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For dogs under the age of 7 years, visit your vet every year. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat your dog for parasites and worms. Dogs that are over the age of 7 years should visit the vet every 6 months. The vet will check for signs of illness, keep them up to date on vaccines, and will treat for parasites and worms. Responsible dog owners get their pets vaccinated regularly, wormed, and treated for parasites such as fleas. Vaccination is essential even if you carry your toy poodle everywhere, or he rarely goes outside. This is because some infections such as parvovirus are caused by particularly hardy viruses that can attach to your shoes. Therefore, they can still pose a risk to even the most pampered of poodles. Talk with your vet about implanting a microchip in your dog. A microchip will help you track the dog if he gets lost. One of the health problems that toy poodles are prone to in later life is diabetes mellitus sugar diabetes. The hormones associated with estrous heat in the female can trigger diabetes. Therefore, it is wise to get your female toy poodle spayed. Toy poodles often live into their teens. Each time a bitch has a season, it weakens the lining of her womb and makes her more likely to develop a pyometra, which is a potentially life-threatening womb infection. Thus, spaying whilst she is fit and strong removes the possibility of needing emergency surgery in later life when anesthesia can pose a higher risk. Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. Neutering a male is mainly done to prevent unwanted breeding and to control behavioral issues such as aggression or dominance. Talk with your vet to learn more. Small but resilient, toy poodles often live well into double figures. They do however tend to suffer from health issues as they age. Diabetes, poor teeth and heart disease are most common. These issues, once identified, can often be managed in order to help your pet live a long and active life. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your vet. Some Final Words After you decide on a toy poodle and the gender, you still have to decide on the type of food you will feed him or her. Plus, you have to learn how much to feed your little puppy. Once you make all the decisions, the rest should be easy. To learn how to feed your toy poodle and what food you should use, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so that your little fell or gal will be healthy for years to come. Take a few minutes to see how important this information is. You do not want to feed too much to your little pet. It is easy for a dog to gain weight and become too fat. Then you have the difficult task of getting them to slim down. That may be harder than it is for you to stick to a diet. You can feed them a little less if you want to but not too much less. Their growing bodies need the nourishment of nutritious dog food. Many dogs may whine if they are only fed once a day and the reason for that is that they are probably hungry. However, you do not want to serve them large meals each time you feed them. Split the amount up over the number of times they eat so that they get the same amount of food. Also, you may give more food if your dog is a little more active than average. While you do not want to over-feed your pet, you also do not want to underfeed them either. For the most part, this will be up to you. Many people like to feed their dogs only once a day. But if their day is active, your pet may be hungry again in the evening or at night. It is not cruel to feed a dog once a day but if your pet is hungry, you should make allowances in the schedule to make sure they are getting their full nourishment share each day. To add a little variety to their diet, you can mix in some human food. The type of human food you give your toy poodle should be healthy and full of vitamins and minerals. For specific foods to share with him or her, talk to your vet. A lot of times, poodles and other dogs will decide which human food they like. While some people recommend up to three times a day, there is a risk of over-feeding your pet and giving them too much food. Of course, if your pet is very active, then you may give them some extra meals or snacks but not too much. The risk of over-feeding your poodle is great and your treasured friend may develop different diseases if you overdo the feeding portion of their day. There are some foods that your pet should not or cannot eat. Some of those food items are chocolate, xylitol, grapes, macadamia nuts, raisins, or drink alcohol. While these items may make your dog beg for some, resist their puppy dog eyes, and say no. Every dog owner and vet have their own personal favorites. You can choose any one of the top brands on the market today be wary of the cheap off-brand varieties. Those cheaper foods may fit your budget, but they are not as healthy as the top brands are. They do not have the very best or healthiest ingredients in them. Some Final Words Feeding your pet is a bit of trial and error. With every dog being different, you have to find the right amount of food and the right number of feeding times for your dog. Make food adjustments as you monitor their weight and their growth. Taking care of your pet means making sure they are getting the proper diet and exercise as well as the right amount of food. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As your Toy Poodle puppy is maturing and growing, it is crucial to provide it with the proper diet and our Toy Poodle feeding chart will help you. This comprehensive manual is packed with advice that will assist you in providing appropriate portions. Provide a healthy and well-balanced diet tailored to the specific requirements of your Toy Poodle puppy. Until they are six months old, Toy Poodle puppies should eat three or four small meals a day. The six-month mark marks the time when you should begin reducing their daily intake to two meals. Toy Poodle Feeding Chart RER is the amount of energy a Toy Poodle puppy needs at rest to keep their vital organs working, including their respiratory system, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Hence, your Toy Poodle puppy would require about calories per day in order to keep its body running normally while at rest. You should talk to your vet about how much food and how many calories your Toy Poodle puppy needs. Begin feeding your dog wet puppy chow and other solid foods around week 5. Have patience as your dog undergoes the transition to a new diet. Provide quarter cup of food at each of three to four meals a day. Maintain a regular feeding schedule, and transition your puppy to a dry kibble diet. Keep an eye out for signs of diarrhea and make sure they have plenty of water. Provide plenty water and keep an eye out for symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. It may be beneficial to eat only twice or three times a day instead of six or seven times a day. Maintain a steady supply of fresh water and watch for signs of diarrhea or weight gain. Toy Poodle puppies require a high-quality meal that has been developed just for them. Keep an eye out for symptoms of bloating, gas, or constipation. You should start transitioning your Toy Poodle to an adult diet as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for any signs of bloating, gas, or an allergy. Never stop providing a healthy, age-appropriate diet and plenty of fresh water. Maintain a healthy, age-appropriate diet while keeping an eye out for tummy troubles, allergies, or excess weight gain. Toy Poodles are prone to being overweight, so take care not to overfeed or underfeed them. You should feed them twice a day, each time with about a half cup to three quarters of a cup of food. Adjust feeding amounts based on indicators of gastrointestinal distress, food allergies, or weight gain. High-quality protein, vital fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are all components of a healthy diet. A 4-pound Toy Poodle puppy would need roughly calories per day, or calories per pound of body weight. Their calorie requirements will rise as they get taller. Try to eat meat, fish, and eggs as protein sources. Puppies need DHA and other essential fatty acids for proper brain and eye development. Before they reach about six months of age, Toy Poodle puppies should be fed three to four small meals every day. Take into account their age, and degree of activity when determining the appropriate portion size for their meals. To find out how much food your puppy should be eating, talk to your vet. You should also provide your puppy access to clean water at all times and steer clear of feeding it any human food or table scraps to prevent them from becoming overweight or nutritionally deficient. Kibble vs Wet Food For Toy Poodle Puppies Puppy kibble and wet food are both good options for feeding your toy poodle, but they are not identical. Kibble is practical since it can be stored easily and it helps maintain dental health by stimulating jaw movement and cleaning teeth. Nevertheless, puppies of the toy poodle breed may have trouble chewing and digesting this food if they have dental problems or a sensitive stomach. Conversely, wet food may be more appealing to fussy eaters because of its quicker digestion and higher moisture content. More moisture is provided, which is great for toy poodles because they often become dehydrated. It can get pricey and go bad rapidly if left out for too long. Toy poodle puppies can do well on either dry kibble or wet food, or a mix of the two, but the best option will ultimately depend on your dog and his or her preferences and dietary needs. The changeover is expected to take around a week. As the puppy becomes older, they can transition to adult food by eating a combination of the two, with the amount of adult food increasing as the puppy food decreases. You should also be sure to provide your toy poodle with high-quality adult dog food. There are a number of potential causes if your Toy Poodle puppy is not eating. Puppies often lose their appetite at times of rapid development, teething, or stress. But, if your puppy refuses to eat for more than a day, you should take him to the vet to rule out any serious health problems. If your dog is picky eater, consider breaking up their meals into several smaller servings and giving them more often. You may also try moistening their kibble with warm water or chicken broth. You should also make sure your puppy gets lots of activity and drinks plenty of water. Toy poodle puppies, should not be freefed, or let to graze on food left out all day. Puppies have special dietary demands that must be met in order to guarantee they grow and develop normally. Overeating, obesity, and behavioral issues including food guarding and hostility are all possible outcomes of a freefeeding regime. Providing your toy poodle puppy with measured meals at set times throughout the day is advised. This will control their eating habits and make sure they have enough to eat to be healthy. This dry dog food is made for developing puppies who like smaller kibble. DHA from fish oil promotes brain, vision, and learning health. An antioxidant and vitamin E and C mix also boosts immunity. Pros DHA from fish oil for brain and eyes Healthy immune system form antioxidant and vitamin E and C No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives Comprehensive and Balanced Nutrition 2. For If you have a small-breed puppy like the Toy Poodle, this is the perfect supper for them. This dry dog food is designed for your growing small-breed pup. The first ingredient, farm-raised chicken, delivers quality protein to help your little companion grow strong muscles. It contains 22 essential nutrients, including omega-3 DHA, which improves cognition and makes your pup smarter and more trainable. A Poodle puppy, especially a miniature poodle puppy, has specific nutritional needs that should be taken into consideration when deciding how much to feed them. The amount of food that a poodle puppy needs is dependent on their age and size. Generally speaking, poodle puppies can eat wet food three times a day until they reach six months of age, after which they can switch to two meals per day. However, the exact amount of food should be tailored to your individual puppy and will depend on their activity level, growth rate and appetite. If you are unsure how much to feed your puppy it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian for advice. In order to ensure that your Poodle puppy gets all the nutrients they need it is best to provide them with high-quality wet food specifically designed for poodle puppies. When it comes to feeding your poodle puppy, you may be wondering if they should receive any kind of supplements in addition to their regular diet. The answer is yes, supplements can play an important role in the overall health and wellbeing of your poodle puppy. Feeding your poodle puppy these supplements will help them to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Supplements can provide essential vitamins and minerals that are not found in traditional dog foods. Additionally, they can provide essential fatty acids that are needed for growth and development. Additionally, some supplements can assist in the digestion process and help reduce the risk of certain diseases. When choosing what type of supplement to feed a poodle puppy, research the product carefully and make sure it meets the nutritional needs of your particular breed of dog. When it comes to feeding a toy poodle puppy, it is important to recognize that they have different needs than an adult poodle. Toy poodles are small dogs and require smaller portions of food compared to larger breed dogs. The amount of food you should feed a toy poodle puppy depends on several factors, such as its age and activity level. Generally, puppies need to be fed three times daily with the appropriate amount of dry dog food that is formulated for their specific age group. It is also important to make sure your toy poodle puppy has access to fresh water at all times. As your puppy grows older, you may need to adjust the amount of food you feed them accordingly. Additionally, if your puppy becomes overweight or underweight, consult with your veterinarian for advice on how much and what type of food would be best for them. When it comes to feeding a toy poodle puppy, the best practice is to feed them small meals per day. It is important to measure out the amount of food that you are feeding your toy poodle puppy. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues in your puppy. You should also make sure that you are providing your pup with high-quality nutrition that will help promote their overall health and well-being. Additionally, it is important to watch closely how much they are eating so as not to overfeed them. When it comes to feeding a toy poodle, the type of nutrition needed is going to depend on your individual pup. Generally speaking, the nutritional needs for a toy poodle are similar to those of any other small breed puppy. This puppy formula will provide not only the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for healthy growth and development, but also beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that can help keep their coat and skin in good condition. Toy poodles may also benefit from an age-appropriate diet or food designed specifically for their breed that accounts for their smaller size and higher metabolism. In addition, you should make sure to provide plenty of fresh water throughout the day to keep your pup hydrated. Depending on age, poodles may require different levels of calories, protein, and other nutrients. Also, there are a variety of different types of dog food formulated for puppies and adult dogs. Therefore, feeding amounts may also vary based on life stage, lifestyle, size, and body condition. Toy poodle puppies need a lot of protein for their muscles, calcium for their bones, and calories for growth. How much to feed a toy poodle puppy is what we want to guide you on in this article. Too little or too much of any nutrients can harm your puppy. Maintain a good weight Sometimes, all you need to do is serve your toy poodle puppy with just the amount of food he needs. That is how you maintain a good weight for the puppy. When the pups are very young, they rarely get too thin or too fat. At this stage, they usually eat what they need, not more, not less, as long as the food is available. How to determine how much food to give to the puppy To determine how much to feed your toy poodle puppy, first find out the number of food calories the puppy needs for proper growth. Likewise, determine the amount of protein and calcium your puppy needs for proper muscle growth and bones to stay healthy. You should give any poodle under twelve months old dog food for puppies only. Be specific when choosing the right food. Make sure you take food that is labeled puppy food and is meant for toy dogs. The right frequency for feeding toy poodle puppies Puppies are often fed more than adult dogs because they still have small stomachs that can only accommodate small amounts of food, but that also need to be filled more frequently. Therefore, feed a toy poodle puppy small meals but regularly. The most preferred amount is four meals per day until the puppy is three months old. After that, feed your toy poodle puppy three meals daily until he turns six months old. Finally, give him two meals daily from when he is six months through adulthood. What to serve your puppy and how to do it Commercially dry kibble is one of the most popular options for toy poodle puppies. Besides being reasonably priced, it contains balanced nutrition for the puppies. Also, kibble is convenient and good for the little and delicate teeth. You can add a little warm water to the food to make it easy to eat and moisturize it. Also, you can add a little canned food to whatever food you are serving for extra flavor and nutrition. Another convenient feeding option is wet food. Canned food is majorly wet food and is digestible. Many of them are full of balanced nutrition. Give your puppy more wet nutritious food if he needs better hydration or has a problem with his teeth. Canned food usually contains 75 percent moisture, which is a lot more than the 6 to 10 percent for dry food. Final Verdict By now, you should know how much and how often you should feed a toy poodle puppy. It is a skill that, when learned, you can be an excellent owner or breeder. That is why you should take this information seriously. With the right amount of food every day, your toy poodle puppy will be strong, healthy, and growing appropriately. Related Posts. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. This will be easier for them to chew and swallow than large pieces of kibble. Weight ranges can vary quite considerably, so some puppies will naturally need a lot more food than others. One way you can adjust your meal sizes is by working with your veterinarian. If you struggle to feel any definition, your puppy could benefit from smaller meal sizes. But, if their ribs are very prominent, they could benefit from slightly larger meal sizes. You should always work with your vet when adjusting meal sizes to ensure that everything is done in a safe and healthy way. But, since Poodles have so much curly fur, seeing them can be hard even if they are overly prominent! As they get a little older, this can decrease to 3 meals. And, when your puppy is at their adult size, this can decrease to two meals per day. How to Choose the Best Puppy Food? There are a lot of commercial options to choose from when searching for the best Poodle puppy food. You will find dry options, wet food, grain free varieties, limited ingredient recipes, and more. Some owners even choose to make homemade meals for their dogs, or raw diets. However, homemade diets are more likely to be nutritionally imbalanced, which can lead to health problems. Commercial food brands offer a lot of choice. There are pros and cons to every food type, so it can also help to speak to your veterinarian. For instance, wet food is often the most palatable, but it can be hard to use in training and has a shorter expiry date than other types. Grain free food is associated with some health-related concerns, but studies have determined the need for more research into a link, and this food type can be better for puppies with allergies. And, kibble food is easy to store and use during training, but can contain unwanted ingredients, like unnecessary fillers. Slowly substitute in your new food over the course of a week, until the old food is completely removed. Doing this too quickly can result in stomach upset and digestive issues. You will also need to transition to an adult food variety when your puppy has stopped growing. Toy Poodles will often finish growing somewhere between 6 and 8 months. Miniature Poodles can take between 8 and 12 months. And Standard Poodles can take up to 18 months. The transition to an adult food should also be gradual, taking space over the course of a week. Is My Poodle a Healthy Weight? However, all Poodles are different. They will grow at different rates and will have different healthy adult weights. They will be able to help you make any suitable adjustments if your puppy needs to increase or decrease their weight to remain healthy. Obesity and excess weight can cause and worsen some serious health problems in our pet dogs. They can help to adjust meal sizes where necessary. And, they can look for any underlying causes to high appetite levels in your Poodle. This often happens when people first bring their puppy home, leading to panic and stress! However, puppies can also feel stress and fear when moving to their new homes. And, this can cause a loss of appetite. Or, if they think something better might be on offer. For instance, if you tend to feed them table scraps, they might leave their food to try and get more tasty treats. Doing so will prevent obesity and weight gain. Completing all of your training in the morning will pose the same problems as feeding your puppy a very large meal first thing in the morning. Another benefit of this is that your puppy will be extra hungry and motivated to work for their food if training is before each mealtime. How Much to Feed a Poodle Puppy — A Summary All Poodles are different from one another, so the amount of food they need each day and at individual meal times will vary. But, they usually need some adjusting. Have you got any tips for raising a healthy Poodle puppy? Let us know in the comments! Readers Also Liked.
