white german shepherd puppies virginia

Limited color options May be smaller for some users' needs The My Daily Insulated Lunch Bag combines style, functionality, and durability. Its cute design, coupled with its practical features, makes it a great choice for anyone needing a portable lunch solution. The high-quality materials ensure it will last for a long time, while the insulation keeps your food just the way you like it. The multiple compartments allow for organized storage, and the easy access double zippers make it convenient to use. While the available color options may be limited, this lunch bag provides excellent value for its price. Puppy Lunch Box Buyer's Guide Buying a lunch box for your adorable little pup can be an excellent way to ensure their meals and treats are kept fresh, organized, and easily accessible. With so many options available in the market, it's essential to choose the right one for your furry friend. This buyer's guide will help you navigate through the world of puppy lunch boxes and make an informed decision. So, let's get started! Key Factors to Consider When choosing a puppy lunch box, certain factors should be taken into account to ensure it meets both your needs and your pup's requirements. Here are the key factors to consider: Size and Capacity Determine the appropriate size based on your pup's breed and the quantity of food you plan to carry. Opt for a lunch box with enough capacity to accommodate food, water bowls, and treats. Durability Look for a lunch box made of high-quality, sturdy materials. Consider the lunch box's ability to withstand rough handling and potential chewing. Insulation Check if the lunch box has proper insulation to keep food fresh and maintain the desired temperature. Insulated lunch boxes can help preserve raw food or keep packed meals warm during colder days. Portability Consider the lunch box's weight and ease of carrying, especially if you often take your pup on adventures. Look for handles, shoulder straps, or backpack-style designs for convenient transportation. Hygiene and Cleaning Opt for lunch boxes with removable and washable trays or compartments. Ensure that the materials are easy to clean and resistant to odor retention. Safety Choose lunch boxes made from food-grade materials that are BPA-free and pet-safe. Check for secure closures and locking mechanisms to prevent accidental spills or your pup accessing food. Design and Style Select a lunch box that matches your taste and preferences — consider color, patterns, or customizable options. Some lunch boxes may even come with additional small pockets for storing accessories like poop bags or toys. Things to Avoid While choosing a puppy lunch box, it's also important to be aware of what to avoid. Keep the following points in mind: Avoid toxic materials: Ensure the lunch box is free of harmful chemicals or toxins for your pup's safety. Avoid loose parts: Opt for a lunch box that doesn't contain any small, chewable parts that could pose a choking hazard. Avoid difficult cleaning: Stay away from lunch boxes with intricate designs that may be hard to clean or have hidden corners that can trap food. Consider a lunch box that provides ample space for food, water bowls, and treats without causing overcrowding. Q What features should I look for in a lunch box for my pup? A Some essential features to consider include size, durability, insulation, portability, hygiene, safety, and a design that matches your taste. Q Can I find puppy lunch boxes suitable for long travel or camping trips? A Yes, there are specific lunch boxes designed for long trips that offer enhanced insulation and portability features. Look for lunch boxes with extra insulation layers and secure closures to keep the food fresh during your adventures. Q Are there lunch boxes suitable for wet or raw food? A Absolutely! Certain lunch boxes come with airtight compartments or leak-proof containers, specially designed to keep wet or raw food separate from dry kibble. These are great options for raw food enthusiasts. Q Can I personalize a puppy lunch box for my furry friend? A Yes! It adds a touch of uniqueness and helps prevent mix-ups at puppy playdates. Q How often should I clean my puppy lunch box? We recommend cleaning it after each use to prevent bacteria growth and odors. Wash it with mild soap and warm water and ensure all compartments and trays are thoroughly dried before reusing. Q Can my pup chew on the lunch box? Some lunch boxes may have reinforced corners to prevent damage, but constant chewing can still shorten its lifespan. Q Can I use a regular lunch box for my pup? A While a regular lunch box might work in a pinch, it may not offer the specific features required for storing pup food, water, and other accessories. Q Can I use a puppy lunch box to store other pet items like toys? A Some lunch boxes come with additional pockets or compartments that can be used to store small pet items like toys, treats, or poop bags. Q Is a puppy lunch box necessary if I already carry a regular doggy bag? What's Hot. Pin it Pin on Pinterest Enjoy lunch with your pooch everyday with this custom pet lunch box. Durable and functional, the lunch bag is fully insulated to keep your food cold. It's the perfect way to perk up your work day. Each print is made with love and custom designed to look just like your special pooch. Shipping Fulfilment We will use your pets picture and create a custom design just for you. We aim to send you a mockup email within 2 to 3 business days, depending on demand. So keep and eye out for our emails. Order Fulfilment Time - Custom design: We aim to send you a mockup email within 2 to 3 business days. Most orders will ship before the 6th business day Please keep in mind Shipping times are counted from the time the product is given to the shipping company - there is still an estimate of business days production time before your order ships. Edits, new photo requests, product changes will extend the time needed to arrive. The usual shipping time is between 3 and 7 business days. Shipping times are subject to carrier conditions and can change temporarily. PoochPrints LTD does not guarantee shipping carrier timelines. During the holiday season, there can be shipping carrier delays due to volume, bad weather, and situations that are beyond our control. Sandy H. Easy to order, quick delivery, looks fantastic!! I love it Ediedra G. Absolutely LOVE this lunch box. Very durable, high quality product. My 6 year old loves if for her new school year! Danne S. It broke after 2 weeks at school. So sad for my 5th grader. Natalia L. Had a great experience! Thank you! Katie P. Love the color and the picture quality, and especially that both of our cats are on it. The zipper is weird. It goes all the way around it so you can take the top off, which is fine but tricky for my daughter. The issue is she only used the lunchbox 3 days before the zipper actually broke. We took it to someone local to fix it and our daughter has had to take her old lunchbox to school the last 4 days. That along with it being on the smaller side, was disappointing. Brandi G. Our lunch box was perfect!!! The picture was great and the quality is as well. Would definitely order again! Cynthia C. Looks so good and my little girl loves it for school. The only thing is the zipper is made so strange. Steven F. Love the lunchbox. The staff at his doggy daycare have told everyone that drops their furry kids off where Yukon got his. We will definitely be ordering more products from your company. Leslie G. Love this lunch box! Our Phoebe goes to playcare twice a week. The photo looks just like her and the box is good and sturdy. Elise R. Ordered this to accompany the water bottle for a birthday gift. The prints are exceptionally done with the best materials I can think of in today's world meaning they are not just crappy stickers stuck on products or some patchwork quilt looking chaos. This lunchbox is the perfect size for a sandwich and some sides WITH an ice pack thrown in there granted, if you like to pack 2 Qt tubs of leftovers for lunch you might want to consider a cooler-sized lunch bag versus this. The zip-off top makes the lunchbox incredibly easy to quickly clean out after every use. I could not be more pleased with both this lunchbox and the water bottle. I literally spent HOURS looking for the potentially most reliable company to produce this gift idea and I was absolutely not disappointed with the results. Hands down would recommend this company and their products to anyone who is looking for a durable, high quality, personalized printed lunch box and water bottle based off of these two very different mediums used for printing I can safely assume all of their products are exceptional. Nicole r. I work for a nonprofit in Newtown Square, Pa. One of our horses, Flash, who was 35 years old, passed away. Our Ag. Director was very close with Flash and her favorite past time was feeding him lunch. When I got back the mock-ups I was blown away! Then when I received the lunch box, I was even more impressed! Pooch Prints did a phenomenal job and I will always recommend their services to those interested! Thank you so much!!! Sophia D.

Loyal and affectionate, energetic and friendly. Head and Skull A large, sizeable head indicating strength. From a side view, both muzzle and skull are parallel, being joined by a well-defined stoop which is deep and almost at a right angle with the muzzle. Forehead should be wider than it is high. The skull will be deep, flat large and broad between the ears. Skull looks square when viewed from overhead. A deep median furrow reduces in depth from stop to occiput. Noticeably prominent cheek muscles. No visible haw, dark brown colour preferred with black rims. Muzzle is approximately one third the length of the head. The jaws are strong and muscular, reflecting their considerable strength. Lips are thick but not pendulous, preferably with black pigmentation. Well defined chin that neither overlaps, nor is covered by the upper lip. Drop ears are high set and level with the upper skull line. At the base of the ear, it is slightly raised in front, then hangs along the cheek. The ear will have a slightly rounded tip. If pulled towards the eyes, it should not extend beyond the outside corner of the eye. Rose ears will be small and set high on the skull. Semi-prick ears are the same as drop ears with the exception that the ear tips will drop forwards. Nose The breed has a large nose accompanied by wide, open nostrils. Although black is preferable, shades of brown or red are also suitable. There will be a slight arch at the crest, slight tapering from shoulder to head. Roughly, the shoulder blade tips should be approximately two or three finger widths apart. Forelegs are muscular with heavy bones. Elbows are set parallel to the body, not turned out or close to the ground. Only in a dog with a very broad chest should the forelegs incline slightly. Otherwise they should be perpendicular to the ground. Pasterns slightly sloping from profile or straight viewed from front. On the hindlegs the thighs will be noticeable well-muscled and fully developed. Side view will show rear pasterns well let down and perpendicular to the floor. Pasterns straight and parallel to each other when viewed from behind. Ribs are well sprung and flatten to form a deep body whilst extending to the elbows upon adulthood. Topline has a slight downward incline from withers to back. Loin will be short, with a slight arch and similarly slightly sloping croup. Firm flank. The tail should reach the hock joint. Tail carriage from upright when the dog is excited to between the hocks when relaxed is fone. Upon moving, the topline is level and flexing only slightly. Legs turn neither in or out and feet do not cross. Feet may move towards centre balance line when moving at speed. Colour All colours are acceptable, as are combinations and patterns, with the exception of complete black, blue, merle and tricolour. Some colours may make the dog appear black when not viewed under sunlight or bright light. Females from 51cm to 63cm 20 inches to 24 inches. Show more How much grooming does an American Bulldog need? American Bulldogs have short fur that generally only needs an occasional brush. American Bulldogs often have skinfolds which require regular cleaning. Speak to your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog. Show more What size crate do you need for an American Bulldog? When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: sit and stand up at their full height turn around without touching the sides lie down fully s.To find out more about potential health issues.Are American Bulldogs easy to train? You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every American Bulldog temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They d.Show more Are American Bulldogs good with children? Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. However, there are som.Show more. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet. How much exercise do American Bulldogs need? American Bulldogs are a very active breed and will need over 1 hour of exercise per day. A shorter one in the morning is fine but make sure that they can have a nice long walk later in the day. We advise walking them during cooler times of the day and having plenty of water handy, as Bulldogs are known to struggle in the heat. To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff. American Bulldog dietary needs Your American Bulldog will need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Growing pups may prefer smaller servings during the day, rather than two larger meals. