when to groom a goldendoodle puppy

when to groom a goldendoodle puppy

Labrador Retriever Stages of Development Labrador Retriever Stages of Development If you are new to the Labrador Retriever world and you have a new puppy, you may be wondering when Lab puppies finally calm down. First, for those that do not know, the Labrador Retriever breed is not for those that want to lay back on the couch and toss back a few beers. Labs are people dogs meaning that they are very sociable and do not like to be left on their own all the time. They have a great deal of enthusiasm and energy. That is why it is important for this breed to get plenty of exercise and social interaction. We did a lot of research about the breed and found that many people have their own ideas on the age of maturation. In all honesty, there are differing levels of energy that the Lab will go through during its life and from the age of about 10 weeks old to 5 years old, the energy level can remain quite high. Stage 2: Toddler — This stage starts around weeks old and goes until about 5 months old. The energy level is quite high at this time as the puppy is learning all it can about the world and go through many biological changes. It tests its environment with its mouth and as it gets towards the end of this stage, it begins to chew on everything it can to try and get relief from teething. It is usually to have some terry cloth towels that have been soaked in water and sitting in your freezer, waiting to be gnawed on! Stage 3: Adolescent — This is a tough stage and starts around 5 months old and go anywhere up to a year, depending on the dog. Some would call it the terrible twos because all of a sudden, your sweet Lab baby has forgotten everything you have taught it and has the manners of any human teenager out there! Sure, they know not to go on the couch but they will test you again and make sure you meant it. This is when you need to reinforce all your training because if you let them get away with it now, it is harder to break them of it later! Stage 4: Maturing — Usually this starts around a year old and goes until the 5-year old stage. The level of energy is still high and is equal to a college student or young twenty-something adult. They get more comfortable with their surroundings and take a little more time to enjoy life and the company of their owner and family. This is more of an enjoyable time with your family Lab! Stage 5: Senior — Around 5 years and up, the little puppy you once knew with all the energy level of an energizer bunny is there in spirit but the body is slowing down more. They still have a good amount of energy but nothing compared o stages 2 and 3! Life is good and comfortable. So, when does a Lab puppy start to calm down? Well, generally it is around stage 4 but can happen before that stage. The one thing people with Labrador Retrievers, or any dog for that matter, need to understand is that each dog is different. Yes, there are certain traits in the Lab breed for which we eagerly welcomed them into our home, but just as human identical twins can have opposite personalities, so can your Labrador Retriever. For example, if you are in stage 2, there is housebreaking and teething to deal with. Your puppy also needs help with getting rid of some of that pent up energy it has and it is your responsibility to give it safe and structured ways to expel that energy. Short walks work well on soft surfaces for young pups as well as schedule play times. Whatever you choose to do, high energy levels in Labs are normal during certain stages — just remember to enjoy them while you can because your Lab will only be a puppy once. Post navigation. Puppy growth is also related to proper diet: weekly growth rate varies from breed to breed but proper nutrition of the puppy influences each individual's growth curve. The diet of a growing puppy requires more protein and healthy fats, such as the omega-3 DHA Regardless of breed, all puppies are born dependent on mom, so proper nutrition of mom during pregnancy helps in the early stages of puppy development. The first months play a crucial role in determining a dog's lifelong health and well-being. Prenatal period: mother's gestation The time puppies spend in the womb is usually called the prenatal period. It lasts about days, and the puppy's development begins during this stage. A pregnant mother should exercise less and receive more care in the last weeks before delivery-she should not be exposed to unnecessary stress. The health of the puppy is influenced by the mother as early as the prenatal stage: the amount of stress and hormones the mother secretes is transmitted to the puppies through the placenta, and this can affect the growth of the fetus as well as any intestinal parasites such as the ascarids , can pass from the placenta to the fetus even before birth or enter the milk through the mammary glands. For this reason, our breeding philosophy requires us to avoid all forms of chemicals by following a natural supplementation protocol during gestation as well as then natural deworming on the puppies. Prenatal stress can affect puppies' brains and organs, causing them to establish behavior in stressful situations before they are even born. It may make puppies less curious, they may have reduced learning ability, they may be more aggressive or have changes in sexual behavior. During pregnancy, the mother needs supplementation and amore nutritious diet than usual because she no longer eats only for herself. Neonatal period Stage beginning from birth to the second week of life. At birth, pups are blind, deaf and toothless, unable to regulate body temperature, urinate or defecate on their own. Pups depend on their mother and siblings in the litter, staying very close together to preserve body temperature. A puppy separated from this situation can quickly die of hypothermia, which leads to a drop in body temperature. If a puppy is isolated from its mother and siblings, it can quickly cool down and cry to alert its mother of its situation. Read also: neurosensory stimulation program Biosensor Puppies first experience the feeling of being petted when they are licked by their mother to keep them clean, to keep her den clean and also to stimulate them to defecate and urinate. From birth, pups are able to use their sense of smell and touch, which helps them orient themselves to find the udders that carry their mother's scent. The first milk produced by the mother, called colostrum, is rich in antibodies that provide passive immunity and help protect puppies from disease during these first weeks of life. For the first two weeks of life, puppies sleep almost 90 percent of the time, are active only 10 percent of the day, spending their waking time sucking milk, and all their energy is channeled into growing so that their birth weight doubles the first week. At this stage the puppies are not able to support their weight but are able to crawl with the movements of their front paws, however, the mother will always try to position herself as close to them and group them by bringing them to herself with her muzzle. This limited locomotion, however, provides the necessary stimulus to develop the puppy's muscles and coordination so that, day after day, the puppies will be able to reach their mother even on their own. Transition period This stage is from the second to the fourth week of life. The third week of life brings major changes in the puppy: hearing and vision are not developed from birth. Eyes begin to open during this period, eyelids between ten and sixteen days, and hearing begins to develop around two weeks. This stage allows puppies to "feel" their new world: they learn to recognize the appearance of their mother, other dogs, and begin to expand their vocabulary from grunts and yelps. Puppies generally stand by day 15 and take their first wobbly walk by day .At the age of three weeks, puppy development advances from the neonatal period to the transitional period. This is a period of rapid physical and sensory development, during which pups move from total dependence on mother to minimal independence. They begin to play with their littermates, learn about their environment, the pack, and may be ready to taste wet food never dry in weaning other than breast milk in moderation. After three weeks puppy teeth begin to emerge until all baby teeth have come out at about weeks of age. They begin to control their needs and begin to move away from their nest to remove them. After the transition phase, puppies enter the socialization period at the end of the third week of life: this phase lasts until about the tenth week. During this socialization period, the puppy increases interaction with other animals, and puppies form bonds that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The most critical period, from six to eight weeks, is when puppies most easily learn to accept others as part of their family. Starting at four weeks of age, the mother's milk production begins to slow down just as the puppies' energy needs increase. As the mother dog slowly weans her puppies from nursing, they begin to taste easy-to-digest wet food. Environmental stimulation affects your puppy's rate of mental development during this period. The puppy's synapses look like those of an adult dog around day 50, but it is not yet ready: this is where the work of the breeder, mother and littermates comes in. During this period, puppies hear, walk, become acquainted with the world around them noises, sounds, smells, habits , feed independently, learn bite control, and receive correct teachings from their mother on how to relate to each other. At this stage the puppy basically learns to recognize the individuals around it as living beings of the same species with whom it can communicate, play, and interact in different ways. At this stage, therefore, it is very important that the puppy also have many experiences with the human being in such a way that it identifies with and sees him as a living being with whom it can communicate and interact positively. The more diversified the experience in this regard the better so men, women, children, humans in different clothes and various disguises, etc. At this stage, puppies may go through a period offear fear period : when they encounter new people and animals they do not know, they may react with fear and distrust. Anything that frightens them at this age can have a lasting impact, so be careful that the puppy is not over-stimulated with too many changes. This allows the puppy to grow up with fewer phobias-it is simply a normal part of development in which puppies learn to be more cautious, and careful socialization during this period helps counteract fear reactions as adults. A puppy that lives with siblings, mom, and other adults in the group until they are eight weeks old will adapt better to new situations: their interaction with littermates and mom have unique and unparalleled value Interaction with siblings and mom helps teach bite inhibition, understanding and responding to normal canine communication and their hierarchical position in the pack. Youth period The pup's juvenile period generally begins at the age of ten weeks and lasts until puberty and the onset of sexual maturity. Puppies of this age have boundless curiosity, infuriating stubbornness and enthusiastic affection. This is the ideal time to begin training: it is during this period that puppies begin to learn the consequences of behavior and determine what is most appropriate under certain circumstances. Almost every waking moment is spent playing, which is not only great fun for the puppy, but is great practice for his future canine life. From 10 weeks of age, puppies learn to perform important activities such as chasing and running, biting and fighting. Social skills and canine etiquette are learned from interaction with littermates and mother. During this period, puppies learn to inhibit their b iting when bitten by each other and learn canine language: through play, they practice dominant and submissive positions and prepare for life in the world. From 10 to 16 weeks, puppies test their limits and begin to challenge the outside world. They test their owners to see who is the real top dog and seem to have forgotten any education they learned from their mother, behaving like rebellious teenagers. Part of this behavior has to do with teething: puppies change their baby teeth from three months of age and may experience discomfort when their permanent teeth erupt. Often during this period, puppies tend to bite and chew more of anything to relieve the discomfort. This "delinquent" behavior can also be influenced by hormones: unlike many other species, the testosterone level of a male puppy between four and ten months old can be up to five times that of an adult dog. Because of this high level of testosterone adult dogs recognize that he is a young puppy and needs "education"-they make sure to subdue him to teach him manners before he gets too old. Growth from four to six months Puppies grow very fast during this period, and you may notice changes every single day. Not only can your puppy test and challenge you on anything, but this is also the time when puppies understand where they are and living with other pets in the pack. They will be frequent scuffles and fights as play: it is a rule of the older dog to teach puppies its limits and social position. The testosterone level of a whole unneutered male puppy increases around 4 to 5 months of age: because of this, an adult dog can recognize even a full-grown but still small puppy that needs to be educated in proper behavior between beings of the same species. Puppies may also sometimes experience another phase of fear during this period: it can last up to a month and perhaps more than one especially in large dogs, this is normal and nothing to worry about. This fearful phase tends to correspond to growth spurts and "wobbly" behavior or unwarranted aggression, becoming protective of toys or one's territory. Be sure not to reward this behavior and to "talk" to the puppy with precise actions without using words. Build trust between you and your puppy through daily training. Adolescence: six to 12 months During this period puppies may begin to lift their legs and mark their territory with urine, but there is no one age for all, much also depends on size, and generally large breeds such as the Labrador Retriever take longer. The testosterone level in male puppies increases times that of an adult dog at the age of 10 months, then gradually declines to a normal adult level at about 18 months of age. This helps signal to older male dogs that the young still need to be adjusted so as to reduce fights between puppies during this period. Females can go into heat oestrus as early as the 6th month, and males begin to take an interest in the opposite sex during this period. Most of your puppy's height growth ends at this time, to continue to increase muscle mass and body weight. Puppy fur begins to be replaced by a more robust coat as an adult. Puppies at this age seem to explode with great energy and respond well with mental activation games and structured exercises. Ongoing education and socialization are vital to ensure that your puppy knows how to behave politely with other dogs, other animals such as cats, and other people including the dog-child relationship and strangers of all ages and appearance. Social maturity This usually occurs between the first and second year of life. Depending on the breed, your dog will be physically mature at this age: small dogs mature much earlier and older dogs take longer. Your puppy's social maturity may also depend on his experience with other animals. Socialization and training continue throughout your Labrador's life, because there are always new things to learn or lessons to repeat. After all, the joy of your puppy's first year provides for a lifetime of eternal love! But those first weeks of puppy development are very similar whatever the breed, and these landmarks are good general rules for any dog. Puppy development week by week, changes quickly. Newborn Puppies Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Newborn puppies may