mixed poodle puppies for adoption

Now taking deposits. Buy Now 11 week old Girl Puppy up to date on vaccines and comes genetic testing!!! She is spayed and up to date on her vaccines. Im sad to have to let her go but i have 3 kids and a full time job and she needs attention that i unfortunately cant give her. Feel free to contact me at xxx xxx xxx6. Full AKC, microchip, dewormed, vaccines up to date! Serious inquiry only. Buy Now Chocolate Merle Isabella carrier! Frenchie Available! AKC Registered! Patchy is the most exotic puppy of the litter with eyes to fall in love for at first sight half blue, gorgeous chocolate merle color, sweet character, fantastic DNA structure with a short and compact shape. All vaccinated, dewormed and health certificate. Shipping and financing available. Louis V is a loveliest puppy of the litter, he has a gorgeous as a Isabella carrier chocolate merle color, sweet character, fantastic DNA structure with a short and compact shape. Pure breed! Versace is the prime example of the french bulldog breed a perfect brindle color, a twin of her mom with gold flakes in the coating and white chest marking, sweet character, fantastic DNA structure with a short and compact shape. Pure breed, Champion DNA! Very good with kids Located xxxx Buy Now French Bulldog female puppy for sale, vaccinated, free Crate, bed,bow, Super adorable, beautiful, healthy,playful, very active, beautiful color, female French bulldog puppy. Our puppies are raised in a clean and loving home. We own both mom and dad. Puppies will have a health check and first vaccinations. Contact for more information. Message me on Facebook or Instagram xxxx. Buy Now Lilac merle Akc certified parents lilac father and blue Merle mother. Theg are up to date with the shots and papers. Chips as well. My Account Welcome. Our families mission is to introduce you to your new member of the Frenchie family by bring you top quality French Bulldogs, with exceptional health, build, and temperament. Our dogs are not just pets, but beloved family member that we adore. They are well socialized in our home with children, other pets, friends, and family members. They all live, sleepy, play, and stay in our home. We strive to have them as ready as possible for you to bring home, so its a smooth transition. The French Bulldog is a true charmer. They have a deep adoration , and are very loving to their people, They get along great with other members of the family. Our Franchise are our family. By adopting one of Prestige French Bulldog puppy you are becomin an extension to our family. The French Bulldog throughout history has been known as a companion dog. Muscular, small, built with heavy bones structure, and smooth coat. All our puppies are AKC register, come with a health certificate , and well socialized by the time you bring your new Frenchie member of the family home. You will fall completely in love with the frenchie, as we did as well. They tend to be miniature , playful, alert, adaptable, and hard to resists breed. We strive to have a successful l breeding program that factors in genetics, heredity, pedigree ,health, and training before your new puppy arrives to your home. We will be here for you during your journey in becoming a French Bulldog owner. We understand owning a French Bulldog is an exciting journey. Know we will be here along the way for you. If you have any questions, concerns, or advice, we are here for you always. Being a French Bulldog owner is a commitment knowing you have for several years. If at anytime you have unforeseen circumstances , or can no longer care for the puppy or dog, we will be happy to be the first ones you call to help pick up, and take the puppy or dog. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

PRA-prcd occurs as a result of degeneration of both rod and cone type Photoreceptor Cells of the Retina , which are important for vision in dim and bright light, respectively. Evidence of retinal disease in affected dogs can first be seen on an Electroretinogram around 1. The rod type cells are affected first and affected dogs will initially have vision deficits in dim light night blindness and loss of peripheral vision. Over time affected dogs continue to lose night vision and begin to show visual deficits in bright light. Other signs of progressive retinal atrophy involve changes in reflectivity and appearance of a structure behind the retina called the Tapetum that can be observed on a veterinary eye exam. Although there is individual and breed variation in the age of onset and the rate of disease progression, the disease eventually progresses to complete blindness in most dogs. Other inherited disorders of the eye can appear similar to PRA-prcd. Genetic testing may help clarify if a dog is affected with PRA-prcd or another inherited condition of the eye. Affected dogs are typically identified before 2 months of age with a combination of marked skeletal malformation particularly in the front limbs and severe vision deficits. As these puppies grow, forelimb dwarfism becomes evident and the forelimbs become severely bowed resulting in abnormal joint development of the elbow putting dogs at risk for early-onset arthritis. Owners of affected dogs may also notice abnormal, dome-shaped skulls. The ocular abnormalities of affected dogs range from mild to severe. Abnormal development of the retina, retinal detachment, and cataracts are common and frequently result in blindness or severe vision deficits. A DNA variant in the RSPO2 gene, which functions in hair follicle development, results in the production of furnishings in multiple breeds and is found in all wire-haired dogs. Other costs include healthcare, toys, insurance, and the cost of any training, socialization, and canine sports classes you join. You can get wellness or preventive care plans to help spread the cost of some of these monthly fees. You can feed commercial or opt for homemade food, but if you do make the meals yourself, you will have to calculate protein, carbs, and vitamins and minerals to make sure your dog is getting everything it needs. If your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or general health problems, you may need special food that caters to these requirements. Labradoodles can have similarly high requirements. Some owners choose to undertake grooming and maintenance themselves while others book and attend regular grooming sessions with a professional. Which route you choose will ultimately determine the cost of grooming. A good compromise is to pay for professional grooming every 6 months and to brush, trim, and clip between professional sessions. If treatment and medication are not covered by pet insurance, you will have to meet these costs yourself. While this is true, insurance does offer peace of mind , as well as financial protection. If your dog is involved in an accident or does come down with an expensive illness, you may be hit with a vet bill of thousands of dollars. With pet insurance, the majority of this should be paid by your insurer, which means that you can decide on the best course of treatment according to how beneficial it is and not how expensive it is. If you have the kind of dog that gets through toys in no time, consider subscribing to a dog toy box. If yours gets bored of their toys, rotate new toys in and out of circulation, keeping old toys in a cupboard before giving them back after a few months. Your dog will treat it like a new toy. Image Credit: Mariusz S. It can be trained, enjoys working or taking part in canine sports, and does benefit from regular walks. Otherwise, the primary costs for owning one of these dogs will be food, insurance, and the cost of any professional grooming. The Labradoodle also benefits from being given plenty of exercise, but also mental stimulation. Canine sports, including agility, are a good way to provide the stimulation your Doodle needs, and these do cost money. If your dog develops behavioral issues that you are unable to fix yourself, there is a cost associated with training or canine behavioral work. First, consider adopting rather than buying, and if you do buy, do you really need a dog with an exceptional pedigree? You can save money on food by buying in bulk when the food is on offer, and ensure that you are getting the best value for money from the food you do buy. Insurance is another area where you can reduce regular costs. It is a good idea to have insurance but look at the level of coverage you get, as well as the excess and the copayment levels. For a slightly higher excess, you may be able to save some money on your monthly bills. Preventive care, or wellness, plans can also save you some money in the long run, but you do need to do the math and ensure that they really do represent good value for money or whether it would be cheaper to pay for each treatment individually. Grooming costs can add up , especially if you visit the groomer every month. Conclusion The Australian Labradoodle is considered a Breed in Development by the American Kennel Club and one should be fifth generation from the parent breeds, at least, to be considered a true Aussie Labradoodle. The breed is smart and intelligent, level-headed, and it gets along with family and friends while also tending to be friendly with strangers. SC Tax, Training, boarding and delivery are all additional. Australian Labradoodle Sizes: Australian Labradoodles come in these size ranges: Micro mini Australian Labradoodles are " to shoulder and grow to be 10 to 15 lb. We occasionally have them here and there but it is hard to determine which are truly micro minis since puppy choosing happens at 6 weeks of age when all our puppies are tiny. Our miniature Labradoodles are " to the shoulder and around lbs. Our miniature Labradoodles or minis are the result of a miniature Australian Labradoodle bred to a miniature or medium Australian Labradoodle. The vast majority of our puppies fall into this category. Medium Labradoodles are " to the shoulder and weigh 30 to 45 lbs. Standard Labradoodles are about 20" to 22" to the shoulder 45 to 60 lb. The breed standard for "Standard Labradoodles" is 20" and up. We do not breed standard sized Labradoodles in our breeding program. Coat Types: Fleece: also known as borderline or wavy, is soft to the touch - an allergy friendly coat. It can be curly or wavy. Wool: also known as curly, slightly coarse feeling to the touch - an allergy friendly coat. Hair: also known as flat or slick coat, this is a shedding coat and is NOT allergy friendly. Grooming requirements of Australian Labradoodles: There are several factors to consider in grooming your Australian Labradoodle. One is: how long do you want to keep the coat, or what look are you going for? The "shaggy" look is most popular and they can be groomed just a couple times a year. If you keep your pet indoors most of the time you can get away with an occasional bath and brushing every few days. If you want the shorter look, which requires less brushing you will want to groom your pet every couple of months. The next thing to consider is coat type. A curly wool coat is not one you can keep "shaggy" but would tangle and mat if let grow long - they should be groomed every months, depending on care given. A fleece wavy coat will allow for the two different grooming options I spoke about and is the most desired Labradoodle coat. The other coat options we do not breed as they often produce shedders - that is why we breed multi-generation Australian Labradoodles, to produce the best coats and temperaments. Labradoodles are a very popular mix-breed pet and they are highly sought-after because of their lovable personalities. However, the cost of an Australian Labradoodle can greatly vary across the board with some costing hundreds of dollars and many costing thousands. There has been a huge increase in demand for Australian Labradoodle puppies in recent years — with more people buying this breed than ever before. This is an amazing dog with so many great personality traits to offer a household — hence the popularity. An Australian Labradoodle originates from the Poodle and Australian Labrador dog breeds, which give this dog a very playful and affectionate temperament, as well as highly intelligent and clever. To add more dynamic characteristics to the coat, the pup is then bred with an Irish Water Spaniel. With that being said, Australian Labradoodles are often priced quite a bit higher than your average dog. There are a number of different factors that contribute to this and we need to carefully assess all of them to determine the actual price of an Australian Labradoodle. After extensively researching Australian Labradoodles, I have been able to gather enough information to determine the cost of this breed. Cost of an Australian Labradoodle An Australian Labradoodle is not your everyday breed and they can be priced quite higher because of it. They are priced differently based on how the Australian Labradoodle was bred — with reputable breeders charging the most. On the other hand, amateur breeders may sell their Australian Labradoodles at a much cheaper price, but you need to approach them with caution. We also need to consider that not every Australian Labradoodle has had the same upbringing. Although most people buy their Australian Labradoodles as puppies, some get theirs for specific purposes such as for therapy dogs. Cost to Adopt an Australian Labradoodle The most affordable way to buy an Australian Labradoodle is to get one from a shelter. There are a number of different rescue shelters that specialize in Labradoodles but you want to ensure that you choose your dog carefully if you are specifically looking for an Australian variation. That is why people often prefer to pay extra for their dog and get it as a puppy from a reputable breeder. Cost Factors of an Australian Labradoodle The Australian Labradoodle is quite dynamic and there are a number of different factors that influence the price of this dog. There are defining characteristics that certain owners search for when picking out an Australian Labradoodle and they are generally willing to pay more for them. High Demand In recent years, there has been a growing demand for Australian Labradoodles — and understandably so. These are loving, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that will fit right into any household. However, the increase in demand has resulted in prices becoming higher for these dogs. Breeders that work with Australian Labradoodles are intentionally increasing their prices due to the demand surge from customers. The demand for Australian Labradoodles in some regions has become so high, that many people are having to sit on waitlists. Reputable Breeder Depending on where you go to buy your Australian Labradoodle, you will see that their prices can fluctuate quite a lot. This usually has to do with the type of breeder that is working with the animals. A reputable breeder that has built credibility within the industry will charge more for their work. They are professional breeders who put effort into ensuring the health of their animals and the satisfaction of the customers — but it comes at a price. An amateur breeder or puppy mill will charge a fraction of this cost. However, there are a number of issues with getting an Australian Labradoodle from one of these breeders. It is easy to get conned and buy a pup that is not a genuine Australian Labradoodle — with an American Labradoodle sharing