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There is a lot of talk about black Boxers dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colored puppy, but their searching is in vain. It may be hard to believe it when you see photos, but black boxers do not exist — the color gene responsible for black coat color does not exist within the breed. Brindle is a pattern of color, it is a striping effect. With most brindle Boxers, the dark stripes are clearly over a fawn background. However, with Boxer dogs that appear to have a black coat, this is due to super heavy reserve brindling. In fact, it can be so dark and so thick, that you cannot see any fawn beneath it. This gives the dog a very dark coat that does indeed appear to be black. Here, we'll go into the facts a bit more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths are swirl about regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume that he is a certain color, based on what your eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you must take a second look. It is sometimes only when you realize how brindle can cause an effect of sorts, that makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. In addition, some Boxers are given the term of black; however, in many cases, this is a shortened term that comes from longer 'black brindle'. The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn. Brindles are actually fawn with a brindle marking. Those markings are made of a pattern for fur consisting of black striping which covers the fawn… Sometimes just a bit lightly brindled and sometimes a lot a heavily brindled dog. A black Boxer with white flash? Your eyes are playing tricks on you. This pup is super dark reverse brindle with white markings. Cassandra, 5 months old Photo couresty of Christopher Many wonder if perhaps there were black Boxers that were mostly bred out of the lines and that perhaps now and again a dog with a black coat shows up somewhere. However, if we look to the record keeping of the past century, we can see that this is not the case. In this year time period, a black Boxer appeared once, however there is a catch to this. In the Germany, in the late 's a Boxer was paired with a mixed dog that was part Bulldog and part Schnauzer. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Since another breed was introduced into the bloodline, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore did not have any influence on genetics going forward. Once in a while there will be a breeder that claims to have black Boxers and will point to this one incident long ago as evidence that black does indeed run in the bloodline. However, since those mixed dogs with black coats were never used for any sort of develop program this simply does not hold true. Another element that shows that this coloring does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had stringent control over breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and set the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all elements regarding appearance including coloring. This group did not wish for any experimenting to be done that would introduce the color black and for this reason they made a clear rule that black Boxers would not be accepted. Some make the argument that programs may have ignored this ruling and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However it would have not been in their best interest to do so and additionally, any resulting dogs would have not been part of the Munich Boxer Club since they couldn't have been registered there. This means that any such hypothetical dogs could not have genetically been included in the Boxer's bloodline since they would have been barred from any programs that were developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed dog and not a purebred Guidelines and strict rules of of the club in Munich that was the foundation of today's Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it is also fair to say: The chance of there being some odd, rare gene mutation that brings black into the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the odds are so low that this can be ruled out Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out over others Why are some people still adamant that this coloring exists? Diesel, at 2 years old Photo courtesy of Brittany Calvert This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred. It is assumed that in this case, it would be done to sell the pups at a higher cost. Some elements to ponder.Their registration papers do not have that color code as an option. Therefore, even if someone verbally dubs a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would most likely be brindle. Since the pup would be handed over to new owners with papers stating he was not black, how can they simultaneously claim to have black Boxer dogs? And this of course, is very unethical. In Summary Every being whether it is a mammal, like a dog, human, etc. These genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs, too. In order for a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene for having a black coat. Boxer dogs do not have that gene. So, there cannot be any black Boxer dogs. It is genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown points, for example, MUST be a mixed breed or a heavily brindled dog. Black and White Boxer puppies There are quite a number of myths about the color of the black and white boxer puppies. The genetic combination of a black boxer puppy will play a huge role in determining its overall color. White boxer puppies lack melanin, the hormone responsible for the black pigmentation that ideally black boxer puppies ought to have. Mostly, white boxer puppies are associated with some deformities like deafness and are more prone to sunburns due to the lack of melanin. Black Boxer puppies Many dog lovers search for the pure black boxer puppy. It can be a bit hard to judge from photos of dogs that breeders claim to be pure black boxer puppies. Black boxer puppies have a very dark coat naturally that is also very thick. In the case of getting pure black boxer puppies, you need to look very carefully because the color can deceive your eyes. Never judge the color of the boxer in the first look. There are some black boxer puppies who are black in color and some just have a dark brindle. Image Source 3. Health of the black boxer dog Just like any other dog breed, the black boxer dog breed is also prone to some health issues. Some of the leading health issues that affect this breed is that they are likely to suffer from cancer, heart conditions like boxer cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia and even epilepsy. The main cause of death being stillbirth and infection. Remember, the original black boxer puppy was a hybrid of the English bulldog and the Bullenbeisser , which is now an extinct breed. The sole cause of infections among the current black boxer dog is as a result of inbreeding with other dog breeds. About .The lifespan of the black boxer dogs was therefore estimated to be an average of 10 years. Before you make your purchase from any breeder, make sure that you screen the black boxer dog to find out if he is likely to have any of these health conditions. This will greatly determine the lifespan of the black boxer puppy. Diet and nutrition of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is a very energetic breed. This essentially means that you have to be very keen on the quality of dog food that you feed your furry friend. High quality wet dog food is recommended for the black boxer dog. Their diet should generally contain high amounts of calories because of their energy expenditure. You should mostly feed your black boxer dog meals which contain lean animal protein like lean chicken or fish which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. You also need to be aware of the fact that black boxers may be vulnerable to dental issues hence have a high likelihood of developing bad breath. This is one of the reasons why you need to avoid dry dog food, especially cheap and low quality food. Always give your dog plenty of clean and fresh water to help maintain good oral hygiene and to keep him well hydrated. Weight and height of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is generally a medium-sized dog. The male dog weighs approximately between kgs and the female counterpart too. The only difference between the male and female black boxer dogs is the height. The male can grow to a height of between cm and the female between cm. Image Source 7. The black boxer dog is quite a harmless one when it comes to family and has a very warm and social personality. However, this dog can be distrustful to strangers. The black boxer dog is the perfect family dog because of their patience and protective nature, especially around children. This dog breed is a very playful and energetic one hence a favorite of many children. Boxers can also be quite headstrong so you need to take them through thorough obedience training. Naturally, boxers are not an aggressive breed and they have natural guardian instincts too. Socialization The black boxer is a very friendly dog, which makes it easy for you to socialize your puppy. The dog gets along well with both humans and other animals. They generally love companionship and will immediately get along fine with strangers once their natural instinct assures them it is okay to do so. However, you need to know that black boxer dogs may not be very patient when it comes to larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dog breeds. In case you take your boxer out the dog park, one that is frequented by smaller dog breeds will be a good place to begin socialization. Recommended: Check the brain training for dogs program here 9. What is the price of a black boxer puppy? The price of the black boxer puppy is expected to be relatively higher than the price of other dog breeds. This is because of the fact that the black boxer is a rare breed and they are not very easy to get. Breeders who sell black boxer puppies sell them a bit expensive because this dog has a really beautiful black coat that is very thick and dark hence making him a very attractive breed. You need to be prepared to dig deep in your pockets to get one of these lavish black boxer puppies. Are black boxers rare? Getting a pure bred black boxer dog can prove to be quite difficult due to the extinction of one of the parent species, the Bullenbeiser. However, you can get black and white boxer puppies as well as crossbreeds of the black boxer dog. Real black boxers do not exist anymore. The gene that is responsible for the rich dark color is extinct and not available in the existing breeds. Never be misguided by some greedy breeders who claim to have the pure black boxer dog breed. Conclusion In conclusion, the black boxer dog was one of a kind. The current breeds are a crossbreed between the black boxer dog and another breed. This existing breed may have a fur coat that is a mixture of black and white, hence a black and white boxer dog or brown. The boxer is a great family dog and has a warm temperament too. The breed is also a friendly one hence very easy to socialize with both humans and other canines. Always give your boxer plenty of physical exercise because this dog is very energetic and needs the exercise to develop healthy and strong bones. Good nutrition is also very important to lower the risk of your boxer suffering from illnesses that can be avoided. Featured Image Credit: Source. Many people have made claims to owning black boxer dogs. In the boxer community, this can be a cause for argument, but the fact remains that it is genetically impossible for a boxer to be black in color. The color gene responsible for a dog being black does not exist within the breed. If you own a boxer that appears to be black in color, there are two possible explanations for this: Your boxer is not purebred It has been known to happen that somewhere down the line a boxer was bred with a mixed-breed dog and her puppies still have that boxer look. When breeds are mixed, certain genes can be inherited, like the gene that causes the black color. Your boxer is a very heavy brindle reverse brindle Brindle boxers are basically fawn colored with black stripes. In some dogs, the brindle is so dominant it gives the appearance of being black. It is the base color and is dominant in the majority of boxer dogs, as well as other dogs such as Great Danes and Pugs. Brindle Photo by Gunnshots Brindle boxers are basically fawn colored boxers with black stripes. These black stripes can vary in intensity, but they are never so thick that the dog is considered black in color. What About White Boxers? Although it is true that white boxer dogs are indeed a recognized group of boxers, they are technically not white in color.

About Us Why Australian Labradoodles? We raise Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles for many reasons. The Australian Labradoodle has become a breed that is noted for its high intelligence, asthma and allergy friendliness and no to low shedding, and easy trainability. Their playful and endearing personalities make them loving and loyal family companions. Combine all this with excellent health and fantastic temperaments and you have the dog we love! A Love For Dogs Our Labradoodles are hand raised and whelped in our home with love and lots of attention from our family, extended family, and full-time staff. Our dogs have plenty of room to run and play indoors or outdoors. We take great care in socializing our Australian Labradoodle puppies so they will be a treasured companion from our family to yours! Our Australian lines come from the two main research and development centers, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor in Australia. We are a gold paw breeder with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America ALAA and go above and beyond their minimum requirements for health testing. Along with my family and full-time staff, we raise genuine quality miniature, medium, and standard Australian Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles. After researching the breed, it became apparent to me that the Australian Labradoodle was the right choice for my family with a history of allergies and asthma. We fell in love with these incredible dogs and one thing led to another! We have been in business now for sixteen years. Our home, Mountain View Labradoodles, revolves around our adult Australian Labradoodles and each new litter of Australian Labradoodle puppies that we lovingly bring into the world for new owners like you. We love what we do and we find so much value in raising health-tested, happy, and quality puppies for all of our loving forever homes we get the opportunity to work with. We are the complete opposite of a puppy mill. Our breeding dogs do not live in kennels. They live in our family home or with approved guardian homes where they enjoy large indoor and outdoor areas that are custom-built for the unique needs of puppies. Their day is scheduled around exercise in different yard areas where they run on fresh grass, challenge themselves on an obstacle course, go for walks, and come inside our home to play calmly and snuggle. Right from birth, each litter of puppies is welcomed into our home as a family. We watch the puppies for hours with delight, care for them as if they were our own children, play and laugh with them, and revel in each milestone … opening their eyes, their first walk, first kibble, first everything! But what we love most is witnessing the special bond that begins so sweetly between your pup… and you. We pour everything we know and have into your pup so he or she will get the best possible start in life. Thanks for raising such a great puppy. He even sleeps from 10 pm-6 am!!? Terrie really felt like she had a God-given talent to produce beautifully and impeccably bred Labradoodle puppies. From the time she was a young girl, her life revolved around breeding and baby animals. She raised cats, dogs, horses, and bunnies, and took great pride and care in the birth and bringing up of each litter. Since then, she has spent countless hours with vets, other breeders, and trainers who are top in the field. Her training as a vet-tech gave her a deep understanding and background in animal life-cycles, medical and minor surgical care, the genetic science of disease, disease transmission, prevention, vaccination, and animal physiology. She also took many obedience classes and promoted compassion and respect in every teaching moment with puppies and dogs. Along the way, Terrie started working with her niece Sara and her husband Robby Gilliam. Through many years of working side by side, Terrie and Gene passed on their knowledge and expertise to Robby and Sara as they partnered in the business. They have been partnering with Mountain View Labradoodles since , whelping litters and raising puppies. Because their children have grown up with puppies in their world, they are the best for socializing and train puppies in ways that prepare our puppies for a smooth transition into your home. The puppies get used to the noise of children and being gently snuggled regularly. Another huge part of Mountain View is the care and support Rory Rush brings to our team. We also own two dogs that interact with the puppies often. Ella is a family pet. We call her the gentle giant as she is a standard size in a chalk color. She has such a sweet disposition and is an amazing mentor to our older puppies after they have been weaned. We also have one of our amazing studs, Teddy who lives with us. He is always very curious about the puppies and has such a loving personality. These two dogs play a very important role in the care of our sweet puppies. Many people ask us why we do what we do? The moment we place that adorable puppy in your arms for the first time and see the joy on your face is the reason. We love providing puppies that enrich homes and create an environment of love and affection. We love to talk about our puppies and discuss your interest in our Labradoodles. Please contact us any time to talk about how one of our amazing puppies could become yours! Gilliam Children. We no longer have visiting days and because we have to always be very cautious about parvo accidentally being brought into our home, we must limit your visit to when you pick up your puppy to bring home at 8 weeks old. We have newborn puppies year round whom are very vulnerable to infection or disease; we do not want to take any chances with our puppies health by having the traffic of non-vital frequent visitors. We even have to be very cautious with our friends and family visiting. On the day of your visit please do not have any contact with other puppies or unvaccinated dogs before you visit our home. Thank you for understanding and respecting our policy and we look forward to meeting you! Buyer Beware It is very concerning and heartbreaking to find so many puppymills on the internet now. Please be aware that there are pet stores and websites advertising each breed of dog claiming to be a 'breeder directory' but they are actually puppymills. Just because a website has a lot of pictures does not mean that those pictures were not stolen from other breeders!! Puppymills are massive breeding facilities that only view dogs as commodities. Breeding dogs are housed in shockingly poor conditions and bred until they can no longer produce, with very little human contact and suffer from neglect, poor health, parasitic infestations, and horrific wounds because they are forced to live on their feces confined to small filthy cages. So many people own dogs that have come from puppymills and dont even realize it. Unfortunately puppymills are thriving on the internet because buyers are not aware that such cruelty exists. Making such a purchase does not "rescue" the puppy- it in fact condemns puppymill dogs to a life of torture. It is estimated that there are over 4 million dogs being bred in puppymills every single year! And this number is growing.The current laws are insufficient in protecting dogs and puppies from neglect and exploitation. We have been awarded. Introducing the Perfect Family Pet! Read our About section to learn more about us and our program. We have puppies ready to go home NOW! Stud Service Transport if live coverage is needed for stud services. All transportation costs are subject to travel expenses unless otherwise specified. Please inquire directly for an estimate. Arrowhead Academy Advanced Training Program is around months. Advanced pups will be fully vaccinated as well. For cost and program details, please reach out. We are actively searching for guardian homes within 2 hours of Calhoun, LA. It is basically like a foster home but for dogs. Puppies will be going home at various times for this program! It is recommended that this pup participates in Arrowhead Academy to get a jumpstart on training and set you up for success! Males must live within 30 minutes. Arrowhead's puppies are making their way from coast to coast! Puppy buyers are you ready to bring one home? Whoever said diamonds are a girl's best friend.They are the most loving and compassionate dogs I have ever met. They really get in sync with their families and provide so much affection. You know how some people prefer a weighted blanket for comfort? I would compare our ALD's to a velcro weighted blanket. My life was completely shattered. We purchased a little girl in early and she became my Emotional Support Animal. She knows when I'm sad or down. She won't leave my side. She sleeps in my lap or on my pillow. If I'm crying, she will literally lick my tears away. She is literally glued to me like velcro and provides so much support and comfort. