool, heat sensitivity, her tremendous size, and her thick coat. This German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is pretty close to one of the varieties you could see in a typical litter. The puppy is not yet sporting his adult coat but looks like he will end up red fawn or sable with a black mask. You can also gauge youth by how much higher his hindquarters are than his shoulders, an indication of a growth spurt. January 14, Fancy a dog with the smarts of the impressive German Shepherd and the sweetness of the gentle Newfoundland? What about the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix? Why not learn a little more about the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix? If you are a fan of big dogs, with big hearts then a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix might just be the dog for you! Origins of the Newfoundland Newfoundland dogs have long been relied on by Canadian fishermen to help on fishing boats. They would bring in the nets of fish and pull them to the markets on carts. Their strength and natural swimming ability also earned them a reputation as lifeguards. They are skilled at saving people in trouble in the water. The first German Shepherd showed up in America in and by , the first German Shepherd club has been established. At this point, it is worth addressing the controversy which surrounds the purebreds versus mutts. The Mixed Breed Controversy Advocates of purebred dogs claim the size, temperament, and health of a purebred can be reliably predicted. Moreover, their lineage can be traced back for many generations. They also assert that supporting purebred dog breeders encourages the betterment of breeds. This is mainly because breeders will ensure the characteristics and abilities inherent in purebreds can be improved upon and preserved for generations to come. On the other hand, advocates of mixed breeds voice concern that inbreeding and exaggeration of certain physical characteristics in purebreds often result in dogs with serious health problems. They point out that breed standards, which dictate the desirable physical attributes of purebred dogs, can at times have more to do with aesthetics than the welfare of the dog. This has led to dogs with breathing difficulties, back and joint problems, and even difficulty giving birth. Many believe hybrid dogs are healthier since they are purportedly less predisposed to inherited conditions than purebreds. Indeed, one study has suggested that dogs with genetically diverse backgrounds are healthier and appear to live longer than their purebred counterparts. Here are some that stand out: The actions of one Newfoundland may have had a hand in how history played out. In a Newfoundland reportedly saved the life of none other than Napoleon Bonaparte when he went overboard while fleeing the island of Elba. Rin Tin Tin starred in 27 films throughout his life. In the end, the Academy decided the award must be given to a human. Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Appearance The Newfoundland stands between 26 and 28 inches at the shoulders and weighs between and lbs. They are sturdy and strong in build and appearance. Their thick double coat is water resistant and comes in black, brown, grey, and black and white. White patches are the only markings seen in this breed. The German Shepherd stands 22 to 26 inches at the shoulders and can weigh from 50 to 90 lbs. While strong and muscular in build, the German Shepherd also has great agility. They have a thick, wiry outer coat which comes in variations of black, tan, solid black and sable. This coat needs regular grooming. Both dogs are large, so a mix of the two is going to be a large dog. The coloring could be any combination of the parent breeds markings. Owning a dog of this size may bring with it challenges in terms of caring and housing for your dog. But the Newfoundland wins big points for being so agreeable. Temperament-wise, the German Shepherd is quite different from the Newfoundland. Its definitive qualities are loyalty, intelligence, and courage. Perhaps the greatest evidence of this is their status as the preferred breed for law enforcement and military organizations. In the family setting, a German Shepherd will make a loyal protector. As such, they tend to remain a little reserved when introduced to strangers. The sight of a German Shepherd may incite fear amongst many, and they have a reputation for being good watchdogs. A study published in found that German Shepherds did score higher than other breeds when it came to dog on dog aggression as well as aggression toward strangers. In terms of aggression towards owners, however, you have more to fear if you live with a Dachshund than a German Shepherd. A mix of these breeds could produce a dog that takes after one breed more than the other. However, the sweet nature of the Newfoundland could balance out the more serious and protective tendencies of the German Shepherd. Both these dogs are large and powerful. The German Shepherd is by nature a little wary of strangers and protective of their human family. Socialization, which involves exposing your puppy to as many new situations and experiences as possible, is an absolute must if you decide to adopt a mix of these two dogs. German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs. It is important that you keep them busy and engaged mentally. Both of these dogs enjoy regular exercise. Both breeds enjoy canine sports such as agility, dock jumping, and herding. Crossing with a Newfoundland might reduce such problems. Ultimately, checking that their parents did not suffer from these issues before choosing your puppy is the wisest course of action. Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Health Both these breeds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. The German Shepherd Club of America does not require any further health tests. However, as we mentioned, German Shepherds are prone to conformational problems. The Newfoundland is susceptible to heart problems and cystinuria, a condition in which stones form in the urinary system. Both dogs can be expected to live up to 10 years. If your puppy has taken after their Newfoundland parent and has floppy ears, check them regularly for infection. As with any breed, feed your dog a well-balanced, high-quality diet to keep them healthy. Being big dogs, make sure you have the budget for this. Both dog breeds have thick coats, so they will have to be brushed regularly even when they are not shedding. In shedding season, these bushings may need to be daily. The combination of these two breeds can make great a family dog. Taking into consideration the size, power, and temperament of the parent breeds, however, socialization and appropriate training is an absolute must. Ideally, your family should have enough time and space to devote to training and exercising this mixed breed. Rescuing a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix If you are looking to rescue one of these dogs, check local rescue groups dedicated to the parent breeds. Sometimes these groups will help find homes for crosses as well as purebreds. Otherwise, check at your local shelter. Get as much information as you can about the background of the dog, as they might have some special requirements if they have been abused or neglected in the past. How to Find a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix puppy The growing popularity of mixes can be good news for the general health of dogs. However, some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the demand, and view the production of puppies as nothing more than a way to make a profit. While it may seem to be the easiest option, getting your new puppy from a pet shop is not recommended. Sadly, these puppies have more often than not been bred in puppy farms. Dogs kept in puppy farms are housed in appalling conditions and often suffer untreated injuries and health problems. Not only are they often neglected physically, but mentally these dogs are deprived of the chance to socialize and play. First and foremost, make sure you can meet the parents of your dog, and see where they have been raised in person. Care needs to be taken with training and socialization due to the size of both breeds, and the protective traits of the German Shepherd. This dog will have a thick coat which will shed. Pros The Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix will be loyal to their family and eager to please loved ones. This mix is great for those who like swimming and the outdoors. The kind nature of the Newfoundland mixed with the intelligence of the German Shepherd is an appealing combination. Similar Mixed Breeds and Purebred Dogs.