many of the same qualities. In addition, a reputable breeder will take steps to ensure the long-term health of your Australian Labradoodle. Not only are the dogs kept in safe and humane conditions but they will be bred to prevent future health issues. These pups are known to develop hip dysplasia — a common hereditary disease for the breed. Reputable breeders run tests on their dogs and only use those that have healthy hips, which greatly lowers the chances of the disease developing. Size Australian Labradoodles come in a few different sizes — standard, miniature, and toy. The reason for this is that these pups originate from the poodle, which can also be seen in these size variations. This can influence the price of an Australian Labradoodle quite a lot. In general, Australian Labradoodles that are small and toy-sized will have a marked-up price — sometimes costing double the amount. This is what you can expect to pay for an Australian Labradoodle based on its size. However, this also has to do with demand. A lot of people are more than willing to pay extra for a miniature or toy variation and breeders mark up the price because of this. These pups have three different types of coats — curly, wavy, and flat. In general, each type is known for being hypoallergenic and hardly sheds at all. For people with dog allergies, the Australian Labradoodle is one of the few breeds that they can buy, which increases the demand for these pups. Although each coat has hypoallergenic qualities, curly coats are highly-regarded for shedding even less than the other options. With that being said, an Australian Labradoodle with a curly coat tends to fetch a higher price, as people are willing to spend more for it. Professional and skilled breeders will work specifically with Australian Labradoodles that have curly coats for this very reason. In addition to coat types, we also need to consider that Australian Labradoodles have unique hair colors and patterns. A lot of this comes from the careful mixing of additional breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel, which creates a dynamic and unique coat aesthetic. Australian Labradoodles that have rare hair colors and patterns can often be seen sold at a higher price. Labradoodles are intelligent dogs and enjoy playing games and playing with a variety of toys. Australian Labradoodles may benefit from a monthly subscription to a dog toy box because they can get bored easily and will most likely appreciate a fresh set of toys. Additional Costs to Factor In Make sure to include a budget for unexpected or occasional care items. Sometimes, your Australian Labradoodle can get into an accident, or you might require pet-sitting or boarding services if you plan to be away from home for more than a day. Many Australian Labradoodles also benefit from obedience training classes or one-on-one sessions with a professional dog trainer. If you live in an apartment or condominium, you may need to start paying a pet fee. Some buildings require an annual pet fee or a one-time fee. You can cut down on your budget in practical ways by making smart choices with the products you use. For example, you can always request cheaper alternatives or generic brands of medications from your veterinarian. Also, be wary of pet food brands that use fancy word choices to make their products sound more appealing. Make sure to check and compare ingredient lists. There are some occasions when a premium food brand and a more budget-friendly brand share similar ingredients. Saving Money on Australian Labradoodle Care You can save on costs by finding a good balance between purchasing high-quality products and generic products. You can also find discounts if you choose subscription options. Many pet food brands and pet supply retailers offer discounts if you sign up for monthly shipments of food and toys. Conclusion Overall, you can expect to pay a couple of thousands of dollars on initial costs for an Australian Labradoodle. You can expect to pay a couple hundred dollars more if you include pet insurance, pet sitting or dog walking fees, and professional grooming. You can experience some savings by looking for discount opportunities and making smart pet supply purchases. Featured Image Credit: litthouse, Pixabay Written by Jessica Kim Author Jessica is a freelance writer who spends most of her day researching and writing while her fluffy Cavapoo, Nora, naps beside her. As a dog mom, she understands the special connection that pet parents have with their pets. So, she loves sharing helpful information that people can use to better understand their pets. When she isn't writing, you may find her walking dogs, tending to her plant babies, or drinking her nth cup of coffee.Read more Advertisement. Due to the nature of our program and careful attention to the development of each puppy, they are usually reserved before they are born. For your convinience, we accept the following means of payment: cash at the time of your puppy pickup Venmo and Zelle you can use our phone number or email address texasdoodles gmail. Therefore, if, for whatever reason you do not receive a puppy from the litter you made a reservation for, or you are unable to take the puppy home at the time of puppy pickup, your deposit will transfer to the next litter of your choice. It is your responsibility to let us know which litter you are interested in and you would like your name to be added to. The adoption price of your Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle includes the following: 1. Microchip 2. De-worming and Age-Appropriate Vaccinations 3. Important Puppy Care Information .A Lifetime of Support pertaining to questions you might have regarding your Authentic Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle .Puppy Gift bag: Snuggle Puppy Toy with the scent of their litter mates and parents. Visit our store! Prices Now that you have seen our Australian Labradoodle puppies and want to see what is available visit the available puppies page or if you arent ready right now visit the f uture litter page. If you what to see what more of my Australian Labradoodles look like, visit our photo gallery. I am sure you are wondering what they cost. The price of Australian Labradoodles or American Labradoodles can vary greatly amongst breeders, generations, and types of Labradoodles. A breeder that does not put any time or money into caring for their dogs and puppies or does not spend any money on health testing will have the ability to sell puppies cheaply. Is it cheap when you get a puppy with a bad temperament, shedding coat, or health issues? Your puppy comes with: Microchipped with application and Tag Current vaccinations and worming Day trail Pet Insurance from Trupanion note: must be activated within 24 hours of adopting your pooch Spay-Neuter contract required Puppy certificate for registration with the ALAA. We only feed our dogs top-quality dog food. This ensures healthy skin and coat. It also ensures proper growth and nutrition from the balance of various vitamins, proteins, and fats. Information on how to care for your new puppy, potty training, feeding, grooming, etc. A lifetime of continued customer support There is no price difference for gender. Both males and females make great family pets. Payments can be made in the following ways: You can email us for an invoice or select the Buy NOW buttons below. The amount below reflects a convenience fee included. Puppy Reservation Fee.

Breeding Frenchies is a lot of work! It requires a lot of time, effort, and money to breed happy and healthy Frenchies. These breeders are what give French Bulldogs a bad rep. That certainly holds true when looking for a French Bulldog puppy. A high-quality, reputable breeder will conduct many tests to ensure your puppy is free of any preventable genetic health problems. A good breeder can minimize the risk of health issues Getting your French Bulldog from a reputable breeder can minimize the risk of your Frenchie having health issues such as deafness, hip dysplasia , respiratory problems, and more. Not to mention the heartache involved with dealing with a sick pup. Be wary of shady breeders All I know is that my worst nightmare is falling in love with my new Frenchie puppy only to come to find out he has a serious illness that the breeder failed to disclose to me. Consider Investing in Pet Insurance to save money If you are worried about the possibility of serious health issues , pet insurance is a great investment! French Bulldogs have been quickly rising in popularity — in fact, they just ranked 1 on the American Kennel Club rankings in .Why does everybody want a Frenchie?! I could go on all day. The French Bulldog can do it all Frenchies can lay on the couch all day with you or go out to explore the great outdoors! Frenchies are huge couch potatoes! Your Frenchie will be more than happy to travel where ever with you! French Bulldog Insurance How much are french bulldog puppies? The price tags for a Frenchie puppy can be steep. The cost of these types of dogs is partly due to the high cost production and care. This is because they can require a lot of care and vet fees are expensive due to the breathing conditions commonly developed by this breed. Ongoing Costs When it comes down to it, owning any type or breed dog is an investment in time, money, and effort—but some breeds tend to come with higher prices than others when you take into account both upfront costs as well as ongoing expenses such as vet bills or pet insurance premiums. French Bulldogs can be very expensive dogs to own because as flat-faced dogs they commonly develop breathing conditions which require expensive surgery. French Bulldog Insurance Because of these high vet fees for french bulldogs it is a good idea to get pet insurance for them. However, those costs also means pet insurance for French Bulldogs can be very expensive. It is worth shopping around to get the best value pet insurance cover for you and your dog. At Emerald Life we insure many French Bulldogs for a much more reasonable premium than other providers. Get a quote now and see how much you could save. In fact, the breed even knocked the Labrador Retriever out of the number one spot after more than 30 years in the top spot of popular dog breeds. Knowing that the French Bulldog is so popular, you might be wondering how much it actually costs to own one. Well we have some numbers for you to help make it easier to decide if this pup might be right for your budget. So here are some other costs you may want to consider when it comes to adding a French Bulldog to your life. How much does it cost to own a French Bulldog? Among the costs associated with being a pet owner of any kind, we have food, veterinarian visits, and even grooming. And when it comes to being a French Bulldog owner, some of the costs may be a bit higher. Another thing to consider with a French Bulldog is the fact that many have breathing issues associated with their flatter faces. Of course, their diet will depend on what your vet recommends and if they have any known allergies. Honestly, being a pet parent can be expensive. But at the same time, we love our pups and these are expenses we are willing to take on when it comes to the dogs we love. However, that price can increase significantly, even into five figures, depending on the location and reputation of the breeder. Reproducing requires artificial insemination. These factors increase the investment for French bulldog breeders. The more investment a breeder makes into producing healthy high-quality dogs in good environments, the higher the price will be. The rarer the color is, such as blue, lilac or chocolate, the more you can expect to pay. Certain coat patterns, such as pied, merle or brindle, will also be more expensive. Female French bulldogs and those with blue eyes are pricier as well. Adopting through the French Bulldog Rescue Network is a more affordable way to acquire a new puppy or adult Frenchie. The French bulldog breed is exceptional with many rare characteristics that make them popular among dog owners. But there are also some challenges and things to watch out for. French Bulldog Size Fully grown French bulldogs average 12 inches tall. Adult females often weigh between 16 and 24 pounds, and males reach 20 to 24 pounds. Most French bulldogs will continue to gain weight until about 14 months old but stop gaining height between nine and 12 months. There are also mini Frenchies, also known as teacup French bulldogs. These are bred to be miniature versions of standard French bulldogs, weighing between five and 14 pounds. They typically shed in spring and fall, so you should increase coat brushing during that time to help reduce hair in your home. This can help you save on grooming costs. French Bulldog Appearance Along with breeds like English Bulldogs and pugs, French bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have a shortened snout. Their faces are wrinkly and scrunched, giving them a distinct look, even as puppies. French Bulldog Colors French bulldogs come in many different coat colors. These include neutral colors — such as cream, gray, tan and black — as well as more rare colors like lilac, blue and chocolate. The rarer the color, the more expensive the price of a French bulldog will be. French Bulldog Temperament These pups are affectionate and playful, making them great companions. Training is recommended for French bulldogs since they can march to the beat of their own drum without guidance. Most Frenchies respond well to training, especially when treats are involved. Trainers believe French bulldogs understand commands but are moody and will respond as they feel like it. Frenchies are great family dogs, do well around other pets and prefer companionship. A companion will also allow you to leave them alone for longer periods of time without them getting frustrated. But, of course, another pet will come with its own costs. French Bulldog Activity Level Frenchies are not the best dog if you want a jogging companion. French Bulldog Life Expectancy French bulldogs have an average lifespan of 12 years if well taken care of. If they remain in great health, they can live as long as 15 years. Your veterinarian will periodically examine your Frenchie to ensure he or she is growing properly. Due to their flat faces and short necks, it can be difficult for French bulldogs to use standard feeding bowls. You can instead provide elevated dog food and water bowls to help your pet eat and drink more comfortably. Buying treats, toys or a comfortable dog bed can also help your Frenchie feel welcome in its new home. Check out our French Bulldog Puppies What is included in our prices? We provide nanny service to all major US airports for an extra fee. Shipping to other countries is also possible, contact us for more info! PayPal and Stripe have payment insurance which means that they keep your money pending until you get the puppy. We get your money just after you have confirmed that your puppy has arrived in your arms safe and sound! Shots up-to-date worth USD Our pups receive all the necessary shots while they are with us: 1. Deworming worth 50 USD Our puppies are dewormed every two weeks from the age of 4 weeks old and they also get Simparica Trio against ticks, fleas and heartworms right before they leave. Anti-parasite treatment worth USD We give our puppies anti-parasite treatment against all parasites before they leave except for