cry if cold. But they do not have the strength to cry for long. Newborn Labrador puppies snuggle together to keep warm when their mother is away How Helpless are Newborn Pups? Although they rely on mom for a lot at this stage, newborn puppies are not completely helpless. They can use their front feet to drag themselves towards a heat source or their milk supply. This means their mom, not milk alternatives like cow or goat milk. Newborn pups have no teeth yet. But they can move their heads about to search for a nipple, and they can latch on and suck strongly. Their mother leaves them only to eat, drink and for bathroom purposes. While she is away, the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat, as you can see in the photo above. They may also crawl under a heat lamp source to keep warm. In every other respect newborn puppies are completely dependent on the care of their mother. Newborn pups have little control over the rear end of their bodies. The mother dog washes them and licks their bottoms to encourage elimination, licking up and swallowing anything they produce to keep her babies and their nest scrupulously clean. In fact, he may even double his birth weight! One week later and the puppies have doubled their birth weight. Changes are taking place under his eyelids to prepare them for opening. And usually begins during the second week of life. Ears open at this point too, so your puppy will begin to hear. The Labrador puppies in this picture are two weeks olds. Two weeks old and the puppies eyes are now open! You can see that their eyes are now open and the puppies are beginning to look a little more dog-like. The breeder will be handling the puppies more now. And most puppies are wormed for the first time at two weeks old. Most 3 week old puppies can stand and sit, and are beginning to totter about. They are also starting to develop their individuality. No longer are they just a row of identical little fat furry sausages! This little three week old puppy :- Can easily be distinguished from his brother: Teething and Further Development At 3 weeks old, this is also the point at which puppies start teething — cutting their first deciduous baby teeth. Obviously the teeth are appearing for a reason! Some breeders will start to offer the first tastes of solid food at this point. Especially if the litter is a large one and putting a strain on the mother dog. It is lovely to watch a litter of 3 week old puppies beginning to interact with their brothers and sisters. They are running, playing enthusiastically, and have started to wag their little tails. The puppies will start to show bowel control as they move away from the other puppies to defecate. And solid food is becoming a major part of their diet. These little pups are tucking into some puppy food. Four week old puppies having their dinner in the fresh air If the weather is warm enough, puppies will be spending some time outdoors now. Mealtimes are a messy process, so feeding puppies out in the yard can be a good idea. Breeder Involvement Some mother dogs will lose interest in cleaning up after their pups at this point or soon afterwards. And many puppies will be wormed again this week. Vocalizations are becoming stronger at this puppy development stage. The litter will greet their mother noisily when she returns to them, and try hard to follow her out of the whelping box whenever she leaves. The puppies themselves are now eating solid food several times a day and gradually being weaned of their dependency on her milk. Puppies will still suckle ravenously when their mother returns and she will now often feed them standing up and only for a short time. She will also be teaching the puppies not to bite too hard. So, they should be increasingly spending time with humans and learning to be familiar with the sounds and sights of a human family environment. Puppies being raised in kennels must be brought into a home environment regularly from now on to ensure they develop into confident, friendly dogs. Six weeks old and full of mischief Puppies Still Have a Lot to Learn at 6 Weeks In some countries, puppies are taken to their new homes at this age. But this is not a good idea, and can result in a puppy that has poor bite inhibition and is challenging to manage. The puppies are learning not to bite too hard from the reactions of their mother and siblings. Growth is not quite so fast now. But the puppies will still grow strongly for the next few months. Many puppies will be wormed again this week. All that remains is for plenty of great socialization experiences to be packed into this week, with final checks on health. Many breeders will arrange for each seven week old puppy to have a vet check this week. And though some vets advise against it, some puppies are also given their first vaccinations before they leave for their new homes. Some breeders will now have the puppies trained to pee and poop on puppy pads or newspaper. And some will have been whistling to the puppies at meal times to get them used to coming to a human signal. Potty training is now underway and puppy socialization plans are being made. At this point, many of you will be thinking about training your puppy too. The next four weeks are vital in puppy development stages. Your main job is socializing your puppy. This means taking him to lots of new places and exposing him to lots of new experiences. So, life will be starting to get back to normal. Most puppies in the U. In the U. So, not all puppies will get their vaccinations at the exact same age. Socializing your puppy is still the most important job for you at this age. But, you cannot put your puppy on the ground outside until they have received their final vaccination. So, make sure you know exactly when their final jab is. And carry on introducing them to as many new people, things, and experiences as possible throughout this puppy development stage. Some people can suffer from the puppy blues at this stage too, as your life has completely changed! But, that does not mean socialization can stop. Puppies who are isolated at this point will soon lose that friendly fearlessness. You have an important job now, building on what has been achieved so far, and introducing your puppy to the world at ground level. This part of his education can begin once his vaccination cover is complete. He should be fully immunised at around this point. But check with your vet for confirmation of the actual date. Three months also marks the point at which many puppies will drop down from four daily meals, to three. This can cause problems for some puppies because the portions are larger If your puppy gets an upset tummy when you make this change, just go back up to four meals again for a few days, and give smaller portions for a few days when you try again. But, many will need another month before they can cope without frequent bathroom breaks and the occasional accident. Your puppy will begin to lose his baby teeth. This can also be a time at which biting can be most challenging. And try not to worry, this stage will soon be over! A few will need another month or two to complete the process. Remember, no two puppies are the same. That puppy fluffiness will have gone. For many puppies, five months is an awkward, gangly time. A five month old puppy may have shed the last of his soft puppy lines and be looking quite skinny. By the end of this month most puppies will have finished teething but an urge to chew may continue for another few months in some breeds, Labradors included. Some female dogs will have their first season during this month. But, for many, it will be another three or four months before this happens. This is a major milestone for your puppy. He is now looking very much like an adult Labrador. Still a Puppy Because he looks quite grown up, people expect a lot of their 6 month old puppy. But inside, he is still very much a puppy. The beginnings of adolescence and with it an increasing independence of spirit can bring its challenges, but also a whole lot of fun. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining. Almost Home Campaign Puppy Developmental Stages and Behaviour To have a well-adjusted and social dog, you need to ensure his needs are met during each phase of development. Building the foundation for a great dog starts with appropriate training at each stage of development and establishing appropriate guidelines so that that your puppy is properly integrated into the family. You will see many behaviour changes during the life stages of your pup. Knowing how to handle your pup through each developmental stage will help to shape your puppy into a lifelong family member. Puppy Developmental Stages The puppy development process covers five distinct stages. However, puppies grow through these stages at their own pace and these timelines can vary. Stage 1: Neonatal Period 0 — 2 weeks This is the first stage of puppy development and begins at birth. At this age, puppies only have the sense of taste and touch and rely totally on their mother. Stage 2: Transitional Period 2 — 4 weeks Sensory development continues with hearing and sense of smell. Puppy teeth start coming through and their eyes will begin to open. Puppies will interact with their litter mates, wag their tails, stand, walk a little and bark. It is vital to understand this stage as most puppies go home to their new parents between 7 — 12 weeks. During this period, changes start to occur rapidly. Between 3- 5 weeks puppies start to become aware of their surroundings and have the ability to develop a relationship with people This is the period where puppies get familiar with the day-to-day noises of a regular household such as TVs, vacuum cleaners, telephones, etc. At this age puppies are just learning to interact with each other and beginning to play. They are also learning their doggie social skills and exploring their ranking status within their pack. Their curiosity is developing, as are their biting skills. Nipping behaviours begin as they practice biting behaviour with their mother and litter mates. At the weeks stage, they will have full use of all their senses and will be ready to go home to their new owners. Bringing your pup home usually between weeks is right in the middle of his socialization period. Therefore, it is vital that you introduce your puppy to as many new dogs, people, objects and surroundings as you can. BUT, make sure you do so in a controlled manner and never put your puppy in a dangerous situation where they can be injured, scared or contract disease. This is a great period to begin crate training, for a variety of reasons. Puppies are old enough to start getting used to being left alone to avoid separation anxiety from developing and are capable of being house-trained. Even though your home is likely puppy proofed, it also saves your possessions. During this phase of development, puppies are developing their reactions to things much more consistently. They are also likely to focus more on different types of people and should be friendly and approachable to strangers. During this time they are also going to continue to practice their biting skills a whole lot more! It is important to learn how to manage this behaviour early on. You may also notice that they are more curious and will probably look to explore their environment more. Be prepared for this and keep your puppy close to you and leashed. Stage 4: Testing Period 3 — 6 months This is the time your puppy starts to test their boundaries within their world. They will test the limits with their owners and other animals. At this age many adult dogs will start to enforce manners. Problematic behaviours can begin to arise in this period. At this age your puppy is going to go through teething and chewing is a common side effect. Make sure he has plenty of chew sticks and toys. Use commercial sprays or gels that dissuade your puppy from chewing your belongings. Try soaking a cloth toy in chicken stock and freezing it if your puppy is experiencing pain while teething. Once frozen, this can be given to your puppy as a chew toy and will help to relieve sore gums. Puppies are usually finished teething by the age of 6 months when the upper fangs canines come in. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour. Dogs go through adolescence much earlier than people; for small breeds, is can be as early as six months old while larger dogs starting at nine or 10 months of age. Adolescence in larger breed dogs continues until they are two or three years old with smaller dogs reaching maturity at about 18 months. Typically the larger the dog, the slower the development. Signs of Puberty in Canines Here are the typical signs to watch out for to tell you that your own puppy has hit puberty: Males.

They are also popular choices for families with allergies, as they do not shed as much as other breeds. Poodle Mixes come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. While all Poodle Mixes share some common features, their individual personalities can vary widely. Some Poodle Mixes are confident and outgoing, while others are more reserved and shy. Some breeds tend to be independent thinkers, while others are more eager to please. The best way to determine what personality type is right for you is to meet with a local breeder or rescue organization that specializes in Poodle Mixes. Poodle Mix Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Poodle Mixes for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Poodle Mix puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Of course, not all Poodle Mixes will develop these conditions, but it is important to be aware of them. Finding a Poodle Mix puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Regardless of the type of Poodle Mix you have, there are a few things you need to know about coat care. First, regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Finally, Poodle Mixes need to be groomed every weeks by a professional groomer. This includes a bath, brush out, trimming of the coat, and nail clipping. By following these simple coat care tips, you can help your Poodle Mix look and feel his best. Meet Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale. Look no further! Whether you desire a standard-sized Poodle or a tiny Teacup Poodle, our platform has something for everyone. Browse our listings from ethical Poodle breeders and find the perfect furry companion to join your family. What are Teacup Poodle Puppies? Teacup Poodle puppies are delightful mini versions of the elegant Poodle breed. Bred to be smaller than the standard Poodles, these tiny pups are irresistibly cute and highly sought after. Despite their size, Teacup Poodle puppies possess all the wonderful qualities of their larger counterparts, including their intelligence and affectionate nature. What is the Average Size of Teacup Poodles? Teacup Poodles have a compact and petite build, making them perfect for cuddling and carrying around. When fully grown, these tiny canines usually stand around 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their small size makes them ideal for indoor living and suits various living environments, including apartments and smaller homes. Despite their diminutive stature, Teacup Poodles have big hearts filled with love and devotion for their human families. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training. Along with their intelligence, Poodles are affectionate and loving companions, forming strong bonds with their human families. They are known for being social and friendly with both children and other pets, making them a perfect fit for families of all sizes. Our listings feature ethical Poodle breeders who prioritize the well-being and health of their puppies. Each Teacup Poodle for sale on our platform is raised with care and attention, ensuring they are well-socialized and ready to become a beloved member of your family. About Jules Hello there! I want you to pick me! I love to snuggle and be as cute as can be! Being loved makes me happy and all I want is a nice family to take care of me. I love to play and to take long naps. Make the call now and find out how to bring me home! Reviews There are no reviews yet.