Place all shoes and chewable items out of reach, install locks on cabinets containing harmful household chemicals, and bundle up and remove any exposed cords which could look like tempting chew toys. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Dried fruit, chocolate, and allium vegetables like onions and garlic are particularly harmful to dogs, so be especially careful with these items. Your new puppy needs a crate for many reasons. Secondly, it will help you to potty-train a breed known for being somewhat difficult when it comes to housebreaking. You should select a well-ventilated crate big enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down when it reaches full adult size. For an average Shih Tzu, expect an adult height of eight to eleven inches to the shoulder and weight of pounds. If you do, the puppy will associate the crate with negative emotions and will no longer perceive it as a restful, secure space. You should have food and water available to your new puppy the minute it enters the home, so make sure you purchase a set of dog bowls ahead of time. While you can find any number of ceramic or stoneware bowls on the market, stainless steel is your best option. It's dishwasher-safe, durable, and untainted with any lead-based paints or glazes. You should also ask a shelter or store employee for any behavioral issues or history of abuse which could impact how you bring the animal into your home. Both the Shih Tzu's and the poodle's good nature means the Shihpoo is likely to make a good dog for first time owners. Shihpoos are extremely affectionate dogs. They love to cuddle and make good lap dogs. They are usually very accepting of strangers, though some dogs might be shier than others. Most Shihpoos want to sleep with their owners at night. The Shihpoo loves the comfort of the home. His small size means he adapts well to apartment living. He is very friendly with others, so he will do well if you are around other people where you live. Shihpoos do not make good guard dogs because they are not extremely territorial and because of their friendly nature. Shihpoos do not do well living outdoors. They need to be indoor dogs. The Shihpoo is energetic and fun-loving, and loves playing the clown. He is good at cheering people up and helping anyone not feel lonely. He is good with families, but he is also great for singles because he is perfectly happy with one attentive owner. Shihpoos are great with children, as long as children are supervised and taught to handle the dog gently. Shihpoos don't need long walks to tire them out because they don't need long walks. Playing with them in the house or apartment, or giving them toys, should be enough. They will run around your house, play with stuffed animals, and chase balls. Short, brisk walks twice a day is great exercise for a Shihpoo. They also like running around yards or parks. If your aim is to have a dog to get out and about to meet people, or to exercise with, a Shihpoo may not be the dog for you. The Shihpoo is sometimes promoted as a hypoallergenic dog, meaning people say he is a breed that people with dog allergies can tolerate. However, this is not true. The Shihpoo is just as likely to trigger allergies as other breeds. The Shihpoo can inherit characteristics from either parent. While the poodle is considered highly intelligent and easy to train, the Shih Tzu has a laissez faire attitude. The Shih Tzu has a reputation for being slow to house break, so this might mean your Shihpoo can have difficulties training. You must be prepared for accidents indoors and know that punishing the dog is inappropriate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Shih Tzu or Poodle parents. Shih-Poo coats can be curly like their Poodle parent, straight like their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two. They are generally considered hypoallergenic. Shih-Poos can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Like most small dogs, Shih-Poos can be prone to dental health issues. Maintain proper dental hygiene for your Shih-Poo. Shih-Poos are pretty versatile and can live in just about any kind of home. Shih-Poos come from the loyal, adorable Shih Tzu, and the intelligent, sophisticated Poodle. Unfortunately, like any other breed, these little cutie pies wind up in shelters, from people not wanting a long-term commitment. If you keep your eyes out for a Shih Tzu or Poodle rescue, in your area, that is most likely where you will find a Shih-Poo awaiting adoption. They are not acknowledged as an official breed at the present time. That said, as a mix between Shih-Tzu and Toy Poodle parents, you can expect the Shih-Poo to be on the small side Most weigh in at eight to 18 pounds and range in height from eight to 18 inches. As Poodle and Shih Tzu size can vary between teacup, miniature and standard, the size of the Shih-Poo will also vary. Shih Tzus can be stubborn, but what they lack in trainability, they make up for in personality ten fold. They are incredibly friendly, attentive, and cute, while Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and active. Shih-Poo personalities can vary but typically will fall in the middle of parental traits. Most Shih-Poos are described as friendly and playful. While Shih-Poos enjoy a good siesta, they also enjoy walks and thrive on playtime. They may not be eager to learn new tricks but do enjoy interaction and attention. Shih-Poos may not be as barky as their Poodle parent, but may alert you to any displeasures, such as a missed meal, with a single bark until every few minutes until needs are met. Training and socialization should be established early on. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the ways to go with Shih-Poos. Shih-Poo Health While many designer crossbreeds have improved overall health, they can inherit health issues their parents are prone to. That said, Shih-Poos can typically live approximately 16 years on average in relatively great health. Watch for signs of heat stroke if your dog happens to have a shorter snout. As a small dog, they can be prone to dental problems. Maintain good dental care and have their teeth regularly checked and professionally cleaned. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Make sure Shih-Poos are kept on a dietary schedule. Do not allow free-feeding as they will overeat and rapidly gain weight. They will need regular potty breaks and one or two ten-to minute walks a day for optimal health. Dental issues can be problematic. Regular teeth cleanings are recommended, as well as systematic dental chews and teeth brushings. Your vet should be able to help you establish a routine. Shih-Poo ears should be kept clean and dry. After bathing, take extra steps to ensure this. If your pup gets a smelly, pungent odor, they may have an ear infection. Ear cleaning solution can help keep your pup from getting infections and unnecessary trips to the vet. Shih-Poo Feeding An ideal Shih-Poo diet should be formulated for a small-sized breed with medium energy. High quality food is recommended, as they do tend to have dental issues. They should not be allowed to free feed as they may gain weight. A feeding schedule is ideal with a minimum of treats. They can get the curly fur from their Poodle parent, the straight fur from their Shih-Tzu parent, or a combination of the two, which is most likely. The color will vary, as well. They can come in black, white, brown, brindle, and all variations and color combinations. Daily brushings, as well as monthly groomings, will help keep your pup looking and feeling their very best. You may also want to give them a few baths in between, but not more than weekly, as their skin and coat can get dry and irritated. Shih-Poos prefer to be mostly around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog, the Shih-Poo can make a great companion. When it comes to other pets, Shih-Poos can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Shih-Poos can be left alone for short periods of time, but a second dog could be ideal for them, especially in their later years. However, you may want to try Shih Tzu or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. But be warned: behind their cutie-pie exteriors lurks a stubborn nature. They also come with some very specific care requirements. Like most small dogs, Shih Poos can struggle to get to grips with housebreaking. Perseverance and patience are key: never scold them if they have an accident, and only ever use positive reinforcement. Reward them for each and every success, no matter how minor, and all your efforts will pay off sooner or later. Get them used to being groomed As petguide. Regardless of its type, regular grooming is a must. Get your pup used to the process as early as possible by scheduling twice weekly grooming sessions. Use a gentle, soothing motion and a brush that suits their coat type. Although some pups can take a little longer to get used to being brushed than others, most will eventually grow to love it. Introduce them to a toothbrush Over half of all dogs under the age of 3 suffer from periodontal disease. A fully grown adult will typically reach a maximum height of inches and a maximum weight of lbs. A Shih Poo pup is even smaller. A fat Shih Poo may still be cute, but obesity comes with the kind of lifelong problems no conscientious pet owner wants for their dog. As per dog-learn. Until your pet reaches the age of around 8 months old, they should avoid climbing stairs or engaging in too many energetic activities that involve running or jumping. Doing either could damage their developing bones and joints, leading to a lifetime of mobility issues. Establish a regular exercise schedule Although strenuous activity should be discouraged in young pups, they are going to need some outlet to burn off all that energy. Very young pups will typically get all the exercise they need through play. Once they hit their third month, start getting them used to regular, planned exercise. Short walks are best to begin with minutes should do. Get them used to a leash The sooner you can get your pup used to a leash, the better. Avoid the trauma of having your pup run off by getting them used to wearing a leash whenever you leave the house. Get them fixed Unless you seriously intend on breeding your Shih Poo, speak to your vet about de-sexing them as soon as possible. As Wikihow notes , the recommended age for de-sexing a dog varies according to the vet you speak to, but most recommend females are neutered from four to six months of age, and males are spayed between six to ten months of age. You can also read:. This designer dog breed was first seen