heart worms. Echocardiogram heart examination, worth 1, USD We do echocardiogram on our Frenchies and when we find the slightest chance of heart murmur in one of them, we rather cancel the adoption and find a loving home for them locally. Valer, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Membership and right to post in the TomKings Frenchie Family closed Facebook group We created a Facebook group for our adopters where we answer their questions and they share their experiences with each other. We are a Family because we are connected by the love towards Frenchies and we are always there to help and support each other, as well as share valuable experiences and advice! Only TomKings Frenchie parents are allowed to post and ask from us or any other member in the group. Participation in TomKings Frenchie Meetups We organize Frenchie Meetups in major cities throughout the States where you can talk with other TomKings Frenchie owners and exchange advice while your Frenchies are playing with each other. Frenchie Love eBook worth .Lifetime Health Guarantee We give you a lifetime health guarantee on all genetic disorders which cause death, which means that we send you another puppy if your Frenchie dies. We have never had that so far since the parent dogs go through a rigorous selection process before the breeding program and our vet checks the puppies often. We know that Frenchie owners have a bunch of questions about feeding, raising, training, etc. Our goal is to have only happy and healthy puppies so we will always be there to answer your questions! Lifetime vet assistance Frenchie owners have a lot of questions about the health of their puppies and most of the time they run to their vet right away and leave a fortune there for nothing. We even tell you whether you need to visit your vet at all! Health certification TomKings Frenchies are examined strictly before they leave for their new homes and we give you a health certificate which can be used if you want to have insurance for your puppy which we highly recommend. Exceptional care We treat every puppy as a family member from the moment they are born. We believe that the secret of having socialized and healthy Frenchie puppies is spending time with them all day long and letting them run and play in the backyard. Potty training It is crucial how puppies are trained at the beginning of their lives. At TomKings Puppies we are focusing not only on their health but their proper training as well. We start potty training for them so that you have a much easier job! Ultimate Guide. Depending on where you live sorry California, it is expensive where you are! This could indicate the dog is coming from a puppy mill. You can read why you should avoid buying dogs from puppy mills here. But the popularity of the dog means there can be a lot of competition for the Frenchies that do need a home. There are a lot of factors that can influence price, and if you are looking for a show dog or a dog for breeding, you should expect to pay a lot more. Certain colors, which are desirable but genetically quite rare, can also push up the price. A brindle or black puppy will usually be at the lower end of the scale, but a breeder might ask a lot more for a platinum or blue fawn puppy. This is Micro, a perfect body specimen for a Frenchie. He also has a blue coat and orange eyes, which are quite rare in dogs. What About Mini Frenchies? Mini Frenchies, also known as Teacup Frenchies, are the same fantastic dog, but they are quite a bit smaller than usual. You can expect them to weigh just 5 to 14 pounds on average. Due to their smaller size, though, their bodies can be fragile, so it is important not to engage in rough play with them. These dogs are even harder to breed see below than standard French bulldogs, so they are also quite a bit more expensive. Why are they so expensive, then? One factor is high demand since they are a very desirable dog breed. But that is not the whole story, since Labs are also one of the most popular dog breeds. Health Problems One of the biggest factors is these dogs have a lot of health problems. Most of their health issues are related to their flat, brachycephalic faces similar to Pugs and American bulldogs , which makes them particularly prone to breathing issues and allergies. This unique facial structure can also affect the formation of their jaw, and the health of their eyes, and can even affect their healing from certain illnesses and injuries. On top of this, they can also be prone to hip dysplasia, kneecap shifts, and heat stress. Fortunately, breeders try to control these breed-specific issues. It is essential that responsible breeders do their best to control these conditions, which means DNA scanning, genetic testing, multiple trips to the vet, and paying extra close attention to the developing puppies. Of course, all of this comes with a cost. Breeding Problems The other big problem is that Frenchies are extremely hard to breed. As well as the operation itself is expensive, the mother and pups need extra care afterward. Plus, breeders need to give their mother dogs significantly longer to recuperate before they can think about breeding them again. On top of that, French bulldogs have small litters—usually just three puppies. It is very unusual for a Frenchie to have five or more puppies in a single litter. So, if you are looking for a French bulldog puppy, you can expect to be on a waiting list for several months before a puppy is available. As well as being expensive to buy, French bulldogs can be pretty costly to care for, again mostly because of their health problems. They will probably need regular trips to the vet, and insuring them can be expensive because they are known to have health issues. But what are some of the main costs that you can expect to incur when bringing home a new puppy? Supplies It can surprise pet parents just how many things you need to care for a new dog. For starters, your new pup will need a bed, toys, bowls, a collar, and a leash. A crate can also be a big expense if you choose to crate train. However, because crate training is not so common among French bulldogs, first-time owners might also want to consider some professional training classes. Food Food is one of the biggest neverending expenses for any dog. Puppy food is also a bit more expensive than adult food because of its high protein content. Ideally, your dog should be eating puppy food until they are about 9 months old. French bulldogs should be eating around 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. You can read more about pet insurance for puppies here. They will usually only bark when there is something wrong, so it is worth paying attention when they do vocalize. This is one of the reasons why they make excellent apartment dogs. While French bulldogs are adorable, they are specifically bred for their appearance, and this has led to a lot of genetic issues that affect their health and can leave them in a lot of pain in their later years. Many people object to putting the health of an animal second to appearance and therefore object to buying French bulldogs and supporting the purebred breeding industry. In theory, if there was no demand for these dogs, this kind of exploitative breeding would stop. In practice, this is difficult to imagine, considering how popular the breed is. Can French bulldogs stay home alone? French bulldogs actually tolerate being left alone relatively well. However, all dogs need a lot of love and companionship, and no dog responds well to being left on their own for 10 hours a day five days a week. Dogs become members of the family, and if they are going to thrive, they need to be treated with that kind of attention. Are Frenchies hard to potty train? However, they are little dogs with small bladders. They also tend to gobble down their food, which means they can be prone to smelly gas expulsions. How much exercise does my Frenchie need? French bulldogs do well on just a 15 to minute vigorous walk each day. They are also quite playful, so they burn off energy just playing around as well. Are French bulldogs aggressive? Despite the reputation of bulldogs, Frenchies are not aggressive. They are friendly and get on well with people and other animals. However, all animals are a combination of nature and nurture, so they can learn aggressive habits if they are not properly cared for. Are Frenchies high maintenance? They can also be left alone without expecting too much trouble. On the other hand, their tendency towards breed-specific health issues does mean they need regular visits to the vet. They may need special medications for things like breathing issues, and in later life, they may need things like a special bed. The Verdict French bulldogs are excellent dogs. They are great little companions who will find it easy to live in your apartment with you, but they are also fun-loving and curious. While they are great dogs, they are also quite expensive. This is due to high demand and some pretty serious difficulties when it comes to breeding them. They have small litters, almost always delivered by c-section, and health screenings and vet visits are a big burden for breeders. If you want something special, such as a rare color, you should expect to pay a lot more. You can also expect them to be relatively expensive dogs to own because they do need regular and close contact with a good vet to maintain their health. At a glance, the French bulldog is: Highly intelligent and trainable Small, meaning it does well in fairly small apartments Expensive due to demand and how difficult they are to breed Prone to breed-specific health issues So, are they worth all this expense and trouble? We think they are. French bulldogs can be the ideal pet for first-time owners with limited space and time but a lot of love to give. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

I run my fingers down the center near their belly button feeling for the telltale blob of an umbilical hernia and near the groin checking for inguinal lumps and we find them quite a bit. Hernias are not uncommon in puppies, and occur in a variety of ways. The good news is most are easily treatable and often caught early. A hernia occurs when abdominal organs or fatty tissue protrude through a weak spot in the muscle or connective tissue. The severity of the hernia depends on the size of the defect in the abdominal wall. In its most benign form, a small amount of abdominal fat may intermittently protrude from the hole and be easily placed back through with a little pressure. In its most severe form, intestines or other abdominal organs may pass through the the hole, compressing blood supply and essentially strangling the organ. In these worst-case scenarios hernias can become life threatening in a short period of time. Amazingly, even large hernias can often be successfully treated if the diagnosis is made before the herniated organ is compromised. In some cases the closure is incomplete, leaving a hole in the abdomen through which contents can herniate. Inguinal : the inguinal canal is an opening in the area of the groin through which the testicles descend. Both males and females have an inguinal canal and can suffer from inguinal hernias. Diaphragmatic : the diaphragm is the large sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. While trauma and congenital defects can cause defects at any point along the diaphragm, there are two specific subtypes of diaphragmatic hernia which are known to occur as congenital defects in puppies: Hiatal : the hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm where the esophagus, which carries food from the mouth to the stomach, passes from the chest to the abdomen. If the opening is larger than it should be, the stomach can start to bulge through into the chest cavity. Peritoneopericardial : this mouthful of a word refers to an opening between the peritoneum a membrane lining the abdominal cavity and the pericardium the sac that surrounds the heart. This results from an embryologic problem during development, and is the most common form of congenital pericardial defect in the dog. What Causes Hernias in Dogs? Hernias can be congenital meaning the puppy was born with the condition or acquired through trauma, disease or aging. Congenital hernias are the most common cause noted in young dogs. They may be the result of a spontaneous problem during development, or a genetic defect passed on from one of the parents. Trauma is the other common cause of hernias in puppies. Blunt force trauma such as being hit by a car or any sort of blow to the body wall can cause a tear in either the abdominal wall or the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to herniate. What are the Signs of a Hernia in Puppies? Signs of a hernia vary depending on the location and severity of the hernia. In many cases, with a small uncomplicated hernia consisting only of a small amount of abdominal fat, the owner may not even notice anything or just feel a small squishy blob in the region of the belly button or groin. As the hernia becomes larger and more vital organs are compromised, signs may be as follows: Pain. When the puppy is born, the umbilical cord breaks usually because the mom chews it off , leaving behind an umbilical stump. Over a few days, the structures within the stump break down, and the stump withers and falls off, leaving behind a flat belly button. A puppy has an umbilical hernia when they still have a hole in their abdominal wall after the umbilical stump has fallen off and all the surrounding tissues have healed. If the hole is large enough, abdominal contents usually just a little fat can push through, creating a lump. What Causes an Umbilical Hernia? Umbilical hernias in dogs are relatively common and tend to occur in certain family lines. Reputable breeders will not breed a dog who has a very large umbilical hernia and will avoid breeding two dogs with umbilical hernias together, even if the hernias are small. Umbilical hernias are usually harmless, but prospective pet parents who are concerned about the condition should only purchase puppies from breeders who perform all the breed-specific health screenings recommended by the Canine Health Information Center and ask about the incidence of umbilical hernias in their dogs. Find out more questions to ask your dog's breeder. Be wary if a breeder claims that the reason behind most of the puppies in a litter having umbilical hernias is their mother chewing off their umbilical cords too aggressively. A lump: With a small umbilical hernia, a little soft fat is all that normally moves through the hole in the body wall. When a dog has a large umbilical hernia, abdominal organs like loops of intestines may be able to pass through. With other hernias, fat or abdominal organs will get stuck in the opening of the body wall. Scar material may also form, which will make it impossible to push everything back into the abdominal cavity. This is a non-reducible hernia. Are Umbilical Hernias Dangerous? Umbilical hernias in dogs are mostly a cosmetic issue. But there are two possible risks: Strangulation: When a dog has a large abdominal hernia, it is possible for the abdominal contents that have passed through to twist or become pinched, which can block off their blood supply. This is a medical emergency called strangulation, and it is very painful. Thankfully, strangulations are extremely rare—most veterinarians never see a case over their entire careers. Trauma to the Skin: Because hernias form a protrusion away from the body wall, it is also possible for the skin over them to become damaged after dragging against rough or irritating surfaces. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you have any questions about umbilical hernias and your dog. They can usually tell you if your dog has a hernia after performing a physical examination and then can discuss treatment options with you. This is especially true if your dog is very young. Small umbilical hernias may close on their own until a puppy is 3 to 4 months of age. On the other hand, large hernias should be repaired because they are unsightly, probably at least a little annoying to the dog, and because, even though the risk is small, strangulation of abdominal contents is potentially life-threatening. Oftentimes, veterinarians will recommend surgery to repair an umbilical hernia when a dog is going to be anesthetized for other reasons, such as spaying or neutering. For large hernias, mesh may be placed over the hole instead of drawing the umbilical ring together. If they do, they may remove their sutures and need another hernia surgery to repair the damage. E-collars , bandages, surgery recovery suits, or onesies can all be used to keep dogs from damaging their incisions. Make sure you give your dog any post-op medications that your veterinarian has prescribed, follow their directions regarding activity restriction and other lifestyle modifications, and return for any follow-up appointments they recommend. What does this all mean for you? If you already have a dog with a small umbilical hernia, the choice to have it repaired is all yours. Large umbilical hernias do need treatment, but even these surgeries can usually wait until a puppy is a little older and is scheduled to be spayed or neutered. Considering umbilical hernia repair for your pup? Find out how to calm a dog after surgery. If your dog has an outie, read this. By Deb M. Eldredge, DVM, is an award-winning veterinarian and writer who graduated from Cornell University, where she was the first recipient of the school's Gentle Doctor Award. Most of them are basically "outie" belly buttons. If small, they may seal up on their own and generally don't cause any problems. Larger ones may require surgery to close up the abdominal wall and prevent intestines from slipping out or getting twisted. Some dog breeds such as Weimaraners are predisposed to these hernias. Ideally dogs with anything other than very small umbilical hernias should not be bred. This is especially true if most of the puppies in the litter have one, suggesting genetic predisposition. What Exactly Is an Umbilical Hernia? In an unborn puppy, the umbilicus slips out through an opening in the puppy's stomach wall to connect to the placenta. When a puppy is born, his dam chews or breaks this umbilical cord or the breeder cuts it and ties it off. It dries and shrivels up, leaving behind the "belly button. Sometimes a small bit of fat may get stuck in the opening, which leaves an "outie" belly button. Occasionally the wall of the abdomen simply does not close all the way. That is when we say a puppy or dog has an umbilical hernia. Signs Your Dog Has an Umbilical Hernia If your dog has an umbilical hernia, when your dog lies on his back, you can feel a small opening at the umbilicus site. If it is the size of the end of your pinkie finger at 8 weeks of age, it is usually not a problem. Many of these small hernias will close up on their own by 6 months of age. If the hernia bubbles out or is bigger than a pinkie finger, there is a chance that intestines may be slipping in and out of the opening. At some point, a section of intestines could slide out through the hernia opening and get trapped or twisted. At that point, your dog needs emergency surgery. Signs you see with trapped intestines can include pain, your dog standing stiffly with his back arched, and possibly not eating or vomiting. If you see these symptoms, you need to call your veterinarian right away. Larger hernias will require surgery to close up the opening, leaving the intestines safely inside. If your puppy is not having any problems, your vet may recommend keeping an eye on it and doing the surgery at the same time as spaying or neutering. That means one bout of anesthesia and recovery for your pet and less cost for you. If intestines become trapped at any point, immediate emergency surgery is necessary. Some people have tried to encourage closure of hernias by using a belly wrap on their puppies with hernias. The goal is to keep all tissues fat, intestines, etc. This is generally not successful but does help in some cases. It is best to consult your pet's veterinarian for advice on the best way to handle your individual dog's treatment. Luckily most umbilical hernias are small and don't present a health concern for your dog! Was this page helpful? Gastrointestinal foreign body surgery Hiatal Hernia Hiatal hernias are common in French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic short-nosed breeds. It is a complex disease involving a congenital malformation of the diaphragm which results in herniation of the stomach into the thorax and chronic regurgitation. It is very commonly associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome which is another set of congenital abnormalities which results in narrow upper airways and breathing difficulties. Anatomy Intra-op image of oesophageal hiatus in a French Bulldog with deficient diaphragmatic muscle around the hiatus The oesophageal hiatus is the hole in the diaphragm where the oesophagus passes from the thorax into the abdomen to insert into the stomach. It is normally surrounded by the muscle of the diaphragm which forms a physical barrier to prevent the stomach entering the thoracic cavity chest. The most common form of hiatal hernia type 1 involves the stomach sliding back into the oesophagus because of an enlarged hiatus which is a congenital malformation present at birth. The less common form type 2 is a paraoesophageal hernia where the stomach slides next to the oesophagus into the thoracic cavity. Signs of hiatal hernia Most dogs with hiatal hernia will have a history of intermittent or consistent regurgitation after eating. Regurgitation is a passive process where the food literally bounces back up the oesophagus. This differs from vomiting which is an active process involving contraction of the stomach. Mildly affected dogs may initially experience subclinical regurgitation which results in repeated damage to the oesophagus by stomach acid and oesophagitis heartburn. Eventually this will lead to oesophgeal dysfunction and regurgitation. More severely affected dogs may regurgitate so often that they eventually breathe in aspirate their stomach contents and develop aspiration pneumonia which can be life threatening. How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed? Often the diagnosis can be made based on breed and history alone ie. French Bulldog with a history of regurgitation and by ruling out other systemic causes via blood tests and abdominal ultrasound. In other cases, or in those refractory to surgical management, the patient may require radiographs or endoscopic assessment of the stomach and upper small intestine to rule out other causes of chronic gastrointestinal disease. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is often diagnosed concurrently and may contribute to the degree of herniation as the dog creates a large negative pressure in its chest to breathe drawing air into its lungs but also drawing its stomach into its chest. How is a hiatal hernia treated? Intra-op image of oesophageal hiatus in a French Bulldog after phenoplasty and oesophagopexy Surgical management of hiatal hernia involves evaluation by direct surgical exposure of the oesophageal hiatus. The most common treatment involves: Phenoplasty - plication tightening of the oesophageal hiatus with non-absorbable suture Oesophagopexy — suturing the abdominal oesophagus to the diaphragm to prevent it sliding into the thorax Post-operative care Most patients will be discharged within one to two days of surgery and there is usually a rapid improvement in the frequency of regurgitation, often with complete resolution of clinical signs. Some dogs may require ongoing medical management, especially if they have other causes of GI disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies. If you have a patient that would benefit from specialist care. Call Stafford on 07 or North Lakes on 07 to make an appointment. The surgery went smoothly, but it was more than a cosmetic repair in this case. This young dog was born with the hernia, but recently the hernia went from being small and soft, to large, firm and bright red. One of my colleagues saw Frenchie as an appointment since the hernia had changed in size, and strongly urged that the dog undergo surgery to repair the defect. Umbilical hernias are relatively common congenital defects, where the abdominal wall does not close completely in the area where the umbilical cord was attached. Often, these hernias are reducible, which means they are small, soft swellings which can be temporarily pushed back into the abdomen. Inevitably, the hernia recurs after being reduced. In most cases, hernias like these are easily repaired at the time of spay or neuter surgery, and do not cause any problems for the dog. Umbilical hernias occur frequently in small and toy breed dogs; they are considered a heritable defect, so animals with umbilical hernias should not be bred, as their offspring are likely to have the same problem. People can also be born with umbilical hernias. In some instances, as was the case with Frenchie, tissue can be come entrapped, or strangulated within the hernia. This is particularly a concern if a loop of intestine becomes trapped within the hernia sac. If the intestine cannot be reduced back into the abdomen, it quickly can become painful, necrotic and require emergency surgery where part of the intestine may need to be removed. Fortunately, this is an uncommon occurrence. Fortunately, no intestinal contents were discovered in the hernia. I was able to cut off the unhappy fat, and close the abdominal wall with suture material, as well as remove some of the inflamed subcutaneous tissue. Frenchie should have a full recovery. So, What happens next? What is a hernia and what causes them? Hernias are a common congenital condition meaning that puppies are born with them , affecting around 1 in puppies. A hernia is a hole in the muscle wall of the tummy abdomen which allows the abdominal contents fat, intestines and other organs to squeeze through into a space under the skin or, less commonly, through the diaphragm into the chest. This usually causes a soft, squishy swelling under the skin, which often fluctuates in size. It may occasionally pop in and out of the tummy, disappearing for short periods of time. While some hernias result from trauma causing a tear in the muscle, most puppy hernias are congenital problems. This is where the muscle fails to develop properly. There may be a genetic element to this condition, as some breeds appear more susceptible. So it is advisable not to breed from a dog with a hernia. Hernias typically arise in specific locations. These result from the muscle failing to close over the area where the umbilical cord entered the body. Less frequently, hernias are found in the groin inguinal or next to the bottom perineal. The rarest kind of hernias involve the diaphragm and can be more difficult to diagnose as they are less obvious from outside. How are hernias diagnosed in puppies? Most external hernias are fairly easy to diagnose just by their location and feel. A soft swelling under the skin in one of the characteristic hernia locations is a strong indicator but your vet will check for an underlying hole in the muscle wall to be sure. These checks are quick, pain-free and harmless. In a small number of cases, or when an internal hernia is suspected, additional tests such as an ultrasound or X-ray may be necessary to diagnose the problem and assess its severity. These are straightforward, non-invasive procedures but may require your puppy to be sedated; your vet will be happy to discuss any questions you may have about this. Are there any problems hernias cause? How serious a hernia is depends on its location, its size and its contents. While many hernias cause few problems, some can make a pup very unwell. Most hernias, especially small ones, contain just fat which usually causes little problem apart from, possibly, some mild discomfort. The main concern with small hernias is that they get larger over time. Bigger hernias may allow a loop of the intestines or other organs such as the liver or bladder to pop out of the tummy. But having intestines or organs in this location exposes them to injury. In a small number of cases, it can make a pup seriously unwell. It can cause them to go off their food, be lethargic, vomit repeatedly or suffer breathing problems. These are potentially life-threatening complications. What treatment do hernias require? Some very small hernias may require no treatment at all because the muscle does eventually close as the puppy grows. These hernias leave a small blob of fat under the skin which can look a bit funny but is not usually of concern. Most hernias, however, will need surgery to close the hole in the muscle. The contents of the hernia to their normal location. Surgery is advisable even if your puppy is currently unaffected by their hernia, to prevent more serious problems later in life. If the hernia is small and stable, this may be done once your puppy is big and old enough, or at the same time as neutering. This is usually from six months of age. So your vet may advise regular checks of the hernia to make sure it is not causing problems in the meantime. For large hernias, or those which involve the intestines or other internal organs, surgery may be carried out at an earlier age, or as an emergency, to prevent some of the more serious complications. What happens during hernia surgery? Surgery to repair a hernia requires a general anaesthetic. The area around the hernia will be shaved and scrubbed with an antiseptic to reduce infections. An incision is made through the skin. The contents of the hernia are checked to make sure they are healthy. They are then gently returned to the abdomen and the hernia is closed, usually with stitches that dissolve in a few weeks. The incision is usually slightly longer than the original hernia and there may be slight redness or swelling around the area for a few days. Umbilical hernia surgery is usually quick, straightforward and low risk. In cases where the hernia is very large, contains more than just fat, or involves the diaphragm, surgery may be more complicated. It may also carry additional risks, which your vet will discuss with you. Thankfully, these cases are much rarer. There will usually be very little trace of surgery after a few weeks. Most puppies make an excellent recovery. Hernias are relatively common in puppies. While some do cause problems, most dogs will have normal, healthy lives following treatment. Corrective surgery is usually routine and recommended in most cases to prevent future problems. They will be happy to check your pup is healthy and advise on the best way to deal with this condition. You may also be interested in;.