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Communicating with Jenna made things go so much smoother and she has an uncanny ability to help choose the right personality to fit your family's lifestyle. We now have two of the most beautiful pups!!! And we owe it all to Jenna with her guidance. The love that she has for her babies is such a commitment from the second they are born. If you are considering Greystone Australian Labradoodles as your choice, you will not be disappointed! Such an awesome and loving family producing the most beautiful pups:. We have had the best experience working with Greystone! They truly love and care about their dogs. It is NOT a puppy mill or even close, these are loved on family dogs! We cannot say enough great things about our experience! And…they are seriously the best dogs! We are completely obsessed with our doodle! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. We got our puppy from Greystone in January. From the very begging of the process and up until now, they have been incredible. They answered numerous questions before hand and even when I need guidance with my puppy at home. They want the absolute best for their litters and you can truly tell how much love they put into getting these babies to the best home possible. We could not be happier with our little baby, Gino. He is an abustle joy and everything we could have wished for, and more. Would recommend Greystone to anyone who is looking for an Australian Labradoodle, they are the absolute best!!! I was shipping a puppy to a customer, and was in line with a man who was shipping two pups together in a crate. His little pups were beautiful, and I was making baby noises at them and petting them through the crate door. At some point in our conversation, this man mentioned that he had hundreds just like them at home, and actually spun the puppy crate up over his head with the babies inside! It was utterly shocking to me!!! I almost made the evening news! My family, and other reputable breeders, fully support new laws protecting pets and families from the horrible puppy mills that are scattered all over the country. In an effort to raise sound, loving, family pets, as well as dogs used in therapy settings, we believe that all breeding dogs — both moms and dads -- must be raised in a family setting, with interaction within the home, room to roam, and activity of all kinds. The very first step in raising well-socialized and loving pups is to have well-socialized and loving parents. This is the reason we place most of our breeding doodles in guardian families. All our breeding dogs are beloved family pets. When whelping and raising a litter of puppies, either we or our guardian families bring our precious doodle babies into the world in the bedroom, laundry room, or even the kitchen in a secure whelping bed with their human mom or dad watching over them. For the first four weeks of age, doodle mama provides everything babies need while they are getting used to human interaction and activity. At four weeks of age, a more secure bed is provided for them with cedar chips and a tall pen to prevent escapes and accidents. Feeding is supplemented and puppies are being romped outdoors whenever possible to begin housebreaking and to become independent. By the time our pups are ready for their forever family 8 to 12 weeks of age , they have been wrapped in blankets, held like babies, pottied in the grass several times a day, and romped with other pets. J There are some who believe that it is wrong to purchase a pet from any breeder. They feel that rescuing is the only way to acquire a furry family member ethically. I firmly say that there is room for both! As the proud mother of 10 yes, ten children, we have experienced the joys of adding to our family in multiple ways. We have children who are biologically ours, adopted children, and children who were placed here as foster children and have continued to have a secure family bond with us. Rescuing a puppy or dog is a wonderful and fulfilling thing to do if you are able to put in extra time for assessing, training, rehabilitating, loving, and saving a rescued pet. There are some rescued pets that have wonderful temperaments, and some that have emotional pain and trauma. If you have allergies to dogs or asthma, have special-needs or young children, and want to have a furry kid who is trustworthy, know that we are preparing our pups from day-one for your family. I am sure someone will email me and tell me how wrong I am to write about these breeders and that it could happen to anyone but let me say that if you ever once were on the other end and got dogs from these filthy hell hole breeders that you would be as sickened and angry as I am. He looks clean, he smells better than he once did. He eats better now than he ever did. This is Sawyer. My dream dog. My once hopeful stud boy. When I took him home he was infested with worms, reeked like a New York City trash can and had hip dysplasia. It took months to rehabilitate and glue his broken shell back together. I remember standing at the door for 3 hours while he stood in my back yard not allowing me to get near him; he stood in the cold November rain and shivered. He wanted to come in so badly but was too afraid. I stood inside the kitchen soaking wet crying and begging him to come in. I finally had to get a bed sheet and with my husbands help cornered him and tossed the sheet over him. He was purchased from a well known breeder who offered a warranty and a guarantee on his health. We promptly started health testing him when he got home. Sadly he failed his OFA and was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. His breeder refuses even after receiving proof to honor her warranty. She herself admitted that she has never tested her dogs but yet sells them at a premium rate. Look for proof of testing. She never cried a day in her life for this dog. This is Sawyer, I cry when asked about him, he will always have a special place in my heart. I saw old rusted crates stacked along the drive, driving past a dog run out by some trees I saw a dog house and 4 small dogs, I parked next to a car port type structure that housed several cages stacked on top of one another in rows, inside the cages were chickens, rabbits, cats, ferrets and other small animals. There were several small shack like out buildings. I walked up to the door and knocked, no one answered but I had called 5 minutes prior so they knew I was there. I opened the door leaning inside to say Hello; looking around there were empty cages everywhere and bags of Purina stacked 10 or more bags high, empty bags and other trash scattered on the floor. Back out on the porch I called the breeder to alert them that I was there, looking up I was faced with 2 dobermans not looking very happy, I later learned that they were nice. I entered a room with a desk, sofa, 2 recliners, a TV, door covered with bed sheets and walls lined with dog crates stacked from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, filled with filthy dogs. I had arrived with enough cash to buy 4 dogs. In the cage above them I found Sawyer, then referred to as Prado. He was scared and my heart broke seeing him. I passed it up. I drove home with a pit in my stomach but vowed to take care of and do the right thing by those dogs. He has a dog brother who keeps him in line, he has been trained and know several tricks; can wave, high five, pray, dance, roll over… and many more. I get letters from Sawyer every few months and everyone of his letters makes me cry. He is doing great and is a good boy. I love you Sawyer. Another sad story starts with an Oregon breeder sending me a dog in whelp, the dog was due 2 weeks after she arrived. I took the fluffy white dog out of her crate at the airport holding her in the air to shine my smile upon her face and once again found myself looking into sad scared eyes. I took her to the vet to confirm her pregnancy and the vet told me what I already knew. I had her groomed to get her pee stained and matted coat into presentable shape; I was called by the groomer to tell me she had bit her. Took her home to have her a few days later bite my 11 year old daughter and to later have her bite a guest in my home and my vet the day I returned her to her breeder. Being told stories from clients about an Indiana breeder who is breeding a dog that was either hit by a car or stepped on, the story was told to me by multiple clients who claimed to visit the breeder and was told the dog had a funny limp and was skittish because of her accident, unfortunately the cause of the accident change based on who was visiting. Calls from other concerned customers who visited an Iowa breeder; was advised in order to visit she first had to pay for a puppy. Arriving to play with the puppies they found the adult dogs matted and dirty, so dirty even that to touch them or have the dogs brush up against them would soil their clothes and leave an awful stench. Hearing barking in a side room where they were able to gain a quick peek revealed dogs in crates stacked from floor to ceiling. Calls from a different client reported a visit to a neighboring Iowa breeder with a similar story. I will continue to report on stories from clients and my experiences with puppy mill breeders. Here are other dogs who were found in puppy mills across the United States. Please support ethical breeding and do not buy pets from pet stores or puppy mills. The Labradoodle is a companion dog and should not be raised in a kennel, they need human companionship and thrive on being loved. If you are unclear of what a puppymill is take a look at the pictures below. They are sickening and; REAL. This type of life for millions of poor unfortunate dogs are a reality everyday. For many dogs they are confined in conditions like this for their entire life until they are no longer able to breed to make their capturers money then they are killed. The dogs you see in these pictures are VERY lucky as they are being photographed because they were rescued. How can you help?

Buying a Doberman Shepherd puppy for a very low price usually indicates they came from a puppy mill. Here are some reputable breeders where you may find Doberman Shepherd puppies for sale: AKC Marketplace — A great way to find a Doberman German Shepherd mix is to trace it back to its parent dogs. Vom Hismerh German Shepherds and Dobermans — Having been in the industry since , this breeder imports their top-quality dogs straight from Germany. All of their dogs are of show quality and free of defects, ensuring that your next Doberman Shepherd mix is healthy. A quick search on this site yields over a hundred listings for Doberman Shepherd puppies! Aside from the sources above, check out our comprehensive list of Doberman and German Shepherd breeders for more options. You might be able to score local shepherd dogs near you! If it seems complicated to find a reputable breeder in your area, or if you want to save some cash, you can try your luck with adopting Doberman Shepherd puppies instead. Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus — While this non-profit organization primarily focuses on Dobermans, they also accept other official breeds and mixed breeds. If you adopt a Doberman Shepherd from this rescue, you can be assured that your future companion dog is already neutered, vaccinated, and treated for heartworms. To help you further, check your local German Shepherd rescues since they are more likely to cater to mix breeds than Doberman Pinscher rescues. As a bonus, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide. Here, you can learn extremely helpful tips about acquiring rescue dogs to make adoption a breeze! First, here are the advantages of owning a Doberman German Shepherd mix: Their appearance is enough protection. While most dog owners are simply in awe of the striking looks of the Doberman Shepherd, some people are intimidated by this dog breed. Being seen with this loyal guard dog may be enough to deter robbers. Doberman Shepherds are natural bodyguards. They may act all soft and friendly with human family members, but this dog will go head-on with any threats. Although the Doberman Shepherd has more potential to harm humans than other dogs, they receive commands quite well. Training will be even easier since they make it a goal to please their masters. Indeed, the Doberman Shepherd is a good balance of brains and brawn. Now, here are the disadvantages of owning a Doberman German Shepherd mix: Their size might be too much. A mix of this size is challenging for first-time dog owners. Apart from consuming a lot of food, Doberman German Shepherds are prone to breaking items in your home if bored. Additionally, a larger dog can be brushed and bathed more often due to its larger stature. Doberman Shepherds may develop serious health problems. Doberman German Shepherds are prone to various severe health problems. Moreover, most of their diseases are very expensive to treat and require intense medical attention. They have higher energy levels compared to other dogs. Doberman German Shepherds are indeed the offspring of two highly energetic parent breeds. If you cannot keep up with such liveliness, you might end up with chewed-up furniture and broken glassware. Doberman Shepherds have both advantages and disadvantages strongly correlated with their size and intelligence. Other Canine Clubs Adoptapet. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a Doberman German Shepherd mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Doberman parent dog, its short hair does not result in excessive shedding. The Doberman German Shepherd does not like bathing in water, so the dog should be trained to tolerate bath time during puppyhood. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and made of a coconut cleanser, oatmeal, and aloe. It is made of aloe and oatmeal and helps in maintaining a healthy and shiny coat for the dog. The dog shampoo also has a pine scent and is a hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the Doberman German Shepherd mix also needs its nails trimmed using specialized nail clippers for dogs. The occasional cleaning of the ears and brushing of the teeth should be done as well. Regular exercises and occasional visits to the vet is recommended to prevent the following health problems: Cardiomyopathy. This umbrella term covers both Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, or Enlarged Heart, is a disease that affects internal organs and results in lung and heart failure. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, or Heart Disease, is a rare case of blood distribution problems by the heart in dogs. The symptoms of Cardiomyopathy include abnormal breathing patterns, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, blueish skin discoloration, and loss of awareness. Wobbler Syndrome. Scientifically named as Cervical Spondylomyelopathy, wobble syndrome is a predisposed condition in large dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher. It is described by a bone malformation in the cervical spine which is located on the neck of the dog, resulting in wobbly walking and neck pain. Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Megaesophagus is generally characterized by the enlargement of the esophagus in dogs. It is a congenital or inborn, disease that causes problems in traveling food from the mouth to the stomach. Some signs and symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, and bad breath. Degenerative Myelopathy. This disease is described as the slow degeneration of the spinal cord in the dog. It may eventually result in paralysis as well. Warning signs include a steady weakness of hind limbs, stumbling, inability to stand, muscle atrophy, poor hygiene, stress, and depression. Separation Anxiety. Part of viewing a health issue should not only remain within the physical aspect. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is also prone to mental disorders like separation anxiety. This occurs when its owner spends less time with the dog despite its deep attachment and loyalty with the person. The Doberman German Shepherd mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were explicitly pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Doberman Shepherds Food Requirements As a big and energetic breed, the Doberman German Shepherd mix may eat plenty of food and become obese if the dog is not supplemented with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. It needs to consume substantial amounts of protein and a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats and is fed twice a day depending on the activities that the dog did during the day. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. Your hairy companion deserves the best, so choose the highest-quality dry dog food in the market you can find. Whelps need the energy to be active, and lots of vitamins and minerals too. Food that rounds off everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different necessities, so take a look at the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay strong and show off proudly. You can also find useful ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will adore. German Dobermans Exercise Requirements This is an active and energetic dog with parent dogs that were bred for working. The Doberman German Shepherd mix requires a substantial amount of exercise to channel and release its stored energy. Intellectual activities are also sufficient sources of mental stimulation for the dog. Below are some activities for the dog: Racing. A team of four dogs is set on the course that fetches a tennis ball through an obstacle course and returns the ball to its handler. The first team to complete the task with all their dogs wins. Like the Doberman and the German Shepherd, the Doberman German Shepherd mix can significantly benefit from this activity. Since most dogs live in urban settings, herding allows the dog an opportunity to utilize its herding instincts that were long unused. Military Training. Sending the dog to the military is an advantage for the dog to act on command and the owner to gain leadership points. On the softer side, the dog may be used as a service dog for war veterans or soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Both the Doberman and the German Shepherd are renowned guarding dogs and, and its offspring are more likely to display aggressive behavior towards suspicions and threats. The dog should learn how to safely interact with different people and animals, especially with children. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Socialization. The Doberman German Shepherd mix is a dog with a bold disposition. The dog needs to be exposed with children and other animals and dogs as a puppy to help expand its sense of protectiveness and guarding instincts towards others. The dog will eventually learn new social skills and become more mature to regulate its aggressive tendency. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Knowing how to address this reaction of the dog on its guarding instincts is vital before it grows older. But the Doberman German Shepherd mix is also a loyal and affectionate dog once it grows up. It may even feel emotional when its owner deprives the dog of reciprocation or companionship. They make excellent guard dogs and make intruders think twice before barging into your house. The dog needs a backyard space to deplete its energy levels throughout the day. It is not an ideal dog for people living in an apartment since the dog may always feel insecure and wary of strangers that walk the hallways every day. It may even act more aggressively to different people who you interact with and affect your social life as well. If your family lives in colder states and have fewer opportunities to bring out the dog, then it is not a suitable dog for you. Altogether, the Doberman German Shepherd mix makes a fearsome but loving family dog. The important thing to remember is that it is a dog that will protect the family with its life no matter how dangerous the situation could escalate References:. Should a Doberman Mix take after their Doberman Pinscher parent, they will be a large, powerful, and protective dog that is affectionate with their families. They may look imposing as they grow, but they are playful, energetic dogs that can make great family pets. Doberman Pinschers are quintessential protectors. As such, they require a lot of training and socialization to become a happy, well-balanced, and well-mannered dog. A properly socialized and trained Doberman is fiercely loyal to their families and is also a loving companion with a fun personality. As long as they are properly trained and socialized, they tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and even other pets. If a Doberman Mix takes after their Doberman Pinscher parent, then you can expect a similar temperament. However, the other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential traits and quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. You can also meet the mother dog in-person to get an idea of her temperament and to see the behavior she is modeling for her puppies. The breeder should be starting socialization and training. Dobermans are moderately adaptable dogs. Because of their large size and high energy, they are better suited to homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to making sure they get the exercise and attention they need to be happy and healthy. Doberman Pinschers do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because of their short coat, they may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm on walks during the winter. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar in terms of adaptability, then you can expect the same from a Doberman Mix. You still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed so you have a better idea of what mix of traits and quirks a Doberman Mix puppy could end up with. Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes healthier than purebred dogs. The other parent breed will have their own set of potential health concerns, so you want to ask the breeder about them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to help avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, you should be planning to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents anyway. You can also ask about any relevant health tests or clearances that have been done. Doberman Pinschers are also one of the dog breeds at a higher risk for developing bloat and a Doberman Mix will likely have the same risk. Bloat in dogs is a serious condition that can quickly become fatal if gastric torsion occurs. Although Dobermans are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they are also strong, powerful dogs with a strong will as well. If they are not socialized properly or well-trained, they can become unmanageable, destructive, and pushy. Because of this, a Doberman Pinscher is usually better suited to more experienced owners. Novice owners can do well with this breed, but obedience classes or enlisting the help of a professional trainer is highly recommended. The other parent breed could make a Doberman Mix easier or more difficult to train. Make sure you ask the breeder about them and then be prepared to enroll in training classes either way. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parent breeds or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should a Doberman Mix end up with a Doberman coat, it will be short and will shed a little year-round. A quick daily brushing and the occasional bath is enough to keep this coat healthy. Good dental care for dogs is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. A Doberman Pinscher is a high-energy dog breed that needs a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run or another activity are usually enough for this dog. But, they are happy to be active with you, so they will likely be up for activity if you are. These dogs are powerful, athletic, and versatile. So, once puppies finish growing , you can try a wide variety of activities with them. You can try hiking, swimming, running, playing frisbee, training for dog sports, and more. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you can expect your Doberman Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed has a lower activity level, you will still need to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog. A fully-grown Doberman Pinscher is usually inches tall and weighs pounds. The other parent breed can affect this, so you want to ask the breeder about them and also pay attention to which breed is the mother. Although it is not a guarantee, you can also meet the mother dog in-person. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown Doberman Mix. A Doberman generally lives for years. The other parent breed may affect this slightly, but you can likely expect a similar life span in a Doberman Mix. Featured Doberman Mix Article.

Only interact with dogs that are safe and you know for sure will have positive reactions to your new German Shepherd. Forcing them will only make them develop stress and anxiety in new situations and with animals. Think quality, not quantity, when socializing your German Shepherd. There are tons of new things your dog needs to get comfortable with. Use treats and positive encouragement when they investigate a new situation with confidence. Train daily. Make it fun. Punishment will only cause your dog to fear you and increase anxiety. Crouch down to offer them a gentle scratch and pet. This connects their name to paying attention to you and marks you as a positive leader, which is important for obedience training and living with their new family. Always work on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. The goal is to build trust in the first few weeks and months that you have your new dog to create a bond. And dogs are actually happier when they are trained rspca. Keep the sessions short, but have multiple training sessions throughout the day. Never end training on a bad note. For example, give them a command they know for sure so they finish with success. Read this guide to learn all about the basics of proper German Shepherd obedience training , including a helpful training schedule and the foundation commands. Be prepared for chewing by offering the right options. Biting and chewing are natural instincts for dogs and puppies. These actions provide them with opportunities to investigate the different amounts of pressure to use in relation to the purpose of their biting. Your job as their new owner is to help your pup understand and educate them on what is appropriate to bite, nip, and chew. This teaches them your signal and cue. They should let go or look a bit startled. Follow their release with praise or a tasty treat when your dog stops the unwanted behavior. Do NOT physically punish your dog! Instead, redirect them to a proper chew toy. Sometimes puppies teethe and their gums are sore and need something to chew. Other times adult German Shepherds have a desire and natural urge to bite for relaxation and to reduce anxiety. Only use safe, non-toxic chew toys, which are found listed here, in the best strong chew toys for German Shepherds to avoid boredom. Avoid accidents by managing the home environment. Create a set routine and schedule and stick to it to avoid accidents and train your puppy faster. Say hello to your new sloppy family member… They not only shed everywhere but also dump water out when drinking, spill their food, and… Have total disrespect for your carpets! You must have them in a secure area or watch them all the time to avoid any accidents. No matter what you will clean up some kind of bodily function when owning a German Shepherd. So, do yourself a favor and stock up on pet stain and odor remover! Use food-dispensing toys and slow feeders to keep them at a healthy weight. This is a food toy called a Kong Wobbler. Keep to a schedule so that you can control their food intake and watch their weight. Instead, use rubber toys in which you place part of their food to help control their voracious eating. I like to use a Kong Wobbler for both puppies and adults. Even better? Puppies are more responsive to the Ignore method of training. As a new German Shepherd owner, you might think you need to appease your dog all the time or give in to their excessive attention-seeking. In my experience, this is one of the most effective training methods that you can use when owning a German Shepherd. Put simply, here are the basics to use the Ignore method of training: You ignore the behavior that you want to stop or reduce. On the flip side, you give attention to the behavior you want to encourage. The hard bit is ignoring a very intelligent German Shepherd who is persistent! Give your German Shepherd a job at home so they stay entertained. This represents big challenges as a German Shepherd owner. You must be smarter than your dog! But the jobs can be as easy or difficult as you have the time and energy to train. This is not a mentally lazy dog, but a breed with extremely high intelligence and a huge breadth of application for that intelligence. Tips for First Time German Shepherd Owners Mar 06, We are obviously huge fans of the breed and even more fanatical about sharing experiences and advice from German Shepherd owners. These amazing dogs are fiercely loyal, make fantastic family pets, are wonderful protectors, and their intelligence cannot be underestimated. Their zeal for life, athletic, and mental capabilities are what endear us to the breed and those same traits, with lack of training and understanding, are also the reason so many German Shepherds, tragically, find themselves in shelters all across the United States. Three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them. Twenty-five percent of all the animals entering shelters are purebreds. In , 43, or 4. Many of the , dogs in our US shelters every year are German Shepherds. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and need firm, consistent leadership, and training or they will try to get the upper hand. On the other side of the coin, they learn quickly and are easily trained when they respect their owners. If you are not experienced with dogs, it would be wise to read up on training a working dog, such as a German Shepherd, or hire a professional trainer. They are very smart and need plenty of mental stimulation. Plan to spend considerable time on training to create a well-balanced dog. German Shepherds can be suspicious and protective. They need plenty of socialization from the time they are small puppies to develop into well-balanced dogs that you can take anywhere. They are very active and require about two hours of exercise a day. When you purchase your dog, find a dog that matches your lifestyle. Prey Drive. German Shepherds are herding dogs with a naturally high prey drive and some more than others. Choose your dog wisely, whether it is going to be a family pet, do protection work, or other dog sports, etc. Plan to invest in plenty of non-destructible toys that are appropriate for the dog through all phases of life, such as Kongs, Jolly Balls, Planet Dog toys, West Paw, etc. Family Interaction. German Shepherds bond very strongly with their families and need lots of quality family time and social interaction. They do not do well when spending lots of isolated time alone. German Shepherds are prone to some health problems so avoid backyard breeders and do your research before purchasing. If you are on a budget, consider purchasing health insurance for your dog. When looking for a German Shepherd, be sure to look for a confident dog that is not aggressive, fearful, or the offspring of very aggressive parents. German Shepherds are naturally protective and should be balanced. If you are looking for a dog for protection training, the same rule applies-you are looking for a sound balanced dog that can be trained as opposed to a time bomb waiting to go off. Puppies require considerable time and training. They begin teething around 5 months old and can be a handful during their adolescent years and they require lots of consistent training. If you have the time and energy to invest, this can be an amazing yet frustrating time. In a nutshell, German Shepherds make wonderful pets for people who are willing to invest the time, training, and energy they require. Those that do, will receive a lifetime of unmatched loyalty, love, and devotion from their dog. These dogs make wonderful companions but also require a lot of work. We recently asked experienced German shepherd owners for their best tips and this is what they said: Puppy train early. Puppy training should start when you bring them home. Teaching your puppy will also help them grow up to be a confident, well behaved dog and prevent many problems down the road. Expect puppy biting and nipping. A big surprise for many new German shepherd owners is how much their new puppy enjoys puppy biting. As herding dogs, German shepherd puppies are naturally prone to nip. All German shepherd puppies should be taught not to play bite and redirected to what is appropriate to sink their teeth into. All new owners should learn how to train this skill before bringing their land shark home. Dog Proof your home. German shepherds are naturally curious and as puppies, tend to get into anything they can. Puppy and dog proofing your home is important and will help you avoid lots of pain down the road. Protect your puppy from accidents, potential vet bills, injuries, and worse. Check out how to prepare for a German shepherd puppy here. Buy a good vacuum. These double coated dogs shed year-round and blow their coat twice a year. However, the shedding is manageable with continued brushing, vacuuming, and sweeping-just know it will be a constant thing but the work is worth all the love they return. Plan to brush often. As mentioned above, German shepherds shed — a lot. Give lots of attention. German shepherds are not ornamental dogs content to hang out in the background. They strongly desire to be part of the family and will develop behavior problems when not given the time and attention they need. They are happiest by the side of those they love and as participating family members. Provide lots of exercise. Along with needing lots of attention, they are also athletic and need lots of exercise. Fortunately, you can combine these two activities into play and training time. They love to run, fetch balls, and learn new things. Teach them house manners. When teaching your German shepherd how you expect them to behave indoors you must be consistent. Boundaries and expectations are important for these dogs to learn but also provide stability, which builds confidence. Work their brains as well as their body. German shepherds are very smart. They are capable of learning many things and get bored easily. A bored German shepherd can get destructive and develop anxious behaviors. With training, attention, interactive games, and tough chew toys, you can meet their need for mental stimulation in a fun, healthy way. As herding dogs, German shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers. They need to be socialized from a young age and exposed to many different situations and people. Doing this will help build their confidence and give you a trustworthy dog that can go anywhere. Teach them to be calm. By now, you should have the idea that German shepherds are very busy, active dogs. This could be a dog bed, a crate, or something like a cot. Whatever it is, it should be a place in your home that you can easily send them to go lay down when you need them safe and out from being underfoot, temporarily. Feed them healthy food. German shepherds are notorious for having sensitive skin and stomachs. A good quality, easily digestible diet full of nutrients for healthy skin is very important. They can also benefit from joint and skin supporting supplements such as chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega 3 oils. Set them up for success. Sadly, many German shepherds develop behavior problems or find themselves dumped at a shelter because no one took the time to train them. Their need for socialization, attention, and physical and mental exercise cannot be overstated. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a German shepherd being failed by their owner. One of the reasons why so many people love these dogs is because they are so active and smart. They are a joy to train and love learning new things. They are extremely loyal and are fast learners. Some of the most important things you can teach them include: Sit. Any dog can be your first dog. There is no such thing as a bad dog as it usually comes down to poor training and socialization by the owner, right from puppyhood. Some breeds are easier for first-time dog owners, while others require a little more time and patience while training. It really does all depend on you and whether the breed is suited to your lifestyle. For example, suppose you are inactive and live in an apartment. In that case, a toy dog such as a chihuahua will be more suitable than if you were looking for a loyal and protective dog that requires a lot of exercise, such as the German Shepherd! You must be able to provide your dog with all his exercise needs, play, and care as this will prevent any future behavior problems, for example, destructive chewing. So, what makes a good first dog, anyway? Well, the best breeds for good first dogs are those considered easy to train, highly intelligent, get along well with other dogs and people, are loyal and protective, and have good general health. All dogs require considerable time and effort to train, but some breeds are much more willing to learn new things than others. The German Shepherd is considered highly intelligent and easy to train. You only need to look at the history of the GSD, intentionally bred for herding sheep and other livestock. This was a skill that required not only intelligence but concentration, stamina, and decision-making. You can train the German Shepherd breed to perform almost any task. Due to their high trainability, obedience, and strength, they are used as police, military, search and rescue, and service dogs. Early socialization is therefore essential. German Shepherds are friendly towards strangers as long as they sense your approval first. German Shepherds are also good with kids — but as long as they have been properly socialized. They are particularly good with children they have grown up with due to their loyal and protective nature. If you have a baby or are planning a family, read my article on the compatibility of German Shepherds and babies here. All breeds have some health issues, but you might want to lean toward a breed with overall good general health, at least until they age. The German Shepherd is generally a fit and healthy breed, although they occasionally suffer from a sensitive stomach. Due to poor breeding practices, German Shepherds are also prone to specific genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. Therefore, choosing a reputable breeder is essential and avoiding commercial dog breeding facilities such as puppy farms. Keep in mind that not all of these characteristics will be considered positive. However, they will definitely allow you to understand what you should expect when you buy or adopt a German Shepherd and determine whether or not you think you can handle a German Shepherd for your first dog. You will need to get a good grooming tool. I use the FURminator undercoat de-shedding tool from Amazon. This is particularly suited to German Shepherds as it easily gets through the topcoat and safely removes the loose undercoat hair. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that German Shepherds are good family dogs. If you are wondering why the German Shepherd is so loyal and protective, you only need to remember that he was originally bred for herding sheep and livestock. Training and socializing your German Shepherd puppy is an effective way to make him calm. Puppies should not be removed from their mother until they are at least 8-weeks old as they learn so much during this time, in particular when not to annoy their mother too much! To find out tons more about how to discipline a German Shepherd for biting , check out this helpful post. German Shepherds are known for their strong guarding instincts. This does require a lot of training that you might not be up for as a first-time dog owner so make sure you have enough time to devote to your dog. German Shepherds make good guard dogs and are often used in the security industry and for personal family protection. They are always naturally alert, are extremely brave, and have a strong defense instinct. Training is easy…when there are balls! The German Shepherd just happens to be prone to hip dysplasia. This is a painful hereditary condition of the hip due to the ball and socket joint being too loose or not developing correctly. It can lead to permanent osteoarthritis. You can reduce the risk in the first instance by finding a responsible breeder and choosing a puppy whose parents have been screened for hip dysplasia and therefore have healthy hips. There are various schemes to assess hip traits. When choosing my breeder, one of the first things I checked was the hip scores of the parents and that they were both UK Kennel Club registered. I took these photos during my first meeting with the breeder. These include joint supplements, such as glucosamine and anti-inflammatory medications. As always, make sure to check with your vet first before giving your GSD any supplements. They need an orthopedic bed specifically suited for large breeds that provide extra support for their joints. This is especially important from puppyhood as your dog may not develop arthritis or joint issues until he is much older. You can check out my German Shepherd bed recommendations here. During this study , researchers believe German Shepherds are one of the breeds that have become needier due to breeders attempting to make the dogs more affectionate as pets. The thing is, owners are often also to blame for this clingy behavior, especially if they are constantly petting, cuddling, and praising their German Shepherd! My German Shepherd is never left alone for longer than 4 hours, and she is always well exercised before I leave the house. They need a lot of daily exercise German Shepherds are the perfect fit for anyone with an active lifestyle that wants to take their dog with them on their adventures. Adult German Shepherds require a ton of exercise, a minimum of two hours per day, to eliminate their pent-up energy and prevent behavioral problems. This exercise should include walking but also running off-lead in a safe area. They also need playtime for mental stimulation and ongoing training. Remember, puppies will need to gently build up to this amount of exercise to prevent harm to their fast-growing joints and bones. As a general rule, aim for exercising your puppy for five minutes per month of age, twice a day. Instead, you can consider crossbreeds such as mini German Shepherds or smaller German Shepherd mixes. German Shepherds are good with kids over time. This breed is perfect for experienced owners and adults compared to kids. Training a GSD takes time but is great to help the breed mingle with kids faster and understand the family over time. Oftentimes, your German Shepherd will own you not the other way around! Failure to socialize or train them properly and consistently might lead to inappropriate or even aggressive behaviors. You need lots of time to brush and groom them regularly. Most people have the best intentions when they bring a new puppy into their home. Make sure if you choose a German Shepherd, he will be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info Each year, the German Shepherd ranks as one of the top 3 most popular dog breeds in the USA and among the top 10 in the world. Not only are they excellent working dogs but also wonderful personal companions. But are German Shepherds good first dogs? Learn the reasons why German Shepherds can be difficult for a first-time dog owner, but also learn some tips to help make owning a GSD easier. Yes, German Shepherds can be a good option for first-time dog owners. However, owning a GSD involves a lot of work. Although individual dogs have their own unique personalities, here are a few general traits that make GSDs a good first dog: Intelligent German Shepherds are remarkably intelligent. Training them is not just enjoyable but also incredibly rewarding. They pick up on lessons right away and can easily build up to more complex commands. This brings many advantages, including the ability to quickly learn your house rules. Obedient GSDs are always eager to please their humans. This is a trait that makes them very obedient dogs. This helps foster peaceful coexistence with you and your family. Energetic Dog ownership in general will help keep you active. But if you already have an active lifestyle, you can count on the German Shepherd breed to keep your pace. They thrive on strenuous exercise and will be happy to join you on your runs or hikes. Tolerant A properly trained and socialized German Shepherd can be a wonderful family dog. They are patient with children and can form strong bonds with them through their sweet and playful nature. They can also get along with other dogs and even cats as long as they are introduced properly and socialized. Protective The presence of German Shepherds is often intimidating enough to deter any ill-intentioned stranger. More than that, they will naturally protective of their home and family without being aggressive. They are alert to the presence of strangers, bark to keep them at bay, and engage if they deem it necessary. That makes them great guard dogs. German Shepherds are actually very affectionate. They are happiest when they spend time with their humans. Their instincts, temperament, and natural abilities need honing, nurturing, and direction. They need a handler that will set the rules and enforce them. A job German Shepherds are working dogs, so they thrive when they have something to do. Otherwise, they will find other ways to use their smarts. Many people give their GSD a job or two that they can complete on a daily basis. Others have their pup participate in a canine sport, like Schutzhund , flyball , or agility , to fulfill their working need. German Shepherds need at least an hour of physical activity per day. Some might be happy enough with long walks while others might need more strenuous exercises. Ample socialization To have a well-mannered German Shepherd, you need to commit yourself to provide plenty of exposure to different environments, people, and animals. This is the only way to help them learn how to behave in different situations, play nicely with others, and avoid developing fear-based aggression. Proper training Training is key for owning any dog but especially strong-willed dogs like German Shepherds. Training will help you GSD know the behavior you expect from them, and also respect your leadership. Lots of attention When you own a German Shepherd, you need to be ready to give it plenty of attention. Not only do you need to spare time for training and exercise, but also for some bonding. Additionally, these dogs are prone to separation anxiety , which will also need to be addressed a certain way. If you are, here are some tips that will help ensure a positive experience with your first dog: Develop a routine Get your GSD used to a regular schedule. They need to expend their energy daily to become well-mannered dogs. Provide ample mental stimulation GSDs need help finding ways to put their intelligence to good use. Socialize them early Exposing your GSD puppy to different situations, people, and animals nurtures their confidence and helps them become well-mattered dogs in any situation. Get help from a professional trainer Working with a reputable professional trainer will help you improve your communication and develop a good relationship with your dog. It will also help you address specific concerns and unwanted behaviors. Be consistent Set the rules and enforce them at all times. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd definitely has its challenges. Because of their size, intelligence, and overall temperament, GSD ownership involves a certain level of commitment that not all pet owners are ready for. German Shepherds are an intelligent, easily trainable dog breed which makes them a great choice for first time dog owners. While they are sensitive dogs, they are eager to please and enjoy interacting with their family. They have been bred to have strong protective instincts which makes them a good choice for families with children, and they also do well in both urban environments and more rural locations. Provided they are introduced properly, German Shepherds also get along well with other dogs, cats, and livestock and they can be great apartment dogs as long as their physical and mental needs are being met. Do you enjoy being around dogs that can think on their feet? German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence levels! A higher level of intelligence means that these dogs also have a lot of common sense and great problem-solving skills. How about having a dog that can show off some cool tricks to your friends? The German Shepherd breed also has a great reputation for their trainability. As a first-time dog owner, training is probably one of the biggest concerns you might have. Thankfully, the German Shepherd is a breed that excels in learning new behaviors and they are easy to train. German Shepherds are also very responsive and willing to please their owners provided they are treated right and understand what is being asked of them which makes them more like to focus on you as you are training them. Want a dog that can not only take on a challenge, but enjoys it as well? As a whole, the German Shepherd is a very adaptable and hearty breed. They do well in apartments, large homes, urban environments, and rural communities. With proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can be a favorite to take along to public parks, breweries, and other busy locations. They excel in a wide variety of dog sports and dog jobs and they enjoy learning new things and tend to be very sociable with their households. When considering a German Shepherd as your first dog, there are a few things to consider to make sure they would make the best fit for you and your household. They want to be where you are! While German Shepherds can do well in daycare settings, they do best when their owners are able to make time to play with them, train them, and interact with them. With their high energy levels and enthusiasm for activities, they excel in dog sports such as obedience trials, rally, agility, nosework, and Schutzhund. German Shepherds also make great companions for those who like outdoor activities such as hiking. They do best with some kind of job, or at least in environments where activity levels are high. They are also highly intelligent dogs and will need their owners to provide them with activities or toys that engage all of their senses in order to truly tire them out. German Shepherds can do well in a crate provided they are trained properly but are not the best dogs to leave in the crates for long periods of time and they can develop some behavioral issues such as separation anxiety if their owners do not spend enough time with them. Despite being so large, they can do well as apartment dogs and be fine in smaller spaces as long as they are getting frequent exercise and have all of their physical and mental needs met. They love to be around their owners and family members at all times and can get stressed when left outside alone for long periods or if they are kept separate from the excitement of a family gathering for too long. If you are considering getting a German Shepherd and you live in an apartment complex, housing development, military base, or other area where there are stricter pet regulations, you should also check to make sure German Shepherds are even allowed where you live. Some areas have weight restrictions that German Shepherds exceed, and other areas have breed restrictions that can sometimes include German Shepherds. As with any dog breed, unexpected medical costs also need to be accounted for and the German Shepherd does have a reputation for being more susceptible to some genetic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia which may add to potential veterinary costs. Equipment, grooming services, and training costs for your German Shepherd should also be taken into consideration. These dogs can be emotionally sensitive to harsher punishments and tones, and they respond well to reward-based training and patient owners who can work with them on any training issue they may be having. They also tend to be a very vocal breed, so if you live in an apartment or neighborhood you may want to work with a trainer to figure out why your German Shepherd might be barking so much and what you can do to help fix that. German Shepherds also tend to be clingy and can develop separation anxiety, so an owner who does not mind having a dog attached to them at all times is ideal! What To Look For German Shepherds should be between 40 to 90 pounds , with males generally being larger than females. Their ears should stand upright, and their tail should be relatively straight with no curve. Personality-wise they should be curious, alert, and slightly rambunctious if they are a young puppy. German Shepherds are not usually naturally aggressive dogs, but they can be quite vocal and protective of their owners and households which can sometimes be misinterpreted as aggression. You can run into similar issues whether you get your German Shepherd direct from the breeder or adopt one from a rescue group or animal shelter. Deciding on where to get your German Shepherd is a personal decision and there are a lot of external factors that can contribute to that decision. No matter where you decide to get your German Shepherd, always remember to research the breeder or facility heavily and get as much information and history about your potential German Shepherd as possible. Rescue groups and animal shelters frequently have purebred German Shepherds available for adoption , and many groups also get in litters of purebred puppies from an accidental breeding or from breeders who are getting out of the business. If you opt to purchase from a breeder, make sure you conduct thorough research into their breeding practices and if possible, consult with other owners who have also purchased puppies from them. Here are some tips to help you prepare for bringing your new German Shepherd home: Training Depending on the age of your new pup, training should begin soon after your new arrival has gotten acquainted with your home and everyone in it and has had time to decompress after all of the excitement of going to a new home. You can start basic training at home and consider reaching out to a local dog trainer to get your German Shepherd enrolled in some group classes or ask about receiving one-on-one help for specific issues or concerns. For young puppies, you can begin potty training them almost immediately and start working on creating a good potty-training schedule to help speed up the process. Care German Shepherds are a high energy breed no matter what age they are, so make sure to plan accordingly! German Shepherds, while they do not require regular trips to the groomers for a trim, do require frequent brushing and they will shed their undercoat heavily once or twice a year. During those shedding seasons, the amount of hair is enough to make it seem like you have another German Shepherd! This is pretty normal but can be minimized by making any food changes gradually and adding in a probiotic to help the transition go a little more smoothly. Supply List Before getting your new German Shepherd, make sure you have basic supplies on hand. This includes a good quality leash, collar , bowls, and toys. Additional supplies to think about include a crate , training treats, a bed, and anything else that you feel is important to have on-hand before bringing your new family member home. German Shepherds, just like any breed of dog, require a lifelong commitment to making sure they are cared for, and their needs are met. Unexpected veterinary costs and the fluctuating cost of dog food and supplies are also things that need to be taken into consideration before bringing home your new furry friend. Closing Thoughts German Shepherds make a fantastic choice for first-time dog owners and can be a better choice than many other breeds. They are intelligent, athletic, easy to care for, and easy to train. Because they are one of the most popular breeds, there is a plethora of information available for new owners to help them care for their new friend. There are frequently purebred German Shepherds available in shelters and from rescue groups at a much lower cost than if they were purchased from a breeder, which makes them an easily accessible breed for those owners who are financially stable enough to care for a dog but who do not necessarily want to shell out the big bucks for a puppy, or those who would prefer to adopt and rescue an at-risk German Shepherd rather than shop for a young puppy that requires more time and energy. Overall, this breed is a great choice for single owner households, families with children of all ages, and even senior citizens. German Shepherds are versatile, loyal, friendly, and love to socialize with their owners. If that sounds like your ideal dog, then the German Shepherd may be the right fit for you! My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. There are many things you'll need to stock up on before bringing your new puppy home. We'll try and list as many as possible to help you plan ahead. Below you will find a list of many of the most commonly used things you will need to make your life with your new GSD puppy as comfortable as possible. Any or all of these puppy supplies will make the transition into his new home as simple as can be and will be well worth the effort to have them on hand BEFORE you need them. Puppy Food and Water Bowls Important things to consider: glass and ceramic puppy bowls can be very pretty but they are also easily