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog gets older. The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog. To avoid weight gain, make sure your American Bulldog has a healthy and balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise. Training: how to train an American Bulldog Training an American Bulldog will often require the patience and understanding of an experienced owner. As is the case with all breeds, American Bulldogs will start to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old. Whilst they are still so young and receptive, it's a good idea to introduce your bulldog to other dogs, people and livestock as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, such as traffic. Grooming: do American Bulldogs shed? American Bulldogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Thanks to their short, dense coat, a quick brush once a week will suffice. You should only need to bathe your bulldog when they get muddy. Complete your American Bulldogs grooming routine with regular tooth brushing , nail clips and ear checks. Cost of owning an American Bulldog When considering the lifetime cost of owning an American Bulldog, remember to take into account the following costs:. Dog Breed Profile Breed Purpose: Fighting and bringing down bulls, hunting and guarding plantations and livestock. Bitch, 27kg - 45kg Lifespan: years Exercise Needs: The American Bulldog needs plenty of vigorous daily exercise. They do very well in Schutzhund and other canine sports and make excellent jogging companions. Quantities should be in proportion to the amount of exercise the dog needs, and reduced accordingly as these dogs can put on weight quickly during inactive periods. Health Problems : The most prevalent health issue is hip or elbow dysplasia followed by eye and skin problems. Health problems can be mostly avoided by only purchasing puppies from reputable breeders. Physical Description: The American Bulldog differs from its English cousin in being more agile and faster. This is an extremely muscular and powerful dog with strong back legs that enable it to jump up to six feet high in the air. The head is square and broad with muscular cheeks and a strong, box shaped muzzle. There is a characteristic furrow between the eyes while the ears can be rose-shaped, half-pricked or pendant. The body is muscular and the tail is thick at the base tapering to a point. All in all the American Bulldog is a powerful looking dog with a steady, yet often comical expression. The American Bulldog is NOT banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act , however if you own one or are thinking of owning one, we would advise you to ensure you will receive accurate paperwork as the authorities may well have problems distinguishing this dog from dogs which are banned in the UK. Further to this, many owners of banned dogs use the term American Bulldog to attempt to fool people into thinking their Pit Bull is not a Pit Bull. This makes life harder for owners of the American Bulldog as it blurs the very clear line between the two breeds. Today's American Bulldog should be brave and determined but not overly aggressive or nervous. They do have dominant personalities and are physically strong but are also very inquisitive and can be very comical as they caper and frolic around. The American Bulldog's protective instinct means it needs suitable socialising and firm training from an early age. If undertaken early and with a sensible and positive attitude, American Bulldog training can be a very enjoyable experience and one which is easier than with many other dog breeds. They are obedient and highly sensitive to their owner's voice but can also be stubborn and unpredictable. They need an owner that can take control of any dominance issues and implement a firm and consistent training regime to raise a well-balanced family companion which, if done correctly, will be a joy to own and train. American bully rehome male. He will not be sold to anyone lightly and we will require meeting with you etc. He is 2 years old. Microchiped, good manne.All been flead and wormed have not yet had injections but this is re.We have 2 females left available. Abkc papers in hand. Read More American bulldog pups Sheffield, Derbyshire S20 8LE 12 American bulldog pups for sale 6weeks old 8 boys 4 girls All will be chipped on Saturday and will have had there first injection before they leave They will all be worked and flead Can send more ph.Read More Xl bully male pup looking for forever home WV14 9EW, West Midlands WV14 9EW Cl bully pup last one out litter of 10 looking for forever home hes growing with children and cats feeding well non dependant on mom anymore hes gorgus lityke tri colour boy hes small out litter but i.Read More 2 Female Xl Bully's Swindon, Wiltshire SN25 2FA I adopted a 18 month old girl on they 18th December and they previous owners tried making out that she was just coming out of heat which I knew was a lie, however I thought she had been used for bread.Dads a blue Staff x Mastiff, really unique colourings, he's always getting compliment.Read More. Training American Bulldogs As with all dogs, particularly the very large or heavy breeds, early and careful socialisation and habituation is vital. They must be managed carefully and sensitively, taught not to run up to strangers or other dogs, and taught to associate the presence of strangers and other dogs with good things coming from their owner. Even then, they should never be totally relied upon around unknown dogs. Methods that involve force and fear will result in a large animal who fears people, and fear often leads to dangerously aggressive behaviour. Using positive reinforcement and fun games will prove useful in training sessions. An American Bulldog with a perfect temperament and excellent socialisation and training may suit the experienced owner with dog-aware teenagers. Puppies should be sourced incredibly carefully from breeders with temperament and health in mind. While they can be devoted to their families, their size and strength means they are not recommended for small homes, those with frail or vulnerable family members or small children, and not recommended for multi-dog homes. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and to be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and adults should supervise all interactions between them. The characters first appeared on TV in where Spike, also known as Killer, Butch, or Bulldog in several episodes, is a friendly and loving father to his son Tyke. American Bulldogs are bigger and faster than their British counterparts. Due to their powerful hind legs, they are able to jump as high as 2 metres. Jessica Biel is among the many famous Bulldog owners and she has a canine best friend called East. FAQs Is the American bulldog a pit bull? No, the American bulldog breed is descended from mastiffs while pit bulls come from terriers. Pit bulls are also recognised as their own breed. Are American bulldogs aggressive? What breeds of dogs make up an American bulldog? As a descendant of the English bulldog, the American bulldog breed comes from a mix of Asiatic mastiffs and pugs. Do American bulldogs like to cuddle? American bulldogs are known to be very affectionate and want to be close to their owners, so they love snuggling as much as they love food and exercising. Similar Breeds.

After that, I will tell you about the physical appearance and characteristics of the first Pug Boxer Mix, along with the downsides of having a Pug Boxer Mix in your home. A Boxer Pug Mix is a hybrid dog that originated by cross-breeding a boxer and a pug recently by breeders in the United States. A Boxer Pug Mix tends to be a friendly, energetic, goofy, outgoing, playful, and intelligent dog breed. They can be clingy sometimes, but you can make them more independent with proper training. Obedience training is a must. Early socialization and proper training will decide how well-managed your dog is going to be raised. If you want your dog to be friendly, make sure you socialize your dog and walk your dog outdoors. Thirty minutes of exercise will be exhausting for your Pug Boxer Mix. The hybrid dog tends to be a bit unique due to heavy unique behavioral and physical traits. Do proper research on their parents and look at their characteristics. You can get to know some data that can help you understand the expected physical appearance and the characteristics of a Pug cross Boxer. We have done that for you and are here with the desired physical appearance characteristics data for you. Talking about the coat of Akita, Akita tends to develop, coat on its body. On the other hand, the golden retriever is also a single or double-coated dog breed depending upon its origin and the type of breed group it belongs to. If we take a closer look at the first parent — Pug Coat then we get to know that Pug comes in a single-layer coat on its body with short-sized hair on it. On the other hand, if we take a closer look at the second parent coat then we got to know that boxer also comes in a single-layered coat on its body. So, it completely means that if we cross-breed both the pure breed dog then the offspring is likely to come in a single-layer coat on its body with short side hair on it. Talking about the texture, it can be smooth and sleek. A Boxer cross Pug is likely to shed less or never. Due to having a single-layered coat on its body, a Boxer Pug Mix may not be able to adapt well and regulate its body temperature if the temperature drops. They are not a great pet dog for regions with temperatures below 10 degrees. Talking about the color of a Pug Boxer Mix, it totally depends upon their parents because whatever their parents have, they are going to inherit the same color. You can expect a Pug Boxer Mix to come in a black, brown, white, brindle, and fawn color. The first parent — Pug is a small dog breed; on the other hand, Boxer is also a small-sized dog breed, making the offspring a small-sized dog breed. A Boxer Pug Mix is also going to be a small sized dog breed. The Boxer Pug mix is one of these perfect potions that will steal your heart and have you begging for more. This hybrid breed, also known as the Poxer or Box-a-Pug, mixes the brawny Boxer with the perky Pug to create the ultimate companion. With their wrinkly face and adorable snore, Boxer Pug mixes are sure to melt even the toughest hearts. What makes this breed so special? Plus, their short coat means less time grooming and more time playing fetch. The Boxer Pug mix is one of these mysterious mutts, and their history is shrouded in paw-ssible accidents. Boxers are known for their athleticism and goofy personalities. Meanwhile, Pugs are like the class clown, the cutest dog ever. Pugs are sure to make you smile with their wrinkly face and curly tail. Boxer Boxers have a long and storied history, like an epic novel that spans generations. The breed originated in Germany and developed from the Tibetan Mastiff, a fierce dog that could give Godzilla a run for his money. Boxers were essential during World War I, where they acted as guard dogs and also passed along important messages. They were like a secret agent but cuter and fluffier. Eventually, Boxers made their way to the US, where they became one of the first police dogs. They were like a K-9 superhero team, fighting crime and saving the day. The AKC accepted the breed in , and they became more popular than a viral TikTok dance in the s. So when you mix a Boxer with a Pug, you get a hybrid breed like a comedy duo. Pug Pugs are like the wise elders of the dog world, with a history that dates back to ancient B. Back then, they were popular among Chinese emperors as both lap dogs and guards. Pugs are like the ultimate stress relievers with their cute wrinkles and curly tails. For a long time, the Pug breed was like a secret society, hidden away from the rest of the world. But one trader brought a Pug along their trade route, and soon the breed became an international sensation. Pugs made their way to Europe in the 16th century and eventually to the US in the early s. They were like tiny ambassadors, spreading cuteness wherever they went. The AKC accepted the breed in , and Pugs became more popular than avocado toast. Today, Pugs are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. They even have their own clubs and meetups, where owners can bask in the cuteness overload. Pugs are often mixed with other breeds, like the Boxer, to create even more adorable hybrids. Each pup is like a unique work of art but without the weird museum vibe. One thing you can expect is that your Box-a-Pug will be small to medium-sized pup. Unless you accidentally breed your Pug with a Great Dane or something. In that case, you might end up with a bigger dog than your living room. The Pug parent gives the Box-a-Pug its adorable squished face, while the Boxer parent brings some chiseled features to the mix. The breed will also have a tail, which is great news for all tail lovers. Finally, the eyes of the Box-a-Pug are like a game of genetic roulette. The Pug has those famous bug eyes that make them look perpetually surprised, while the Boxer has more subdued peepers. Now, when it comes to coat colors, this hybrid has some pawsome options. You might end up with a Box-a-Pug with a coat with a solid color like a fawn, black, or brindle. Or, your pup may be sporting a more exotic color combination like white, silver, or apricot. Get ready to be wowed by the variety of colors this hybrid can come in. Your furry friend may have a coat in a solid color like brown, tan, or black. Or, if you want to go for something a little wilder, your Boxer Pug mix may have a brindle or silver coat. A Boxer Pug mix typically has a black nose and warm, chocolatey-brown eyes. Boxer Pug Mix Temperament Get ready for lots of tail wagging and happy cuddles because the Boxer Pug mix is one playful and friendly pup! This lovable hybrid breed will be a perfect addition to your family and quickly become your best bud. But, just like any other furry friend, this breed can have its stubborn moments, especially regarding exercise and training. However, with patience and consistency, you can easily train your Box-a-Pug