poodle and pitbull mix puppies

We proudly offer champion English bulldog puppies for sale in St. Hands-on and selective, we ensure that all of our bloodlines are documented champion bulldogs with detailed family histories and a health guarantee. About English Bulldogs Known for being stout, demure, and dignified, English bulldogs are one of the best and most desirable breeds in the world. Despite their sour-mug expression, they are an amiable and sensitive breed. They are also tenacious and sweet-tempered, which allows them to respond well to patient and persistent training. This makes them excellent show champions, and of course, companions. About Our English Bulldog Puppies We live and breathe English bulldogs and are committed to the preservation of the true purebred dog, striving to breed to the standard that was established in .We give our hearts and souls to our dogs, giving each puppy the love and care they need to become happy and healthy dogs. Our thorough process is why we have been producing champions for the past 20 years. While our main focus in breeding English bulldogs is to find the next competitive show prospect, our bulldogs also make wonderful family pets that are sure to be well-loved members of your family. To learn more about our available champion English bulldog puppies , call Show Me Bulldogs at today. Connect With Us. We currently do not have any bulldog puppies available, and the waiting list for our summer puppies is now full. Please check back with us this fall. If you would like to be notified when our waiting list opens up for a future bulldog puppy please feel free to begin the interview process by filling out our puppy application Link , which is required for all potential bulldog homes. We also occasionally have retired adult bulldogs available for adoption to approved homes. Feel free to email us at castlewoodbulldogs gmail. Ronny and Dawn Castillo A Preview Of The Upcoming Litter Of Bulldogs For Sale Our Bulldog Mission Our desire is not only to present and showcase our beautiful bulldog puppies for sale and stud service with you, but we also hope to help educate and inform those considering adopting or purchasing a bulldog. Located in Southern Missouri, about a half hour from the Arkansas border, we live in a log home situated in the middle of 20 secluded, wooded acres. Our journey in bulldogs began back in .Ronny and I were married that year and were very young I was only .I have always been a dog lover but up until that point my experience with dogs had mainly involved toy breeds. Johnny passed away at the age of 11 but long before then I knew we would never be without a bulldog. A few years before Johnny died I began researching the breed more thoroughly and had decided to pursue my passion for breeding and showing. I was hooked! The following year I produced my first litter bred by the champion, Ch. For info or to speak to us directly feel free to call or Email — CST castlewoodbulldogs gmail. This includes health, temperament and conformation. Thus, I set out to find and bring into our program the very best bulldogs from around the world. I attended the Bulldog Nationals and watched with keen interest all of the top bulldogs in the US compete for the Best of Breed title. Shortly thereafter there was a post and discussion in one of the bulldog forums I was a member of regarding a particular European bulldog Ch. Valleybull Silver Sailor at Merriveen. He was one of the most beautiful bulldogs I had ever laid eyes on! So, I started researching and studying the European bloodlines and fell in love with many of their dogs. What I noticed was that while the US bloodlines seem to have better top lines and shorter backs, the European bloodlines tend to have better heads, tails and more bone and substance. By incorporating both the US and European bloodlines into our breeding program, I am aiming to get the best from both worlds. I am very proud of our most recent addition, coming all the way from Spain, Ch. Valley Bulls Burton. They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Dog domestic dog The American Bulldog is a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type that was used as stock dogs, catch dogs, and guardians on farms and ranches. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott are widely regarded as the forefathers of rescuing the breed from extinction. Small farmer and ranch owners used this all-around working dog for many tasks including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. These dogs were not a bona fide breed by modern standards as was the case for most other dogs; kennel clubs and breed registries did not exist until , [6] at least two centuries after the Old English Bulldog first migrated to America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Old English Bulldog had many different strains for cattle-droving, bull-baiting , farm dogs, and butcher's dogs. In America, no records remain, but rather landrace strains are acknowledged that initially depended on where a dog's master originated in England, the majority of which were bred to work as evidenced by accounts of the age in local newspapers and written inventories upon death. Later, breeding decisions were dependent on the best working farm dogs, despite breed or background. Later, in states such as Texas, several separate strains of the " bulldog "-type dogs were kept by ranchers as utilitarian working dogs. Other dogs in time became guard dogs on plantations. The bulldogs were the settlers' only means of sufficiently dealing with the vermin. Johnson scoured the backroads of the South looking for the best specimens to revive the breed. During this time, a young Alan Scott grew an interest in Johnson's dogs and began to work with him on the revitalization process. At another point, Johnson began crossing his original lines with an atavistic English Bulldog from the North that had maintained its genetic athletic vigor, creating the Bully type American Bulldog, also known as the Johnson type or the Classic type. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" catching escaped hogs or hunting feral pigs , as cattle drovers, and as working or sport K-9s. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as dog obedience , Schutzhund , French Ring, Mondioring, Iron Dog competition, and weight pulling. The shoulders and chest tend to be the most muscular parts of the American Bulldog. Its coat is short and generally smooth, requiring little maintenance except a bath every few weeks. The breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colors, while historically predominantly white with patches of red, black, or brindle, have grown in recent years to include many color patterns, including black, red, brown, fawn, and all shades of brindle. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is traditionally preferred, with only some pink allowed. Eye color is usually brown, but heterochromia also occurs, although this is also considered a cosmetic fault. American Bulldogs are known to drool more than other breeds of dogs. The Bully type is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle, but the muzzle should never be so short that it causes difficulty with breathing. Standard types are generally more athletic with longer muzzles and a more square head. Many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types, usually termed "hybrid". In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 and 54 kg 60 to lb and are 52 to 70 cm 20 to 28 in at the withers , but have been known to greatly exceed these dimensions, especially in the "out of standard" nonworking stock. Temperament and characteristics[ edit ] This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to train. Please help improve this article either by rewriting the how-to content or by moving it to Wikiversity , Wikibooks or Wikivoyage. August An American Bulldog at guard dog training American Bulldogs are typically confident, social, ebullient, and lively dogs that are at ease with their families. They are not as friendly, however, with people they do not know; their ancestors were farm dogs that guarded the home, the livestock, and the children when their master was away. That said, they do not have the affinity for water a retriever would: they swim if they have to do it, not because they particularly enjoy it. However, they also prize the breed having a soft, affectionate inner nature. Some health problems in American bulldogs are often found within certain genetic lines, and are not common to the entire breed, while others, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis NCL , [25] Ichthyosis , disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia , cherry eye , elbow dysplasia , entropion , ectropion , and bone cancer are more common to the general population of American Bulldogs. Some American Bulldogs are prone to allergies. Due to the ideal of beauty regarding the shape of the face the skull malformation brachycephaly was increased by breeding selection. American Bulldogs in popular culture[ edit ] This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. February .As soon as he saw me walking up to the front door, Bob started to bark and get animated. When I got to the door his guardian told him to stay before letting me in. For a minute, this seemed to have a positive impact on Bob, but when I reached into my bag to grab some more, Bob got spooked and started barking with considerable more intensity. In addition to barking, Bob started bouncing around the room a bit, barking while darting towards me then turning and moving away. Eventually he took a position on the couch to bark and got even more intense. At this point I had his guardian put him in the kennel as he was far above threshold and clearly out of balance. I could tell that Bob was not acting in a dominantly aggressive way. He showed a number of signs of insecurity such as barking and backing away. Many people see a large dog barking and lunging and assume the worst. I had arranged for our Director of Operations to join us to help Bob with his aggressive behavior towards guests. Setting up a staged scenario where you control the situation is a great way to help a dog practice new techniques or exercises. To find out how to stop a dog from acting aggressively towards a person, watch the video below. At first, we help by offering suggestions any time the handler notices the dog gets anxious; stiff body, staring, tail goes up or it tension on the leash. When that happens, calling the dog away helps introduce this alternative option to the dog. I made sure to point out the importance of reading the dog and calling it away BEFORE it gets