american bulldog puppies delaware

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Always Enabled Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information. Non-necessary Non-necessary Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle are never priced exactly the same. One Bulldog for sale in Seattle may be female, which raises the price, while another one may be a certain color or quality. Due to the fact that Bulldog puppies need to be delivered via C-section raises their price compared to regular pooch puppies! What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Seattle? Uptown Puppies offers you the ability to connect with Bulldog puppy breeders, companies and businesses from all over the US. Just connect with them and they might even fly their pooch to you so that it arrives safely at your nearest major airport! How are the Bulldog breeders and businesses screened? At Uptown Puppies, our team makes sure that all the breeding facilities are up to standard of all the Bulldog breeders Seattle, businesses and companies selling Bulldog puppies for sale Seattle. What matters to us most is the cleanliness of their breeding facilities, as well as health care of their puppies! Why is Uptown Puppies so different from other puppy finder websites? We know what a battle it can be when looking for Bulldog puppies Seattle. What is a Seattle puppy mill like? Puppy mills in Seattle are places where doom and gloom follow. Seattle Bulldog puppies for sale are found here, but worse for wear. Their moms never get the opportunity to run and play, only forced to give birth litter after litter for their owners to use them to make money. Bulldogs for sale in Seattle that come out of here alive usually get very sick and can cost you thousands. I want a Bulldog puppy now. Is that possible? Go buy that fluffy new dog bed, as well as a few dog toys, because a new Bulldog Seattle puppy will be yours real soon! Look at our site, find the Bulldog for sale Seattle that speaks to your heart, and get started! What type of dog is an English Bulldog? An English Seattle Bulldog for sale is the national dog of England. Back in the day, they were bred to drive cows to market, and participate in a sport that was rather bloody, called bull-baiting. Today though, these dogs want nothing more than to get cozy and fall asleep by your feet, only to be awoken by a big plate of food! Are Bulldogs big? What kind of personalities do they have? They have really heavy bodies just try pick one up! Who are the most famous Bulldogs in History? Bulldogs Seattle can really have many talents. Tillman is the name of a skateboarding Bulldog who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest m on a skateboard by a dog. Tyson the Bulldog was also a skateboarding dog who appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. What are the funny behaviors of Bulldogs? Seattle Bulldogs for sale can be really messy eaters because of the shape of their face. They literally stick their entire face on the food when they eat or drink! They can also be very stubborn dogs - so just keep treats around!

View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Nebraska City Nebraska and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Bernedoodles in Nebraska What is a Bernedoodle? A Bernedoodle is a mix between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, and have often been affectionately been described as a "velcro dog". They are great companions who love to be near their human s all the time. Bernedoodles are fun, friendly, and sociable dogs. They are full of energy; they love to run, play, swim, and hike. Whatever you are doing, your bernedoodle will want to do with you! They are very smart, are generally easy to train and are eager to please. They make for amazing pets, and our Nebraska-raised pups are some of the best in the nation! What is an F1 Bernedoodle? F1's are low shedding, though some do not shed at all. F1's tend to have less of a chance of inheriting breed specific congenital defects, however, we carefully screen our adult dogs to minimize the risk of passing genetic and orthopedic defects to their offspring. What is an F1B Bernedoodle? How big are Bernedoodles? Bernedoodles range in size from mini to standard depending on the size of the parents. Mini bernedoodles vary in size weighing between 25 and 50 pounds Standard bernedoodles also vary in size weighing 50 pounds or more Bernedoodle Coat and Color Characteristics A Bernedoodle's coat and color attributes come from their Poodle genes. This means Bernedoodle's coats can vary from smooth to curly. It also means they do not shed much. In general, the curlier the coat, the less they tend to shed. Bernedoodles also come in a variety of colors or color combinations. You may also see sable multi-colored hairs or merle patches of color tri-color, bicolor or solid color pups. Some poodles carry a fading gene so coat colors may change as the puppies age. Their thick coats also make them very well suited for the cold weather here in Nebraska! Temperament or Personality of Bernedoodles Bernedoodles are a very intelligent, playful, and affectionate breed. They make a great family dog because they are known to be good with kids and other animals. Bernedoodles love to do anything that keeps them involved with their family. However, Bernedoodles do tend to be a bit shy around strangers at first, but this can be countered with early socialization. The high intelligence of the Bernedoodle makes them an easy breed to train. Overall, Bernedoodles are amazing dogs who are affectionate, loyal, playful, and smart. Bernedoodles Litters For Sale.