Contact Us About Us Von Goedehaus German Shepherds is a small working line German Shepherd breeder who has been raising and working with working line dogs since , and has been breeding working line German Shepherds since .They first fell in love with the breed when working in law enforcement. They purchased their very first working line German Shepherd puppy in and their love for the breed grew from there. While attending training classes with his puppy, Kevin caught the dog training bug and has turned that love for training into a life long passion. After making the tough decision to leave law enforcement to follow a new dream, he decided to attend the Tom Rose School for professional dog trainers and the rest as they say is history. Kevin has now been in the professional dog training industry since .He uses his expertise to take an active role in assisting Von Goedehaus puppy buyers with finding the right puppy for them. He has placed in both regional and national events with their dogs with PSA, and is also an active judge for the sport. In he received the great honor of being invited to judge PSA Nationals in Canada, and looks forward to many years of continued judging in the sport he loves. Cheryl developed a love for working dogs when she had the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest imported European lines when she was a police officer for .She could be found asking the handlers if she could play with their dogs after their job on various scenes was done. Becoming obsessed with the idea of having a German Shepherd of her own, she decided to bring home her first working line puppy in .The pup was a bit of a challenge to say the least, so Cheryl turned to online forums and pages dedicated to the breed. Deciding to start her own online community for the breed, with the help of amazing admins she grew the following for both the facebook page and group into a massive community. Over the years, the facebook page and group has helped answer questions for German Shepherd owners around the world ranging from nutrition to behavior related issues and more , or directed them to professionals in their area who could help them. The community has also assisted in helping countless homeless German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and their mixes in finding forever loving homes. Cheryl believes there is more than one way to give back to the breed, and it should not be unheard of for breeders to be involved in helping rescues in some way. Both Kevin and Cheryl decided to put quality dogs into the hands of working dog enthusiasts for work and also for families who wanted a stable active family companion dog. They began to utilize some of the finest European Working Line German Shepherd bloodlines to create the foundation for their kennel. They continue to further the bloodline they created from both the puppies they hold back from their breedings as well as importing very high quality dogs from trusted friends overseas. No matter what you are looking for in a quality pet or working prospect, you can trust them to work with you in finding the right dog for your family situation. Louis, MO. We are a club formed to encourage and promote the breeding of German Shepherd Dogs and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection. We urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which German Shepherd Dogs are judged. We do all we can to protect and advance the interests of the breed by encouraging sportsman-like competition at dog shows and all companion dog events. We conduct AKC sanctioned and licensed specialty shows, all obedience competitions and rally events. Our membership is made up of anyone interested in the German Shepherd Dog. We have breeders, obedience enthusiasts, sheep herding and rally competitors among our membership. We have 8 to 10 meetings a year which offer everyone a chance to share ideas, ask questions, visit with other shepherd owners and to learn from our special programs. The club also runs special seminars and clinics on such topics as obedience training, tracking, grooming, health issues and breeding. If you would like to be notified of our upcoming meetings, or if you would like to apply for membership, please go to our website at GSDCSTL. The picture of puppies in the bathtub is a past litter of German Shepherd puppies from Robin Blue. They are all adults now and all have happy loving homes and awesome families they live with. I have been a German Shepherd breeder since .I have all colors black and tan, black and silver, black and red, bi-color, black, white, black and tan brindle, sable brindle, silver sable, tan sable, fawn, blue, liver, and red sable of German Shepherd puppies. I have German Shepherd puppies for sale as pets that are wonderful, loving, family protectors. I also have full working line German Shepherd puppies for sale that would do well in a working job, SCH, agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, or as a very energetic family member. They are all sweethearts. Feel free to call or email. I always enjoy meeting and talking to people that are interested in German Shepherd dogs, as I am. Thanks for your interest in my puppies. If you are interested in having one of my puppies be one of your new family members you will have to call me on the telephone and talk to me about the puppy. I love all my puppies and just try to match them up to the right homes. If you are interested in one of my puppies please call me at home or my cell is .I will return your call. If you have any questions about any of my puppies you are welcome to email me too. My email address is whitefamily semo. I only have one email address. So if you are interested in any of my puppies I look forward to talking to you on the phone. I am proud of all my puppies and their parents and always enjoy talking about them all. Exercise Grooming In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. How fast can German Shepherds run? An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Do they shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Are German Shepherds good with kids? German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Why do German shepherd ears stand up? During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. Are you interested in purchasing a German Shepherd? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The dogs are members of our family, and share our home in the open countryside. They enjoy hours of daily exercise for a sound mind and body. A German Shepherd is a strong dog that requires attention, obedience training, and most of all socialization. Here at Breezy Meadows our goal is to produce healthy and devoted family members, with fabulous temperaments, that are a joy to live with. Our loyal dogs adore people young and old, are very well socialized, and possess extraordinary character. The Long Coat German Shepherd is admired for their beauty, gentle disposition, working ability, and their outstanding balanced and trainable temperament. We respect them for their courage, spirit, and power. Anyone who owns a long coat German Shepherd would describe a dog who is more human than canine, with a soulful understanding of their human counterparts. Thank you for visiting our website. We welcome you to come back for updates on available puppies, and new photos of our long coat German Shepherd dogs. Click here to follow us on Facebook Contact us at:. I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. My story started here. My best friend, my constant companion, everywhere I went, she went with me. She protected me, helped teach me about life, and was my Best friend for 16 years. My inspiration. I'm Robin.I breed long coated German shepherds. My dogs are from European countries with outstanding lines. I breed for temperaments, beautiful red and black color, quality not quantity. I am a small hobby breeder, breeding with attention to detail. My dogs live with me in my home, not outside in kennels. They are a part of our family. Feel free to visit our Ranch in Pennsylvania to see for yourself. SG1 Baldrsens Tequila is beautiful, graceful,and with great confirmation in show lines. Tequila is very protective of her family. Excellent Mother! They say the eyes are the mirror to the soul. Our Bobbie is protective of her family, a joy to be around and one of the prettiest long coat Black German shepherds I ever had the pleasure to own and love. Eve has Good Hips and Elbows, Dm test score is "A" Eve has matured into a very stunning female, highly intelligent, and is high drive with a willingness to learn. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. They are all a part of our everyday life. We have put a lot of time in finding the right dogs for our breeding program so we can provide quality puppies. Our puppies will make exceptional family companions or working class dogs. Upon viewing our many pictures on our site you will see how happy and healthy all of our dogs are. Our main goal is to provide happy, healthy puppies that make excellent companions. They need lots of personal attention so when considering to buy one of my dogs you need to be willing to have another FAMILY member. Why Choose Us We Strive to Provide We strive to provide our puppies with owners who love and cherish them as much as we do. My puppies mean a lot to me, they are a passion that I love, they are not a business. People have asked me how I let my puppies go when it is time for them to go to their new homes. A Wonderful Dog to Add to Your Family Once you have owned a German Shepherd it is very hard not to have one in your life, they are the most dedicated dog there is. I grew up with German Shepherds in most of my childhood life and my husband and myself have had them in our life together for over 30 years. If you would like to come and visit let us know, we would love to meet you and have you meet our FAMILY, and if you ever decide to make one of our puppies your own, you will know that they were given the very BEST start in life. Take a tour of our site if you have any questions or comments about any of our dogs or puppies feel free to contact us. We feel this step will be VERY beneficial to both puppy and new owners. I am amazed at how well behaved and taken care of they are. Easy and honest people to work with…Simply Amazing! We are a small hobby breeder of West Showline German Shepherds with only a few litters a year. Our dogs are part of our family, share our home, and travel with us. We are located in Halifax, PA about 30 minutes north east of Harrisburg. I was impressed with their working ability and superior intelligence along with a loving demeanor that was absolutely unmatched. As I was learning more about the breed and looking for my perfect addition to my family, I saw the Long Coats for the first time and fell in love. Our dogs have brought pure joy and happiness into our home and it is our goal to bring the same joy and happiness into yours! They have sound temperaments, are very intelligent, easy to train, loyal, and protective. Everyone is encouraged to stop in for a visit of our home, meet our family, and see our GSD's. It is our goal to produce top quality German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat with loving personalities, outstanding character, and family protection in one perfect package. Integrity is Very important with us, you will Never feel pressured into getting a Puppy, we are very honest and direct with our process and time table when we will have Puppies available. All the Information Posted about our Dogs can be verified through Documentation. Our Pictures are Never Altered or adjusted to mislead you into thinking our dogs are better than they are, and to be Honest we do not need too : The day you pickup your Bergerhaus puppy you will be invited into a Secret Facebook page called Bergerhaus Puppy Club if you so choose to accept here you can interact with others Bergerhaus puppy owners, watch littermates of your baby grow, become friends with other puppy owners, and ask advise from everyone in the group!