Lifespan Sociability The price of Box Heeler puppies, as with any crossbred mix, is influenced by the cost of the parental breeds. If the pedigree of the parents is high quality, then the puppies, although hybrids, will be more expensive. If one of the parents is simply a more expensive dog breed, then the price of the puppies may go up, although it will always be much lower than any purebred would be. Another factor that goes into determining the price of your new pet is the breeder from which you buy it. Make sure you find a reputable breeder who treats their dogs well. Although they are not as common as some other designer dog breeds, if this specific dog is the one you are looking for, check out your local animal shelters to rescue your Box Heeler pup instead. Box Heelers may be intolerant of hot weather. The extremely short hair on a box heeler often means that it is more difficult for them to self-regulate their temperatures and they are more prone to sun damage. Dogs with a moderate amount of hair have more protection from harmful rays and can insulate themselves, both from the heat and colder weather. If you have a Box Heeler or are interested in purchasing one, be sure that you can provide areas of shade for them if they are outside during hot days. Boxers were developed in Germany for dirty jobs. Many designer breeds were not bred until recently. This lack of history often means that there is not much information on their shared characteristics. One of the parents of the Box Heeler is the Boxer, initially bred in Germany in the 19th century. Many believe that the German created the dog from a broad mix of other dogs, including Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Terriers, and perhaps Great Danes. The goal was to breed a dog of a moderately large size and muscular build, but an athletic body to work as bull-baiting dogs. Nowadays, Boxers are commonly used as working dogs, having been one of the first breeds trained as a police dog. They also make for wonderful companion dogs and have even been trained as seeing-eye dogs and to aid those with other disabilities. Both parents have strong prey drives bred into them. The Box Heeler often has the same high prey and herding drives associated with both of the parental breeds. They may even try to herd people around the house. This prey drive comes from the cattle herding history of Boxers, and the herding drive is from the Blue Heelers of Australia. Your Box Heeler puppy can make the perfect hunting companion or be ready to herd anything that walks if trained the right way. They are known to be patient dogs, although they are often stubborn and have strong independent streaks inherited from their Blue Heeler parents. Since Boxers may be hostile around new animals and people, it is vital to socialize your Box Heeler puppy early on. By participating in early socialization, you set your dog up for a more calm and content life, easily getting along with new dogs and being less hostile around other animals in general. Both of the dogs involved in parenting the Box Heeler are quite intelligent and inquisitive. To satisfy a Box Heeler, they need physical attention and mental stimulation. Consider taking them to a dog park or training them on dog courses. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Although they can be independent at times, they like to feel as though they are a functioning part of the pack, which is what you and your family will be to them. Box Heelers are quite gentle around things smaller than them as long as they are introduced well. Still, for one territorial animal to get along with another, they need to experience other animals and strangers often. Socialization helps them respond positively to newcomers, no matter how fluffy they are. Look for foods that are high-quality and meant to feed large dogs with high amounts of energy. If they are treated as working dogs, they will need even more food to give them the endurance they need throughout the day. Do not free-feed Box Heelers, to keep them from overconsumption. On average, an active adult will need around 3 cups of high-quality food a day. Try to sync this schedule with your eating schedule, or change it to morning and evening if that is easier. A working dog is fit and accustomed to large energy outputs daily. However, this is taken care of by their daily routine. If the dog is a family pet, they need a moderate amount of exercise a day. Generally, take multiple walks around 30 minutes in length. They should be walked an average of 9 miles a week to keep them happy and healthy. They want to know the right thing to do and how to do that thing well. They can have stubborn and independent streaks. A Blue Heeler can have fluffier coats with moderately long hair. The grooming of a Box Heeler depends on the coat that it has inherited. They often have short hair that is quite dense. Fur like this needs to be brushed at least once a week to limit any shedding. Use a pin brush or a firm bristle brush to get the job done. Bathing a box heeler should only be done if absolutely necessary to keep its skin healthy. Although these dogs should always live in the house with their families, they are a mixture of breeds that thrive on lots of activity. These dogs are responsive to training but could be challenging to manage on a leash if they reach the pound mark and are untrained. These dogs are susceptible to a few health problems that can have serious consequences. Box Heelers may show aggression toward dogs from outside the household, a trait inherited from both parent breeds. Although these dogs usually do well with others when carefully introduced, some will not get used to other pets. Although these dogs have an energy level perfect for children, the Heeler side of their family makes them inclined to bite or nip. You might end up seeing your dog attempting to herd your children and their playmates! If you live in an apartment or otherwise lack access to a yard, one of these dogs may not be the best fit for your lifestyle. These dogs require access to a fenced yard and are unlikely to be satisfied with just a daily walk. These dogs have moderate feeding requirements not easily met with low-quality food. Cheaper food does not necessarily provide everything these dogs need for optimal health. You may save some money with more affordable food at a minimal benefit to your dog. These dogs are also quite energetic. These dogs are ideal working dogs ready to face any challenge head-on. Although there is always a possibility of health issues, most dogs are healthy. A healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and regular physical activity will help prevent some problems like obesity. Whether these dogs inherit a Boxer or Heeler coat, they require less grooming than many other breeds. Weekly brushing using a traditional bristle brush will help keep the worst of the shedding under control. Box Heelers tend to be somewhat wary of unfamiliar people. Strangers coming into your home and strange dogs in your yard get the same suspicion. These dogs can easily keep pace with you and will enjoy the chance to be outside and around you. Although these dogs are not very tall, they will have a long body shape. This dog will fall on the medium to the large side of things in size. When a Box Heeler is in motion, he will have an agile gait, also easily described as purposeful. These dogs are always ready for action, and their appearance shows how much they want to jump into everything. The coat colors that are most typical of this mix include Brindle and Blue. These dogs have hair that is of medium length and straight, with a reasonably dense coat. All of these dogs have brown eyes and noses. This designer crossbreed will likely enjoy an average lifespan of about ten to 15 years. Although purebred Heelers are among some of the most long-living dogs, Boxers often have a shorter lifespan because of common health concerns. These dogs have a lot to give their families, making them one of the best choices overall. However, if you should see a breeder that provides these types of puppies, you will want to ensure the breeder uses humane practices. For example, breeders who breed for quality will use dogs that come from healthy lines—keeping the health of dogs from both sides of the family increases the chances of breeding much healthier puppies. When breeders use dogs that come with better pedigrees, there is a greater chance that you will pay more for a puppy. Some breeders select their breeding stock from among dogs that have shown exceptional working ability and figure this into their pricing. One of the best ways to avoid less-reputable breeders is to avoid breeders who conduct all their business online without vetting prospective buyers. Although this designer mix is not as familiar as some others, there is a chance you might come across one in a local shelter. Sometimes, shelter workers have to guess what mixture of breeds a dog in their facility is. Regardless of the coat length, these dogs often have thicker hair that requires at least weekly brushing. Bristle or pin brushes usually do their best to remove loose fur and prevent matting. During the spring and fall months, you might need to increase your time brushing your dog to keep up with the extra hair. Bathing should take place every three months, at the most. These dogs have skin and coats susceptible to problems if their coats are stripped of natural oils from overbathing. This painful condition is known as bloating and involves stomach twisting because of trapped air and gas, a medical emergency. These dogs may develop eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma. Some canine eye conditions will result in eventual blindness, which owners must prepare to help their dog through. Cancer, including skin and bone cancer, may occur in these dogs, particularly in their senior years. Hip dysplasia, which involves the hip joints being out of their sockets, is another problem affecting older Box Heelers. Degenerative myelopathy, a spinal disease leading to hindquarter paralysis, is a condition that may affect dogs of any age. Cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease, is also somewhat common in many larger breeds, including these designer crosses. The best foods will be formulated for the needs of larger dogs with high energy levels. Ideally, your food choice should also sustain a working dog. Free-feeding is bad for these dogs because such practices can lead to a dog eating more than is healthy. Most of these dogs will consume three cups of food a day or the equivalent. Your dog should eat in two or three separate feedings. Working dogs will have the highest energy levels. However, if they perform tasks daily, their work satisfies this need. Pets, however, will require daily exercise because they do not work. Their weekly walk length should average around nine miles. Because these dogs have working dog ancestry, they are eager to please their owners. The dog will want to know what to expect to please you better. Sometimes, these dogs can be stubborn, requiring you to demonstrate gentle but firm leadership. Avoiding rough handling or raising your voice is a good idea when the dog misbehaves. Harsh treatment will only help make your dog fearful or aggressive. Whenever you bring one of these dogs into a setting with children, careful introductions are always helpful to prevent any problems. Although these dogs can adjust to other pets as adults, the introductions must be carefully done for the best results. A well-socialized dog will look forward to new things instead of showing fear. Unique pets are an essential part of that equation. Gerard James Gerard James is a highly experienced veteran and dog lover who has dedicated his life to Rottweiler dogs. Gerard has been passionate about this particular breed since he was a child. He has extensively studied their characteristics and behaviors and acquired in-depth knowledge of their training requirements for optimal performance. He has devoted his time to volunteering in this field. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Blue Heeler. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues. Boxer Breed Description - Cross 1 The Boxer is a medium to large, short-haired dog breed of mastiff-type, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting; colors are fawn, brindled, or white, with or without white markings. Boxers are brachycephalic they have broad, short skulls , have a square muzzle, mandibular prognathism an underbite , very strong jaws, and a powerful bite ideal for hanging on to large prey. The Boxer was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser, which became extinct by crossbreeding rather than by a decadence of the breed. The first Boxer club was founded in , with Boxers being first exhibited in a dog show for St. Bernards in Munich the next year. Based on AKC statistics, Boxers held steady as the seventh-most popular breed of dog in the United States for the fourth consecutive year. According to the AKC's website, though, the boxer is now the 11th-most popular dog breed in the United States. Behavior Boxers are a bright, energetic, and playful breed and tend to be very good with children. They are patient and spirited with children, but also protective, making them a popular choice for families. They are active, strong dogs that require adequate exercise to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing, digging, or licking. Boxers have earned a slight reputation of being "headstrong", which can be related to inappropriate obedience training. Owing to their intelligence and working-breed characteristics, training based on corrections often has limited usefulness. Boxers, like other animals, typically respond better to positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training, an approach based on operant conditioning and behaviorism, which offers the dog an opportunity to think independently and to problem-solve. The Boxer by nature is not an aggressive or vicious breed. It is an instinctive guardian and can become very attached to its family. Like all dogs, it requires proper socialization. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dogs and puppies, but difficulties with larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex, may occur. Boxers are generally more comfortable with companionship, in either human or canine form. They are very patient and are great to adopt as family dogs because they are good with children and people of all kinds. The Boxer can make a good house dog, but he must be given a considerable amount of exercise. His short coat requires little care. Health Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers, heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called "Boxer cardiomyopathy" , hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. Entropion, a malformation of the eyelid requiring surgical correction, is occasionally seen, and some lines have a tendency toward spondylosis deformans, a fusing of the spine, or dystocia. Other conditions that are less common but occur more often in Boxers than other breeds are hystiocytic ulcerative colitis sometimes called Boxer colitis , an invasive E. Stillbirth is the most frequent cause of death, followed by infection. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. According to a UK Kennel Club health survey, cancer accounts for .The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Median lifespan was .Responsible breeders use available tests to screen their breeding stock before breeding, and in some cases throughout the life of the dog, in an attempt to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in future generations. As an athletic breed, proper exercise and conditioning is important for the continued health and longevity of the Boxer. Care must be taken not to overexercise young dogs, as this may damage growing bones, but once mature, Boxers can be excellent jogging or running companions. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. Blue Heeler Breed Description - Cross 2 The general appearance is that of a strong compact, symmetrically built working dog, with the ability and willingness to carry out his allotted task however arduous. As the name implies the dog's prime function, and one in which he has no peer, is the control and movement of cattle in both wide open and confined areas. Always alert, extremely intelligent, watchful, courageous and trustworthy, with an implicit devotion to duty making it an ideal dog. The female Blue Heeler measures approximately 43—48 centimetres 17—19 in at the withers, and the male measures about 46—51 centimetres 18—20 in at the withers. The dog should be longer than tall, that is, the length of the body from breast bone to buttocks is greater than the height at the withers, in a ratio of 10 to 9. An Blue Heeler in good condition weighs around 18—25 kilograms 40—55 lb. A puppy whose colored hair has not yet developed will grow through the puppy's white coat as it matures. There are two accepted coat colors, red and blue. Blue dogs can be blue, blue mottled, or blue speckled with tan on the legs and chest and white markings and a black patch or "mask" on one or both sides of the head. Red dogs are evenly speckled with solid red markings and similarly to the blue dogs can have a brown red patch "mask" on one or both sides of the head and sometimes on the body. Both red dogs and blue dogs are born white except for any solid-colored body or face markings and the red or black hairs show from around 4-weeks of age as they grow and mature. The distinctive adult coloration is the result of black or red hairs closely interspersed through a predominantly white coat. This is not merle coloration a speckled effect that has associated health issues , but rather the result of the ticking gene. A number of breeds show ticking, which is the presence of color through white areas, though the overall effect depends on other genes that will modify the size, shape and density of the ticking. In addition to the primary coloration, an Blue Heeler displays some patches of solid or near-solid color. In both red and blue dogs, the most common are masks over one or both eyes, a white tip to the tail, a solid spot at the base of the tail, and sometimes solid spots on the body. The mask consists of a black patch over one or both eyes for the blue coat color or a red patch over one or both eyes for the red coat color. Depending on whether one or both eyes have a patch, these are called, respectively, "single" or "half" mask and "double" or "full" mask. Dogs without a mask are called plain-faced. Any of these are acceptable according to the breed standard. In conformation shows, even markings are preferred over uneven markings. Behavior When on home ground, the Blue Heeler is an affectionate and playful pet. However, it is reserved with people it does not know and naturally cautious in new situations. Its attitude to strangers makes it an excellent guard dog when trained for this task, and it can be socialised to become accustomed to a variety of people from an early age as a family pet. It is good with older, considerate children, but will herd people by nipping at their heels, particularly younger children who run and squeal. By the time puppies are weaned, they should have learned that the company of people is pleasurable, and that responding to cues from a person is rewarding. The bond that this breed can create with its owner is strong and will leave the dog feeling protective towards the owner, typically resulting in the dog's never being too far from the owner's side. The Blue Heeler can be the friendliest of companions although it is quick to respond to the emotions of its owners, and may defend them without waiting for a command. The ACD was originally bred to move reluctant cattle by biting, and it will bite if treated harshly. The Blue Heeler's protective nature and tendency to nip at heels can be dangerous as the dog grows into an adult if unwanted behaviors are left unchecked. While an Blue Heeler generally works silently, it will bark in alarm or to attract attention. It has a distinctive intense, high-pitched bark. Barking can be a sign of boredom or frustration, although research has shown that pet dogs increase their vocalisation when raised in a noisy environment. It responds well to familiar dogs, but when multiple dogs are present, establishing a pecking order can trigger aggression. It is not a breed that lives in a pack with other dogs. Health The Blue Heeler carries recessive piebald alleles that produce white in the coat and skin and are linked to congenital hereditary deafness, though it is possible that there is a multi-gene cause for deafness in a dog with the piebald pigment genes. Around 2. The Blue Heeler is one of the dog breeds affected by progressive retinal atrophy. It has the most common form, progressive rod-cone degeneration PRCD , a condition that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to deteriorate later in life, resulting in blindness. PRCD is an autosomal recessive trait and a dog can be a carrier of the affected gene without developing the condition. Hip dysplasia is not common in the breed, although it occurs sufficiently often for many breeders to have their breeding stock tested. The Cattle Dog has a number of inherited conditions, but most of these are not common. Hereditary polioencephalomyelopathy of the Blue Heeler is a very rare condition caused by an inherited biochemical defect. Dogs identified with the condition were completely paralysed within their first year. Based on a sample of 69 still-living dogs, the most common health issues noted by owners were musculoskeletal spondylosis, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis and reproductive pyometra, infertility, and false pregnancy , and blindness. A study of dogs diagnosed at Veterinary Colleges in the United States and Canada over a thirty-year period described fractures, lameness and cruciate ligament tears as the most common conditions in the Blue Heelers treated. Height: 17 - 20 inches at the shoulder Weight: 31 - 35 lb. Lifespan: 13 - 15 years Boxer Blue Heeler Mix - Boxheeler Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed that will have a lot of energy and a high prey drive. Both of these parent breeds have higher energy and a very strong prey and drive instincts. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Boxer mixed with the Blue Heeler might be prone to Cancer, heart problems, hypothyroidism, bloat, deafness, eye problems, patellar luxation, Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Both of these dogs have rather shorter hair and should be pretty easy to groom. The Blue Heeler will probably shed more, but it still has shorter hair. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in. The boxer is thought to be related to the Tibetan fighting dogs and, by some accounts, even the German Bullenbeissers. This breed became famous for its fighting prowess in the s and was officially acknowledged by the AKC in .The Blue heeler is a mysterious breed. According to some accounts, its ancestors may have been a cross between the Collies and Dingos. The credit for this cross-breeding has been allotted to numerous people throughout history and ages. It will have a strong and lean muscular body, just like the Boxer. The coat on it will depend on the genes of the dominant breed. The coat may also be weather resistant if it takes after its Blue Heeler side. Apart from this, the data on the Boxer Heeler is limited because of its rarity. The males should generally have a height range of 18 to 25 inches, while the females should have 15 to 23 inches of height. The weight range for males can be 35 to 80 lbs, while for females, it may be 20 to 60 lbs. This wide range for weight is dependent on the dominancy of the genes. This value may change depending on the dominant blood. The value may also be extended with the help of exercises and a good diet. This is a generally affordable breed when compared to its parents. The Boxer Heeler is also very affectionate and friendly with people of the household, including various pets. It is also very intelligent, just like the Boxer, and will be trained easily if it takes after its Boxer parent. It may also be very energetic if it takes after its Blue Heeler parent. It may also be slightly violent to trespassing humans, including children. It should be trained and socialized properly. The problem with that is that the Boxer Heeler is generally stubborn because of its Blue Heeler side. This means that you may have a hard time having it trained. This breed is not for first-timers. Caring for Box Heeler You already know how awesome the Boxer Heeler is, and you know that it will love you. Now it is your turn to return that love by caring for it the right way. Box Heeler Nutrition The Boxer wheeler is a semi-large breed with moderate activity levels. You should feed at least three cups of enriched food per day. The brushing depends on the quality of the coat that has been inherited from its parents. On average, the coat should be dense and short in length. Two firm brushing sessions per week should keep it from shedding. Bathing should be a minimal activity. Otherwise, you may remove essential oils from its skin with excessive bathing. Brush its teeth and trims its nails accordingly. It may have different needs for walks depending on the dominant blood. It will love long walks and playing, and an hour of activity should be sufficient if it takes after its Boxer parent. If it takes after the Blue Heeler, it will need many more activities to remain happy. On average of efficient activities with training should keep your Boxer Heeler happy. If its traits are similar to those of the Blue Heeler, then the Heeler will need more care and time when compared to the Boxer. The idea of a diet is also easily manageable with the Boxer Heeler. You may have to add in a bit more time and effort for its exercises. The main thing to take care of with the Boxer Heeler is the training and socialization. Training may also be slightly exerting because of how stubborn and rebellious it can be at its young age. Usually, hybrid breeds are weak and vulnerable to a host of different problems. It may have to go through some gastric and eye problems with age. You should remain in coordination with your local vet to keep your little buddy healthy and happy. It tends to be very energetic and may suffer a few fractures. Breeds Similar to Box Heeler.
Dietary Issues Dietary issues are a common cause of diarrhea in German Shepherds. Some dogs enjoy rummaging through the trash, which increases their risk of consuming contaminated or moldy food. This includes old food they might find on their daily walks. German Shepherds also frequently have a wide range of common food allergies or intolerances to particular ingredients in their diets. Did you know you can get an at-home pet food intolerance test? Runny poop can be a sign of digestive issues, such as eating too much food or treats too quickly. Typically, this could be: the stuffing from a favorite toy pieces of plastic from a rubber chew anything they put in their mouths! German Shepherd puppies, particularly prone to eating inedible objects, are the best example of this. Stress and Anxiety Despite their intimidating exteriors, German Shepherds are susceptible to the effects of stress, which can show up in a number of ways, including diarrhea. You might be surprised to find their bowel patterns react to changes in your lifestyle! Medications A German Shepherd may experience diarrhea and episodes of runny poop from certain medications that irritate their stomach and intestines. Some examples of drugs that may result in diarrhea as a side effect Antibiotics: Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs : These drugs are generally given to relieve pain, such as in the case of arthritis, but can cause stomach irritation. Chemotherapy drugs: Chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat cancer are not well-tolerated in some dogs and have side effects, such as diarrhea. Antidepressants: Some dogs on antidepressants to help with anxiety and stress issues may experience bouts of runny poop while on the medication. If your German Shepherd exhibits any unusual symptoms while taking medication, call your veterinarian right away. They may suggest switching to a different drug or adjusting the dosage. Bacterial and Viral Infections German Shepherds can develop diarrhea from two common infections: parvovirus salmonella If your dog consumes contaminated food or drinks dirty water, she could become ill with salmonella. Salmonella levels are higher in stagnant bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. These are the same places that many German Shepherds enjoy sipping from and swimming in! In addition to being extremely contagious in dogs, another virus called parvovirus can be fatal if not treated quickly. For German Shepherd puppies, it poses a particular risk. These parasites can affect the digestive system and harm the gut lining, resulting in diarrhea, stomach aches, and inflammation. They might also obstruct the intestines, which might result in episodes of runny poop. Giardia, on the other hand, is a protozoan parasite that attaches to the gut lining and causes irritation and inflammation, which can result in diarrhea. As long as your dog is eating and drinking and otherwise seems like their normal self, then treating them at home is generally safe source. Temporarily withhold food. Withholding food for a short period of time is one of the most recommended treatments for German Shepherd diarrhea. This allows the digestive system to rest and lets the stomach recover from irritation. Many dogs will naturally be reluctant to eat when their stomachs are upset, but some will continue to eat almost anything you put in front of them. Your German Shepherd needs access to clean, fresh water to avoid dehydration while experiencing diarrhea. Give them small, bland meals. This allows their stomachs to gradually adjust to processing food once more. Your German Shepherd can be fed a bland diet for up to 3 days. After 3 days, start gradually weaning them back to their regular food. A bland diet is an easy-to-digest homemade food that helps German Shepherds with diarrhea by promoting stomach healing and easing the signs of an upset stomach. There are generally two main ingredients: boiled, skinless, boneless chicken and cooked unseasoned white rice. The main objective of feeding your German Shepherd a bland diet is to give them easily absorbed protein and carbohydrates while keeping them away from any ingredients that will worsen their diarrhea. After your German Shepherd starts passing solid feces, you can gradually reintroduce their regular food over the course of a few days by blending small amounts of their regular food with the bland diet food. Add daily probiotics to their diet. A probiotic supplement may be beneficial for some German Shepherds because it contains healthy bacteria that can balance the gut microbiota and support digestive health. Probiotics for German Shepherds PetHonesty makes this delicious probiotic for German Shepherds available as chewable, simple-to-take tablets that contain various probiotic strains. Giving probiotic supplements to your German shepherd may also have the following benefits: Improved digestion. Signs of worms in poop Your vet will treat diarrhea depending on the cause, and further investigations may be required. Never give your German Shepherd any anti-diarrhea medications e. How to Prevent Diarrhea in German Shepherds It would be impossible for your German Shepherd to never suffer from the odd case of diarrhea. But there are some things you can do. To prevent diarrhea in your German Shepherd, feed a complete and nutritious diet, and avoid table scraps and titbits that your dog is not used to. Avoid anything toxic and ensure your GSD does not get into the garbage. Ensure worming treatment and vaccinations are up to date. Follow these simple guidelines to prevent diarrhea: Make sure you know all the dangerous poisonous foods for your German Shepherd. Ensure your GSD keeps to its usual diet. Prevent guests to your home from feeding titbits, especially toxic foods that they may be unaware of, for example, grapes or chocolate. Be wary of feeding bones , as they must be raw and be of the correct type and size for your dog. Keep all toxic substances out of reach of your dog. The Pet Poison Helpline has a complete list of these. Consider a muzzle when you are out in the woods or park to prevent your dog from scavenging if they are that way inclined. Keep worming treatment up to date. Vets recommend every three months — but check for your breed. Keep vaccinations up to date. Exercise your German Shepherd regularly, especially if they suffer from stress. Refrain from exercising your dog immediately before or after a meal. I like to give my German Shepherd a good hour on either side, which also helps prevent bloat. Acute diarrhea, which is the most common type, usually lasts for one to two days and can sometimes last up to two weeks. Chronic diarrhea, on the other hand, lasts for at least four weeks. The duration of diarrhea in German Shepherds can vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, a temporary change in diet may be recommended by a veterinarian to help manage the diarrhea, but this should only be done under the guidance of a professional. Feed your dog plain, easily digestible food such as chicken and rice to get him back on his feet again. I hope you found the above prevention tips helpful, which will minimize the risk of this unpleasant and messy occurrence! Related Posts You May Like:. What Is Diarrhea? Diarrhea refers to a condition where a dog passes soft or watery stool during bowel movement. Doggy diarrhea is not a disease itself. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying issue. The stool will usually occur in large amounts and in greater frequency than normal. Physiologically speaking, diarrhea occurs due to fecal matter passing too quickly through the intestine while the absorption speed of electrolytes, nutrients, and water is decreased. Symptoms of Diarrhea in a German Shepherd Diarrhea can appear on its own, but it can also have other accompanying symptoms. The most common symptoms are bloody stool red or black , a low-grade fever, lethargy, flatulence, loss of appetite, and vomiting as in gastroenteritis. In cases wherein these symptoms also appear alongside diarrhea, it is best to bring your dog to the vet immediately. What Causes Diarrhea in German Shepherds? Throughout the lifetime of your German Shepherd, she will most probably experience diarrhea at least a few times. The most common causes of diarrhea in GSDs are the following: Viral infections, such as one that is caused by parvovirus or canine distemper virus , especially in young, unvaccinated dogs Stress brought about by a change in environment or traveling Abrupt change in diet or treats Poor diet Food allergies or sensitivities, such as dairy products Intestinal parasites which can come from raw meat Ingesting poisonous substances, spoiled food, garbage, or foreign objects Antibiotic medication In rare cases, tumor s in the digestive tract cancer Types of Diarrhea in German Shepherds Diarrhea is a general term, but there are several different types of it. Acute and Chronic Diarrhea Depending on the underlying cause, diarrhea in your GSD can be acute short-lived or chronic happening intermittently over course of weeks or months. Sudden acute diarrhea can appear if your GSD ingests something that does not get along well with her intestines. GSDs have a higher prey drive than most breeds, making them susceptible to chasing rodents and squirrels when left to their own devices. If your dog ingests the meat of these animals, the bacteria in the meat can upset her stomach. German Shepherds and larger breeds in general are more predisposed to this chronic disease than smaller dogs, especially during middle age. Oftentimes, veterinarians prescribe medication to manage the symptoms, as this is an incurable condition. Small intestinal diarrhea is usually caused by bacterial and viral infections, parasites, food sensitivities, IBD, ingested garbage, poison, or foreign objects. In this type of diarrhea, your GSD may pass large amounts of stool about three to five times per day, without straining. Your dog may also vomit, pass gas frequently, and lose weight. On the other hand, large intestinal diarrhea also known as colitis is often caused by whipworms, colon ulcers, colon cancer, IBD, and stress. Colitis is characterized by more frequent passing of stool more than five times a day in smaller amounts, and your GSD may strain in the process. Blood in the stool may appear bright red, and mucus may also be present. Unlike small intestinal diarrhea, large intestinal diarrhea does not always cause vomiting or weight loss in dogs. In some cases, your dog may exhibit a combination of these two types of diarrhea. For instance, the problem can start in the small intestine and then proceed to the large intestine. However, always provide plenty of fresh water nearby to avoid dehydration. After the hour fast, feed your dog a bland diet. Opt for skinless, boneless boiled chicken and broth. You can mix in a few small spoonfuls of mashed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or potatoes, but make sure that they are unseasoned and unsalted. Rice can be added, too, as long as your GSD is not sensitive to it. These foods will help to firm up the stool. Start with small meals every two hours, then gradually increase the amount of food and the time in between meals. Be very cautious when transitioning your GSD to her previous diet. The transition should be spaced out and gradually done over a few days. If this successfully resolves the diarrhea, you can get her back to her regular food. You may be tempted to give your dog some medication to help ease her discomfort and cure her diarrhea. It is important, however, to understand the risks and to follow proper instructions before you do so. Imodium Imodium is a common over the counter medication that many people give to their dogs to treat diarrhea. Imodium, known generically as Loperamide, is effective in slowing down the movement of the intestines, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more slowly. As previously mentioned, and this bears repeating, you must be very careful when administering Imodium to your GSD. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog Imodium. Imodium Loperamide is a synthetic opioid, and it is possible to overdose your dog if you are not careful. Never give Imodium to puppies, pregnant and nursing GSDs, senior GSDs, and those with other medical illnesses such as liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Some of the side effects of Imodium may include: Constipation. Your dog seems to be straining to pass feces Mucus or blood in the stool Sometimes additional symptoms may accompany diarrhea, such as vomiting, fever, abdominal bloating or pain, low energy, lack of appetite, and weakness. These are signs there may be a more serious underlying health condition. An Overview Just like their people, German Shepherd dogs can develop diarrhea at any age and stage of life. And just like in people, diarrhea in German Shepherds should never be ignored. Sometimes the reason is very temporary and passing. But for German Shepherds in particular, sometimes the reason can be an underlying digestive disorder. German Shepherds, in particular, are prone to digestive disorders ranging from a sensitive stomach to G. In fact, in research published in the Journal of Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, researchers pointed out that diarrhea was one of the most consistent health issues reported by German Shepherd owners. Clearly, there are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd might develop diarrhea. These reasons can sometimes be related to age or life stage as well as the environment, which is what we will talk about in the next section here. As a large breed dog, a GSD puppy is growing up fast and every day is different. Since German Shepherds are genetically predisposed to have issues with sensitive stomachs, each food change has the potential to cause diarrhea. As well, other major stressors can cause temporary bouts of diarrhea. Change in their environment such as rehoming. Stress crate training, kids, other pets, etc. Worms and parasites, a viral or bacterial infection. Diseases That Can Cause Diarrhea in German Shepherd Adult Dogs There are several potentially heritable genetic health conditions that can cause occasional or chronic diarrhea in adult German Shepherds. As far as canine biologists know, German Shepherds are the only dog breed to have this particular condition. The two main warning signs of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency are ongoing diarrhea and rapid weight loss. The only current treatment is to add digestive enzymes at each meal. Even so, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency is known to be life-limiting. IBD happens when the cells that line the stomach intestine begin to collect substantial amounts of inflammatory cells. These cells disrupt the normal function of both organs by preventing the food from being properly digested and absorbed by the body for use. The symptoms of IBD will depend on where the inflammatory cells congregate. If the cells choose to gather in the colon and lower intestine, chronic diarrhea is common. Often owners will report seeing mucus or blood. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss , depression, and lack of energy. Blood work, ultrasound, X-rays, and G. There is no cure and IBD can be life-limiting. The only treatment is dietary changes and medications. Unfortunately, ongoing research has yet to figure out exactly what causes IBD to get triggered. Other Causes of Diarrhea in German Shepherds When your German Shepherd is experiencing chronic diarrhea that does not seem to respond to the usual remedies, it is always time to look deeper. But sometimes diarrhea, like life, just happens and then it passes. When the episode is brief, you may not ever know exactly what caused your GSD to have diarrhea. This may range from garbage to garden mulch, lawn mushrooms to cat poop. There are four basic categories of canine diarrhea when it is not related to an underlying disease: 1. Motility issues. With motility issues, the gut pushes the food through too fast. Intestinal exudation. Ulcers in the intestinal tract can cause blood and fluid to seep in or out. Over secretion. When the intestinal tract is exposed to a pathogen parasite, bacteria, et al it will secret too much liquid to try to cleanse itself. Osmotic imbalance. When too many food molecules crowd into the intestines together, this draws in water and causes diarrhea. Parasites, worms, viruses, bacteria, and fungus can cause diarrhea. Liver and kidney disease can also trigger bouts of diarrhea. Ingestion of poisons and toxins may also give rise to diarrhea and other symptoms. Treating Diarrhea in German Shepherd Dogs As with any health issue, your German Shepherd is suffering from, the very first step is always to make sure you know what is causing diarrhea. The best approach is to schedule an appointment with your canine veterinarian to get a correct diagnosis. Then you can match the treatment to the cause. As this YouTube video by a veterinarian explains, antibiotics may be necessary when diarrhea is caused by a parasite or bacteria. Just make sure that the pumpkin product you choose is just plain pumpkin puree with no additives. Check to be sure there is no xylitol, a sugar substitute that can be fatal to dogs. Sometimes diarrhea arises and subsides quite quickly, and when this happens, just make sure your dog takes in plenty of water and gets lots of rest. As your dog produces more solid bowel movements, you can start reintroducing his dog food. What are the best dog foods to prevent diarrhea in German Shepherds? If your dog has diarrhea every once in a while, it is completely normal. Yet, if your German Shepherd has diarrhea several times a month, he may have sensitivities to his current dog food. You can have your dog tested at the vet to see what foods he cannot tolerate. Then, you may need to switch dog foods. There are many different types of dog foods you can try to help prevent your dog from having diarrhea. Limited Ingredient Dog Food Limited ingredient dog foods have a short list of ingredients. You can read the ingredients to find out if there is something your dog may not tolerate well. Limited-ingredient diets are great for avoiding the typical triggers for diarrhea. These dog foods still provide balanced nutrition. Actual food allergies are rare in dogs. Most people confuse sensitivities with allergies. This is usually because of an enzyme deficiency. Allergies are an intense immune response to an ingredient. Allergies cause diarrhea, but they are often coupled with other symptoms. These can include intense itching and respiratory symptoms. Hypoallergenic dog food manufacturers take animal protein and split them at the atomic level. This dog food is best for a dog who has a known allergen causing his diarrhea. These dog foods target the exact cause of stomach irritation. These diets are tested by nutritionists and veterinarians to specifically treat certain conditions. These dog foods are only available through a prescription from your vet. These dog foods are for German Shepherds with known medical conditions causing their diarrhea, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. GSDs need to re-establish healthy bacteria in their digestive tracts, especially after a bout of loose stools. Purina FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs is one of the most commonly used products in this category. This should help your dog build up the healthy bacteria he needs to create solid stools. You can also buy dog food with probiotics in the formula. Purina Pro Plan is a good option for promoting digestive health. This brand incorporates probiotics in the formula, helping to balance gut flora on a regular basis. This dog food is good for German Shepherds who have loose stools and occasional diarrhea. Homemade recipes There are several foods you can serve your dog at home when he suffers from diarrhea. Immediately after an episode, you can give him chicken and rice, which is easy to digest. This way, you can control what ingredients your dog ingests. If you choose to feed your dog homemade meals, make sure to research carefully. Your dog needs a complete balance of nutrients to be healthy. Does wet dog food make diarrhea in German Shepherds worse? But, German Shepherds have a difficult time switching dog foods. The change in diet may upset his tummy for a few days. This should clear up once your dog gets used to the new diet. Wet dog foods are high in protein and water, which is good for a German Shepherd. Your dog needs to stay hydrated if he often has diarrhea. However, wet dog foods can also cause tooth decay. So, be sure to read the list of ingredients. How do I choose the best dog food for my German Shepherd? German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs. They are both prone to stomach upsets and picky eating, so finding the right food is essential to making sure your dog is healthy. Puppies need more nutrient-rich foods, more often to aid their quick growth. Very active German Shepherds need more calories because they are constantly burning them. Older dogs need smaller portions, fewer calories, and reduced protein. As your dog changes and grows, it is important to select dog foods that cater to its needs. Take a look at the ingredients The most common ingredients German Shepherds are sensitive to are beef, lamb, dairy, wheat, chicken, and soy. However, dogs can be sensitive to any ingredients in dog food, including preservatives. If your German Shepherd has a sensitivity to a certain ingredient, you should make sure to avoid it. The smaller the ingredient list on a label, the better. Lower-quality dog foods add many fillers and preservatives to their formulas. Determine your price range Dog food is expensive, especially for a large dog like the German Shepherd. You may be looking at the price of these specialty dog foods and wondering how you can afford them. Although many of the higher-quality dog foods are expensive, they are worth it in the long run. Quality dog food prevents stomach and other health issues. You will have fewer diarrhea messes to clean up and fewer vet bills. So, the cost will balance out. This prevents you from contracting bacteria from the feces. If the stool is on a hard surface, you can grab a paper towel and wipe it up before it dries. Then, place the soiled towels into a disposable bag. If you have hardwood or vinyl, grab a disinfectant safe for those surfaces. Then, spray the area and wipe it again with a fresh paper towel or washcloth. Finally, use a pet odor neutralizer such as this one here to remove the scent from the floor. Removing diarrhea stains from carpet If the soft stool is on the carpet, you will want to grab your gloves. Pick up as much of the feces as possible with a paper towel. Then, use a butter knife, dustpan, or scraper to free the particles from the carpet fibers. Use a damp cloth or a water bottle to rinse the carpet area until there is no longer any visible stool. Mix equal parts of the ingredients. Be cautious, they produce a chemical reaction that spews everywhere. Then, apply the paste to the carpet and rinse with water.
Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD. German Shepherd Puppies Price Range The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high. Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners. Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. Purebred GSD s have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. Is It Normal? All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood. Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD. Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color. Why Does the Cost Vary First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy. Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color. Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD. Food The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat smaller meals each day. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy. Shelter Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first. Other factors to consider Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider. Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo toys, and other unforeseen problems. You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications. Conclusion Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression. Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.
