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Daisy-Gold Goldens have champion lineage, but are bred as loving family dogs. She was my initial introduction to the European Golden. It has taken several years to acquire knowledge about the European Golden. At the Guisachan House, the home of Lord Tweedmouth, in the ruggedly beautiful county of Inverness in the north Scottish highlands, it was here the first Yellow Retrievers were bred and raised. Lord Tweedmouth carefully worked out a plan to make a yellow retriever breed. Lord Tweedmouth gave many puppies he bred to friends, others were put out with keepers and bred from, so that the yellow Retrievers in the hands of gundog men, at that time seldom interested in pedigrees but only in how their dogs worked, would have been crossed with black Retrievers or with Setters, without compunction. They must have passed their hip and elbow exams by OFA or OVC if from Canada and must have a heart clearance from a veterinary cardiologist, as well as a yearly eye exam from a veterinary opthamologist, stating they are eligible to receive CERF certification. This gives us additional information to help us make wise breeding decisions, always striving to improve the future of our Goldens. Because of our commitment to the breed and complexities of breeding, it is our strict policy to sell all puppies on AKC Limited Registration Status only, unless I am dealing with breeders already known to me. We do not keep more than 4 active bitches females in our breeding program here at Daisy-Gold Goldens at any one time. Daisy-Gold Goldens are bred for temperament and health. All puppies are home raised, well socialized and receive constant attention. They are started on basic obedience training prior to going to their new homes. Our goal is to raise a well adjusted, happy puppy that you can live with. Thank you for visiting our website. Daisy Gold Goldens has 3- 4'x12' areas for whelping up to three litters at one time. Enough room for play and litter box training until about 5 weeks of age. They then have an extra 9'x12' area for play. The whole area is well lighted, heated, and air conditioned. The floor is non-slip vinyl. The pups listen to classical music with intermittent everyday noises so they will be desensitized. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Massachusetts Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Massachusetts? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Massachusetts? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. There are countless breeders to choose from and it can take hours, if not days to go through each and every one of them. For this reason, we decided to take the matters into our own hands to find the best of the best Bernedoodle breeders in North Carolina. Here they are! After all, adopting your puppy from a puppy mill is definitely out of the question. Health guarantees usually cover the first one or two years from adoption. You can also ask from your friends or family members about their personal experiences with various breeders in your state. This exceptional breeder takes great pride in providing their puppies a safe, clean, and enriching family environment to prepare them for their lives with their forever families. All puppies come from thoroughly tested parents and each of them is spoiled and pampered from day one up until adoption. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Abby Oelrich, the breeder behind Paws 4 Doodles, is a certified Puppy Culture breeder and also a professional groomer. They utilize various forms of enrichment methods, such as Early Neurological Stimulation ENS , early socialization, potty training, crate training, household desensitization, and even basic manners. Our Bernedoodles are from excellent bloodlines and all Pedigree information traces back to their AKC lineage. Our Dams and Sires have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. These dogs will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with allergies. F1 Bernedoodles all have loose wavy coats that are typically minimal to light shedding, while F1B Bernedoodles coats can be loose wavy just like the F1 or curly and there are both coat types within the F1B litter. The F1B Bernedoodle is typically minimal to non-shedding. The coat of a Bernedoodle can vary from straight, loose wavy or curly. An F1 Bernedoodle will have a loose wavy coat, while an F1B Bernedoodle litter has both curly and loose wavy coats within the litter. The coat colors of Bernedoodles can vary based on the color genetics of the parents. We will also have Parti Bernedoodles. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. The Bernedoodle can be independent and does great being with family engaging in play, then happily laying on their own with a toy. It is still unknown how long Bernedoodles will live as it is a newer cross. The expected lifespan is hoped to be years. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. You do not have to be an AKC purebred puppy to participate in their S. Puppy Program. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Bernedoodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. This location lends itself to inspire a very desirable temperament in dogs; so that we have both "nature and nurture" going for us. The Bernedoodle is a mix between a Bernese Mountain dog with a Poodle. Click here to learn more about terminology concerning levels of cross breeding. Our Bernedoodle puppies are intelligent, friendly, playful, and goofy. Best of all they are loyal and loving. All our puppies are raised in our home and are highly socialized; we raise our puppies on the principles of puppy culture and Badass Breeder programs. We start crate training and potty training before any puppy goes to their forever home. We mainly focus on breeding F1b standard size bernedoodles. All WT Bernedoodles come from genetically cleared parents, and with a two-year health guarantee for inherited diseases. Go to our "parents" page to see the genetic reports of our parent dogs Again, our dogs are raised in our home, not in kennels. To ensure the best life for every dog in our program we keep a limited number of dogs in our house because we want to be sure each puppy receives the attention they need. We do utilize guardian homes also as are program is growing. We also will be rehoming our retired females when it's time. Please visit our FAQ's page for more details about guardian home opportunities and Retired dogs. Many times folks that are looking for goldendoodles, labradoodles, sheepadoodles, or aussiedoodles will often decide to adopt from us, mainly because they haven't yet heard of Bernedoodles! About us We are Matt and Sara Rigdon. Matt has been a landscaper, heavy equipment operator and builder. Sara is a Registered Nurse of 25 years but is now working full time with the bernedoodles and cabin rentals. We built and own a log cabin rental business in the mountains of NC where it is a great place to visit year-round. If you need a place to stay when you come to pick up your puppy just let us know and we will try to make sure a cabin is available for you. You are also invited to come visit the puppies at 7 weeks of age. Our website to reserve a cabin is www. Besides our cabin rentals we are also are parents to 2 biological children and foster parents. Our Current foster children are big helpers with the care or our dogs and puppies. We love people and animals. Our dogs were purchased not only to have hiking buddies and loving companions but to share their puppies with others because they are such great dogs. Our dogs and puppies also serve as therapy to the foster children that come into our home. Foster children are traumatized due to unfortunate circumstances and when they leave the only family they know they find great comfort in the love that our dogs and puppies give them. We cannot say enough good things about our Poodles and Bernedoodles. Sara Phone Text, email or call between 9am and 9pm daily except text messages or email only on Sundays. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Half Moon North Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

At what age can German Shepherds live outside? This article is for those who are considering owning a German Shepherd. The question of whether or not to keep a German Shepherd outdoors is frequently asked because German Shepherds can grow to be quite large and are notorious for their year-round shedding. Can German Shepherds live outside? German Shepherds cannot live outside in an open environment. Keeping them outside exposes them to avoidable dangers and often leads to a variety of behavioral issues. German Shepherds kept outside are often the result of their owners not investing enough time and effort into training and socializing their dogs. This may be due to false views about owning a German Shepherd or a failure to adequately research the breed before purchasing one. Is it cruel to keep a dog outside? Keeping a German Shepherd outside for small intervals during the daytime can enhance their physical and mental growth, as many dogs enjoy being outside and interacting with their surroundings. However, it is important to provide the dog with proper protection from the elements and other potential dangers. Additionally, it is important to not make the garden a permanent living area for the dog, as they will be exposed to harsh weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, and the sun. German Shepherd temperature tolerance? German Shepherds can tolerate temperature ranges between 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Although they can survive in harsh environments, they still require proper care and protection because of temperature. Hot weather can cause dehydration and heat stroke if they do not have proper shade and adequate water and food. If you notice your German Shepherd digging into the ground to cool off, this is a sign that they are too hot and require a cooler area. Similarly, in cold temperatures, German Shepherds can also become ill and should not be left outside for extended periods of time as it can lead to pneumonia and other health issues. Can German Shepherds live outside in winter? German Shepherds can live outside in the winter, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure their well-being. Their double-layer fur helps to keep them warm, but if they get wet in cold weather, they can become ill. The shelter should also be as large as possible and have warm blankets in the winter. While German Shepherds may enjoy being outdoors, they should not be left unmonitored for extended periods of time, especially during extreme weather conditions. Are wild animals harmful to German Shepherds? But this scenario can play out in reverse as well if you let your pet roam outside. Unfortunately, this can happen more often than you might think. For hunting purposes, all animals venture out. You may not want to put your dog at risk, but the roles can be reversed, leading to an unfortunate outcome for your pet. Some animals also see dogs and other domesticated pets as a means of survival. The animals that can pose a danger to dogs include rodents, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, snakes, coyotes, cougars, rats, and deer. Before four months, you should not attempt to have your German Shepherd sleep outside, as it can cause damage to their physiological and psychological well-being. In their first month of life, your puppy should be introduced and cared for, ensuring that they have fully adjusted to domestication before being left outside. You can begin attempting to have them sleep outside when your German Shepherd reaches the 4-month mark. Your German Shepherd is going to become a large-sized dog. Aside from their generous height in a standup position, German Shepherds can also weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Of course, there are always variations, and many will be larger than this. Considering their size and the fact that they were bred to be herding dogs, which meant they were used to sleeping outside to protect the animals they were guarding, German Shepherd owners might consider putting their dogs outside to sleep. After all, they can take up quite a lot of space, so you might think they are more comfortable sleeping outside at night. But you should not do it right away! In fact, German Shepherd puppies should not sleep outside until around four months of age. Keep in mind, though, that any dog — as adult or as puppies — should not be left alone by themselves the entire day and night. There are a few reasons why German Shepherd puppies should not sleep outside until they are at least four months old. In fact, it can be seriously detrimental to their health if they go outside before they are truly ready. Since his double coat will not be formed until he is around 4 or 5 months of age, your German Shepherd cannot regulate his body temperature properly. Your German Shepherd puppy is also more susceptible to diseases and parasites. In the first few months of life, your puppy will receive a series of shots to keep him healthy. Without these shots, he is more susceptible to all types of illnesses and parasites that can be detrimental to his health. Since shots are typically not completed until 16 weeks, putting him outside sooner is compromising his health. Lastly, your German Shepherd needs to be socialized. German Shepherds must be socialized as puppies, especially during the first few months of life. This will allow them to be friendlier, although they can still be successful in guarding. Without proper socialization, you risk