Raising quality puppies since ! We strive to raise the highest quality puppies and to provide them and their parents with the best care possible. Our puppies are raised with lots of TLC from us, our children, and our grandchildren so you can be sure they have been pre-spoiled and very socialized before leaving us. We believe a puppy should be a member of your family and should live inside your home with you. Puppies should be given every opportunity to have a healthy and happy life. We try to make sure our puppies are placed in loving homes where they will receive the best life has to offer them! If you are looking to add a puppy to your family, please browse our site and check out our available puppies. You may contact us by phone or email to discuss the adoption process. We have always passed our inspections and have never had any non compliant issues. We are always praised by our inspectors for having a top quality kennel. Our licensed veterinarian comes to our home to see all of our dogs on a regular basis so he can inspect them and provide them with a thorough, hands on well check up in addition to all regular veterinarian care. As members of these organizations, we receive the most up to date news, education, and veterinarian tips that help us take the best possible care of our dogs. We take great pride in our kennel and our dogs. If you are looking to add a new puppy to your family, please contact us for a complete list of available puppies. We would love to help you find your new family member! We offer a one year health guarantee with every puppy we sell and a lifetime of breeder support. Please review our health guarantee and contact us if you have any questions. Being a member of AKC's Bred with Heart program means we provide our dogs with important genetic health testing that can rule out health problems with our puppies. Parents imported from Serbia and Montenegro. Sire is 4 time Champions in Montenegro. All puppies are sold on contract with 3 years health guarantee by breeder. Buy Now Boxer puppies available now Boxer puppies available now very playful For more info and pics please text us at: xxx xxx-xxx8for faster response. They are not registered. They will be vet checked and cleared and ready for their new home. Shipping is also available at your own expense. If you or anyone you know are interested please reach out to Nathan or Ivet xxx. Questions, let us know! Puppies for sale!!! Seeking a good home for my puppies. They have great temperament towards people and gets along with big dogs and pets at home. They are registered. Contact through my website at xxx. My puppies are well socialized, up to date on all age appropriate shots. I have excellent references and would be happy to give them to you at your request. Excellent bloodlines behind my dogs. I have a one girl and three boys available at this time. They are very socialized with kids and other home pets around them. These puppies very intelligent and will adapt easily in a new environment. Contact for more information. Sweet boxer puppies ready. Give us a call or text at xxx xxx-xxx3 View Detail Need help? Please contact contact petzlover. We continually strive to breed boxers to have the qualities that we like to see passed on. Selective breeding involves many hours of research, and communication between breeders who have been raising boxers for a long time. In the past, Timberline Boxers bred American Boxers. Timberline boxer puppies and adults are well socialized and loved daily. Boxers are a very loving breed of dogs that make great family pets! Boxers are also great working dogs! Igneshof Boxers come from a long line or working dogs. It is my goal to breed and raise quality, healthy boxers that can provide their new homes with a lifetime of love. It is very common for Timberline Boxers to ask a series of questions to ensure that the homes our puppies go to are acceptable. The regimen of vaccinations and de-wormings followed by Timberline Boxers are far above the standard. All puppies will be checked by a very respectable veterinarian at a minimum of 3 times prior to being 8 weeks old. First health checks come at 4 weeks, then 6 weeks and a final health checkup before the puppies go to their new homes. New puppy owners will be provided with health records, AKC registration papers, and a 1 year guarantee against any genetic defects. Full European Boxers from Timberline Boxers will be provided with a 3 year health guarantee. Boxers are intelligent, easily trained; family dogs that love to accompany their family in both work and play. This is an energetic breed that requires a backyard to roam in or daily walks or a park in a city environment. Boxers are friendly toward people and other dogs, and have a tendency to be protective of their owners. A lot of people ask if Boxers are good with kids. The answer is YES. A lot of my boxer sales are to families with young children. References available upon request. Licensed Breeder through the state of KS. License HK Vet inspected annually.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Can't take your eyes off me can you? All the ladies love me already.Come on whatcha waiting for? But you can call and take me home today! My name is Koko.What was that.I saw you.We are hands on with our English Bulldogs and our puppies. We hand raise each and everyone of our puppies feeding them on mom every two hours around the clock for the first two weeks of their life. We start weaning them at four weeks while still feeding them on their mom throughout the day. We also start puppy pad training them at three weeks and by six weeks they are just about fully weaned and puppy pad trained. That's right by 6 weeks just about everyone of our puppies go to the puppy pad without fail this takes a lot of patience.Therefore, you should not have any problem with house breaking your new puppy or continuing to use puppy pads as we do. English Bulldogs require much care and love. They must be kept in a temperature controlled environment! We love our adult English Bulldogs and love on each and every puppy while they are in our care. Each and every puppy is raised in an environment with continued love and interaction so that when they get to their new home they are sociable and interact with their new owner these little guys need to feel safe and secure and they will love you back unconditionally. We only have one to two litters per year because we also operate a full time business. Our Bulldogs and puppies are raised in our home with our 11 year old son so they are kid friendly. Each afternoon we let them out into the backyard for some extra play time where they lounge and watch TV under our covered patio connected to their kennel. Each of our English bulldogs has his or her own indoor and outdoor area. Their indoor area is fully air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter. If you purchase one of these bulldog puppies from us or someone else.The heat can kill them if they get to hot! Our bulldog kennel is kept at 70 degrees in the summer and 68 in the winter. Please make sure you can care for one of these precious English Bulldog puppies before you think about adopting one from us or anyone else. Call or text my cell any time Ken Characteristics The wrinkles on the English bulldog's face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. They date back hundreds of years and are also known as British Bulldogs. They are a muscular, well-built dog with a wrinkled face and a pushed-in nose. This breed has won the hearts of generations of families for decades. They are considered to be one of the most popular dogs breeds in existence today. These fantastic puppies have gained popularity worldwide due to their playful, loyal, funny, and caring personality. They are laidback and tend to get along well with just about anyone or anything. They have very approachable demeanors and enjoy the companionship of their family. They also have a very easy-going personality which is one of the reasons they have remained a popular family dog. The English Bulldog does enjoy activity time and burning off energy, however, is not an overly energetic breed of dog. The correct ratio of meat-based protein and micronutrients, as well as healthy carbs and fats, will keep your dog feeling and looking his best. Most people recommend feeding this breed two meals each day, spaced about twelve hours apart. This will help to ensure the dog is provided with the proper nutrients he needs. It is also important to remember to provide your dog with proper dental care. It is suggested that his teeth get cleaned a minimum of three times a week. Failing to keep his teeth clean can contribute to health issues. Although properly cleaning his teeth will take some practice to get good at, in time, this will become easier for you and your pup. The English Bulldog grows to be between fourteen and fifteen inches tall. At maturity, the English Bulldog weighs between fifty and fifty-five pounds. The average life expectancy for this breed is between eight and ten years. English Bulldogs require regular bathing and grooming. It is suggested that they are bathed as frequently as every week up to no more than every four weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle. This smooth coated breed does best with routine brushing which is essential to maintain healthy skin and a healthy coat. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the health issues English bulldogs are likely to face? The English bulldog has various health issues with the most alarming being cardiac and respiratory complications. English bulldogs are also prone to dyslexia in the hip due to their relatively large body size. Skin infections are also a concern do to the wrinkly and folds nature of the skin. What is the lifespan of an English bulldog? The English bulldog can live up to years on an average scale. This is usually due to the numerous complications and health challenges the bulldog faces in the course of life. How frequently do English bulldogs shed? English bulldogs shed more frequently during the cold seasons like winter and spring. Compared to other dogs, they shed rather moderately and even lesser as they age. How hard is it to train an English bulldog? This breed of dog is known for its stubborn nature and can be really difficult especially for novice dog owners to get the hang of. Patience and routine should be the keywords when dealing with a bulldog. Are English bulldogs good watchdogs? The English bulldog has a natural instinct to protect its territory. Even though the bulldog is not usually much of a barking dog, in the case of an intruder it is well equipped and confident to take on the challenge at every cost. Are English Bulldogs dangerous to their owners? The English bulldog is not a dangerous pet. It is very much territorial and somewhat apprehensive to unfamiliar faces, but once it warms up to you, the bulldog is one of the most loving and loyal dogs. How much exercise do English Bulldogs need? The English bulldog on average needs about 30minuites of exercise every day to keep it mentally and physically healthy. Are English Bulldogs family dogs? The English bulldog may seem aggressive at first glance but you will get to find that they have a contrasting character to their appearance. They are perfect around children and can play all day. They are extremely lovable and friendly. How big do English Bulldogs get? English bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and can grow as tall as 15inches. Male or female English Bulldog? This depends solely on the owner as both genders have their specific pros and cons. English bulldogs are very friendly and warm dogs and are amazing around children. No wonder they are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. Are you interested in purchasing a English Bulldog? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting an English Bulldog, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to English Bulldogs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Bulldog from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Bulldog puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many English Bulldogs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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We were founded to save Houston area German Shepherd Dogs from neglect, abuse, abandonment and euthanization at high kill shelters. We are an excellent alternative for owners who must give up their cherished pets. Our team of tireless volunteers care for our foster dogs as family. We are based on the concept of placing all our dogs into loving foster homes, where they live with and become part of our fosters family until they find a forever home. Every dog in our care receives proper medical care, nourishment and the socialization needed to discover a new life without hunger, sickness, loneliness, or fear. We live to see these German Shepherds blossom as they realize that they are important to someone who genuinely loves having them as family. We are the guardians of the dogs and funds that you trust us to protect. Our entire organization is comprised of dedicated animal loving people who receive no compensation for their countless volunteer hours. We joined this team for the camaraderie and joy we get from working together to help man's best friends in the most important journey of their lives. Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you. We're excited to have you join the team! Find out more about volunteering Thank You Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. Together, we can make a difference. We decided to form Lucky Shepherds from the belief that our society can never have too many animal advocates. Great rescue folks come from every walk of life. Each day gives us examples worldwide of rich and poor alike making personal sacrifices to help protect and shelter the forgotten and unwanted animals sharing our planet. Every political, economic, gender and race recognize equally the need to protect and cherish the joy that saving one dog can bring to each of us. Rescue work is a rare area of our society where we can truly come together and accomplish great works regardless of our worldly views. We will respect, appreciate, learn from and assist our fellow Houston area animal rescues whenever and however possible. There will always be more dogs than we can save as individual rescues. Working together in a collaborative, competent and organized manner benefits the dogs we serve as well as the good natured people who choose to give us their most cherished, non-replaceable resource, the time they volunteer with our organizations. We owe it to our volunteers to work together as efficiently and effectively as humanly possible. Our rescue strives to offer the support structure and organizational planning to ensure that our volunteers can focus on the rewarding side of our rescue without having to recreate the wheel on every mission. We all support each other in the village concept and never forget that it is our responsibility to create as rewarding of a volunteer experience as possible for those willing to give their time to our rescue. We do not have a brick and mortar shelter to house dogs that we take in. All of our dogs live in an approved animal loving foster home. Our foster families welcome each new Lucky Shepherd into their home as a part of their family. The foster families show these incoming dogs the love, nurturing and nutrition that most of them have never known. Our rescue provides the needed medical care, food and ongoing preventative care. All of our dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped and brought up to date on all of their vaccinations and immunizations before we place them up for adoption. Almost every shelter dog rescued will cost our rescue far more than the adoption fee we collect. We need funding to keep this rescue open. Please donate to us if you can. We operate this rescue with sound business judgement and respect for our donors and the funds they trust us to manage. The money that you give us will be used to support the dogs in our care. Thank you for your interest in our rescue. Please click the web page link for more information on our program. We are a breeder of German Shepherds and are located in the Houston tx area. All of our dogs are raised in a family enviornment along with our 2 year old twin girls and none are ever kept kenneled. Our sole purpose is to provide your family with an affordable German shepherd that will bring you joy and happiness. We know that everyone cannot afford the high priced dogs, but that does not mean that you should have to settle for a dog that you wont be happy with or that will have health problems. We have been in business since and our dogs have gone on to accomplish many things. First and fore-most they have been perfect family dogs, but some of our others have gone above and beyond. All of our puppies are handled daily and exposed to a variety of things before they leave us so that they are well socialized and ready to adapt to you and their new living situation when they leave. All pups go with their akc application, current worming, first round of shots minimum of 1 round depending on age , current vet check including fecal exam, 30 days pet insurance through AKC, lifetime breeder support, and are started on NuVet vitamins for added immune support. Deposits are non refundable, however deposit can be transferred to another litter. Please click on the menu button on top left corner to view our males, females, available pups, and upcoming litters. Any questions feel free to give us a call at .We are always available to answer any questions or concerns! We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We have answers. German Shepherd cost will vary based on a number of different factors, as breeders may charge differently for experience, pedigree, coat color or type white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Houston , and even gender. We eliminate that risk using our strict screening process, a binding Breeder Pledge, and a powerful MatchMaker system that matches great breeders and businesses with great families. Does Uptown Puppies breed their own German Shepherd puppies? Instead, we focus on making connections between dog-seeking families like yours and the ethical breeders and companies you can count on to bring you on the healthiest, happiest puppies. With Uptown, you can skip straight to the fun part of finding a dog. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are almost like factories for dogs, where dogs are bred on an industrial scale for the sole sake of profit. Do you have Houston German Shepherd puppies now? As the Uptown partner network expands and grows, odds are great that we can help you find your dream dog. Basically, MatchMaker is how we ensure that the right dogs are going to the right families. How can I be sure Uptown is trustworthy? Puppy mills and dishonest breeders are all over the web. Just have a look at some of our Alumni to see the difference a bit of love can make.

Golden Retriever happily lives with the family and he is an excellent and perfect family dog. He is not a watch dog and might barks when he see strangers around him. Golden retriever dogs are very intelligent and have very beautiful feathery coat. So, if you are looking to adopt Golden Retriever puppy in Visakhapatnam and you are willing to know more about the Golden Retriever puppy price in Visakhapatnam or Golden Retriever cost in Visakhapatnam then you are landed on the right place. We help them and provide pet a new loving and caring pet parents. Please mention in comments if you willing to do free adoption. Golden Retriever puppies are available in gold,white gold, off white, creamy, dark gold almost chocolate colour. What we offer is: First see the Golden Retriever puppy, Ensure and feel the quality and if you feels that, this is what you need, then only pay. We only deal with Original Breeds. Happy puppy makes the family more happy. Definitely, you will heard from other mediums, that Golden Retriever cost around 15,Rs ,Rs but please beware of mixed breeds, fake sellers and any type of fraud. Before buying the puppies please check the purity and originality of breed then only buy the Golden Retriever puppy or Golden Retriever dog from them. Below we have given the important things which you can consider while checking the quality of golden retriever baby. Remember Original breed is Original because only original breed should have Good Temperament and Qualities which the Original Golden Retriever breeds should have and Golden Retriever cost in Visakhapatnam depends on that originality only. We will share some below important information here related to Golden Retriever puppy such as: 1. Information of Golden Retriever dog in Hindi such as height, weight, age etc. Name of some Pet shops in Visakhapatnam along with their addresses. Dog should be vaccinated with required vaccination. Vaccination card should be given by the seller. Golden Retriever puppy or Dog health should be good and he should not be aggressive and most important puppy should be happy. Surety of Better breed and for puppies future health 5. Government guidelines has to be following while purchasing and doing sale of Golden Retriever baby in Visakhapatnam with proper documentation. Basic Information of Golden Retriever Dog: Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train dogs because of their intelligence. Golden retriever dogs are very active, playful, gentle and they are best suited for everyone either someone is single, couple or family. Golden Retriever enjoy spending time with family, his eyes is so kind and he is so affectionate that no one will miss to love him. Golden retriever have thick, double and long length coat looks like creamy golden teddy bear. Golden Retriever dogs do not like to be alone for a long time. The life span of Golden Retriever dogs is around 10 years. The height of Golden Retriever adult dog can reach up-to inches and their weight can be up-to kilograms. Golden Retriever dogs are very intelligent and have gentle, even tempered and kind temperament. For Original Golden Retriever breed you can directly contact us. We ensure you and will make sure that you will be not disappointed and you will get the dog which you want. No one can compete us with the given Golden Retriever puppy price in Visakhapatnam or Golden Retriever dog price in Visakhapatnam and the services provided by us. We only deal with best, original and genuine breed. Please make sure while adopting a Golden Retriever dog in Visakhapatnam or any other pet animal either from us or from any other pet shop in Visakhapatnam that the government guidelines should be followed and well documented. Because buying a documented pet animal following government guideline ensures that you will receive the original breed, healthy breed and whatever age of the pet animal was told by the seller would be correct. If you are looking to adopt the Golden Retriever puppy in Visakhapatnam from the pet shop. There are lots of pet shops in Visakhapatnam. Pet Villa Address: Shop No. S Ford, near metro pillar no. Golden retriever cost in Visakhapatnam can vary as we have discussed above. We hope the information shared by us above will help you to adopt original and healthy breed. After all the adopted dog is the one who make our family smile especially our Kids and believe us when you return from your work your dog will do all the thing which makes you happy and to remove all your tensions. Feel free to contact us for any information required on pet animals. Be Happy with Your Pet and give them lots of love. Symptoms — itchiness, swelling, hair fall, skin or ear infection. Though all these can be easily treated by the vet, but it is recommended to feed proper diet to your furry buddy. It is suggested to take advice from the vet before giving any medications. Which mostly suffers the back or tail of the dog. Symptoms: — itchiness, hair loss. Allergic problems are active during summers only; it is suggested to give your dog extra preventive care. You may also try changing some of the grooming products. If the allergy is getting severe it is advised to visit a vet and get done some allergic test. Unlike any other dog, it also needs lots of activities and exercises to stay a healthy and happy life. If proper exercise is not given to the dog then all unused energy might let him do destructive actions which include tearing furniture, irritating behavior and also it will unfavorably affect their health like obesity. They are natural swimmers. This activity will provide good running exercise also. Add up to your daily routine and hit the park every day. Treats are one of the easy ways to make your dog exercise and train. Hide the treats and let your dog search for them, in a way, they will get enough amount of exercise during this process. This can be done with the help of their favorite toys and treats. This will excite them to jump more and more. Make sure to stand by their side while they are working out on a treadmill. Proper supervision and presence are required. Golden retrievers are lovable and charming dogs. They are easy to train and love to have a company. Training them from a young age will give fruitful results. Basic commands like sit, stop, stand are some that have to be worked upon when the dog is a puppy. Apart from this leash and potty training is also important to train. It is easy to train them during first few months of age. They can be trained the way they are expected to behave. First months of training might be difficult but once Golden retrievers are adapted to the routine training, it becomes easy. While giving training one has to be calm and composed, rewarding every good activity, object every negative activity. Above all, if the dog is not responding towards training, it is advised to stop the same at the said moment. A pat on the back, treats can do wonders during training hours. Augie - holds a Guinness world record for holding the most tennis balls in mouth.