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article. But, unfortunately, there are so many organisations only in it for the money, charging exorbitant prices and neglecting the health and wellbeing of their puppies and dogs. One of the most obvious signs of an unethical breeder is the poor or neglectful treatment of their puppies and breeding dogs. An ethical labradoodle breeder in Australia will; Strive to find the right home for their puppies. Instead, they go above and beyond to make sure they find the perfect home for each puppy. Usually, the search involves asking potential buyers a range of questions about their home and lifestyle, so they can pair families with a puppy that has a temperament right for them. Provide the highest quality care and living conditions. Ethical breeders ensure that both the puppies and breeding dogs have premium quality care, including comprehensive health checks, socialisation, and training. Rehome adult dogs. Once the female is retired, she is de-sexed and either adopted by our internal staff or a loving family. Never separate the puppies early. Puppies Downunder waits until the puppy is ten weeks old before we allow them to join their new family. Meet and exceed all the necessary requirements. We comply with all codes and requirements set by the Domestic Animal Act, actively assist with inspections of our facilities, and have received approval from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria to operate as a Commercial Breeder and the Minister for Agriculture. The breeder should be asking plenty of questions. A puppy is a long-term commitment, so ethical breeders ask plenty of questions to make sure the buyer is the right fit for the puppy. Here are a few examples of questions you can expect to hear; How much space do you have? Will you be home often? How often will you exercise the dog? Do you have kids? Do you have other animals? Where will the puppy sleep? They should encourage you to visit the breeding facility. When looking for Australian labradoodle puppies for sale, you need to make sure the breeder will allow you to inspect the facility and meet the parents. You can also ensure the dogs and puppies are raised in clean, high-quality conditions by visiting the facility. The Puppies Downunder team understands that not everyone can come and visit our facility, so we have plenty of photos of both the breeding facility, puppies, and dogs online. The breeder should try and find out the address the puppy will be living, the details of the new veterinarian, and any other relevant information needed to ensure the puppy is being well looked after. Your breeder should have organised the first two vaccinations, microchipping and worming and parasite prevention, before going home with their new family. At Puppies Downunder, we go above and beyond, providing a complete medical history. We also provide you with information about their individual dietary requirements, socialisation, registration, medications, and required vaccinations. An excellent ethical breeder should be vetting potential buyers to find the right family for that specific puppy. Is the puppy cheeky? How much exercise does the dog need? Unfortunately, a lot of unethical breeders will understate or flat out lie when telling buyers how much exercise their new puppy will need. For example, people looking for a labradoodle for sale in Australia might be told they have a moderate activity level, which is accurate. However, they may be given the same advice for bordoodle, which is wildly inaccurate for this high-energy, restless dog. Can you provide references? The breeder should be able to provide you with references from a veterinarian and previous customers. We offer lifelong support. At Puppies Downunder, we continue to provide support for our customers throughout the lifetime of their puppy. Do they offer a guarantee? At Puppies Downunder, we provide a health guarantee for the first 21 days of sale. Do they provide the essentials to give the puppy the best start to life? Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to their care. In fact, we have the highest ethical standards of any dog breeder globally. We absolutely adore mini labradoodles, and we take advantage of any opportunity to share our love of them with others. What Is A Mini Labradoodle? Their beautiful, calm temperament and high intelligence make mini labradoodles ideal candidates for therapy pets and service dogs for individuals with autism, PTSD, diabetes, and other disabilities. How big do they grow? A mini labradoodle will typically grow to cm in height and around kg in weight, so they stay relatively small. From elderly couples to families with small children, the mini labradoodle will fit right in. Do mini labradoodles shed? That all depends on their coat. If a mini labradoodle has a wool coat, the tight curls will catch any dander, fur, and dirt, thereby minimising shedding and reducing allergies. However, wool coats are high-maintenance and require brushing every day. It all depends on the type of coat your mini labradoodle has. Fleece and hair coats are very low maintenance, but wool coats are pretty high-maintenance. They have a pretty moderate level of activity, and they enjoy minutes of exercise per day as well as playtime and mental enrichment. Are there any health concerns we should keep an eye out for? Mini labradoodles are a crossbreed, so they have very diverse genetics making them less likely to develop genetic diseases. They may also develop hip or elbow dysplasia if over-exercised or overfed. Labradoodles have adorable long ears, but this means they are prone to dirty ears and ear infections, do their ears need to be