to be a good boy or girl. So, get ready to have a paw-some time with your new furry friend! Box-a-Pug Size The height and weight of a Box-a-Pug can vary depending on which parent dog it takes after more. On average, this hybrid breed can weigh between 15 to 25 pounds and stand around 12 to 15 inches in height at the shoulder. But as mentioned earlier, each individual dog can differ in size and weight. Providing your dog with proper nutrition, exercise, and care can also help prevent some health problems. Corneal Ulcers — Pugs are prone to developing corneal ulcers, which can also affect the Boxer Pug mix. Allergies — The Boxer Pug mix can be prone to allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and skin irritation. Allergies can be caused by various factors such as food, pollen, or dust. Heart Problems — Boxers are prone to certain heart conditions such as aortic stenosis, which can also affect the Boxer Pug mix. Dental Problems — Pugs have dental issues such as overcrowding and misalignment of teeth, which can also affect the Boxer Pug mix. Maintaining good dental hygiene in this breed is important to prevent dental problems. The life span of a Pug Boxer mix is typically between 10 to 15 years, depending on their health and other factors. Regular walks or playtime can help keep them healthy and prevent obesity, which can lead to other health problems. Additionally, mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys , or interactive play can help prevent boredom and anxiety. Pug Boxer Mix Exercise Some great ways to exercise your Pug Boxer mix include taking them on walks, playing fetch, playing tug-of-war, and playing with interactive toys. This will help keep their minds active and prevent boredom. Remember that every dog is different, so you may need to adjust their exercise routine based on their energy levels and health. Poxer Feeding The amount of grub your doggo needs is based on its weight. And nobody wants a chunky pupper, right? But if you want to keep your fur baby full throughout the day, try breaking their meals into smaller portions. You can even buy an automatic feeder that dispenses multiple meals daily. Talk about living in luxury, am I right? When choosing the right chow for your doggo, check out the ingredients. Make sure the food has a variety of protein, carbs, and veggies. And, if you want your doggo to have serious muscles like mine, make sure the first few ingredients are packed with protein, like fish, chicken, or red meats. Box-a-Pug puppies need special small-breed puppy food high in protein and nutrients to help them grow. Brace yourself because it can be a bit of a challenge. But fear not, my human friend! Consistency is key. If you stick with it, you can teach your pup all sorts of impressive tricks and commands. Begin with the basics, like sit, stay, and shake. Always use positive reinforcement, like treats or belly rubs, to reward good behavior. Be patient with your furry friend, though. Otherwise, things could get a bit smelly and gross. So, grab some Q-tips and a washcloth and get to work! Remember to dry those folds, though, or it could lead to infection. Sensitive skin alert! No one likes long, sharp nails or infected ears, right? These little guys are rare, so finding a reputable breeder can take patience and persistence. But trust us; finding the right breeder for your furry new friend is worth the effort. One thing that might make the search easier is that hybrid dogs tend to be less expensive than their purebred counterparts. An adoption is always an option! Check with your local animal shelters to see if Boxer Pug mixes are available for adoption. You might just find your new best friend waiting for you there. Female dogs of different sizes and breeds can have varying numbers of puppies in a litter. Boxers tend to have a larger litter, with five to seven little pups. Meanwhile, Pugs have smaller litters, typically four to six adorable pups. With dogs, anything is paw-sible! Key Takeaways This is part of the article that will give you all the juicy deets about the Boxer Pug mix. Are you ready for some paw-some information? Here are the most impawtant things you need to know: The Boxer Pug mix, also known as the Poxer or the Box-a-Pug, is a blend of two pawsitively popular breeds. These affectionate pups make the perfect pawtners for families, but beware, they can sometimes be a bit stubborn. You can help your pup overcome this pesky trait with proper training and patience. Expect your Box-a-Pug to be a small to medium-sized doggo. As with any breed, there are some health issues to keep an eye out for. Regular checkups with your vet will help ensure a happy and healthy pup. Your fur-baby only needs thirty to forty minutes of exercise per day. Make sure you feed your pooch high-quality food based on their size. Every doggo is different, so the food they need may vary. Training your Boxer Pug mix will take some patience and consistency. These low-maintenance dogs only need minimal grooming to keep them looking sharp. When looking for a furry friend, always opt for a reputable breeder or consider adopting from a shelter. Steer clear of pet stores or puppy mills. Your preference!! This will truly depend on the size of the parent breeds producing the puppies. Typically, the Boxer Pug mix falls into a small to medium size dog category. The estimated weight range of this mix is between 20 to 25 pounds. How Much is a Boxer Pug Mix? The price for a Boxer Pug mix puppy will range from breeder to breeder. Most of the time, hybrid dog breeds are more affordable than purebred dog breeds. This is different for each dog because each dog may have different or their own health problems. Your dog may live longer than another Boxer Pug mix. The estimated life span range is 10 to 15 years. Again your dog may live longer, less, or right in that range. Lifespan Sociability Pugs are one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the world, so they come at a high price. Factors like size and facial structure influence this hybrid more than most hybrids since most potential Box-a-Pug owners are looking for Boxer-Pug mixes that have the boxer face with a pug body. Box-a-Pugs might not be easy to find at dog shelters but you can always ask if they have a mixed-breed dog that resembles the Box-a-Pug. They have a protective nature that comes from their Boxer traits, with a surprisingly deep bark for a smaller-sized dog. Box-a-Pugs are Couch Potatoes While Box-a-Pugs can have lots of energy in their younger years, the Pug side mellows out the hyperactivity that comes with most Boxer hybrids. One way to prepare is to look at the temperaments of both the Boxer and the Pug to get a better idea about the possible personality traits your Box-a-Pug may possess. Known as the class clowns of the purebred dog world, Boxers are energetic and athletic dogs that enjoy living life to the fullest. Though they may be silly and goofy, Boxers are quite smart and are great with obedience. Pugs are inquisitive dogs that enjoy spending time with their favorite person. Although their distinctive bossiness can be a handful, their caring and loving nature are what makes them one of the most popular breeds to date. Box-a-Pugs often enjoy quality time with their favorite people, which comes from both purebred personalities. Box-a-Pugs have the potential to be sociable and friendly but will need to be socialized early and frequently to prevent aggressive issues with strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Box-a-Pugs can do well with families that have older children since their smaller size can make them somewhat fragile. Box-a-Pugs crave attention and will love spending time with the family, but they may struggle to keep up with highly active families. However, if properly introduced or raised together with other animals, Box-a-Pugs can do well in households with other pets. We recommend a high-quality, medium-energy dry kibble with fiber to aid with digestion. At a minimum, your Box-a-Pug will need a few brisk walks and some mental stimulation to maintain a healthy mind and body. However, some Box-a-Pugs inherit the high energy level of the Boxer and will need much more than walking to keep them content. If your Box-a-Pug has lots of energy and is cleared for vigorous exercise, consider trying a canine sport to maintain weight and muscle. To avoid serious stubbornness, make sure you take your Box-a-Pug for walks to help relieve some excess energy. Box-a-Pugs can benefit greatly from group obedience classes to help with training and socialization. If you seem to be struggling with your Box-a-Pup, these classes can be a fun confidence booster while also teaching your puppy the basics in obedience. Weekly brushing to help get rid of loose fur and the occasional bath will help reduce the amount of shedding. Boxers tend to shed more in certain seasons, so you should expect your Box-a-Pug to be similar. Both breeds also have other concerns that make their lifespans shorter than other breeds, but Box-a-Pugs seem to have longer lifespans than their purebred counterparts. Females usually live longer than Male Boxer Pugs. Temperament Intelligent, perfect watchdogs, playful, friendly, excellent with children. Knowing what your Boxer Pugs will be like is a gamble, but the breed is known to have some standard features you can expect. Boxers are large dogs, while Pugs are small. While Boxers have a smoother coat than pugs, you still have to give them weekly brushing to keep their coats healthy looking. Boxers only undergo occasional shedding, whereas Pugs regularly shed. Together, a Boxer Cross Pug makes a medium size dog. However, there are some instances when the Boxer mixed with Pug end up being large dogs. You can expect an average life span for your Pug and Boxer Mix of around years. Boxer Pug Cross make family dogs and companion because of their loving and charming personality, though Pugs show an individual trait of being mischievous. Nevertheless, they are both excellent at supervising children and get along with other dogs. Both breeds are smart, but training Boxers are easier than with Pugs. Finding a Boxer Pug is easy, as the breed is generally favored because of its great personality and features. But before buying online, you have to be strategic and smart with your purchase. Choose from a breeder who is known to be good at breeding dogs, and who can guarantee that the parents of the pup are healthy. Make sure to genetically filter your animals first, because you can avoid experiencing unexpected bad personality behaviors or health concerns. This way. You can personally visit their shop and see the conditions of the dog, and it is one of the most definite ways to see how legit their business is, and the breeders would gladly be proud of their property. Ask your friends for a referral. If you already have friends who own a similar breed or other mix breeds, asked them how their experience was with that particular seller. You want to watch out for signs that point to the seller being dishonest. Approach your local shelter or vets for recommendations. Asking their opinion about mix breeds and breeding practices should help you with your decisions. Ask if they have any suggestion for breeders, or if they also have particular kinds which they can recommend for you. Always get a guarantee from your breeder; in cases, your puppy shows health problems. Grooming them is easy, and here are some basic things you have to observe. Brush their coat at least two to three times a week, to keep their fur looking excellent and clean. Clean the folds and wrinkles on their body. Doing so prevents bacteria from breeding. Check their eyes, and clean any dirt surrounding the area. The breed is known for suffering health injuries on the eye, and you want to prevent any harm from these areas as much as possible. Make sure to cover the simple basics of regularly cleaning their ears and eyes, trimming their nails, and brushing their coats. However, because of their flat face, their eyes are sometimes prone to injury. Here are some common health conditions which Boxer Pug Cross are prone to having. Hip Dysplasia — most of the time, this condition has something to do with the genetic component of the dog, and Pugs are one of the dogs known to have this component. Through time, the condition can put a strain on the muscles of your dogs and cause them extreme pain. Here are some of its common signs: Limping. It will likely be a small to medium-sized dog, that will likely have a flat nose, like the Pug, but a slightly longer snout — like the Boxer. You can expect your Boxer Pug mix to be a slightly larger dog than your average Pug, with a rounder belly and longer than the average Pug. Their ears will likely droop downward, like the Boxer. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. We can also surmise that the Boxer Pug mix first appeared sometime during the late s or early s when mixed breeding of dogs first peaked in popularity in the United States. The History of the Boxer The Boxer has a history that stretches back to 19th Germany, where they bred as bull-baiting dogs — a cruel sport in which dogs were released into a field with an angry bull and ran until either the dog was killed, or the bull collapsed from exhaustion. Later, Boxers were employed as slaughterhouse dogs — helping butchers herd cattle into pens. Despite their relatively late introduction to America, Boxers have become relatively popular family dogs over the last seven or eight decades. Given their small size and weight, Boxers are generally considered to be good family dogs. Aside from this, they are loving and affectionate dogs with moderate energy levels. The exact history of the crossbreeding of Boxers is largely undocumented, though, given their size and temperament, they tend to be a fairly popular cross with other breeds of a similar size. Some popular crossbreeds with Boxers include:.