Try to look for breeders that specialize in German Shepherds. When you bring home a plush coat German Shepherd, be ready to have a high-energy dog with you at all times. They can live for up to 15 years so take your time to research the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle since this is not a short-term commitment. Their nickname is the German Shedder. German Shepherds all shed and they shed frequently. The Plush Coat German Shepherd will shed longer hair. A recessive gene causes the Plush Coat length, so finding this breed is a little difficult. Die-hard German Shepherd breeders tend to dislike this coat, so if puppies are produced with Plush Coats, it means each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Image Credit: Jumpstory 4. Medium-haired German Shepherds still have the intelligence, courage, and work ethic to be military and police dogs. They can also be personal service dogs. Their ears stand up on their own. Their bite is super strong. While the dog might be 90 pounds, they can deliver a bite with a force of over pounds. Image Credit: Jumpstory 7. The name was changed. The name was changed back in .The Plush Coat German Shepherd is an extremely smart dog. Their ability to be trained so easily combined with their loving natures make them popular choices for family pets. With the same personality and traits, this dog has a strong work ethic and is a wonderful companion. Regular brushing can help with the shedding, but this dog is going to shed frequently no matter what. As family dogs, Plush Coat German Shepherds are great with kids and make loyal and loving pets. That is because a dog with a medium coat would still be disqualified from the show ring if his color is considered a fault. German Shepherd color , therefore, interferes with the price , so a short-haired type might command a higher price for being a rarer, more valuable color. Because medium coats have the best of both worlds in terms of fur length and undercoat, they also shed the most of both kinds. Medium vs. In nature, medium coat German Shepherds have the same social temperament as other varieties, but they get treated more positively because they are cuter to the masses. This reinforces friendliness and keeps them from seeing every human as a threat. Of course, social experience is a prerequisite for this, and poorly socialized or untrained medium coat dogs do not develop this trait. Medium Coats Are Admired by the Show Crowd The dog show crowd is quite different in that it admires dogs not for their mass appeal but for specific traits. Often dogs loved by the public for their beautiful colors are dismissed by the show circuit because of an arbitrary breed standard. The plushness of the medium-haired German Shepherd is one of the rare traits admired by the public at large and the dog show niche. A trait admired by these circles gets intentionally bred into the working line in a matter of years. They so fiercely admire the plushness of medium-haired German Shepherds that they have not just come up with a name for it but have made that name stick. The reason is the looseness factor. If you have read my post about long-haired German Shepherds , you would know that most of them cannot participate in conformation events. They have a wolf-like appearance but with a hint of cuddliness. Upon looking at a medium-coated GSD, you cannot help but pet it. In contrast, female plush-coated dogs stand 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 49 to 71 lbs. Temperament of the Medium-Haired German Shepherd The temperament of the medium-haired German Shepherd is the same as other varieties, no matter their coat type, color, or pattern. They are affectionate and caring towards their owners and form an intense bond that you can never break. They are also friendly with the surrounding community because they grow up being admired by people. Their fluffiness ensures that they have positive social experiences with people, making them open to human interaction. A medium coat German Shepherd sees you as his parent and friend, which is why he extends his loyalty to your family. Their social nature, alongside their curiosity, makes them great dogs, and their protective instincts and loyalty make them even better family members. However, their fur is replaced almost as soon as it is lost. Generally, a long coat will shed less than a plush coat dog purely because of coat volume and having an open coat. The short hair German Shepherd has two coats, but because of the shorter guard coat, the overall trapped loose fur is less than with a plush coat. You should brush them around twice a week and more in the heavy shedding season. Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat FURejector button releases hair with ease Ergonomic handle for comfort and easy use Remove loose hair without damaging the coat or cutting the skin when used as directed Deshedding tool for large lbs dogs with long h Buy on Amazon Health and Lifespan Health is essential, and your medium coat friend is likely to stay healthy as long as you take care of his fitness, give him the proper diet , and visit the vet at least once a year. That said, you must know the potential health complications your dog might have. The following health issues have nothing to do with the coat itself, but here are the problems many German Shepherds face. Elbow dysplasia — Ask for confirmation of parental joint health as normal grade or above. Degenerative myelopathy — Ask the breeder to show a SOD-1 gene-mutation test indicating both parents have normal genes. Bloat GDV — To prevent this, avoid big meals and give small, more frequent meals. Provided you take care of the above, your German Shepherd can live up to 13 years. However, once the dog is beyond seven years, his metabolism will slow down, and his appetite will not adjust to match it. Making sure your dog stays active is the best way to make sure he lives a happy and healthy life. FAQs Plush Coat vs. Stock Coat German Shepherd A short stock coat German Shepherd has a topcoat with hair no longer than one inch in length, whereas a plush coat has hair between 1 to 2 inches. The hair on the plush coat stands taller from the root but hangs a little towards the end, giving the coat a worthy look worth caressing. A stock coat German Shepherd has fur that stands more erect, albeit shorter. The surface area of this fur is still significant. Among the things that plush and stock coats have in common is a chance at dog shows. Most plush coats are admired by the show crowd, while stock coats can come from both the working line and the show line, with only the latter preferred by the dog pageant circuit. Plush Coat German Shepherd vs. Long Coat A plush coat German Shepherd has topcoat hair between 1 to 2 inches, a length crossed by long coats that have over 2 inches of fur. However, plush coats have an undercoat, which is often missing from long coats. The greatest consequence of this is that the extreme admiration received by plush coats is contrasted by the complete dismissal of long coats in the show circuit. This difference in treatment is also reflected in the prices of the two dogs, with long coat GSDs being among the lowest priced dogs and plush coats commanding one of the highest dollar values for a German Shepherd. German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The outer coat can vary in texture from dog to dog, but it is generally considered to be coarse. Final Thoughts German Shepherd is a term that encompasses dogs of various looks, which is why knowing as much as you can about their different coat types will help you articulate the kind of dog you actually want. Moreover, you should know if you are okay with the drawbacks of a long coat German Shepherd, mainly their irrelevance in the show ring. The best compromise is a medium-haired German Shepherd who can be workers and show dogs alike. Related Posts You May Like:. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. They sleep on our beds with us and get lots of treats, pets, car rides and love. We are not fancy people, we don't have a big fancy house or fancy dogs with show haircuts, but we do have a great family with lots of love to share with our animals, and that makes all the difference. All our poodle and Bernedoodle puppies get lots of love and attention from the day they are born. We are state inspected and licensed, we have been raising poodles since , we got our first poodle Sylvester when our 4 children were all under 5 years old. He was our namesake for mysillydogs. We began our research to add Bernedoodles in then got our first boy Bernese mountain dog, Cooper. They are smart, silly, funny, loving, ornery, sassy, crazy, talkative, playful, lazy, loyal, devoted, adorable, adventurous, happy, full of personality and so much more. We think everyone should have one or maybe two. At days old babies go to the Vet to have a checkup and have dew claws and tails removed if needed, babies remain in the house, normally in our bedrooms until they are about 4 weeks old when they start having trips outside, they also begin eating mushy food with NuVet in it at weeks, they have no teeth yet but that don't stop them, so by the time mom decides to begin weaning them at weeks they know what food is and are eating well. They are well socialized and will get lots of love and snuggles before they go home, they are around other dogs, our cat Milo passed away so not around cats anymore, but people and a loud noisy household. In addition, all puppies come with up-to-date vaccinations, a health guarantee, AKC papers if applicable, and deworming. They offer parti, phantom, and tuxedo colors in their toy Poodle breeding lines. These puppies are bred for extraordinary looks, temperament, and health to provide the best companion pet possible. The final price will vary depending on the color and markings of the pups once born. Unfortunately, they do not ship any puppies, but they will help you find a reputable pet nanny if you cannot come to pick up your new four-legged friend yourself. For any questions or to reserve a toy Poodle puppy from Quailridge Poodles and Doodles, call or text , email [email protected] or fill out a contact form on the website. For example, you can choose a red parti and abstract, phantoms with red points, merles, and black. All their puppies have AKC limited registrations, but there can be exceptions for showing or breeding with proper communication and under the right circumstances. You can reach Texas Red Poodles just north of Dallas by calling , emailing [email protected] , or submitting a contact form on the website. The parents receive genetic testing to ensure puppies are clear of any genetic predispositions for the healthiest Poodle for your home. All toy Poodle puppies come to their new owners with a 1-year health guarantee, a complete vet check and up-to-date vaccinations , deworming, started with puppy training, and a puppy kit. Tiny Toy Poodles of Danville, VA, also offer additional choices, including microchipping, a travel health certificate, and a leash and collar for an extra fee. Windair Poodles Windair Poodles is in Hinckley, Illinois, but they do service potential dog owners nationwide. They offer a wide range of toy Poodle colors, giving dog lovers a choice from whites, creams, silvers, apricots, reds, browns, and blacks. Their AKC registered pups make terrific companions or show dogs and have the ideal Poodle temperament and conformation. Contact Windair Poodles by phone at or email at [email protected]. The Takeaway Selecting from the best toy Poodle breeders for your new pet is not easy. First, you must research the breeder and the parents to ensure healthy pups are free from genetic disorders. Toy Poodles are a long-term commitment, and potential dog owners should prepare to support their new best friend for many years. Once you find one to secure your new Poodle, the most challenging part will be waiting to bring them home. However, in no time at all, your new best friend will be home and you can begin to bond with them. Similar Posts. Welcome to Family Affair Puppies — where you will find the most adorable poodle puppies for your loving home! If you are on the lookout for a cuddly, adorable poodle puppy that will bring joy to your life, look no further! At Family Affair Puppies, we are here to help you find the perfect furry companion. We are a genuine dog breeder and lover committed to raising healthy, affectionate puppies that will melt your heart. We offer poodle puppies for sale in Indiana! At Family Affair Puppies, our hearts are bursting with love for all furry friends, big and small. We believe every animal deserves a warm and caring home, and we dedicate ourselves to making that happen for our poodle puppies. Our team comprises passionate animal lovers who give our puppies all the love, care, and attention they need. From the moment they are born, our little bundles of joy are showered with affection, ensuring they grow up to be happy and well-adjusted companions. Our furry parents undergo thorough health screenings and genetic testing to ensure they are in top shape. We work closely with veterinarians to keep a close eye on our little ones from the moment they come into the world until they find their forever homes. Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and a wholesome diet all contribute to setting our puppies on the path to a healthy and vibrant life. Our poodles are known for their loving temperament, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. Our puppies are raised in a warm and nurturing home environment, where they get plenty of socialization and interaction with people of all ages. This helps them develop into affectionate and cherished members of your family. Get ready for endless tail wags, wet nose kisses, and a whole lot of love! Your Perfect Match Awaits You! We offer various poodle colors and sizes to match your preferences and lifestyle. Take a delightful stroll through our website to explore our available puppies, each with its irresistible charm. Ready to venture on an amazing journey with a poodle puppy? We are here to guide you every step of the way. Showing all 12 results. Life Span Did You Know? The Poodle is one of the oldest dog breeds and was originally developed in Germany to hunt waterfowl. The Poodle may have originated in Germany, but they are much-loved by the French. So much so that the Poodle is the national dog of France. The Miniature Poodle is slightly more recent. This Mini version likely originated in France. The Mini Poodle has all of the same characteristics as a Standard Poodle; they just come in a smaller package. The Miniature Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds. On top of their intelligence, they are also known to have a cheerful disposition and a sensitive nature. They get along great with children. Due to their small size, they can be easily injured by rough play or accidental falls that can happen with younger children. Because of this, they may be better suited to a home with older children. Younger children should be fine as long as they are taught how to properly interact with a small dog and interactions between young kids and puppies are closely supervised. Although they are considered part of the Non-Sporting Group, some facts about Miniature Poodles are that they are versatile and athletic dogs that are also quite playful. Provided they are well-socialized, they get along well with other dogs and tend to do well with strangers. They do tend to be protective of their home and can be suspicious of strangers coming up on the property. They are known to bark to alert you of strangers coming to the house. This makes them a good watchdog, but overall, they are more interested in making friends. This dog breed is highly adaptable. The Miniature Poodle does well in any type of home, including apartments, and fits in with just about any family type. They do well in most climates, but, as with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because Mini Poodles are people-oriented, they do not like being left alone and will not handle being left alone for long periods of time very well. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Miniature Poodles are highly intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please, which makes them a good fit for owners of any experience level and one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are a people-oriented breed and are sensitive to moods and tones of voice. They do not respond well to harsh training methods or harsh tones as they take it personally, get their feelings hurt, and lose respect for you. A Mini Poodle tends to respond best to consistent training that is fun and focused on positive rewards. A Mini Poodle is one of the fluffiest dog breeds and will have a curly or corded coat that can come in just about any color. Although this dog breed has a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, their coat still needs a lot of grooming. They need to be brushed daily to prevent tangles and matting. They should also be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat healthy. Miniature Poodles are high-energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise each day. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activities are usually enough for them. When puppies finish growing and developing, they often enjoy games of fetch and other activities like swimming, hiking, or jogging with their favorite human. Mini Poodles also tend to be great candidates for several dog sports, like agility, tracking, obedience, retriever hunt tests, and more. Just make sure to visit the vet and get your dog cleared for these activities before you jump in. Fully-grown Miniature Poodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Mini Poodles generally live for years on average. The Miniature Poodle was very popular among the French nobility. Featured Miniature Poodle Article. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. I hope your visit to our site is fun, emotional and informative. Are you a Standard Poodle owner, or have you ever owned a Standard Poodle in the past? If you qualify as either of the above mentioned people, you know how loyal and loving the Standard Poodle is. The intelligence of this amazing breed is common knowledge for you. With each look of devotion from your Standard Poodle you have felt the goose bumps and familiar feeling each time they snuggle so close. If you do not own nor have ever owned a Standard Poodle you have so much to look forward to with one. These dogs will amaze you with their endless understanding of the human language. Whether you have been gone from home ten minutes or eight hours, the greeting you will receive will be exuberant. Their companionship will always be a comfort to you. The Standard Poodle is a large breed but the soft, feather like touch they have will surprise you. When your Standard Poodle jumps up to give you a hug it will be so gentle compared to the heavy touch or push from other large, but gentle breeds. Obviously your search for a new family member has led you here, to our Family Affair Standard Poodle website. Since you are here we hope our knowledge and our 30 plus years of experience breeding will help you find the perfect Standard Poodle puppy for you and your family. Each page is designed and written to help you and your families make a well informed, confident decision to purchase your Standard Poodle puppy here at Family Affair Standard Poodles. You will see slide shows of Holley and me including childhood pictures. You will also see us as we are today, with our own families. You will get to see pictures of our facility, which we are very proud of. In addition, you will see slide shows of the sires dads and dams moms of the younger litters of our Standard Poodle puppies that will be ready in the near future. There will also be a video of the entire litter. You can view slide shows, testing results and pedigree information on the canines, Ladies and Gentlemen of Family Affair Standard Poodles. In addition we have posted the color and approximate height and weight of each of our canine Ladies and Gentlemen at Family Affair Standard Poodles. You will also get to meet all the humans involved in this Family Affair. We retire all of our adult Standard Poodles between the ages of six and seven. Occasionally we will have a younger adult up for adoption or a puppy with special needs. This page will give you an idea of what to expect from these retiring girls and guys as new family members. You will be able to read letters or notes from previous people who have adopted our adult Standard Poodles. These are questions you need answered prior to the decision to adopt or purchase and after the arrival of your new Standard Poodle Puppy or Adoptee. Questions about the health issues and the wide range of colors in the Standard Poodle breed will be addressed. There will be training and grooming tips and lots more. We have provided an explanation of how the purchase process works from the deposit until the payment in full is made for your Standard Poodle Puppy or Adult or Special Needs Adoptee. These contracts serve as your guarantee, medical record and receipt all in one. Each contract has specific instructions at the top on how to fill out and submit these contracts. It will explain how our Standard Poodle Puppies are shipped and put your mind at ease concerning shipping. You can read about our personal delivery service, the advantages of this service and the fees involved. There are also pictures and letters concerning successfully shipped or delivered puppies. There are certain things you need when you take your new Standard Poodle puppy home. This package will have almost everything you need when you take home your Standard Poodle puppy. These packages will start with your correct size crate and end with the grooming shampoo and tools and everything in between. On this page we pay honor to the people in our lives that have made all of us who we are today and those who have helped to make our dream a reality and worked side by side with us through the good times, as well as the hard times. We also recognize the animals that we have been blessed to know throughout our lives and who have passed on to Rainbow Bridge and are sorely missed. Some of these people have been gracious enough to allow us to list their emails so you can email them directly for a reference. We also have a link to view a letter from our annual AKC inspection. You can view letters of our previous vet of 15 years and our present vet who we have been with since .It also has groomers and vets as well as trainers listed. This is where the puppies are raised. In our opinion the most versatile breed anyone could ask for is the Standard Poodle. Standards are very happy on a farm, hiking, swimming, hunting and playing games. They are also very content to be a couch potato in an apartment with brief outings to play. They enjoy homes with a houseful of children, older couples or a single human companion. They do great with other pets as well. Enjoy your visit to our Family Affair Standard Poodles website. We hope to hear from you soon so that you can become a part of our Family Affair.

With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Ingredients Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, vegetable oil, fish oil, monocalcium phosphate, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , L-lysine, choline chloride, taurine, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. Guaranteed Analysis. We recommend that you keep your pet in ideal body condition and not allow them to become overweight. The amount of food your pet needs can vary based on age, activity level or other food and treats given, so be sure to work with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate weight for your pet, and to make any necessary adjustments to their feeding. With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Not satisfied? Then neither are we. Just contact us for more details. Brewers rice, chicken by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, chicken fat, natural flavors, dried plain beet pulp, vegetable oil, fish oil, monocalcium phosphate, sodium silico aluminate, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, fructooligosaccharides, salt, sodium tripolyphosphate, vitamins [DL-alpha tocopherol acetate source of vitamin E , niacin supplement, L-ascorbylpolyphosphate source of vitamin C , D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, pyridoxine hydrochloride vitamin B6 , riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate vitamin B1 , vitamin A acetate, folic acid, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement], hydrolyzed yeast source of betaglucans , L-lysine, choline chloride, taurine, glucosamine hydrochloride, marigold extract Tagetes erecta L. With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. Or use express checkout methods: Checkout Order now, fast shipping and specialized vet support About this item Details If your best friend is a young and sturdy French Bulldog, you need the Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy to give them the best nutrition their breed needs. Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy is a dry dog food suitable for purebred French Bulldogs from 8 weeks to 12 months old. This dog food is formulated especially for these bat-eared dogs, and it aims to meet their nutritional needs. The addition of essential nutrients also reinforces the skin barrier, supporting healthy skin and the cutest wrinkles. And since French Bulldogs are known for their powerful flatulence, the Royal Canin French Bulldog food also helps to reduce gas and stool odor thanks to its highly digestible proteins and specific fiber content. Your dog can feel when something is tailor-made for them - and the best food for your royal purebred French Bulldog is definitely Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy. Contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, for immune system support. Essential nutrients reinforce skin barrier, promoting healthy skin and wrinkles. Aids in reducing gas and stool odor due to highly digestible proteins and specific fiber content. Features exclusive kibble shape for easy pick-up and chewing by French Bulldogs.

when to groom a goldendoodle puppy - Sophia is a grey brindle girl that is very sweet. She is 72 lbs. Annie is a pretty fawn girl out of our retired female Tess. She is 80 lbs. She is almost as tall as her mom. About the breeds. The Poodle The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds of dogs ever recognized and has been around since ancient times, originally in Germany but then being perfected in France. Others claim that there are some other breeds mixed in such as Asian herding dogs and other breeds that ran wild during that time. The smaller versions of the Poodle were created in the s by breeding small Poodles with each other. At the time, the Poodle was mainly used for hunting ducks and truffles but became popular as circus dogs and in shows. The AKC officially recognized them in where they are now the 7th most popular breed of dog. Some believe the breed is a mix of Spaniels, Sheepdogs, and Mastiffs while others claim they are a blend of the Griffon and Beauceron. In those days, they were bred only for function so the appearance of the Bouvier des Flanders varied quite a bit. At first, they were called the Toucheur de Boeuf, which means cattle dog, Koehond, which means cow dog, or Vuilbaard, which means dirty beard. The name they have now, Bouvier, means cowherd or oxherd. A veterinarian named Adolphe Reul was a proud breeder who made the Bouvier des Flanders popular during those days even though there was no standard until .In , the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and it is now the 83rd most popular breed in America. Flandoodle The Flandoodle is a large dog that stands between 22 and 28 inches tall and weighs about 65 to 95 pounds. The Flandoodle can be any color but is usually black, gray or brindle. They may be lean or stocky, with well-muscled long legs, a large head, and a furry face with a beard. The long tail is usually docked and their furry ears are pendulous. They do not shed much but it is important to bathe them if they get dirty, using mild shampoo and conditioner specially recommended for Poodles. Be sure to clean their ears once a week and watch for redness and ear mites. In addition, you should brush their teeth several times a week to prevent dental problems. They make special toothbrushes and toothpaste specially for dogs that you should use. They enjoy being part of the family activities and like to play with other animals but may be inclined to hunt smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. They should also be supervised around children younger than five years old. Although they are intelligent and learn quickly, they may be a bit stubborn during training so you have to have patience and use positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment. They can get lonely if left home alone for a long time so they need to have plenty to keep them busy while you are not home. Activity Requirements: Keep in mind that these are all suggestions. If your dog is happy, healthy and content, that is what is important, and just like people, every dog is different and unique. The Flandoodle loves activity and needs some type of exercise daily. They love to hunt and would appreciate a trip to the park daily to chase squirrels and rabbits if you do not have a fenced in yard to play in. In addition, having them run alongside you while you jog or bike can also be a beneficial choice for you both. This breed is also good at agility training, Frisbee, fetch, flyball, and swimming. Recent Posts. They Love a Good Chase Until your Flandoodle is well trained, it is not a great idea to let them off their leash. These dogs love a great chase. If there is a bird, squirrel, or another small animal that you come across on your daily walks, your Flandoodle may make a run for it. Great for Those with Dog Allergies If you have mild dog allergies, you will likely do very well with the Flandoodle. Both the Bouvier des Flandres and the Poodle are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs. You should always meet a potential new dog before bringing them home as sometimes, even if a dog is deemed to be hypoallergenic, they could still cause some problems. The Flandoodle is a nice mix of popularity and a lesser-known breed. These are genuinely lovely dogs that want to be a part of all that goes on in your household. You can bet that your Flandoodle will be following you around and in the middle of any family conversations or game nights. The Flandoodle is a loyal animal that wants to please and take care of its people. Your Flandoodle also desires and seeks attention. This is not a dog that is going to be overly independent and do its own thing. The Flandoodle will want to be the center of attention at all times. Flandoodles are generally well-behaved animals as long as they get the proper amount of exercise. They tend to act out when they have too much energy and no outlet for it. The Flandoodle is not a brilliant dog, but they are not unintelligent either. The Flandoodle has a high enough intelligence level to be trained; it will just be a bit of a long process. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The first point of concern is the separation anxiety that Flandoodles are prone to. If you are a busy young family and the Flandoodle will be left alone most of the day, you may see some separation anxiety issues start to arise. Flandoodles thrive when they are around people. If left alone for extended periods, they will become withdrawn or even act out because they are upset. The issue with their separation anxiety is actually what makes them an excellent fit for a family with lots of people. If people are coming and going all day and the Flandoodle is not left alone for extended periods, it will be ideal for this breed. When it comes to a family dog, another point of concern is the time needed to care for the animal. In busy families with young kids, the dog and their exercise and grooming needs can sometimes end up at the bottom of the list. If your family is already busier than you could ever imagine, you may want to consider a lower maintenance dog. The Flandoodle will need your attention for several hours each day, both for exercise and grooming. However, this does not always need to be undivided attention. It is quite easy to figure out a game in the yard that keeps both the kids and the dog entertained. However, this dog will need some of your time and care. As long as those conditions can be met, the Flandoodle is an excellent addition to any family. You should have no problems with aggressive behavior when it comes to other large pets. If you have another dog, introduce your Flandoodle at a young age and teach them how to get along. The earlier you socialize the Flandoodle, the easier it will be when it comes to getting along with other dogs. The only thing that you need to watch out for in the case of the Flandoodle are small pets. If you should have a smaller animal in the house, something like a guinea pig or similar, there is a chance that your Flandoodle will try and go after it. The Flandoolde has hunting skills in its genetics, and it is hard for them to give this up completely. You will likely notice if you let your Flandoodle lose in the yard, they will chase squirrels and rabbits, often unsuccessfully. Image Credit: Felicia Lee, Shutterstock Things to Know When Owning a Flandoodle: Now that you have a pretty good idea as to whether or not the Flandoodle would be a good fit for your family, you may want to understand what goes into taking care of them. Flandoodles are not any more difficult than another dog, but there are some specifics about their care that you should know. You will need to feed your dog several cups of dry food a few times a day. It is best to check with your vet to get the exact amounts that your dog will need. When your Flandoodle ages from a puppy to an adult dog, their food requirements will change. Dog food is not cheap, and you should calculate how much it will cost to feed your Flandoodle before purchasing your dog. This is a high energy dog that likes to run, chase, and play. If you are an outdoorsy type that likes to swim, hunt, and hike, a Flandoodle is an excellent choice for you. The Flandoodle even maintains some of their original hunting skills and can be quite good at catching small animals. A Flandoodle needs several hours of exercise each day. If you live in a small apartment, this is not the right dog for you. Keep in mind that Flandoodles will start to misbehave if they do not get enough physical exercise in a day. You may hear Flandoodle owners talking about how they have to tire the dog out. This is absolutely true. We also mentioned that the Flandoodle struggles with separation anxiety. If you are someone who is not home enough to spend time with and run your Flandoodle, this is not the right breed for you. Ideally, a Flandoodle should be walked twice a day. If this is not possible, make sure that your Flandoodle has plenty of time to run and play in the yard. If your children need something to do, have them take the dog outside and give them all some exercise. You need to stay consistent when training a Flandoodle. They are smart dogs but not highly intelligent. Since your Flandoodle is a happy and playful dog, you should always be using positive reinforcement. You will, however, need to be firm and consistent with a Flandoodle for them to understand what it is you want from them. You can start training your Flandoodle when they are a young puppy. If your Flandoodle is a family dog, you may want to make sure everyone is on the same page as far as training is concerned. However, this is not the case, particularly for the Flandoodle dog. This breed needs to be brushed every day. If you have to push it to every other day, that is usually fine. But If they are not brushed highly frequently, their coat will be in terrible shape, and you will end up spending more time and money on grooming. The length of the hair on your Flandoodle can vary depending on what traits they inherited from their parent breeds. It is best to start grooming practices with your Flandoodle from a very young age. They may come to like getting brushed, and it can be a daily thing for you and your dog. Both the teeth and the ears should be cleaned weekly, if possible. Since a Flandoodle is part Poodle, they can be prone to some ear infections and other ear-related issues. Keeping the ear clean is the best way to avoid this. Overall, these are very healthy dogs, even though their lifespan is only years on average. Minor Conditions. It has been reprinted many times by clubs to use for the education of prospective Bouvier owners. I give my permission freely to all who wish to reprint and distribute it in hopes of saving innocent Bouviers from neglect and abandonment by those who should never have acquired them in the first place. My only limitation is that you may not sell this article unless the proceeds are going to Bouvier Rescue. Interested in buying a Bouvier? You must be or you wouldn't be reading this. You've already heard how marvelous Bouviers are. As a breed they have a few features that some people find charming, but that some people find mildly unpleasant and some people find downright intolerable. There are different breeds for different needs. There are over purebred breeds of dogs in the world. Maybe you'd be better off with some other breed. Maybe you'd be better off with a cat. Maybe you'd be better off with goldfish, a parakeet, a hamster, or some house-plants. Please DON'T buy a Bouvier unless you are convinced that you will be happy