checked regularly. From birth to 8 weeks, puppies benefit from valuable socialisation time with their siblings and mother. However, not crate training your puppy may be doing more harm than good. We suggest introducing your puppy to their crate throughout their first day, enticing them with treats and making sure they associate the space with positivity. Open the crate door throughout the day, so your puppy can retreat to their safe space whenever they feel the need. Make sure your puppy has a separate area to go to the bathroom at night. Puppies Downunder are an ethical mini labradoodle breeder, and we take great pride in our high-quality breeding facilities and our commitment to providing a safe, comfortable home for our dogs. They have incredibly high intelligence and need to be kept mentally stimulated; otherwise, they can become bored, stubborn, and destructive. Dogs with high intelligence love a challenge, and they love working for their food. You can either purchase puzzle or interactive feeders such as snuffle mats or Kong toys, or you can create your own DIY slow feeder bowl. We suggest having a few different puzzles in varying difficulty levels, so your puppy is always mentally stimulated at dinner time. The labrador retriever in your labradoodle will have an instinct to retrieve, and the poodle side will have an instinct to hunt, so try to incorporate these traits into games. Silicone licking mats are a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained. Smear some peanut butter, wet food, or baby food on the mat and pop it into the freezer. Once frozen, get it out and give it to your puppy to lick for a refreshing summer treat. You can buy or make plenty of toys that encourage your puppy to solve a problem before receiving treats as a reward. For example, grab a muffin tray, some treats, and some tennis balls. Put treats in a couple of the openings and block them all with tennis balls. Your dog will need to snuffle and work out which balls have treats underneath. Cut a slot in the bottle and fill it with food or treats, and let your dog bat it around to get the treats out. Dogs who are allowed to sniff and explore on their walk are far more stimulated than dogs that just walk. Dogs are our passion, and we dedicate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to their care. Labradoodle Puppy.

Black German Shepherd — Important Information Puppy Price There are numerous german shepherd breeders as they are very popular dogs in many parts of the world. However, it is often hard to find breeders producing black german shepherds. Most of the time you will need to find someone who specializes in the breeding of black german shepherd puppies. The fact that these all black german shepherd puppies are quite rare, and are simply not available in numbers that can meet demand, makes them a lot more expensive than your classic colored german shepherd. It is important to look into the pedigree of the parents, as well as inquire with the breeder about health testing and registration of the dogs and the facility. Rescue Price When it comes to rescuing a black german shepherd, it is hard to provide an accurate price range as the cost will depend on a number of factors. Temperament German Shepherds as a breed are often considered by people to be naturally aggressive, perhaps because they are used by most police departments as criminal trackers and chase dogs. The truth however, is that they are genuinely kind-hearted animals, but have been bred to be incredibly protective to the point of being potentially dangerous to anyone threatening their people. German Shepherds are known for their unwavering devotion, as well as the fact that they are incredibly intelligent and as a result are one of the easiest breeds to train. When trained properly, they are one of the most responsive and obedient canine breeds on the planet, which is made evident in their high-quality police work and other occupations. It is important to ensure that as an owner you are actively socializing your german shepherd from a very young age so that they are accustomed to people, both strangers and familiar presences. This is crucial because if they have not been properly socialized, strangers will make them uncomfortable and cautious, which can in some cases lead to bad situations. Origin The German Shepherd comes from a generalized group of European herding dogs that were used frequently in the early to mid s. Throughout the s, people were making attempts to standardize dog breeds in order to target specific characteristics and preferred genetic traits. At some point that year, a dog named Horand von Grafrath sparked the creation of the Society for German Shepherd Dogs. This organization was founded by believers that the German Shepherd dog breed, postered by Horand Von Grafrath, was a breed that could provide incredible working ability and intelligence. From here, the German Shepherd breed standard was developed and became known as one of the highest quality all around breeds. In a few short generations, the German Shepherd became one of the most common and highly populated dog breeds in the world. Honrand fathered many litters of puppies in his time, to the point where a large part of German Shepherds today would be descended from him. Dimensions The relative dimensions for Black German Shepherds will vary slightly between males and females. They will end up having the same build and grow to be around the same sizes as the more commonly colored version. Males will usually grow to weigh between 70 and 90 pounds, whereas females will end up at a full grown weight of 50 to 75 pounds. This weight range classifies these dogs as a medium to large breed. Take