agitated to the point of reacting. You never way to pull a dog away using this technique, so recognizing the dog is not happy as early as possible is key. To help the guardians help Bob with his confident and insecurities, I went over a number of tips and suggestions to help Bob feel less anxious such as petting with a purpose, passive training, introducing and enforcing enforcing rules consistently and some management. Share this:. Email In , the French bulldog, commonly known as a Frenchie, became the most popular dog breed in America , dethroning the lowly Labrador retriever for the first time in 31 years. At around 20 pounds and perfectly sized for carry-on luggage, Frenchies have been marketed as the dog best suited to the lifestyles of the rich and quite possibly lazy. In , they were the most popular pup in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco and in the top five in many other cities. The Frenchie is the most hashtagged dog on Instagram. There are also the breathing issues common to all brachycephalic breeds — those with flat faces — that can cause respiratory distress, heat intolerance since the dogs have to pant to cool themselves off , and frequent vomiting. Later in life, Frenchies can show signs of more serious issues like painful spine deformations and nerve pain. Frenchies make it easy for owners to project themselves onto their dogs without having to listen to what the dogs are actually saying. Rather than buying a puppy, she spent years contacting rescues before she adopted her first one, Wu, followed by Donut a year later. She fell in love with the breed, and when Pongo died, she got two more Dalmatians — a male and a female — who went on to produce a giant litter of 15 puppies. When a live-action remake of the movie came out in , their popularity surged again. This time, though, the press began reporting on a perhaps predictable consequence: Dalmatians were winding up in shelters in higher-than-usual numbers. Travel-size mini-Aussies, with their colorful coats and tendency toward eye colors more often found in humans, also had a moment. And untold curly-haired hybrid doodles have become popular thanks to their hypoallergenic fur. On Instagram, the most popular dog breeds currently are Frenchies, pugs, and bulldogs, which, in turn, only make them more popular. Their flat faces scream cute while the high prices for a puppy make them as aspirational as multi-step skin care routines, Le Creuset kitchenware, and living in a remodeled van. Dogs were bred for purpose, not aesthetics. A foxhound in one part of the country was taller or shorter depending on the style of hunting. Retrievers were any dog a hunter trained to retrieve game without biting it. Greyhounds looked different depending on whether their intended racing course was located on flat or hilly ground. The change from purpose to aesthetics came about with the beginning of dog shows in the mids. Judging animals based on how well they did a certain task, like retrieving a bird their owner hunted, was hard; judging whether they were the right color, height, shape … well, that could be done quickly and seemingly more fairly. So, by definition, all purebred dogs are inbred, related to each other in one way or another. The development of purebreds made it easier to show dogs and sell them. More than ever, their worth was tied to their genetics. Throughout the 20th century, however, Americans got better at mass-producing everything — cars, clothing, meat — and purebred dogs became another mass-produced consumer item newly available to the middle class. Tellingly, none of the features humans seek are particularly beneficial for the animals. We expect the latest iPhone or laptop to operate smoothly and improve battery life with every generation but keep breeding dogs with more likelihood of disease, disability, and early death. On average , the life span of purebred dogs is shorter than that of mixed breeds. But so far, no one has found a way to make thousands of dollars from a genuinely mixed-breed puppy. That left two guide-dog puppies without homes. At the time, Labrador guide dog puppies had a three- to six-month waiting list but nobody wanted these mixes, creator Conron said in a interview. After that, Bernstein says, people realized that if you could breed dogs to be hypoallergenic, you could also breed for big eyes or long ears, or a spotted Frenchie, or a dog so small it could be photographed sitting comfortably inside a teacup. For some, that might mean owning an Instagram-friendly Frenchie or Pomeranian. For others, it might be rescue dogs that have become trendy for the same virtue-signaling reasons that people proudly drive electric cars or shop at the farmers market. But even as the AdoptDontShop movement gains traction, more people still buy dogs than adopt them, and every year , shelter dogs are euthanized rather than finding homes. But it can be for dogs that are bred to fill a fad. What kind is it? It takes a lot of time to get to know a dog, and we have to choose based on first impressions. One study found that among 31 owners of dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS , 18 reported their dogs had no breathing problems at all. Kipperman knows that these dogs, despite their health problems, are beloved by their owners. He had a pug named Winston for 13 years who has since died. I understand what great companions they are. Puppy-selling websites such as PuppySpot. When breeders are located outside of the United States, as is often the case for Frenchies and other trendy breeds, treatment can be even worse for the puppies. Last year, a plane from Ukraine arrived in Toronto carrying French bulldog puppies. After the hour flight, the young dogs were weak and dehydrated. Some were vomiting. By the time the plane landed, 38 had died. Dogs entering the US for resale are supposed to be 4 months old and have certain vaccinations, but dogs often arrive much younger than that, and veterinary paperwork is often falsified. In her rescue work, Bernstein has encountered multiple businesses in the US that import dogs while claiming to breed them locally. This is what it takes to fill that instant demand. When asked about the future of the Frenchie, both Bernstein and Kipperman had grim predictions. Today, the average life span of an English bulldog is now only about six years. Sixty percent of golden retrievers now die from cancer , though the rate was comparable to other breeds only a few decades ago. Dogs that are overly fluffy or have cosmetic alterations like cropped ears or docked tails may have trouble communicating with other dogs. For some dogs, the circumstances of their birth and genetics are profoundly damaging. Frenchies are marketed as easy, friendly dogs that can adapt to anything and need minimal exercise. Bernstein calls this ironic. But is it fair to our dogs that being a good owner so often consists of fixing the problems we as consumers created in the first place? We buy pet clothes and toys and grieve deeply when the dogs, with their shortened lives, inevitably leave us. Tove K. Danovich is a writer based in Portland, Oregon. Update, March 16, , am ET: This story was originally published in December and has been updated to reflect that the Frenchie is now the most popular dog breed. Kathryn Gamble for Vox We're here to shed some clarity One of our core beliefs here at Vox is that everyone needs and deserves access to the information that helps them understand the world, regardless of whether they can pay for a subscription. With the election on the horizon, more people are turning to us for clear and balanced explanations of the issues and policies at stake. We need to add 2, contributions this month to hit that goal. Will you make a contribution today to help us hit this goal and support our policy coverage? Any amount helps. The English bulldog is small in height but wide, thick and strong. Its stateside cousin, the American bulldog, is taller with a more slender build and narrower head. The French bulldog, commonly called the Frenchie, is considerably smaller than either the English or the American bulldog; it was bred for show and companionship, and is closer in size to a Yorkshire terrier than an English bulldog. Appearance Height: An English bulldog should range between 12 and 16 inches in height when fully grown. Interestingly, and unlike with many other breeds, dogs at the shorter end of the spectrum receive higher marks in dog shows. The American bulldog should grow much taller than this, roughly 20 to 28 inches at the withers in adulthood. French bulldogs are the stoutest of the three, standing at least a couple of inches shorter than their English counterparts. Weight: A full-grown English bulldog should weigh roughly 50 to 55 pounds. A French bulldog that weighs more than 28 pounds will be disqualified from any American Kennel Club dog show. The American bulldog, being the tallest, is also the heaviest — an adult weighs between 75 and pounds. This breed, much like the Boston terrier , is thickly muscled and strongly built, so these dogs often weigh more than they look like they should. Coat: All bulldog variants have a short, fine, glossy coat. American bulldogs are usually white, fawn-and-white or fawn-and-brindle in color. English and French bulldogs are red, fawn, brindle, pale yellow, white or any combination of these colors. Black is not acceptable by AKC standards. Ears and Eyes: The ears of both American and English bulldogs should be rose-shaped, thin, folded and relatively small. French bulldogs have sharper, taller ears, which are held erect. In all breeds, eyes are spaced fairly far apart, are round in shape and vary in color from light to dark. Tail: English bulldog puppies show very short, low-hanging tails. Their French cousins have stubby tails, but American bulldogs have long, thin, whippet-like tails. Disposition English bulldogs are determined, persistent and territorial. While energetic in their youth, they tend to become inactive as they age. English bulldog breeders stress that these dogs can be quite aggressive with other animals, so they don't make good choices for multi-pet households. Their gruff tendencies make them a poor choice for homes with young children. French bulldogs, having been bred for companionship, need considerable attention from their human friends. Gentle and happy-go-lucky, the French variant's only common behavioral issue is sexual aggression. The American bulldog is gentle and friendly to known companions and outsiders who do not pose a threat. However, they can be testy towards cats and smaller dogs, so early socialization in multi-pet households is highly recommended.