We have answers. All you need to do first is check out the adorable Indianapolis French Bulldogs for sale, and enjoy their sweet faces! When you see a pup you love, send their breeder a message and take it from there. They can give you all the information you need to find out more about how to add that sweet pup to your family. What kind of dog is the French Bulldog? French Bulldog puppies Indianapolis excel as family companions, and they love nothing more than snuggling up with their owners. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than most breeds? The breeding process that French Bulldog breeders in Indianapolis have to go through to guarantee the health and welfare of both female dogs and their pups is much more complicated than for most breeds. The narrow hips of the Frenchie means females have to be inseminated artificially, and then have their pups born via C-section. As a result, French Bulldog breeders Indianapolis have to charge more for their puppies. Can I collect my puppy up in person? You sure can! The partners in our network are total pros at helping to arrange for your puppy to travel to their new forever home. How do you guarantee transparency of breeders with French Bulldogs for sale in Indianapolis? Our high standards mean that every company on our network has to undergo a rigorous application process before they can advertise their French Bulldogs for sale Indianapolis on Uptown. How do I know my puppy will be healthy? That means each Frenchie pup will have a full pre-purchase veterinary examination, and of course you can see those results. We suggest booking an initial checkup for your new pup with your own veterinarian once you bring your puppy home too. Do you recommend particular food for French Bulldogs? That means the best food for your pup might not suit another dog. Your veterinarian can help you develop a feed regime to suit your Frenchie perfectly. Bear in mind too that these pups can easily gain weight if fed a little too much! Do you sell the cheapest puppies? Instead, we want to provide a boutique experience where you get looked after every step of the way. Each business on Uptown can set their own prices for their Indianapolis French Bulldog for sale but rest assured, they provide a five-star service as well as the best pups out there! How much exercise does French Bulldogs need? French Bulldog puppies in Indianapolis are definitely not as energetic as some other breeds. Their squashed faces mean you need to take particular care not to over exercise your Frenchie in humid or hot weather, as they can struggle to breathe. Are French Bulldogs good family dogs? Each French Bulldog for sale Indianapolis wants nothing more than to belong to a family ready to shower them with love. From playing with kids to napping with the grandparents, these little pups truly enjoy spending as much time as possible with their families. Clever personality French Bulldog Temperament French bulldogs are very easy-going pups and are considered the ultimate lap dog. The French bulldog temperament is one-of-a-kind, switching from couch potato to an Indy racer. French bulldogs are freethinkers and will do what they want, which can sometimes help or hinder their training. There are other French bulldog colors like black and white, and blue, but those coat colors are not recognized by the AKC. French Bulldog Health This breed is sensitive to heat and prone to breathing issues due to the structure of their signature wrinkled face. So keep an eye on the temperature of your home and pay close attention to your pup when you are playing in the sun or getting in that minute daily walk on hotter days. What to Expect Living with French Bulldog Puppies French bulldogs are considered one of the best indoor dog breeds and best dogs for apartment living. Frenchies generally sleep for about 12 to 14 hours a day when they reach maturity, but as a pup, expect up to 18 hours a day. Training a French Bulldog Puppy Since this breed is full of free thinkers, they can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training. With research and loving commitment, we as Havanese breeders , Coton de Tulear, and French bulldog breeders in Nappanee, Indiana, have been able to raise some of the most outstanding pups. Wayne, Indiana, and Chicago, we are dedicated to providing the best Havanese puppies , Coton de Tulear and French bulldog puppies to wonderful families who will love and care for them. Family Puppies takes great pride in our French bulldog puppies for sale in Indiana and would love to help you in deciding which puppy is right for you and your family. For more information about our French bulldog puppies, call us at ! Quick Contact.

When you find that one puppy that you are interested in, then you can then start to look at different German Shepherd breeders to find out more about them. You can find them at the local pound, pet stores, dog breeding facilities, and through the German Shepherd Rescue organizations in your area. Before you adopt one of these wonderful dogs, it is important to research their care as much as possible. You will want to make sure that they get all that they need and are raised in a loving environment. One of the easiest ways to do this is to adopt from a local, established, and reputable rescue group. If you have the time and financial means, you should definitely adopt from a local German Shepherd rescue group. However, if you are not comfortable adopting a dog from them, then you will want to make sure that you look into finding one on your own. There are a few different options that you have for where to adopt a German Shepherd puppy. The first place that you may look into when you want to adopt a German Shepherd Puppies Lafayette Indiana for a low cost would be the internet. By searching on the internet, you will be able to find dozens of potential places that have German Shepherd puppies for sale or rent. The key is to know that you will be getting a puppy for a low cost. There are a lot of unscrupulous people out there who are selling puppies that are of high quality but at an insanely low price. If you are going to commit to one dog, make sure that you get one from a reputable place. The second place that you might want to look into when you want to adopt a German Shepherd puppy is your local animal shelter. These shelters have a lot of resources on how to adopt a dog, but unfortunately, sometimes they have very limited resources when it comes to the care and the homes of the dogs that they have to put up. This is why it is important to call ahead and see if the shelter has any German Shepherd puppies available before you make any commitments. If the shelter does not have any available German Shepherds, then they may have information on where you can go to adopt one. If neither of these two options is the way that you want to adopt a German Shepherd puppy, then you will need to look into private German Shepherd rescue organizations. These organizations will usually have a lot of German Shepherd puppies for sale and you can often take care of them without having to make any kind of commitment. The only thing that you have to make sure of when it comes to owning a German Shepherd dog is to make sure that you get it very carefully. After you have found a place to adopt German Shepherds, then you will need to make sure that you get them acquainted with the rest of the family. This should start the day that you bring your new puppy home. You should begin by playing with the dog, seeing how it reacts to people and other dogs. Try to spend time with it each day and to get to know it as best as you can. This will be the best chance that you have to get to know your dog so that you can help make sure that it has a good life. When you are getting to know your puppy, it will become friendlier and be more comfortable around people and other dogs. If you live in Louisiana, then there should be a lot of German Shepherd breeders that are close by. You can even look for recommendations from other people who have owned their own German Shepherd puppies. After you have found one, then you can start to visit the breeder to see what they have available. This will give you a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid. This will also let you know if they have German Shepherd puppies for sale that they are selling or if they are just renting their space. By taking your time and looking around, you will be able to find the best deal and make the best decision for your puppy. Share this:. Mixed with what, we have no idea. The littermates look quite different from one another so it is quite possible that there was more than one daddy. Did you know that littermates can have different fathers? I was suprised when I found out! Doesn't say much for the morals of the momma.Anyway, this is a precious litter of puppies, each and everyone hoping for a wonderful home! Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage, they are calmly confident, but not hostile. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary. Serious and almost human in his intelligence, they have a high learning ability. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. Shepherds have a life expectancy around 13 years. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's brother, Keno the Shepherd Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's sister, Anastasia the Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's brother, Chase the Shepherd Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's brother, Stackhouse the Shepherd Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's brother, Sixer the Shepherd Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's sister, Alexis the Shepherd Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. Lafayette the Shepherd Puppy's sister, Sooki the Shepherd Puppy adopted can also be seen on our website. If interested and you meet the specified requirements, please complete an application on our website at www. No cats, Fenced yard required! Meet Godfrey. This 5 year old, 82 pound Shepherd is sweet and goofy. Godfrey is very much a velcro dog that wants to be by your side. He is friendly, but protective of his house. He will initially bark at visitors, but will settle quickly. Godfrey pulls on leash, so someone capable of working with him, strong enough to handle him and has a fenced yard is ideal. He is eager to please and a quick learner. He seems to be bell trained for the door. Godfrey is also very house trained and crate trained. He has a very comical personality and will make you laugh. We adore this bigGodfrey is good with children. He is a bit dog selective. He has lived most of his life with a playful, medium sized female in the home. He tends to not be good with larger male dogs or any other dominant dog in general; he seems to like female dogs the best. Godfrey should not be in a home with cats. We do have an appointment to take off a minor sebaceous cyst on the very top of his head at Wea Animal Hospital in Lafayette later this month. Otherwise, Godfrey is fully up to date on vetting. He is neutered, up to date on shots, microchipped, and heartworm negative. If interested in meeting Godfrey, please complete an application on our website at www. Sponsor Meet Godfrey Please read entire description. If interested and you meet the specified requirements, please complete an application on our website at www. No cats, Fenced yard required! Meet Godfrey. This 5 year old, 82 pound Shepherd is sweet and goofy. Godfrey is very much a velcro dog that wants to be by your side. He is friendly, but protective of his house. He will initially bark at visitors, but will settle quickly. Godfrey pulls on leash, so someone capable of working with him, strong enough to handle him and has a fenced yard is ideal. He is eager to please and a quick learner. He seems to be bell trained for the door. Godfrey is also very house trained and crate trained. He has a very comical personality and will make you laugh. We adore this big Godfrey is good with children. He is a bit dog selective. He has lived most of his life with a playful, medium sized female in the home. He tends to not be good with larger male dogs or any other dominant dog in general; he seems to like female dogs the best. Godfrey should not be in a home with cats. We do have an appointment to take off a minor sebaceous cyst on the very top of his head at Wea Animal Hospital in Lafayette later this month. Otherwise, Godfrey is fully up to date on vetting. He is neutered, up to date on shots, microchipped, and heartworm negative. If interested in meeting Godfrey, please complete an application on our website at www. Considering Godfrey for adoption?