Slight to No Slopes! We find that the West German lines are the best dog suited for family, companion, working, obedience and protection, because they are very balanced in their drives. Litters are listed with all detailed info. Only the finest German Shepherd Puppies in Ontario with outstanding pedigrees. See if we have an adult dog for sale, or maybe a retiree to take home and love forever. The Top health Guarantee in Canada. THE best breeding stock and bloodlines in the World. Germany, Serbia, Ukraine and more. The best a consumer can look for and ask for. We are a smaller German Shepherd breeder. We produce Quality not quantity. We breed very Strong and healthy dogs. Our Dogs have very stable temperaments. We have German Shepherd Puppies from world champion bloodlines, suitable for family companions, for show or sporting, agility and protection. We aim for perfection and a very rich black and red coat. We are ranked one of the top German Shepherd Breeders in Ontario. Our breeding stock consist of only the finest German bloodlines. Meaning these dogs are very stable, calm, yet driven, easy to live with in the house, easy to train, willing to please and ready to defend. All around very versatile. These German Shepherds have a very correct, harmonious and balanced structure resulting in a smooth, efficient, beautiful gait and very high endurance. Temperament, health, working ability, brains and looks. This is my goal, a dog that has it all. I look for correct but functional conformation, with a very important key, Very Stable Nerves! History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Showing 1 - 40 of 86 resultsPage 1 - 86 results Sort by Your listing deserves to be on top. All puppies are full black with broad massive heads. They are going to be large tall with stocky muscular build. He is very handsome as you can see in the pictures and his ears are just starting to stand up. He is from amazing European lines. Our dogs are raised on a large country property with children. Puppies are well socialized and are raw.Born on June 29th, just a little over 2 months old. Not CKC registered but her mom is. No health or bones issues. Active, loves kids and dogs. Have their first shots and dewormed. We are actively house training and teaching manours. Healthy parents with great blood lines. Please Contact Germany Shepard and Lab mixture - rehome Toronto Chow chow is a smart dog and likes to play with the a ball and be friendly to human being. She needs a lot of energy. Straight backs. We are a small family-owned dog.The puppy is four months old with one rabies shot. We are located in.I've got some adorable German Shepherd puppies for sale! They're smart, loyal, and make great family pets. With their striking looks and protective nature, they'll be the perfect addition to any.The parents Jax and Ember are the best of friends, both have kind and loving temperaments and have been raised in our family.Puppies have been vet checked, all vaccines, tattooed, wormed and CKC registered, Puppies will be suitable.Please Contact German Shepherd puppy City of Toronto This stunning isabella sable girl is the last one of her litter looking for a forever home. Our Facebook page is Glenlea Acres, feel free to join, it will provide more insight to our program and the.We have an impeccable line of German Shepherds now available. We currently have 3 males and 2 females available for early.Golden, Husky and Shepherd Mixed Puppies!!! Puppies will come with vet papers that include their first shots and.Looking for a furry bundle of joy? Look no further! These 4 adorable puppies are ready to find their forever homes. They're cute, cuddly, and full of love. Don't miss out.The mom is the bigger beige one in the photos. The dad is also completely beige. Great and knownfor being a nanie dog, a.Ready to go now. Vaccinated and dewormed. Vet check is done and are very healthy. Located in Welland, by Niagara College but can meet in Mississauga with a deposit. He is 3 months old and has receive both deworming and first vaccine with health record. Both parents are working line and large shepherds with straight.Currently rehoming him due the fact I am overworked and after a recent tragedy in the family I no longer have the time nor emotional capacity to care for.All 1st year shots, Ready for their new home. Mom is 50Lbs, Dad 70Lbs, light brown puppy is larger than black puppy who has her.They are very friendly pups growing up with other animals and children. The father and mother of the pups are also.There are 3 girls available. They will come fully vet checked with first and second shots, de worming and a clear bill of health
This breed has a white coat often seen on the chest, face, and muzzle, but other colors are also accepted. The golden retriever is known for its fondness for water and love for playing fetch. It comes in various sizes and shapes, from an pound to a pound dog. It has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years on average. This may be due to several factors, such as aging or a skin condition like Vitiligo. Age As with any aging dog, aging can cause a white face to turn pale. A range of factors may contribute to the premature whitening of the face in a Golden Retriever, including health issues, stress, or skin conditions such as Vitiligo. However, aging is the most common cause of this condition. In most cases, white markings on the face appear between 5 and 7 years of age. These changes are often gradual and may not be apparent until the dog ages. Genetics When a Golden Retriever faces whitening of the face, it is often due to genetics. Genetics can be a cause of premature whitening of the face. Some Golden Retrievers may not turn white until much later due to genetics. As they age, certain health issues can contribute to their face turning white prematurely. Stress, genetics, and a skin condition called Vitiligo can also play a role in the premature whitening of the face. Golden retrievers face many risks as they age, so regular vaccinations and a healthy diet are important for their well-being. It is hereditary and common in certain purebred dogs, such as the Golden Retriever. Vitiligo may affect different dogs in varying ways. Some dogs may have just a few white patches or hair loss around the face, while others may have extensive white patches covering many body parts. The extent to which Vitiligo affects different dogs is unpredictable. Although there is currently no cure for Vitiligo, you can treat the condition through various methods, including light therapy and topical creams. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your dog receives regular care and attention to help maintain its health and keep the white patches from spreading. Stress can cause the muzzle and around the eyes to turn white before spreading all over the face. By taking steps to reduce stress and providing a healthy environment for your dog, you can help keep its face from turning prematurely white. This will help keep your dog looking its best physically and mentally. As dogs age, their skin loses its pigment, resulting in a loss of skin color and a noticeable whitening of the face. Additionally, stress and certain health issues can also be factors that cause premature whitening of the face. This disease causes skin pigment loss, causing it to turn white or gray. One of the leading causes of these traits is Vitiligo, a skin condition that causes the loss of pigment in patches of skin. Signs Of Premature Whitening In Golden Retrievers White markings on the face of Golden Retrievers typically begin between the ages of 5 and 7, although white markings can appear at any age. These white markings may appear on the muzzle and around the eyes before spreading over the face. White markings on Golden Retrievers faces are often associated with aging or skin disease, such as Vitiligo; however, other causes are also possible. A common cause of premature whitening of the face is stress, which can also result in skin pigment loss. Genetics also plays a role in determining whether or not golden retriever dogs develop white markings on their face. An important indicator of the white muzzle and mouth markings is how these signs change over time. This is likely a healthy sign if they remain constant or gradually fade over time. Some golden retriever breeders use white markings to identify their puppies among littermates easily. While golden retriever breeders may consider white markings desirable traits, others may be concerned with their appearance and potential health risks. The most common types of skin cancer in dogs are melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. However, melanoma is more likely to be fatal than other skin cancers. Ensure your dog gets regular examinations and limits its sun exposure to areas where healthy skin is expected to prevent skin cancer. Also, keep the skin clean and trim any hair off the body. You can also consider using sun-protective clothing when taking your dog out in the sun. Treatments for skin cancer in Golden Retrievers may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Fluid therapy may help with nausea and vomiting, while antibiotics and surgery to remove cysts or cancerous liver sections may also be used to treat skin cancer. Side effects from treatments can include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Early skin cancer detection is important to reduce the risk of these side effects. Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help identify skin cancer early and reduce the likelihood of any side effects from treatment. This skin condition is common in golden retriever puppies but can also affect golden retrievers of any age. Skin cancer may result from exposure to the sun, ultraviolet UV rays, changes in body temperature, skin irritation from chemicals, or other factors. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type and size of the tumor and includes surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Discuss with your veterinarian any concerns you may have. Skin cancer is a common skin condition in dogs. Your vet can run tests to determine the cause of skin cancer and advise you on how to treat it. Frequently Asked Questions: 1. The most common reason is because of age, as dogs typically start to show signs of aging around this time. Stress, genetics, health issues, and Vitiligo can also contribute to premature whitening of the face in dogs. Dogs may also show emotions through their mouth by licking, closing, or slightly opening them. We often see this as an indication of how a dog feels, a sign of stress. Some Goldens may get white faces as they age, largely due to aging. For some, it can also cause by stress, genetics, health issues, or a skin condition called Vitiligo a disorder of pigment production. If your Golden Retriever shows unusual symptoms, it is always wise to contact a veterinarian for a diagnosis. Some common causes of white hair in dogs include kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes mellitus a condition caused by insufficient insulin production , thyroid disease, and premature aging. A sugar-face dog is simply a Golden Retriever with white on its face. We do not yet know what causes Vitiligo, a skin condition, in dogs. There is no one answer to this question, as each dog is different. However, some common measures owners can take to help their Golden Retriever live a longer life include providing them with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Additionally, vets may recommend vaccinations for dogs at an older age and treating conditions such as heart disease or arthritis early on to reduce the likelihood of them developing later. As a result, white spotting is becoming less uncommon among purebred Golden Retrievers. Since Golden Retrievers are descendants of the St. But Goldens carry other genes that dominate their golden coat colors. The St. These markings were carried down through the generations of the first Labrador Retrievers. While white chest markings or tufts of white still happen occasionally, it does not mean that your dog is not purebred. An exception is the whitening or greying of the face or body due to senior years. I was kind of upset to see them go because I thought they were rather cute. The white tips of the paws will usually disappear as the pup grows, similar to white markings on the chest. The white paws will be barely noticeable if your Golden is a light cream shade. If you are looking to put your dog in the conformation ring, he would be classed as a fault and unsuitable for showing. Purebred Golden Retrievers can have white spots or sporadic markings. But Goldens have dominant coat color genes and are usually seen in different shades of gold only. Purebred Golden Retrievers can have white markings, but it is not as common an occurrence as it used to be a few decades ago as it has been gradually bred out of the lines. Purebred Golden Retrievers can have some white in the extremities, such as the tip of the tail, muzzle, chest, and tip of the paws. The most common region for white markings among Goldens is the chest which is why even the AKC accepts a little white in the chest area. This condition is known as residual white and is occasionally brought on by a slight sickness in the mother. So what is a mismarked Golden Retriever? A mismarked Golden Retriever is one with colors outside the accepted standard golden coat, but these are rare. They do not mean that your pup has mixed ancestry. Mismarks are more common in Labradors; you can see some examples from this breeder here. Breeders often sell mismarked puppies for a lower price than their unicolored siblings, and they are just as friendly, intelligent, and loving as any other Golden Retriever. On the contrary, some breeders will refer to any mismarking as extremely rare and try to charge more. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Occiputs are bigger in some breeds, like Golden Retrievers, and smaller in other breeds. 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! From wolf-like Huskies to strangely formed Pugs, both evolution and human breeding programs have further changed their appearances, including head size and shape. After all, lumps can be a sign of cancer in dogs, humans, and other animals. These bumps are so well-known that the iconic Pluto from Disney features this bump in his appearances. Another attribute linked to the occiput is sense of smell. This is because Bloodhounds, Golden Retrievers, and other strong sniffers tend to have a large occiput. However, these beliefs are actually false. The occiput is a piece of bone that sticks out from the skull of a dog, also called a protuberance for the way it juts out. The occiput goes back a long way, to the days when dogs lived in the wild and evolved from wolves. They developed this protuberance because their predators liked to try to crush their skulls in order to kill them. To survive, dogs developed the bony occiput on their heads, which served as protection from predators and support for head movement. New dog owners may be unaware of this fact, leading them to seek medical attention for their dog, believing something may be wrong. Cancerous growths often appear indistinguishable from benign ones and are best spotted by veterinarians trained to spot the differences between them. There are many types of growths and bumps to be on the lookout for as your Golden Retriever grows and ages. Some are benign, meaning harmless, and some are malignant, which means cancerous. Abscesses are treated by vets who carefully lance the abscess and flush it out with a sterile solution. Lipomas are most common in older Goldens and overweight dogs, but are usually benign and nothing to worry about. A lipoma is actually considered a tumor, which sounds scary, but actually just means abnormal growth. Lipomas are examples of benign skin tumors. Hives Allergies in Golden Retrievers Dogs have allergies too! This can result from a bee sting or plain old contact allergy and will normally go away on its own. To help them go away and your dog remain comfortable, a vet may recommend antihistamines to reduce the hives. A sebaceous cyst can present as pimple-like bumps on your Golden Retriever, and they also rupture or pop like human pimples do, with the same creamy liquid inside. Histiocytomas Benign and Golden Retriever Puppies Histiocytomas are small, hard bumps that may appear on the heads, ears, and legs of Golden Retriever puppies. These are generally always benign and will disappear on their own. A Mast Cell Tumor, or MCT, is insidious because they can appear similar to a wart or other harmless growth, leading you to believe nothing is wrong. How serious mast cell tumors are can be determined by a vet. Surgical removal can be done for mast cells if caught early, but aggressive cases can be very serious. 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! If caught early, even malignant growths may be safely removed, and your Golden Retriever will live a long, healthy and happy life. Recommended Reading:. White markings on these dogs was more common in the past. Over the years, breeders have done their best to create all-golden coloured retriever dogs. It can be difficult to do that though, as breeders have little control over whether the white markings will show up, and may not even be seen when the dogs are puppies. Your golden retriever dog will not be susceptible to diseases just because they have a slightly different coloured coat. The genes for diseases are not tied in with coat colours on a dog. And a few markings will make your dog unique and easily identifiable. All they care about is spending time with you, and being happy and healthy. White markings on a golden retriever are normal, and are not any indication that your puppy is a mixed breed. Your golden retriever may even have other colours and markings mixed in too! About fifty years ago, Golden Retriever dogs had many markings on their coats. Over the years, breeders have done their best to create fully golden dogs. Even two purebred parents can create puppies that have white markings on them. There is a myth that if Golden Retrievers have white markings on their coats that they have been bred with a Collie. Most of the time this is simply not true. In fact, if these two dogs are bred together, they are going to create puppies that are of a darker colour, sometimes even black. These collie retriever mixes are completely different. There are actually three different types of golden retriever dogs. These are based on region and are called American, Canadian, and English. Each of these types will still has mainly gold in their coats, but they can still each look different too. You should also be aware that puppies may have different colours in their coats that change as they grow and get older. Or, you may want to wait and adopt an adult dog instead, as you can then see their wide range of golden coats with white markings. If you have your heart set on a golden retriever with white markings, then no, not all golden retrievers will have them. It is rare but they do occur. Your chances are higher if you adopt a dog from Canada or the USA though. The white markings will generally be within their fur and on any part of their bodies. This often happens during the winter, when it gets colder. This breed makes a great companion for the entire family. You may be surprised to learn that they can have different markings on their golden coats which is totally normal, much like a tabby cat has different patterns too. More 50 shades of Golden. So, Can purebred golden retrievers have white on them? Yes, Purebred Golden Retrievers can have white on them. Can Golden retrievers Have White Markings? Golden retrievers with white markings were very common fifty years ago, but not so much now, but it is still completely normal for the white marking to pop up from time to time in purebred golden retrievers. There are three types of golden retrievers; golden, light golden, and dark golden, or English, American, and Canadian. Goldens are still all some shade of golden, but their fur can look to be different colors in different lighting conditions. Their fur can also change color as they grow, and you can learn why golden retrievers change fur color as they grow here. Golden retrievers with white markings are usually Canadian goldens or any north American golden retrievers. Do all golden retrievers have white markings? How can I tell if my golden retriever is really purebred? Female golden retriever You can tell if your golden retriever is a purebred by a DNA test, there are a few online places that can provide you with that, or you can buy a home kit from amazon it will give you information on their ancestors and it will provide you with some useful information about your dog such as their adult weight prediction. Check out the this homekit which I have found particularly useful: Can dogs have spots? Why is my golden retriever losing pigment on his nose? You can find out guide for goldens living in hot weather here. What dog breeds get snow noses? Snow nose appears in white and light-colored dogs such as Golden retrievers.
Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. If you were thinking about purchasing one of these wonderful pets for your home but would like to know how to find the best breeder, keep reading while we answer that question and several more to help you make an informed decision. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in the United States Finding a Labrador Retriever breeder in the United States should not be difficult, and with a little research, you should be able to find one near you. The only problem you might run into is the long waiting list you might need to get on due to the high demand for this breed. Waiting lists not only increase the time you need to wait for your puppy, they can also bump up the price significantly. It will also help you find any other kind of dog just by putting in your zip code. This site can be a pain because it requires you to download a browser extension, but it is easy to use after that. Labrador Puppies Village Labrador Puppies Village will be happy to ship your pet to you, and they have a wide selection. All puppies come with a health guarantee and have a complete checkup before you purchase them. Windsor Kennels English Labs Check waddelldogbreeding. They produce several litters per year, and they have a waiting list you can get on and they will notify you when new puppies arrive. The Labrador Retriever Rescue Check humanesociety. Many people can no longer take care of their pets for one reason or another and turn to the shelter for help to rehome their pets. Some dogs will even have their vaccination shots. Adopting a puppy from a shelter also frees resources so the shelter can use them for other pets in need. Skye Labradors Skye Labradors is an authenticated breeder who has been creating puppies for more than 25 years and produces several litters per year. Tonmar Labradors Tonmar Labradors are officially sanctioned breeders that produce several litters each year using numerous queens. The current demand can produce a waiting list which might drive up costs, and if you want breeding rights, you need to pay more. If you do not get breathing rights, you will need to get the dog spayed or neutered, and it will require several vaccinations over the first few years, which will require visits to your vet. You will also need to regularly buy food, treats, and toys to keep your dog healthy and happy. We recommend asking to see the health certificate of the parents as well as the puppies to rule out any hidden issues. We recommend asking if you can see the whole litter to make sure the rest of the dogs are healthy and happier. We recommend asking if the puppies had any vaccinations and if they take deworming medication. We recommend asking the breeder about their experience breeding these dogs. Laboratory Retrievers like to run, and since they are fairly large dogs, they will need plenty of space to move around without knocking things over or getting into trouble. Labrador Retrievers are clumsy animals, and since they can weigh as much as 80 pounds, they may not be suitable to have around small children. Laboratory Retrievers have a long lifespan with many specimens lasting 15 years or more, so you need to be committed to the long haul before purchasing one of these dogs. Labrador Retrievers are intelligent animals and are easy to train once you get them into a routine and stick with it. Next on your reading list: Labany Conclusion Labrador Retrievers make great pets. They are affectionate, intelligent, and relatively healthy with long lifespans. Finding a breeder is not difficult, and there are many high-quality ones spread across the United States that can create the perfect dog for you. We recommend checking the animal shelter first because you can usually get your dog at a much lower cost, and these animals tend to be grateful and better behaved. However, there are plenty of options if there are no dogs in the shelter. Related read:. Life Span Did You Know? Black Labrador Retrievers, or just Black Labs, are a common coat color variation of one of the most popular dog breeds. The Black Labrador Retriever is not necessarily a separate dog breed. Black Labs are still Labrador Retrievers; they just have a distinct coat color that is a specifically-bred characteristic. Like other Labrador Retrievers, Black Labs are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great family companions. Although they are active and energetic dogs, Labs are also known for their gentleness and patience with other family members. Well-socialized Black Labs tend to get along well with just about everyone including children, other dogs, pets, and even strangers. They are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , Black Labs thrive on attention, especially from their favorite humans. They are happiest when they are spending time with their families and receiving affection and attention from them. Despite their high energy, Labs are highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be better suited to homes with fenced yards where they can run, but they also adapt well to apartments provided they get enough daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. They do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold like many dog breeds. As such, they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Black Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, heart disease, hereditary myopathy, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Another potential health concern is EIC exercise-induced collapse , which can occur in young adult Labs and has a genetic link. Because carriers can be identified by DNA tests, it is recommended that breeders test for them. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you talk to the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Although their high energy and puppylike exuberance can sometimes be a challenge, they are intelligent dogs that are eager to please. As long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive rewards and praise, novice owners still tend to do well with Black Labs. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training too. Black Labs have a short, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and sheds heavier as seasons change. Depending on how active your Black Lab is and what they get into, they may need a bath more often, especially if they are swimming a lot. Weekly ear checks and careful cleanings when needed help prevent ear infections. Good dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. As one of the most active dog breeds , a Black Labrador Retriever will need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are a minimum. Your Black Lab will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood. They tend to maintain a puppylike exuberance until they are years old. Although they do tend to mellow out as they get older, they are still active, energetic, and playful dogs. Once they are fully grown, you can try other things like hiking, running, dock diving, and more to find other activities you and your Black Lab can enjoy together. Fully-grown Black Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Black Labs generally live for years on average. Black Labrador Retrievers came before the also-popular Chocolate Lab. All modern Chocolate Labs can be traced back to three Black Labs in the s. It was the December issue of .Featured Black Labrador Retriever Article. This is is a very strong breeding presenting 14 National Field Champions in their combined pedigrees. She is a muscular rock solid 52 pound female of pure energy. She can outrun anyone and her love of retrieving is pure and always front and center. She is definitely her mother's Jet daughter. She taught her well, she is a strong hunting partner and a loyal family companion who loves with her whole heart. She trains the young ones around Bailiwick, she is so very smart. Spend one minute with her and it is obvious, she is "Over the Top", she truly has it all. Retrieve, yes she loves retrieving, ask her and you shall receive. She is a devoted companion who loves with her whole heart, will work all day, not a problem with her. At the end of a long day she is not hard to find, she will be right at your side. This beautiful gal was born dreaming if ducks and duck ponds. Radley is Mr. Personality, he will put a smile on your face. We can retrieve all day or we can just visit and be cool, either way not a problem for Radley. He is truly a pleasure to train, so smart just tell him once and he has it down pat!!!!! This is a very strong breeding.Her love is retrieving, if you have the time she has the energy. She is dedicated, loving and very smart. Training her is a pleasure. What a loving personality, she will put a smile on your face. This is a very strong breeding. Stella presents three National Champions in her pedigree
Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Email: rockvalepuppies gmail. Rockvale Puppies are specialists in rare color, purebred Pugs. Puppies are cared for and played with every day by Todd, his wife Alicia, and their two young boys. The family is passionate about providing new owners with the greatest pet possible. Sandra has been breeding since .All puppies get a neo-parvo shot at 5 weeks old, their first booster vaccination at 7-weeks old, and are kept on a deworming schedule. Pugs R Us by T. Stahlstown, PA Phone: Website: www. Tabitha breeds AKC Pugs and has puppies available throughout the year. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.
How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. Translation missing: en. June 8, Liz Palika Dog breeders and behavioral specialists feel that the week range is the adequate age for most dogs to leave their mother for their new homes. Unfortunately, in talking with other dog trainers, behavioral consultants and behaviorists, we all agree we're seeing a trend of puppies leaving mom and littermates far too young. A puppy who leaves his mother and littermates at five to six weeks of age, or worse yet, even younger, is going to suffer for that throughout his life. Adopting Eight Week Old Dogs Is Typical The traditional age for puppies to leave their mom and littermates and go to their new home has been eight weeks of age. At eight weeks of age most puppies are able to eat well, no longer need to nurse or eat supplemental formula, are mobile, and are aware of their world. They are well socialized to the people in their household and hopefully have also met other animals in the home. They have been exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells and while they pay attention to these things, they are not afraid. At eight weeks of age these puppies are ready to leave their mother and siblings and go to their new home. Nine to Ten Week Old Pups are Typically The Best Age Since some puppies tend to go through a fear period at eight weeks of age an awareness of the world around them that can cause anxiety , many breeders and new owners would prefer to wait one or two more weeks. I brought home Hero, and before him Bones, at nine and a half weeks of age, because I felt that the puppies at that age were a bit more mature and ready for their new lives. One to two weeks can make a big difference. Other dog trainers and behaviorists agree: nine to 10 weeks of age is absolutely fine. In fact at this age, the puppy is past the eight week fear period, if he had one, and he's a bit more confident now. Developmentally, he's ready to learn, explore and figure out what his new life is going to be. Those who breed toy breeds especially, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, and other tiny dogs, will keep the puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. These tiny puppies can be quite fragile physically and may be slower to mature mentally and emotionally as babies. A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic. Not only do large breed puppies grow rapidly, they are also stronger and rowdy, potentially making it more difficult for new owners to bond with this excited, big puppy who is jumping, pawing and otherwise making life difficult. Also, a week-old large-breed puppy is still a dependent baby; by 12 weeks he's changing. It's much easier for new owners to bond with an eight—to week-old puppy. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy ; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together. To Learn Key Social and Behavioral Traits Puppies who leave their canine family too early will show immediate behavior problems. They will be fearful of many things and show a lack of confidence. They can also be slow to bond to people or will go the other direction, attaching so strongly to their new owners that they will panic when left alone. The ability to soothe himself, to relax when left alone, is missing with most of these puppies. Biting is common. The mother dog teaches the puppy to control his biting as do the puppy's littermates. When puppies go to their new home, some biting is to be expected, as all puppies experiment. But when deprived of these early lessons, the puppy will bite more and harder, and teaching him that biting is not allowed is more difficult. This important transition time ensures that puppies receive all the appropriate nutrition from their mother. This will support the long term health of the puppy. Additionally, interrupting the weaning process too early has behavioral side effects for young dogs. Suckling, even past the need for milk can be a source of comfort while a puppy grows accustomed to eating only solid foods. Taking Puppies Too Young is Illegal In Some States In 26 states , the age at which puppies may be separated from the mother dog or sold is defined by law. Of those, 22 say that puppies must be eight weeks old before they can be sold. Three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that puppies must be seven weeks old. Some states focus on the age that a puppy can be separated from his mother. Illinois, for example, requires that a puppy be at least eight weeks old before he can be taken from his mother. The laws vary as to who these laws apply to, with some focusing on dog breeders, kennels, and other commercial facilities. Other laws apply to anyone selling puppies, including those on Craigslist. Before buying any puppy, the more you know the better. If an unscrupulous person produces puppies and knows that he can sell them early at six to seven weeks or earlier and avoid paying for food, veterinary care, or other costs, then that cycle will continue. But if more people say no, then perhaps that cycle of human behavior can be changed. Table of Contents When can German shepherd puppies leave their mom? Keep reading to learn more about when German shepherd puppies can typically be separated from their mothers. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the puppy from its mother for health reasons. If the mother is sick or otherwise unable to care for her young, the puppies will need to be relocated. For German Shepherd puppies, there are several key milestones that must be reached before they can be separated from their mother. Another important milestone is when the puppies are able to socialize with other dogs. At this age, they can begin to interact with other dogs and animals, which is an important step in their development. During this procedure, puppies should get dry puppy chow combined with some water to form a softer, soup-like meal. See that they require you to urge them to consume this new meal, yet many others will start eating fast. They normally begin weaning at around 3 or 4 weeks and extend it progressively until 7 or 8 weeks of age. This is one of the most significant arguments in favor of our German Shepherd puppy remaining with its mother for the longest period of time that is practicable. At this point, the progenitor has to be extremely well-nourished, which will ultimately lead to improved health for the offspring. Socialization As we stated, German Shepherds are social creatures that require the company of their own kind and other animals to feel relaxed and content. Puppies that are removed from their littermates and mother too early may have difficulty socializing when they reach adulthood. The mother starts the process of socializing and teaching the German Shepherd puppy how to speak with its congeners while the puppy is still nursing from her while the mother is still producing milk. The process of socializing a puppy is essential to its overall development. In order for them to become fully socialized, they need to be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, things, and sights as well as smells. The Mental and Physical Development of the Puppy During the first few weeks of life, German Shepherd puppies are developing rapidly, both mentally and physically. They need to be in an environment that is safe, clean, and free from stress in order to develop properly. The mother provides a safe and clean environment for her puppies as well as the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the health of the mother and puppies, the socialization process, and the development of the puppies. Bottom Line Now that you know when can German Shepherd puppies leave their mom, you can make sure that your puppy is properly taken care of during this crucial time in its development. German Shepherds are a loyal and loving breed that makes a great addition to any family. With proper care and socialization, your German shepherd will grow into a happy and healthy dog. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. The new owners are very gentle with the puppy and simply talk softly to him and give him pats and toys as he gets settled in. Sadly, the Puppy Mill Project states there are more than 10, puppy mills operating just in the United States alone. Puppy mills keep breeding pairs of dogs in often horrific conditions and take the puppies away from their moms much too soon so they can breed another litter of puppies. The Humane Society states that there are some warning signs you can watch for to indicate you may be getting your puppy from an unethical breeder or even from a puppy mill: The breeder is willing to release the puppy to you at a very early age before the age of eight weeks. The breeder will not allow you to visit their kennel and see their operation or meet the parent dogs — they only sell at off-site locations or over the internet. Here again, this question is a topic of often intense debate between different breeders. As one canine biologist explains in Psychology Today , the very earliest any puppy should be allowed to leave the litter and go to their new home is 79 days seven weeks. But many other breeders feel that even seven weeks is too early, as the GSDCA article cited earlier here states. There are a variety of reasons why letting a puppy leave the litter sooner than seven to eight weeks is considered a bad idea. The puppy is still too little and fragile Some breeders believe a primary reason to keep puppies with the mom and littermates longer is that puppies are very little and easily injured. However, because the German Shepherd is a large breed dog and has a sturdier body to start with, some breeders may be apt to release GSD puppies closer to the eight week age range. In contrast, smaller and toy dog breeds that are very delicate may need a bit longer to grow up before going to their new home. The puppy needs to learn social skills Another common reason why many breeders feel that puppies should stay with their litters and mothers at least until they turn eight weeks old is that the puppy will learn important social skills. The best trainer for any German Shepherd puppy is typically going to be the mother dog. As well, GSD puppies will have the chance to play and learn from their littermates and get comfortable with having people around by watching their mother interact with the breeder. Some theories suggest that this initial period of dog-to-dog socialization needs to happen before the dog-to-people socialization so the puppy can learn to be a dog first and then to be a companion to humans next. This benefit is simply that the German Shepherd breeder is experienced working with this dog breed and can give your puppy some early expert training and socialization with people. The difference here would be bringing home a puppy that is already used to a collar and lead, puppy pads, and some initial potty training commands, playing with toys and being handled by people. The rehoming process is always going to be stressful enough on its own that you want to be sure your puppy has the most confidence possible before coming home with you. Set aside time to just be with your puppy Your puppy is going to be a bit nervous or even frightened at first — this is normal. Rehoming is a big change. You can make it easier by just carving out time to sit nearby, praising your puppy, offering pats, and talking softly. These guidelines can ensure that your new German Shepherd puppy feels at home right away living with you. Posted in Uncategorized. We are very excited to present them to the world and look forward to seeing them grow, develop, and move on to their loving forever homes. Puppies need to stay with the dog breeder for a little while after birth. During this time, they learn skills and socialize so they will be well-adjusted when they move away from the litter. Socialization Puppies should stay with the litter for about 8 to 12 weeks. Probably the main reason for this is socialization. When a puppy is with its litter and especially its mother, it learns valuable behaviors. A reputable dog breeder will never let a puppy leave before 7 weeks at the minimum. During this time, the pup will learn how to deal and live with other living things. In a sense, the dogs learn how to dog. Mostly they spend their time playing with their littermates. These are all skills that if developed well, they can use throughout their lives. They also learn how to communicate and receive commands from both their parents and humans. A dog that is not properly socialized will not be confident and may have difficulties fitting into new environments. They could be easily confused and fearful. Neither of these traits is good for both house dogs and dogs that are meant to work or show animals. Unsocialized dogs also tend to have more behavioral problems. They act out in situations in which they are not comfortable. This can mean chewing, barking, or even viciousness. Other dogs are the best trainers for a new pup, so keeping them with their littermates and parents will help them grow and develop into confident, well-behaved dogs. They are bred to be experts at detection, which is great for policing, and agility. While these traits are inbred and instinctual, they also need to be developed. These puppies are spending time with their mother and littermates, with whom their skills are already becoming apparent. The parental dogs provide a good example and play with siblings will mimic and develop these skills. The same goes for agility. There is no better training ground for a pup than an open space with their siblings. German Shepherd Puppies and Humans The fact is, the puppy will most likely be going from a place with many other puppies to a home with either none or comparatively very few. Most of the interactions throughout their lives will be with humans. Dog breeders are dog experts who will calmly and confidently help your puppy get used to human interaction in a safe and respectful way. A newborn puppy sent into a home without that buffer will be extremely stressed and have incredible difficulty adjusting. When it comes to adopting German Shepherd puppies, it is natural to be impatient. However, waiting just a few short weeks to have this beautiful and intelligent pet in your home will pay off down the road.