living with the dog and , equally important, that the dog will be happy living with you. The appearance of the Bouviers you have seen in the show ring is the product of hours of bathing and grooming. This carefully constructed beauty is fleeting : a few minutes of freedom, romping through the fields or strolling in the rain, restores the natural look. The natural look of the Bouvier is that of a large shaggy farm dog, usually with some dirt and weeds clinging to his tousled coat. His esthetics are those of an unmade bed. Remember that the Dutch nickname for the breed , "Vuilbaard", means "Dirty Beard". The true beauty of the Bouvier lies in his character, not in his appearance. There are many other breeds whose natural beauty of appearance far exceeds that of the Bouvier. Some of the long-coated and most of the short-coated breeds' appearances are less dependent on grooming than is that of the Bouvier. See also the section on grooming below. Note: when I first got introduced to the breed, I actually considered them esthetically unattractive, but their character was overwhelmingly appealing to me. Bouviers were bred to share in the work of the farm family and to spend most of their waking hours working with the family. They thrive on companionship and they want to be wherever you are. They are happiest living with you in your house and going with you when you go out. While they usually tolerate being left at home by themselves preferably with a dog-door giving access to the fenced yard , they should not be relegated to the backyard or kennel. An adult so exiled will be miserable and may invent annoying pastimes. If you don't strongly prefer to have your dog's companionship as much as possible, enjoying having him sleep in your bedroom at night and sharing many of your activities by day, you should choose a breed less oriented to human companionship. Likewise if your job or other obligations prevent you from spending much time with your dog. No dog is really happy without companionship but the pack hounds are more tolerant of being kenneled or yarded so long as it is in groups of 2 or more. A better choice would be a cat, as they are solitary by nature. Update: I have rescued any number of Bouviers who had been kept as back yard dogs. Always their behavior and their health had suffered. Basic obedience and household rules training is NOT optional for the Bouvier. As an absolute minimum, you must teach him to reliably respond to commands to come , to lie down, to stay , and to walk at your side , on or off leash and regardless of temptations. You must also teach him to respect your household rules: eg, is he allowed to get on the furniture? What you allow or forbid is unimportant; but it is critical that you, not the dog, make these choices and that you enforce your rules consistently. You must commit yourself to attending an 8 to 10 week series of weekly lessons at a local obedience club or professional trainer and to doing one or two short 5 to 20 minutes homework sessions per day. As commands are learned, they must be integrated into your daily life by being used whenever appropriate and enforced consistently. Young Bouvier puppies are relatively easy to train : they are eager to please , intelligent, and calm-natured , with a relatively good attention span. Once a Bouvier has learned something, he tends to retain it well. Your cute sweet little Bouvier puppy will grow up to be a large, powerful dog with a highly self-assertive personality and the determination to finish whatever he starts. If he has grown up respecting you and your rules, then all his physical and mental strength will work for you. But if he has grown up without rules and guidance from you, surely he will make his own rules and his physical and mental powers will often act in opposition to your needs and desires. For example: he may tow you down the street as if competing in a sled-dog race; he may grab food off the table; he may forbid your guests entry to his home. This training cannot be delegated to someone else, eg by sending the dog away to "boarding school", because the relationship of respect and obedience is personal between the dog and the individual who does the training. This is true of all dogs to greater or lesser degree, but definitely to a very great degree in Bouviers. While you definitely may want the help of an experienced trainer to teach you how to train your dog, you yourself must actually train your Bouvier. As each lesson is well learned, then rest of the household except young children must also work with the dog , insisting he obey them as well. Many of the Bouviers that are rescued from Pounds and Shelters show clearly that they have received little or no basic training, neither in obedience nor in household deportment; yet these same dogs respond well to such training by the rescuer or the adopter. It seems likely that a failure to train the dog is a significant cause of Bouvier abandonment. If you don't intend to educate your dog, preferably during puppyhood, you would be better off with a breed that is both small and socially submissive, eg a Shetland Sheepdog. Such a dog does require training, but a little bit goes further than with a Bouv. In the opposite direction, if your goals in obedience training are oriented towards success at high level competition HIT, OTCh, and Gaines , please realize that the Bouv is not among the half dozen breeds best suited to such highly polished performance. Bouvs can, with adequate training, excel at such "working" competitions as agility, carting, tracking, protection, and herding. Update: there is really no dog who can be raised without basic training in obedience and household manners. Cats require some training too. In addition to a daily formal training session while the dog is learning new material, I strongly recommend dozens of "60 second" sessions throughout the day, each consisting of just one or two items successfully performed. Responsiveness becomes a way of life for the dog, and monitoring his behavior becomes a way of life for the humans. Dogs do not believe in social equality. They life in a social hierarchy led by a pack-leader alpha. The alpha dog is generally benevolent, affectionate, and non-bullying towards his subordinates; but there is never any doubt in his mind or in theirs that the alpha is the boss and makes the rules. Whatever the breed, if you do not assume the leadership, the dog will do so sooner or later and with more or less unpleasant consequences for the abdicating owner. Like the untrained dog , the pack-leader dog makes his own rules and enforces them against other members of the household by means of a dominant physical posture and a hard-eyed stare, followed by a snarl, then a knockdown blow or a bite. Breeds differ in tendencies towards social dominance; and individuals within a breed differ considerably. Bouviers as a breed tend to be of a socially dominant personality. You really cannot afford to let a Bouvier become your boss. You do not have to have the personality or mannerisms of a Marine boot camp Sargent, but you do have to have the calm, quiet self-assurance and self-assertion of the successful parent "Because I'm your mother, that's why. If you think you might have difficulty asserting yourself calmly and confidently to exercise leadership, then choose a breed known for its socially subordinate disposition, such as a Golden Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog, and be sure to ask the breeder to select one of the more submissive pups in the litter for you. If the whole idea of "being the boss" frightens or repels you, don't get a dog at all. Cats don't expect leadership. A caged bird, hamster , or fish doesn't need leadership or household rules. Leadership and training are inextricably intertwined: leadership personality enables you to train your dog, and being trained by you reinforces your dog's perception of you as the alpha. Update: I often refer to the quality of being a pack-leader as "Alphatude", meaning the attitude of being the leader. However the terms "dominance" and "alpha" have fallen out of favor with some writers and behaviorist because some people, mostly those with Y chromosomes, have the unfortunate tendency to think of "dominance" as meaning "domination" and as justifying domineering and bullying tactics. Nothing could be further from the truth. Machievelli was not a dog trainer and his dictum that it is better to be feared than to be loved does NOT work with dogs. You must make the rules and be respected but you must also be benevolent and affectionate and trusted by your dogs. I have known many dogs who were high ranked among other dogs, and the best and most respected were very benevolent and very well trusted. Leadership and training are inextricably intertwined: leadership personality enables you to train your dog, and being trained by you reinforces your dog's perception of you was the alpha. A Bouv becomes deeply attached and devoted to his own family, but he doesn't "wear his heart on his sleeve. Some are noticeably reserved, others are more outgoing, but few adults are usually exhuberantly demonstrative of their affection. They like to be near you, usually in the same room, preferably on a comfortable pad or cushion in a corner or under a table, just "keeping you company". They enjoy conversation, petting and cuddling when you offer it , but they are moderate and not overbearing in coming to you to demand such attention. They are emotionally sensitive to their favorite people : when you are joyful, proud, angry, or grief-stricken, your Bouv will immediately perceive it and will believe himself to be the cause. The relationship can be one of great mellowness, depth, and subtlety; it is a relationship on an adult-to-adult level, although certainly not one devoid of playfulness. As puppies, of course they will be more dependant, more playful, and more demonstrative. In summary, Bouvs tend to be sober and thoughtful, rather than giddy clowns or synchophants. A number of breeds retain into adulthood a more puppyish and playful disposition, eg Australian Shepherd, Malamute, and others. Update: Bouviers vary quite a bit in the degree of attention and affection they seek and in degree of demonstrativeness as well as varying in playfulness. So some are more demonstratively affectionate than described above, but still they are not usually as much so as some other breeds. The degree of warmth shown towards strangers also can vary from cooly condescendingly polite genuinely aloof to very solicitous of petting from strangers. I still consider them to be more "adult" than many other dogs. The Bouvier's thick shaggy coat and his love of playing in water and mud combine to make him a highly efficient transporter of dirt into you home, depositing same on your floors and rugs and possibly also on your furniture and clothes. One Bouvier coming in from a few minutes outdoors on a rainy day can turn an immaculate house into an instant hog wallow. His full beard soaks up water every time he takes a drink, then releases same drippingly across your floor or soppingly into your lap. It is of course possible to cut the beard off and to keep the feet clean-shaven year-round to reduce mess. Although it is technically true that Bouviers do not shed, you will find that the grooming process usually results in balls of pulled out hair tumbleweeding their way about your house, unless you deposit same directly from comb into a trash basket. I don't mean to imply that you must be a slob or slattern to live happily with a Bouv, but you do have to have the attitude that your dog's company means more to you than does neatness and you do have to be comfortable with a less than immaculate house. While all dogs, like all children, create a greater or lesser degree of household mess, almost all other breeds of dog except the Old English Sheepdog are less troublesome than the Bouvier in this respect. The Basenji is perhaps the cleanest, due to its cat-like habits; but cats are cleaner yet, and goldfish hardly ever mess up the house. Bouvier anyway? It is a well kept secret, revealed to you here, that Goddess will not strike you dead if you do cut off your Bouv's beard or even keep him in a "working clip" short coat all over. I've advised a number of people to do this. Related to cleanliness, I also get many inquiries as to whether it is true that Bouvier are less provocative of allergies in people who tend to be allergic to dogs. The answer is I really don't know. I always advise the person to make a test by spending quite a bit of time with Bouvs in close quarters and to take a bag of hair home to place in their pillow. Some people do seem to find Bouvs more acceptable to their allergy status than other dogs. However Poodles and other breeds share this less-allergenic reputation and might be a better choice. Bouviers are one of the more flatulent breeds of dog. While the volume and aroma of the emissions depends partly on the diet, about half an hour after his meal your nose knows! As the period of maximum emissions lasts only half an hour to an hour, it would not be unreasonable to put the dog outdoors in a fenced yard for this period. The Bouvier coat, when damp, tends to smell rather swampy. A wet Bouv confined to a car or small room for an hour or so can create an aroma even the least sensitive will perceive. Some people consider the Bouvier beard to have noticeably unpleasant body odor even when dry and recently groomed. The Bouvier beard tends to retain particles of food, which soon become offensive if the beard is not washed frequently. I'm sure many other breeds are less flatulent, but it is difficult to get reliable information on this as few owners care to discuss the issue. Flatulence does seem to vary with the dog's diet. Better quality food seems to produce less flatulence. You have to experiment. And you do get used to it in time. Older dogs seem more prone to flatulence. There is a product called "Beano" or "Curtail" that is supposed to prevent flatulence. I have no idea if it works. As to coat odors generally, it certainly helps if you bathe the dog from time to time. Or you might keep the coat short and cut off the beard if you are not willing to wash it frequently. The thick shaggy Bouvier coat demands regular grooming, not merely to took tolerably nice, but also to preserve the health of skin underneath and to detect and remove foxtails, ticks, and other dangerous invaders. For "pet" grooming, you should expect to spend minutes a day eg while listening to music or watching television on alternate days or half an hour twice a week. Of course any time your Bouv gets into cockleburrs, filigree, or other coat-adhering vegetation, you are likely to be in for an hour or more of remedial work. During "foxtail" season western U. In Lyme disease areas during tick season, you will need to inspect for ticks daily. Keeping the dog in a short or semi-short "working clip" substantially reduces grooming time, but does not eliminate the need for regularity. Almost every Bouvier that is rescued out of a Pound or Shelter shows the effects of many months of non-grooming, resulting in massive matting and horrendous filthiness, sometimes with urine and feces cemented into the rear portions of the coat. It appears that unwillingness to keep up with coat care is a primary cause of abandonment. Many other breeds of dog require less grooming; short coated breeds require very little. The Rottweiler has a temperament and personality similar to the Bouvier, yet requires little grooming. Professional grooming at monthly or more frequent intervals can reduce your personal workload but it will also greatly reduce your bank account. Keeping the dog clipped to a coat length of an inch to two inches makes more sense and is practical in many climates. If choosing an adult dog, try to choose one with a very harsh outer coat and only a modest amount of undercoat. However I would discourage you from making coat your number one priority, as behavior and personality are far far more crucial to your relationship with and enjoyment of the dog. DON'T buy a Bouvier if you also have a cat, unless you are willing to do a great deal of work to ensure peace between them. There is a reason that the phrase "to fight like dogs and cats" became a cliche. To a dog , a running cat looks very much like a running rabbit, thus like prey. Many dogs will chase and grab anything that runs. The larger the dog, the more easily it can inflict damage on a cat. Any dog has to be carefully taught to live in peace with a cat. Bouvier are large and powerful and most of them have very strong prey chasing drive. So a Bouvier can kill a cat in the very first second of contact. Expect to spend at least a hundred hours vigilantly supervising all interactions between dog and cat, and be prepared without fail to separate them when you are not in immediate and vigilant supervision. Some Bouviers do live in harmony with cats, especially if raised with them from puppyhood. But there are plenty who are not so safe with cats. My own theory is that a Bouv is "guilty until proven innocent" where cats are concerned. Generally speaking if you want the best chance of having a dog who is safe with cats, you should avoid the Terriers because they are bred to be intense about killing mammalian prey and likewise you should avoid the Hounds because they are bred to chase mammalian prey. The Herding dogs have a strong chase drive, though the kill part of the sequence is somewhat weakened. The larger the dog , the more potential for serious injuries. So the best bet for adding a dog to a home that already includes a cat would be a dog that is not significantly larger than the cat and that is not a Terrier, Hound, or Herding breed. If your cat is one who is afraid of dogs and runs from them, the risks of a chase and grab are much higher than if your cat is a "Garfield" who stands his ground and is ready to whap the dog with claws. Need I add that a declawed cat is at greatly heightened risk? Note: this section was not part of the original Don't Buy a Bouvier, nor the revision. I really should have thought of it, but did not, probably because I have not had cats as a routein part of my life. But I have learned from other people's experiences in this regard. Bouviers need exercise to maintain the health of heart and lungs and to maintain muscle tone. Because of his mellow, laid-back, often lazy, disposition, your Bouvier will not give himself enough exercise unless you accompany him or play with him. An adult Bouv should have a morning outing of a mile or more, as you walk briskly, jog , or bicycle beside him, and a similar evening outing. For puppies, shorter and slower walks, several times a day are preferred for exercise and housebreaking. All dogs need daily exercise of greater or lesser length and vigor. If providing this exercise is beyond you, physically or temperamentally, then choose one of the many small and energetic breeds