She was beautiful, smart and healthy. She has been a joy and a blessing. A few months ago she started dragging her back legs. The weakness is progressing. She has been diagnosed with a genetic neurological disorder, degenerative myelopathy. This is a genetic disorder that should not be bred and passed on. It doesn't present until the dog is older. Professional Breeders are responsible for testing for defective genes. I have seen 2 other people post on here about their dogs having this genetic disorder. Their dogs are at the same age group as my girl. It breaks my heart and angers me that my girl will have to go through this degenerative disease process. It has no cure and is purely genetic. So now.I will love her and support her as long as possible. This disease and death sentence was bred by Heidelberg Kennels. Chanda McDonald a year ago My family and I love this place. The products are great, and so is the detail to our dogs. Ynot mz Beautiful German Shepherds. My Shepherd paying tribute to veterans. Elvin Carrera Laura is probably the best trainer we have ever worked with for our huskies Michele C 2 years ago My heartfelt story. Heidelberg has beautiful GSD. I got the love of my life GSD in .You can test and breed this disease from the litters. Randy Toranzo Great service, they take care of my dogs as well as I do.James Storey Great breeder of German shepherds! Patricia Steen 2 years ago I recommend anyone who wants to purchase a German Shepherd, this is the place!!!! They take really good care of your dog and their needs. M L 2 years ago I have been taking my 2 pit mixes to Heidelberg for a few years now. The staff is so friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely care about the dogs there. My female hates getting her nails done and will fight to the death. The guys made her feel safe and took their time and now she has no issues. My male isn't friendly with strangers so we board them when we have company overnight or go out of town. He loves it here and they get super excited when we say we're going to Heidelberg! The food they recommended us to feed is outstanding and has saved our dogs, my female skin issues have gone down tremendously and they no longer smell like a dog and shed less. I cannot say enough good things about this place and the staff treat us and our fur babies like family. Since the moment I entered their door they kindness was extraordinary. I was introduced to Laura the trainer, my experience with her was unbeatable she had my dog for only 4 weeks and the transformation was radical. Today my dog has never broken anything in our home anymore and walking is pleasant not a pulling nightmare. Thank you so much Laura, your help and services has brought joy to our home. Mo Alziq Great facility- very educational on transition and adoption. So glad to have found this place. Moe Merriweather 2 years ago After hearing my friend explain how they have been treating her when she had questions about what happened to her dog I could not help but to write a review.Adriana Longoria Everyone was nice and i fell more in love with the German Shepherds. .Desmond Lenard 2 years ago My Dog went there perfectly normal and came out with infection. Terrible place to bring your dog. My wife called the owner and they had attitude. Honestly they are annoying with how much they care. They told me I couldn't have my dog bc I wasn't able to pay for his food, but it was all out of the care for the puppy. He also returned home with tics and fleas. Tareva Lenard 2 years ago If you love your animals, do not bring them here! My dog was boarded for three days and left with red eyes and an allergic reaction which they blamed on seasonal allergies and owner neglect. The owner refused to take any responsibility and said "tough luck". My three year old Boxer Pit was perfectly healthy when he was dropped off. They were more concerned with me calling after hours than the health of my dog. One star is too high of a rating for this place. Please don't bring your animals here! Save yourself and your animals the heartache. Read other 1 star reviews and see their patterns. I regret sending him and I'm praying for a speedy recovery. Katelyn Kimbrough Wonderful staff, super friendly environment. I absolutely love it!!! Fernandez 2 years ago As a kid, we got my first GS from Heidelberg. He was not only beautiful but extremely intelligent and the best family dog. Now as an adult, I have my second GS from here, and she is more than I expected! I also take her back to get groomed every month. They really care for their dogs at Heidelberg. Ron Eickelman 2 years ago These people know everything about there dogs. Not just a breeder pushing out pups for pay. Very happy with the puppy and very happy with how we and the dogs are treated. Dagney Taggart 2 years ago Knowledgeable and share their knowledge. Great place to get quality kibble and nutritional supplements without paying extra for hype. Ashleigh Spruell 2 years ago We recently boarded our German Shepard male here and would not recommend this place to anyone. If Google had a way to give negative stars that is what I would rate them. We picked him up and his nose was bleeding, skin removed and has something green stuck to his nose. This picture is two days after we picked him up. They sell you on how they take care of the dogs fed them fresh food, take them to play at the lake which turns out to by lies. Rick Holman Been buying food from them for years. Whitney Enquist 2 years ago I love this place!! Never found a place that would do that before. I highly recommend Heidelberg! Torri Lancaster They got beautiful German shepherds and really good prices and pedigrees Thomas E Puryear 2 years ago Was told about an experience at this place by a friend. Boarded my shepherd here for a week and they took the best care of her. She returned home smelling wonderful, nails clipped, ears cleaned, super soft coat. The workers and owner were very friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend this kennel to anyone friends and family. Heck, I'm thinking of sending her for the day just to get groomed again. The prices are very reasonable. Sonia Kelly 2 years ago Love having Ruthie and Rueger. Best thing that has happened to our family. The temperament of both is really amazing! Deon Atkins 2 years ago This place is amazing. My 8month puppy went for training with Laura and now I can walk with my puppy with no pulling, she listens to commands, and she is so calm at home now. The staff is very professional and friendly. When I picked my puppy up she clean, nails were cut and buffed, ears were clean. She will be back for her next set if training in the next few month. If your looking for a great training facility and product this is the place to go. Contents 1. Liberty German Shepherd Breeder Liberty Shepherds is a renowned breeder of German Shepherds known for their exceptional quality and temperament. With a commitment to breeding only the best, Liberty Shepherds has earned a reputation for producing world-class dogs perfect for families. Set on a sprawling 7-acre property just outside the charming town of Liberty Hill, the dogs at Liberty Shepherds are like family and receive exceptional care and attention. Whether looking for a loyal and protective companion or a beautiful and healthy puppy, Liberty Shepherds is the perfect place to find your dream dog. At Liberty Shepherds, they take pride in their commitment to breeding world-class German Shepherds with excellent pedigrees and a long history of titled bloodlines in each of their breedings. They have adorable German shepherd puppies for sale in Houston that are raised with utmost care and attention. The goal of Liberty Shepherds is to grow and cultivate well-rounded puppies before sending them home. Before your new puppy comes home, it will have spent weeks regularly handled by children and introduced to environmental noises such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, or weed whackers. Dogs will also interact with well-tempered adults. This breeder also offers continued training for your dog through a training program and a military discount. Contact them for more details. Eugene Thompson and Mr. Wayne Richards pronounced Ri-shard. Her kennel was founded on Grand Victor GV Harrigan, whom many claims were the greatest shepherd that ever lived. From the same lines that produced GV Harrigan, gave rise to the Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs, as well as, many of the other highly regarded top producing kennels in the United States. Unfortunately, many of these other kennels went another direction in their breeding in the late s and early s by producing a more extreme show dog type of German Shepherd that is over angulated. In addition, these top kennels in many cases disregarded temperament. Our guidelines to breeding the Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs are, first and foremost, temperament, followed by health, and finally, show quality and appearance. More than champions later and several thousands of satisfied owners of the Heidelberg type of German Shepherd Dogs, we continue breeding Heidelberg German Shepherds that are world-renowned. We continue to use the Heidelberg name because we do not breed these dogs for our ego to have some contrivance of our last name to label our dogs with and to collect accolades. Rather we breed these shepherds for the future generations that will enjoy and love these wonderful German Shepherd Dogs, as we do, long after us. Why change the name? American vs. European: One Disclaimer: Before reading, the following note that we are providing only anecdotal evidence that we have witnessed with our eyes. Throughout the years, we have observed that the biggest cowards and least trainable dogs consistently are the so-called import German shepherd dogs. For example, when the owner brings their import out for boarding, the import will have its hackle up and be extremely aggressive towards staff, even to the point of snapping at our staff. This aggression is unfounded, and these shepherds are potential liabilities for their owners. However, after the owner leaves, these same dogs become cowards. They consistently refuse to socialize with other dogs or staff and coward in the corners of their kennels. This type of temperament would not protect their owners if a real threat materialized. For example, while these dogs are being aggressive towards staff, a quick step towards them would send them cowering behind their owners. This is not the correct German shepherd temperament. Keystone German shepherds are not aggressive towards strangers and do not coward from threats. Our dogs are aloof toward strangers until they learn that they are friendly, in which time they will readily accept the stranger as a family friend. Likewise, if the stranger proves to be a threat to family or property, our shepherds may provide a warning growl. At this point, if the bad actor does not cease, but continues with their aggressive behavior, they may be met with a bite. At this time, the perpetrator will again be allowed to stop with their aggressive actions; however, our shepherds may meet additional aggressive acts with increasing aggression. This is the correct protective temperament of the German shepherd dogs. This natural, innate protective behavior, by our dogs, is not learned and cannot be trained, and it may keep you from being sued. The correct shepherd temperament is discerning and controlled. Note: all breeds of dogs can become liabilities if untrained or improperly trained. The European or import shepherd purposely is bred to be high-strung and restless. They breed these dogs to be high energy translated as high maintenance for the very demanding sport of Schutzhund and police work. This is a very legitimate pursuit, and necessary for the production of police and military dogs. However, let us be realistic, for every puppy produced that would excel at this sport or as a working dog, these breeders produce several cull dogs for which they have to find homes. Some of these breeders sell these cull dogs to the unsuspecting public. Invariably they will sell these dogs to families that are ill-equipped to deal with a nervous, high-strung dog that must be occupied or they become destructive. These are the very same dogs that we see time again being boarded at our kennels. Our shepherds while capable at excelling at Schutzhund and police work are even-tempered. They are bred to be relaxed and calm. Our shepherds are happy to lie down next to you while you watch television or if asked to herd livestock or play fetch. They are focused on you and your activities. This is what we believe is the correct shepherd temperament, which is a pleasure to live with. We had a European breeder come out to our kennels to try to show us how superior his European lines were to our American lines. He brought out his prize stud. This dog was released from his crate and took off running around our property. After minutes of this man trying to catch his prize import to demonstrate him to us, we told him that we had to get back to work. The man finally caught his dog and left. We never saw him again. Our dogs never run off from us. Our dogs are true shepherds and as such, they are herding dogs. They herd us by observing us, they love us, and we become their sole purpose in life. For example, while at dog shows, we exercise our dogs off-leash several times a day. We usually find a big open field so that they can run and play. A competitor once asked us why we would take the chance of losing one of our valuable show dogs by letting them off the lead. I responded that we are not taking any risks because if our dogs wander too far, all we have to do is call their name and they come to us at a full run. Our competitors exercise their dogs at the shows in small pens because their dogs will run off and not return. We had another Schutzhund trainer come out to purchase one of our puppies. He had seen one of our dogs at a Schutzhund event and he was quite impressed with its working abilities. European: Two American vs. European: Two However, because of years of propaganda about how inept American lines are, he could not bring himself to purchase one of our puppies. He left our place muttering that these dogs cannot be this good. The poor man wanted one of our puppies so bad, but he could not let go of his incorrect biases. I also suspect that the man was afraid of the grief that he would receive from his schutzhund friends if he showed up with one of our American bred, German shepherd Dogs. We had another misguided import breeder challenge our dogs and their temperaments. He asked us if he could come out and perform temperament tests on our puppies. We obliged him. He ran through all his tests with our puppies passing all of his tests. Perplexed and frustrated, the man picked up a large stainless steel bowl and threw it down as hard as he could on concrete in the middle of the six-week-old puppies. The puppies reacted as any normal living thing would by running a few steps from the loud noise and then turning to investigate. They were scared; your dogs have terrible temperaments. Structurally many shepherds have been bred to be deficient. Both European and American lines have their specific problems. Many American lines have been bred to have severe angulations and slopes to their backs, that forces these dogs to run on their hocks or to flip their hocks in and out of their body line to provide leg clearance while trotting. This can be readily viewed by watching a dog trot away from you. The correct motion when viewing a dog in a trot moving away from you is that the rear legs and hocks should move in straight lines in an economy of motion. We breed our dogs to be structurally correct, and thus movement is fluid without wasted motion or energy. Likewise, many imports have been bred to have an imbalance with strong shoulders with weak and underdeveloped rear legs. These dogs are two-wheel drive only. You can see this best when they are on a lead and digging in, thus driving with their front legs almost dragging their rear legs. This has been taken to the extreme with some of the import lines, which can be best seen with what is termed as a roached back. This roached back results in a downward tilt of the pelvis and curved spine, which weakens the rear legs and negating a fluid trot. Most all modern imports and European dogs have very short and choppy strides. This short and choppy stride results in very inefficient movement. These dogs would be poor herding dogs and would quickly tire much quicker than shepherds with correct and efficient movement. Take note of the heads of many of the modern European and import shepherds. Due to the shorter snout, the jaw of many imports was forced to be wider because teeth have not changed in size or number It is very difficult