this into consideration when deciding whether or not you have the space and capacity to properly provide for your German Shepherd. In terms of height, Black German Shepherds will typically grow to be about 22 — 26 inches. This is true for both males and females, however the males will inherently be much bulkier than the females. Their body length will usually fall within the range of 36 to 42 inches, which will also remain true for both genders. Grooming Grooming recommendations and the relative extent of which you as an owner will need to groom your Black German Shepherd will depend significantly on the type or length of coat that you would like to maintain. German Shepherds with medium-length coats will only need to be brushed on average two or three times a week, unless they get extra matted for some reason. Dogs with a longer coat will typically need to be combed at least once a day to prevent mats and maintain a nice comfortable, good looking coat. German Shepherds have a double coat, and are known to shed excessively. Do not purchase or adopt one of these dogs unless you and the others living in your household can deal with the extra hair. People with allergies may be significantly affected by a high volume shedding dog breed living with them. You can employ anti-shedding shampoos and try high-quality diets in order to try to regulate the amount of shedding that your dog will experience. Lifespan The average lifespan of a Black German Shepherd is expected to be somewhere between 9 and 13 years of age. This is around the running standard for dogs of this size, although there are other breeds that have longer life expectancies. These dogs have a variety of commonly known health issues that will play a part in their relative lifespan. Things like hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and CDRM spinal cord degeneration are often found in this breed of dog. In general however, they will be the same dimensions and proportions as a run of the mill German Shepherd dog. The main difference, as the name itself makes quite clear, is the fact that these dogs have a coat that is completely black, as opposed to the common black and tan color combination that we see in a standard German Shepherd. This feature is quite rare, and is the reason that this type of German Shepherd is significantly more expensive than the standard style. The Black German Shepherd is actually incredibly rare, as opposed to other breed alternatives that appear when recessive genes show through. It has been estimated through data analytics that as little as 6. If you are after one of these rare and incredibly striking dogs, it is best to find a breeder who specializes in this color of German Shepherd. One of the most important things for breeders and hopeful owners to remember is that just because you have a parent that is a black German Shepherd, does not mean that you will end up with all black puppies. The truth is that you are much more likely to end up with the standard black and tan color in your litter of puppies. This is the main reason that these dogs are so rare and hard to find, and as a result are a lot more expensive. Grooming Tips For Black German Shepherds One of the most common tips provided for Black German Shepherd owners is the fact that grooming will be accompanied by lots of hair! These dogs are known for shedding excessively, as they will typically have longer coats than the standard colored German Shepherds. It is important to invest in a high quality comb that can easily comb through longer pet hair without causing pain or discomfort. Make sure that you are properly grooming both the thick top coat, as well as the undercoat. More grooming will not only make these sessions easier and more pleasant for both parties, but will also leave them feeling more comfortable and allow them to show off a beautiful coat! Dan J. Dan is a well respected content researcher who has vast experience working projects in the pets niche. He is a frequent contributor to dogtemperament. Check out our. Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD. German Shepherd Puppies Price Range The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high. Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners. Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. Purebred GSD s have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. Is It Normal? All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood. Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD. Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color. Why Does the Cost Vary First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy. Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color. Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD. Food The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat smaller meals each day. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy. Shelter Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first. Other factors to consider Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider. Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo toys, and other unforeseen problems. You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications. Conclusion Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression. Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. When we are thinking about the German Shepherd breed, we rarely think about black German Shepherds. Most of our minds go straight to the black and tan dog that we know and love. The truth is that a pureblooded German Shepherd can come in a variety of colors. To be completely honest, our favorite color of the German Shepherd is black. They look somewhat intimidating and mystical. Even though it may seem like a completely different breed, the black German Shepherd is your typical GSD. It is a dog breed developed by a former German veterinary student and an ex-military officer Max Von Stephanitz. In , Von Stephanitz attended a dog show and was introduced to a dog named Hektor Linksrhein. He was so impressed with the dog he had to buy the dog immediately. Hektor was an impressively smart dog who had a tremendous ability to follow commands. He was also quite powerful and loyal to his family and owners. At that moment, Von Stephanitz decided to create a breed based on this dog and his abilities. What is the difference between a black German Shepherd and a black and tan German Shepherd? The main difference between these dogs is the color of their coats. One dog has a completely black coat with possible small white or brown markings on their paws or chests. These dogs are alert, extremely intelligent, they have a great work ethic, and they are energetic. Black coat color has no impact on their characters or temperaments. The color black is accepted by all major cynology associations. Does the black color impact their health? German Shepherds have some potential health problems; hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or degenerative myelopathy, but none of these potential problems have been related to their coat color. Does it influence their working ability? No matter what color these dogs are, they are still one of the most trainable dog breeds in the world. Black German Shepherds and black and tan GSD-s is still the breed of choice for many law enforcement agencies worldwide. These dogs are versatile and adaptable. German Shepherds are often police and military dogs, shepherds, and service dogs performing different duties humans entrust them with. The German Shepherd is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, so why not get them a toy that will engage their minds? Are black German Shepherds good family dogs? Black German Shepherds are excellent family dogs. They are active and fun. Training them is fun because they are quick learners that can pick up commands after only a few repetitions. Black GSD-s make great guard and watchdogs. They are alert and always aware of anything suspicious going on in their proximity. Like any other dog breed, the black German Shepherd should also be socialized while they are still young. These dogs are not naturally aggressive, but they can develop behavioral problems if they are not properly socialized. Socialization is the key if you want to have a well-rounded and well-behaved dog. Where can I get a black German Shepherd? Many breeders specialize in breeding black German Shepherds, and you only have to contact them and ask for information about their dogs. Statistically speaking, black dogs are less likely to get adopted from shelters, so it might be worth your while to take a look at your local animal shelters. Black dogs can be a bit frightening to some people, and they can be reluctant to adopt them. How much does a black German Shepherd puppy cost? Black German Shepherd puppies are considered a bit rarer than traditional ones, so their price will most likely be a bit higher. Before you decide to look for a dog, make sure you read this article. World Dog Finder team. German Shepherd puppies are not easy to breed, especially when they are happy and healthy! German Shepherds cannot be crossed easily. A puppy with a good temperament and genetic health will, however, require additional costs for rearing and breeding. German Shepherds should pay special attention to this. Puppies with dysplastic hips or that grow up aggressive are not what you want. Papers The cheapest German Shepherd puppy is one without papers. Due to the lack of documentation from the breeders, there is no documentation for these puppies. These puppies are typically treated with as little care as possible by breeders. The lineage of a puppy is not known when you buy it. There is more money involved when a puppy has registration papers, health certificates, and temperament test results. The puppy will also benefit from those papers as well as you. Purebred dogs meet the breed standard, which means the dog is up to standard. German Shepherd-wolf-mixes are non-purebreds, so you should never buy them thinking they are purebreds. Whole litters are often registered by breeders instead of registering a single puppy. Veterinarian Visits Genetic health testing is done by reputable breeders, but the puppies are also examined by a veterinarian before eight weeks of age. Breeders also vaccinate, deworm, and place puppies on preventatives during these visits. A reputable breeder guarantees the health of your German Shepherd puppy if you purchase a German Shepherd puppy. Tests to measure temperament can also be provided by most breeders. Training Puppies are also socialized and trained by some breeders. Basic obedience and potty training are often the first steps in the training process for experienced breeders. As a result, housebreaking your puppy will be easier, but it will cost you! Your puppy will be of high quality if it exhibits all of these signs. By doing this, you will be less likely to experience temperament issues and costly vet visits for osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment. Bloodlines Champion bloodlines are more expensive to breed, so breeders strive to breed them as a priority. There might be no need for a German Shepherd of such high quality for a family. The only thing they require is a puppy that is well-behaved and healthy. A working breed, however, is needed by many people. A champion dog or one that is intelligent and hardworking