showline german shepherd puppies for sale - Share 0 Shares The Golden Retriever is a dog breed that is known to be friendly, active, and outgoing. In fact, their sweet and loyal demeanor makes the Golden one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. However, with popularity unfortunately comes to a lot of breeders that are not breeding the Golden Retriever reputably. As a result, it is very important that prospective Golden Retriever owners make sure that a breeder is reputable before getting a dog from them. A reputable Golden Retriever breeder will do health testing to ensure the health of their lines, and they will also care a lot about the health and well-being of their dogs. Engler Goldens Engler Golden Retrievers in Ohio This small Golden Retriever breeder focuses on breeding dogs that are healthy, trainable, and have great temperaments. In order to create and uphold healthy bloodlines this breeder health tests all of her dogs before breeding them. In addition to this, all puppies are sold with a one-year health guarantee that covers genetic conditions. Of course, all puppies are also kept up to date on all of their vet-recommended and age-appropriate vaccinations, vet visits, and deworming. Puppies are microchipped before going to their forever homes as well. To ensure that all of her puppies are trainable and have good temperaments, they receive an extensive amount of socialization from an early age. Puppies are also introduced to basic potty training, crate training, and are introduced to good puppy manners before going to their new homes. Name of Owner. Dog and puppy welcome home their soldier Staff Sgt. Russell Barnard came home after six months away to his very excited dogs. Ohio has one of the largest numbers of puppy sellers on the list, with .Some of those breeders have been cited multiple times. Breeders can be included on the Horrible Hundred report for sick or injured dogs, inhumane and unsafe conditions, and a lack of protection from the heat and cold. Humane society officials said puppies from these dealers can be sold to families in every state because puppy mills sell to pet stores across the country. Miller of Horseshoe Kennel admitted he performed an invasive dental procedure on a dog instead of taking her to a veterinarian, which resulted in her dying while she struggled in his grasp. It appears Miller paid no serious penalty and is still licensed by the state and USDA," officials said. One Kentucky breeder was mentioned and six in Indiana were included on the Horrible Hundred. The closest breeder cited is located in Brookville, Indiana. The Ohio and Kentucky breeders listed are not in the Greater Cincinnati area. For the ninth year in a row, Missouri has the largest number of puppy sellers on the list with .Officials said a large number of listings in certain states can be linked "at least partly" due to the greater availability of records in some states. To avoid buying puppies from a bad breeder, humane society officials said buyers should visit a breeder and see the conditions in which their puppy was born and raised. For more information on the Horrible Hundred, visit humanesociety. Eli D. James E. Joseph D. Miller, Millersburg, Ohio: Failed state inspection for illegal surgery on dog that was not performed by a veterinarian; another dog with injured leg, and unacceptable housing; USDA has not inspected in more than a year. Steven N. Wayne R. Troyer, Sugarcreek, Ohio: Breeder formerly accused of shooting a dog in the head in had violations for wire flooring, not making facility available for inspection repeat offender. Ivan D. Weaver, Fredericksburg, Ohio: Failed at least two state inspections in December for more than 15 violations; repeat violations for dogs kept in dangerous, small and defective housing. Andy E. Jonathan J. Yoder, Millersburg, Ohio: Inspectors found an underweight nursing mother dog, unacceptable flooring; some dogs with questionable origins. Joseph M. Yoder, Fredericksburg, Ohio: Failed two consecutive state inspections in December ; some dogs did not have clean, drinkable water; two dogs in need of dental treatment; excessive feces repeat offender. Norman E. David J. Kentucky Sharon Sherri M.
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showline german shepherd puppies for sale - Breeds The link has been copied! Are you a devoted dog fan seeking a unique, intelligent, and loyal companion? Meet the Merle Goldendoodle, rapidly gaining popularity among pet parents everywhere! These pooches flaunt memorable coat patterns and gentle temperaments, making them an optimal family addition. Goldendoodles are now in the top five most popular designer dog breeds in the US - and within this breed, Merle Goldendoodles are rapidly gaining attention for their distinct and gorgeous coat hues. But what exactly is a Merle Goldendoodle, and what makes them different from other Goldendoodles? In this comprehensive article, we will explore the fascinating world of Merle Goldendoodles, discussing everything from their temperament and appearance to their health and lifespan. What is Merle Goldendoodle? Merle Goldendoodles are a hybrid canine bred from Golden Retrievers and Poodles, making them one of the most beloved doodle breeds out there. These hybrids boast stunningly unique coat colors, a super friendly demeanor and smarts that come from their parent breeds. The boundless playfulness and love characteristic of a Golden Retriever add to the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence of a Poodle, creating the ultimate pup! Are Merle Goldendoodle Rare? Merle Goldendoodles are far from being considered an uncommon breed, yet they are more of a rarity compared to other Goldendoodle colors. This is because merle is a dominant gene which isn't present in Golden Retrievers, that being the strain blended with Poodle for making the Goldendoodle. Thus, the Merle Goldendoodle is formulated by crossing a Merle Poodle with a Golden Retriever, consequently rendering the genetic pool smaller than that of most other Goldendoodles. It is also essential to keep in mind that while Merle Goldendoodles aren't infrequently encountered, it might cost more than the others owing to the added effort needed to achieve them. Breeding Merle Goldendoodles requires finding two dogs that carry the merle gene and ensuring the production of healthy puppies; implying more thorough health tests and careful breeding methods to avoid illnesses associated with the merle gene. Merle Goldendoodle Coat Types Merle Goldendoodles can have different coat types , depending on whether they inherit more Poodle or Golden Retriever traits. The three main coat types are short or flat, wavy or shaggy, and curly. Let's look at them in detail. In contrast to other Merle Goldendoodles, they boast a smooth and straight coat with a natural sheen. These pups usually require minimal grooming as compared to their counterparts since their coats are much shorter and tend not to get tangled as easily. The short and flat coat Merle Goldendoodle would be an ideal choice for those who prefer low maintenance dogs. While regular brushing is recommended for minimizing loose fur, and preserving the shine and healthiness of its coat, there's no need for frequent grooming. They're also less prone to matting and tangling, which can be common problems among breeds with long coats. Unlike the short or flat coat Merle Goldendoodle, they have coats that are thick and wavy, with a soft, fluffy texture. These dogs require regular grooming and brushing to prevent matting, and their coats may need to be trimmed periodically to keep them from becoming too long. The wavy or shaggy coat of Merle Goldendoodles gives them a charming and lovable appearance that many dog owners find irresistible. These dogs have a coat that ranges in color and pattern from blue merle, red merle, and chocolate merle, to black and other colors. This gives each dog a unique look, which adds to its appeal. While wavy or shaggy coat Merle Goldendoodles require more grooming than the short or flat coat variation, they are still relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only need to be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair and prevent matting. Some owners prefer to have their Merle Goldendoodles professionally groomed to keep their coats looking neat and tidy. These dogs have tightly curled, fluffy coats with a wool-like texture, making them also known as 'fleece coats'. The coat can come in a range of colors and patterns, including blue merle, red merle, chocolate merle, black and many others, similar to the other Merle Goldendoodle variants. The curly coat of the Merle Goldendoodle is eye-catching but requires the most grooming of all the variants. Their coats are prone to matting meaning regular brushing and combing is necessary for keeping their curls looking neat and tidy. Additionally, trimming them more often prevents tangling and matting. Despite their high grooming needs, curly coat Merle Goldendoodles are an extremely popular choice for many dog owners. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they love spending time with their families. They are intelligent and easy to train, making them a great choice for novice dog owners or families with children. Do Merle Goldendoodles Change Color? The merle gene, which is responsible for the unique marbling and hue of Merle Goldendoodles, can lead to a shift in coat color as these pooches mature. This can be particularly noticeable in Merle Goldendoodle breeds with lighter fur shades, like cream or white. As the pup ages, its coat may darken and become richer, putting the merle pattern in plain sight. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that not all Merle Goldendoodles will morph their fur tone as they age. Some might retain their initial coat shade and pattern for life. Apart from that, color alterations may also be affected by other conditions such as diet, habitat, and overall well-being. It is also worth mentioning that Merle Goldendoodles with a chocolate merle coat may be more prone to color fading, which means that their coat may become lighter and less vibrant over time. This is because the merle gene can sometimes cause the melanin in the dog's coat to break down, resulting in a lighter color. Despite the potential for changes in coat color, Merle Goldendoodles remain a popular choice for dog owners who are drawn to their unique and eye-catching appearance. With proper care and attention, Merle Goldendoodles can live long, happy lives, and continue to bring joy to their owners for many years to come. Merle Goldendoodle Temperament Merle Goldendoodles are adored for their kind, loving, and highly clever personalities. They make outstanding family pets and thrive on attention and partnership with their owners. They're renowned for their mild temperaments and are usually non-aggressive, making them a superb option for households with young children. These pups are readily trainable and enjoy learning new commands and tricks. They're faithful and devoted to their families, and they relish spending time with people. Merle Goldendoodles are also very social dogs who get along well with other animals as well as strangers, though proper socialization and training are imperative to ensure they have positive interactions with other creatures. The personality of the Merle Goldendoodle makes them a hit these days. They're a fantastic pick for households looking for a loving, devoted, and intelligent companion. Plus, their sociable and affable behavior makes them an ideal pick for first-time doggo owners who might want a pup that's easy to train and bond with. Merle Goldendoodle Appearance As mentioned earlier, Merle Goldendoodles are a hybrid of the Golden Retriever and Poodle, meaning their look can differ depending on which parent's traits they've taken after. They usually boast medium-sized builds with strong and muscular bodies that make them great for running, hiking, and playing fetch outdoors. Their heads are usually broad and rounded, making them sociable and approachable. It's common for them to have expressive eyes set well apart—a trait they get from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Adding to the uniqueness of their look are their floppy ears that hang down either side; some may even have hair covering their ears. Overall, Merle Goldendoodles are a beautiful and unique breed with an appearance that is sure to turn heads. Merle Goldendoodle Sizes Merle Goldendoodles come in three distinct sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. Standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles typically weigh anywhere between pounds and stand as tall as 24 inches at the shoulder. Medium-sized Merles usually weigh between pounds and reach up to 20 inches tall. And, lastly, a Miniature Merle Goldendoodle can be lbs in weight and reach a maximum height of 15 inches at the shoulder. The size of a Merle Goldendoodle often depends on the size of its poodle parent. For example, a Golden Retriever bred with a Standard Poodle will likely result in larger puppies than those bred with a Miniature Poodle. Generally, the size of a Merle Goldendoodle is also determined by several considerations, including genetics, diet, and exercise. It is noteworthy that standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles are larger and need more room for exercise than the smaller ones. When choosing a Merle Goldendoodle, it's important to consider your lifestyle and living arrangements to determine which size would be the best fit for you and your family. Standard-sized Merle Goldendoodles are great for families with large yards or who live in rural areas, while miniature Merle Goldendoodles are well-suited for apartment living and those who prefer a smaller dog. Blue Merle Goldendoodle Blue Merle Goldendoodles have a beautiful blue-gray coat, often featuring black patches or spots. The eye color of these pups can vary between blue or green, and their nose and paw pads tend to be black. As a standout among other Goldendoodle colors, Blue Merle Goldendoodles really stand out and are very much in demand. Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle Chocolate Merle Goldendoodles boast a stunning chocolate-brown coat with lighter brown patches or spots. Their eyes can be green or amber, and their noses and paw pads usually come in either brown or pink. Phantom Merle Goldendoodles Phantom Merle Goldendoodles have a black coat with tan or silver markings. Their eyes can be blue or amber, and their nose and paw pads are typically black. Red Merle Goldendoodles Red Merle Goldendoodles are characterized by their red or orange coat, which can be adorned with white and cream patches or spots. These adorable pups also have captivating eyes - usually blue, green, or amber - as well as nose and paw pads that often range from black to brown. Black Merle Goldendoodle Black Merle Goldendoodles have a glossy black coat punctuated with gray and silver patches or spots. Eye color is often blue, green, or amber, and their noses and paw pads usually come in black. Other Goldendoodle colors In addition to the merle color variations, Goldendoodles can also come in a range of other colors, including white , apricot, red , black , and chocolate. Some Goldendoodles have solid coats, while others have parti, tuxedo, or abstract markings. On average, Merle Goldendoodles live between 10 to 15 years. However, it is essential to note that, like all breeds of dogs, their lifespan is influenced by various factors such as diet, exercise , genetics, and healthcare. Owners can extend their pet's life expectancy by providing them with high-quality food, regular exercise, and preventative healthcare such as vaccinations and regular vet checkups. Proper care can ensure that your Merle Goldendoodle remains happy and healthy throughout its life. Merle Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, they may be at risk of developing some health issues that are common in both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common issue among many large breeds, including Goldendoodles. It is caused by the improper development of the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort, arthritis, and mobility issues. Proper exercise, a healthy diet, and regular vet checkups can help identify hip dysplasia early and mitigate its effects. It is essential to have your Merle Goldendoodle's eyes examined regularly to detect early signs of PRA. Allergies: Merle Goldendoodles may be prone to developing allergies, especially if they have inherited this trait from their Poodle parent. Symptoms of allergies may include skin irritation, scratching, and ear infections. If you suspect your Merle Goldendoodle has allergies, consult with a veterinarian. Merle Goldendoodles have low-shedding coats, making them a popular choice for people with allergies. However, the level of shedding can vary depending on the coat type. For example, Merle Goldendoodles with curly coats may shed less than those with wavy or flat coats. Regardless of coat type, regular grooming can help reduce shedding. They make a great pick for those looking for an animal that is tender, intelligent, and simple to teach. Whether you're a fan of blue, chocolate, phantom, red, or black Merle Goldendoodle, you can easily find one that caters to your tastes. At Fi, we feel that Merle Goldendoodles make a great pet for those searching for loving, devoted and intelligent companions. As a technologically advanced firm devoted to pups' comfort, we are delighted to present the Fi Smart Dog Collar. It is engineered to assist owners in keeping their furry family secure and healthy. Our collar has GPS tracking and activity-monitoring functions, so you can always keep an eye on your Merle Goldendoodle. You can observe their place in real-time and get alerts whenever they depart permitted zones or find themselves in danger. Moreover, our collar tracks your pet's activity pattern to assure they are getting the proper physical exercise and rest. At Fi, we are committed to creating products that help pet owners give their dogs the best life possible. We believe that every Merle Goldendoodle deserves to be happy, healthy, and loved, and we are here to help make that a reality. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. The petite-sized merle Goldendoodle And the teacup-sized merle Goldendoodle. On average, the merle Goldendoodle should weigh between 13 to 80 pounds and should have a height range between 7 to 25 inches. The standard-sized merle Goldendoodle should weigh between 45 to 80 pounds. It can grow between 22 to 25 inches tall. They are the tallest and heaviest merle Goldendoodles you can find. The medium-sized Goldendoodle should be next in size. It should weigh between 30 to 45 pounds and should have a height between 17 to 21 inches. The next should be the miniature-sized Goldendoodle. These usually are small varieties that weigh between 16 to 30 pounds. Their height range is usually between 13 to 16 inches. Smaller sizes like the petite Goldendoodle can be bred from miniature-sized Goldendoodles. They can weigh between 11 to 15 pounds and can grow as tall as 11 to 12 or 13 inches. The Smallest size, which is the teacup merle Goldendoodles, would be super rare. Their height should be lower than 11 inches and they should weigh less than 11 pounds. Most Popular Color Variations of the Merle Goldendoodle As stated earlier, the Merle gene of the Goldendoodle alters the coat pattern of the Goldendoodle and not the color. As such, the merle Goldendoodle can come in a variety of coat colors. A few of these coat colors are; 1. Blue Merle Goldendoodle Blue Merle Goldendoodle The blue merle Goldendoodle is obtained from breeding a blue merle Poodle with a Golden Retriever or breeding a blue merle Goldendoodle with another Goldendoodle of solid coat color. It features a merle pattern but with a light blue base coat that gives the puppy a more marbling look. Getting a blue merle Goldendoodle is easier said than done. The color is very rare and due to the overall aesthetics of the puppies, they are in high demand. Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle Chocolate Merle Goldendoodle The chocolate merle Goldendoodle should bear similarities with the blue merle Goldendoodle except it has a chocolate coat base color and these dogs are often gotten from the Poodle parent. Phantom Merle Goldendoodles Phantom Merle Goldendoodle Phantom merle Goldendoodles come in 2 colors in a merle pattern while being in specific locations like the eyebrows, and chest. Muzzle, lower legs, and even the ears of the Goldendoodles. The two coat colors are often brown or black and the merle pattern is existent on their coat. They usually have a reddish brown base color and the signature merle pattern that makes these Goldendoodles very beautiful. Black Merle Goldendoodle Black merle Goldendoodles are also rare but not as rare as the rest. They are the most likely to possess the fading gene and fade into a light silver or gray color. They feature a black base coat and a rich merle pattern that is simply beautiful. Merle Goldendoodles are prone to certain health conditions which would be discussed in detail later in this article. However, if bred, raised, and cared for properly, the merle Goldendoodle should live the average lifespan of a regular Goldendoodle. This should be between 10 to 15 years. But there are a number of factors that can affect this, so it is worth noting that this is just general speculation. They are incredibly smart as they are often a mix of dog breed genes. The high intelligence that comes with being an offspring of the Poodle breed makes the merle Goldendoodle easily trainable. When training the merle Goldendoodle, it is worth stating that you can get a lot more achieved faster with positive reinforcement than you would with negative training techniques or tips. Instead of shouting or raising your voice at the puppy, give it a stern look and a light tap on its head. It should be able to understand the message. Goldendoodles in general also require a lot of exercise and merle Goldendoodles are no exception. You would need to keep them regularly exercised to get rid of the excess and intense energy that they are prone to. If left unexercised, that intense energy merle Goldendoodles and all Goldendoodles, in general, are prone to can easily become destructive, especially in apartments and smaller homes. It is recommended that you take your dog each day for a walk. You can also try to make out time for your puppies to keep them occupied. You can make use of a hired help or trainer to do it for you, or you can make the effort to do it yourself this a better choice as it helps you build better relationships with your furry friend and companion. This is where the merle Goldendoodle differs from other Goldendoodles. They have a higher propensity for developing genetic defects than regular Goldendoodles. As such you have to be careful when breeding them. Here are some of the possible health defects that your merle Goldendoodle might be exposed to. Deafness It is possible for a merle Goldendoodle puppy to suffer from deafness either partial or total. This is caused by the merle gene and it often happens on the side of the ear where the merle pattern is most dominant. Blindness Another common problem that can come from improper breeding of merle puppies is blindness. It can come from birth or develop as the puppy matures. Merle Goldendoodles born with blue eyes most likely suffer from this condition. Bloating Bloating for Goldendoodles can be very severe and life-threatening. It is a terrible condition that occurs in merle Goldendoodles and appears as excess air or swelling of the stomach. It can be very painful and requires immediate medical attention. It is a hormonal disorder that can lead to a weakened immune system. It can also cause weight loss for your dogs and even certain skin defects. Alopecia Color dilution Alopecia color dilution can be quite severe for merle Goldendoodles. It is a skin condition that could result in a Goldendoodle losing parts of its fur, making them bald in the long run. For merle Goldendoodles, the dog loses its fur at areas of the body where the merle patch exists. The shedding propensity of your Goldendoodle or how much your Goldendoodle shed depends on the coat type of your Goldendoodle. For the merle Goldendoodle, it depends on the coat type. Merle Goldendoodles with curly or wavy fur are known to be low to non-shedding Goldendoodles. They are practically hypoallergenic and are safe around people with dog hair allergies. However, merle Goldendoodles with the short and flat coat type are more likely to shed than the other Goldendoodle coat types. They require less grooming as they can easily shed their fur. But it is important to state that merle Goldendoodles with a flat and short hair coat type are still fewer shedders than Golden Retrievers in general. How Much Are Merle Goldendoodles? Merle Goldendoodles are super rare, and as such, they can be quite expensive to purchase. Their rare color and difficulty in breeding are what cause the high cost of getting one. For rarer merle Goldendoodles like the blue merle, it might cost a bit more. This is a very difficult Goldendoodle puppy to breed, and its health defects can be quite bad. So forget the high cost and ensure you obtain your Goldendoodle puppy from a reputable breeder. Merle Goldendoodle Puppies For Sale 1. They are based in Washington and are quite experienced with over 3 years dedicated to breeding high-quality family-friendly Goldendoodle companions. They focus on merle Goldendoodles and breeds of most merle colors. Their puppies are from the f1b generation and are blessed with the low-to-nonshedding coat that makes them truly special dogs. Vaalaurah Farms utilizes the best CKC-registered sires and dams in their breeding programs that come from decent bloodlines and are incredibly healthy. Their sires and dams each have genetic testing done for all their dogs to ensure they are free from any potential harmful defect. The sires and dams are healthy and each has their OFA certifications available upon request to show that they are indeed healthy. Because they deal with merle puppies, a lot is taken to properly raise the puppies the right way. All their merle Goldendoodles get to live in their family house in Spokane, Washington, where they are monitored closely. They also have their socialization done early to guarantee that you end up with a well-rounded Goldendoodle puppy. Each Goldendoodle puppy is raised using Puppy Culture. They are introduced to Early Neurological Stimulation. And even have a Voldhard puppy aptitude test done on them. Expect Your Merle Goldendoodle to come with appropriate health records, they should be microchipped, and given their full vaccinations and deworming as well. They come with a lifetime health guarantee and lifetime support from the breeder. Valaurah Farms Contact Details. What is a Merle Goldendoodle? A merle Goldendoodle is a popular crossbreed between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, which has a specific coat pattern called merle. These Doodle dogs are very popular due to their striking shades of black, brown, or a combination of the two. Are they any different than a regular Goldendoodle? No, merle Goldendoodles are the same as regular Goldendoodles. The Poodle-Golden Retriever mix has a variety of different coat colors. Some Goldendoodles have one solid color, such as apricot Goldendoodles, white Goldendoodles, brown Goldendoodles, etc. Other Goldendoodles may have unique coats like brindle, parti, or merle. However, a merle Goldendoodle and a parti Goldendoodle are the same breed. So, how do merles get their gorgeous coats? The extent of these shades and patches depends on genetics. For example, a young dog with a salt-and-pepper appearance has the genetics for black coat color and merle coat pattern. Dilute is where the hair color is lightened. This type of color genetics also appears in cattle, sheep, and cats, to name a few. It only means that if it can produce colored hair, it will show up in a shade of either black or brown. For different shades, there are three genes involved. The first is dilution or dd. Black dogs or red dogs such as black Goldendoodles or red Goldendoodles will have DD genetics, allowing for full expression of the color in all its rich shades. However, a dog with dilute genetics, or dd, will produce a lighter shade of the color. This gives you a dog that is born charcoal grey or tan. A dog that also has ii genetics will often be lighter. Depending on the depth of dilution, this could be coloring such as silver, fawn, or cream. Roxy, a gorgeous blue merle phantom Goldendoodle image: roxythemerledoodle. On the other hand, a dog that is GG will start black or dark grey and then continue to lighten as they mature. This differs from geriatric graying of an aging dog, which is caused by loss of eumelanin production and is typically limited to the face. One additional gene, A, is the agouti gene. It has two different appearances. One controls the color appearing on the back versus the belly, while the other controls the pattern of color on individual hairs. A dog with black on its back and tan underneath is one type of aa. A dog that has light hair with dark tips is another type of aa. This includes the sable color e. Tyrosinase, or albinism, is a genetic mutation that prevents pigment from forming at all and is often seen in some white dogs that often have red or pale blue eyes and completely pink skin. Other types of spots are due to mutations in this gene and others. This includes masks, points, piebald, flashy spotting, brindle, ticked, roan, and dalmatian spotting. Harlequin creates amazing spotting patterns found only in Great Danes with one or two merle genes in addition to a single H gene. Great Danes are the only breed that has the true harlequin gene [2] doggenetics. This means that no matter what you read, there is no such thing as a harlequin Goldendoodle. Great Dane with a harlequin merle coat. Now that we understand the color and marking genetics, the merle gene provides an interesting scientific study. Merle is passed on by the M locus, with non-merle being a double mm. The double mm is considered recessive genes. What this means, in plain English, is that additional genetic code is inserted into a specific location on the M locus. It will appear only in their offspring if passed onto a puppy with another M gene. Even then, it will be faint. This explains why we might have cryptic merle Goldendoodles and phantom merle Goldendoodles. At higher insertion lengths, more marked patterns will appear. With one copy of the atypical merle locus, the dog will have no to slight merle markings, while two copies will look like a regular Mm merle pattern in many cases [3] doggenetics. These should never breed to dogs that have longer alleles to avoid the chance of health problems in puppies. A merle or M has an allele insertion length of , providing the usual merle coat pattern in an Mm dog. However, two Mm dogs have a chance of producing an MM or double-merle puppy, which can have significant health problems. This type of breeding should be avoided. A harlequin merle or Mh has the longest allele insertion length between and may also be referred to as a herding harlequin in some breeds. This type of breed will often have large white or pale grey patches. This happens because the strength of the genetic expression removes some of the darker coloring while retaining the merle pattern. This type of genetics must be bred to unmerled, or Mc, dogs to prevent the risk of severe health problems in puppies. How Can a Goldendoodle be Merle? As a cross between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, merle Goldendoodles get their merle genetics from the Poodle. But many breeders, and Poodle-fanatics, believe that there is no such thing as a merle Poodle. An intentional genetic bottleneck caused the merle genes in Poodles. Columbias, prior to the Industrial Revolution, came in all colors, as the primitive Shetland breed still does. But as chemical dyes replaced natural dyes in the Industrial Revolution, wool merchants began demanding white sheep so that the dye would present the same color across all the wool they had purchased. Sheep farmers began breeding for white sheep. This is how the concept of a black sheep being a bad thing came into practice. Similarly, at one point in the history of the Poodle breed , colored Poodles were considered defective. However, as our appreciation of the breed and understanding of genetics has increased, more breeders have begun breeding for specific colors and merle patterns. If safely done, intentional breeding provides us with a beautiful, natural range of animals that were nearly bred out of existence. After crossbreeding with Golden Retrievers to create the Goldendoodle breed, more color has been added to their genetic pool. Goldendoodles have a massive range of fantastic coat colors and patterns [4] valaurahfarms. It is not uncommon to come across all sorts of colors and patterns in this designer dog: Blue Goldendoodles.