genetically to change teeth the jaws and head of imports have become wider to accommodate all the teeth. Notice also the lack of leg bone thickness on many of the import shepherds. Many of these dogs have a petite bone structure, which is undesirable for herding or working dogs. The bones need to be substantial and strong to avoid breakage in the field or while bringing down a criminal. A dog with a broken leg cannot perform its job. Nature does not make mistakes over the long-term. Compare shapes and angles by examining several pictures of the wolf compared to the import and our dogs. Then examine and compare pictures of our German Shepherd Dogs vs. The difference will become evident in these visual comparisons. Do not buy into the propaganda that imports are inherently superior to all American lines. This propaganda was started as a sales technique to get unsuspecting purchasers to pay more for inferior and sometimes extremely ugly shepherds. If examined and investigated with an open and intelligent mind, you will come to the conclusion that our Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs are superior in temperament, structure, and natural beauty than most all other lines and types of shepherds whether European, imported, or American. What is beautiful? Researchers have attempted to define beauty. The overwhelming consensus in defining what is beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to the eye was found to be in Form and Function, Balance, and Symmetry of the object considered. The Heidelberg shepherd meets these definitions of beauty. Few scenes in life are as invigorating and stimulating as watching a Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog running in a flying trot across an open grassy field. The opposite is true! Our German shepherds are loving, sweet, and gentle dogs, especially around small children. Supplements and Supplies We offer everything that is needed to bring home a new puppy from toys, collars, to water and feeding bowls. The prices and quality are exceptional and, we are likely less expensive than big wholesale houses such as PetsMart because our overhead is lower. In addition, we provide one of the best vitamin supplements available. Our Pure Total Vitamin Supplement meets the micro and macro-nutritional requirements needed by your growing German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adult. These nutrients cannot be obtained from the diet alone. Have you seen puppies eat dirt or grass? They do this because their nutritional requirements are not being met. Our supplement contains diatomaceous earth, brewers yeast, active yeast enzymes, vitamins B complexes, E, and C, kelp, flax seed meal, chicken liver powder, brewers yeast, selenimum, complex amino acids, Omega oils, and fishmeal. We also provide the purest contaminant free cod liver oil available in one-quart bottles that will last approximately 3 months. Our cod liver oil is human grade and many of customers use it for their own nutritional regime. Keystone Store Vaccinations We start vaccinations on our puppies at six weeks using Duramune Vaccines. Our first series of shots include distemper and parvo. At six and nine weeks we vaccinate for Distemper, Parvo live and killed , Adenovirus Type 2, and parainfluenza, and corona. At 12 weeks we vaccinate for all the above including 4-Leptospira Canicola — Icterohagiae Bacterin. This same shot is repeated at 16 and 20 weeks and then again at 6 months. Since following this vaccination regime, we have not had any puppies get sick. We also inoculate for rabies between four and six months followed by an annual booster then biannually after age three. Oklahoma rabies is required annually for the first two shots and then bi-annually. We sell puppy shots and adult shots for a fraction of the cost of going to a veterinarian clinic. Our vaccines are always fresh and up to date. For example, we were one of the first kennels to receive the new vaccines that protect against the new strain of Canine parvovirus type 2 CPV.Since we are not veterinarians it is illegal in Oklahoma for us to administer shots to dogs not owned or co-owned by us. Our vaccines are easily administered intramuscularly by injecting the needle quickly into the meaty part of the rear hip. We usually have an assistant hold the puppy in the air with the rear leg hanging loosely relaxed and the puppy does not even know it has received an inoculation. For rabies shots, we administer these subcutaneous by grabbing the loose skin on the back and injecting just under the skin. Please call or text to reserve a spot. We do tend to fill up during major holidays. Space is limited. We will board at no charge and breed your female every other day to a stud dog of your choice. Stud fees are nonrefundable, although if female fails to get pregnant you may bring her out for an additional breeding. If a third breeding is necessary, we will require that a veterinarian examine the female to ensure fertility before we attempt the third breeding. If your female is a virgin, no brucellosis test is required. However, if she has previously been bred to a dog other than a Heidelberg, we require a brucellosis test. Full-Service Grooming We offer full-service grooming. Training Many times throughout the year, we offer free group obedience and conformation training on Saturday mornings. See our Show Info page for dates and times of these free classes. Usually, it does not take more than one or two sessions to resolve a particular problem or to teach your Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog, puppy or adolescent basic obedience commands. We also have many of our dogs being trained in search and rescue, herding, and as service dogs. If you are interested in any of these training services, we can provide you with information for the best groups to contact. If you are interested in owning a champion and competing in the conformation ring, we will assist and fully support you in this endeavor. For a nominal fee, we will gladly take your dog to shows if you cannot make it yourself. In addition, we will assist you in picking out and training a future champion that will readily win so that you may avoid unnecessary expenses. We did much of the work ourselves, and after my real job, I would drive out to the property to do construction work. This particular occasion, I was on the property installing hardwood floors. Oregon became bored with my installation work and he decided to find another room with a cool place to lie down on the concrete subfloor. I stepped outside the back door to rinse out a bucket when out of the woods two very large Rottweilers came running straight towards me. I instantly could tell that these were not friendly dogs and that they were intent upon attacking me. With one Rottweiler, I could possibly defend myself, but with two, I was in real trouble. Suddenly, I felt Oregon brush across my leg as he charged to meet these two large muscular dogs. He slammed into the shoulder of the closest one knocking him over, and then Oregon latched onto the face of the other with a guttural growl. Unsettled they ran back into the woods from which they had materialized. Oregon was in hard pursuit. After I processed all that had taken place in a matter of seconds, my thoughts and concerns were redirected to Oregon. Before I could call him, a terrible noise came from the woods. I heard dogs growling, crying, screaming, and then silence. Then Oregon appeared unscathed from the woods in an extremely proud trot. Naturally, I gave him the royal treatment for the rest of the day. I am convinced that I would have been severely injured or worse if Oregon had not been there to protect me. If you need a protector for your wife or children, call us for the best home protector and baby-sitter that you will ever own. No alarm or security system short of a hour armed guard could protect your family and property as well. Nancy and the Kids Nancy has asked to remain anonymous. Nancy was 27 married with children, a boy and girl age 3 and 2, and her husband traveled a lot for his job. They had purchased their Heidelberg shortly after they were married to protect Nancy while her husband was out-of-town. In this neighborhood, the mailboxes were on the front porches. One night while alone with her two small children Nancy was awakened to the sound of a deep guttural growl, that she had never heard before. The growl caused the hair of her neck to stand. She got out of bed and followed Chance downstairs where he jumped up on the back window barking loudly. Nancy still hazy from her deep sleep thought the best thing to do was to open back door and let Chance out. Nancy called the police, and the police found that the screen was removed from the back window and that the window had been pried open. The intruder, they said, was only moments from coming in the house. A week later in the same neighborhood, an intruder broke into a house and brutally raped a woman. They never did catch this predator, but what is known is that Chance saved Nancy and her two children from a potentially brutal attack. While our kennel was small, we still had several German Shepherd Dogs that we had to divide them up and have family members care for them until we could purchase property and build kennels in Oklahoma. During these trips, Patty started to notice that every time she had high or low blood sugar Bismarck would lean over the car seat and incessantly lick her face. Patty has had juvenile diabetes since she was years-old. Sometimes with high or low sugar blood levels diabetics will not help themselves because they become confused mentally. Therefore, family members may have to force the diabetic to test and treat their sugar blood level. One day, my daughter and I had just started to watch a movie when Patty said that she was going to Wal-Mart. Two hours later, Ashley walked outside to find Patty hanging halfway out the door of her vehicle passed out and almost in a diabetic coma. Patty would check her sugar in the evenings and if it was high or low, she would then bring Kodi into the house and love on him until her sugar returned to normal levels. Kodi goes everywhere with Patty including work, restaurants, when she travels, etc. In the four years that Kodi has been a full-time Service Dog, the only serious diabetic event Patty has had is when she left Kodi at home to do some Christmas shopping in .Patty had disappeared for several hours and the entire family began calling her. When she answered the phone it was obvious that her blood sugar was low and that she did not know where she was while driving her car. We finally got her to park in a parking lot and through a lot of questioning, we pinpointed her general location. Her sister found her and got her to eat dinner, and Patty recovered. The next shopping trip, Kodi went with Patty. Kodi sleeps on the floor next to Patty and wakes her up in the middle of the night if her sugar is high or low. This is a great comfort to the family because most diabetics slip into diabetic comas or even die while asleep. This nighttime risk for diabetics is because nobody is around to know they are in trouble. He is our hero! The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed. Its large, bushy tail and hard-soled shoes are characteristic features of this breed. Heidelberg Shepherds are physically larger than the average German Shepherd. Their deep chests extend well below the elbows and their stomachs tuck slightly up. They are also extremely intelligent and loving, which makes them great family pets. Heidelberg Shepherds are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a large, gentle companion. Read on to learn more about this beautiful breed. Located in the heart of Germany, Heidelberg German Shepherd Kennel has been producing champions for decades. These dogs are bigger than most German Shepherds and are well-balanced in both size and appearance. They have long, strong bones, deep chests that extend well below the elbows, and a slight tuck-up of the stomach. The modern German Shepherd has been criticized for deviating from the original ideology of the breed founder Max von Stephanitz. He believed that German Shepherds should be bred for their working qualities and that breeding should be strict enough to eliminate defects. Unfortunately, the modern German Shepherd has moved away from this philosophy and is prone to genetic problems, including folded ears. To avoid problems like this, you can try Dr. To keep the Heidelberg German Shepherd healthy, you will need to engage in activities like walking, mental games, and training sessions. They need a lot of exercises, and a large yard is the best place to do this. Otherwise, your dog may develop destructive behaviors due to boredom. Fortunately, these dogs are extremely intelligent and trainable. In addition, they are relatively easy to train. Despite their stubbornness, German Shepherds are generally easy to train. Good German Shepherd breeders will show their dogs in reputable confirmation shows and participate in other performance events. Check out our overall page for a list of German Shepherd breeders. You can also search for individual breeders on our website. We hope this article has helped you make a decision about which German Shepherd breed to choose! When choosing a German Shepherd puppy, you must know which type of work best fits your lifestyle. A working dog will have a stable temperament. The Heidelberg German Shepherd is one of the few bloodlines where working and temperament are both essential. This breed was bred for protection and working and therefore, had a working title and hip clearances. The German registry is far healthier and more stable than the American bloodlines. This is why German Shepherds are such a good choice for family pets. Their thick coats can be either short or long. They can come in thirteen different colors. They are very intelligent dogs, but can also be difficult to train. The German Shepherd was originally developed for working and herding purposes and the first German Shepherd to be bred was named Horand by the famous dog breeder von Stephanitz. There are two distinct varieties of color in the Heidelberg German Shepherd. The black and tan German Shepherd and the black and cream German Shepherd. Both are beautiful, but the black and cream color is slightly more popular. German Shepherds with black and tan coats are considered rare. The German Shepherd is also available in bi-colored colors, but they are not as common. Listed below is a brief history of German Shepherds. When choosing a German Shepherd breed, you can find many beautiful colors in this breed. They breed for health, temperament, and conformation. These breeders also offer lifetime support and AKC registration papers. Share this:.