is the most expensive model. The training of a professional service dog can cost breeders thousands of dollars. There is a difficulty in consistently breeding a guard dog that is family-friendly and protective. The temperament and training of the animal must also be considered by breeders. Origin A German Shepherd that is directly imported from Germany is among the most expensive types. These dogs must be imported and bred by breeders, a costly process. It is common for breeders in the United States to import German Shepherd dogs for the purpose of breeding purebred puppies since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany. There are more regulations for breeding in Europe, so there is better protection for the bloodlines. There are fewer of them, and their backs are straighter, and their coats are brighter. Their appearance is similar to that of a Belgian Malinois, according to some people. Dogs bred for companionship in the United States are more commonly bred for working rather than companionship in Europe. Rottweilers from the U. Are you at home to train them and spend time with them? Apartment buildings do not allow German Shepherds. Is there another pet in your family? A good GSD breeder will not hesitate to show you how and where their pups are raised — it is one of the ways to recognize good breeders. Which German Shepherd puppy is right for you? On average, a litter of German Shepherds contains eight pups. There are a lot of options there! When it comes to choosing one, how do you decide? The first thing to do is to observe the physical appearance of each GSD puppy. Eight-week-old German Shepherd pups should weigh about 15 pounds when they are ready for adoption, according to the German Shepherd growth chart. As a form of communication, they should walk evenly, wag their tails, bark, whine, growl, even howl! It is, however, important that they do not overdo it with their vocalization. Despite being slightly smaller than adult dogs, German Shepherd males are still a bit bigger than females, despite their size difference. In addition to its body posture, clear eyes, and healthy vocalization, you can tell if a puppy is healthy by observing its body posture. Through interaction with you and their littermates, healthy pups appear energetic and eager to play. A reputable breeder should be the first thing you look for. The reason is as follows. The process of finding one is now as simple as clicking a few buttons. However, there are a lot of unethical breeders out there, so you may end up with a dog that is unhealthy and empty-handed. Find the right breeder before you begin your search for the perfect GSD puppy. Doing proper research will lead you to finding the right German Shepherd breeders, even though finding them can seem challenging at first. Registries with kennel clubs, pedigrees, genetic health tests, temperament tests, and health guarantees are just some of the amazing features reputable breeders offer their clients. Play With The Puppies You should avoid being pushy or irritating to the puppies when you interact with them. You should let your puppy choose you, not the other way around! Many GSD owners have experienced this. All that remains is for it to choose its human! You may, however, ask the breeder for assistance if you are still unsure. If you are looking for a German Shepherd dog for display, work, or family use, make sure the breeder knows what kind of dog you are searching for. In addition to watching all of the puppies interact with each other, you can also ask the breeder to bring each puppy so you can see their individual personalities. Despite appearing shy, some people are not aggressive, sick, or unsocialized just because they are shy. You will also like:. Way back in the s, the Black German Shepherd made its first appearance. The Solid Black GSD was favored as herding dogs at the time because they took directions very well and performed with very little training. Dog owners love the appearance of the Black German Shepherd. This working dog is a wonderful dog that makes excellent family pets. However, the rare nature of the Black German Shepherd makes it an expensive pick. They played a part in the First World War as service dogs. The exact year of origination hovers around ; however, the very year is speculated among breeders and dog enthusiasts. This German breed of dog makes excellent service dogs, which is why they have been selected over the years by breeders, law enforcement authorities, and dog owners alike. It is these erect ears that make them such great guard dogs. Not just that, but they have a keen sense of smell and can be trained to sniff out illegal substances. It is this double coat which makes their fur really soft. If you have ever touched a German Shepherd, you would know how smooth this double coat can be. They have a height of between 22 to 26 Inches and can weigh between 50 to 90 pounds. They shed just as much as any other German Shepherd. The standard German Shepherd features are all present in the Black German Shepherd, erect ears, pointed muzzle, and a glaring look. They have a medium or long coat, which is hard to determine when looking at German Shepherd puppies. Some pups are born black, while others have black and tan counterparts. These are pure black military dogs that are made black by a rare recessive gene. This is a large dog in comparison to other breeds of dogs. Though at the puppy stage, a pure Black Shepherd will not weigh that much. Black German Shepherd puppies are about 1 pound when born and grow to about 15 pounds at eight weeks. As full-grown adults, however, they could weigh over 90 pounds. Though not as big as breeds such as Saint Bernard, who