Dilute gene of black lab Dilute gene of chocolate lab Similarities Between Charcoal and Silver Labrador Some of the biggest similarities between charcoal and silver Labradors are discussed below. Purebred — Both are purebred but there were many speculations about the silver lab which was cleared by AKC after they registered them as chocolate labs. Height — Just like other Labradors, both these dogs are 21 to 24 inches tall. Intelligence — Both these pups are very intelligent and easy to train. Temperament — Both these pooches are very friendly and loving to humans. They are even-tempered and loyal dogs that will make great family pets. Training — Both charcoal and silver Labradors need less training. Shedding — Just like other Labradors, they are not hypoallergenic and shed hair heavily because of their double coat. Exercise — Both are energetic and active dogs which means to keep them healthy and happy, a lot of daily exercise is required to burn their excessive energy. Living Environment — Labradors are considered large dogs and always prefer large places like yards. Similarly, both dogs prefer yards but can survive apartment living if proper training and exercise are given to them. Are Silver Labradors the same as Weimaraners? Click here to learn more. Who Should Get a Charcoal Labrador? People who have large places, like backyards, can get this dog. They are not only loving but are also quite loyal to their masters. Charcoal Labradors love to play in water due to their history of retrieving water game. They can also adapt to apartment living if the owners are experienced enough to train them and can take care of their needs. People who want to spend less must get a charcoal Labrador. Who Should Get a Silver Labrador? These beautiful blue-eyed pups are quite pleasing to look at. Hence, they make an ideal alternative for those owners who are looking for an attractive companion. Silver Labradors are quite fond of playing and can be adopted by the people who have an active lifestyle. They are quite cool in nature and bark less, especially when they are alone for some time. This means that owners who stay away from home for some hours should get a silver Lab. People with houses with a backyard as well as apartments can get these dogs. However, apartment owners will have to focus on fulfilling their mental and physical needs. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note: We are not veterinarians and you use our advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your furbaby is facing. With that in mind, as pet parents ourselves, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives. A fun, lovable pup is the perfect addition to a happy home. Whether you're looking for a hunting dog or a jogging companion, our puppies are perfect for you. Here at Dogwood Silver Labs, we produce quality, healthy labrador pups that are loved and handled every day. Every puppy comes home with genetic testing , a written 2-year health guarantee, pedigree, microchip, dewclaws removed and much more. If you're ready to bring home a loving fur baby, you came to the right place. I've been breeding quality labs for over ten years. I have all parents on my site here at Dogwood Silver Labs, they are all my pets. Puppies are wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. Dewclaws are removed before the 5th day. At six weeks of age, your puppy will get a physical examination by a licensed veterinarian, shots with shot record and a fecal testing is performed. All pups come to their new forever home parasite free, happy, healthy and well socialized from a family environment. My goal is to improve the Labrador breed and make a positive impact on families. It's my pleasure to introduce you to your new family member. Please visit our available littler tab for pictures and details of all Charcoal, Silver and Champagne labrador puppies for sale throughout the United States. For over 20 years, Silver and Charcoal Kennels has worked to establish itself as the highest-quality Labrador breeder around, including silver lab puppies! Today, as a household name throughout the Greenwood, MS area, they strive to uphold this reputation by providing you and your family with the Labrador puppy of your dreams. Whether you are interested in silver , charcoal , champagne , red or white lab puppies, you can rest easy knowing that the quality of our labs will not be compromised by color. At Silver and Charcoal Kennels, they bring only the finest lab litters into this world. They believe all their breeds, including silver Labrador retrievers , are the kindest, most intelligent breed of dog, which is why all of their puppies are treated with only the highest level of affection and care. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Silver and Charcoal Kennels today at .They look forward to speaking with you! Check out the current litters of silver and white labs for sale. These labs are the highest quality of labs that can be produced with fourth and fifth generation pups! They are located in Greenwood, Mississippi. If you are picking up your lab puppy from their location, your lab will come with some of the most sought after breed traits and health guarantees including: Sire has numerous Field Trial Championships and has a Senior Title When grown, their adult Labs are large in size and have great temperaments All pups come with AKC Registration month hip guarantee on pups free from genetic defects Puppies are current on all vaccinations If choosing to have your lab puppy shipped, Silver and Charcoal Kennels can arrange to have your puppy shipped once it is eight weeks old. Be sure to inquire about this service, as the time of year and shipping location may affect delivery. Deposits are nonrefundable and puppies will be sold with limited AKC registration unless otherwise discussed. Their Current Litters page allow interested buyers to see new arrivals and to learn about upcoming puppies! Contact As a breeder that lab lovers trust, Silver and Charcoal Kennels welcome your inquiries!