Rachael Ray Nutrish is another brand I love for Labrador Retriever puppies as it is packed with DHA for healthy brain and eye development and specially formulated for young, growing dogs. You can also select different sizes and recipes. My favorite is chicken and brown rice. Bedding And Toys Lab puppies need quality bedding and toys for teething. Labrador puppies grow quickly and have sharp claws and teeth. Puppies also go through a teething phase and will need special teething toys to help soothe their sore mouths and help keep your furniture safe. As far as bedding, the best bedding for a Labrador puppy is going to be made of high quality material that is soft and plush while also being sturdy enough to keep them off the floor and support their growing bodies. KONG toys are wonderful tools to use during crate training , but they also help with separation anxiety , boredom, and the teething stage that all puppies go through. Enter the Nylabone Puppy Starter Pack. These flavored chew toys come both textured and regular to help get your pup and your furniture through the teething stage safely. Cuddly toys like the Smart PetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy above can help your new Labrador puppy adjust to sleeping on his own, assist in crate training, and may even help alleviate anxieties including noise phobias and separation anxiety. Puppy blankets are a must and can be used for multiple purposes in your home for your pup. My favorite puppy blankets are blankets that are specially made for dogs, like the Luciphia fleece blankets above. While you can use any blankets on hand, blankets that are specially made for dogs are usually a bit more durable, easier to wash, and have been made with quality and safe material for your pooch. Puppy blankets just make it easy to always a comfy place for your puppy to rest his head no matter where you are. Ultra Squeaker Ball is an absolute favorite in my house and with my clients. I especially love using this toy for puppies who are just getting the hang of playing fetch. For puppies, picking up on how to play fetch can be tough. Balls that squeak or make noise when thrown help to make the game more exciting and help encourage young pups to chase whatever is making that high pitched sound! Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars Collars, leashes, and harnesses are important tools to help socialize your puppy. Getting your puppy used to wearing a leash, harness, and collar is an important step towards socializing them. So even though your Labrador puppy will outgrow his harness and collar quickly, I still suggest investing in these items. Here are five of my favorite leash, harness, and collar products for Labrador Retriever puppies. As I mentioned above, puppies are especially fragile so steer clear of attaching a leash to their collar and try to help them adjust to wearing a harness that is comfortable. What I like about this harness is that it is adjustable so you can use it a bit longer as your puppy grows. Best of all it is the perfect length five feet for puppy training and is a leash your Lab puppy can take with him into adulthood. It is built like a standard leash, but it offers you control over how far away your puppy can get. This is excellent for puppy parents who live in busy neighborhoods or who are working with a puppy who likes to wander. Large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers require crates that grow with them. This is why I love crates that come with dividers so that they can grow with your Lab puppy. I also recommend playpens, as Labrador puppies are notorious for being very active and energetic. Lab puppies are also incredibly curious and tend to chew a lot in their first few months, which is why indoor dog gates will also be an important part of puppy proofing your home. Take a look at some of my favorite puppy-proofing products below. Nobody likes cleaning up potty accidents. Of course, no one wants a big, bulky pen that takes up half of their home either! I also love that the pen is big enough for puppies to grow into and allows them to learn how to explore a space larger than their crate while keeping them and your home safe from their curiosity. And since crate training is such an important part of puppyhood and actually helps your puppy adjust to being alone and feeling secure, we recommend investing in a good, high quality crate you can use for years. It has two separate doors for entrance and exit and it comes with a divider so it can be adjusted to the size of your dog as he grows. Just remember to leave your pup inside his crate with a KONG and some bedding so he is comfortable, and remember that puppies who are younger than six months old should not stay in their crates for longer than four hours. For those of you who plan to leave your puppy out and about while you are gone and after he is trained, of course , then a crate that folds may be your best bet. The MidWest Foldable Dog Crate posted above is one such crate that is not only made well, but also stores well. Like most crates ideal for Labrador puppies, this crate also comes with a divider so it can grow with your dog. Along with crates and puppy playpens, you also might consider getting a gate to keep your puppy from entering places in your home that may pose a risk to him. Many of my clients keep gates up in their kitchen entryway, or gate their living rooms where puppies are tempted to chew on wood furniture. Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Sale Buy on Amazon For those of you worried about installing something or accidentally damaging walls or paint, there are always free-standing gate options, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate. I do like the way these gates look and the simplicity of them, however, they are not always the most secure and may not stand up to a strong and curious puppy. These gates are also not ideal for leaving puppies unsupervised as they can sometimes find ways to knock them down. Grooming your Labrador puppy early on not only helps to socialize him and prepare him for a life of vet visits, groomer visits, and physical contact with people, but it also helps to keep him clean and healthy. Like babies, puppies are more sensitive to certain products and require products that are specifically designed to be gentle on their sensitive skin and fur. Be selective of the shampoos, dog brushes , and other grooming products you pick for your Labrador puppy and make sure you always use high-quality products. Some of the products I recommend most for grooming a Labrador puppy are listed below. Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. You might want to limit them to one or two rooms in the house at first so they can get used to everything slowly in their own time. Calming products: Plug-in diffusers that release calming pheromones can be good for the first few weeks. They can help your puppy feel more relaxed around the home — especially during those first nights! Set boundaries: Make sure your boundaries are clear from the beginning and stick to them. You can begin by socialising your puppy at home and by carrying them out and about with you. If they need to sleep and rest, give them the space to do so and encourage them to play on their own sometimes to help prevent separation problems later in life. Consider training classes: It can be a good idea to go along to training classes with your puppy, so you can let them have positive experiences with vaccinated dogs and people in a safe environment. Make sure you choose classes run by trainers who are certified or accredited and use reward based methods. For more tips, read our guide on the first day with your puppy. It's also a good idea to get your new puppy insured as soon as possible. This will help make sure they have all the cover they need in future if they fall ill or become injured. Feeding your puppy With so much choice available, it can be tricky to know what to feed your new puppy. Puppies need a particular level of nutrients compared to adults to help them grow, so finding an appropriate puppy food is essential. Speak to your vet for advice on the best puppy food for your dog to make sure you pick one that will suit their needs as they grow. You can still keep your puppy happy and entertained in lots of other ways, for example playing games or trying a puzzle feeder. Before you start exercising your puppy in the big wide world, you must make sure that their vaccinations are fully up to date, in order to keep them safe and healthy. Training your puppy Your new puppy will likely need to learn all of their skills from scratch, which means lots of basic training! Start the basics at home, such as teaching your dog recall and sit. It can help the two of you bond, and your pup will see training as a fun thing to do. One thing that most people think about when bringing their puppy home, is toilet training! Always use positive, reward-based training and never punish your puppy for toileting in the wrong place. Toilet training might take time — some pups can learn toilet training in a few months, while others might take a lot longer. What should be in a Labrador puppy starter pack? Choosing the right kind of food for your Labrador Retriever puppy is important - they may have special dietary requirements such as grain free and hypoallergenic foods. Identification A must-have item are identification tags which should be firmly attached to your puppy's collar. Remember to include your current address and phone number. It's also a good idea to include a separate tag with your veterinarian's name and phone number. We strongly recommend NOT to include your pets name on the tags, as anyone who may try to take your pup will be able to call them by name and your dog may assume they are friendly. Most pet shops offer over-the-counter tag engraving. Dog Lead There are lots of leads to choose from; short, long, retractable, halty leads.There's really no one perfect lead and it's down to personal preference for you and your dog. We can however recommend that if you have a large or strong dog breed that you start off with a regular short lead, at least until your pup is well trained and can walk nicely on a lead. A shorter lead here makes controlling your pup easier and is better for everyone's safety. Perfect-Pets have a fantastic book available, filled with lots of help and advice on training your dog including lead training. Stain Removers and Deodorizers We can say for sure that at some point your puppy will make a big mess. Having good cleaning products ready to go is important to avoid any lasting stains or, more importantly, any lingering smells. If the area is not cleaned and deodorised properly, your pup will be able to smell it and will assume that this is the place to go to the bathroom. Remember that just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean that your dog can't - their sense of smell is much better than your own. Most stain removers do a good job, but we highly recommend the Simple Solution Extreme Stain Remover. Poor dental health can lead to a number of health problems, but they are so easy to avoid. You can get an actual Dog Toothbrush, but in our experience a lot of dogs won't sit and allow you to brush their teeth. You can get Toothbrush Chew Toys and fill with doggy toothpaste instead - this will clean their teeth and provide entertainment all in one. A lot of dog owners choose to have their pup professionally groomed, but if you want to bath them at home then you'll need a good shampoo. Puppies skin is sensitive, and even grown dogs can be prone to skin irritation from chemicals and substances present in a lot of grooming products. We recommend using a sensitive dog shampoo with no or only a mild scent, such as this Pro Pooch Sensitive Dog Shampoo. Dog Bed and Crate Your new puppy needs to feel safe and comfortable to have a good nights sleep, especially if you plan to have them sleep downstairs overnight. We suggest getting a puppy crate and draping blankets or towels over it to create a nice little den for them. Realistically, your pup will outgrow their first or even first few dog beds quickly, so we recommend finding one that is comfortable but inexpensive such as this basic dog bed. Once your puppy is all grown up, there are lots of great beds to choose from such as this highly rated ANWA Donut Dog Bed , or for dogs who prefer beds with sides ours does! Toys and Chews Puppies love to chew. They normally chew to entertain themselves, or because they're teething or even just because they're bored. Having dog toys and chews that your pup has easy access to is important to avoid any destructive behaviour towards furniture, flooring, clothes or pretty much anything within reach! Choosing toys and chews that are the right size, shape and texture for their growing teeth, mouth and jaws is important for healthy physical development. Strong chewers such as Labradors, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers to name a few require tough chew toys - unless you want to buy new toys on a weekly or even daily basis. Recent posts. Non-slip bottom dog dishes Puppies naturally move their dish around as they are eating, especially if the dish has a flat bottom that easily pushes around the floor. We have found that dishes with a non-slip bottom can help so that your puppy is not chasing around his food dish. Make sure that it is large enough. And since dogs grow fast, that means they will likely grow to that size within a year to a year and a half. Almost all dogs we train eat between 4 -6 cups of dog food a day. So, make sure that your dish is large enough to accommodate this many cups. Water dish It is vitally important that your puppy have access to clean water for drinking. With the puppies we raise, we have found that it can be challenging to keep a small water dish full, so we prefer to use these 2-gallon water dishes. They are easy to fill and allow us to only have to fill them a couple times a week instead of several times a day. We suggest that you introduce a lead to your puppy as they start to grow in confidence and walk further from you when outside. There are two great reasons to do this early on. First it teaches your puppy how to handle the pressure of not being able to go wherever they want whenever they want. And it keeps your puppy from developing a habit of running away from you. A Flexi-lead works especially well if you want to give your puppy a little more freedom to go do his potty business but still keep control. Toys Puppies need toys. If you do not give them toys that they CAN chew and play with, they will chew on your sofa leg, or a book or a blanket or anything else they can find. So, purchase some good durable puppy chew toys. But watch your pup carefully. As they get older and stronger, they will be able to rip apart cloth toys and ingest them. Or they will chew rubber toys into small pieces and eat them. When your pup gets strong enough to destroy toys, it is time to take away the puppy toys and give them only dog toys designed for older , larger dogs or quality rawhides that they can chew that will not cause digestive problems. Stay away from rope toys. Many puppies have managed to ingest strings and ropes requiring surgery to remove them. Puppy-sized bumper If your plan is for your Labrador puppy to become a hunting or competition dog, you should have a puppy sized bumper. Learn more about teaching your puppy to fetch in this post. Barriers I recommend that you section off a small portion of your home and not let your puppy have full run of the entire house. Learn more about housebreaking your Lab puppy in this post. To section off a part, it can be helpful to have some child-gates available or an area of your home that you can close doors. This means that you need to show your puppy where the boundaries are and what is and is not allowed. To do this, you will need a few more tools. This is often when we see dogs that are running away from their owners, playing keep-a-way when retrieving and just basically being naughty. A lot of this could be avoided with the use of a check cord. Yes, a check cord can be cumbersome and often a pain to use, but it only takes one or two times of your puppy running away from you to make it worth it. Put a check cord on your puppy and allow them to drag it around with them. This alone is a great lesson for a dog. Dragging the weight is a type of pressure that they will need to learn to deal with. Occasionally, step on the rope and allow your dog to feel the pressure of being stopped and controlled. These sound like such minor things, but you would be surprised how much more well-adjusted your puppy will be just from learning these minor lessons. Chain or prong collar As your puppy gets stronger, it will get more and more difficult to control your puppy with a lead just hooked up to a nylon collar. As you notice that your puppy is getting harder to control, is pulling you around or dragging you down the street, you need to move to a chain or prong collar. Actually, it would be best if you changed to a chain or prong collar long before this becomes an issue. Remember, it is always easier to fix problems when they are small rather than waiting for them to become huge problems. Larger bumpers for retrieving dogs As your dog gets larger, you will want to move away from the puppy bumper and start using