around 20 years ago in the US. The Shih Tzu is believed to have originated in China. Interestingly, the Poodle and the Shih Tzu are both popular subjects for painters paintings date back to the 15th century. In terms of temperament, both parent breeds are stable with well-known character traits — you would hope for the same in the Shih Poo. Unfortunately, due to the unpredictability of cross-breeding, the temperament and appearance of this little dog are extremely variable. Your pup may have a short or long coat, a straight or curly coat. They come in a range of stunning coat colors. Puppies may be block colors like black or white, or they might be a mix of colors. These crosses will generally be larger than those crossed with Toy Poodles. They only weigh around 8 to 18 lb and stand between 8 to 13 inches tall. You could carry this little guy around all day and barely notice them. Shih Poo Colors This dog comes in a gorgeous range of coat colors. They are able to inherit all of the colors that the Poodle and the Shih Tzu display. The most common coat colors are: black, white, brindle, gold, black and white, brown and white and particolored. Shih Poo Coat Although the Shih Poo is considered a low shedding dog, they are not always hypoallergenic. They may also inherit a long flowing hypoallergenic coat. It is impossible to predict what coat a Shih Poo will have. Shih Poo Personality and Temperament They are known for their lively, affectionate nature. These little dogs will have everyone smiling with their crazy antics. These guys are confident and friendly with everyone. They are well known for getting along with all people and dogs alike. The Poodle is known for their eagerness to please. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their humans. Toy Poodles have a reputation for being somewhat highly strung. One of the characteristics that almost every Shih Poo has is a playful nature. These dogs love to chase balls and play with toys. They will happily do this for hours, up and down your corridors! Unfortunately, they do suffer from the dreaded separation anxiety. Crate training can help but not always. Stubbornness is not an attractive trait but it is one that the Shih Poo can also have. This little guy has been known to be pretty hard headed- especially when it comes to training. You may find that your pup has inherited the Shih Tzu stubbornness and the Poodles aloof, reserved nature around new people. Having a cross-breed really is a lucky dip and you have to consider all possibilities before diving in. Is a Shih Poo a good family dog? The Shih Poo would be a suitable dog for a family with older children. Older kids are able to learn how to correctly handle a small dog; this reduces the risk of your pooch getting injured. Whereas small, inexperienced hands could easily injure your pup, so are best avoided. They are able to fit in with many different lifestyles. All they need is a home where someone is around most of the time. They also need a decent amount of time dedicated to grooming and playing with them. Your pooch needs about half an hour of walking each day and dedicated training sessions — they might not be ideal for first-time dog owners due to their stubborn streak. Grooming needs to be tackled every day to stop matted fur. How long does a Shih Poo live? A Shih Poo will generally live for between years, with 13 being the average life expectancy. They only need to be out walking for around half an hour day. They like gentle strolls and chasing a ball in the dog park. They do love to play though. This is how they burn off most of their energy. If they inherit the shortened muzzle of the Shih Tzu, you should be especially careful when exercising them for too long or in extreme heat. Grooming and Shedding Their grooming requirements will vary depending on what type of coat they have. You should take them to have their coat trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. This will ensure their fur stays clean and healthy. They get tangles easily and will need to have dirt and debris removed from their coat on a regular basis. Training The stubborn streak that a Shih Poo can have makes them a little tricky to train. It can take up to a year to be fully housetrained. You should be prepared for a challenge. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your pup. Giving them tasty treats and loads of praise when they do what you want them to. They have quite a short attention span, so you should keep training sessions short and positive. What do they do just before they have to go to the toilet? Once you have worked this out, you should be able to catch them and take them outside just before they go. Crate training might help with housetraining and separation anxiety. This gives the pup a safe space that belongs to them. Be sure to make this a comfortable and happy space with fun toys. Protein and fats are the most important nutrients for your dog. Feeding them kibble helps to prevent premature tooth loss, bad breath and gum disease. The Shih Poo has a tendency to overeat. These little dogs have a ferocious appetite that should not be indulged. Make sure you monitor how much you are feeding them, including treats. Also, watch out for kids sneaking table scraps to their best friend. Buying a Shih Poo If you have fallen in love with this breed, thoughts of how to find one are probably on your mind. Your best option, if your heart is set on a puppy, is to look for a reputable Shih Poo breeder. Finding breeders for crossbreeds is often harder than for pedigree dogs but they are out there. A reputable breeder will not sell puppies any younger than 8 to 10 weeks. They should allow you to meet the mother and sometimes the father. We hope this guide will help you come to terms with how to take care of your Shih-Poo puppy so you can focus on living a fulfilling life alongside your pet instead of worrying about them! Once you get a Shih-Poo puppy home, the questions come flowing in. The most important of them all is, are Shih Poos easy to take care of? While all dog breeds require a significant amount of care to thrive, a toy breed like Shih-Tzu puts your patience to the test, especially when it comes to housebreaking them. Shih-Poo or Shi-Tzu breeds require lots of attention, care, and love. They tend to become destructive and depressed when left to their own devices. But what Shih-Poo puppies lack in controlled temperaments, they make up for it through their cute features, and loving, playful nature. These cute four-legged toys come in various colors such as black shih poo, white shih poo, brown shih poo, brindle, and in many color variations and combinations that make your household sparkle. Are Shih Poos a good dog? Yes, of course, they are. Shih-Poos make for great companion animals, especially for people that have plenty of time to give them all their love and attention. The best thing? You could live in the rural areas, the urban, or the suburban, and your canine will adapt just fine. As pet parents, we strive to give our canines the best life can offer. One of the most important parts of being a Shih-Poo parent is ensuring your pup gets the best shot at living a long, healthy life. These come with stiff metal pins to loosen dirt and tangled patches of fur. Brushing regularly will keep their coats in the best shape and will keep your puppy looking their absolute best all while avoiding the development of unsightly and painful clumps of matted fur. If you brush their coat regularly, there will be no dust or dirt accumulation. Frequent baths tend to dry out their skin and cause irritation so steer clear of bathing them more often than necessary. As a general rule, Shih-Poos need to take a bath every weeks to keep infections at bay and avoid bad odors from developing. If they do get in a muddy mess, perhaps then would be a good time for an impromptu shower. This requires a fair bit of patience, so give them time and keep encouraging them with supportive phrases and treats when they do their business in the right spot. When housebreaking, stick to positive reinforcement and treats. It might take them a while to come around to your line of thought, but when they do, it can be quite an enriching experience — and will also give you some peace of mind. Socialization is key to a stable lifestyle for most dogs. Start your Shih-Poo puppy off right by teaching them how to be around other dogs and humans as soon as you complete their vaccinations. A puppy who is not socialized adequately gives in to fear and may react accordingly. So make sure you expose your Shih-Poo puppy to new sounds, sights, and people so it can grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Taking your dog to a dog park is also a great way to socialize. But before you do, find out how to teach your dog to behave in a park. Plan Out the Diet A stable diet keeps your puppy in prime health. Shih-Poos are tiny. They should be given a diet accordingly. Feed your Shih-Poo thrice a day and give them plenty of water to drink. While most dogs can handle a few bits of vet-approved human food, Shih-Poos are very sensitive to dietary changes. This could lead to obesity. Obesity can put your Shih-Poo puppy in a vulnerable position, opening them up to lifelong medical health issues — from various cancers to diabetes , hypertension, bone issues, and other dangerous conditions. Do Shih Poos have health problems? Shih-Poo dogs are vulnerable to a host of diseases as they get older. Taking your Shih-Poo puppy to the Vet at least once a year can help you detect health concerns early on and provide the required treatment for the same. You should also schedule a deworming treatment every year. It is part of a grooming routine , one you can do yourself instead of taking your pet to a professional. Do it in the daylight to ensure you keep the quick in sight to avoid injuries. Get Them Used to a Leash As with any dog, the sooner your puppy gets used to walking on a leash , the sooner they can enjoy the outdoors. Shih-Poos are curious by nature. To avoid the heartbreak associated with your dog running away and potentially getting lost or hurt, get them used to a leash as soon as you get them home. A good practice will be to walk your Shih-Poo puppy on a leash for at least 30 minutes a day. ShihPoo Puppies are like designer puppies. That begs the question, are Shih Poos high maintenance? How do you take care of a Shih-Poo dog? When properly cared for, a Shih-Poo dog can live up to 17 years! Ensure you give your Shih-Poo puppy all the love, attention, grooming, and training it needs to live a beautiful and contented life. Post navigation.