weigh as much as an average human, Black GSDs are still considered large and will grow to almost half the size of an adult human. A Black German Shepherd dog is a rather large dog. Personality At a young age, they are known to be very playful. Black German Shepherd puppies are adorable at a young age. As the years pass and the Black German Shepherd grows into an adult, they become stern with a more authoritarian personality when it comes to fun. That being said, Black GSDs have a warm personality toward their owners. They have a calm temperament, which is why they make such great working dogs. Working dogs such as the Black German Shepherd are helpful in law enforcement, farming, and other walks of life. They even make great companion dogs for the blind. They have a loving personality, and a properly trained Black German Shepherd can be considered safe around children. Though I would be careful with untrained dogs of this breed, a trained and familiar pet, which is part of the family, will have the intelligence to know the children, thereby unleashing their playful side. These Black GSDs are very active dogs. They love playing fetch or running after squirrels. All in all, Black German Shepherds have an award-winning personality, making the breed great as a working dog and companions as a pet. Other dogs of other colors and breeds can be easily differentiated by the apparent solid black of a Black German Shepherd puppy. Considering the value of a German Shepherd puppy, illegal operations called puppy mills, where puppies are bred using unethical standards, are common. The Black German Shepherd puppy has a very playful nature. If you have seen German Shepherd puppies, you will note how lively they are with each other. Black German Shepherd puppies are no different. So if the Black German Shepherd entices you, maybe it is time to consider bringing a puppy home! If you can find one at a young age, you can train the dog VERY well! Black German Shepherds are a double-coated breed of dog and have fur, not hair. Their fur does shed; hence you should be aware of fur shedding. They require a high-quality diet to maintain optimum health and awareness. Their protective nature is also another reason they make such great guard dogs. The Black German Shepherd is black because the black gene determines the coat color. Technically, Black Shepherds are not a breed of their own. The breed is the German Shepherd. However, Black Shepherds are unique in color and rare. The breed standard will tell you that these dogs have a GREAT personality, so they make great companion dogs. Now here is the sad part, because these dogs are known to be aggressive, many times, these dogs are caged up. However, it is essential to note that the personality of a caged animal is very different from one allowed to roam free. The living conditions are dependent on the dog owner. Just like any pet, it is best that you create a space for them. If you can, maybe make them a lovely little Dog Home. You must feed a Black German Shepherd two to three times a day. These are big dogs that require quite a bit of food. The health of the dog is dependent on the food you feed it. The diet will play a significant role in the health and well-being of the dog. Hence, ensuring that a Black German Shepherd is fed a high-quality diet rich in nutrients will ensure better well-being. The health of the coat is an indication of the health of the dog. Dogs with healthy coats are generally intended to be healthy. Further to feeding and creating a space for them, you will also have to separate a little drinking bowl because these guys get thirsty, especially when given the freedom to run around. The Black GSD has a beautiful personality that deserves your attention and care. Though these dogs can be aggressive and are considered guard dogs, it is best not to cage them up unless necessary. You will most certainly have to clean and brush the coat on an occasional basis. A Black German Shepherd dog is black due to a recessive gene. The color of the offspring is in the hands of the breeder. Though sourcing through a breeder can help you get your hands on a rare color, such as the Black German Shepherd, the local animal shelter may have dogs looking for a new home. Who knows, you may find a Black German Shepherd at the shelter. When it comes to breeding, reputable Black German Shepherd breeders will use ethical breeding standards to ensure that the parent dogs are adequately cared for and fed a high-quality diet. Similarly, if you are lucky, you may be able to source a Black German Shepherd puppy through a reputable breeder, who may have naturally bred offspring at home. While a male German Shepherd can start breeding after 12 months of age, a female German Shepherd will have to wait until the third heat cycle, which usually occurs between 18 and 24 months. They are brilliant and attentive and are eager to communicate and express themselves. These traits make it easy for you to train a German Shepherd. When it comes to dogs, German Shepherds are considered one of the most trainable breeds of dogs. They take quickly to instructions and can understand commands. A professional dog trainer can work wonders with a German Shepherd. Have you seen police dogs sniffing out drugs? That is because these German Shepherds can be trained to find a smell. The breed is much easier to train than other dogs. In fact, you have a better chance of being able to train a German Shepherd than any other breed of dog. If you need help training a German Shepherd, plenty of online resources can instruct and guide you on what you need to do to train your dog to basic and advanced commands. The Black German Shepherd is more