that can exercise itself within your fenced yard. Most of the Toys and Terriers fit this description, but don't be surprised if a Terrier is inclined to dig in the earth since digging out critters is the job that they were bred to do. Cats can be exercised indoors with mouse-on-a-string toys. Hamsters will exercise themselves on a wire wheel. House plants don't need exercise. Update: need I point out that an hour of moderate intensity exercise daily is essential for human health and is the single most important thing you can do for your own welfare? Walking with a dog is so much more enjoyable than going by yourself, and the dog will remind you if you should feel inclined to shirk. With the advent of Dog Parks, you may have the choice of giving your dog some of his exercise by visiting the park, however it won't do much for your own exercise needs though it may fill social needs very well. The sport of Agility is another very enjoyable exercise opportunity for both of you, as are some other dog sports. Whether you live in town or country, no dog can safely be left to run "free" outside your fenced property and without your direct supervision and control. The price of such "freedom" is inevitably injury or death : from dogfights, from automobiles, from the Pound, or from justifiably irate neighbors. Even though Bouvs are home-loving and less inclined to roam than most breeds, an unfenced Bouv is destined for disaster. Like other breeds developed for livestock herding, most Bouvs have inherited a substantial amount of "herding instinct", which is a strengthened and slightly modified instinct to chase and capture suitable large prey. The unfenced country-living Bouv will sooner or later discover the neighbor's livestock sheep, cattle, horses, poultry and respond to his genetic urge to chase and harass such stock. State law almost always gives the livestock owner the legal right to kill any dog chasing or "worrying" his stock, and almost all livestock owners are quick to act on this right! The unfenced city Bouv is likely to exercise his inherited herding instinct on joggers, bicyclists, and automobiles. A thoroughly obedience-trained Bouvier can enjoy the limited and supervised freedom of off-leash walks with you in appropriately chosen environments. If you don't want the responsibility of confining and supervising your pet, then no breed of dog is suitable for you. A neutered cat will survive such irresponsibly given "freedom" somewhat longer than a dog, but will eventually come to grief. A better answer for those who crave a "free" pet is to set out feeding stations for some of the indigenous wildlife, such as raccoons, which will visit for handouts and which may eventually tolerate your close observation. Update: with ever higher concentrations of human population, and with ever decreasing tolorance of dogs running at large, the dangers of allowing a dog to roam are even higher than described. I do NOT recommend the use of so-called "Invisible Fencing" as an alternative to real physical fencing. Invisible does not keep other dogs or humans out and it may not always keep an excited dog inside. Bouviers are not a cheap breed to buy, as running a careful breeding program with due regard for temperament , trainability, and physical soundness hips especially cannot be done cheaply. The time the breeder should put into each puppy's "pre-school" and socialization is also costly. The "bargain" puppy from a "back-yard breeder" who unselectively mates any two Bouvs who happen to be of opposite sex may well prove to be extremely costly in terms of bad temperament, bad health, and lack of essential socialization. In contrast , the occasional adult or older pup is available at modest price from a disenchanted owner or from a breeder, shelter, or rescuer to whom the dog was abandoned; most of these "used" Bouviers are capable of becoming a marvelous dog for you if you can provide training, leadership, and understanding. Whatever the initial cost of your Bouvier, the upkeep will not be cheap. Being large dogs, Bouvs eat relatively large meals. Need I add that what goes in one end must eventually come out the other? Large dogs tend to have larger veterinary bills, as the amount of anesthesia and of most medications is proportional to body weight. Spaying or neutering, which costs more for larger dogs, is an essential expense for virtually all pet Bouviers, as it "takes the worry out of being close", prevents serious health problems in later life, and makes the dog a more pleasant companion. Bouviers are subject to two conditions which can be costly to treat : hip dysplasia and bloat. Your best insurance against dysplasia is to buy only from a litter bred from OFA certified parents and if possible grandparents. Yes, this generally means paying more. While bloat may have a genetic predisposition, there are no predictive tests allowing selective breeding against it. Your best prevention is not to feed the dog too soon before or after strenuous exercise. Professional grooming, if you use it, is expensive. An adequate set of grooming tools for use at home adds up to a tidy sum , but once purchased will last many dog-lifetimes. Finally the modest fee for participation in a series of basic obedience training classes is an essential investment in harmonious living with your dog; such fees are the same for all breeds, though conceivably you will need to travel a bit further from home to find a training class teacher who is competent with the more formidable breeds, such as Bouvier. All dogs, of whatever breed and however cheaply acquired, require significant upkeep costs, and all are subject to highly expensive veterinary emergencies. Likewise all cats. Update: alas, two extremely serious health problems have overtaken bloat and hip dysplasia as the most serious worries in the Bouvier. These are Sub-Aortic Stenosis SAS , which is a genetically caused heart defect that in severe form can kill the dog, and Glaucoma, which can be geneticaly caused or can arise from other ailments and which can cause blindness suddenly and painfully. The list of recognized genetic health problems has grown for all breeds in the past 20 years, and currently there are genetic tests for some of them. The ability of veterinary care to aleviate or cure diseases and injuries in pets has grown marvelously in the past 20 years, but the costs of that care have also grown. I advise any pet owner to set aside in a special savings account at least a dollar a day, preferably more, as a hedge against future major veterinary bills. Although the Bouvier's capability as a personal protection dog and as a police dog have been justifiably well publicized, and occasionally dramatically over-stated, the Bouvier is not any more capable in these respects than are half a dozen other protection breeds. Nor are all Bouviers equally capable : some are highly so and some moderately so, but many have insufficient natural capacity for such work. Due to his laid back disposition, the Bouvier is , if anything, a bit slower to respond aggressively to a threat than are most other protection breeds. For the same reason, however, the Bouv is perhaps somewhat more amenable to control by the handler and somewhat more willing to refrain from biting or to stop biting when told to do so. Whatever the breed, before a dog can be safely protection trained, he must have great respect for the leadership of his handler and must be solidly trained in basic obedience to that handler. Equally essential, he must have a rock-solidly stable temperament and he must also have been "socialized" out in the world enough to know that most people are friendly and harmless, so that he can later learn to distinguish the bad guys from the good guys. Even with such a dog, safe protection training demands several hundred hours of dedicated work by the handler, much of it under the direct supervision of a profoundly expert trainer. Please don't buy any dog for protection training unless you are absolutely committed to the extreme amount of work that will be required of you personally. Also talk to your lawyer and your insurance agent first. In contrast to the protection-trained dog, trained to bite on direct command or in reaction to direct physical assault on his master, the "deterrent dog" dissuades the vast majority of aspiring burglars, rapists, and assailants by his presence, his appearance, and his demeanor. Seeing such a dog, the potential wrong-doer simply decides to look for a safer victim elsewhere. For this job, all that is needed is a dog that is large and that appears to be well-trained and unafraid. The Bouvier can serve this role admirably, with the added assets of generally dark color and shaggy "beastial" appearance adding to the impression of formidability and fearsomeness. If the dog has been taught to bark a few times on command, eg "Fang, watch him! Of these the first 3 are recognized by the general public as "police dogs" and are probably are far more feared by most potential criminals than is the Bouvier. The Malamute, though not suitable for protection, is quite effective for deterrence due to his highly wolf-like appearance. Update: the legal risks of owning or being in custody of an inappropriately aggressive dog have increased greatly over the past 20 years. There have been criminal convictions for damage done by a dog known to the owner to be highly dangerous. Homeowner Insurance companies have banned some breeds from coverage, and some cities and counties have banned some breeds from living there. Don't think it cannot happen to the Bouvier. Rottweilers are amoung the more frequently discriminated against breeds and a Bouvier is equivalent in damaging potential. Most Bouviers have an assertive and confident personality. When confronted with a threat, a proper Bouvier will be somewhat more ready to fight than to flee. Thus he may respond aggressively in situations where many other breeds back down. Most Bouviers have some inclination to act aggressively to repel intruders on their territory ie your home and to counter-act assaults upon their packmates you and your family. Without training and leadership from you to guide him , the dog cannot judge correctly whom to repel and whom to tolerate. Without training and leadership, sooner or later he may injure an innocent person who will successfully sue you for more than you own. With good training and leadership from you, he can be profoundly valuable as defender of your home and family. See also remarks on stability and socialization above. If you feel no need of an assertive dog or if you have the slightest doubts of your ability and willingness to supply the essential socialization, training, and leadership, then please choose one of the many breeds noted for thoroughly unaggressive temperament, such as a Sheltie or a Golden Retriever. Update: many Bouvier fanciers say that today it is harder to find a Bouvier of correctly protective character. At the same time, there are more reports of Bouviers involved in incidents of inappropriately aggression in public. Meanwhile, some of the breeds formerly believed to be uniformly good natured have shown that a dog of any breed can become dangerous if there is enough stupidity or malice on the other end of the leash. No dog deserves to be cast out because his owners want to move to a no-pets apartment or because he is no longer a cute puppy or didn't grow up to be a beauty contest winner or because his owners through lack of leadership and training have allowed him to become an unruly juvenile delinquent with a repertoire of undesirable behaviors. The prospects of a responsible and affectionate second home for a "used" dog are never very bright, but they are especially dim for a large , shaggy, poorly mannered dog. A Bouvier dumped into a Pound or Shelter has almost no chance of survival unless he has the great fortune to be spotted by someone dedicated to Bouvier Rescue. The prospects for adoption for a youngish, well trained, and well groomed Bouvier whose owner seeks the assistance of the nearest Bouvier Club or Rescue group are fairly good; but an older Bouv has diminishing prospects. Be sure to contact your local Bouvier club or Rescue group if you are diagnosed as terminally ill or have other equally valid reason for seeking an adoptive home. Be sure to contact your local Bouvier club if you are beginning to have difficulties in training your Bouvier, so these can be resolved Be sure to make arrangements in your will or with your family to ensure continued care or adoptive home for your Bouvier if you should pre-decease him. The life span of a Bouvier is from 10 to 15 years. If that seems too long a time for you to give an unequivocal loyalty to your Bouvier, then please do not get one! Indeed, as most dogs have a life expectancy that is as long or longer, please do not get any dog! However a Bouv dumped in a shelter still faces very great risks. They are every bit as wonderful as you have heard! If buying a puppy, be sure to shop carefully for a responsible and knowledgeable breeder who places high priority on breeding for sound temperament and trainability and good health in all matings. Such a breeder will interrogate and educate potential buyers carefully. Such a breeder will continue to be available for advice and consultation for the rest of the puppy's life and will insist on receiving the dog back if ever you are unable to keep it. However as an alternative to buying a Bouvier puppy, you may want to give some serious consideration to adopting a rescued Bouvier. Despite the irresponsibility of their previous owner, almost all rescued Bouviers have proven to be readily rehabilitated so as to become superb family companions for responsible and affectionate adopters. Many Rescuers are skilled trainers who evaluate temperament and provide remedial training before offering dogs for placement, and who offer continued advisory support afterwards. Contact local Bouvier breeders or Bouvier club members to learn who is doing Rescue work. An Afterward I first wrote this article nearly 10 years ago. Since then it has become a classic of Bouvier literature, reprinted many times. Since then I have spent nearly 5 years in Bouvier Rescue, personally rescuing , rehabilitating, and placing 3 or 4 per year and assisting in the placement of others. Very little has needed revision in this new edition. Update I am still doing rescue and have personally fostered over a hundred rescued Bouviers and a number of other dogs, and I have been peripherally involved in many more situations of Bouviers in need of help. The shelters are a bit less crowded and a bit less lethal these days, and various breed rescue groups have had a major part to play in that. Nationally the USA is still killing millions of perfectly nice dogs and cats every year because their owners discarded them and no one came forward to adopt them in time. There is a tide of legislation rising that, with avowed intent of reducing the slaughter, may make it difficult for responsible purebred dog breeding to continue. Every case of a dog obtained impulsively or ignorantly and then discarded as a disappointment makes the situation worse for all dogs and all dog lovers. Please do your homework, do serious soul searching, and make a lifetime commitment before you acquire any pet. Life Span Did You Know? These large dogs are loyal, devoted, and protective of their families. They are also smart, energetic dogs with playful personalities that are loving and affectionate. As a newer designer breed, the Flandoodle is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they can currently be registered with the Dog Registry of America. These dogs make great companions and family dogs. They tend to have a gentle nature, cheerful disposition, and playful personality. Those traits, in addition to their affectionate nature and intelligence, make them a perfect fit for families. Flandoodles thrive on attention and affection, so they love being the center of attention. As long as they are properly socialized, these dogs tend to be quite friendly. They even tend to warm up quickly to strangers once introduced! A Flandoodle is a highly adaptable dog. They are best suited for homes with fenced yards where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartments as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. But, their fluffy coats tend to give them a little bit more insulation against the cold. However, they may still need some winter dog products while out on walks when the temperature drops. Because these dogs are protective, thrive on attention, and bond closely with their families, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it early. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also end up with all of them or some of them. Testing and good breeding practices make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large dog breed, the Flandoodle is also at risk for bloat, so you want to learn about how to reduce the risk of bloat in dogs and learn the symptoms. Although the Flandoodle is highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please, they are also high-energy dogs that get bored easily. They need a patient and firm owner that can keep training consistent, interesting, and focused on praise and positive reward. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. Because of this, puppy training classes or a professional trainer are recommended. The Flandoodle will have a rough coat that ranges from shaggy to the classic Poodle curls. Their coat may not shed a lot, or at all, but they will require some effort on grooming. Bathing is on an as-needed basis and professional grooming is recommended every few months at least, if not more often. But, you will still need to do some care and maintenance between appointments. Nail trims once or twice monthly help keep nails from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care like brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste in addition to cleanings at the vet when needed can help prevent dental diseases later in life. Flandoodles are high-energy dogs, and they need an active owner who can give them enough daily exercise. Multiple daily walks plus some playtime and time to run are usually enough. However, this dog will likely be up for more activity if you are. Thankfully, they tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once puppies finish growing , you can try out a lot of activities to find the ones that fit you and your Flandoodle the best. Dog parks, frisbee games, running, and more can all be good activities for a Flandoodle. A fully-grown Flandoodle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Flandoodles generally live for years. Flandoodle Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Flandoodle page! Currently, we do not have any Flandoodle puppies available, but we can alert you when new Flandoodle puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.