Print Crate training your Lab puppy, why you should and a guide on how Labrador puppies are so cute and cuddly, it almost seems wrong to put them in a crate. But crate training is one of the best things you can do for your new puppy and for yourself. There are many benefits to crate training your retriever puppy, but it is a process. Learn how to properly crate train a Labrador puppy and why you should start crate training as soon as possible. Why should I crate train my Labrador? While some people think putting a dog in a crate is cruel, experts disagree. Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders recommend crate training dogs from a young age. Dogs are den animals and often feel most safe when they are in a tight, confined area. A crate can represent this den-like experience for your puppy and give them a place to retreat when they feel stressed, confused, or just need some time alone. Dogs that are crate trained properly do not fear the crate, in fact, they love it and will often seek it out for a nap. Easy and safe transport Crates are the safest way to transport dogs. A dog contained in a crate cannot move around within your vehicle, get in your way while driving or create distractions. In addition, you can buy crates that are 5-star crash tested , possibly giving your dog superior protection if you are involved in an accident. Crates help with housebreaking As discussed in our post on housebreaking your Labrador puppy , crate training can make housebreaking easier and quicker. Crates allow you, as owner, some off-time — time when you do not have to be constantly watching your puppy for potty accidents. In addition, crates help encourage your puppy to hold it, to wait a little longer before going potty, since most puppies hate to mess their bed. Note: My husband and I are professional retriever trainers, so any products listed here are items we use on an almost daily basis. We only recommend products we know are good quality and will stand the test of time. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission, but all opinions and recommendations are my own. Learn more. Can help hunting dogs with blind manners and patience Hunting dogs often need to sit still and quiet for hours on end. Sometime in dog huts or MoMarsh stands. Crates can help hunting dogs by teaching them there is a place that they should simply lay down, rest and keep quiet. Better dog to family relationships and more control Crate training your puppy can provide many benefits for your entire family. Crate training your puppy at a young age means that when you need to put them in a crate they will go in willingly and without a fight. As professional retriever trainers, we crate train all the puppies we raise as custom trained dogs. We also crate train all our own dogs. We find that it makes for a better adjusted puppy all around. Choosing the right crate for crate training Lab puppy Getting ready to crate train your puppy means you need to buy a crate. And the size and type of crate do matter. Size of crate for crate training retrievers You want the crate to be large enough that your puppy is comfortable laying in the crate, but not so big that your puppy can walk around. The puppy should feel snug and protected, but not uncomfortable. The unfortunate thing about crate training this way, is that it means that as your puppy grows, you will need progressively larger crates. While inconvenient and bit more costly, this really is the best way to crate train your puppy. But if you do not wish to buy multiple crates, there are other methods. Some people buy a large crate, the size their dog will need as an adult and then section off some of the crate. Blocking off a portion of the crate will give the puppy that tighter, den-like, experience and ensure that the puppy cannot walk around inside the crate. While this can work, be careful what you use to section the crate off. You would not want to use a material that can be chewed or ingested by your puppy. Puppies are naturally chewers, so keep this in mind. Type of crate for crate training retriever Technically, any kind of crate will work for crate training. But over the years we have found that some crates just simply work better. Plastic crates seem to be the best option. They can be found easily at a local pet store, superstore, or even bought online. There are some inexpensive options that provide the protection and privacy of a den-like experience for the dogs. In addition, they have a solid bottom so should your dog get sick, or if you are in the process of housebreaking, cleanup is rather easy. Wire crates , the kind that you can see right through do not seem to work as well as plastic crates. Wire crates are wide open, they do not provide dogs the opportunity to get away and relax. The wire offers little protection and privacy, and many dogs do not like them as dens. We discuss crate options in more detail here. How to crate train a Lab puppy? Crate training is easiest when done with young puppies. We recommend starting crate training the day you bring the pup home from the breeder. Often this is at around weeks old. The sooner you start, the easier the process will be. Crate training can be done with older dogs, but it may take more effort and patience on your part. Step 1 — Let puppy explore the crate The first step is to place the crate in an area that is frequented by the puppy. Prop the door open in some way, a small bungee works well and let your puppy explore the crate on his own. Puppies are naturally curious, so often they will walk right into the crate on their own. It is best if you do not move the crate around the house. Instead, find a place for the crate where the dog will spend a majority of their time and leave it there. The crate should not be right next to a bed or a bedroom. Your puppy will be sleeping in their crate and your puppy will make more noise and wake up more if the crate is close to you. Also, your puppy is bound to make some noise the first few nights in the crate. Step 2- Establish a routine Develop a routine of putting your puppy down to nap inside the crate. You can put one or two small toys in the crate if you wish and a small towel that you do not care if it gets ruined. I know this sounds self-explanatory, but I have seen it. Also, do not put a dog bed in the crate. A dog bed is too big and bulky to fit into crates well and your puppy will simply chew it to pieces or accidently have a potty accident on it. Once that happens, the bed will have the scent of potty and will work against your housebreaking efforts. That is natural and nothing to be worried about. Simply walk away from the crate and allow the puppy to settle down. Depending on the nature of your puppy this may take a few minutes to an hour or more. It is vital that you stay away from the crate during this time. If you follow this advice, your puppy will quickly learn to be content in the crate and over time the noise will become less and less until they finally understand they must stay in the crate. Step 3 — Watch the clock While I suggest you do not take your puppy out of the crate while they are making noise, you do need to keep an eye on how long your puppy has been in the crate. You do not want your puppy to have an accident in the crate if you can help it. With week old puppies, I start by leaving the puppy in the crate for 1 hour at a time followed by playtime. As the puppy gets older, they can naturally hold their bladder longer. This should go without saying, but you should never leave your dog in a crate 24 hours a day every day. Socialization of young puppies is vital. Block the crate door open again. The door should be blocked open anytime the puppy has not been placed in the crate for some quiet time. The puppy will see or smell the toys and go inside the crate to get them. Some people play crate games. They will throw a toy inside the crate so that the puppy must go inside the crate to retrieve it. These games can help your dog become extremely comfortable with their crate. Over time you will notice that your puppy is not afraid to go inside their crate while the door is open. Sometimes, they will even go inside the crate and lay down when they are tired. This is the reaction you are seeking. How long does it take to crate train a dog? There is no set amount of time it takes to crate train a dog. Each dog will progress on their own schedule. But if you continue to place your puppy inside the crate on a routine basis and make the crate available to your puppy at all times, you will reap the benefits of having successfully crate trained your puppy. Final thoughts on how to crate train a Labrador puppy Crate training is a greatly beneficial thing for Labrador puppies and other retriever breeds. It can mimic a den for these beautiful animals and give them a safe and secure place where they can rest without stress or fear. This helps them with emotional stability and can curb behavior issues. It also makes for a more enjoyable home life with less dog induced strife. How to crate train a Labrador puppy. Material This is a polyester product, which is great for moving Labrador puppies. In theory, you can use this crate even as a dog home as long as your puppy is young, but that would make it harder for your Labrador to accept a metal crate later on. The harder potions of this crate are made of PVC, which is sturdier than polyester but is a nightmare to clean. Other Features While the product will last a much shorter while than its metal counterparts, it does present its own advantages. The key features include the breathability of polyester, lack of stimuli, and a fleece pet bed. It is pretty easy to carry and comes with a strap to help manage this. Convenience With this product, the convenience is dictated entirely by how well-trained your dog is. This travel crate defies that principle and presents a spacious way of housing your Labrador on your travels. Material This crate incorporates both metal and plastic, which is great for travel but inconvenient for home use. Opaque plastic on the side reduces this stimulation, while the metal wire window keeps your dog from feeling claustrophobic. The crate dimensions stand at 48 inches x 32 inches x 35 inches, comparable and even more spacious than many metal options. Instead, you should compare it to other portable options. The plastic sides are better than polyester panels commonly used in travel crates. The metal wire window alongside the ventilation holes at the back allows air to circulate properly. It features metal bars and a wooden roof, panels, and flooring. Material The product features wood which can be a concerning aspect because of the rivalry between dogs and wooden posts. However, this is plastic wood and is not as scratchable. According to the manufacturer, the wood is non-toxic and recycled. The stainless steel bars are obviously strong enough to make sure the crate boundaries are actual boundaries and not suggestions like they are with travel crates. Size The crate is .With a .Other Features The only prominent feature is the style and aesthetic appeal of this crate. While most crates look like jailhouses, this one looks like a luxurious house arrest destination. It comes in black, white, grey, espresso, and russet colors, of which I only knew three. Espresso is a fancy way of saying brownish-grey and russet, reddish-brown. This variety allows you to pick the crate that complements your furniture. Convenience Despite looking like a complicated piece of carpentry, the crate is easy to assemble and requires no tools. It also doubles as furniture making it more convenient for you to make room for the crate, especially if you live in a studio apartment. All in all, I love the look of this crate and the great choice of colors which will fit any decor. You can also use it as an effective time-out during training. Material The playpen is made of materials not disclosed by manufacturers, but I can convey it best by describing the feel. The exterior of this water-proof playpen feels like canvas, while the bottom feels like the outside of a tent. The material is sturdy but is no match to plastic or metal. Size This is one of the most spacious items on this post because it serves a different purpose. It is not meant to be the sleeping place of a dog or a traveling