The third week in the puppies' lives marks a big shift here at Madcap - we're entering the puppies' critical socialization period, and now the real fun begins. Things are going to begin flying fast and furious at us as far as developmental periods and windows of opportunity go, and we're thankful that we mapped out a plan from the time we confirmed Pippi's pregnancy. The next nine weeks will be the most powerful ones in the puppies' lives and what we choose to do or not do during this period can completely change the outcome for their futures. Getting all the bases covered in a timely fashion and scheduling all the activities and visits the puppies will need is a much bigger job than most new breeders anticipate! Why do I call this a "race against nature? People often think there is something "wrong" with an aggressive or fearful dog, when in fact that's normal - you have to do some pretty strong interventions in the first 12 weeks of the puppy's life in order to shape the kind of dog you would want to live with. Why should this be so? We go into this in depth in Puppy Culture, but suffice it to say this is an adaptive evolutionary strategy tied to the mobility of the puppy. Puppies don't have the mobility to travel too far from the protection of their family before they are 8 weeks old, so it stands to reason they should trust everything they meet. By weeks old, they have the wherewithal to wander off and get into trouble - it's a very good thing, from a "survival in the wild" point of view, that they should mistrust and fear stuff they encounter at that point. Bobcats, high and unstable surfaces, bodies of water - the world is full of dangerous stuff. In the wild, fear of the unknown is an excellent adaptive strategy. It's not so good when your dog goes to your daughter's soccer game and perceives the bleachers as monsters and the other children as a threat.So it's a "race against nature" because the puppies' biological clocks are ticking and that window of opportunity is closing a little more each day. Contrary to what you might read on the internet, you don't have until four or five months to get this socialization work done - a great deal of the most important and irreplaceable socialization experiences should take place when the puppy is still with the breeder. Sure if important things were missed by the breeder, you can still try to make up for it later, but it's a long hard slog up a steep hill, and the hill gets steeper and steeper every day after 12 weeks old. Luigi Meatballs, soaking up the love with Sonya's mom, Linda. It would hardly be useful for this puppy to be afraid of things, because he really can't run away or defend himself. His evolutionary strategy is literally to be so cute and trusting that we immediately want to protect him. I know, I know, people will tell you that the socialization window is more flexible, but in my experience with touching hundreds and hundred of puppies, there is a vast difference between working with an 11 week old puppy and a 14 week old puppy. Your experience may be different, but that is mine. And that doesn't even take into account all the protocols that should have been done during early developmental periods - protocols which can never be done effectively at any later point in the puppy's life. There are windows of opportunity that close as early as five weeks old. I hate to sound like a broken record but that's why we made Puppy Culture - it's five plus hours on this topic so if you're interested in learning more, it's all in there. To that end, in this first week of the socialization period we begin inviting potential puppy owners over to meet us and help begin the socialization process. We also introduce at least one new toy, visual object, or experience to the puppies each day during this week. In practice, we usually are introducing several new things to the puppies each day, but we make a note of at least one new thing just to keep the record straight, because it's easy to get mixed up when you're so tired! Here are some of the puppies having a time with Tuesday's enrichment item - it's an awesome toy I picked up at Tractor Supply. I love it because it has a furry outside crinkly part, plus a squeaker and a bungee inside. It's important to take note that we take the enrichment items out of the whelping box after the puppies fall asleep. I don't believe in cluttering up up the puppies' environment with a lot of stuff that's going to get dirty anyway. They're learning how to walk now, so they need unobstructed space in which to move. Of course, as they get a few days older and move into their weaning pen, they will have toys and objects to play with all the time. New toys are great "novel" items - we buys them by the box full from Pet Edge. It's amazing how you can put three toys down, one of which is new, and the puppies will swarm to the new one. But something as basic as being taken out to walk on the living room rug for a minute is equally novel and good. OK, sometimes we leave the toys in when the scene is just too cute to break up.Most puppy toys are more for an 8 week old puppy than a three week old infant - Babies R Us has great tiny toys for infant puppies. Pricey, yes. If you have the time and stamina you can haunt baby consignment shops and find tiny toys there sometimes, too. Breeders tend to get "Gadget Envy" when it comes to enrichment items. Not to worry. But I want to put your mind at rest on this point - it's not rocket science, and many great enrichment items cost nothing and don't have to be fancy. Remember, these little lives have been on this earth for about 21 days - something as simple as a crinkly bag of baby wipes is like a trip to Paris for them. Yes, adding a potty box counts as a "new thing. Our puppies will meet four different families this week. Laurie is an old "virtual" friend whom I've know for almost a decade - so wonderful to finally meet her in person and possibly place a puppy with her! We can now check off the box next to "People With Tattoos and Cool Jewelry" on our socialization list. The aftermath. The puppies can hear now and sound becomes a very important tool in shaping their personalities. This is a deep subject that could be a whole article, but I'll distill it down - there are three basic areas of importance when it comes to sound at this age. Our goal is to balance these three types of sounds to create emotional stability and low stress levels: Ambient Environmental "Centering" sounds: A recent study has shown that classical music has a de-stressing effect on shelter dogs,and hard rock music has the opposite effect. So we play a soft bed of classical music in the puppy room all day. Here are some of the Pandora stations we like - this is what we play for the puppies almost all day:. View fullsize Weaning - the recall whistle We are huge advocates of feeding a raw complete. Puppies are weaned to a complete raw. There are many great brands these days! From this age, and throughout the time they are with us, they will hear 5 pips on an Acme gundog whistle before we put down their food - at every meal. At first, this noise means nothing to them. But, by the time they are wks, they will have a very enthusiastic response to hearing their recall whistle. This means that our pups go to their new homes with a trained whistle recall. We also give our new owners an Acme whistle, so they can keep up the good work. If you prefer to use another pitch, the pups seem to transfer across, no problem. You can see the result of our recall training, in a video below! The weaning pen At the age of about 4wks, the pups are getting too big and too busy for the whelping box. They are moved to the larger weaning pen, still inside our house. You can see the toilet area. The rest of the pen is covered with washable hospital incontinence pads. The pups have lots of toys and equipment to play with. They continue to have a new object, daily. We also introduce crates at this age. Environmental enrichment This video gives an idea of the enriching environment we aim to achieve. The pups have toys hanging overhead mobiles ; tunnels to climb through; a wobble board which moves under their feet to get used to uneven surfaces - great for pups which will go on to be agility dogs ; crinkly plastic as their 'new object' and much more. The barrier challenge The Barrier Challenge starts at 4wks, and we repeat it daily with each puppy until they are having no problems navigating the barrier. The pup is given a little taste of the food, then moved away a short distance behind a barrier. They must figure out a way around the barrier, to reach the food. This activity greatly enhances problem-solving and intelligence, as well as developing the capacity to think when frustrated. Outdoor enclosure From the age of 5wks, the pups also start spending time daily in an outdoor enclosure. It's half the space in this photo to begin with, and then enlarged as the pups grow. This gives us more space for play equipment, adds to the socialisation experiences for the pups and also gives them room to chase and run. It also means we can properly clean out the indoor pen, ready for the evening when they return inside. Clicker training a default sit A 'default sit' is a 'sit-to-say-please'. When the dog wants something, they 'ask' for it by sitting, rather than jumping at it. Pups are also learning the important lesson that their behaviour has consequences which they can control. This concept leads to biddable and trainable dogs! View fullsize Group default sits After starting the puppies off individually, we can train them in a group. We feed each sitting pup, and ignore any jumping pups. This results in huddles of puppies, sitting when people approach the pen - instead of jumping up. The default sit is really about developing the concept of self-control in a very young puppy. The best way to get what you want later - birds! This video shows them, at 6wks, exploring an inflatable toy which we made into a ball-pit. We observe the puppies as individuals and note how they approach challenges and tasks. Car tripS at wks Many pups have a long journey ahead of them when they go to new homes. We ensure they are used to the crate and have experienced car travel before being collected. We don't put puppies down on the ground in public places, or allow them to meet strange dogs. We do hold them in our arms, carry them, and allow people to meet them. We also allow them to explore on the ground on our own land using the Avidog concept of 'Adventure Walks'. Pups stay on our laps or arms and do not go down on the floor. We get quite a lot of attention when we are out and about with pups and we aim to meet people before pups leave the litter. Trained whistle recall at 7wks As shown above, we begin whistle recall training when we begin weaning the puppies - by peeping the whistle at every meal time. This video shows the result of that training, at 7wks. All our puppies will go to new homes, with a whistle recall response and an Acme whistle. Puppy Aptitude testing We test our puppies at around 7. The later we can test, the better. Future litters will be assessed with the Avidog Puppy Aptitude Test. This test helps us assess a puppy's temperament and confidence. For puppies intended for working homes, we look for traits like independence versus dependence - and natural retrieving ability. We use these assessments and our own observations throughout the development of the puppy, to place each puppy in the right home. Owners choosing will only have a snapshot of the pups for the short time they are viewing them. We have much more information on each individual puppy and can ensure we will give you the best pup for your needs. The Puppy Party at 7wks The Puppy Culture protocol involves a 'puppy party', held around the age of wks. This provides a huge dollop of socialisation with new people; a new location; and training. Our parties are held on a disinfected hall floor, with everyone wearing shoe protectors. Thanks to my advanced students for their help and training expertise. Staying on past 8wks Sometimes pups need to stay with us past 8wks. Fortunately the Puppy Culture programme runs right up to 16wks - and we just keep right on with it. Pups will be vaccinated according to their age and travel needs, introduced to birds, socialised and trained with attention. It is hard to summarise the extensive work we do with pups before they leave us. So that you can keep their focus and attention in the field. Contact us about a puppy I want to introduce you to a fictional dog: Bosco. Now Bosco was raised as a lot of puppies are: in a kennel. The place was kept clean and they were given plenty of time to exercise. The owners played with Bosco here and there, but his interactions with the world were fairly limited. Bosco found a new family at 8 weeks old and grew up. Bosco would approach new experiences with fear and trembling. These would include going to new places, meeting new people, or encountering new objects. Sometimes his fear would get so out of hand he would growl and even snap if it approached him. His owners had to keep him home all the time. He jumped up on his owners whenever he wanted something a habit that was terribly hard to break him of. He was difficult to potty train because it was like he learned it was ok to go on his bed. He would charge through doors, bark incessantly, and snap if anyone touched his food. They might not be the full nervous wreck that Bosco was, but have similar traits. Some might wonder if Bosco was abused in some way in his first home. Bosco was never abused, just not properly trained and socialized during those critical first 12 weeks. Today I am excited to introduce you to a program that prevents dogs from becoming like Bosco: Puppy Culture. Keep reading to find out what Puppy Culture is, how it produces amazing puppies, and why we use it in our breeding program. Free Manding Guide What is puppy culture? Created by Jane Messineo Lindquist, Puppy Culture consists of a set of videos and a workbook that outlines the procedures and protocols of the program. The workbook is amazing! The critical first 12 weeks Some might wonder, why the first 12 weeks? Why not train and address behaviors when the puppies are older? They can absorb and process information much faster than an older dog at this young age. The best part is, the information given to them now will stay with them for a long time after. Puppies also have very little fear during their first weeks, so new experiences are approached with curiosity. To capitalize on this, Puppy Culture instructs you to introduce various objects, locations, and experiences that they might encounter during their lifetime; always in positive ways. This teaches puppies to approach novelty with calm, curiosity rather than fear. But more on that later. The first 12 weeks are a crucial time for shaping a puppy into the type of dog we all want. While training done later in life may work, it takes much more time and effort and some things are almost impossible to train out of an adult dog. Remember my fictitious dog, Bosco? How he trembled in fear at new experiences? This is not ideal for most dog owners. Our fast-paced, ever-changing lifestyles mean we need a dog who can take novelty in stride and learns to seek enrichment rather than cower at it. On the contrary, if they learn that new experiences are something to be happy about and look forward to early on, they will be able to continue that throughout their lifetime. The goal is that they approach new experiences with calm confidence. The way Puppy Culture helps with this is by encouraging breeders and owners to introduce a new object or experience to the puppies world every day from the time they can see about 10 days old. The new objects can be different surfaces to walk on, textures to chew on, toys, household items, etc. Experiences include exploring a new room in the house, hearing different sounds, or feeling water for the first time. As the puppies grow, the experiences become a little more complex and exciting. They get to go outside or explore different areas of the property, they will go to a local hardware store, take car rides, and even visit a beach if the weather permits. Grab the free Manding Guide! Socialization A poorly socialized puppy will grow to be fearful or aggressive toward new people and dogs. As you can imagine, fear and aggression toward new people and dogs can lead to some serious problems for the dog and their owner. Unless you plan to never take your dog out or have others come to your house, early socialization is critical! The Puppy Culture program includes a lot of instruction and guidance to produce well-socialized puppies. They suggest having the puppies meet a variety of people: old, young, men, women, people with beards, hats, coats, heels, and glasses to name a few. Then there are the ever-popular Puppy Parties! A breeder following Puppy Culture will invite a few guests who are experienced with dogs to help with training the puppies through a mini agility course. The Puppy Party ends in a meal around the table to show the puppies what it looks, smells, and sounds like when their owners entertain guests. As the puppies grow, they are given opportunities to spend time with other adult dogs to learn how to be good citizens of dog society. Breeders look for adult dogs that are firm, but gentle teachers that will set good examples for the puppies. Buy the Puppy Culture Program Potty Training If you are getting ready to bring a puppy into your home, potty training has probably crossed your mind a few times or a lot more than a few times. It can be daunting to plan for and exhausting to go through. Potty training is a lot of work. This works right along with their natural instincts to keep the nest clean. Then, they are taken outside on a routine to learn that