regular sized retrieving bumpers. We prefer to use plastic or rubber bumpers since they do not get as dirty or smelly as the canvas ones. They also last a lot longer and can be used for both water and land retrieves. Learn all about the different bumpers used for training hunting dogs here. Orange is a color that is difficult for retrievers to see, so that color should not be used for young dogs that are just learning about retrieving and hunting. Save the orange ones for advanced dogs working on blind retrieves. Final thoughts on What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? There are many things that you will need for your new puppy both now and in the future. Take some time to prepare before you bring your puppy home so that you will avoid buying things on impulse that you may or may not need. If you are planning on using your puppy as a hunting or competition dog, check out 6 vital tools every gun dog trainer needs. You can email me at ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. What do I need to buy for a Lab puppy? The crate which we suggest is foldable which makes it extra convenient. Dogs are naturally den animals and a crate provides them with a place where they can relax and feel safe. Crate training and choosing the right size Crate training makes toilet training a million times easier, and keeps your puppy safe at night whilst the family is asleep. The best puppy crate is one which is big enough for them to stand up, stretch out, turn around and lie down in. But no bigger. Or by buying an adult sized crate which comes with a divider, to allow you to provide the correct amount of space for your growing puppy. Bedding You will of course also need bedding to line the crate. This fake fleecy fur bedding comes in a roll and you can either buy a piece to fit your crate or cut to it to size yourself. For puppies, you should avoid any dog bed with a fancy liner and a stuffed or padded interior. Your pup will probably rip it open and eat the contents in no time. Check out our indestructible dog bed article for some great inspiration. Food is obviously the most important item on your new puppy supplies list. Puppy Food To start with, your new pup will need to eat three to four times a day. Having a supply of the new brand ready will allow you to make this changeover from the old food to the new, before the old runs out. The best puppy food is one which is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Puppy Bowls Next up on the new puppy supplies list are their food and water bowls. Most of them are dishwasher safe, and cheap to buy. You can have a couple in the cupboard, making it easy to keep the food bowl shiny and clean between meals. The downside of the usual stainless steel food bowls is that they can tip over, not to mention the horrendous noise as the puppy chases them around the kitchen! To avoid these disadvantages, find a non-slip version with a steadier bottom. Those designed for use by dogs and puppies. Ceramic water bowls help to keep the water cool as well. The best part of getting a new pup is the fun you have playing with them — and for this puppy toys are real Labrador essentials! Between 12 to 24 weeks your pup will be losing their baby teeth and their new teeth will be emerging. This is a very uncomfortable time for you pup — the reason why they chew everything in their path. You can protect your shoes, furniture , and even cables, by making sure that they have plenty of toys to chew instead. Puppy toys are fun to buy, and there are a lot of choices out there. We have a couple of real firm favorites when it comes to puppy toys. Puppy kongs are brilliant. Kongs bounce around and can be played with if your pup feels like it, or picked up and carried around. Just make sure that the rope is thick and not easily shredded. Be sure to avoid small toys, or those with small parts that can be chewed off, that your pup can swallow. They can cause choking or blockages in their bellies. Besides being too small, the toys in your puppy supplies should also not be too big. They should be able to get their mouths around their toys easily. Having to stretch to chew on or pick up toys or bones that are too big can injure their growing jaws. Collar and leash You should introduce your pup to their dog collar and leash as soon as possible. They can get used to wearing their collar in the house from a young age, before going outside for walks. It has a convenient quick release buckle as well as an ID tag. Dog harnesses, instead of collars, are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers. Always use a harness for a dog that has problems breathing. It also has a thick padded handle to protect your hands. A pup might still squirm and try to get away. Then you can start brushing again. Letting your pup inspect and sniff the brush also helps them to get over any fear. This specialised pet brush has fine bent wires that gets rid of mats without hurting. Amongst the most useful Lab puppy essentials on our new puppy checklist are puppy barriers. There are a few options for creating barriers, to keep your pup safe and give them some space when they need a break. The most popular puppy barriers are actually baby gates. They make fantastic human toddler and puppy barriers — you might even use them to separate the two. They come in a few different sizes, and fit into most doorways or hallway spaces. The human members of the family can easily come and go, whilst keeping the puppy securely contained. You can start using it with your pup from a very young age. Combined with treats, they let the pup know exactly when you approve of their behavior. Their use is rapidly increasing in popularity. Using positive reinforcement training and working with a clicker will help you to both train your puppy, and to form a stronger bond and better relationship together as he grows. Almost last but not least on our new puppy checklist is puppy insurance. There have been astonishing advances in the veterinary treatments that are available for our pets today. Most things you can be treated for, your dog can be treated for too. Open heart surgery, complex hip operations, and advanced cancer treatments are all available to dogs. Read The Small Print And do read the small print before you buy, some of the cheaper policies will dump you at the end of the year if your dog gets a long term condition. I did not read the small print and this happened to me. So take care to choose a policy that keeps on renewing as long as you keep on paying. Many dog owners would recommend the final Labrador puppy accessory on our new puppy checklist as the most essential. Covering everything from the first days at home, through crate training, potty training, dealing with teething and much more. Do you have any tips for our readers? Are there other items that you wish you had bought before your Labrador puppy arrived and would add to our puppy supplies list? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. Vet bedding fleece on a roll is ideal puppy bedding. You can line both his bed and his car crate with this. Buy several pieces so that you can pop one in the washing machine when it gets dirty or if he has an accident. There are lots of lovely beds you can get to go around the house, but in those first days veterinary bedding is an essential alternative to keep his crate cosy and clean. Puppy Toys For Labradors Puppy toys need to be sturdy. Many puppies destroy soft toys quite quickly though they are so adorable, you may not be able to resist buying one or two. Kongs and rope toys are very tough and seem to survive the onslaught of puppy teeth. A Radio If you intend your puppy to sleep alone in the kitchen from the first night, you may find it helpful to leave a radio next to his crate. Just a simple, cheap Portable Radio with the volume turned down low can serve the same role as some human company. It just helps him feel less along during those first few nights when he may be feeling very homesick. Puppy Harness There is no rush for this, but once your puppy is too heavy to carry, and going out and about on the ground, he needs some kind of safety restraint. These days I usually recommend a harness as they avoid pulling on the puppies neck. The kind where the lead attaches at the front and on the back are ideal. You can find an expert review of the big brands of harnesses, from a professional trainer here. When he is older and has learned to walk next to you, you can buy him a collar. To let your puppy know when he has done something you like. It is a really useful tool to help you teach your puppy to be quiet, and to learn simple skills. It will make training your puppy much quicker, easier and a lot more fun. Getting a recall to whistle established at an early age gets your puppy training off to a great start. I recommend the Acme Dog Whistle. There is plenty of information on the use and choice of dog whistles in this article: Should you buy a dog whistle .It will help to get you off to a great start with your new puppy.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

I'll try and be brief with my story which leads to my passion for labradoodles, I was first introduced to the Labradoodle breed during my son's lengthy hospital stay in Palo Alto, California. It was LOVE at first sight!!! My 34 year old son Tim passed away Sept 17, , from complications of a double lung transplant due to his diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis in January, .Needless to say it was a nightmare. Tim has two children ages 17 and 12 that now spend countless hours with my husband, myself and our doodles! During the long periods of Tim's hospital stays, we were fortunate enough to meet a beautiful labradoodle. Generally dogs are not allowed on the hospital transplant floors, but because we are such dog lovers as well as the severity of Tim's illness we were allowed canine visits. The minute I saw him, I was hooked head over heels in love with the breed. After Tim's passing I experienced a loneliness like never before. However, in the back of my head I could almost hear the calling to learn more about this breed. Thus my research began, I researched the breed and found the answer for my instant connection to these beautiful animals, they are truly delightful, loving, intuitive little clowns who can steal your heart in a moments glance! Our hearts will never be the same. If I am able to help others so they too may experience the love and joy of owning such a wonderful companion then I will have accomplished my mission. My commitment to keeping this breed as pure and healthy as possible is my top priority along with providing the dogs with lots of love and compassion and only selecting the same when considering placement. I recently retired from working 27 years for the state, to stay home and take care of my son, I always knew I'd find something to do. I never dreamed my desire to become a Labradoodle mom is what would find me. At Delta Breeze Labradoodles we want to help you in finding the perfect new puppy for your family! We also want to ensure that each puppy is welcomed into a caring and loving home. Life's too short not to share it with a labradoodle! At Delta Breeze Labradoodles, we have quality puppies that you will love. Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Micro Mini labradoodle Information How small do labradoodles get? The breed standard defines Miniature as 14 to 17" to the shoulder, and usually about 25 lbs. Micro Mini labradoodles Toy labradoodles are under 14" to the shoulder and usually about 15 to 20 lbs max. This is because a puppy in the litter can hit the mini size due to the fact that our Australian Labradoodle Moms are micro mini and the Australian Labradoodle Dad is a small mini. We refuse to use toy poodles. Therefore, the parents, grandparents and great grandparents of our puppies are Australian Labradoodles. We do not breed curly coated, so your micro mini puppy will look like a doodle, not a poodle. Please be careful, look at the parent dogs of any breeder and compare them to our parents. All puppies are cute, but looking at the adults will give you an idea of what your dog will look like as an adult. Our main concern with the breeding of Micro Mini labradoodles is to maintain the temperament, coat, health and conformation of their larger counterparts. Therefore, again we do NOT breed directly with toy poodles. Finally, with careful breeding, we do have one line that fits the description of toy labradoodles or micro mini labradoodles, generally considered under 20 lbs, our toy labradoodles average about 18 lbs. It has taken us 14 years to bring down the size and retain the soft fleece coat, wide body and same temperament. Pictured is Thelma you can see the coffee table in the back ground she is just 18 lbs and her shoulder is below the coffee table if she ducks she can walk under the coffee table. Also pictured is Louie chocolate and white who will be Thelma's husband in the photo he is still a puppy. No one thinks labradoodles can come this small, well just meet one of ours and you will realize that big or small labradoodles are laid back, happy, sweet, very smart and comically silly. Please note the wait can be long for this size as we only have 4 litters a year of Micro Mini. Thank you! Look no further! Our free litter notification email is the perfect way to stay up-to-date on our latest and greatest litters of adorable labradoodle puppies! As a reputable Labradoodle breeder , we take pride in producing top-quality Miniature Labradoodle and Medium Labradoodle puppies that embody the best qualities of the breed. One of our primary focuses at Mountain Creek Labradoodles is to provide hypoallergenic dogs that are non-shedding, making them an ideal choice for individuals and families with allergies or asthma. Our breeding program emphasizes the development of Labradoodle puppies with coats that are allergy-friendly, ensuring a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. We understand the importance of giving our Labradoodle puppies the best possible start in life. That's why we offer a labradoodle puppy training program that sets our Australian Labradoodle puppies on the path to success. From an early age, our puppies receive specialized training and socialization, laying the foundation for their future development as well-behaved and well-adjusted family members. At Mountain Creek Labradoodles, we prioritize the health, temperament, and overall well-being of our Labradoodle puppies. Our breeding dogs undergo extensive health testing to ensure that only the best genetics are passed down to the next generation. This dedication to responsible breeding practices helps to minimize the risk of hereditary health issues, giving our customers peace of mind when bringing home one of our precious puppies. Our Miniature Labradoodle and Medium Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, receiving round-the-clock care and attention. We believe in the power of early socialization and stimulation, as it plays a crucial role in shaping their personalities and ensuring they grow into confident and well-adjusted companions. When you choose a Labradoodle puppy from Mountain Creek Labradoodles, you're not just selecting a pet; you're becoming a part of our extended family. We provide ongoing support and guidance to our customers, even after they take their new furry friend home. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and satisfaction sets us apart as a trusted source for Labradoodle puppies. If you're ready to welcome a Labradoodle puppy into your life, look no further than Mountain Creek Labradoodles. With our years of experience, dedication to breeding excellence, and unwavering commitment to the health and happiness of our puppies, we are confident that you will find your perfect companion within our remarkable selection. Contact us today to begin your journey to finding the Labradoodle puppy of your dreams. Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links. Welcome to Minton Manor Australian Labradoodles. UK breeders of multigenerational Australian labradoodles - our passion is breeding the finest quality Australian labradoodle puppies and our pride is the service we deliver. Reserving miniature Australian Labradoodle Puppies Spring - Breeding quality puppies will be available to approved programmes Our Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are bred from the best lines, with extensively health tested parents, raised in our family home in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside in the United Kingdom. The Australian Labradoodle is the perfect family companion, being non-shedding to low-shedding and miniature labradoodles are great with children of all ages and other animals alike. A dedicated breeding programme to provide families with happy, healthy, well balanced Australian labradoodle puppies with a professional, personal, friendly service. Our premises has been awarded a 5 Star Licence with our local authority so you can have confidence and trust in our high standards. We can export Australian labradoodle puppies globally, please enquire for more details. About Us Learn About the Miniature Labradoodle The Australian labradoodle is very loving, social, highly trainable and excellent companion dogs with incomparable beauty. They are perfect for therapy work or a perfect family companion.