carry-case. It gives an inspiring environment for your Labrador and spans 61 inches in length and breadth across its octagonal shape and 30 inches in height. Other Features and Convenience The product comes with a carry mechanism that makes it look like a large laptop bag and features outer pockets and even a water bottle holder. Best Metal Playpen MidWest Homes for Pets Foldable Metal Playpen Click HERE to check the latest price on Amazon This product brings together the spaciousness of the previous option with the sturdiness of the first item in this post, making the perfect environment for your Labrador to relax or play within a relatively confined space. I love this idea as it gives your Lab loads more room whilst keeping him in a safe environment and allowing a positive experience. Material This playpen features metal wire panels and has an open top and bottom. In other words, the flooring could be grass or carpet, depending on the place where you assemble the playpen. Size Each panel is 24 inches wide, and there are eight panels. You can determine the width of the playpen by assembling the panels closely or even attaching extra panels. Convenience The most convenient thing about this playpen is that it takes your hands off of babysitting your dog. This also is the thing you must be most concerned about because leaving your Lab in his playpen for extended periods might make it easier for you to slack off on your responsibility to socialize with your best friend, take him out on walks, and play with him. Labradors need a inch-size crate, so their size is well-accommodated in it. The crate should also be 27 inches tall at minimum, so the dog can safely stand without hitting his head and 28 inches wide so that he can move around, lie on his side, and comfortably stretch out his paws. The best crate size for a Labrador puppy is 42 inches. A wire crate with a divider is perfect as you can start your pup off in a small enough space by setting the divider a few inches away from his full length and continue to adjust as the dog grows. This also speeds up potty training. Which Crate Should I Pick? Labradors are very social and strong enough to rip apart delicate boundaries that cordon them off from their favorite pastime: playing with people. Related Posts You May Like:. From potty training to behavioral training , a new dog owner has a ton of responsibilities—sometimes more than they can keep up with. Crate training benefits both you and your dog in significant ways. There are more dog crates for sale than you can count, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. Here are some of the top benefits of crate training your lab: Benefit 1. Dog Crates are Cozy and Relaxing Labs love their crate because they offer a safe place to rest, relax, and sleep. Image Source Some labs feel so attached to their crates, they may choose to eat their food inside or halfway in and out. For you, this can also reduce the stress of dealing with anxious dogs. Benefit 2. So here is one of the best training tips: crate your lab puppies to help them become house trained. A crate can help a puppy remain within a smaller area. Benefit 3. Essentially, having labs feel comfortable in their crate gives you options when it comes to transportation, house training, calming a stressed dog, and so much more. Buy an Adult Crate and Section It Off Crate size is really important because adult labs need to be able to get into the crate and turn around. There should be enough space for them to do this, but no more. This is also why a divider can give labs the right fit and adapt to their growth. Besides these tips, all you need to figure out is the size of your lab. Your lab might be taller when sitting upright than he is standing on all fours, so have your dog sit on its behind and look up towards you. Four Types of the Best Dog Crates In addition to different dog crate sizes, you can choose different builds that might suit your lab depending on their age and rambunctious nature. Image Source Type 1. Wire Crate Wire dog crates are the most popular type of dog crate and their construction makes them quite durable. The wire design allows for air to circulate around your pet, which can help cut down on odors. They also allow for handy slide-bolt latches that let you quickly open and close the crate while keeping it secured. Wire dog crates are best for a puppy that is extremely active. The wire construction allows your dog to look out of the crate and see what is going on around him. This is best for dogs that like to be able to see what is going on. Type 2. Plastic Crate The main advantage of plastic dog crates is the fact that they are lighter than metal wire ones. This makes them very portable and easy to move around. You can move them from one part of the house to another depending on where you want the dog to sleep. Plastic crates are often made of high-quality polyurethane, which makes them easy to clean and sanitize. This usually means buying plastic products with a carry handle. Many plastic dog crates have a divider panel, which can be taken out to enlarge the crate and create more room for a growing pup or adult dog. One of the advantages of using plastic dog crates is that they can be used for several different purposes. For example, the bottom of the crate can be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted. Type 3. Type 4. Wooden Dog Crate Wooden crates are a great way to get the functionality of a metal crate, but with the luxury appeal of nice wooden furniture. Of course, this is also a much more eco-friendly material than metal. Wood is porous and absorbs urine which means that if your dog has an accident while in the crate, the pee will soak into the wood and leave a stain. You also need to factor in the amount of space in your home and how well you can travel with your crate. Each type of crate comes with its pros and cons. Buying the right size crate is only one of many steps in responsible labrador ownership , so make sure to check out our other training tips for raising a labrador puppy to give your new best friend a long, healthy, content, and happy life. Share on. There are lots of options for securing your dog in the car. From seat belts, to harnesses and car crates. Your choice will depend upon your dog, your car and you. Or indeed for your safety. A dog riding on the front seat of the car is far more likely to be injured in the event of a crash, and to distract you whilst you are driving. Many dogs are restless in cars. A large Labrador pacing about and panting in your ear is still a distraction, even from the back seat. He is also likely to be injured, and to injure you, in the event of a collision. However you can buy dog seat belts, which are harnesses to keep your dog controlled when on the back seat. There are pros and cons to these, which we will look at in a moment. Your final option is for your Lab to ride in the back of your car. Secured there in a car crate or by a dog divider. If you decide to use a car harness then you will need to introduce this slowly, getting your dog used to being in the harness and not restricted, and rewarding him for his good behavior. The belt can be lengthened to suit the size of your dog, from 16 to 27 inches, and is 1 inch wide. You will need to combine it with a good quality harness to ensure that your dog is kept safe if you have to stop suddenly. Whilst some dogs can be trained to sit still in a car harness, others can find this restriction stressful. Getting themselves worked up, or even tangled in them. The other downside of having your dog riding on the back seat is the mess. Labradors feet are likely to get muddy and wet on regular occasions. They drool, and in many cases chew as well. Their claws can do a real number on the fabric of your seats, and if you have leather seats can scratch and damage the surface easily. Even with the most laid back dogs. You might therefore like to consider having your dog ride in the back of the car, if your vehicle type has space for him to do so. Dog Car Dividers A dog car divider separates the space between the trunk of the car and the passenger area. It contains your dog, leaving him room to lay down without being able to access the rest of the vehicle. The divider you choose may depend upon the size of your car. There are universal pet dividers available, but still make sure to check the make and model of your vehicle and to measure the area you wish to fit the barrier into before purchasing. The very popular Highland Universal Pet Divider is designed to safely keep your Labrador in the cargo area. It fits into the car with no fixings required, so is quick to insert and remove. But it is also very durable. The finish has a modern style to it, and the structure is made of heavy-gauge tubing. It adjusts up to 45 inches high and 65 inches wide, which will fit most vehicles. The downside of a divider is that whilst it separates your dog, it does not contain them in any way. Meaning it is still possible to accidentally damage the interior of your car, as your dog is free within the space. This is why for many people, a properly designed dog travel crate is the best option. Dog Travel Crates There are a number of options for dog travel crates, and the one you choose will depend largely upon the type of car that you drive. Traditional Dog Crates If your car has a large, open cargo area then you might like to buy a traditional wire dog crate to use in the back. They are good value, and if you have a crate at home then your Labrador will be able to have a familiar one to match it. Traditional dog crates come with one or two doors. If you are fitting your crate into a car, make sure that there is a door on the side the will be facing the front of your car. Double door car crates can be slightly more expensive, but you may find one easier to fit into the space available. However, many cars have sloping back windows, which do not allow a traditional style crate to fit within them. Sloping Crates Sloping crates are similarly styled to traditional dog crates, but have a sloping front panel and rear panel to fit into your car better. Giving more room for the crate and therefore for your Labrador too. The Trixie Pet Metallic Crate is well constructed, secure and resistant to scratching. The melamine coating on the wood panels will not smudge, and so it will stay looking nice. The crate is framed in aluminum and has tight fitting hard plastic joints. It comes in a variety of sizes, the larger of which will easily accommodate even the largest fully grown Labrador. The downside of large, heavy fixed structure crates, is that they can be inconvenient to remove and store. Soft Travel Crates Soft travel crates are light weight, foldable and comfortable for your dog. This means that as well as being convenient for irregular use in the car, you can if you like re-errect it and use it when you get to your destination. Perfect for holiday travel. The crate has top, side and front entry doors, and mesh window panels. The base is water resistant, so it can stand up to post-walk muddy paws. Plastic Travel Crates Finally you might be interested in using a plastic dog carry crate instead. These are of the variety often used for air travel, and if you travel by car and by plane with your dog they can be a great cost saving choice. The Petmate Sky Kennel is a heavy duty plastic travel crate. Ideal for long distance journeys, with a secure construction including non-corrosive plastic wing nuts and extra strong steel wire. The door has secure latches, which are easy to operate from the outside. It also has plenty of ventilation points and a door which can be looked out from. It comes in a variety of sizes, and you should pick the one which is at least 3 inches taller than your Labrador, so that he can easily stand up, turn around and lie down without feeling cramped. The travel car crate, car divider or dog seat belt that you choose for your Labrador should work for both your mode of transport and your dog. If you have a tiny cargo area in your car and a large Labrador, then gently introducing them to a seat belt and harness is probably the best option. However, for most vehicles the back is the best place for him. A good travel crate will keep your Labrador safe, secure and happy whilst you take your journey.