they are to use the outdoors to go. Most litter materials have a natural smell to them so they have no problem transitioning to the outdoors. Communicating with your puppy Puppies have a lot to learn at such a young age. They need to learn how to get along well in the dog world as well as in the human world. Part of getting along means learning to communicate. The first part of communicating with the puppy is with the clicker. Its crisp sound makes pinpointing the desired behavior more accurate and therefore, more effective. It only takes a few sessions of clicking and immediately giving a treat for the puppy to learn what it means. Once the puppy knows what the clicker means, the next objective is to teach the puppy to offer behaviors to get a reward. The final way Puppy Culture teaches communication is through Manding. The idea is not that the puppy learns to sit on command, but rather to use a sitting position as a way to ask for what they want. If they want a treat, a pet, or to go outside, they learn to sit quietly in front of you to ask instead of barking or jumping. I made a guide that explains a little more about Manding and how to train it in your future puppy. Just click the button below! I did a lot of research before breeding our dogs, but still felt a little lost and confused on what I should be doing and at what time to raise the puppies to be excellent family dogs. I had never heard of it before then. As I started to watch the videos and flip through the workbook, I knew I had been given a tool of gold! The program gave us a path to follow with clear and easy instructions. Adding Puppy Culture to our program really was a turning point for us: we were finally able to provide the incredible family dogs we hoped for! The program was a lot of work, but it was so worth it! The owners reported the puppies were easy to train, took to new circumstances well, and were good with other dogs and people. After that first litter, I knew we could never go back! With this program, we are confident that our puppies will be excellent family dogs. It feels good to know that we can equip our puppies to do well in the world for their future. The good news is, puppy owners can benefit from the program just as much! If you are adopting a Puppy Culture raised a puppy, buying the Puppy Culture video and workbook can help you continue their training and socialization. While Puppy Culture is best for young puppies, the techniques and protocols can be used on any aged dog with great benefit! When you buy a Joley Aire puppy, we highly recommend getting the program a few weeks before taking your puppy home so you can get a start on learning it and planning for it before your puppy arrives. We do as much as we can to follow the protocols up until 8 weeks old so the puppy is ready to pick right up where we left off when they go to your home. They learn to adapt to new circumstances, become enrichment seekers, are well socialized, have a head start on potty training, have ways to communicate with people, and are easier to train. Puppy Culture has been a game-changer for our breeding program which focuses on wonderful family pets. We go through the program with every litter and can say with confidence that they have been given the best start at life. That means a lot! Free Manding Guide When most dogs and puppies want something they bark, jump, whine, and make a big fuss. This might be cute while they are little, but no one likes an adult dog demanding things like this! These undesirable behaviors can be a huge problem down the road! How would you like it if your puppy asked for the things he wants by politely sitting and making eye contact with you? That would be amazing right? This guide is for everyone: whether you already have a dog or are looking at purchasing a puppy in the future! The best part is, you can begin training right away and should start seeing results on the first day! Puppy Culture Purchasing Guide If you are interested in purchasing some Puppy Culture resources as a puppy buyer, here are the products we recommend: Get Started With Puppy Culture The Puppy Culture Video DVD or Streaming This is the flagship program that takes you through the first 12 weeks of a puppy's life and provides training and socialization protocols throughout. If you really want to know what your puppy has been doing while with us, the science behind the program, and want to continue their training seamlessly - this is what you should buy. Your puppy can go crazy every time something new approaches, or you can train them to look to you and actually focus more when they come. This is a great video to incorporate into your training education because when you don't have the puppy's attention, you can't control them. When Pigs Fly Book This book was written to help people train "impossible" dogs, however, the concepts and methods work incredibly well for any dog or puppy. If you are looking for one affordable resource, this is it. Puppy Culture Exercise Booklet Exercise is important! Learn more about it with this booklet. The Puppy Culture shop does offer some bundles that provide multiple products at a discount that are worth checking out. A continuing education unit CEU is a measure used in continuing education programs to assist the professional to maintain their license in their profession. CEUs are required to keep your certifications current. From early neurological stimulation, to aggression prevention, to potty training, manding, and leash walking, it's all here! Learn from top veterinary behaviorists, breeders, and dog trainers - scientifically proven to greatly improve outcomes for puppies! With step-by-step instructions on what to do at each critical juncture in the first 12 weeks of life, Puppy Culture is your guide to raising your puppies to be calm enrichment seekers, ready to take on life's challenges with love and joy to spare. Don't worry! You're in luck; the short answer is that Puppy Culture is for puppies of all ages. The science based training and protocols in Puppy Culture areperfect for puppies of all ages. Even though the film focuses on the first 12 weeks of a puppy's life, there are more than 30 lessons that are directed specifically to prospective puppy families that can be applied well after the 12 week mark- including manding, early leash walking, and crate training. We've conveniently outlined the lessons for you inour Guidelinefor Puppy Owners. We've also created a Glossary Of Terms to help demystify some of the terms you may come across within the Puppy Culture suite of resources. It'snevertoo late to get off on the right foot! Is this film really for me? We get so many people with older or younger puppies asking us if Puppy Culture can help them that we compiled a list of Puppy Culture Frequently Asked Questions, as well as a Puppy Owner Guide geared specifically toward Puppy Owners. Not sure where to begin? Start out with the essentials of the Puppy Culture Program! Want to raise a rockstar show puppy? Prime them for the show ring with our show puppy bundle! Ready to jump in with both feet? Get the full power of Puppy Culture with all of our products! What's in Puppy Culture? Puppy Culture is a guiding hand for you and your puppy. Our team of experts have bred, raised, and trained thousands of dogs, and we know from first hand experience what works best. We make that vast experience available to you, broken down into clear instructions, in short chapters that are easy and fun to watch. How you teach your puppy is as important as what you teach your puppy. Studies have shown that many common training techniques can actually increase aggression and problem behaviors, which can damage the human-animal bond. The Puppy Culture program will show you how to train your dog while enriching your bond with him, every step of the way. Real life proof that it works. Most puppy training videos appear to have been shot in one weekend, using a few easy-to-train puppies. How do you know those training techniques really work in the long run? Unlike other films, Puppy Culture tracks one litter over three years, so you can see the true results of our program. The truth about socialization. During this sensitive time, the puppy is as vulnerable to imprinting negative experiences as he is to imprinting good experiences. This means you need a good plan for socializing your puppy. Your Puppy Culture team gives you a plan and guides you through the process. How to be your puppy's advocate. A common cause of concern among breeders is littermate interactions and infighting within the litter. When do we step in? Define "Normal" First, understand that puppies are going to exhibit some degree of conflict between each other as they learn to communicate with and receive communication from their littermates and other dogs. This is natural, beneficial, and covered quite well throughout Puppy Culture. But, back to the original question, when, as breeders, should we intercede and how? I get in the middle of things when: 1. I sense that a puppy is learning something that won't serve it well such as aggression as a "go to" behavior option as an adult. A puppy is injuring another puppy. I just want a bit of peace and quiet. In this way, we can often solve our puppy problem without ever directly interceding. Here are some suggestions: 1. Enlarge the Weaning Pen: Often aggression and tension between puppies stops entirely if the weaning pen is enlarged. Increasing space reduces stress and pressure among individuals, common contributors to grumpy quarrelsome puppies. Aromatherapy: I might add a DAP diffuser such as Adaptil to the area where the puppies are at this point too. Break It Down: I have not done this but a good friend would separate her puppies into two random groups on days when they were unable to settle. This worked well for her. So, at Week 6, I enlarge the weaning pen to almost maximum size for the space available. The litter box hasn't moved so the puppies can still find it easily, but the other side now has enough crates for each puppy more on that later and there is lots of room for the puppies to play, rest, void, and also avoid each other. Tension went down and I had more peace! Some ideas: Puppy safe puzzles and games. Kibble dispensers - I like Kibble Nibbles and Wobblers for young puppies, but there are a huge variety of puppy safe kibble dispensers, so invest in as many as you can. Rotate toys regularly. In a particularly quarrelsome group of puppies I would give them a newspaper every day. The puppies would spend an hour or two shredding it and my bickering puppies became angels. The puppies played for an hour with this and then napped for two! Boxes are great, too. Another tip is to keep three bags of different toys and change them out periodically. A toy that a puppy had not seen for a week is magically new again! The secret to using passive enrichment to decrease tension between puppies is variety and novelty. By adding new and interesting things to our weaning pen, we can provide our puppies with a beneficial activity, exploration of their environment, instead of hen pecking at each other out of boredom. If you see signs that typical and desirable puppy play is devolving into fights or bullying, consider removing all the toys and equipment from your weaning pen, replacing it all with some toys, equipment and puzzles the puppies have never seen, or haven't seen for a week, and watch the puppies return to the darling biddies they were before. Kibble Nibble is an excellent passive enrichment option. Drop a few of these in with the puppies and watch them work, snuffle, and snarf up some kibble. I find Kibble Nibble to be one of the easiest kibble dispensers for puppies to learn to use, usually between ages 5 and 6 weeks my puppies are old enough to figure this out. But again, lots of different types to choose from! Experiment and see what keeps your puppies busy. Michele Martin of Twoemz Brittany gives an excellent example of passive enrichment. Take Me Out, Coach: Crate and Chew Often puppies who are starting fights are struggling with their own arousal mediation and fatigue. For these puppies I have great results with increasing my focus on crate naps and crate chew time. Sometimes removing just one puppy for a chewing session solves a puppy riot and the rest of the litter will settle down. Meanwhile, lowering the excitement of the environment and providing a stress releaser in the form of a chew object helps this type of puppy improve their self-soothing skills. Interestingly, in our observation this seems to stay with the puppy later, even in exciting environments. If the entire litter is cranky and tired, removing one puppy is often not enough and the entire litter needs a crate-and-chew session. Just distribute chew objects to the puppies in the pen, and make sure you put in more than one object per puppy. We suggest putting in one extra item for every two puppies. By starting a crate conditioning program early, around 4 to 5 weeks, breeders give themselves an invaluable tool for puppy management. Once puppies are conditioned to enjoy confinement and view it as a behavioral option, they are more easily removed when overly aroused or fatigued. Use Their Heads: Active Enrichment Tip: I regulate the length of my training sessions by counting out how many treats I will use beforehand. If my puppies seem to need more mental stimulation, I may add an extra 10 treat session for each puppy. I always prefer active enrichment such as training to settle bored puppies. I might target those puppies that are having the most trouble self-calming, or I might just do a little longer session with all the puppies than I normally do. Getting away from the group and having one on one training time with a person seems extremely calming to my puppies. I also find the Scent Games to be particularly tiring and soothing to puppies. Whether you work with a single puppy perhaps the focal point of the discontent , a group of puppies, or the entire litter, scent training is an excellent tool for calming a frantic mind. Shaping a puppy onto a wobble board is an excellent way to calm a fractious puppy! As is working on Killer Free Stacks! Thanks to Lizz Meuller for the photo. Sitting at the Grown Up Table: Nannies and Nannoes Hiro soothes an overly aroused puppy with some quiet play, modeling the calm behavior he wants the puppy to exhibit. A skilled nanny, or in this case, nanno is priceless. If a puppy is causing a riot and I want to intercede, I might pull that puppy out and give it to the nannies gentle and appropriate adult dogs to play with for a while. My nannies are plentiful and so the puppy will get passed around, cleaned, played with, and come back to the litter tired and calmer. The Big Picture I treat my litter play rather like I would treat a puppy socialization group which is covered so beautifully by Puppy Culture with supervision, adjustment as needed, and a belief that not every interaction is beneficial just because those involved are of the same species. So while the puppies are going to spend most of their time together, I can rearrange the pieces a bit, as needed on a moment by moment basis with the goal of giving each puppy the best start in life I can. I want to reiterate that some rough play, some snarking, growling, grumbling, and quarrels are a needed part of the puppy learning to communicate and receive communication and we should not be concerned about this or feel the need to intercede. But by that same token, the belief that all interactions between puppies or dogs for that matter are behaviorally beneficial to those involved is misguided. Sometimes our puppies might benefit from some mild rearranging of their options within the framework of the litter as a group. Manding decreases frustration and arousal between puppies, as this Cindy Paul photo so beautifully illustrates. Instead of jumping and bickering at the weaning pen edge, puppies can mand instead. They can't fight if they're walking! But those labels do harm. Behavior in puppies is extremely plastic and we can change it by doing the right things at the right times. Quick links. Puppy Culture What is Puppy Culture? Puppy Culture is a program developed by Jane Killion, professional dog trainer and breeder. By doing just the right things at just the right time, we can give your puppy the best start possible. The physical and emotional health of the mother will affect the health of her puppies. Since research has shown that puppies born to mothers that receive prenatal massage are more docile and enjoy being touched, we spoil our mothers with lots of affection and belly massages. Research shows that tiny struggles and stresses in appropriate small doses are actually good for puppies and will help them grow into strong, healthy well-adjusted adults. Benefits include greater tolerance to stress, greater resistance to disease, faster adrenal system, stronger heart rate and stronger heartbeat. This is a gift that a breeder can only give their puppies once during the window of days. Transitional Period: days Behavioral markers are used to identify the beginning and end of each developmental period because every puppy is different and these timelines are simply guidelines. Critical Socialization Period: weeks Most people think of socialization as exposing their puppies to as many new experiences as possible while the puppy is young. Our goal is to raise dogs that have the emotional intelligence to connect with you. Emotional intelligence can be taught to young puppies and one of the goals of the Puppy Culture Program is to teach breeders how to do this. There are 7 key things that will nurture the emotional intelligence of a puppy. Weeks Per Puppy Culture protocol, puppies go home with their families. When you adopt your puppy, you will be just as thankful as we are for this program!