breakable; puppies love to chew and plastic bowls are easily chewed up and some dogs may even have an allergic reaction to plastic. Stainless steel is the best puppy supply choice of all for your German Shepherd puppy. A 2-quart bowl is a great size for dry dog food and a 2-quart pail is an excellent size for water for your German Shepherd puppy. Here's one great food bowl to check out. This also helps to keep the dog food fresher for longer and keeps other "critters" out of the dog food. A dog food scoop is a good choice to help you portion control your puppy meals each time and both of these puppy supplies can be found at almost any pet, hardware or larger dog retail department store. Dog Crate puppy supplies A German Shepherd dog crate made of wire or heavy duty molded plastic will definitely make your housetraining process go much easier, and with less incidence, and is a very important GSD puppy supply that each dog owner should own. Dogs are den animals and the crate serves as a safe haven for the GSD puppy. Dogs are also highly social animals who love to spend time with their human families. For this reason it is best to place the crate in a area near where family members spend a lot of time. Wire and molded plastic dog crates are both very acceptable to use with your new German Shepherd puppy. Wire Crates are lighter to transport and ventilate much easier while the Plastic Kennels are usually sturdier, safer and more comforting to your dog. Some owners get one of each for their GSD puppy and for different uses. Usually dogs will not eliminate in their bedding area. It is best to keep the crate area where the GSD puppy actually sleeps large enough for the GSD puppy to move about and to turn around in, but not so large that it can sleep in one area and "relieve itself" in another part of the crate. You can easily buy dividers to help separate the crate area into smaller areas while your German Shepherd puppy is growing so that you can purchase one crate large enough to accommodate your puppy once it is an adult. Never crate a German Shepherd puppy for more than 2 or 3 hours except at night when it is sleeping. Your new GSD puppy needs lots of opportunities to exercise it's body and mind and overuse of the crate can easily lead to terrible behavior problems for bored or lonely German Shepherd puppies and dogs. If you get a wooden gate, watch your GSD puppy carefully to make sure that it doesn't chew it. Remember, with time the German Shepherd will grow large enough to easily jump over a regular baby gate once it is an adult. This is exactly where all that early training comes in. Collars as puppy supplies can easily be lifesavers! In an emergency you can easily grasp the collar and restrain him as necessary. The most important thing about the collar however is that it carries that very important ID tag, another important puppy supply. In case the dog is lost or stolen, many times this is the first thing someone who finds a stray dog will look for. It is also what helps many dogs get returned to their correct owner. Make sure that the information on the puppy ID tag is current and up to date. There are many different types of collars on the market. Buckle types are one choice, however, I prefer the quick release collars with the plastic clips. There have been a few instances where my GSD's have gotten caught up together while playing and these types of collars have been truly lifesaving. One press of the clip and the puppy collar is off. That would not have been the case if the dogs had been wearing buckle type or some other style of dog collar. I do not suggest ever leaving a choke collar on a dog or puppy full time. Neck injury or worse could easily happen if the German Shepherd were to get caught up in something. If put on incorrectly, and many people do, strangulation could easily occur to your GSD puppy. Here is an example of the quick release collars with the plastic clips that I mentioned earlier that are excellent dog collar choices. GSD Puppy Bedding Fabric bedding that keeps it's shape and is easy to vaccum is a great choice of bedding puppy supplies. Bedding that has a liner that can be taken off is another great plus so that you can wash it whenever necessary and put it back on later. Puppy Doggie Door Supplies If you have the great fortune of having a securely fenced yard for your German Shepherd puppy, then a doggy door is an invaluable puppy supply and aid in the puppy house training process. They can be purchased in several sizes large should be fine for the adult GSD and most can also be locked when you do not want your GSD puppy to go outside. German Shepherd Pooper Scooper puppy supplies Several varieties are available of this particular puppy supply and they are indeed a back saver and a nose saver as well when you are picking up after your GSD. However, if you can't get one, plain old plastic grocery bags work just as well and are basically free. Large kitty litter scoops are good choices of puppy supplies also for this particular purpose when you're in a pinch. GSD Puppy Head Halters These "easy lead" halters are an alternative to conventional puppy collars - the thinking behind them being that if you control and lead the head, that the body will follow. These restraint supplies are very similar to what horses have worn for centuries. It is really important that the fit be correct and that this not be worn without human supervision. Different types of brushes used on a GSD may include any or all of the following - pet shedding blade especially helpful while shedding , a slicker brush and a Rubber Curry Brush. Do not choose anything with small removable parts - and once the toys begin tearing apart go ahead and throw them away. Do not choose balls that are small enough to be swallowed by your puppy - it is best to choose balls bigger than your puppy can easily handle to cut down on this problem. Good choices for German shepherd dog toys are Nylabones , rubber bones , squeaky toys, hard rubber toys like Kongs , balls and plush faux wool toys. Given the suggestions for best puppy toy choices, keep in mind your dogs chewing habits. Aggressive chewers need one kind of toy but destructive chewers need something different all together and each of these dogs would require a different kind of toy. Stick type dog chews are not the best idea since they may become lodged in the German Shepherd's puppies throat. Overall, don't buy too many dog toys. It's a good idea to rotate the puppies toy selection to keep the puppy from getting bored, and from tearing them up quite so quickly. Also, this will help you to see what kind of toys your German Shepherd puppy prefers. Puppy Harnesses Some people prefer these puppy supplies, especially for puppies, and they are also quite good for dogs that are more skittish to head halters or traditional dog collars. Keep in mind that while these puppy supplies are actually quite safe that they do offer much less control than other types of dog collar restraints. Every GSD owner should have several 4 -6 foot leashes, preferably made of leather , but nylon or cotton types work also - they just don't last as long as the leather. All materials have their good and bad points and in many cases it simply comes down to an issue of supply preference as well a economic issue. Other choices are long training leads and show type dog leashes. The German Shepherd puppy will probably fuss with it at first but should soon get used to it. Keep an eye on the puppy while the leash is attached to make sure that it doesn't get hung up on something else. Also make sure that the GSD puppy doesn't chew it up while wearing it. When you do finally grab hold of the end of the dog leash, follow where the German Shepherd puppy goes while holding the end of the leash. After a bit you can take the lead and have the puppy follow you. Call the GSD puppy to you and reward him generously when he comes to you on lead. After a bit of training and practice the German Shepherd puppy should follow you easily. Don't struggle with the puppy at this point and if he resists lure him to you with a cookie or a treat of some sort. You do not want to get into a tug of war and you do not want to give in to the GSD puppy either. Keep luring the puppy to you with a treat and he'll eventually learn that it is good to do what he is asked to do and the GSD puppy will be rewarded for doing as asked. Here is one great leather leash to check into investing in. Chewing is also a very important factor in helping their incoming adult teeth settle properly. As the owner it is your job to help direct your new GSD puppy as to what things are healthy to chew on and which ones are not. Anti chew spray is just one of the helpful puppy supplies to help control destructive chewing by applying a very bad tasting spray on the object to discourage the dog from chewing on it. It is best to restrain your GSD while traveling to protect both your dog, your passengers and you. This is one of many important puppy supplies you will need for your new puppy. Puppy Health Insurance Puppy Insurance plans cover pets for thousands of medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. One puppy insurance plan is listed for you below to check out at your convenience. Getting your relationship off to a good start begins by finding the best puppy products that are also the safest and best performing. Puppies learn good potty habits when introduced to a properly-sized crate early on. You have options! Using the handy, included divider, you can slowly increase the size of the crate to match the life stage of your GSD as she grows. The foldable design adds to the convenience and makes it a great crate for travel, too. This crate is 48L x 30W x 33H inches. This crate divider from MidWest Homes for Pets comes in a variety of sizes. Make sure you choose the proper size to fit your model of crate to prevent injuries. This crate also comes in a double door style if you prefer. We like the rounded corners, sturdy wire construction, and the 1-year warranty. Enter the hard-shell plastic kennels from SportPet. These airline-approved crates are sturdy, safe, and comfortable to make sure your GSD puppy has the safest trip possible. They also make great everyday crates for at-home use, too. This crate comes in a variety of sizes, so either start small and upgrade later or go for the adult-sized crate right from the start. With rounded edges, secure-lock doors, and easy-clean plastic floor gutters, this travel crate is sure to please. The larger sizes even come with wheels to help you move through the airport with ease. Give him the next best thing by providing soft, supportive, comfortable bedding for in the crate and around the house. With supportive, comfortable memory foam and a removable and washable cover, this bed should last a long time. There is therapeutic gel infused in the memory foam to help promote proper joint alignment and bring your dog comfort during rest time. Cuddle beds are great options for pups who need a little more support or who enjoy the feeling of being cradled. Made from top-quality memory foam, your GSD puppy will be snuggled in therapeutic comfort right from day one. The waterproof liner will keep things sanitary, while the removable cover will make cleanup a snap. This crate mat from Best Pet Supplies Inc. Have a couple of these on hand for quick and easy bedding changes. Choose between small, medium, large, or extra-large to match your use. Take a small or medium in the car, place a large or extra-large in the crate or on the couch. This fuzzy blanket will keep your pup warm and cozy no matter where you go. This soft and cozy mat does double-duty covering both ends of the spectrum. This absorbent mat will wick moisture away while still giving your sweet pup a soft and comfy place to rest. Double stitching ensures the mat will last a long time, even with frequent washings. There are two colors to choose from and three sizes. We suggest having two—one for use and one in the wash. Food and water bowls should be kept clean and sanitized to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. These products below pass our rigorous tests and came out on top of the competition. These raised feeder stations grow with your puppy and keep food and water raised above the floor. Raising the food and water dish off the floor helps your pup eat and drink comfortably while preventing pests from reaching. This one comes with 3 height adjustment settings and includes the two stainless steel bowls, too. With leg extensions, this feeder can adjust as your puppy grows, making this an economical solution, too. Puppies can really eat fast, and this often ends up in tummy aches and sometimes even vomiting. Teach your puppy to slow down with this slow feeder bowl. Small bits of kibble rest in the bottom of each dip in the bowl, making your puppy take her time to get to each one. This neat rubber mat is cute and functional, holding the two stainless steel bowls firmly in place during meal times. The edges even fold up a bit to help catch spills and dribbles. Loving Pets Metallic Bella Bowl For our readers who prefer a more minimalist approach to dog supplies, these cute bowls should do the trick. They come in a variety of colors on the outside, but the inside is time-tested stainless steel. These bowls are skid-proof on the bottom and are dishwasher safe, too. Just be sure to remove the rubber base first. The best way to safely confine a GSD puppy while still allowing room to play is by providing a playpen or play yard. Amazon comes through with flying colors with this adjustable, foldable playpen. It has rounded, safe wire construction and comes in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. You can also daisy chain a few of them together to create an ever-expanding play yard for your GSD puppy. You can choose a play yard with a door or without. This set also comes with eight ground anchors to keep even the most rambunctious puppies from toppling the sides. Inspired Essentials 34 Inch Pet Playpen Sometimes you want a safe play yard for your German Shepherd puppy but also want some class, too. With sturdy, heavy-duty plastic in black or white, this play yard can look good in any house or yard. There are non-skid feet included and it comes with a gate to make access that much easier. Bring her along with this brilliant portable playpen. This set includes a collapsible travel bowl, too, which we think is pretty neat. This item comes with inches of usable length and stands at 28 inches tall. We love that it even folds flat if you need to transport or store it. However, we can give a basic overview of things to discuss with your vet when asking about the best foods for your puppy at each life stage. There are always basic guidelines online, but your vet is the right person to ask for advice to keep your specific puppy in the best health possible. Their products are made without corn, wheat, or soy, and there are no artificial colors or flavors. Their puppy treats contain no corn, wheat, or soy, and are perfectly shaped for puppy mouths. Soft and moist, these puppy treats are great for training, playtime, or just to give your GSD puppy a special treat to say you love her. The ring shape is easy for puppy paws to get a good grip on while they chew and relieve teething pain. They are fun, interactive, and educational objects that keep your puppy entertained and out of trouble. The most important aspect, however, is that toys help you bond with your German Shepherd puppy. They often show signs of separation anxiety early on, especially while crate training. To help alleviate this stress, the Snuggle Puppy plush toy can be introduced right from day one. With a realistic heartbeat and a warm pack, this plush toy gives stressed out pups a soft, comforting, familiar place to rest and relax. The unique tube shape is easy to grasp with teeth or paws, and the squeaker is just loud enough to be fun without being so loud it gets annoying. These toys are fun to toss around, play tug with, and are durable enough for teething puppies. ZippyPaws — Skinny Peltz These sweet plush toys have no stuffing to rip out and choke on, which is a pretty big deal for aggressive chewers! But even without the stuffing, these three woodland creatures are filled with fun. This bobbing, wobbling treat dispenser is endless fun when filled with either regular kibble or a delicious treat. Your GSD puppy will love pushing the toy around and discovering which actions give them the most rewards. They come in a huge variety of colors, too. Genuine leather, handmade, comfy, and stylish! There are many colors to choose from and each is lovingly crafted with riveted strap ends, premium hardware, and padded sheepskin linings. These cute collars come with matching bowties in a variety of colors and patterns. These collars are also machine washable. Reversible Dog Harness A comfortable, supportive, and secure harness can help your new GSD puppy learn good manners while showing off her unique style. This harness comes in a range of sizes to be sure your pup is covered at every stage. Sturdy construction accompanies lightweight materials and stellar design choices for a top-notch harness option. This is a low-cost harness option with all the safety of the more expensive brands. Reflective materials and bright colors help keep your pup visible and safe, even on evening walks around the neighborhood. Great colors, sturdy construction, and a strong clip make this leash a good choice for any age GSD. The padded handle is a nice touch, while the smoothly rotating clip helps keep tangles at bay. Here are some of our favorite puppy training aids to get you started on the right paw. JdPet Washable Puppy Pads While most GSD parents want to housetrain their pups to go potty outside, there are some good reasons to potty train a pup to use an indoor bathroom option, too. We like the washable, leak-proof, and waterproof reusable pads for this situation. They are environmentally friendly, keeping disposable pads out of landfills or clogging sewage and septic systems. Get a few of these absorbent, washable pee pads for your GSD puppy and save a lot of money down the line. Solimo Super Absorbent Puppy Pads Washable pee pads might not be a good option for all homes, so disposable wee pads are still a decent choice. These potty-training pads are super absorbent, unscented, and are available in big or small packs, depending on your needs. The artificial grass is easy to clean and the catchall bottom just needs a quick spray with the hose to stay fresh. HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker Training clickers are an excellent way to train pups and older dogs to associate the clicking sound with a reward. This reduces caloric intake later on, as the click becomes the reward instead of a mouthful of treats. These clickers come with a handy wrist strap and are small enough to fit in a pocket, too. Tackle problems head-on with the right cleaning supplies. The pooper scooper. No more bending, stooping, and straining yourself to clean up the yard. This long-handled and strong scoop can pick up even the most impressive lawn apples your pup leaves in his wake. We love the slim design and the fact it hooks right onto the leash. The integrated waste bag section lets you place a whole roll inside. They will break down completely because they have no plastic. There are no dyes or other chemicals either, making these poo scoop bags even cooler. High fives all around, folks. These powerful little proteins are the products of bacteria—the good kind—and do one heck of a job fighting odors. This one even works on stains! Chemical-free, non-toxic, and powerful cleaning is right at your fingertips. Used by breeders, boarders, and vets alike, this powerful cleaner is an awesome ally in the fight against pet odors. It can even take out old, impregnated smells that have been around for years. Final Thoughts By now you should have a complete list of everything you need for a new German Shepherd puppy. Be sure to ask your vet for their recommendations as well.