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Functional Functional Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Performance Performance Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Analytics Analytics Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Others Others Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Questions about puppies for sale in Dublin? We have answers. How is Uptown Puppies different from other online puppy finders? We are a middleman that finds the best, most ethical breeders in the nation and helps connect them with families who just want their puppies to have a good life. Our strict screening process ensures that we only accept 1 in 10 applicants — you might consider this a very selective agency. Being selective will benefit your puppy, and could end up being beneficial to you! Am I limited to local puppies? We work with breeders and businesses all over America who are more than happy to arrange travel to get your new pup to your family. Top puppy finder Dublin has to offer! How does Uptown screen breeders? We have a screening process in place to make sure that families are finding puppies from safe homes. This might seem extreme, but we can only guarantee this if the process is tough. What are puppy mills? It is a legal gray area for such operations, as profits come before the welfare of these animals. They pump out these puppies like a production line, with many of them having debilitating, expensive health issues. Adopt the cutest puppies in Dublin, CA. Not mill pups! What kind of puppies can I find? Attention: cute Dublin puppies for sale ahead! Best puppies Dublin, CA has to offer! How do I bring my puppy home? In the past, it was difficult to find a puppy online. You would drive all over town to visit different pet stores before you found the right one. Nowadays, puppies can fly right to your nearest airport. The Uptown Puppies Network has experts in dog travel who can set everything up for you, whether you want to drive or fly with your pup. What are hybrid breeds? Cutest puppies near Dublin, guaranteed! A hybrid is the offspring of two different purebreds. They select one parent for a specific set of traits and the other for different traits. What are Doodle dogs? Speaking of hybrids, Doodles are a type of hybrid dog that get their Poodle parent from their dad and another breed from their mom. For example, a Labradoodle is part Poodle and part Labrador Retriever. Doodles come in all shapes and sizes but have one thing in common — they are intelligent and have a luxurious coat like the Poodle. Do you have good dogs for people who… Puppies for sale. Dublin, CA. Do you need a pet? Uptown has the perfect type of pup for you. Looking for a big dog or a small one? Want a cute pup or one that looks cool? Do your partner breeders have a health guarantee? Puppy parents and other businesses in the Uptown Puppies Network are proud of their puppies, which is why they back them with an amazing year health guarantee. Is it safe to adopt a puppy online? To go along with our mission, we have also made strides in dog adoption. Online adoption is quickly becoming the method of choice for Americans, especially as transportation options have improved. Is it easy to find puppies for sale in Dublin, CA? What is this website exactly? How does it work? You pick a breed, then you browse a series of potential puppies for adoption. There are hundreds or, more likely, thousands of options to choose from. All done! Uptown Puppies Puppy Finder.

I went through diaries from the last ten years or so to come up with the usual times pups begin doing all sorts of things, and the ages at which I do different challenging and socializing things with them. Knowing how much people enjoy cute puppy photos, I put one or two photos in the main text to illustrate a new development and supplemented those by a link to more photos that you can view if you like. I have been breeding for 42 years. Years ago, all the screening anyone did was OFA hips. Then OFA began offering elbow certifications. As I went on and encountered other problems such as eye conditions and bad hearts in dogs I bought as breeding prospects or was offered by breeders as breeding prospects, I began screening my dogs for them as soon as OFA began offering certifications. I began with the old American lines, which still had a lot of German imports in their pedigrees. For example, photos from the C litter [whelped ] are distinguished from those of the CC litter [whelped ] by the use of the one-letter or the two-letter label. First, Selecting Parents I do more health screening on a prospective breeding prospect than most breeders. Thyroid ad eye certifications must be redone annually. When I buy pups as breeding prospects, usually 1 out of 3 pass all my health screenings at age 2. The problem is that most health problems are multi-gene recessive faults and can hide in the gene pool for generations. When a particular pup is conceived, it may get an excess of the bad genes and have a health problem. I follow my pups all their lives and keep track of any problems they might have, hopefully minor, and use that knowledge as I choose future breeding partners. So we breeders work in the dark, guessing which combinations of breeding partners will give us what we want, grieving when individual pups get a concentration of some bad genes for a certain trait. I have a friend who had an absolutely gorgeous, super social, fantastic Rottweiler who had 10 generations behind him of every ancestor having OFA good hips. When he turned two she did his OFA hip x-rays and he was severely dysplastic. It happens. All we have to go by are the phenotypic traits that show up on x-rays, not the genes that the dog has. For OFA evaluation the dog is sedated, stretched out on its back, and an x-ray taken. Three radiologists look at the x-ray and rate it excellent, good and fair are passing grades; failing dysplastic hips are rated mild, moderate or severe. In PennHip, the dog is sedated more deeply. After the standard x-ray is taken same view that OFA uses , a fulcrum is placed under each hip and pressure applied. The actual laxity is measured in the joint. PennHip rates each hip separately and gives each a distraction index and rates the possibility of its developing arthritis as the dog ages. PennHip is MUCH more expensive than OFA and only veterinarians who have completed PennHip training can do the x-rays so for me it not only involves a higher fee for the x-ray but also travel expenses and a day lost from other activities. The only health problem for which we have a gene test is spinal myelopathy DM , where the spinal cord gradually becomes constricted and the dog loses control of its rear end. DM comes from a mutation in a famous German dog who was bred to extensively in Germany and whose progeny are all over the world. DM Carriers will not get the condition as the dominant normal gene carries the day. My breeding dogs also must have some kind of training title. Mine usually have Nosework titles, often the Canine Good Citizen title, sometimes agility titles. Outside stud dogs to whom I consider breeding must have as many health screenings as possible and titles, either those listed above or others such as AKC obedience or tracking titles, or Schutzhund BH or further Schutzhund titles. I am serious about breeding dogs that are mentally and physically sound, with good working drives, and I want prospective breeding partners to have proved that in some way. I show a pedigree for the litter with the titles and health screenings listed for four generations. Artificial Insemination, especially with frozen semen, is iffy, so I wait at least until we do an ultrasound at four weeks in whelp before asking for a deposit; sometimes I wait until the pups are born. People on the waiting list are notified first and allowed to put down a deposit before I advertise the litter on my website. I ask people to spend some time doing the application as it gives me a first idea if one of my working-line pups would work for them. My dogs are intense and highly intelligent, not good for people with couch potato lifestyles or who will not spend time training and socializing. Once I approve a person as a possible puppy owner, they are welcome to come meet all of us. Beginning when pups turn three weeks old, people are invited to come play with them. I have to do an ultrasound to determine if my girl is pregnant. Twenty-eight days after breeding an ultrasound will show fetuses, and more importantly, fetal heartbeats. The heartbeats let you know you have live, developing puppies. The uterus has two horns, with puppies implanted and developing in each horn. German Shepherds are so thick that ultrasounds are of little value other than to confirm pregnancy; learning how many pups she has must wait until we can do a x-ray just before her due date. Otherwise, life as usual continues until just before her due date. We keep on training as long as she enjoys it and she exercises as usual, including her daily ball sessions. The Last Week in Whelp As close to her due date as we dare, we take an x-ray to see how many pups she has so I know for sure that we get all of them safely into the world. A week before her due date, I begin taking her temperature twice daily. I also begin adding some raw beef liver or heart to her lunch. I always save hearts and liver anyone gives me just for the near-to-whelping moms because organ meat helps induce milk production. Even if they begin refusing the raw beef cubes, they will gladly eat the heart or liver. The puppies have begun to drop from high in the rib cage to the abdomen area — her lower sides are larger while there almost seems to be a space up higher. The puppies are just too large to remain up under the ribs any longer. Mom has lots of mammary development, getting ready to lactate, and when she moves she clicks as her udder sways back and forth. Quinta shortly before whelping. She is so big that she looks like a snake as she walks towards me, the puppies swaying to the left during one stride and to the right on the next stride. I let her determine how much exercise she needs and just throw the ball when she returns it to me. I begin to really watch her as her behavior starts to change. She will be restless and want to stay close to me as I wander around the house, often begging me to rub her tummy, placing herself so that she can lean her head back and look into my eyes with her own and make sure I know how miserable she was. The strips absorb fluids as each