You can expect moderate shedding from this crossbreed. Be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner often. Most German Sheppits will come in a variety of colors like tan, black, white, fawn, and gray. Some have beautiful multi-colored coats like the GSD, while others inherit the brindle coats of their Pittie parents. Because of its moderate shedding, the German Pit is not the ideal dog for people who suffer from allergies to dander. Is a Shepherd-Pitbull mix dangerous? As we mentioned before, this breed is often negatively associated with being aggressive. A Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a loyal, intelligent, protective, and bold dog that likes spending time with his family. This canine has a calm and loving personality toward its owner, but it can be an attention-grabber, too. She loves nothing more than to run, play Frisbee, and roll around all day. Just make sure that your German Pitbull mix puppy is introduced correctly to small kids. Proper socialization and training are crucial because these dogs tend to chase down smaller animals. They may also have a dominant personality and may try to be the alpha to other dogs. Being raised with other pets will help this crossbreed co-exist with them. With early training and socialization, this naturally friendly and affectionate dog is an excellent choice for a family pet and the perfect companion for children. How much activity does this crossbreed need? A Pitbull German Shepherd hybrid has a strong and robust physique and he requires plenty of physical activity. You can take your dog on a one-hour jog or run in the morning and a minute walk in the evening to keep him in the excellent physical condition and as release excess energy. Without a proper exercise regimen, he may exhibit unruly and destructive behaviors like excessive barking, hole-digging, or chewing on slippers. Remember to keep it slow with a German Pit puppy because his legs are shorter. After that age, you can increase your speed as long as he can keep up. He can also have some playtime, like romping in the dog park. Or maybe play some fetch and let him catch a frisbee so his brain gets a workout, too. These crossbreeds require a high level of physical and mental activity to be in their best form. How to train Pitbull German Shepherd mix puppies The unfortunate truth is that this hybrid is not easy to train and is not suited for first-time dog owners. You need to be a firm and confident alpha , or he will try to control you. Be patient and try not to give in. Socializing him at an early age helps him interact better with other animals and encourages a better sense of adaptability in the dog. Socialization also fixes anxious and timid behavior and will help your pet get along with your family members. This breed may be intelligent, but he has a certain level of stubbornness when it comes to training. This hybrid tends to bark quite frequently, too, so you may want to include a routine that will help you control excessive barking. Try including crate training and leash training in your sessions. Starting it young is the best way to train a German Sheppit. The best age to start would be at seven weeks old. An adult dog can still receive training, although it will be more difficult. These are the most common health concerns to watch out for in your German Sheppit:. Parent Breeds The parent breeds of the German shepherd pitbull mix include the German shepherd and the American pitbull terrier. As these breeds are both large dogs, the resulting mix is a large dog with unique physical and personality traits from both parent breeds. German Shepherd The German shepherd was originally selectively bred from shepherd dogs in 19th century Germany, where it was used as a herding dog. The breed was developed to be intelligent, strong, agile, and protective of flocks, all qualities that made it successful in its line of work. Horand von Grafath was recognized as the first German shepherd dog in .Today, the breed is still regarded as one of the best working dogs in the world because of its loyalty and eagerness to please. The German shepherd is used in police work, detection, service work, and search and rescue. German shepherd pitbull mixes often inherit the protective, hardworking temperament, strength, and wolf-like features of the German shepherd. The dogs were bred from terriers and bulldogs and used in blood sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. American pitbull terriers were later selectively bred in the United States to have the muscular builds, sizes, and affectionate temperaments seen today. With proper socialization, American pitbull terriers make loyal, well-behaved companions. Lifespan A German shepherd pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years if the dog follows a nutritious diet and exercises daily. Regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of health complications in German shepherd pitbull mixes. This mixed breed comes in shades of tan, white, gray, or black. Height and Weight German shepherd pitbull mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 18—26 inches, and a weight of 30—90 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Most German sheppits are lean, muscular, and slightly taller than their pitbull parents. Colors German shepherd pitbull mixes are typically tan, white, or black with bicolor markings. The coat color depends on the genes they inherit from their parents: German shepherd colors: Most common color combination is black and tan. Other colors include solid black, gray, red, and white. American pitbull terrier colors: Common colors are brown, black, and tan with various markings. Rare colors include solid white and brindle. German sheppits shed minimally to moderately throughout the year, depending on coat type. Double-coated dogs blow their coats twice a year. Personality and Temperament Photo by spcaofnorthernnevada German shepherd pitbull mixes are smart, affectionate, and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along well with kids, and their intelligence and athletic stature make them well-suited to agility classes and fieldwork. Socializing and training this mixed breed from a young age will help it grow into an outgoing, obedient, and even-tempered adult. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement from an early age to not bark excessively. Left alone, German sheppits often experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, like barking and scratching, to cope. While smart and not fussy over food, these dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Food Needs A German sheppit adult should be fed 2 to 3. Grooming Needs The German shepherd pitbull mix should be brushed weekly, or a few times per week if it has inherited a double coat, to distribute natural oils and keep its fur tangle-free. Bathe the dog once every few months and ensure its nails are well-trimmed. Exercise Needs An adult German shepherd pitbull mix requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, split into two separate walks, to remain physically fit. A two-month-old puppy needs 10 minutes of exercise per day, while a four-month-old puppy requires 20 minutes. German sheppits do best in homes with large, secure backyards where they can run freely. Certain states, cities, and territories have laws in place that restrict or ban pitbulls and pitbull mixes. Check local laws before exercising this mixed breed in new areas. Mental Needs German shepherd pitbull mixes need 60 minutes of mental stimulation per day to prevent aggression, boredom, and anxiety. Suitable mentally-stimulating activities include obedience training, scent work, herding, puzzle toys, agility classes, and interactive games like fetch. Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed with medication and surgery. Bloat : When the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and then twists, causing severe abdominal pain. Bloat is often fatal if not treated immediately. Hip dysplasia : Abnormal formation of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. Treatable with surgery and lifestyle changes. Degenerative myelopathy : Degeneration of the spinal cord that causes leg weakness, incontinence, and eventually paralysis. The condition is managed and treated with lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, exercise intolerance, and coat changes. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication. Cataracts : Cloudiness of the eye lens that causes vision issues. The German sheppit is particularly prone to food and skin allergies. Take these dogs to regular vet checkups to reduce their risks of health complications. Use positive reinforcement and be firm and consistent when training this mixed breed. Never use punishment-based training methods because these can cause anxiety in dogs and exacerbate their aggressive behaviors. These dogs need plenty of training and socialization throughout their lives to keep their dog aggression in check. German shepherd pitbull mixes are often available for adoption from rescue shelters. This price includes expenses such as food, treats, vet checkups, toys, and training. First-year costs are higher than subsequent years because of the costs of first-year puppy vaccinations and neutering or spaying, and initial supplies like bedding. The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles. German shepherd pitbull mixes are suitable for people that are active, have a large backyard, and can dedicate lots of time to socializing and training the dog. The best owners for these dogs are people that use positive reinforcement measures and stick to set boundaries. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepherd Pit Bulls are prone to weight gain. They also have high energy levels. About three hours a day of activity is recommended. Agility training, hiking, walking, running, or playing around a yard will keep them happy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for a German Shepherd Pit Bull is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Vets or groomers are good at performing this messy task. You should consult your veterinarian or professional pet nutritionist for advice on what to feed your German Shepherd Pit Bull and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your German Shepherd Pit Bull and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of German Shepherd Pit Bulls coats are brown, black, white, grey, tan, and fawn. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They usually have short thick coats, and this mixed breed is not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require at least three good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. German Shepherd Pit Bulls may be able to handle some extreme weather conditions for short periods of time. These dogs must live indoors with their families. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child. German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or American Pit Bull Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Temperament: It depends. A German Pit dog can be gentle, loving and protective of its family. It will like to be top dog and may challenge authority but with proper training it will learn who the master is. It gets bored easily. They cannot be left alone for long periods of time, or they can become noisy and naughty. Feelings and signals: Dogs communicate in many ways from playing to barking. Never approach a dog with its tail way down! How should you train a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? With patience! There are several types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization. Each is important to help this type of puppy learn to socialize and behave. This looks like a dangerous dog so it is important to train it to challenge perceptions and show people the best of this breed instead. How do you begin puppy training? It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer — Here are some tips to begin: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems. A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving. Early warning signs are — stiffness when getting up or walking, reluctance to get up when prompted and its usual walking style can change. It can occur early or later in life. The only way to check is to trace the health history of the birth parents. There is no cure but a Vet will help with medication to manage the pain. Skin problems Atopic dermatitis They can develop allergies causing skin conditions and itching — from grass, mold, pollen etc. Bloat Gastric Dilatation-volvulus Affects many deep-chested, larger dog breeds that like to eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. Early signs are: restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject excess air or food through ineffective retching. In each case it is important to seek medical help! Exercise: This will be a very active dog, with lots of energy and need lots of exercise. They like to play chase and fetch. A puppy needs hours of exercise every day and more when older otherwise it will get bored. It will love running around and adventures but not adapt to small spaces. Therefore not suited to apartment living. Remember: Puppies should not be exercised too much on hard ground as their paws are still delicate so a mix of hard and softer ground is recommended until they are at least 2 years of age. Leash training is strongly recommended for discipline, safety and control in the early years. Feeding: Feed as an active large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food. A Vet will advise the food type, exact amount, how often and if they need extra mineral and vitamins. Puppies should have their daily amount split into 3 daily feeds. Be careful not to over-feed them as weight gain can put pressure on their hips. Grooming: This dog has a short to medium length coat of hair that does shed but not too much so it only needs to be brushed times a week. A good brush is recommended. Bathing: This dog has short hair like the Pitbull so bathing is only recommended when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil; which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain shampoos have the double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Chewing helps, so use doggie chew toys, bare bones, soft tooth brushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be regularly checked for dirt build-up or infection. Anything unusual should be checked by a Vet. What is life like for a GSPM? Otherwise, with their high energy levels they may show their boredom through destroying or chewing things and barking. They can make a great family dog. Remember just how active this dog is before choosing one. How much does it cost? Always best to adopt rather than buy if you can. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. They are still prized working dogs on ranches or farms, but can fit well into active families with older kids. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies need lots of socialization, training and exercise. They require regular grooming despite their short coat, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. However, when you give them everything they need, this mix can be an amazing companion for experience dog owners and working dog trainers too. A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog. Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog primarily used for hunting. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests. This mix will be tall with a medium build and a coat that will range in length from short to long, depending on their parents. They will have a relatively long muzzle, dark eyes, a long tail and pointed ears. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is probably going to be a large dog. You can expect a German Shepherd-Pitbull hybrid to grow up to 17—24 inches tall at the shoulder. If a hybrid puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then they may mature to between 80 and 90 pounds. When they more closely resemble their Pitbull parent, then they may reach anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. Additionally, hybrids may look more like one parent than the other, or they may appear to be a lovely mix of both parents. Both breeds are commonly associated with territorial aggression and biting, both of humans and other dogs. Of course, with mixed breeds, you cannot say with much certainty how much the offspring of two purebred dogs will take after their parents. This goes for looks, health, and temperament. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies are no different. The Pitbull was first bred to fearlessly attack large animals and later to work, hunt and protect. This means that they are strong and agile enough to chase after such animals as cattle and hogs. Also, if needed, they can grasp and hold a moving animal with their powerful jaws. They can also be territorial. Furthermore, fewer Pitbulls in the study had attempted to bite their owner or a strange human than those who had attempted to or had attacked a strange dog in the past. Socialization As we mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization with other dogs and humans from an early age can help to prevent a puppy with German Shepherd lineage from developing aggressive behavior later in life. This is especially important if your dog has hypothyroidism in its genes. Additionally, both Pitbulls and German Shepherds are working breeds that are high energy. German Shepherd and Pitbull Health Your puppy has the potential to inherit the following conditions from one or both of their parents: Allergies — Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust cause itchy skin on the feet, belly, folds of skin, and ears. Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation — When the knee cap pops out of place while the dog is in motion. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis — Progressive nerve damage that results in weakness of the legs and sometimes blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — An inherited disorder in which deterioration of the retina leads to eventual blindness. Bladder stones —Pitbulls can inherit Hyperuricosuria. The urine is too acidic, which causes precipitation of solid masses called bladder stones or kidney stones depending on where they form. Lifespan The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is about 11 years. Similarly, the Pitbull typically lives between 11 and 13 years. This means that you can expect a German Shepherd Pitbull mix to live to be approximately 11 or 12 years of age. A Shepherd Pitt may mature to be a large dog with lots of energy. In addition to the energy outlet, exercise is also important for this hybrid due to the high probability of it developing hip dysplasia. As a family dog, this hybrid may not be ideal for homes with young children or other dogs. Make sure that you meet both parents. They should be relaxed and confident around strangers, if not overly friendly. Make sure the breeder also shows you evidence of clear health test certificates.

This comes at no extra cost to you. This is peak puppy biting time and it will get better soon. So to prepare you and help you be the best puppy parent you can be, this article will show you: What to expect from a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy How big a four-month-old Golden is How much sleep a puppy needs at this age What kind of exercise a four-month-old Golden Retriever needs How to train your four-month-old pup How much a four-month-old Golden Retriever should eat How to deal with teething and chewing 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever Behaviors Oliver at 4 months old! At four months old, your puppy has had a couple of months to learn how things operate around the house. This can make things easier for you because your puppy is likely falling into your daily routine. Now that your puppy is a bit older, they may experiment to see what they can make happen for themselves. This does not mean they are a bad pup! You might observe that your four-month-old puppy has even more energy than when they were three months old. This is normal as they gain better coordination and stamina. Always remember that energy is both physical AND mental. What 4-Month-Old Golden Retrievers Look Like Your week-old Golden might start looking a little gangly with long legs that seemingly sprouted overnight see the video below of Oliver. They might also begin losing their cottony puppy coat, which can cause them to look a bit funny as their more coarse adult coat grows in. The picture above is Oliver at four months old, as is this video below. He was so lanky and goofy! Ideally, you were getting your puppy out and about safely, and giving them positive experiences that will prepare them for life as an adult dog. Remember to keep outings with your puppy fun and positive, and avoid things that might be scary or overwhelming. As your puppy shows more signs of physical maturity, it can be easy to start expecting more from them. Be consistent in teaching them how things work, how to act and what to expect. Keep showing them that you are a kind, trustworthy person who meets their needs and keeps things fun and safe. While your puppy may have been a cute round ball of fluff at two months of age , they should be kept nice and lean at this age. Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers can be prone to joint issues. You should be able to easily feel their ribs without having to dig around too much. Four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies need about 18 hours of sleep per day. Sometimes it can feel like they have tons of energy that you need to burn and it can be tempting to keep them really active to try to wear them out. While they definitely do need exercise and fun activities, too much go-go-go can actually backfire and push the puppy into an overtired state. A puppy that is overtired might be really wild — bouncing off your furniture, barking a lot, and biting you more than usual. Creating a routine around nap time and bed time can really help your puppy relax and fall asleep more quickly. They ate, they pooped, you took them on a nice stroll and played with their favorite squishy ball. You even did some fun training games and they worked on a puzzle toy. Your puppy parent sense tells you that they are ready for a nap, so you take them outside for a final potty. When you come back inside, you grab a frozen stuffed Kong or toppl for your puppy to enjoy in their crate. Puppy goes in the crate and you give them their frozen treat. Then you cover the crate, and turn on a white noise machine to drown out noises while they rest. Any time your puppy is making you pull your hair out, ask yourself when their last nap was. So often, an obnoxious puppy is actually a tired puppy and the solution is sleep! Click here to download the potty training cheat sheet to make potty training much easier! Fifteen to twenty-minute walks are best for four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies, but a general rule is to let your puppy set the pace when it comes to exercise. If they need a break and flop down in the shade, let them take a breather. So while you may hope your Golden Retriever pup grows into a great running or cycling partner one day, keep things short and easy for now. And by four months of age, your puppy probably has all their necessary vaccinations, which is such a relief. This can open up their world a bit more, which means you have more options for exercise. Get a well-fitted harness and a long leash , and hit up a local trail or open space with your puppy. Unstructured time outdoors is ideal exercise for this breed. That means your pup is free to sniff and frolic around, rather than being in a perfect heel position by your side. Golden Retrievers were historically bred to spend a lot of time outdoors, running through the fields and bounding through water. Modern Goldens still love these activities and giving your four-month-old pup some nature therapy will set them up for physical and mental wellness. Neighborhood walks can also be a nice outlet for a pup of this age. Always allow your Golden to stop and sniff on walks. In addition, you can also work on:. But to develop properly, your puppy needs your help and encouragement. This is because the biting peaks at about 4 months old. The exercise needs of a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy Training for a four-month-old Golden Retriever Feeding four-month-old Golden Retriever puppies How to deal with chewing and biting What to Expect From a 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy 4-Month-Old Golden Retriever By now your puppy has been in your house for a couple of months and has learned about the rules and the way things work in their environment. This means that your puppy is getting comfortable and falling into step with your daily routine. Because of this, things are a little less chaotic in dealing with your pup than they were when you first brought them home. When your pup pushes boundaries and does new things, this is actually a sign of intelligence and mental development, neither of which are bad things. Your puppy will also have more energy, stamina, and coordination than they had in the previous weeks. Their coat will also look a bit odd. This will result in some random patches of fluff. At 4 months old, your golden should be roughly half of its adult height. When it comes to how much they should weigh, the average is around lbs. There are different types of Golden Retrievers and they come in all sizes. Heredity plays a part, as well. If your pup had small parents, then your pup will likely be a little smaller. And if your puppy was seriously ill for a prolonged period of time, then it may have inhibited its ability to grow properly when compared to healthy puppies. But usually, once the worms have been eliminated, the puppy will start to grow normally again. This means that your puppy will have already learned a lot of the socialization skills it needs to develop properly. The socialization your pup experienced prior to their four-month milestone will affect their behaviors and temperament going forward with their lives. Hopefully, you let your puppy go on adventures into the world and they had safe positive experiences. You should still take them out in public and teach them how to be well-behaved. You still need to keep your socialization light-hearted and safe. Your puppy is a baby animal, and they can become traumatized the same as human infants can. You also need to be more patient with them during this time period. Your four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy will sleep somewhere between 11 and 18 hours per day. While your puppy will be really energetic and hyper and your instinct may be to give them lots of exercises to burn off the extra energy, this can actually backfire on you. To avoid an overly- tired puppy, make sure your pup is getting naps in. You can use a crate or pen to help confine them to their sleep area. Developing a nap time routine is quite easy. Once your puppy has eaten, played, and went potty, you can put them in their crate with a soft toy to chew on. Puppies chew to soothe themselves to sleep. Intense exercise and prolonged repetitive motions can even cause injury to their developing joints and muscles. Not to mention the fact that when puppies are over-stimulated and exhausted it causes them to act up. So, how much exercise should a four-month-old Golden Retriever puppy get? Your pup has more energy than they did last month, so they can now go on walks for 20 minutes at a time. In general, you should let your puppy decide how much exercise they can handle. If your puppy stops and decides to lay down in the middle of the walk, let them. They obviously need a break. By the time they reach this age, golden puppies should be up to date with their vaccinations, which is great because they love the outdoors. The type of exercise that your Golden Retriever puppy will likely enjoy the most involves unstructured play outside. Originally, Golden Retrievers were bred to hunt and do fieldwork, and your golden puppy will likely love the outdoors because of this. You can gently put them in the water, or allow them to get in themselves. People who live in more urban environments will find that their golden pups will enjoy walks around the neighborhood. Smells will engage brains and provide mental stimulation. You should be focused mainly on teaching your puppy to be comfortable with alone time, as well as potty training. Keep treats with you when you take your pup out on walks to reward positive behaviors and a good job on their leash. For instance, if you typically give your pup a treat when they come back inside from going potty, then you can use this opportunity to work with them to sit and stay and wait for their treat. To work with them about being comfortable with being alone, you should put them in their crate or pen and then gradually stay out of their sight for longer and longer each time. This takes practice. So this training is important. For more information about separation anxiety, check out our article about goldens and separation anxiety. For more information about training, check out our article about training golden retriever puppies. Your four-month-old golden pup should be eating 3 meals a day , spread throughout the day. They should be eating about 1 cup of food at each meal. Golden Retrievers have a major problem with overeating. Like us, they find food enjoyable and comforting too. A good rule of thumb to determine whether your pup is overweight is to pick them up. To find out for certain whether your pup is the right weight, you should take them to the veterinarian and follow their recommendations. Four months old is typically the peak chewing and biting period. This makes their gums uncomfortable and painful. You should also make sure that there are lots of chew toy options and chewy treats in your house so that your puppy can get the chewing out of their system without doing anything destructive. Using pens and gates can be really useful during this time. Just walk to the other side of the pen. If you missed the other articles in this series, you can find them here:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Brown 3 lb 13 oz Our chunky Tank got passed up by Patriot and Spirit! Meanwhile, Trooper dropped to the back of the pack. All pups were gaining weight every day which was a good sign. I forgot to mention that before Raven had her puppies we looked for a small scale to weigh the puppies. Most of the scales we came across had a 10 lb limit. We purchased this baby scale and it worked great with all our puppies. I started clipping nails once a week with regular human nail clippers. When cutting nails I only cut to the part where the nail starts to curve. The puppies all did well during nail trimming sessions and it also gave me a chance to handle all four paws getting the pups used to relaxing with humans. Day 26 — Walking On New Surfaces Now that the puppies were stable and walking more normal I started introducing them to new surfaces. We were able to get them out on the dirt, grass, and concrete in the backyard. Golden Pups Week 4 — Puppies exploring new surfaces. We also start introducing our pups to the crate and start working on teaching them calm behavior while in the crate. I took their regular puppy kibble, soaked it in hot water for 10 minutes, and smashed it up into a mush. One of the early problems is making sure everyone gets an equal or close to amount of food. We allowed the puppies to eat their solid food and still nurse throughout the day. We feed the older dogs Wellness Core Grain Free Original Formula so we figured the transition from the puppy formula to the original formula would be easier on the pups when the time came to move away from puppy food. Golden Retriever pups week 4 is in the books! Check out our other Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week blog posts: Week 1 — Six Golden Retriever puppies are born! Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. So tell us a little about your experiences. Have you ever had the chance to raise a litter or meet a 4 week old puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Are you expecting a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Did you just bring home an adorable 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy? If so, Puppies for Dummies is a great book that will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