You may find yourself on the dog food isle trying to make sense of all the ingredients, types of foods and categories. And all you want to know is… How often and what should I feed my Pug? Every dog is different, every type of food has its specific quantities and it even varies between brands. Start simple and figure out all the details and methods. I have collected information about the different types, brands pros and cons of dog feeding to try and give an unbiased as much as I can look, so you can make a better-informed choice which will be right for you and your Pug. Remember, people care deeply about their dogs and will often get very emotional about the health and feeding they chose. Having been the owner of a pet store, I have learned that although I have my personal preferences and very good reasons for them, others may have different choices and they believe they are the right ones for them. There are a lot of issues to consider. How Many times a day should I feed My Pug? A mature Pug can easily live a healthy life with one meal which provides all his nutritional needs. In most cases, it is more convenient for both us and the pug to split this to two meals. If your Pug had a full meal in the morning, be sure he will nag you like crazy in the afternoon. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need, relative to their size, a larger quantity of food so it is better to break it up to three or even four meals a day. If you are around your Pug all day and prefer to give 4 meals a day to a mature dog, there is no harm in it, as long as the overall daily quantity stays the same. Free Buffet or Set meals? Pugs are notorious for becoming overweight and need to be limited to a set amount. If your Pug is not typical in that sense, you are welcome to put the full daily portion in the bowl and see how long it lasts. One more reason for set meals is monitoring. You want to know how much you Pug eats. If you want your Pug to lose weight, you need to know how much he is eating in order to cut down. On the flip side, if your Pug is not eating the usual amounts it may be an indication of a medical condition. What food do Pugs Eat? Pugs love food. They love treats, dry food, wet food, table scraps, raw meat, cooked meat, spicy meat and meat gone bad. In rural areas and farms, they may have also got more meaty scraps. Our Pugs who grew up with Emperors and Royalty were probably treated to high quality scraps. Today, dry bagged kibble or canned wet food are the standard for most homes, although there is a growing number of people and companies promoting more natural diets of either raw or cooked food for dogs. Every type of food claims to be the healthiest, more appropriate, tailored and nutritional. Kibble Kibble is the most common dog food available and has become the staple for the average dog. Pros of Kibble The makers of dry food claim it has the most balanced and scientifically based formulas to provide the best nutrition for a dog. They also tailor these formulas to dogs of different size, breed, age or other needs. Even the most discerning dog owners should be able a composition to satisfy them. The ingredient list is unclear and misleading. There are numerous food recalls yearly. There are websites dedicated just to keep up with the recalls. Teeth are going to need cleaning. Wet canned food Aside from the meatier texture and the higher water content, there is little difference between kibble and the canned, wet counterpart. The ingredients can be similar and so are the health benefits. Some dog owners report that wet food makes for softer stools when fed exclusively. Many dog owners will give a combination of wet and dry food. Home cooked As with human food there is a growing number of people fed up Pun intended with commercial and over engineered food. Raw food Also called the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods , the idea behind it is that the dogs digestive system has not evolved as their behavior, and much like wild dogs or wolves, they should eat the equivalent to small animals they would pray on in nature. Since dogs are also scavengers this diet will include some vegetables, berries etc. The pros As with the home-cooked diet, you have total control of ingredients and quality No preservatives, additives, fillers etc. You need to learn how to make, takes time Ingredients like bones and internal organs may not be available in your area. Can be pricy. Even More expensive if buying ready and frozen. Takes freezer space Raw Disclaimer I am a little bias towards raw food. I used to own a pet food store specializing in raw food for cats and dogs and I have been feeding my own Pugs raw food for over twelve years. Obviously, I am very happy with the raw diet and its outcomes as switching to dry food would have been easy and cheap. I believe it is the better choice for myself and my dogs. I believe I have presented the facts fairly objectively as far as the other feeding options go. There is no standard or way to measure what natural is and what the added value of it is other then the origin of it. Natural color could come from some secretion of an insect. Special Needs Puppies These little ones need the most nutritious and high-quality food you can find. If you want to find an economic way to feed your dog, please do it later in his life. Allergies Pugs are relatively sensitive to allergies. In some cases, this is due to an external source such as home detergents, but more often than not it has to do with their diet. There are a few brands that you can try with low, or no grain. If you are feeding your pug home cooked food or a raw diet, taking the carbs and grain out would be easy. Our Pugs were and are on a raw diet from day one and we never had any issues with allergies, except for one time. We started noticing that Preston had pinkish skin around his paws and around the nose fold. Since we owned a pet food store specializing in raw food, at the time convenient, I know we tried different types of meats, but nothing helped. It took us some time to realize the cause. We had our baby daughter at the time, and since she was very close and intimate with Preston, and he was eating raw, we made sure to wipe his mouth and feet with baby wipes after every meal. The baby wipes were the culprits. We switched them both to hypo-allergenic wipes and the skin went back to normal… Hip Dysplasia Pugs are ranked as one of the breeds with the highest chances of suffering from Hip Dysplasia. This can lead to trouble in walking and running and arthritis may follow as well. If your Pug is suffering from Hip Dysplasia to any extent you may want to either supplement their diet with Chondroitin and Glucosamine or to choose a brand that is made for joint support. Vets and nutrition. Having said that, if I needed nutritional advice, I would go to a nutritionist and not to my Doctor. The nutrition training vets get in many schools is provided by agents of the commercial food companies who are bias at best. Skipping meals Dogs will sometimes skip a meal. It is natural for them as food is not something that was always available on daily base. It is not typical for Pugs but it may happen. If it happens it will probably be a one meal deal. If your Pug misses a few meals in a row you may want to consult a vet. Treats and snacks I try and think of treats and snacks the same way I think of candy for my daughters. If the amount of treats your Pug is rivals the actual food, in quantity, you should reconsider or at least re calculate it. If you are using kibble both at meals and as treats for training, and your stubborn Pug ends up consuming a lot of treats, just take it off the next meal. The same goes for snacks. They should be a part of the total daily feeding and not extra. How long can a pug go without eating? An adult Pug can probably survive many days without food, but no Pug would stand for it. Unless your Pug has a medical condition, he will surely let you know he is hungry. Do make sure that your Pug is not deprived of fresh drinking water at all times. More so if the weather is hot and if he is on a dry food diet and has no other source of hydration. What if my Pug is overweight? Pugs love to eat and have a tendency to eat too much. A chubby Pug is very cute, but at some point, it becomes a health issue. Overweight Pugs may suffer from a wide range of conditions and or aggravate others. Conclusion Food is an important part of your Pugs life and will directly affect his health and well-being. Do make sure you know what your Pug is eating, the quality as well as the quantities. Actually, yes. This is an actual condition called Eye Displacement or Proptosis. It is not a common occurrence but with extreme trauma or circumstances it may happen. In most cases the condition is treatable. More on the condition here… Are Pugs Loving? Pugs have been bred as companion dogs for over two thousand years. Being with people is almost in their DNA. So yes, Pugs love to cuddle, snuggle and just be in contact or as close as they can to their human friends. More on Pug Love here. Best Dog Foods for Pugs Choosing the right dog food for a Pug is essential as this will ensure that it gets proper nutrition. However, this can be challenging and time-consuming, considering that there is a lot to choose from. Whether you choose to feed your Pug commercial, homemade food, or raw food, make sure that they are of good quality and recommended by a trusted veterinarian. Proper nutrition is one of the factors that affect their lifespan. Below is a list of the best dog food choices for your Pug: Dry Food: One of the best options for Pugs is dry dog food as it is widely available, cheap, and has a long shelf life. These are packed with all the nutrients essential for your Pug. Wet Food: Wet dog food is another good option for Pugs. Its flavor and texture make it more appealing to Pugs than dry food. Wet food contains fewer grains, making it healthier and easier to digest. However, wet canned food has a shorter shelf life and should be consumed immediately after opening. Wet foods are also more expensive than dry foods. Homemade Food: Your Pug may benefit from cooked food consisting of chicken, eggs, fish, rice, and vegetables. The process is time-consuming, but it is less expensive and more convenient in the long run, especially if you plan on giving them a grain-free diet. Raw Food: Raw food diet for most Pugs results in better digestion, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system in Pugs. Mixing any of the aforementioned food choices is also good. Hence, you may want to try dog food alternatives to fit your budget. With their sensitive little stomachs, some foods can be poisonous, cause allergic reactions, and can even be lethal. Below is a list of food that you should completely avoid feeding to your Pug: Alcohol: Any amount of alcohol is hazardous for Pugs. Pugs do not have the enzyme to metabolize alcohol. Ingestion can cause hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , breathing problems, and central nervous system CNS impairment. Avocado: Avocado contains persin , a fungicidal toxin that has been linked to the death of many animals, including Pugs. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart damage in large quantities. As a result, even small amounts of chocolate can cause poisoning. Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid , which causes vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure among Pugs. Unfortunately, even one whole grape can cause irreversible damage and death in small breeds like Pugs. Macadamia nuts and walnuts: While the exact reason why they are poisonous is unknown, it is best to avoid giving them to your Pugs entirely. In Pugs, macadamia and walnuts can cause diarrhea, weakness, breathing problems, and pancreatitis. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which damages the oxygen-carrying substances in red blood cells. Ingestion of these vegetables can eventually lead to hemolytic anemia. Xylitol: In Pugs, xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia, lethargy, collapse, and seizures. It is frequently found in gums, candies, syrups, and toothpaste. Pugs should avoid the foods listed above at all costs. Food with high sugar content: If your Pug consumes too much sugar, it is more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay. Food with high sugar content can also give Pugs an upset stomach. Salty food: Just like sugar, too much salt can cause health problems in Pugs. If left unchecked, it has the potential to poison your Pug. Excessive salt consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and kidney failure. Milk and dairy products: Because the majority of Pugs are lactose intolerant , dairy products can make them sick. They will have digestive problems because they are unable to break down lactose. This causes gastrointestinal blockage and death if left unattended. If you think your Pug has accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods, bring your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic for appropriate treatment. Transitioning to a new brand or type of food may be beneficial to their well-being and development. For most dogs, transitioning to new dog food can be difficult. Fortunately, Pugs are not born picky eaters, so changing their diet will be easier. The ideal transition for Pugs should be gradual changes spread over three weeks. Do this until they are comfortable with the new food. Below is a more detailed breakdown of how to transition your Pug to a new food: Days. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy 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. Aug 25, Share An important part of taking good care of your Pug puppy is making sure that they are properly fed and that they get all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and if your Pug is like most, they seem to like anything that they are fed. Luckily, there are many commercial foods available on the market. There is also the raw doggy food diet that seems to keep getting more popular as time goes on. But what kind of dog food is right for your Pug? How much should you be feeding them? What will the dog not eat? Are there special considerations for a senior Pug? The answers to these questions and more can be found in our Pug feeding guide below. What you do decide to feed your pooch should be based on the quality of the food, no matter the type, and your personal feeding preferences. Here is what can be on the table for your Pug. Image credit: PxHere Commercial Dry Food Kibble Commonly referred to as kibble, commercial dry dog food is the most common and widely available option on the market. Manufacturers of this type of food work hard to balance the ingredients and create a completely balanced nutritional profile for dogs like your Pug. In fact, some brands, like Royal Canin, offer puppy and adult foods made just for Pugs. Whether you choose a dry dog food made just for Pugs or one made for dogs in general, it should include real meat or animal meal as one of the first ingredients on the list. The upside to commercial dry dog food is that it is affordable and easy to administer. It is also typically easy to store for the long term without worrying about it spoiling. The downside is that it tends to be dehydrating, so water should be available to your Pug throughout the day. Commercial Wet Food Commercially made wet dog food tends to be more nutrient-dense than dry food because it contains fresher ingredients and usually has fewer grains, if any at all. Most wet foods have real whole meat or seafood and broth as the first ingredients. Sometimes, veggies are thrown in for good measure, but many are meat-centric to meet the high protein needs of your growing Pug. Wet food is not as easy to store as dry food is, because it must be refrigerated after being opened. However, Pugs tend to enjoy the flavor and texture of wet food more than dry. Wet food is also a little more expensive than dry food, especially when trying to feed Pugs that are full-grown and in their prime. Raw Food A raw food diet is said to result in better digestion, a healthier coat and immune system , optimal dental health, and less susceptibility to allergies among other things. A raw food diet typically consists of quality meat, a source of calcium such as bones , animal organs, and a lower fat count than most commercial foods offer. Feeding your Pug a raw food diet will take commitment and a strong understanding of the nutrition that they need. This type of diet can be expensive and can require storage space in the fridge and freezer. It is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian to put together a complete meal plan to follow if you choose to go this route. It is a freeze-dried raw food supplement that is delicious and nutritious. The process requires about a day of cooking in the kitchen, but the time that you spend in your kitchen should yield enough food for your pooch to eat all week long. You will just have to store the leftovers in the fridge each day until the entire batch has been offered and consumed. Homemade dog food usually consists of whole meat like chicken, eggs, fish oil or flaxseed, brown or white rice, possibly vegetables like carrots and peas , and maybe even supplements of some kind. It depends on what kind of recipe you decide to follow. Any recipe that you consider feeding your dog should be approved by your veterinarian first. But you can quickly tell whether your pooch is being underfed or overfed by checking out their physique every day. If your dog is underfed for too long, you could notice signs like lethargy and an unwillingness to interact with family members. If your dog is overfed, they may succumb to problems like diabetes. If you find that your dog is getting underweight, start feeding them up to an extra cup of food each day. Reduce the amount by up to a cup if your dog is getting pudgy and out of shape. To help avoid under and overfeeding your dog, follow the feeding directions on the packaging of any commercial food you buy for them. If you decide to go the raw or homemade food route, your veterinarian can provide you with a feeding guide. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. Extra immune support is also typically present in puppy food. Once Pugs become adults, they are not as active as when they were pups, and they are not growing at exponential rates, if at all. Therefore, they need food with less protein than what puppies get. Pugs can typically switch to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12 months because much of their growth will be complete at this time. The tricky part is the actual process of switching your pooch from puppy to adult dog food. If not done slowly and intentionally, switching to a new food can cause digestion issues for your dog that could create messes around the house. Lethargy and nausea may follow. Finally, offer only adult food. There are many reasons why your Pug might seem like they do not have an appetite. The first thing to consider is whether you are overfeeding them. If your pooch does not want to eat their last meal of the day, they could simply be full and satisfied. However, other issues could lead to a pup not eating such as: Dental Problems. If your Pug has a toothache or some other kind of dental problem, they may not be comfortable eating. Check for red gums, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth. If something unusual is detected, consult your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Recent Vaccinations. Vaccines can cause side effects, including a lack of appetite. So, if your Pug does not seem to want to eat for a day or two after getting vaccinated, this is normal. Uncomfortable Surroundings. If your pooch goes on an adventure with you and is expected to eat their meal in a situation that is not familiar to them, they may pass on the meal altogether in favor of waiting until they get to what they feel is a safe space to eat. Even if your dog seems fine in every other way, a lack of wanting to eat could mean an illness of some kind is brewing. If you cannot find any other reason for a lack of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Adult Pugs will generally eat about a cup of dry commercial dog food each day or the equivalent, although certain differences might scale this amount up or down as time goes on. Here are the most important factors to consider. Active vs. Sedentary More active dogs will require more food than those that tend to be sedentary. If your pooch takes multiple walks every day, spends a great deal of time playing with kids throughout the day, or enjoys outdoor time with family members each afternoon, chances are that your dog will need a little more food than the average pooch. If your pooch takes only one short walk each day and spends most of their time lounging around the house, chances are that they should be fed as sedentary dogs. Spayed vs. Neutered Sometimes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered eat more than the average pooch. This is because they tend to be more active and excitable, which results in the need for more calories to support their energy needs. Pregnancy Pregnant Pugs need up to twice the amount of food that an adult dog would need. Instead of feeding your pregnant dog puppy or adult food, consider a food designed for all life stages that indicates its suitability for pregnancy. This type of food offers more protein and fat than adult food to support the extra growth they go through, but not as much as puppy food, which could make them overweight after the birth. What Foods Are Bad for Pugs? Image By: Momentmal, Pixabay There are a few foods that you should never feed your Pug to ensure their good health and to avoid serious problems like poisoning and even death. Here are a few food items that should be avoided at all costs: Alcohol. Introduction Importance of choosing the right food for Pug puppies Feeding your Pug puppies the right food can significantly impact their health, growth, and overall well-being. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients and energy to support their growth and development and helps to prevent common health issues such as obesity, digestive problems, and food allergies. Factors to consider when selecting the best food for pug puppies When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, there are several factors to consider, including their age, activity level, and specific nutritional needs. Reading the ingredient list and checking the nutritional content can help you to make an informed decision about the best food for your Pug puppy. Wet Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of wet food Wet food is an excellent option for Pug puppies as it is highly palatable and provides additional moisture, which is important for their growing bodies. Wet food also contains higher levels of protein and essential nutrients, making it a great option for supporting the growth and development of your Pug puppy. Best-reviewed wet food options Royal Canin Pug Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is specifically formulated for Pug puppies, with a balanced ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to meet their unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Wet Dog Food — This wet food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Dry Food for Pug Puppies Benefits of dry food Dry food is another great option for Pug puppies as it helps to clean their teeth and promote good oral health. Dry food is also a good source of essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of your Pug puppy. It contains a balanced protein, fats, and carbohydrates ratio to meet its unique nutritional needs. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food — This dry food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains wholesome brown rice, barley, and oats to provide the carbohydrates your Pug puppy needs to grow and develop. Homemade Meals and Snacks for Pug Puppies Benefits of homemade food Homemade meals and snacks are an excellent option for Pug puppies as they allow you to control the ingredients and ensure that your pup gets a healthy and balanced diet. Simple homemade meal and snack recipes for pug puppies Puppy-Friendly Meatloaf: Mix ground turkey or chicken, brown rice, carrots, and green beans for a tasty and nutritious homemade meal for your Pug puppy. Bake in the oven until fully cooked, and serve in small portions. Homemade Puppy Treats: Mix rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a beaten egg for a simple and healthy snack for your Pug puppy. Roll out the dough, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and bake in the oven until crispy. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and avoid using spices and seasonings that can harm dogs. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness. A: Wet food can provide a higher moisture content, which can benefit Pug puppies as they need to stay hydrated. Wet food also has a more appealing taste and smell, making it a great option for picky eaters. Q: What ingredients should I look for in dry food for Pug puppies? A: Look for dry food that contains high-quality proteins like chicken or fish, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy homemade meals and snacks? Q: How often should I feed my Pug puppy? A: Pug puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times a day until they reach six months of age. Then, they can be fed two times a day. The food they need will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Q: What is the best food for Pug puppies with sensitive stomachs? A: Wet food with simple ingredients, like boiled chicken and rice, or dry food specifically formulated for sensitive stomachs can be helpful for Pug puppies with digestive issues. Q: Can I feed my Pug puppy adult dog food? A: No, adult dog food does not provide the appropriate nutrients for Pug puppies as they are still growing and developing. Puppy-specific food is formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs. Gradual changes over a few days to a week are recommended to avoid discomfort. Conclusion Recap of the best food options When choosing the best food for your Pug puppy, several options exist. Dry food is also a good option as it helps to clean teeth and is easy to store. Final thoughts The most important thing is to choose a food specifically formulated for Pug puppies with high-quality ingredients to meet their unique nutritional needs. Choosing the best food for your Pug puppy will give them the foundation for a happy and healthy life. From pet nutrition books to online articles, a wealth of information is available on this topic. These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the nutritional needs of your Pug puppy and help you make informed decisions about the best food options for their growth and development. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily. But the sad part of the story is that just like any other dog, pugs get obese very quickly. As they say, you become what you eat. Since the pug is a tiny dog, even one extra pound will affect its appearance. For this reason, it becomes important to keep a check on what your pug is eating. The present article talks about the feeding guidelines of this adorable dog: How much is too much? It is very important to feed your dog the correct amount of food to ensure that the pug is getting enough calories for proper growth. Any deviation from the right amount will led to health problems in a pug. Age, activity, metabolism and build of a dog are the major factors on which the amount of food which should be given to a dog depends. Also, the type of food you are giving to a dog is another important factor. If you are feeding home cooked food to one pug and commercial dog food to another dog with same age, build and activity level, it is not necessary that both of them will consume the same amount. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy pug should be given 1 ounce of food per one pound of body weight. For adult pugs, the amount is halved. What about calories? A pug puppy which is in his growth phase requires more calories than adult and senior pugs. On an average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight while an adult pug requires 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Senior pugs need fewer calories because of slow metabolism and less activity level. Free feeding is not recommended to the pug. The following table illustrates the right feeding regime and meal frequency for pugs: Age Amount of food given at one time No.

Australian Labradoodles are multi-generational Labradoodles where often another breed has been introduced to the mix. The Australian Labradoodle was created to achieve a breed with more predictable and consistent traits. Fun Fact! The Australian Labradoodle does not have any Australian dog breeds in the mix. The most common ones are parti, white, apricot, chocolate, black, merle, lavender, cream, silver, or different shades of brown. Another interesting thing is that they can change color over time! So if you have an apricot colored puppy, they will likely have a red coat a few years later. The color will also either darken or fade as they grow older. Coat, Shedding And Hypoallergenic Level Thanks to careful and continuous breeding, Australian Labradoodles have low to non-shedding coats. If you have allergies or asthma, they might be perfect for you. In addition, there are three types of coats they can have: Fleece coat — silky, soft, and lightweight coat. It can be either wavy-straight or have a soft curl. This coat type tends to be low to non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Wool coat — cotton-like feel and resembles lamb wool. This coat type requires more brushing and maintenance than a fleece coat. On the other hand, it is usually non-shedding and even more allergy-friendly. This type of coat can have a doggy odor and is the least allergy-friendly. F1 F2 Coat Description Coats are usually more wavy than curly, which grows to a typical length of inches. May or may not have an undercoat. Coats are more likely to be curly than wavy, and grows to a typical length of inches. Coats can vary greatly — curly, wavy, and anywhere in between — with varying lengths. Temperament: Friendly, gentle, and intelligent. Australian Labradoodle Appearance Since it is a hybrid the Australian Labradoodle does not have any breed standards. Regardless of size, this stocky but graceful pooch is often covered in a curly coat just like their Poodle parents. Due to its fur having the more hair-like qualities of a Poodle the Australian Labradoodle is a low-shedding dog. With soulful eyes and a dark button nose, many may mistake it as a large teddy bear if it was not for its constantly wagging tail! Height and Weight These pups come in a variety of sizes: Miniatures often stand around 14 to 16 inches tall, weighing 15 to 25 pounds. Mediums often stand 17 to 20 inches tall, weighing 30 to 45 pounds. Standards often stand 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. For those living in apartments or smaller homes, a Miniature or Medium would be ideal. Colors and Coat Australian Labradoodles often come in several shades of brown, from the milkiest cream to the silkiest dark chocolate. However, you can also find them in colors such as apricot and lavender. Their coats often come in three types: Hair, Fleece, and Wool. Hair is the loosest among the coat types, with a texture resembling a shaggy Labrador. Fleece lies somewhere in the middle, being softer and silkier than Wool but wavier than the Hair variety. This texture will shed less than the Hair type and is easy to manage. Wool is the curliest of the coat types most resembling a Poodle. This texture sheds little to none and is considered the most allergy-friendly. This texture will require regular weekly brushing and professional grooming to avoid matting. Expect smooth sailing when it comes to training as all its parent breeds are famous for being eager to please. Almost all the breeds that make up the Australian Labradoodle are in the sporting group so expect your pup to be as active as its parent breeds. The Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever are both known for their friendliness, making this social pup the life of the party. Wally Conron bred the first Labradoodle after a visually impaired woman named Pat Blum contacted him. Australian Labradoodle Personality and Temperament This hybrid is known for having the friendliness of a Labrador, the gentleness of an American Cocker Spaniel, the merriness of an English Cocker Spaniel, and the intelligence of a Poodle. Because of these qualities, they are the perfect family pet — energetic enough for the kids to play with and entertaining to watch in action. Due to their high intelligence, you will have fun finding creative ways to stimulate their minds. A fun family activity can be training them a variety of tricks or creating puzzle games for your furry little Einstein to solve. With proper training and socialization, they should be able to get along with all animals and humans. They are moderately active thanks to their parent breeds. Whether you are an on-the-go family or a sporty pet parent, this pooch should be able to keep up with you on all your hikes and runs. However, it will happily cuddle on the couch with you after a long day. Noise-wise, this dog is not known for being yappy. This dog can be a lot to handle for first-time owners and can get bored without enough mental and physical stimulation. However smaller Australian Labradoodles can thrive in an apartment or condo if given the right amount of exercise and entertainment. If you can put in the time to train and exercise you will be rewarded with a friend for a lifetime. Caring for an Australian Labradoodle Caring for an Australian Labradoodle requires a fair amount of time and effort due to their high intelligence and reasonable activity level. An active family or pet parent with time to dedicate to their physical and mental stimulation is best suited for this mix. As well as basic hygiene their unique coat requires professional grooming. Depending on their coat texture this may vary, but they will need regular appointments to a groomer to trim their coat and regular brushing to avoid mats. Grooming and adequate mental stimulation are very important and lead to a happy and healthy pup. Exercise Requirements With a lineage of active breeds, the Australian Labradoodle requires a reasonable amount of exercise. A minimum minute long walk would be enough for an adult, but several shorter walks throughout the day can also work. However, your pooch would not complain if you also added 30 minutes of off-leash play. They will enjoy the basic doggie games of fetch and tug-of-war, but feel free to be creative with this lively breed. With its Labrador roots, try taking fetch to the next level by teaching them to fetch in the water. The added activity of swimming back and forth will require more energy than your average park playdate. Taking your pup hiking can help with mental stimulation as your pup is introduced to new sights and smells. Agility training can also be a great option for those with backyards. All in all, a happy dog is a tired dog, and making sure to properly exercise your furry friend can prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Number of Walks Per Day: .Total Exercise Needed Per Day: minutes. Grooming and Shedding For an Australian Labradoodle, grooming can look different depending on the coat type they have. Hair-type coats will need weekly brushing to prevent odor and tangles. As this coat type sheds on its own it is likely that your dog will need fewer visits to the groomer. Fleece-type coats will need longer and more thorough weekly brushing sessions. Your furry friend will need a weekly bath and an appointment with a professional groomer every weeks. Wool-type coats are most manageable when kept short, with weekly brushing and grooming appointments every month to keep your pooch looking smart. In addition to the above, cleaning their ears once a month will help prevent infection. Using eye wipes can keep bacteria-filled gunk away but be sure to look for a brand that does not contain irritants. However, a good rule of thumb when choosing kibble is to avoid a brand that overuses byproducts and fillers. A good kibble brand will be complete and balanced with the necessary nutrients your dog needs to be healthy. You should consider grain-free as research has found this could be better for your pup. When calculating the number of calories your dog will need, consider energy level and weight. A general rule is to add calories for every pound your dog weighs. Of course, getting the advice of your vet is always key if you are ever unsure. Hip Dysplasia: Usual with most medium to large dogs where the hip joint becomes unstable and causes bone spurs and limping. The good news is that buying from a reputable breeder can decrease the likelihood of your dog inheriting these diseases. Having pet insurance could save you the headache of going to the vets. The Australian Labradoodle originated in Australia hence the name in the s and was intentionally bred for service and therapy work. They should also not be confused with an American Labradoodle which is the cross of Labrador Retriever and Poodle only. Their eager to please attitude and high intelligence makes them easy to train. As with any breed though, you will need to be consistent! They do best with positive reinforcement and a gentle trainer. Basic training should begin as soon as you bring your Australian Labradoodle puppy home. While Australian Labradoodles are known to have a low to moderate energy level, they are an intelligent breed that requires mental simulation and physical exercise in order to keep them happy and healthy! Their exercise needs can typically be met with about minutes of exercise playing, walking, etc. It is important to remember that not all Australian Labradoodles are the same and some may enjoy more or less exercise to keep them happy and healthy! Australian Labradoodles are a very friendly, social breed that loves everyone making them great family dogs. They are sensitive and can be very in-tune with their humans, who they love to be with! The do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. Australian Labradoodles are happy go lucky dogs that are playful and smart. Always keeping their humans on their toes! The life expectancy of an Australian Labradoodle is between years. In general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs. It is important to keep in mind that many factors can affect their life expectancy such as diet, exercise, injury, genetics, etc. Australian Labradoodles are known to be gentle, mellow cross that is smart and eager to please. Their happy go lucky personality makes them great individual or family dogs. Australian Labradoodles come in several different sizes micro mini, mini, medium, and standard which means there is the perfect size for everyone! Australian Labradoodles have been intentionally bred for several generations making their traits and characteristics more predictable. Australian Labradoodles have three main coat types: Fleece: A Fleece coat can either be wavy or curly and will have a silky feel. These are typically non-shedding and relatively easy to maintain. Wool: A wool coat is curly, with a Poodle-like texture, has a cotton-like feel. These are usually non-shedding and can be a bit harder to maintain if kept long. Hair: A hair coat can be either straight or have a slight wave and is comparable to a lower generation ie F1 Labradoodle. These have are typically easy to maintain and have higher chance of shedding, but will vary by puppy. Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles that have been intentionally bred for several generations are typically non-shedding or very low-shedding. However, it is important to note that some breeders we do occasionally will do infusion litters with one of the parent breeds ie the Lab or Cocker Spaniel. These infusion litters may produce some puppies that are low to moderate shedding depending on their genetics. Australian Labradoodles can come in very wide variety of colors and patterns! Below are some examples of the colors and different patterns that we produce. Please note that not all colors and patterns are included! Lifespan Sociability Australian Labradoodle puppies are adorable little balls of fluff that are in constant motion. The animals make excellent working animals, but that work ethic can make them challenging to own as pets, especially if you prefer spending your free time watching TV instead of hiking or playing Frisbee at the park. One other thing that you should know in advance is that there are actually two kinds of Australian Labradoodles: standard and miniature. You should know ahead of time which one you want, and make sure that the puppy you bring home will end up as big as you expect it to be. They make outstanding service dogs. The first batch of Australian Labradoodles ever bred contained 31 dogs in all. Of these, 29 became guide or service dogs. The breed has been around longer than you might think. That may surprise some people because this is definitely not a well-known breed. However, that is partially because many of these animals become service dogs rather than pets. This is one of the more predictable designer breeds. As a result, the eventual makeup of your Australian Labradoodle puppy will be more predictable than some other breeds. They have to master a variety of tasks to become service dogs, and they generally handle the learning process with ease. All those brains are a double-edged sword, though. Otherwise, you could find yourself talking to their tail as they seek out something more exciting. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They love to be around their humans as well. In fact, separation anxiety is a huge problem with the breed. They have enough energy to keep up with a large family, and you may need to enlist every single one of your family members to tucker these dogs out. Fortunately, they love to curl up next to you and watch a good movie as much as they love blazing down the nearest hiking trail. However, you can make life in an apartment work with them if you have the time and energy to devote to tuckering them out. They want to be with you, and they want to serve you if at all possible. They have a bit of a prey drive , but nothing too outlandish. You need to socialize them to accept smaller animals, of course, but their intelligence and sweet nature should help them learn that the cat is off-limits in no time. Make sure the ingredients are quality; avoid animal by-products, chemicals, additives, and other problematic ingredients. No matter how good the food is, though, be careful not to feed them too much. Go easy on treats and scraps too. They need to run, they need to jump, and they need to be challenged. They need a job to do more than anything. Agility training is excellent for this, as it gives them a purpose while simultaneously taxing their minds and bodies. You should do obedience training every day and play games like hide-and-seek or have a treasure hunt. One of the biggest reasons you should train them is that they crave it. They were bred to work, and they love to have a job to do. Your biggest challenge may be finding new ways to keep them on their toes, as they can get bored with the same old routine every day. They can be extremely sensitive, so harsh training methods are likely to be counterproductive. Instead, use positive reinforcement; a few words of encouragement and the occasional ear scratch are likely all you need to keep them eager to learn. Socialization is also important. Socialization is an ongoing process and something you should commit to doing for as long as you have the dog. Expect to brush them regularly to combat shedding. While not quite hypoallergenic , Australian Labradoodles with a wooly coat will hardly shed at all. You still need to brush them at least once a week to avoid matting, though. Fleece lies somewhere in the middle. You can likely get away with brushing them a couple of times a month without having too many problems. Beyond that, most of their grooming needs are fairly basic. Brush their teeth several times a week, clean out their ears several times a month, and trim their nails as needed. Does your dog need a new do? Minor Conditions. Apartments, houses, families who have active children Temperament: Playful, energetic, loyal, obedient, intelligent This breed is super intelligent, has a life span of up to 15 years, and works great in apartments or houses. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. They are lovable, loyal, energetic, sociable, and not too bad to train. In most cases, the Petite Labradoodle you get from a breeder with be a fourth Labrador, a fourth cocker spaniel, and a fourth toy poodle. This method of breeding is called the Australian method. There are two methods of breeding to get the Petite Labradoodle, with this one being the most common and the most accepted. Make sure to talk to the breeder you choose to ensure the method you want is the one he uses. This breed has a round head and adorable floppy ears that hang down and over their cheeks. Depending on the parent she takes after, her coat could be silky and curly or coarse and wooly. This breed is never aggressive but is also very loyal to her family. As stated before, this breed has such an even temperament that they are used as service dogs quite often. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Full of energy and always ready to play, children love this breed because you can often find the dog being goofy and silly right along with them. The fact that this dog looks like a cute little teddy bear adheres to children everywhere. A post shared by Howie Bear littlehowiebear This breed gets along quite well with other dogs and other pets in general. Make sure to train and socialize your Petite Labradoodle as a puppy by taking her to the dog park, out for walks, and to be around strangers and other pets to ensure this remains true as she gets older. Her food should be dry and be high-quality food. Give treats sparingly to make sure she stays the ideal weight. While this puppy can adapt easily to apartment life , it is great if she has a fenced-in yard to play and run in. Make sure to take her on one long walk a day and to get outside to play with her. This breed loves to play in water and needs games that challenge them mentally also. However, you do need a firm hand with her and plenty of treats and praise to go around if you want her to listen. Never be mean to or hit a dog to get them to do what you want. Not only is it abuse, but it could also backfire on you badly. Trim her nails if they get too long, making sure not to cut too far down. Make sure to brush her teeth at least twice a week and take her in for regular checkups for her teeth and her general health. Clean her ears gently one time a week, but never stick anything into her ears. Minor Conditions. Heritage: There are a total of 6 possible breeds that can make up the heritage of the Australian Labradoodle breed. When you hear the term Australian Labradoodle, this is most often what is being referred to. Newfoundland was actually where the Labrador Retriever was first bred, being utilized on fishing boats to help the fishermen get the fish that would fall out of their nets. This breed was not only great at retrieving, but it had a short, dense coat that made swimming in the frigid waters a breeze and an otter-like tail that could help it maneuver easier in the water. In the early part of the s, Englishmen spotted these dogs on a trip to Canada and brought them back home. Before rifles were invented, these dogs were used in conjunction with nets to trap prey. Before written breed standards, Spaniels were categorized into two categories—water or land. In the s when breed standards came about, the Cocker Spaniel received its name from the fact that it specialized in catching woodcock, a type of water bird. Poodle Breed History: While commonly associated with the French, the Poodle actually originated as a duck hunter in Germany over years ago. Eventually, Poodles made their way from the lake to the life of luxury as they were the breed of choice by French nobles, and eventually royalty across all of Europe. To this day, the Poodle is still the national dog of France. The Toy Poodle started in the United States in the early 20th century to be a city-dwelling companion dog. The Labradoodle is often given the title of the first intentional Doodle. Wally Conron first bred this type of dog in Australia during .He was asked to mix a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever by the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia so that visually impaired folks with allergies could have guide dogs to suit their needs. The result was an amazing success and Sultan, one of the dogs from the first litter, served for 10 years as a guide dog for a woman located in Hawaii. They experimented in adding in other breeds into the mix attempting to find the optimal combination of aesthetic and behavioral characteristics. In , the first Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard was established. On top of that, the gender of the puppy and the genetics of the parents play important factors as well. Australian Labradoodles are rarely, if ever, bred from Toy Poodles. A Miniature Australian Labradoodle will weigh in at around pounds and stand roughly inches tall. The Standard Australian Labradoodle, will weigh approximately pounds and stand about inches tall. A minimum of brushing once per week is required for Australian Labradoodles, with the ideal frequency being every other day if not every day for more curly-haired dogs. Are Australian Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Do Australian Labradoodles Shed? While this can be true, due to the unpredictability of genetics, there is no guarantee that any particular dog, or litter of dogs will be hypoallergenic. However, due to the genetic diversity from crossing these two breeds, the result may be a lower chance of developing these inherited health concerns. Due to the cost of treating these common health concerns, we highly encourage all dog owners invest in pet insurance. We recommend getting a free online quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. Being firm, consistent, and calm will go a long way towards developing a positive and strong relationship between you and your Australian Labradoodle puppy. Australian Labradoodles are gentle, joyful and make great family pets. Australian Labradoodle Dog Activity Requirements: The Australian Labradoodle is typically seen as more moderate energy doodle breed and a little more relaxed than a Labradoodle. One longer or two shorter walks a day is sufficient, with at least minutes of exercise each day being a good minimum. Australian Labradoodle vs. This is one of the most common questions prospective doodle owners have about Australian Labradoodles. However, there are some basic differences we can generalize between these two types of doodles. Consistency Australian Labradoodles, due to their strict breed standards and multigenerational heritage, tend to be more consistent in the traits of their puppies. This also helps when it comes to better odds of being hypoallergenic. Temperament While both breeds have great personalities, Australian Labradoodles tend to be a bit calmer and a tad less energetic than their Labradoodle peers. This can be helpful in a smaller household, for first-time dog owners, or for families with young children. Australian Labradoodle Breed Pictures.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking 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 to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Much like a boxer might spar with an opponent. The Boxer is thought to be a modern descendant of larger mastiff-type fighting dogs that were bred to hunt large game like bison and bears. The white Boxer may be smaller than these ancestors, but this is still a very powerful dog. White Boxer Dog Appearance Contrary to popular belief about the white Boxer, this coat color is not actually rare in Boxers. These include the brown and white Boxer dog, the black and white Boxer dog, the brindle and the fawn. Here again, if the white portions of the coat equal 30 percent or more of the total coat, the Boxer will be considered to have a white Boxer coat color even if there are other colors or patterns present in the coat as well. One of the most enduring myths about white Boxer puppies with blue eyes is that they will be blind later in life. For white Boxers today, blue is considered just another possible eye color. Shedding and Grooming The white Boxer, like all Boxers, has a very short, neat, single layer coat. However, pale dogs can look mucky more quickly than darker haired dogs. Therefore you might need to brush your dog down slightly more often, and bath them more frequently too. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Boxer has a short coat that sheds throughout the year. They spread allergens through the proteins in their dander and saliva, and are not a good match for human allergy sufferers unfortunately. The white Boxer typically weighs 50 to 80 pounds, with adult males outweighing adult females by about 15 pounds. An adult Boxer may stand 21 to 25 inches tall paw to shoulder. Temperament and Personality The white Boxer has the same playful, friendly, and sociable temperament and personality that the Boxer dog breed is known for overall. In fact, the Boxer is often so exuberant that they need continual training and reinforcement not to bowl you over or leap up onto you just to say hello. Even if you just saw each other five minutes ago! Are Boxers Good With Kids? However, the Boxer is high energy and loves to jump up. Boxers tend to do well with other Boxers so long as they are opposite genders. Same-gender Boxers are known to be somewhat intolerant of each other. Guarding Tendencies Both the white male and white female Boxer dog can make a good family watchdog. For this reason, early and ongoing training and socialization is a vital part of helping your white Boxer learn how to welcome guests. And be a healthy and productive member of your family and the local community. A white Boxer will bark as necessary. For a Boxer, often this means barking to alert you when a stranger is present or if something seems amiss. Too much barking may indicate your Boxer is bored or lonely. In addition to strategic barking, you can expect your Boxer to drool more than a bit. Many owners also report that Boxers tend to snore, which may be due to having the shortened muzzle characteristic of brachycephalic dog breeds. Training and socialization The white Boxer, like all Boxers, can be stubborn during training. This is especially true during the short attention span puppyhood phase! Boxers can be independent thinkers, and this arises from their breed history as a hunting dog bred to hunt prey far ahead of their people. They do best in training when you keep each session fresh and interesting and avoid too much repetition. The Boxer is a flat-out amazing canine athlete and will enjoy and excel in canine sports like agility and search-and-rescue. These dogs are also top picks for K-9 and service dog roles. These dogs love to play, jump, run and chase and you should make sure your yard is escape-proof before letting your Boxer out. Are White Boxer Dogs Healthy? Most purebred dog breeds have certain health concerns that are associated with breed. Boxer dogs are no exception. Because white Boxer dogs can have a higher susceptibility to deafness, ethical breeders do not use white Boxer dogs in their breeding stock. However, this does not mean Boxer parent dogs with other coat colors will not produce white Boxer puppies. As long as all other health tests come back clear, white Boxer puppies can make wonderful pet dogs and have the same 10 to year average life expectancy as do all other Boxer dogs. Boxers can be particularly prone to developing heart disease, including aortic stenosis, which is often initially detectable during routine veterinary exams when the vet hears a heart murmur. Often murmurs related to aortic stenosis, which are different than puppy heart murmurs that resolve with age, are not detectable until the Boxer is an adult. Another all-too-common heart issue is cardiomyopathy, which is often detectable via heart arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. Boxer dogs that exhibit signs of weakness, lethargy, or collapse may be suffering from early stage cardiomyopathy. They are also prone to: Canine cancer.