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when to groom a goldendoodle puppy - For the complete list please see our resource links page. Are the puppies bred for quality or quantity? Do the parents have health clearances? What genetic testing has been done on the puppies? Are the puppies raised in a home environment? What type of support and training does the breeder offer? How often do the breeders breed their dogs? But prices can vary depending on the breeder. When looking for a breeder, it is important to set your budget before you start searching for a puppy. If you have an exact price in mind, this will help you eliminate breeders that are outside of your price range. These dogs typically cost less than a dog from a breeder. But be aware that these dogs may not have all of their shots or they may be ill with something like parvovirus. In some cases, it is possible to adopt animals from places other How to Find A Responsible German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts If you are looking for a responsible German Shepherd breeder in Massachusetts, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are choosing a reputable breeder. First, ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations. If they have had a good experience with a breeder, they will be more than happy to recommend them to you. Second, do some online research. There are many websites that allow dog owners to review breeders. Reading through these reviews can give you a good idea of what the breeder is like and whether or not they are reputable. Third, social media is a great new way to find out about breeders that may not be in your local area. If you do not want to visit the kennel in person, at least meet with the breeder of your pup face-to-face before you put any money down. Spend some time getting to know the breeder through email or even by telephone but insist that you will only purchase if they would be willing to let you come and visit their facility in person. There are plenty of reputable breeders out there who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your family. Do your research, ask lots of questions. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts Make sure the breeder has a list of references that you can contact who have purchased dogs from them in the past. Do not be afraid to call or email these people and ask questions about their experience with the breeder, whether they are happy with their dog, if they recommend her, and if they would buy a dog from her again. Be prepared to wait for the right puppy. Be cautious of any German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts that does not offer you references. If your breeder tells you he is unable to provide this information for some reason, then take this as a red flag and politely thank him for his time but do not purchase anything from him. An ethical breeder will be happy to provide you with documentation that proves that his dogs are healthy and have been cleared of any genetic health issues. Ask Your Massachusetts German Shepherd Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Many people who go to a breeder and meet the parents of the puppy they are interested in, find out that if they had met some of the past customers who have purchased a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder, they would not have even considered buying a puppy from this breeder. Many of these past customers will tell you that they did not get what was been promised to them when it came to the exercise requirements, temperament and loyalty qualities that these German Shepherds possessed. In fact, many of us made costly mistakes with our first dog or dogs because we were unaware of the time commitments involved in owning a quality German Shepherd Dog that is going to resemble what has been advertised by so many breeders around the country. Meeting past customers will help you to understand what you are getting into if you purchase a puppy from our German Shepherd Breeder. We want you to be happy with your new addition for years to come, and talking to people who have already gone through the process is the best way to gauge whether or not our breeder is right for you. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important that you ask if you can meet some of their past customers. This will help you to understand what kind of experience you can expect if you purchase a puppy from them. Happy customers are the best advertisement a breeder can have. One of the things that you will want to ask your breeder is if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This is important because you will want to make sure that your puppy has all of its vaccinations and is healthy. When looking for a German Shepherd Breeder in Massachusetts, it is important to ask if they have a good veterinarian that they use. This will help you to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has all of its vaccinations. Happy and healthy puppies are the goal of every breeder. Some of these signs include: The breeder does not allow you to meet any past customers The breeder does not have a good veterinarian that they use The puppies are kept in poor conditions The breeder is asking for too much money for a puppy If you see any of these signs, it is best to walk away and find a different breeder. It is not worth it to purchase a puppy from an unethical breeder, as you will likely end up with a dog that has health problems and behaves poorly. Ask The Massachusetts Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems The best way to determine whether or not a breeder is ethical and responsible is to ask if the puppies they offer for sale have any health problems. Most reputable German Shepherd Dog Breeders in Massachusetts provide you with a written health guarantee that ensures every puppy they sell will be free of genetic health issues. An honest and ethical breeder should be able to prove their claims by providing you with proof that all of their dogs are free from genetic health concerns. If they cannot do this, then walk away. When your puppy is first brought home it is a good idea to confine them to a crate or a small area with nothing on the ground that they can chew. This lets them get used to being in one spot without getting into trouble. Once you have taught your German Shepherd Dog not to chew things you can give them free reign of the house though still keeping dangerous items out of their reach. If you want, but this may be difficult if your new dog has already chewed through everything at least once, you can purchase some baby gates and put them up around your house so that your puppy is confined to specific rooms unless they are leashed. If all goes well, and it usually does, after about 3 months sometimes sooner your puppy will have learned the house rules and can be allowed to roam free. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things you will need to do when potty training your new puppy is to be consistent. You should take them out every time they eat, drink, or play and also after they wake up from a nap. Reward them with lots of praise and a treat when they go potty in the right spot. It can be helpful to put your puppy on a regular feeding schedule as this will help with predictability when it comes to going potty. Once your puppy is consistently going potty outside you can start to slowly lengthen the amount of time between bathroom breaks. Training Your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and with a little bit of training they can be taught to do all sorts of things. Some popular commands that people teach their GSDs are sit, stay, come, down, and guard. You can find lots of resources online about how to train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. One thing to keep in mind when training your German Shepherd is that they need plenty of exercise. A good way to tire them out is to take them on long walks or play fetch with them in the park. Thank you for reading and happy hunting. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Hello, my name is Linda. I have been training dogs in New England for over 25 years, and I specialize in obedience and behavioral training for all breeds of dogs. I started breeding the East German Shepherds in .In , my good friend Cathy, of Rowley, Ma. Together we breed for the best possible qualities such as temperament, health and structure. We provide dogs to families as well as to the Law Enforcement community. We feel the East German Shepherds are very versatile. They can be trained in many different fields such as obedience, herding, tracking, personal protection, agility, canine good citizen, therapy dog and more. They are very intelligent dogs who love personal companion work. Andover, Ma. I would like to share with you just how and why the DDR dog has won my heart. I have been rehabilitating and training dogs for 25 years. The first "problem dog" was sent to me when I was .In , I decided to look for a quality dog, one I could train and show for my own pleasure. The German Shepherd dog always had impressed me, so the search started. Having a good eye for animals, I knew what I wanted, but quickly became more and more discouraged with what I was finding. I didn't take long to knock the American show dog off the list, for to me the physical structure and the character trait of lack of courage were not very appealing. I knew I wanted a dog with versatility-one that could be trained in different areas, such as TDI Therapy Dog International and protection! The German-bred dogs were the ones to look at, but still, something wasn't right. In some cases the drive was too high, even when we weren't working. In addition, I still had a certain quality of bone structure and overall character traits that I was looking for. After a long search, I was beginning to think the dog I had pictured in my mind had been lost due to changes in breeding programs over the years. Then one night while reading the Want Ads, I came across an ad that caught my eye. It was the first time I had heard a DDR shepherd dog ever mentioned. I will never forget the dark, rainy night I drove out to western Massachusetts to look at the dogs. My search was over! The adults had that unmistakably friendly eye as well as the strong bone and head structure I had been looking for. This is where my beloved "Bonnie" picked me out. Little did I know then how much she would change my life! She was her father's daughter in every way, a masculine female with a sound temperament. She went on to teach me the characteristics so common to the DDR dog: an ideal companion dog for inside the house, as well as a great traveling companion, excited about activities such as camping, mountain climbing, etc. Although an extremely obedient and dedicated companion, I was to learn over the years that performance obedience for showing was not easily achieved. I always told people, "She knows there is no reason to walk circles in a ring! Companion Dog which, with a lot of work, she scored in the 's, we stuck to things we could both enjoy! This included things like TDI, protection training, tracking, and even some big Hollywood movies! Over the years I was fortunate enough to meet Teri Townsend, and together with her fine DDR stock, including the late Klokows Lex, Bonnie has produced outstanding sons, daughters, and grandchildren, with high levels of quality DDR blood. They have made many parents and children very happy. They have also have become search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and even sledding dogs! Bonnie past away in , people visit her family here regularly. They always speak for themselves! Even show breeders who have never heard of the DDR shepherd have come to visit, and leave wanting one of the dogs for companionship! I strongly believe it would be a very sad day for the German Shepherd dog if the DDR blood is not preserved. I am extremely grateful that of all the dogs I have owned and trained, God brought Bonnie into my life, which opened my eyes to this unique DDR dog whose line I take great pride and pleasure in helping to preserve! This story was written by Linda in .Unfortunatly, Bonnie is no longer with us. She has however left us with a great line of DDR quality progeny. German Shepherds for sale in Massachusetts Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Massachusetts with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Massachusetts. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Massachusetts There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Massachusetts, from Worcester to Boston, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children in MA afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MA! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MA We like to think we've made a lot of people in Massachusetts happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. I started searching for a good German Shepherd with good temperament, good health and from a good blood line. I searched and searched for a long time; across the country, even across the world but then I met Cynthia Kelly from Regis Regal German Shepherds. She is an encyclopedia and a wealth of knowledge about this breed. She paired me with, what I consider, a once in life time puppy. Thank you Cynthia - Manny is amazing! As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. We have answers. For example, lacquer black German Shepherd puppies for sale Boston Ma might fetch a higher price than your standard tan-and-black variety. Breeder experience and champion bloodlines also factor in on pricing. Will you only match me with local breeders? All our partners from the 48 states in the continental US have the means to bring your future best friend to the nearest major airport to you safely and reliably. How do you screen breeders for German Shepherd puppies near me? We have a stringent process to ensure that our partners conform to the highest ethical and legal standards in breeding--all to make sure you take home a happy and healthy puppy. Check out our Breeder Pledge page for details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are run by people who want the money-making potential of puppies but not the responsibility that comes with it. Puppies produced in such poor conditions are likely to run up vet bills and have a very low life expectancy. Are there any purebred German Shepherd puppies for sale near me? Let us know about your preferences so we can scan our network and connect you with German Shepherd MFA Boston breeders and businesses that match your criteria. What is the MatchMaker process? Getting a puppy that matches your lifestyle is the first and most crucial step in making sure your relationship with your future best friend gets off on the right foot. How do I know I can trust you? Our mission has always been to create families by connecting loving humans with healthy puppies from responsible breeders and businesses.