your German Shepherd becoming aggressive. For this reason, some pet owners may wait until the 6-month mark for potentially better success. Basically, you should not expect your German Shepherd puppy to be A-Okay with the sudden change. He will likely not want to sleep outside, and you should never ignore him — especially on the first night. So how can you get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep outside — and happily, too? Well, here are four simple tips and tricks for helping your 4-month-old German Shepherd to sleep outside without a whine or whimper: Let them find a safe place during the daytime. Place his favorite items in the safe spot. This will create a comforting spot for him to rest. Let him nap in his outdoor safe spot. If he can get comfortable in his safe spot for a nap during the day, it will be a lot easier for him to relax in the same location for a lengthy slumber at nighttime. Stay positive and applaud your pet. Praise him with cheering and treats when he begins to spend some time in his safe spot for naps and, eventually, bedtime altogether. Be persistent. If you want to be successful, you must stay persistent. To ensure that your German Shepherd puppy is healthy and safe while sleeping outside, there are a few things you should always make sure he has. These items include: A doghouse. Now, this is not necessary, but plenty of dogs — especially puppies — enjoy them. It gives them a safe space to snuggle and feel safe, which is what any puppy of any breed can truly appreciate. Plus, you can put all their favorite items inside, making the doghouse more appealing. If you live in a cold climate, then a doghouse with sufficient warm bedding is essential. Water bowl. Your dog is going to get thirsty no matter what the temperature is at night. Make sure he has a water bowl that is filled to the brink every night. Try and put his favorite water bowl out there to make him more comfortable. All his favorites. I cannot stress this enough! You want your German Shepherd puppy to feel comfy and cozy, as this will make it an easier transition for you and your dog. While their environments are of utmost concern, here are some benefits if you let them sleep outside: They get a chance to explore the outside world at an early stage which is otherwise difficult. German Shepherd puppies feel independent and develop better decision-making skills with this approach. That can be detrimental to their health. Most importantly, puppies might lack interaction and relationships with you over time. Final Thoughts You should not try to have your German Shepherd sleep outside before four months of age as it poses a risk to his health, both physical and mental. Your puppy needs to be socialized and taken care of in his first months of life, ensuring that he has all his vaccinations before making his way outside. When the time comes, make sure he has a safe, cozy spot to lay his head, with access to all of his favorite toys. Related Posts You May Like:. Remember, at this stage, he is still only a baby! The last thing you want to do is expose him to negative experiences while he is so young. Starting young makes the whole training process even easier. Remember that the German Shepherd coat is double-layered, consisting of a dense, harsh outer coat with a softer undercoat. The undercoat is essential as it helps them stay warm in cold temperatures and protects them from the heat in hot weather. This is why German Shepherd dogs can adapt to functioning in different weather conditions. Always ensure your dog has access to clean water especially in warm weather and change it frequently throughout the day. To train your German Shepherd puppy to stay outside, you must teach him properly. That means getting him used to spending time away from you here and there, gradually increasing the amount of time he spends outside, and making the outdoors more fun and enjoyable for your pup. Spend some time with him outside after he relieves himself. This will prevent your German Shepherd from making a single connection between going outside and using the restroom. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety is a constructive post I wrote that tackles this issue alone. If you nip this in the bud from an early age, this will stop your dog from getting distressed and developing future behavior problems. Your German Shepherd puppy might be used to spending every second by your side right now, but you need to start getting him used to spending more time alone, especially if you expect him to last for longer than 30 minutes in the yard on his own. So, how do you do that? Spend one-on-one time with him outside. Go inside without him. Let him get used to being alone outside and wait a few minutes before letting him back inside the house no matter how much he begs! You want him to get used to spending more time outdoors, right? You need to increase the amount of time he spends outside alone slowly. My German Shepherd Willow at 12 weeks old. This is where you come in! You need to make the yard fun. Here are some tips for making your yard fun for your German Shepherd. Leave toys in the yard, such as tug toys. Build an agility course of some sort. These can be expensive, but you could easily make your own to save money. Give your dog somewhere to relax when he gets tired. Take a chew toy bone outside. I like KONG bones as they keep your pup entertained, and you can even stuff them with treats. I often get asked whether you should let your pup sleep outside. Build a positive experience outside by avoiding bad weather and temperatures. Gradually increase the time he spends outside until it becomes just a normal part of his everyday routine. Add some toys and activities to your yard to make the yard more fun! Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info If you are thinking about getting a German Shepherd and have a lot of outdoor space, you may be wondering can German Shepherds live outside? It really depends on the weather conditions, the shelter available, and the type of dog owner you are. This article will dive into the living conditions needed for a German Shepherd to live outside safely and happily. Can German Shepherds Live Outside? German Shepherds can technically live outside with appropriate shelter and if the temperature is moderate. However, it is not recommended to keep a German Shepherd outside full time, as they are very attached to their human companions and need a lot of social interaction to prevent unwanted behaviors from developing. German Shepherds should live inside during the extremely cold winter months for safety. Since German Shepherds have a double coat, they do better in cooler temperatures than warmer temperatures. Heat is dangerous at certain levels for German Shepherds or any dog for that matter because dogs only have sweat glands in the ears and paws to help regulate their temperature. Accordingly, they are more easily susceptible to overheating. It is sometimes ok for German Shepherds to sleep outside but it depends on the conditions. Some German Shepherds prefer sleeping outside if it is too hot inside the house, other GSDs like to sleep outside to guard the house. However, if your dog likes sleeping outside you can take efforts to secure a safe place for them to sleep while being outside. Such as a garage or other shelter so that they are safe while you sleep. Whether any individual German Shepherd can survive in the wild will vary between each individual dog. German Shepherds that never had a human family will have a higher likelihood of surviving in the wild. This is because they will keep more of their natural instincts to learn to hunt and rely solely on themselves for food. German Shepherds that have been kept as household pets will normally have a harder time surviving in the wild because they have become accustomed to relying on humans for their daily needs. However, there are definitely exceptions. German Shepherds who have confident personalities with higher prey drives can survive in the wild more successfully. Whereas German Shepherds who are timid with a lower prey drive may have trouble finding food and avoiding predators. This could be a garage, a doghouse, a large outdoor kennel , or a homemade shelter. With large breed dogs like German Shepherds, you need to make sure that the shelter is large enough for them to be able to move around, sit and stand comfortably. Give Them Access to Fresh Water Whether a dog is inside or outside they need to have access to fresh water. This is especially important during the warmer months if your dog is outside because dogs use water as a way of cooling themselves down when hot. Temperature Control Inside the Shelter Keeping your German Shepherd at a comfortable temperature while outside is important. There are various ways this can be achieved: Insulation to keep it warm A roof to provide shade A mounted fan or air conditioner Bring Your Dog Inside in Bad Weather There are certain weather conditions that a dog should not be left outside in under any circumstances. Such as if there are severe storms like hurricanes, tornados, bad thunderstorms with lightning, and extreme snow like blizzards. If any of these conditions are in the forecast, bring your dog inside until the weather fully clears up. They need to be given time to roam outside of the shelter, to be around humans, to go for a walk, to potty, and to play. Leaving any dog in an outside shelter for long periods without checking on them is unacceptable! Make Sure to Give Your German Shepherd Plenty of Social Interaction As mentioned above, German Shepherds are a social dog breed that thrives off social interaction with their humans and even other dogs or animals. German Shepherds need both physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis or they are prone to get bored and develop destructive tendencies. All German Shepherds also need a good amount of training so they can understand what is expected of them both inside and outside. If you are going to keep a GSD outside, you need to make an extra effort to spend the appropriate amount of time with them to keep them happy and well-rounded. Doing so is showing your dog that being put outside is bad and they may start to develop a bad impression of being left outside. Some German Shepherds actually prefer being and sleeping outside to inside for a variety of reasons. If you have a GSD that lives outside, make sure they also get to spend time with you indoors and well. Under the right conditions, a German Shepherd that lives outside can be as happy and well-rounded as a GSD that lives indoors. Amy L: Can a German Shepherd live outside in the backyard? Well, I really want a German Shepherd and my father wants one too. My mother is afraid of dogs so it can't ever go inside. So, it has to stay outside in the backyard. I'm planning on getting an adult one. Also, I'm going to have to go to school for 8hrs. So it also has to stay by itself at home until I come back. My father also wants a dog that can protect the house from any unwanted intruders. If you were to give it a lot of shelter outside that would maybe be okay but animals require lots of love and attention. Don't get a dog just for it to be a less expensive alarm system, get one because you want a companion. Also, you should remember that having a big German Shepherd means that you will have to give it exercise as well. Yes, German Shepherds can sleep outside but dogs never allowed inside will develop serious behavioral problems! If you see your dog merely as an alarm system instead of a companion… well, I would recommend you to stick with a proper alarm system. It is highly likely your German Shepherd will snooze through the whole episode if a burglar breaks into your house. Reason being? Having a dog as intelligent and athletic as a German Shepherd is a lot of responsibility and a lot of training is required to turn him into a well-mannered canine citizen. Keep all that in mind and if you are ready to have a dog as part of your family, talk to your mom and get a puppy so she could get used to it, an adult German Shepherd is massive so it can be quite intimidating for someone who is not used to big dogs. My mom was quite nervous when she saw how big a fully grown German Shepherd is but she has no problem with my black German Shepherd pup! Answer by Kristin I have a german shepherd too at home. I always open my door to the backyard.The dog barks nonstop. I never thought something like this could have such an impact on my life but it has. I've been living here for 3 months and I never get good sleep or any peace when I'm awake. For your neighbors' sake just buy an alarm system. Also, it is really cruel to keep a dog like that outside and bored all day. Sure a Shepherd can live outside, and I guess your mother who already feats dogs can stay outside. A happy, healthy Shephard needs stimulation and exercise. They are working dogs. For you and your father to have a dog living in a cage in your backyard seems wrong. Maybe you could both volunteer at your local animal shelter until you can take care of a dog. Answer by Dave Yes, I agree with Susan, it is not fair to keep a dog separated from the family as they are social animals and also need a lot of attention. F also has a good suggestion about getting a puppy and raising it with the whole family so you can all bond together. The person asking the question does not seem to be very experienced with dogs, therefore, getting a Geman Shepherd as your first dog may be a little challenging, especially if it is introduced to you when it is an adult. This breed needs a lot of stimulation and exercise