It is also possible to find this adorable dog at a shelter. Shih Tzus Are an Ancient Breed In fact, the breed is more than 1, years old and originally came from ancient Tibet. Their high intelligence and loyal and loving nature makes the German Shepherd an ideal service dog. An active and energetic dog, this mix would do best in a home with people who love to exercise. If properly socialized and trained, the German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix can thrive in households with young kids and other pets. A super-smart mix, the German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix is easy to train and loves to learn complicated tricks. With patience and time, you can develop your dog into a capable and well-trained pet. He can do well in homes with teens and even small children. Due to the large size of the German Shepherd, this mix breed can be a tad on the bigger side. This makes it rather easy for him to accidentally injure a small child. Always keep a close eye on your youngsters when they interact with any dog. Educate them about the proper ways to interact with a dog. Additionally, efficiently train and socialize your German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix to behave around kids. As such, you need to feed your pet a high-quality diet that caters to his size, activity level, and age. The German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix can consume between two and three and a half cups of kibble divided into two meals each day. Ensure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water. A post shared by Happy Puppy L. Long walks, trips to the dog park, and plenty of time spent in the backyard will keep this mix tuckered out. Training classes, challenging puzzles, and interactive toys will keep your pup occupied for hours. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best for this breed. Consistent, firm training combined with loads of patience will ensure you end up with a well-behaved dog. Aim to brush your German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix two times per week and take him to a professional groomer four times each year. Trim his nails as needed. Clean his ears and eyes regularly and brush his teeth every day. Hip dysplasia, allergies, patellar luxation , bladder stones, and the snuffles can develop in this mix. Routine wellness visits with your vet, plenty of exercise, and a quality diet will ensure your dog lives well into old age. Minor Conditions. When fully grown, the Shih Tzu German Shepherd mix weighs in at pounds. They are usually between inches high at the shoulder. The type of coat you have will determine the grooming requirements for your dog. Your German Shepherd Shih Tzu mixed breed dog should be groomed twice a week. You should also take him to the groomer at least four times a year. As needed, trim his nails. Regularly clean his ears and eyes and brush his teeth daily. You may like: Akita mix German Shepherd Health issues. However, illness is not real. Below is a list of health issues that this combination of races can face. There is a small risk of getting the illness. Patellar bone displacement is the hallmark of patellar luxation. Allergies in dogs: Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies. Dogs can have allergies to food, contact, or inhalation. Cataracts: common eye condition in Chihuahuas. It is not life-threatening. You can also be mindful of skin diseases, such as obesity and ear infections. However, you must ensure that the race mix is in compliance with its immunization schedule. You must deworm your dog to prevent common parasites in the intestine. Learn how to manage ticks and fleas in your dog. This mix will be happy with long walks, dog parks trips, and lots of time in the yard. Your designer dog must be mentally stimulated. Your dog will be entertained for hours with interactive toys, puzzles and training classes. The German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix is a smart dog and can learn simple commands as well as more complicated tricks. This breed is best served by positive reinforcement training techniques. The stubborn streaks of both the parent breeds of this mix can be a problem. You will have a well-behaved pet if you combine consistent, firm training with lots of patience. You can have a Shih Tzu-sized dog or a German Shepherd-sized dog. You need to provide a balanced diet for your pet that is appropriate for his age, size, and activity level. German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix will consume approximately two to three-quarter cups of kibble each day, divided into two meals. Make sure your pet has clean water at all times. He is a great pet for families with teens or small children. This German Shepherd mixed breed is a bit larger than the average German Shepherd. It is easy for him accidentally to injure small children. When your children interact with dogs, it is important to keep an eye on them. Also, they should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. You should not disturb the dog while he is eating, roughhouse with him or pull on his ears and tail. Are they get along with other pets? The German Shepherd Shih tzu Mix is a wonderful dog that can be loved by almost anyone. Moreover, this mix is intelligent, loving, and athletic. It would be a great choice for a family with children or a couple who has a large backyard. Socialization and training are essential to ensure your dog is a great companion for many years. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Weight Gain Possibilities Medium to High Though the possibility of contraction is low, the following are some health issues that can affect the German Shepherd Shih Tzu mix. It can be painful, and fatal but only some dogs show any visible symptoms. Hip Dysplasia is hereditary, but factors like obesity, injuries, wrong exercises can also cause hip dysplasia. Treatments range from medication to replacement of the hip through surgeries. Elbow Dysplasia An inherent structural defect in the elbow joints because of cartilage damage, inflammation, or disrupted anconeal is Elbow dysplasia. It is common in large breed dogs, causing arthritis leading to pain or organ malfunction. Obesity Excess weight or sudden weight gain can cause joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart disease. German Shepherd Shih Tzu is more prone to obesity. Proper diet and exercise can avoid this obesity. Allergies Dogs can be allergic to food, environmental factors like pollen, grass which can be identified through allergy tests. Allergies can cause breathing issues and skin itching. There is no cure for allergies, but allergy shots and avoiding exposure to the allergens can control allergies. Cataracts A cataract is the growth of a white film-like layer covering the eye lens, making the eye look opaque. It is genetically transmitted and is more prevalent in dogs with the strong Shih Tzu genes. If cataracts are ignored, it can lead to blindness and might require surgery to treat this condition. Bladder Infections: Both male and female German Shepherd Shih Tzu dogs and puppies can get bladder infections which can be painful and requires medical treatment. Underbite If the interbred puppy has inherited Shih Tzu genes, it could suffer from underbite, also known as undershot. The dogs with this condition have a wider lower jaw, and when their mouth is closed, the upper set of their teeth will settle behind the lower set of their teeth instead of settling outside of the lower teeth set, which is the normal alignment. As this mixed breed is susceptible to joint diseases, supplements like chondroitin, glucosamine, and Omega 3 fish oils should be added to their diet. Check the calorie intake and manage the treat quantity as obesity can be dangerous for German Shepherd Shih Tzu. Ensure the availability of clean drinking water every time. Homemade foods are always healthier and safe than store-bought dog food products. Consult a veterinarian before planning a diet to include all the necessary nutrients. They are not suited to be sheltered outdoors. They thrive around the owner and can be amused with toys when the owner is busy. They may not be suitable to play with children or old family members before proper training to avoid aggressiveness. They could not tolerate high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, the advisable choice would be the interbreeding of male Shih Tzu with a female German Shepherd. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The German Shepherd is known for being intelligent, curious, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu Mix puppy. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Von Stephanitz had in his mind what a good working dog should be and a few generations of breeding fulfilled what Hektor envisioned. Horand von Grafrath is known to be the first German Shepherd Dog. Horand von Grafrath was bred to other similar styled dogs that were believed to have the same traits as what Von Stephanitz was looking for. His most successful offspring was Hektor von Schwaben. Von Stephanitz is widely credited for being the founder of this incredible breed. Von Stephanitz had intended for his breed to work as herding dogs, however, as Germany became more and more industrialized he saw the need to make it working dog. He convinced the German government to use the breed. The breed initially became popular in World War 1. Many American and allied servicemen grew attached to the breed during the war and brought them back to the states after the war was over. The Allied troops fell in love with the breed but not with the fact that it had German roots. It became common for police departments and those looking for true working dogs to import their dogs from Germany because the American dogs had such bad health problems. It is thought that the breed developed by crossing miniature Chinese breeds with small Tibetan breeds — in particular, Lhasa Apsos with the Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was always a favorite of the Emperors of China. During the Tang Dynasty, a pair of these dogs were said to be given to the Chinese court by the king of Vigur. More were sent later by the people of the Ho Chou. In the mids, small dogs which resembled lions were brought from Tibet to China, and these dogs were used to develop the Shih Tzu breed we know today. The Shih Tzu was popular during the Ming Dynasty as well, favored by royalty and commoners alike. Best Wireless Dog Fences : Find the Best Invisible Dog… If your shepherd has never met another dog, or is known to have a hard time being friendly with other dogs, it is possible they may not like a Shih Tzu. This is not a breed specific issue, but an issue of a lack of socialization. A socialized, friendly German Shepherd dog should have no problem getting along with a Shih Tzu! Shih Tzus, just like other dogs, need to be socialized at a young age to ensure an easy transition to life with another dog, like a shepherd. The Shih Tzu might feel like it needs to protect itself from a larger dog. Another reason why a Shih Tzu might not like a German Shepherd is because they may be territorial or dominant. If a dog is trying to show dominance over another, they may become aggressive. Your Shih Tzu may be doing this to a German Shepherd. It is not common for German Shepherds to just attack or even kill other dogs, even small ones. However, German Shepherds are a very territorial, protective breed. They may feel the need to attack or defend their territory if they feel threatened. Shepherds also have a strong prey drive. They may see a small dog like a Shih Tzu as something to hunt. If they are used to small dogs, they will know they are not a threat and not prey. This is true with all small dogs, including the Shih Tzu. Small dogs may go after big dogs because they want to prove they are tough, regardless of their size. The best way to stop fighting between your Shih Tzu and German Shepherd dogs is to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you notice your Shih Tzu or German Shepherd growling or showing dominant behavior toward the other dog, separate them. If a fight starts, you need to separate the dogs immediately. The SPCA has resources to teach you how to properly stop a dog fight once it begins. It may seem silly because of the size difference, but a German Shepherd can mate with a Shih Tzu! There are ongoing debates as to whether or not it is a good idea to mate big dogs with small dogs. Some experts say it is a bad idea because it increases the chance of health issues, while others say it combines the best of all the breeds involved. Due to the size difference, if the two breeds are to mate, the male has to be a Shih Tzu and the female has to be a German Shepherd. German Shepherds will get along with any dog if they are properly trained and socialized from a young age. Because of their size, if a German Shepherd is not well trained or socialized, they can be a danger to other dogs, especially small ones. It is up to the owner to make sure they get to know small dogs early on so they get along with them! If you can afford it, having two dogs is almost always better than having one. Dogs need companionship, a playmate and a sense of security. Having a pair of dogs takes some of the pressure off of you as an owner. There are proven benefits to having two Shih Tzus. They get along well together and because they will be the same size, the risk of injury during play time or the rare scuffle is much less. You can of course have a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu in the same home. No matter what dogs you want to bring together, you will need to train and socialize them early. If you want to have a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu, you can. However, it may be easier to have two Shih Tzus instead. For the most part, Shih Tzus are one of the least aggressive dog breeds. They are known for being cuddly, friendly dogs. However, there are always exceptions. Some aggressive behaviors you may see in your Shih Tzu could include growling and nipping at other dogs. However, because of their small size, you may find it best that they live with other small dogs. The best dog to live with a Shih Tzu is another Shih Tzu, because they will most likely have similar personalities and temperaments. German Shepherds are bred to be territorial guard dogs. Because of this, without the proper training, they can become aggressive towards other dogs. If your German Shepherd is raised around other dogs through classes, dog parks and other events, they are much less likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. The more you socialize your German Shepherd, the more they will get along with other dogs. German Shepherds are a large, high energy breed. Because of this, the best dogs to pair with them are other large, high energy breeds. If you have a German Shepherd and are planning on getting another dog, the best options include a Lab, Husky, Golden Retriever or other German Shepherd.