pup is born and are easy to grab in handfuls to remove before placing more fresh strips in the box. I have tried shredded newspapers at times but generally prefer the strips to be wider. For the first couple of weeks they give the fragile, blind pups a place to squeeze into in case mom lies upon them without realizing it. A thermometer helps me make sure the whelping bed is warm enough. I have a doggie door going to a small private yard where she can potty if she needs to. All is ready. Her crate is right by my bed so I can hear if she becomes restless during the night. If at bedtime the thermometer says anything close to .For whelping, I pull the whelping bed out into the middle of the room so that I can access all of it and have plenty of light. I try to take photos as soon as mom has them cleaned up, but I usually wait to weigh the pup and put on its collar until mom is busy with a new arrival and not too worried about me handling the previous one. Average weight is 16 ounces, though occasionally one will weigh up to 20 ounces. I used to sew pieces of Rickrack into collars, but recently have been able to find Velcro collars in a wide enough range of distinguishable colors to make them practical. The first-born male always gets a blue collar, the first-born female always gets a pink collar, and for subsequent pups I try to put darker collars on the sables and lighter collars on the black and tans, again for better quick identification especially in the low-light whelping room during the first few days. I sit by the whelping bed and read a book, frequently checking mom as she peacefully nurses her pups, then go on alert when she goes back into labor. If she goes longer than 2 hours, I will give her an oxytocin shot to stimulate more contractions. When she delivers a pup, I let her clean it — tumbling the pup around as she chews the umbilical cord and dries it, gets it breathing well and rids it of any fluid inhaled during whelping puppy yelling is healthy! Pup on the heating pad while another is being born, BB litter. More photos: BB litter and LL litter When all are born, I give mom a last oxytocin shot to be sure she has expelled all the placentas. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract, thus forcing out any leftover fluids and sometimes a hidden puppy. I remove all the shredded newspaper, scrub the whelping bed, let it dry and then put layers of flat newspapers under an absorbent fleece bedding that will wick moisture away from the pups plus give them good traction. Quinta with part of the CC litter my Lively is the pup with the multicolored collar. I then lift the pups back into the whelping bed. Joyful with the BB litter, all black and tans. More photos: FF and KK litters After taking a few photos, I push the bed under the table to create a draft-free, private den for them and add a big bowl of cool water for mom. Newborn pups sometimes roll away from mom and not yet know how to sniff and find her. Eventually they figure things out and the new mom relaxes — their yelling having upset her as she tried to be everywhere for everyone. Peace descends and all of us sleep. This is meant to be a brief overview and is by no means comprehensive. Pregnancy Dogs are pregnant for approximately 9 weeks, or 63 days. During this time, our job is to keep the mother well fed, well exercised, and relatively stress-free. The mother will visit our veterinarian at least three times—once for a prenatal health check, once for an ultrasound, and once for an x-ray. The first ultrasound is to simply confirm her pregnancy so we can begin accepting deposits and preparing to whelp. The X-Ray is for later in the pregnancy to get a more accurate count on how many puppies we are expecting. The mother is fed with proper nutrition as recommended by our veterinarian as well as prenatal and postnatal supplements. Puppies are born blind and deaf. To minimize stress, we do not remove the puppies from their mother for long periods. We do not want the puppies to associate the smell of humans with stress of any sort—rather, we want them to associate humans with safety and comfort. We desensitize the puppies to human touch while they are in the whelping box with their mom. From birth we touch their feet, ears, tails, mouths, stomach, etc. This helps the puppies to accept invasive human touch as a normal part of their lives. This will minimize any problems later on in life when your dog needs grooming, nail clipping, teeth brushing, etc because your dog is very familiar with these experiences already. ESI gets the puppies smelling novel and unique scents from birth to get the olfactory system working well and sharpen their limited senses at an early age. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. Final Thoughts How to Prepare for Your German Shepherd Giving Birth German Shepherds are truly great pets, and preparation for your dog giving birth will be one of the most important things you do for her throughout the birth process. But first, take a look at this incredible 3-minute video of a German Shepherd giving birth. Nature is truly amazing: German Shepherd giving birth incredible video Even though dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to the actual birth, there are still plenty of things you will need to do to get her ready and get the area ready where she will be giving birth. Talk to Your Vet The best way to be proactive in the success of your German Shepherd giving birth will be to have frequent discussions with your vet and maintain an open line of communication with them. In any case, once you suspect your dog is pregnant, you will need to take her to your vet for regular check-ups. Ensuring her overall health is the crucial first step. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam and alert you to anything you need to be aware of. As with pregnant humans, health concerns are elevated during gestation, so be sure to take your mom-to-be to the vet straight away and continue to monitor her throughout the pregnancy. Be sure to ask your vet any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your German Shepherd during the coming months and the birth itself. They will give specifics for your dog and anything else you need to be aware of. The third trimester is when the pups develop rapidly, and your girl will need more calories for energy, depending on how many pups she is carrying. You should gradually transition this, and the feeding schedule should be little and often aid digestion. But if your vet specified anything additional due to an individual circumstance for your GSD, always adhere to their instructions. Having the checklist ready is an essential step to making sure you are ready. And remember, you will want this checklist to include everything you may need before, during, and after the birth. That will also include emergency items that you hopefully will not need but should have ready. Standard Supplies: Clean sheets, towels, and blankets You will want to have some of the blankets around the mom. They will help keep her warm and feeling safe and secure. If she has a favorite blanket or an old shirt of yours that she loves to snuggle up with, use those. But you will also need additional towels and blankets ready for the little pups after birth. Ensuring they are all warm and cozy after the birth will be, first and foremost. A pile of German Shepherd puppies bundled up with mom surrounded by comfort blankets is also just really adorable. Heating Pad or Heat Lamp Newborn puppies are unable to regulate their body temperature. The new mama understands this and will do her best to keep her pups warm using her body temperature and cuddling them close. But having a heating pad or lamp ready to go will help keep the space warm for the newborns. If you opt for a heating pad, you can place it underneath the towels and blankets where the puppies lie. It also has loads of temperature settings and timer settings, giving you plenty of options. If you opt for a lamp, be sure it is far enough away not to be too hot and burn the puppies. Place your hand underneath it to gauge where it gives a subtle warmth without causing your hand to feel hot. I prefer a heating pad as it just seems the safer option. Whelping Box and Mat To prepare for whelping, a whelping box will be required for the German Shepherd puppies to snuggle up in after the birth while the mom is recovering. You can purchase a large basket or make one yourself using a large cardboard box. German Shepherd puppies, on average, weigh around 0. As we know, German Shepherds seem to go from adorable 2-pound pups to majestic pound protectors in the blink of an eye. So, knowing how much they weighed after birth and monitoring their weight gain throughout their infancy is an essential step to proper health. There is no need to take them directly from mom and plop them onto a scale straight away. Give them time. But have it ready to take their weights within the first day or so. According to VCA Hospitals, the area where the puppies are kept should be between degrees for the first four days. Then gradually decrease the temperature to 80 degrees by the 7th — 10th day, and finally, 72 degrees by the end of the fourth week. Emergency Supplies: Baby Nose Suction Bulb Sometimes newborn puppies have built-up mucus around their nose, and the mucus causes breathing troubles. The mom will do her best to lick it away, but if you see one of the German Shepherd puppies still struggling with taking breaths, you need to have a baby nose suction bulb , such as this one from Amazon, ready to go. Gently swaddle the puppy and use the bulb carefully to suction the mucus out and hold him for a while after, massaging his chest very gently. Gloves, Sterilized Scissors, Thread, and Antiseptic Solution Typically, the mom will cut the umbilical cord herself by biting through it. Once tied off, ensure the end of the cord is cleaned with antiseptic. Cleanliness during this is critical, so a pair of medical gloves and a clean workspace are essential. Soft Travel Crate Hopefully, the birth goes smoothly, and there is no need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during it. But if there is an emergency or you have any concerns, always call your vet or nearest animal hospital immediately. Have the crate by the door with plenty of cozy blankets and familiar smells ready to go if you need to transport your GSD. This is never an ideal situation, so it should be avoided whenever possible, but under emergency circumstances, you may need an impromptu trip to the vet. Pro