due to their size, energy levels, and intelligence, so I would say it is not OK to leave this kind of dog or any dog actually alone for eight hours every day. Dogs are supposed to be companions and should only be owned by people who can look after and care for them properly and give them the attention that they need. Final Thoughts Dangers of Leaving a German Shepherd Outside Leaving a German Shepherd outside for shorter periods of time during the day is not necessarily a bad thing. Being out in the yard gives a dog a chance to experience nature and all of its happenings. When we end our days, we typically lock up our homes and this gives us a feeling of security. But sometimes we may fail to consider that the safety measures that we take for ourselves and our family also need to be afforded to our dogs. A dog left outside at all times is exposed to not only the elements but to a number of other dangers as well — both natural and unnatural. As far as weather goes — wind, rain, snow, and even the sun call all be potentially harmful or worse for your dog he is left outside in these conditions at all times. Hot Weather While German Shepherds are extremely adaptable to most any climate, they still need to be afforded certain levels of protection from the elements. Here is an informative article about German Shepherds and temperature tolerance. One of the most important things to be aware of if you have a GSD outside in the hot weather, especially if the dog does not have a standard Stock Coat , is that they can quickly overheat. This is true even if they are provided with adequate shade, food, and water. Overheating can lead to heatstroke or dehydration, both of which can be fatal. If you do happen to have your GSD outside on a hot day for longer than you would prefer, carefully observe his behavior. GSDs will sometimes begin digging in the ground to create a cool spot for themselves to lay in. Cold Weather German Shepherds are actually very good cold weather dogs, spending time in cold weather and living outside in it are two entirely different things. As long as a GSD can stay dry and out of the wind, it can stay outside in the cold for longer periods of time. But a German Shepherd that is forced to live outside at all times will not be able to do this. Keep in mind that during times of extremely hot or cold weather, even if your GSD really enjoys being outside, he needs to have the opportunity to come back in from time to time to avoid getting too cold. If it is an absolute must that a GSD be outside for an extended period of hot or cold weather, shelter is essential. The size of the shelter should be just large enough for the dog to lie down comfortably, and in the wintertime keep it stocked with lots of warm blankets. If you do find yourself in a situation that your dog must be outside for some time, just make sure that you do not leave your dog alone all night unattended. Should your dog fall ill due to either the heat or the cold, at least you will be in a position to catch it early and prevent even more undue hardship for your dog. This is no different than a person enjoying the outdoors on a hot or cold day. Everything is fine in moderation, but excess can lead to trouble. But if you keep your dog outside, this picture can play itself out in reverse. And unfortunately, it happens more than you may think. There are all sorts of animals that go out on the prowl at night. It may not be their intention to do any harm to your dog, but it is highly likely that they may cross paths and this can lead to an unpleasant outcome for your dog. There are also a number of animals that will directly seek out dogs and other domestic animals as a food source. Groundhogs These are large rodents about the size of a very large cat. While they will not deliberately attack your dog for no reason, if they sense a threat, they will. They are fierce and can do a lot of damage with their sharp claws and large teeth. You will often find groundhogs around newer housing developments, as the freshly dug earth is a perfect habitat for them. They are often a curiosity for larger dogs and will attack if a dog gets too close. Skunks are nocturnal and they often wander through residential yards. Though they rarely catch them, they sometimes do. Chances are that a GSD will get the better of a squirrel, but not before the squirrel defends itself with its sharp teeth and claws. Not only that, squirrels often carry diseases such as plague and Lyme disease. Raccoons Like skunks, raccoons are also nocturnal. They hunt and scavenge, and they love the taste of dog food. They know that if there are people present, then there is probably food present as well. This knowledge, along with their curious and bold nature often brings them into contact with dogs being kept outside. Raccoons are ferocious, they have strong claws and sharp teeth, and will not hesitate to defend themselves against a curious or aggressive dog. They also carry rabies so they can present a real danger on a few levels to a dog. The reality is that snakes are everywhere. If you have a backyard, you very likely have snakes burrowing in it. While most snakes are not poisonous, some are very poisonous. And some of these poisonous snakes, like pit vipers and moccasins, do sometimes come into unintentional contact with a dog that is just sniffing around through the grass. Once a snake feels cornered, it will strike with often no warning, and it only takes one bite from some snakes to be fatal for a dog. Coyotes Watch out for these, as they are becoming more and more common in suburban neighborhoods. They are responsible for a huge amount of missing cats and dogs each year. Coyotes are bold, they do not hesitate to attack, and they can easily gravely injure or even kill a large dog like a German Shepherd. If your dog is kept outside at night in a fenced-in yard or tied to something or the other, it will have no place to retreat. Another reason to keep your dog indoors. Cougars Mountain Lions Like coyotes, cougars are also finding their way into neighborhoods. Loss of habitat and drought drives their natural prey to neighborhoods to forage, and the cougars follow. A cougar may at first stumble upon a domestic dog or cat by accident, but they soon find that they make for an easy meal. They are here to stay, and they love to eat what you throw away, and they also love dog food. Deer This picture was taken from my kitchen window — and I live in a very residential neighborhood. In recent years, deer have become more prevalent in residential areas. While they may seem majestic and harmless, deer can pose a real danger to domestic animals, especially dogs. Males have dagger-like antlers that and the hoofs on all deer can be deadly when used to attack a dog. From about late March to early June, does female deer usually have fawns baby deer closeby. And like most animal mothers, a doe with a fawn will view anything that approaches as a threat and will not hesitate to be the aggressor if she senses danger to her baby. Bucks are so focused on breeding during this time that they even forget to eat, and spend a lot of time fighting with other bucks for the right to mate with nearby females. Deer are encroaching more and more into residential neighborhoods, and too often come into contact with domestic dogs. And because bucks view anything that gets in their way of breeding as a challenge, included dogs, there are unfortunately a fair number of dogs that are killed every year by bucks in rut. German Shepherd Boredom and Destructive Behavior German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and one that is left outside will without question become very bored in a relatively short amount of time. They need a lot of mental stimulation to ensure their emotional well-being and being left outside severely deprives them of this. A GSD that is bored will turn to most anything to occupy itself, and the most easily available form of expression for boredom is destructive behavior. What this means for the owner of a dog that is left outside is that they can quite possibly end up with a yard that is literally in shambles. A bored GSD will dig holes all over the place. It will also find whatever it can to chew on. Most often these items can be furniture, shrubs, hoses, sprinklers, storage containers — basically, anything that it can chew, it will chew. So keep this in mind if your dog is spending a disproportionate amount of time outside, and perhaps see what you can do to give your dog some more time inside the house. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety, Barking and Being a Rude Neighbor You may not notice it so much when your dog is barking because you are used to it, but just ask any one of your neighbors and they will no doubt tell you that they certainly notice. Leaving a German Shepherd outside for long periods of time often results in excessive barking from the dog. This is because German Shepherds, more so than other breeds, are prone to separation anxiety. Because GSDs love to be in the physical presence of their owners, being left outside will often trigger this anxiety, which often results in persistent barking. While there can be multiple causes for separation anxiety, if a dog is left outside and is barking only while it is being left alone, you can be pretty sure that this is the cause of it. The bark of a German Shepherd travels far, and can likely be heard further way than you may think. German Shepherd Lack of Socialization A German Shepherd needs to be well socialized in order to have healthy interactions and relationships in its life. This means that a GSD needs to be in contact with other people, animals, and new situations as much as possible, especially when it is younger. If a GSD is kept outside and away from people for most of its time, it will not have this opportunity. This will very likely have a negative effect on the dog. A GSD that is kept outside and away from meeting house guests and just interacting with you and your family in general on a daily basis will very likely begin to exhibit behavioral issues, including aggression. This can be a hazard to mail delivery persons, meter readers, landscapers, or basically anyone that may require access to your property from time to time. Too often dogs are kept outside as a result of their poor behavior due to a lack of socialization. But keeping a dog outside is not a solution to this problem, it instead only compounds it. They need to be with their pack as much as possible. And guess who their pack is? This means that they have the need to be physically close to you, and not kept outside and separated from you. Without a strong and consistent leader, a German Shepherd will take that role upon himself — a role that he is not mean to play. If a GSD is forced into a leadership role on his own, then he will literally take over and you can be sure that you will have a problem on your hands that can only be addressed with the assistance of a professional dog trainer. German Shepherds have and instinctual need to be close to their pack to protect it, and one is cast away to live outside, he will have a skewed perception of what is his and what is not. For example, an indoor GSD will be fiercely protective of your home because he views that as his job. But a German Shepherd that is kept outside in a yard will have a difficult time defining what is his to protect. And this will ultimately lead to a lonely, sad, and confused dog. Treat getting a GSD as if you were adding a new member to your family because you are in essence doing just that. German Shepherds are not easy dogs to take care of, and they will only flourish and be the loyal and hardworking dogs that they are known to be if you do your part and provide them with the shelter, safety, and companionship that they need. As long as you take German Shepherd dog ownership seriously, you will be rewarded with a faithful and loving companion for years to come. However, German Shepherds are very attached to their owners. They were bred to develop a devotion to their family that is hard to match. They are not designed to be outside dogs and should be around their family members as much as possible. Indoors is a much more appropriate place for German Shepherds to sleep as well as most dogs — to be fair. You should plan on your dog being an innate and vital part of your life before adopting a German Shepherd. These dogs need a lot of attention and companionship. If you want your dog to spend most of its time sleeping outside, you may want to select a different breed. We highly recommend crate training your German Shepherd at a young age. Just like any other dog, German Shepherd puppies can be quite destructive. You should always crate train your puppy. Remember, your puppy should love their crate. They should also spend the night in it — since you will be unable to supervise them while asleep. If your German Shepherd is crate trained correctly, they will likely choose to sleep in their crate even after you stop closing the door. Their crate should be their safe space. Even with proper crate training, some dogs may pick another spot around the house to sleep in—for instance, many sleep near the front door or under windows. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, they may choose the furniture as well. It is not recommended for a German Shepherd puppy to sleep outside. Puppies are not good at regulating their body temperature. The temperature changes and drafts outside can be potentially dangerous for German Shepherds younger than six months of age. While some puppies might be fine, those battling illnesses may become sick or often — which can affect their development. Nighttime is vital for crate training. Every dog should be crate appropriately trained — especially very large dogs like German Shepherds. This can be difficult to do if your canine is sleeping outside. It is best to crate train them at a young age, which would include them sleeping inside. Puppies are more susceptible to diseases. Before they are completely vaccinated, puppies are more prone to getting sick. Outside is often full of germs and parasites. While your dog does need to go outside, spending hours overnight might be a bit much. It is recommended that you keep your pet indoors to sleep until they are at least a year old and have been fully vaccinated. German Shepherd puppies need bonding time. German Shepherds need plenty of companionship. While growing up , they should be spending much of their time with their family members. Can a German Shepherd Live Outside? There are very few occasions where dogs should live outside full-time. There are a few working breeds that do good spending much time outside with their flock. For instance, the Russian Bear Dog was bred to bond closely with their flock. If these canines are used in a working manner, then it would be cruel to separate them from their flock regularly. However, German Shepherds are not one of these breeds. They bond very closely with their family and are very people-oriented. Their companionship need means that they need hours each day with their family. Otherwise, they may become destructive and even aggressive. They were bred to defend people first and foremost. Instead, they perform this job best when they are allowed plenty of bonding time with their family and kept inside. They may want a German Shepherd as an expensive alarm system or because they look fantastic. However, German Shepherds are a lot of work. They require extensive socialization and training to be good canine citizens. As brilliant dogs, they need plenty of mental stimulation. Often, this means daily training exercises, puzzle toys, and long walks. They are also highly active, require much exercise. If your dog was never trained properly, now is the time to start. If your dog is still destructive, it is likely because they are not getting enough mental stimulation. This can be hard to judge for many dogs. Usually, bored dogs will try to make their own fun, resulting in destructive behavior for seemingly no reason. Your German Shepherd may break into your cabinets or chew up your couch. Adding training and puzzle toys can help. Some dog owners opt to have their German Shepherds sleep outside because they shed heavily. This not fair to the dog. Shedding should always be managed by appropriate grooming and not simply by banning the pup from sleeping inside! Do German Shepherds Need to be Inside? If you want your German Shepherd to develop a suitable temperament, they should be allowed inside at least half of the time. These dogs are active, so they may naturally want to spend a lot of time outdoors — especially when the weather is nice. However, they should never be forced to spend the majority of their time outdoors. There are a few reasons for this: They need to bond with their family. German Shepherds rely a lot on their bond with their family members. They are people-oriented dogs that were bred for their devotion. They can become bored. German Shepherds are brilliant dogs. Their brains are always on. To develop properly, they need a lot of mental stimulation. This lack can lead to destructive behaviors. They may also bark needlessly. In extreme cases, these German Shepherds can become aggressive. They may be a bit too excited to see people, leading to over-exuberant behaviors and aggression. These dogs were designed to get much of their mental stimulation from their humans. When interacting naturally with people, they will often get much of their needs met — especially if training and new situations are part of that interaction. German Shepherds must learn to behave in the home. While these dogs are often well-behaved in the home, they have to learn how to behave well. If the dog is never allowed inside, they will likely not learn how to behave appropriately. If you want your dog to behave indoors, you have to let them indoors at least half of the time. The best time to start working on house manners is when your pup is still small — that way, he will not ingrain unwanted behaviors. If you wait until your Shepherd is grown up to teach him house manners, it will be a much harder task. Many people choose to adopt a German Shepherd to protect their home. However, if your dog is left outside, he cannot protect his home. Furthermore, dogs need the training to protect their home and people. The key is for them to be protective against the right kind of people — not everyone. German Shepherds need lots of socialization. German Shepherds need plenty of socialization. They tend to be a bit cautious of people due to their temperament. This is especially true for German Shepherds that are mixed with another guard dog breed, such as Shiloh Shepherds or King Shepherds. It can be difficult for them to get enough socialization if they spend all their time outside. They need to be around their family to learn how to interact with them. Secondly, your dog needs to be socialized with other people. Typically, this will take place indoors. This may backfire and make them more fearful of new people — since they associate strangers with scary situations. You may allow your German Shepherd to sleep outside if they are an adult and the weather is nice. However, the best spot for them is in a crate or inside. Like all breeds of shepherds , these dogs are very attached to their people. They also need plenty of socialization, so they should be around people as much as you can justify. While your canine is awake, they should be inside for much of the time — especially if their people are home. This breed needs to be with its people. As puppies, this is vital for socialization. They need to get comfortable inside a home. As adults, the mental stimulation of socializing with their people is essential to keep them happy. Otherwise, they can become bored and destructive. If you own a German Shepherd that has been crossed with more independent breeds, such as the King Shepherd crossed with Malamute and Great Pyrenees , your dog will probably do better with more outside time. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Latest Dog Articles Puppy home alone When we decide to have a puppy, no matter what breed, we, together with new and quite pleasant emotions and gain a lot of unpleasant moments. Small puppy - this is the same child, but watch out for that sometimes is more difficult than for the child. Chil Everything you wanted to know about your dog: wool Are there any dogs in the stomach hairballs? If you compare a dog with a cat, the dogs did not strongly monitor your hygiene. Dogs love lain in a different moldy stuff, bathe in dirty water, and even will not oppose whose eating - that excrement. And it i Tips novice dog breeder A complete and accurate answer for you, no one can give, because it all depends on many factors, the life of a breeder. By and large it all depends on the purpose for which purchased the dog, who will care for her, where you'll have it, and where and by w Methods of teaching a puppy Establish a connection with a young puppy can by feeding him from his earliest days. The puppy should pnyat you for it - the power supply. She should realize this and get used to you as an owner. The same way you can teach your puppy to respond to his nic When we get a dog, immediately the question arises as to accustom the puppy home "walk" in the toilet. In fact, it is not difficult. As a rule, the need arises after active play, sleep or eat. Surely, you know that pets, on the paws have pads with scent glands. So they scrape the ground and the front and hind legs, thus mark, so to speak, its own territory. Paws they scrape after urination, and also after a bowel movement. Dogs in general are b please choose. We have answers. What are French Bulldog puppies for sale near South Charleston like? A French Bulldog, often shortened to Frenchie, is a small-sized breed of domestic dog that originated in France. These pups are known for their unique bat-like ears and distinctive blue-gray color. They have a bright and playful personality and often carry a mischievous spark. Frenchies often get along well with other animals and even enjoy being held or carried. French Bulldogs are known to be loyal and affectionate, making them excellent companions. They may become a bit possessive of their owners, which their owners should remain aware of. Will French Bulldog puppies for sale in South Charleston cause me to have allergies? Although French Bulldogs can cause allergies in some people, it depends upon an individual's sensitivities. The dander, saliva, and urine of any pet can trigger an allergic reaction in someone who is sensitive to them, regardless of the type of animal. If a person has pet allergies, it's best to be mindful of their own sensitivities and avoid situations where they come in contact with animals that may cause an allergic reaction. Ultimately, it's always a good idea to consider potential allergies before adopting any pet, as no pet should cause a person to suffer from allergies. French Bulldogs are considered to be low-maintenance dogs, however they still require proper nutrition to maintain their good health and vigorous energy. It is best to feed your French Bulldog a high-quality food formulated specifically for their breed and age. Make sure to look for age-appropriate foods since puppies need a different nutrient balance than an adult dog. It's important to provide the correct balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. When deciding which food to buy, focus on the ingredients and look for real meat as the first ingredient. A great way to start is to complete a health check for your home, in order to make sure it is safe and free of hazards for your pup. It is essential to make sure the environment is puppy-friendly, and any potential hazards e. Next, create a designated area for your new French Bulldog in your home. Are French Bulldogs for sale in South Charleston considered big dogs? French Bulldogs are not considered big dogs. They are technically classified as a small breed and weigh, on average, between lbs. While their size is smaller compared with large breeds, French Bulldogs are quite strong and have muscular bodies. Some may appear bigger than their actual size due to their heavy heads and chests. Since they are compact in size, they are great for living in smaller living spaces like apartments and condos. French Bulldogs are known for being loyal, affectionate, and intelligent companions. Generally it is not recommended to take a French Bulldog running as they are a breed that can overheat easily and running can be especially strenuous on them. Additionally, depending on the individual temperament of each French Bulldog, it's possible that they could become over-excited running and this could lead to them coming to harm. That isn't to say that running is definitely a 'no' for them though it could still be possible, with the right precautionary measures and careful monitoring on your part to ensure their safety. Are French Bulldogs in South Charleston good family dogs? French Bulldogs are indeed a great choice for a family pet. They are loyal, gentle dogs that are affectionate and great with children. They are generally easy-going and not overly active making them perfect for many types of home. Plus, they're relatively small, so they don't require a lot of space. On top of all that, they're usually low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise. As a bonus, they also love to spend time with their owners, so they can easily become a part of the family. Are South Charleston French Bulldogs for sale considered smart dogs? French Bulldogs are undeniably intelligent canines. While their intelligence varies from dog to dog, their natural personable traits allow them to connect with their owners on a deeper level. With early and consistent training and socialization, they can become very capable problem solvers. They can easily pick up on basic commands in a relatively short time, and often have a knack for staying out of trouble once they understand the rules of the house. Owners can also find great joy in teaching French Bulldogs tricks, as they have an enthusiasm for learning that sets them apart from other breeds.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! Exercise Grooming In the 19th century, Shepherds bred all kinds of dogs mainly to herd and guard flocks. Thus, the dogs needed to display a high level of intelligence, extra normal strength, resilience, courage and bravery, a keen sense of smell, and trainability qualities, etc. These mongrel combinations provided dog breeds that could efficiently guard and herd flocks but differed in appearance and ability, from one locality to another. German Shepherd dogs are well known to be highly inquisitive which makes them excellent for rescue mission training. The German Shepherd has a noble character and shows very high levels of loyalty to its owners. The dog is also described as extremely territorial and has displayed characteristics of overprotectiveness in some cases. The German shepherd can survive in all types of environment; their thick furriness makes them better prepared for cold climates. German Shepherds are considered extremely playful and active. These breeds spend half of their daily routine with activities. The German Shepherd is popularly known as an athletic natured dog and requires a good dose of daily exercise to keep up muscle tone, build and development. If improperly exercised the German Shepherd has been known to become frustrated and exhibit undesirable behaviors. The German Shepherd requires an occasional brushing, as this helps with removing loose hair from its fur. The German Shepherd sheds fur once or twice a year and in this time the breed requires a lot of soft brushing. This can be done using a soft to medium bristle brush. The German Shepherd occasionally requires that its nails are trimmed off when they grow too long, however, some breeds instinctually file their nails against any hard surface that can be fine. Excessive nail growth can cause much pain and even lead to structural concerns. In choosing a German Shepherd breed you must ask yourself what it is you want in a dog and what kind of person are you? Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Healthy German Shepherds live for as long as between nine to thirteen years, however, some german shepherd has lived much longer than Thirteen years. How fast can German Shepherds run? An adult German Shepherd can run approximately 30miles per hour. Originally the German Shepherd was bred for guarding and herding of flocks. The German Shepherd dog is highly intelligent and a fairly quick learner and that is why Police and Military institutions use them in operations. How do I care for a German Shepherd dog? The German Shepherd sheds lightly all through the year so be sure to brush it at least twice weekly. Bathe it after each shedding season. Brush its teeth at least once a month. Feed with healthy meals. Routine exercise of at least 45 minutes each day is crucial to the existence of a German Shepherd. Do they shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherds sheds heavily all year round and blows the thick, dense fur under its harsh topcoat twice a year. Are German Shepherds good with kids? German Shepherds are good with kids, however, they can become very protective because of this adult supervisor is highly recommended. At what age are German Shepherds fully grown? In moderation German Shepherds, reach full maturity between months i. There have been known cases of some Eastern European lines taking up to 3years i. Why do German shepherd ears stand up? During the early puppy age weeks German shepherds have floppy ears but this usually becomes pointed ears, standing up due to the cartilage in the ear becoming hard and strong thereby making the ears stand permanently. Are male or female German shepherd more affectionate? The female may also be less tolerable than the male when it comes to playing with children. Are you interested in purchasing a German Shepherd? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. The general rule is to switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food once they reach physical maturity. For Golden Retrievers this is between the age of 12 to 18 months. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adults and need to stay on puppy food until they stop growing. Switching too early can have a negative effect on the growth and development of your pup. Golden Retrievers are considered a large breed and reach their physical maturity much later than small breeds do. All dogs differ as to when they reach maturity, which is why there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Can switch to adult food at 9 to 12 months. Medium Breeds: 20 to 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 14 months. Large and Giant Breeds: Weigh more than 50Lbs. Can switch to adult food at 12 to 24 months. He will continue to fill out until the age of 2 when he reaches his adult weight. Keeping your Golden Retriever pup on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months is a good guideline to follow. But, there are other ways to tell if your Golden is ready to make the transition. Here are some other signs that will let you know your pup is ready for adult food: Skipping Meals or Leftover Food Puppy food is designed specifically for growing puppies. It is higher in fat, calories, protein and nutrients to help support growth and development. Once your puppy reaches adulthood, he no longer needs as many calories. You may notice that your puppy is skipping meals or leaving food in his food bowl because he is still full. This is a good indication that your puppy is ready to make the switch. Puppies typically eat 3 meals a day, when you make the switch to adult food, you can also reduce the number of meals per day down to 2. Decreased Activity Level We all know that puppies have a ton of energy, and Golden Retriever puppies seem to have even more! But, with age comes a decrease in activity level. Once your puppy starts to mature, you will notice they also start to calm down. Weight Gain Once your Golden Retriever puppy is fully grown, they no longer need high-calorie food. If you continue feeding puppy food to your adult Golden Retriever, you may notice excessive weight gain. Weight gain is a clear indication that your Golden Retriever is past the puberty stage and is ready to switch to adult food. The transition to adult food is important, as puppy food can quickly pack on the pounds. Weight gain is usually seen in Golden Retrievers who are spayed or neutered because owners continue feeding them the same amount of food as before. The age of spay or neuter lines up to around the time your Golden Retriever should transition to adult food, which is when they are finished growing. Puppies require a higher amount of calories, protein, nutrients and fats in order to fuel their growth. While puppies need the proper food to grow and develop, adult Golden Retrievers require food to maintain their bodies. Puppy food is: Smaller in size, making it safer to chew and swallow. Softer in texture, catering to the softer and smaller teeth of a puppy. Contains nutrients and fats essential for bone growth, muscle development, and energy. Carefully balanced for growing puppies. Feeding properly balanced puppy food is important, and large breeds like Golden Retrievers benefit from specially formulated large-breed puppy food. Most vets and nutritionists consider a pup a large breed if they weigh between 55 to Lbs when fully grown. Large breed puppy food is lower in fat and calories than regular puppy food, and it has a carefully balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus. This allows for slow and steady growth, supporting joints and bones. For more information on large breed puppy food, check out this article from PetMD. Different quantities and ratios of nutrients are ideal for different life stages. Keeping your adult Golden Retriever on puppy food can lead to obesity and other health issues such as faster growth, which can lead to hip and elbow dysplasia. Puppy food is too rich and dense in nutrients which not only causes significant weight gain in adults but could result in stomach upset and diarrhea. It could also lead to an overdose of vitamins and minerals. Adult dog food contains nutrients that are suited for dogs who are passed their growth stage. Adult Golden Retrievers need food that helps them maintain their optimal health and weight. The switch to adult food needs to be gradual, over a period of 7 to 10 days. This will prevent any stomach upset in your pup. Basically, the best way to transition your puppy to adult food is to buy a bag of adult food when you purchase the last bag of puppy food. Gradually mix the two foods together, increasing the amount of new food over a period of 7 to 10 days. By day 9 or 10 your Golden Retriever should be eating his new adult food. If at any time during the transition period your Golden Retriever experiences an upset stomach or diarrhea, or simply resists the adult food, you can extend the transition time as needed. Final Thoughts So, as you can see there is a right time and a wrong time when you should switch your Golden Retriever puppy to adult food. Golden Retrievers grow and mature at a slower pace than smaller breeds do, and require the essential nutrients found in puppy food for much longer. It is recommended to keep your Golden Retriever puppy on puppy food until the age of 12 to 18 months. You want to gradually introduce the new food in order to avoid any stomach upset. Is your Golden Retriever puppy ready for adult food? At what age did your Golden Retriever start eating adult food? Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. 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. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months.

Dogs are loved by most humans, and the Golden Retriever happens to be one of the most popular breeds in America. They are beautiful, hardworking, and fun-loving dogs who are unconditionally affectionate toward their owners. They are very competitive and are often used in hunting scenes for sniffing out and retrieving game for hunters. Others are employed as walking guides for the blind. The high-spirited nature of puppies tends to last longer in this breed up until adulthood, so you are sure to have lots of fun with your Golden Retriever. Knowledge about their coat from pup to adulthood can help you better care for your Golden Retriever. As puppies, they are born with soft and fluffy hair coats which help to keep them warm. This hair begins to change as they grow, starting from the tail. The new growth is darker and coarser, pushing the soft and fluffy hair aside so that it forms an undercoat; this is what makes them double-coated. Shedding The Golden Retriever is quite a generous shedder, dropping the most hair during late Spring and late Fall. Care of the Coat As most Golden Retrievers have long hair, it is important to properly manage their coat. Especially as they get older, dogs of this breed may not be able to groom their fur properly, and when the thick coat is shed it may clump together and form mats. If there are twigs, leaves or grass seeds tangled up in their hair, they will be even more difficult to remove after the bath. Adult Golden Retrievers might not need to be bathed any more than once in six to eight weeks, but as puppies are much more energetic and prone to dirtying up, they might need to be bathed twice a week. You can find the best shampoo to use on a Golden Retriever's fur here. Brushing the Golden once or twice a week is good for their coat; this should, however, be increased to a daily activity during the shedding season. If you own a puppy, then you should start brushing them sooner so that they get used to it. Start with a soft brush and progress to a stiff-bristled one as they grow. A lot of commercial dog foods are well formulated to cater to those needs. There are also numerous supplements available for a long, shiny coat. If you decide to feed them homemade food, it may help to enlist the help of a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you are meeting all their nutritional needs. We recommend using an inch-wide collar for your long-haired Golden Retriever, as using a wider collar could lead to matting, and using a narrower one can cause skin irritation, asphyxiation, and hair loss. Also, while this breed is great in search and rescue operations, they can be just as clumsy and may still go missing. They will bathe your dog, clean their ears, and cut their nails. A grooming salon also takes care of trimming their coat to the length you want. If your Golden has a skin condition that requires special shampoo, you can discuss this with your groomer so that they use the prescribed skincare on your dog during their grooming session. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are a lovable breed of pets that are loyal to their families. But that beautiful coat needs care and attention to avoid getting matted. Taking proper care of them is part of our responsibility as pet owners to ensure our Golden Retrievers are healthy and happy. Golden puppies are not born with full hair, though. Instead, they have short, fluffy coats, which later grow into a long, shiny hair. So, at what age does a Golden Retriever get long hair? A Golden Retriever starts growing long hair on its tail at three months of age. The feathers on its legs, chest, and stomach start showing at about one year. Some dogs might sport longer or heavier coats than others. This article will explore what determines the age at which your Golden Retriever gets long hair. Finally, you will learn how to take care of your Golden Retriever to ensure his coat remains healthy and shiny. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! The outer coat of long hair extends to the tail and underbody but is longest in the areas where it feathers out away from the body. These areas include the tail, chest, legs, and stomach. This comes down to the specific genes they received from their parents. Note: In traditional Scotland, Golden Retrievers accompanied hunters on their hunting trips, and their work was to retrieve prey. The dogs sported long hair and thick undercoats, which protected them from the biting cold and heat. It will take about 3 months before you begin to see the first signs of longer hair, usually on their tail. From this stage on, a Golden puppy starts sprouting feathers aka longer hair. This growth marks a departure from puppy fluff and the beginning of the long, full coat characteristic of a mature Golden Retriever. This will help you estimate more accurately when your puppy might get his longer hair. Golden Retriever Hair Growth Stages As mentioned earlier, a Golden Retriever puppy starts growing adult hair at approximately three months old. However, this growth is subtle and may not be noticeable until he is closer to one year old. Your Golden Retriever can be considered to have a fully grown coat when he is two years of age. Long adult hair starts growing first at the tail. This feathering process then proceeds to the legs and stomach. With time, the entire body gets the adult coat, which tends to be darker than the former puppy fur. Feathered fur is usually light and soft and is useful for temperature regulation; it thickens during the cold season and thins during warmer months. Interestingly, Golden puppies do not shed their puppy fur. Instead, once new hair starts growing, the puppy fur gets nudged aside by the newer and longer outer coat. Golden Retriever puppies are actually born with their undercoat. They grow their long hair out over the top as they get older. Eventually, the undercoat grows thicker as the longer outer coat begins to cover it. This transition takes almost 18 months, though, for most Retrievers, the full coat grows once the dog is more than a year old. If he spends considerable time outdoors, he is bound to get a much thicker coat than if he were to stay indoors. The mature coat helps keep your dog both warm and dry, depending on the weather. The dog also sheds more during the summer months in order to keep cool. The thing is, for double-coated dogs, the undercoat grows much faster than the outer coat. As such, when you shave your Golden, the hair that grows back tends to look dull and uneven. Furthermore, your dog needs his full coat to protect him from the sun. Besides, Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders, and frequent grooming reduces the amount of shed hair found around the house. Early grooming is also beneficial in other ways: It allows your puppy to get used to grooming, thus making the activity easier and even enjoyable to him as he becomes an adult. For Golden Retrievers with long hair, grooming helps keep the hair in check and reduces excessive shedding Brushing encourages blood circulation in the skin, which stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair production. Start by using a soft brush and always ensure that you brush parallel to the hair growth. Do this daily or once a week. You may add a pin brush and a rake Amazon to your grooming tools as your puppy matures. The rake is excellent for removing debris and detangling messy undercoat hair. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! This will help make way for new growth and reduce the amount of fur that settles on your clothing. When washing your Golden retriever, try to use shampoos with the least amount of chemicals like this one at Amazon. This helps retain the hair better by reducing shedding. If your dog has skin issues, consult your vet. The vet will determine the cause of the problem and advise on diet change or the appropriate mode of treatment. These beneficial Omega acids can be in fish oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, or through additional vitamin supplements Amazon found to be good for Golden Retrievers. Also, beef bones containing bone marrow are excellent for healthy skin. Remember to clear this with your vet if your dog has allergies that would prevent him from consuming any of the recommended foods and supplements. Watch Out for Unusual Shedding Golden Retrievers shed their hair year-round but the shedding becomes especially heavy twice a year in the spring and fall seasons. However, if the shedding seems unusual or: The shedding is excessive and out of season Your dog is losing large patches of hair You may need to visit your vet since this could be a medical issue. Your dog might be suffering from a fungal or bacterial infection, a food allergy, or external parasites such as fleas or mites. If the hair loss is accompanied by a strong odor, see my article Smelly Golden Retrievers What Stinks? Here are some useful suggestions on how to accomplish this: Keep your dog clean. Long hair coats can trap twigs and leaves, which could cause the hair to tangle and mat. Always remove such items before your dog takes a bath — every weeks for adults but more often for puppies as they get dirtier. Brush the coat often. Have a regular brushing routine. Brush your Golden Retriever more often during shedding season — like daily. Provide high-quality nutrition. This should contain the right nutritional balance and include minerals, vitamins, fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Final Thoughts Every Golden Retriever follows a unique timeline when it comes to growing long hair. Even their hair color appears in different shades of gold. Keep looking out for the initial feathery patches, and once these kick in, you will be sure that long hair is on the way. With time, your reward will be a coat full of lustrous, shiny golden hair. Share 0 Shares Learning about the three stages of your Golden Retrievers coat will help you understand each stage of growth. It starts at birth as a thin short coat, morphs into a fluffy stage between months of life, and finally your dog will display their gorgeous long feathery coat as an adult. The 3 Distinctive Stages of Coat Development for a Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever was bred to have a thick double coat that meant that they could retrieve shot birds in any weather, such as during the cooler duck season. This thick coat kept them warm in cold weather, and the water flowed off their coat keeping them warm and dry. They have a lovely personality and tend to get along with everyone, young and old alike. But it is their beautiful long golden coat that they are known and admired for. But it dries to a warm soft and fuzzy stage that will keep the puppy warm and regulate their body temperature. At months of age, your GR will transition from their soft fuzzy coat which becomes the undercoat. They will start to grow their outer coat through the undercoat at this stage. Everyone loves a cute Golden Retriever puppy; they are so adorable with their fuzzy fur that makes them look more like a cuddly bear than a dog. Combined with their drop-dead good looks and their cute demeanor and cuddly disposition, you have one little puppy that will wind you around their paw and steal your heart. In the two to three months after their birth, they will be a little fuzzy ball, and here is why. The Golden Retriever puppy is born with a short thin coat of fur which is suited to them while they adjust to life and learn how get about. Their short coat is easier for the mother dog to clean, and it enables the puppy to move about unencumbered while learning how to walk, play and feed. Although their coat will start getting thicker in the first few months, they will remain short. In these first few months of life, it is a good time to train your little Golden to enjoy being groomed as this will become part of their weekly life. Brushing them while they are young gets them into the habit of being groomed because the Golden Retriever does shed a lot of fur and brushing your dog helps to control their shedding. This stage of coat growth and development happens around months of age. It often shows first in the tail area but be aware that this can vary from dog to dog. Their coat is a double coat. The undercoat is thick and protects them from heat and cold. The dense outer coat grows from amongst the underlying puppy fluff which settles to become the undercoat. At months they will start getting their adult coat. Each Golden Retriever is different, there is no set time that each stage must happen within. Asking your breeders for information about when the parent dogs of your puppy went through their coat growth stages will give you an idea of when that will happen for your pup. This full growth stage is from about 8 months onwards, again, depending on the dog. These long, beautiful hairs start on the tail, followed by the stomach, chest, and legs within their first year. From here on, the coat of the Golden Retriever will be shed several times during the year, depending on where you live and what the climate is like. The highest level of shedding occurs in the late spring, and the late fall. Other than that, they shed modestly throughout the year. When do Golden Retrievers Tails get Fluffy? Dogs are individuals, and the time that they achieve any key steps in their growth cycle can vary depending on the dog. The tail starts to fluff out at around weeks old and is made up of two layers. First there is the outer layer of long guard hairs, then the undercoat is comprised of softer, downy hairs. Each dog is different as to when their tails achieve the beautiful Golden Retriever fluffy look. The guard hairs start first on the tail which becomes fluffy and long by the time they are six to eight months old. The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed that is a great family dog. They have a lovely nature, plenty of energy, and just love their people. Their fur can get everywhere — on your furniture, on your clothes, floating in the house, and rolling around like a tumbleweed in the garden! When you get a Golden Retriever, you must accept the shedding that comes with the dog. So why do they shed so much? It is because of their coat; they are a double coated canine, which means that they have a waterproof topcoat, but they also have a soft downy undercoat. Their coat is designed by nature to help regulate their temperature. It is normally during the changes of the seasons — particularly spring and fall, that they shed the most. During summer their coat is thinner than usual, but they start growing thicker fur for the winter. But in saying that, be aware that they shed pretty much all the year around. Regular grooming with a rake comb and pin brush during grooming helps control the thick under hair. Regular brushing removes the excess loose hair from within the coat and can cut down on the amount of hair in the home. The climate where you live is a factor in the coat stages of your Golden Retriever. If you live in a hot place, they will shed their coat more to remain cool. If you live in a cold climate your golden will shed less to protect them from the icy climate. A dog who spends a lot of their time outside will develop a thicker coat than a dog that spends a lot of time indoors. As earlier stated, the Golden Retriever seems to shed all year around. But what if it is excessive, like handfuls of hair falling out — is that normal? There are certain things that can affect the amount of fur that your Golden Retriever sheds. It may just be a growth phase that they are going through, but it could be an outside influence that is causing a change in their shedding pattern. Allergy reactions due to pollen, food, or even their grooming shampoo can be a factor. You may notice them scratching more than usual. A dog with allergies also suffers from eye or ear infections so check them regularly to ensure all is well. Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can almost drive a dog mad, and you will notice your dog itching themselves and probably whining at the same time. That thick coat is an inviting place to call home for parasites, so check their coat carefully, especially after long walks in wooded areas. Stress can affect your Golden Retriever. They need to be with their owners. If your Golden Retriever is feeling left out, they may begin scratching themselves or fretting which can cause hair loss. Make sure that they are also booked in for a regular health check with your local vet. The vet put your mind at rest as to what is normal shedding and what is not. A long rake comb can really sort out the dense undercoat and pull out any loose, irritating hair while a pin brush keeps the top hairs clean and tangle-free. With a consistent routine of grooming and washing your dog, you will remove the loose hair and be able to dispose of it. Sometimes when your dog is molting shedding their hair you can grab handfuls of their hair and pull gently. Brushing daily if possible is great, otherwise, try to groom them at least three times per week. Bathing, which is important to care for the coat, needs to be done once a week, or twice a month using a suitable mild dog shampoo. This phenomenon is a natural occurrence as your Golden Retriever ages. During the puppy stage , they are more of a light golden color, but as they mature, some of the longer guard hairs darken over time. Their coat is characterized by a thick, light-colored undercoat and moderately rough darker outer coat. The climate can make a difference. A hot sunny climate where they spend a lot of time in the water can make for a lighter-colored coat. The Golden Retriever should not be shaved as it is the worst thing that you can do to your canine. If you do a complete shave, it may damage the coat and it will never grow back like before. It can also result in skin allergies and damage. The undercoat is designed to protect the dog from both hot and cold temperatures. The springtime shedding of the undercoat helps them cope with the heat. Conclusion Golden Retrievers are known for their lovely, fluffy coats and long flowing tail. Their soft golden or darker caramel colors are beautiful and new owners are attracted to their looks, good nature, and goofy, adorable antics. But like most things, there is a price to pay for their good looks, and that is that they shed a lot. But with regular grooming and brushing, a bath or two a month, and the use of low allergenic mild shampoo, you will be able to control as much of the shedding as possible. And if you ask any Golden Retriever owner, they will tell you that the shedding is a small price to pay for such an affable, glorious dog. Golden Retriever Resources and Tips. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.

Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Though, you get what you paid for. Best Features What makes the Haige heavy duty crate so much better than any other dog crate is the frame. Young Golden Retriever puppies, in the midst of teething, will certainly try to chew up the crate. So, this feature provides a great dog-safe enclosure for your pup. However, the only negative for some people is the one-door option. It makes it slightly more difficult to access whatever you put into the crate bowls, pads, etc. Because the second door is on top, it provides a clever way of getting things in dog crate without the chance of your dog escaping. The degree rotated locking caster are 4 wheels that can lock in place for better mobility. All quality dog crate should have removable plastic trays, including the Haige heavy duty. Unlike other dog crates, this brand comes with a 3-year warranty. Check out the current price and more reviews on the Haige Heavy Duty here. I must have forgot that this crate included a bowl, water, and mat for the cage. I was so happy and for the price. Such a deal! My dog has separation anxiety and destroyed a standard wire crate and a plastic crate, injuring himself while doing so. But so far no damage or injuries. Plenty of room, our dog is 65 lbs and he can turn and move easily. It provides freedom for him with an added security to me that I still have control. He is a larger dog pounds but this is strong and durable. The sling pack makes it an easy addition to our walks. I highly recommend this product! This also does not come with a divider sold separately , which I think is such an awesome feature for dog crates. Security is always important with crates, which is why the New World crate comes with slide-bolt latches to ensure your dog is safe in the cage. In fact, Golden Retrievers much prefer to chew on socks! Like the first two options, this dog crate is foldable and can collapse in a few seconds. Easily slide out the tray and hose it down or wipe it clean with ease. As mentioned, there is no divider. So, I would only recommend this for adult-sized Golden Retrievers. If you were to purchase a divider separately, it would probably cost you more. To check out the current price of the New World dog crate, click here. Extremely secure, plenty of room for our golden retriever pup plus plenty of room for her to grow into , and the thick plastic floor is very easy to clean. This crate, however, is great value. I had one downstairs but it was too troublesome to move every time I went upstairs. Now, Max can sleep upstairs too. This is super awesome, and super neat! Advantages of using a dog crate Eases the Transportation of Your Dog A fully trained golden retriever knows how to behave well. The well-spent time in dog crate training can also be applied in this situation wherein you will need to transport your dog using a crate through a long ride journey. Your dog is happy while remaining calm on the road. Because some dogs, especially puppies who are full energy will play with another dog or children endlessly. Instead, the best way to calm them down is to put them in a dog crate for just a few minutes. If they are relaxed and have calmed down, release them immediately and give them some positive reinforcement like his favorite dog treats. This is to remove the idea of punishing him through solitary confinement and feel not bad about what happened. Not to be confused with cruel punishment by confining him because you are in big trouble if you do that. And you know that having two alpha dogs living together can be a bit tough job. Although if properly trained, dominance among the two alpha male dog can be avoided it will actually take time and your best possible option, for now, is to dog crate one of them. Also, a dog crate is an excellent substitute for a kennel. By the time your dog gets used to the place of the dog crate and becomes comfortable with it, it might be useful for them to take the crate as their place of comfort. Add some bedding or blanket to ensure that your dog will feel that he is in a safe dwelling place. A Useful Place For House Training Crate training your dog is so useful that it can also help you house train your golden retriever be it a puppy or an adult dog. That said, by the time you are ready to introduce your pet to a new home, it will be easier for them to transition and get accustomed to their new home and mark it as their territory. Actually, you can use a dog crate or a playpen and either of the two will absolutely work just fine. Furthermore, crate training your dog really helps you in a lot of ways and one of them includes discipline and responsible dogs. Different types of Crates Wire Crates Wire crates are very suitable for breeds like golden retrievers to larger breeds. They are breathable and allowing the cool breeze to come into the crate, which is excellent to have especially if you live in a hotter climate. Most of the wire crates are easier to clean and it has removable trays. Actually, there are no negatives sides when using these wire crates. Perfect if you have a furry friend that is destructive chewer because the frames are steel. Plastic crates Plastic crates have are less sturdy and they are great for small to medium breeds. Also, they are very susceptible to destructive chewers and they often break compared to the metal crates. But if you are considering a long-term investment with a medium to a large-sized dog breed, better to choose the wire crates instead. Some pet owners use this as an end table. They are actually not the best when it comes to practicality and crate training. The fact that this is only for aesthetics. Surely these types of products are only for visual appeal over the quality it offers. This is perfect for medium to large-sized dog breeds who are aggressive chewers. And if your primary concern is your dog keeps on breaking free, then this is the best possible dog crate I can suggest to you. But keep in mind this is the most expensive because of the materials and added security features. Either way, the important thing is to measure first your furry friend. That way, you are able to know the specific measurement so that you can have the accurate size for your ideal dog crate. Also, dog crates are great for training your golden retriever to be responsible and become more disciplined by the time he reaches adulthood. The only issue dog crates have is if you will going to use them as a cruel punishment for your dog. And that is a big no-no and you can even send to jail. These dogs are very intelligent with a cheerful demeanor, maintaining their puppy-like personality well into adulthood. Often sought after for being loyal, social, and easy to train, Golden Retrievers are sure to become lifelong best friends to their owners. Golden Retrievers are very active dogs that require daily exercise. They enjoy physical activity, such as running and playing, but due to them being high-energy dogs, Golden Retrievers can easily over-exert themselves. This is one of the many reasons why dog crates are recommended for Golden Retrievers. Since they are naturally curious dogs, and with their playful nature, even the most unsuspecting of household items can be potentially harmful. A quality dog crate is a fundamental part of caring for your Golden Retriever. When your dog has a comfortable and safe crate to retreat to, this creates a peaceful, stress-free environment for your pup to rest. This is especially important for ensuring your dog can have some relaxation or nap time and not just remain in an adrenalized state throughout the day. When you are unable to watch or play with your Golden Retriever, it is important to keep them in a crate, to both protect them and your home. When they have a lot of pent-up energy and are left outside of a crate, that is when accidents are most likely to happen. A durable, heavy-duty dog crate brings dog owners peace of mind knowing that their furniture is safe from chewing, and, more importantly, their pup is safeguarded against injuries. Energetic dogs are significantly more likely to try to escape from crates, which can result in very serious accidents. If your dog is being housed in a flimsy wire crate, that can create a very dangerous environment for your pup, causing broken nails and resulting in teeth being snagged in holes. Additionally, wire crates are not designed for transport, providing little to no protection for your dog during car and plane travel. For at-home and on-the-road use, a weak crate lacks the proper safety features, leaving your pup vulnerable to potential injuries. Our three models; the Collapsible, Stationary, and High Anxiety crates, are constructed from durable, lightweight aluminum, allowing Golden Retriever owners to securely house and transport their pups with ease. Occasionally, Golden Retriever owners will choose the size 40 inch Impact dog crate. For Goldens on the larger end, we recommend that the customer reaches out to our reps to determine the best fit for their Impact dog crate. If you're picking out an Impact dog crate for your golden retriever puppy, our reps can help you choose the appropriate crate size based on their estimated adult size and how the crate will be used. Our aluminum dog crates are trusted by Golden Retriever owners to protect their beloved pets, and we are committed to continuing to provide premium dog products that put the safety and well-being of every dog first. Consider the age of your Golden Retriever when selecting a crate. Different types of crates offer different advantages and disadvantages. Using the wrong crate size can lead to discomfort, restricted movement, and anxiety. Make sure you understand the role of a crate, not just for training but also transportation. Crate training for Golden Retrievers requires proper timing and practice. Where to place the crate and what to put in it will help make the most of your crate. Golden Retrievers will typically grow to by 20 to 24 inches tall and up to 75 lbs, so you need to make sure to get them the right size crate. Follow these steps to determine the size of your dog: Measure the height of your Golden Retriever: Have your dog stand up straight, Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades. Add around inches to this measurement to determine the minimum height for the crate. Measure the length of your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Remember to add 2 to 4 inches to the measurement. Measure their width by having your Golden Retriever standing with their legs slightly apart. Focus your attention on the widest part of their body, which tends to be the chest area. Once again, always add up to 4 inches to the figure. Finally, you want to consider the age of your Golden Retriever. For example, if you have a puppy, keep in mind that they will grow rapidly. You may want to choose a crate that will work for their adult size or opt for an adjustable crate with dividers, so you can gradually increase the space as they grow. Your Golden Retriever puppy will rapidly outgrow a nice crate that is not suited for an adult size. Now that you have all the measurements, you can refer to this Crate Size Calculator to find out the right and best dog crate size for your golden retriever. Types of Crates For Golden Retrievers Crates come not only in different sizes, but also with different structural elements. Below, we explain the pros and cons of each type of crate. Wire Crates Wire crates are popular due to their durability and visibility, They provide excellent ventilation and are easy to clean. However, bear in mind that some Golden Retrievers tend to find them less cozy than other options. Plastic Crates Plastic crates are a popular choice for travel. They offer more privacy and create a den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. Being lightweight, they are easy to transport and provide a sense of security. However, they may not offer as much airflow as wire crates. They are perfectly suitable for strong and aggressive chewers , which is a frequent issue among puppies! Bear in mind that steel crates can be heavy and less budget-friendly than other crate types. Soft Crates Lightweight and collapsible, soft crates are convenient for temporary use, such as short transportation needs. They are not suitable for dogs that like to chew or scratch as they are easily damaged. These crates come in various materials, including wood or wicker, and provide a stylish alternative to traditional crates. Yet, they may be less durable, and some favor design over ventilation. Recommendations for Best Golden Retriever Crates We suggest discussing crate recommendations with your veterinarian and your Golden Retriever breeder for tips and favorite brands. It has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning and folds down for storage. Having double doors on the crate is a practical feature as it offers convenient access and flexibility in terms of crate placement. The secure locking mechanism adds an extra layer of safety. Cons: While the crate is generally considered of decent quality, there could be durability concerns for dogs with a history of trying to escape crates. This means it might not be the most suitable option for such dogs. This plastic crate is airline-approved in the USA and provides a secure and comfortable space for your Golden Retriever during air travel. It features ventilation on all sides and a durable, heavy-duty construction. Withstood mile flight. Arrived on time. Easy to set up. Met