This is a simple solution for busy professionals and for city dwellers who do not have much outdoor space for their dogs to use. If your dog is already paper-trained, you need only make the transition from paper to litter box. If your dog is accustomed to going outdoors, however, you may need to use a crate-style training procedure. Many pet stores and online retailers sell litter boxes designed especially for small dogs, but large cat litter boxes work as well. You can also use just about any low, open plastic container. Step 2 Place the litter box on an easy-to-clean surface, such as tile or wood. In order to prevent any confusion later, plan to keep the litter box in this same position long-term, rather than moving it once you have trained your dog to use it. Step 3 Teach your dog to get in and out of the litter box by making it into a game. Place your dog on the floor next to the box, and wave a treat in the air over the box. Say a command or word that you want your dog to associate with the litter box and give him the treat when he hops in. You might choose to use a word or command such as "box," or "go potty. You can use regular cat litter, or purchase specially formulated dog litter available online and in some pet stores. Some dog owners prefer to just use newspaper or house-training pads. Step 5 Limit your dog's range during the training process, so you can monitor him closely. Keep the dog either with you, or in the area where the litter box is stationed. Crate-Style Training Step 1 Section off a small area to create a crate-like environment for your dog. Use pet gates or latex lattice to enclose the area, and place your dog's bed, litter box and food bowls in the area. The enclosure should be high enough that your dog can't jump over it. The area enclosed should be large enough that your dog can stand up and turn around comfortably, but there should be no open space available for the dog to soil. Step 2 Place your dog in the crate area during times when he is most likely to need to potty. These times include immediately after eating and after waking from a nap. Step 3 Watch for signs that the dog has to go. He will begin circling or sniffing around. If your dog begins to display these behaviors, use the verbal command you taught him in Step 3. Place the dog in the litter box if he does not go there on command. Step 4 Wait for your dog to use the litter box, then reward him with lots of praise and some treats. Step 5 Allow your dog to leave the crate area once he has used the litter box. Leave the door to the area open. Let your dog be free to move about, but limit him to areas near you. You must be able to monitor him closely throughout the training period. Step 6 Continue the process until your dog begins to use the litter box on his own. Encourage him with your command phrase to use the litter box, and reward him when he does. Eventually, your dog will begin to go to the litter box voluntarily when he needs to relieve himself. Step 7 Limit your dog's range when you leave the house, and leave the door to the crate area open. This will ensure that your dog has access to his litter box in your absence, and it will minimize the risk of accidents elsewhere in the house. Transitioning from Paper Training Step 1 Lay a washing machine pan flat on the floor in the area where you previously paper-trained your dog. Line the pan with newspaper. If you do not have a washing machine pan, cut the sides of a large cardboard box down to no more than 1 inch high. Step 2 Give your dog at least two weeks to get used to the washing machine pan or large cardboard box. The box should be large enough for your dog to step into it and turn around comfortably. Because your dog is accustomed to using an open, paper-lined area to do his business, you will need to gradually get him used to going in a confined space. Step 3 Use your command phrase to encourage your dog to use the box or washing machine pan, and reward him when he does. Step 4 Transition gradually into using boxes with taller sides, working toward using a box that resembles the shape of your litter box. Increase the height of the cardboard box walls by 2 or 3 inches every few weeks until it is the same height as the litter box. Step 5 Allow your dog several weeks to get used to using the large cardboard box once it reaches the height of the litter box. Like the litter box, your cardboard box should include the edge that the dog has to step over. Step 6 Begin decreasing the length and width dimensions of the box over a period of several weeks, giving the dog at least one week to adapt to each adjustment. Keep the height of the box the same as you decrease the other dimensions. Step 7 Place the bottom of your litter box inside the cardboard box, and line the bottom and sides with newspaper. Give your dog a week or two to get used to this, then clip the hood onto the base of the litter box. Cut off the top of the hood so it remains open. Step 8 Remove the cardboard from around the litter box slowly, gradually transitioning to the point where only the litter box remains. Step 9 Transition your dog from using newspaper in the litter box to using your preferred filler material. If you want to use training pads, the transition should be fairly simple. To transition into litter, start by sprinkling a small amount of litter over the newspaper. Gradually add more, until the paper is entirely covered with litter. Tips If you intend to use a cat litter box for your dog, cut the top off the hood so it remains open. This will make the box easier for your dog to use, and more convenient for you to clean. If your dog ends up soiling his own bed instead of using the litter box during crate-style training, change the bedding immediately. Sprinkle a few pieces of food on the dog's bed. Dogs have a natural aversion to soiling their bedding area, so if the dog learns to associate the bed with food, he will not soil it. If you are not consistent during the training process, the results will not be consistent. Once you have selected a location for the box, do not change it, and try not to change the type of filler you use. Always use the same command phrase, and praise your dog for using the box every time you witness it. Do not rush your dog. If you try to force him to make changes too quickly he may revert to having frequent accidents, and you may need to start the process over. Accidents will inevitably happen during the training process. If your dog begins to go outside the litter box, quickly pick him up and put him in the box, then use your command phrase. Do not rub your dog's nose in the accident or punish him. Just teach him the proper behavior, and reward him when he succeeds. But age, medical issues and your work schedule can necessitate teaching Thor to do his duty inside, using a litter box. Making your own saves money, as store-bought versions can carry hefty price tags. Step 1 Find a metal or plastic tray large enough for your big boy. He needs to have enough room to step onto the litter and turn around comfortably. A tray from the bottom of an old large dog crate might work, or a large plastic storage container. The type that slip under the bed are a good height to hold litter and still allow your big pup to step into easily. Large, trunk-like bins with higher sides can work, so long as you cut a wide notch into one of the sides to serve as an entryway for your pup. Step 2 Choose a filler material that you can change easily and dispose of properly. Many pet stores carry a litter just for dogs, or you can simply use regular cat litter or newspapers. Fill the litter tray with your selected litter and sprinkle baking soda over it to help absorb odors. Lining your tray with commercial pee pads helps hold on to urine and make cleanup as easy as lifting out the wet pad and replacing it with a new one. Step 3 Clean the box every day to keep your dog coming back. A dog's nose is much more sensitive than yours, and even a single pit stop can create enough unpleasant odors to keep your pooch away. Scoop or clean his litter box every day, even multiple times a day, to keep odors down and make the box more inviting to your pup. More Articles. Shop All Cat Food As lovable as dogs are, let's face it: They sometimes do things that are kind of gross. One of those gross behaviors is raiding your cat's litter box and eating what they find there. Learn why your pup is prone to this behavior and how to keep dogs out of the litter box for good. Dogs are natural scavengers who tend to devour anything with a strong smell, even poop. To the highly attuned nose of a dog, cat poop smells like cat food, which, as far as your dog is concerned, is a special treat. Once your pooch discovers these tasty nuggets in the litter box, it's like they've hit the jackpot. But despite this behavior being enjoyable for your dog, it should be discouraged, and not simply because it's gross. Cat feces can carry harmful bacteria, including salmonella, which