Tip! Use the buddy system. If you need to take your German Shepherd to the vet during birth, it will help to have someone with you. Consider asking a few close friends or relatives. They can drive while you sit in the back with your girl to comfort her. This is going to be a scary moment for your German Shepherd, and she will appreciate being able to have you by her side. Ensure the Environment is Clean and Comforting You will take much of this care during the prep stage. You will be placing clean towels down, ensuring everything is sterilized and ready for the momentous occasion. But during the birth itself, you will want to help maintain that environment. Here are a few things to consider that will help you make this a comfortable environment for your German Shepherd: Have familiar sights and smells around, such as toys, soft clothing, and blankets that she likes. If there are open windows and loud noises, shut the windows and do everything you can to limit the amount of noise and distractions around her. Give words of encouragement occasionally in a soft and soothing voice, letting her know she is doing great. In between puppies, she will need a breather. Make sure she is supported and comfort her during these breaks. Your German Shepherd will begin nesting behavior during the onset of labor, and her temperature will drop. She will become restless and may refuse food, pant, pace, shake, or vomit. But how do you know when the birth is imminent? You will see clear fluid from her vulva before the first birth. The first puppy should be delivered within minutes of hard straining. Giving Your German Shepherd Space During the Birth Oddly enough, one of the best ways to care for your German Shepherd during her birth journey will be to leave her alone. All dogs are instinctual in ways that amaze us mere humans. GSDs are also incredibly smart. So, between their instincts and intelligence, they have a knack for understanding what to do during and after giving birth. They will know what is best for their health, as well as the health of their newborns. Interfering too much during birth can cause frustration and even anger in your German Shepherd. While she will most likely understand you are trying to help — she knows best, and she will need her space. Once you have completed all preparations and have done all that you can from your end, the best thing you can do is sit back and enjoy the incredible experience of watching your German Shepherd Dog give birth. Be Ready When She Needs You Part of sitting back and watching as your German Shepherd gives birth is also knowing that she may need you, and, if so — be ready. If you have done the proper preparations, everything will be ready in case of an emergency or even a small hiccup. Here are some warning signs to be aware of as you watch the process and when you need to intervene: Your GSD has shown signs of going into labor, including a temperature below degrees, and does not end up going into labor within 24 hours. A puppy has only come halfway out, and mom seems to be struggling. She appears to be in pain, and is yelping or crying. One of her breaks in between puppies lasts more than 4 hours, and you know there are more pups to come. Typically, a long break will happen halfway through, which can be up to 4 hours. But past that, there could be something wrong. She is having contractions for more than 45 minutes without another puppy coming. If there is something more complicated, you will need to take your girl to the vet. This is another reason the buddy system is a great step to take. Now what? A big part of the preparation is to ensure that everything is ready for the new mom and pups once she is done. She is going to be exhausted, needing lots of rest and love. And the newborns will be adorable little helpless creatures that need their canine mom and their human mom or dad too! Making sure they all stay home, clean, and healthy is the number one priority after birth. During your discussions with your vet, this should be something that is covered. Your vet will offer specifics if there are particular health concerns for your German Shepherd. But otherwise, they will have general guidelines to keep the new family safe and sound. Once your German Shepherd has had enough time to recuperate and seems to be doing well after the last birth, take her outside to urinate and get some fresh air. She may not want to, as she wants to stay with her newborns, but encourage her to go outside for a quick pee and move around. Next, try to get her to drink some water and see if she has an appetite. At this point, all the puppies should be warm and snuggled in the whelping box. Let Mom join them and begin nursing them. They are going to be hungry, sleepy, and hungry again. Your job is to make sure the pups are getting enough food from Mom, and that mom is getting enough rest to care for them properly. If your German Shepherd stops producing milk for a while, you will need to have supplements and formula on hand so you can feed them yourself from a bottle. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are smart, instinctual, and fiercely protective. They also make amazing moms. And they know exactly what they need to do during the birth of their puppies. We hope this article has given you confidence in knowing what to do when your German Shepherd is giving birth. You will know when you are needed, and you will have everything ready to go from your checklist if she tags you in. You will soon be hugging those little bundles of joy and wondering what to name them. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. November 21, Home » Our German Shepherd Aura is about to start Whelping There are many signs your German Shepherd or any other dog will give you when they are going to soon be whelping. Aura is in labor right now! We took her temperature and it started dropping. She is normally a .Wednesday morning we took her temp and it was .A few hours later it was .Towards 6pm it was .It is important that she eats but we did not want to upset her stomach. Instead of her current puppy food diet which she was refusing we cooked rice and boiled chicken breast. Boneless, skinless chicken breast of course, you do not want a dog eating too much fat, especially at a critical moment like this read up on pancreatitis for more info on dogs eating fat. She started panting. Several short breaths by mouth, a few heavy pants via nose. She is uncomfortable. She is an indoor dog. During the night she went under the bed and pulled everything out to create a nest of sorts! When we let her out to go potty she starts digging at the ground to nest. She is not a digger but today she is. Then we have the stretch. A picture below shows her famous stretch. Note that she is on her side and the rear legs are extended. We stayed up with her til 3AM Thursday and fell asleep on the couch. It does look like tonight is the night though. This is her pre whelping stretch. Sorry about the lighting, the pic was taken around midnight. She started labor at noon, three days early, which in itself is a little worrisome, but not that unusual. I now know why she was early. Anyway after several hours the first puppy was presented in the vaginal canal, but too deep for me to pull it out. This is when I first became worried that this delivery was not going to be normal. After two hours and several doses of Oxytocin, I was ready to take her in to the vet for a possible C-section. Of course this always happens on Sunday or holidays after hours. I placed her on the grooming table to examine her one last time before calling the vet and I could feel that the puppy had progressed far enough that I could pull it on out, which I did. To my surprise the puppy was alive and is doing very well today. This puppy was large, but not unusually so, and I surmised that because this was her first puppy she just had trouble pushing out an above average puppy in size. I also surmised that the rest of the puppies should come much easier at this point. I was wrong. The next puppy proved to be just as difficult if not harder for her. After five hours and several doses of Oxytocin this puppy presented itself breach. After feathering and some brave pushing by the new mom, I was able to grab the rear feet of the puppy and ease it out. This puppy was two to three times larger than the average newborn German shepherd puppy. Unfortunately, this puppy did not survive the breach delivery. Sometimes when females have small litters the puppies can grow too large to allow for an easy and normal delivery. When this happens the female will often have the puppies a few days early to keep the puppies from growing any larger. Going to a vet during delivery is very expensive and also could expose the new puppies to diseases. Therefore, it not a decision made lightly. No easy way or formula exists for knowing when it is time to seek professional help. For example, I had a female that was in labor for over hours with no progress made towards delivery. I had been in contact with my vet and he said that we had waited long enough and to bring her in. While picking her up on the delivery table a viable puppy fell out on to the ground. I was sent home and while on the way home she had another two puppies in the 10 minute drive. She ended up having 10 healthy puppies. Another female was in labor all day with presented puppy that was stuck deep in the vaginal canal. After several hours of pushing she was exhausted and could not push anymore, and this time, in the middle of the night on the 45 minute drive to Oklahoma State University Animal Hospital she fell asleep and delivered the puppy in the backseat while snoring. When she fell asleep she relaxed enough for the puppy to slide on out into the side-pocket of my trucks door. In this case she had to have a C-section to deliver the remaining four puppies because she had exhausted her ability to push. All five puppies were healthy and are doing well today with their owners. Making the decision to go to the vet during delivery problems is not easy and best should be made once you have surpassed your knowledge and abilities to deal with the myriad of issues that could arise during delivery. Knowing when you have exhausted your expertise is also not easy. If you are considering getting a German shepherd puppy consider getting one of our older puppies and save a little money on some very high quality shepherds. We have several wonderful puppies that that are ready to go home. Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds Sincerely,