all airline guidelines for flying pets. The dog had ample room for a mat. Adding that this is also rust resistant! Spacious and roomy: The crate offered plenty of space for dogs to stand up and move around comfortably. Cons: Durability concerns: Considering the price paid for these crates, it was mentioned by previous buyers that they were not as sturdy as expected. This raised doubts about their long-term durability. Potential safety issues: The crate had plastic edges and lips that protruded, which proved problematic for dogs with severe separation anxiety. If you have a strong and powerful Golden Retriever, this steel crate is an excellent choice. It has reinforced steel tubing and multiple locks for maximum security. I used to worry while I was out, and would come home to a 45 min cleanup, not anymore! Thanks for the great product that is, as advertised. It effectively prevents the dog from escaping and causing damage to the surroundings, giving peace of mind when leaving my dog alone. Durability and strength: The crate is built to be indestructible, and it lives up to its claim. The sturdy construction and quality materials used make it resistant to escape attempts and capable of withstanding the efforts of even the most determined dogs. Cons: Inconvenient assembly and weight: The crate can be challenging to assemble due to the use of hex screws, which may not be the most user-friendly option. Additionally, it is quite heavy, making it less portable and difficult to move around. Grated bottom design: The grated floor of the crate, although intended for easy cleaning in case of accidents, may not be comfortable for dogs to lie on or move around. Some dogs may find it less appealing, and additional padding or a flat surface may be necessary to ensure their comfort. This soft crate is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for temporary use. It features three mesh doors for easy access and ventilation. I used it for a weekend dog show and plan on using it often. I may need to purchase another for my other pup! It provides ample room for your golden retriever puppy to stand up and stretch out, allowing for comfort and mobility. Lots of ventilation: The 4-door model offers excellent cross-ventilation options, making it suitable for hot weather conditions. Sturdiness and portability: The crate feels sturdy and durable, giving you confidence in its ability to contain my dog. Lightweight: Despite its strength, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and handle. The included storage bag with various handle options adds to its portability. Cons: Limited instructions and assembly complexity: The provided instructions were not comprehensive, and there was a lack of guidance on disassembling the crate. Assembly can be straightforward, but taking it down and folding it back may require some trial and error. It may not be suitable for dogs with such behaviors, and additional caution is necessary. Additionally, the larger windows and netting material can pose risks for puppies, as they may get caught or try to escape through them. This aesthetic crate combines the functionality of a wire crate with a stylish cover. It blends well with home decor and provides a cozy den-like environment for your Golden Retriever. No more stuck paws. After my puppy got her paw stuck twice in the kennel bars and woke me up screaming, I knew I needed to find a way to make her kennel safer. This is a great solution. Not only does it keep her from accidently getting caught in the bars, it looks great and is high quality and well made. My huge kennel looks so much nicer in my room now and the crate pad is pretty nice. I love the option for side or front entry too as my kennel has both. The fabric is described as plush and the bumper and pad offer protection from the wires of the crate, making it more den-like and cozy. The set created a more appealing and inviting space for the dog. Cons: Inadequate size and ties: There were issues with the sizing and ties of the bumper set. The side panels were reported to be slightly short for the cage, which could affect the overall fit and coverage. Additionally, the ties on the bumper set were not sturdy enough and ripped easily, particularly during playful interactions inside the crate. Misleading washing instructions: While the packaging stated that the set was completely machine washable, the bumper was later found to be spot clean only, resulting in twisting and seams starting to rip after washing. One user felt that the packaging and description were misleading, and that clearer instructions should have been provided. Advantages of Choosing the Right Crate Size Comfort A properly sized crate ensures your Golden Retriever has enough space to lie down, stand, turn around, and stretch comfortably. Safety The right crate size prevents your Golden Retriever from getting stuck or injured while inside. It reduces the risk of accidents or escape attempts. Effective House Training A correctly sized crate aids in house training by discouraging your Golden Retriever from soiling their sleeping area. It helps establish a routine and promotes bladder control. If the crate you choose is too small, your dog will be uncomfortable. And if the crate you choose is too big, they may feel comfortable pottying inside of it. Downsides of Choosing the Wrong Crate Size Beware of some of the most common issues when picking the wrong crate size. A crate that is too small can cause discomfort, stiffness, and limited mobility for your dog. Insufficient space in the crate may prevent your dog from stretching, changing positions, or engaging in natural behaviors. Finally, a cramped or confining crate can lead to anxiety and stress for your Golden Retriever , resulting in behavioral issues or reluctance to enter the crate. A crate offers several benefits for both you and your Golden Retriever. Crates provide a secure and private space where your Golden Retriever can retreat when they need rest or alone time. The crate helps build a routine and provides a designated area for your dog. Crating your Golden Retriever when unsupervised can prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviors, such as chewing furniture or household items. Finally, a crate will give your dog safety and prevent distractions while traveling in a car or an airplane. Benefits Of Crate Training Crate training can present many benefits, such as accelerating house training. The crate helps establish a routine and teach your Golden Retriever to hold their bladder and bowels until they are outside. For anxious dogs, crate training can provide the safety and secure space they need to rest and feel protected. Finally, crate training also reduces separation anxiety through a cozy environment. Of course, it is important to ensure the crate is well-ventilated and meets the necessary travel requirements and airline approvals. Ideally, you want to start crate training when your Golden Retriever is still a puppy. Puppies are more adaptable and open to learning. However, that being said, crate training can be successful at any age. Make it more comfortable by providing toys, blankets, and treats. Step 2: Once your pup is at ease, close the door and bring toys and treats inside. Keep an eye on them and let them out if they become distressed. Step 3: Increase the time your puppy spends in the crate with the door closed gradually, and step away from the crate while they are distracted. Step 4: Extend the time you are away from the crate. Remember, crate training requires patience , consistency, and positive reinforcement. Make it comfortable! Add a soft and washable bedding for your Golden Retriever to rest on inside the crate. Never rush the introduction phase. Always introduce the crate slowly, allowing your dog to explore and associate it with positive experience. They should always see the crate as a positive place to be. Clean the crate regularly. Opting for washable beddings makes it easy to maintain the crate. You should also wipe down any surface after use, especially for temporary or transportation crates. Remember to use safe and gentle cleaning products. Provide toys and chewable treats for your dog when they get in the crate. This will engage their mind and keep them entertained. Make sure you put the crate in a quiet, sheltered and well-ventilated spot inside your home. Poor placement of your crate may cause stress for your dog. Conclusion Choosing the right crate size for your Golden Retriever is crucial for their comfort, safety, and effective training. Measure your dog accurately and consider their age when selecting a crate. Bear in mind that crates can come in a variety of materials, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of each crate type. It may be worth having more than one crate if you suspect they will need to cover different purposes. Finally, crate training your Golden Retriever provides numerous benefits, both for your dog and for you. Generally, it is recommended not to exceed hours for adult dogs. Should I crate my Golden Retriever at night? Crate training your Golden Retriever at night can help with house training and provide a safe space for them. However, ensure the crate is appropriately sized, comfortable, and placed in a quiet area. Is it better for dogs to sleep in crate or bed? Some dogs feel more secure and comfortable in a crate, while others may prefer sleeping in a bed. What age can dogs stop sleeping in crate? The age at which dogs can stop sleeping in a crate varies. Some dogs may be ready to sleep outside the crate as early as months as they are fully house trained too. Others may benefit from longer crate usage as their house training progresses. Most pet carriers are designed with safety features that protect your dog from injury during travel, such as secure latches and ventilation. Additionally, many airlines require pets to be transported in an approved carrier that meets certain size and weight restrictions. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal transportation specialist for advice on safe and comfortable ways to transport your dog. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Too large or too small and it will not be fit for purpose. You have to get this just right. This article will discuss all these factors so that by the end you will be highly informed and confident in making the correct buying decision. A crate should be just big enough for your dog to stand up without hitting their head, to turn around comfortably, and provide room to lay on their side with their paws stretched out before them. This is an unnecessary waste of money. Many brands of dog crates have dividers available that can be used to reduce the available space of a larger crate to suit a puppy. The divider is a removable panel you can place inside the crate to reduce the space to suit the size of your dog. So my advice is to buy a crate large enough to suit an adult Golden retriever, then use a divider to scale it down to a size that suits a puppy. This will save you money in the long run. However, the best way to know what size crate your Golden Retriever needs is to measure their size and buy the crate that best fits. Add 4 inches and this is the height of the crate you want to purchase so your Golden can comfortably sit or stand inside without hitting their head on the ceiling. Secondly, have your dog stand on all fours and referring to the picture, take measurement B, from the base of their tail to the tip of their nose. Again, add 4 inches and this is the perfect length of the crate for your Golden to be able to lay down comfortably without being cramped. So to summarise, your Golden needs a crate of height A plus 4 inches, and of length B plus 4 inches. So now you will be able to get exactly the right size crate for your adult Golden Retriever. But how about buying a crate for a puppy? As previously discussed, I recommend you purchase a crate for an adult Golden and use a divider to make it suit your puppy, thereby doing away with the need to upgrade to increasingly bigger crates 3 or 4 times during their first 18 months. But if you do wish to have crates just right for your puppy without the use of a divider, please take measurements as detailed in the previous section to guide you in your buying decision. And be prepared to upgrade and replace every 4 or so months as they grow. The sheer number of different styles of dog crates on the market is quite startling. There are crates made of wire, plastic, wood, cloth, and many more besides. As explained on www. There is still some variety of styles available within this one type: Some have a single door, some have two or three. Most have a removable plastic tray at the base…but not all. But with these choices aside, what are the pros and cons of a wire crate: The Advantages Of A Wire Dog Crate Very strong, durable and long-lasting Very easy to keep clean Most have a slide out tray as a base that makes cleaning after accidents very easy make sure to look for this feature when buying! Folding ones are available for easy storage or moving the crate They allow the maximum flow of air compared to other styles, making them most suitable to hotter climates. They allow maximum visibility of the surroundings to the dog inside. This can be important for some dogs. Dividers are readily available for most models so you can buy a large one and re-size it for a puppy instead of replacing it as they grow. Though you can of course cover them if necessary. They are one of the easiest types to escape from if your dog is a budding Houdini! They are noisy if placed on solid surfaces and you have a fidgety dog.