could make your dog sick. It also can carry a parasite that causes a condition called toxoplasmosis that can be harmful to humans if your dog licks your face, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cat litter can also harm your dog if consumed in large enough quantities to cause an intestinal blockage. The best method depends on the size, temperament and trainability of your dog. Your cat might also have a say in whether certain methods will work. While it might not be realistic to clean up after your kitty every time they go, cleaning the box once or twice a day will help to cut down on your dog's opportunities. A self-cleaning robot litter box can make this task easier, if your cat will tolerate it. You could also switch to an odor-neutralizing litter to discourage your pup. Train Your Dog The most permanent way to keep your pup away from the cat box is to train them to leave it alone. Before you begin, make sure your dog is getting high-quality dog food so that they're not missing any nutrients in their diet. They should also be getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation so that they aren't exploring the litter box out of boredom. Once those bases are covered, try following these steps from the AKC to teach your dog the "leave it" command: Hold a treat on the floor under one hand and allow your dog to sniff it. When your dog loses interest and gives up, say "leave it" as they're turning away. With your free hand, give them a better treat than the covered one. Gradually work up to telling them to "leave it" while they're still inspecting the treat. Reward them with a better treat when they turn away. Once they learn to associate the command with getting a better treat than the one they're investigating, practice letting them sniff the litter box and telling them to "leave it. If you have a small dog, this might be as simple as elevating the litter box out of reach, or placing it inside a bathtub. For larger dogs, a covered cat box might work if your cat will tolerate a lid. If your cat vetoes a lidded box, installing a pet gate or a cat flap to the room where the litter box is stored might be your best option. Whichever method you try, be sure to keep your kitty's preferences in mind. If you need to relocate the litter box, move it gradually, in small increments, to give your cat time to get used to the idea. Similarly, changing litter should be done gradually, mixing a little bit of the new litter with the old and increasing new litter slowly as your cat becomes used to it. She currently lives in the Ozarks with her husband and their gaggle of four-footed dependents, where she enjoys watching a wide array of wild animals in her back yard while drinking her morning coffee. Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary. But what about dog litter? But thanks to the advent of dog litter—and dog litter boxes—canines can take advantage of this convenience, too. What Is Dog Litter? While most cat litters are made from clay, dog litters typically are made from paper, like Secondnature dog litter , or wood. Dog litter and a dog litter box can be used as an alternative to dog pee pads, according to Mauger. Although dog pee pads, also called dog potty pads , work well for some homes, the texture can be confusing for dogs, unlike a dog litter pan filled with dog litter. Why Use Dog Litter? Convenience is a big reason for using dog litter. By leaving out a dog litter pan filled with dog litter, you can relax knowing your dog has a place to relieve himself if the urge strikes. Bloom recommends teaching a dog to use a litter box the same way you would in normal housetraining ; but instead of taking him outdoors, take the dog to the box during potty times. Make sure you choose a litter box that is large enough for your pup. As with all housetraining, Bloom adds, the keys to litter box training a dog is making sure he gets taken to the right place often and, when he relieves himself in the right area, giving him plenty of praise and treats. Litter box training a dog may be more appropriate for smaller dogs than larger breeds, according to Bloom. Finally, if you have a dog who likes to hike his leg up to pee, a litter box may not be tall enough to contain the stream.

Call us Labradors are Miracles with Paws.Crystal Acres Labs would like to say Thank You to all the families that have provided a wonderful, loving home for our little puppies.Thank You!! Wayne Call us now for adorable puppies! If you're looking for the perfect companion or hunting dog, you've come to the right place! At Crystal Acres Labrador Retrievers, we breed the healthiest and happiest labrador retriever puppies. We are a family run business in Grabill, IN and we love dogs just as much as you do! Contact us today! What we offer At Crystal Acres Labrador Retrievers, our family has years of experience in Grabill breeding labrador retriever puppies. All of the puppies have white to light cream coloring and are very adorable. Our children spend lots of time with them before they leave for their new homes and they receive LOTS of love. If you see a puppy you might like, give us a call at and you can make a deposit on the puppy of your choice. Our approach Warning! If you visit us to see the pups, please be advised that they are extremely cute and chances are you won't be able to resist taking at least one home with you. They are definitely adorable! Nothing like little puppies, tails a waggin, standing on their hind legs waiting for you! We want our labrador retriever puppies to feel comfortable in your home, and more importantly, to fall in love with you and your family. For that love and dedication that labrador retrievers need, we are the top choice of dog breeder in Grabill. NuVet Plus products can help prolong the life of your Labrador Retriever! More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… The Miami nation first established a settlement at the Maumee, St. Joseph, and St. Marys Rivers in the midth century called Kekionga. The village was the traditional capital of the Miami nation and related Algonquian tribes. The French built the first fort on the site, Fort Miamis, in as part of a group of forts built between Quebec, Canada, and St. The Miami regained control of Kekionga, a rule that lasted for more than 30 years. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

I can bet these pictures will make your day. At the end of this cute pictures of Pug puppies, you will find the information about their origin and path to their natural behavior and instincts. A cute Pug puppy hanging on a wood swing. This is not what i asked for, I am hungry. Can you please offer me treat? This is what i am excellent at. Tongue Tuesday. This shake has become my favorite drink. Image Source: Instagram imapugnamedhamilton They call me chubby. If yes, you can see me working very hard. Image Source: Wallpaperplay Giving an innocent look for a photo. My hooman finally decided to take me on a trip. Image Source: Instagram cutepuglovers A cute Pug puppy laying upside down. This is what you get when you wake me from a deep sleep. This is mine! Source: YouTube The Pug is a lap dog that originated from China and has a docile, friendly and charming personality. You will definitely want to buy this cute dog after seeing some of the cute pictures of it. The small-sized Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dog that has flourished since before the B. It is a lean and leggy dog with short legs and a long body. If you're working on a project and pug images could help elevate it, you've come to the right place. Our stock image collection boasts a vast range of high-quality JPG, AI, and EPS files that are perfect for a broad range of projects, from websites to print media and beyond. The benefits of pug images Pug images are perfect for many projects for several reasons. Firstly, pugs are undeniably adorable, making them an excellent choice for grabbing your audience's attention and making them smile. They can lend a sense of fun and playfulness to any project, whether you're designing a children's book or a website for a pet store. Pug images are also versatile and can be used in a vast range of contexts, from greeting cards to posters, and everything in between. How to use pug images effectively When using pug images, it's essential to consider the context and tone of your project. For example, if you're designing a website for a food brand, a cute picture of a pug eating a pizza might not be the best image choice. Instead, consider using images of pugs that are relatively neutral—such as a pug standing on a neutral background. Alternatively, opt for playful images of pugs only when your project calls for a more lighthearted or fun tone. Browse our collection of pug images Our collection of stock pug images is extensive, with thousands of files available for download. Whether you're looking for a specific type of pug picture or just browsing for inspiration, you're sure to find what you're looking for in our collection. With files available in a range of file types and formats, our images are suitable for a broad range of projects. Don't compromise on the quality of your project's images—browse our collection of high-quality pug images today and find the perfect image to elevate your project! Updated August 1, .This photo gallery includes photos of the cutest Pug puppies as well as cute pictures of adult Pugs. Pugs are a short faced, wrinkled, small breed of dog. This breed has its origins in China, but was brought to Europe in the 16th century. Their coats are typically either black or fawn in color and they have a compact and very muscular body. Because of their short snouts, they often experience a lot of breathing problems, though those wrinkled faces are absolutely adorable. Vote up the cutest, sweetest Pug pictures below. Dogs are man's best friend and have a special ability to lift spirits. This is exactly what the sweet dogs on this list of the cutest Pug puppies do. This gallery of adorable pugs can perk you up no matter how sad you are feeling. Pugs are good companion dogs and great with children. They are very strong willed and have big personalities. These cute Pugs are known especially for their muscular bodies and vibrant personalities. For that reason, a pug puppy makes a great pet for the whole family. Big Eyes.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.