attentive, responsive, energetic, and alert than other dog breeds; it is considered more intelligent than other breeds of dogs. Considering all this, it goes without saying that you will have an easier time training a German Shepherd than most other breeds of dog. Conditions such as elbow dysplasia are relatively common. If your Black German Shepherd suffers from elbow dysplasia, it is essential that you take it to the vet to have the condition treated. Other health problems that may arise in a Black GSD include heart disease, spinal disease, eye diseases, digestive problems, allergies, and even cancer. Hip dysplasia is another common health issue that usually comes about as the dog ages. Conditions like hip dysplasia will require medical intervention, and it is essential that you consult a vet if the condition arises. Diabetes, dental infections, and nose infections are also VERY common in this breed, with bloating being the most common issue most dogs experience. Other conditions such as cataracts, epilepsy, and thyroid issues are too common health problems with the Black German Shepherd. In actuality, these are healthy dogs; however, like other dogs, they have health conditions that can be common to the breed. These health conditions are not causes for worry. Though some of these health conditions are quite serious, most such conditions can be appropriately diagnosed and treated by a good veterinarian who can understand the health issue impacting the pup. The health of the dog is something that is a genuine concern to dog owners. Regardless of how trivial you may think the health condition may be, it is essential that you take your dog to frequent vet visitations to ensure that its health is in good condition. When caring for a Black German Shepherd, you have to provide it the attention it deserves. If you keep the poor dog locked up in a cage all day and night, obvious to state the personality of the dog will be affected. When properly caring for a Black German Shepherd, it is vital that you create a space for it that it can call its happy home. Making a Dog Home for the pup can be a great way to express love and ensure that your dog has a place it can call its own. Apart from providing a place to rest and sleep, you must feed the German Shepherd a high-quality diet. Without proper nourishment, the coat of this dog will look poor, establishing the fact that the dog is malnourished and unhealthy. It is best that you feed a Black German Shepherd about two to three times a day. They are big dogs and require constant feeding. Black German Shepherd dogs are known to be loyal and compassionate creatures, hence it is crucial that you understand this and care for them appropriately. German Shepherds also have a very thick coat, which means it is essential that you properly clean the fur frequently. Depending on where your dog has been roaming, there are chances that the coat has gotten dirty. A good wash and proper coat brushing are necessary to ensure healthy skin, thereby a healthy dog. When caring for a Black German Shepherd, it is essential that you provide it with everything it needs, including access to healthcare to treat any conditions it may develop. Yes, these breeds are some of the best family pets. They are incredibly loyal and very protective of their owners, aka the family. However, if the dog is untrained, it would be best to keep an eye on both the dog and the child. That being the case, they are gentle with children and have a very playful side. This is precisely why children love the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherds have a lot of energy, and this energetic feature makes them so appealing to children who love playing fetch or anything else. A Black GSD is extremely loyal to the family and is easily trained. That is considering where you choose to buy the breed from. The cost variance is actually due to various factors such as the location of the pet store, the age of the dog, and other factors such as parents and genetics. In general, a Black German Shepherd will cost more than a regular German Shepherd due to the rare nature of the coat and color. If you buy an adult dog, it will probably cost you less than buying a puppy. Taking into consideration the initial cost of purchase, you also should consider the average cost of raising a Black German Shepherd. Apart from this, you would also have to consider medical costs such as vet visitations. They have a high maintenance cost, added to the obvious high initial purchase price. See the standard GSD price in this guide. The lifespan of any dog is dependent on a host of factors such as breeding conditions, parent health, environmental factors, diet, and exercise. Exercise is an important aspect of health and well-being for this breed, which is known to be more athletic and muscular dogs. These dogs love to run around in the park, so ensure that you get them a good amount of exercise every week. Black German Shepherds are also called Black Shepherds. They are varied from other German Shepherds by their distinctive black coats. Related articles:. Finding a responsible breeder is an important part of getting a dog. Why pricing matters, not all dog breeders charge the same prices. My Story, How it worked out for me, and what I learned about purchasing a puppy. The black German Shepherd was the first dog that I have ever owned. I just love how beautiful the solid back color looked. Is the black German Shepherd Right for you? He told me that the solid black German Shepherd was the color people were looking for along with the black and tan and black sable color. These were becoming the most popular color he was selling. Why, because more breeders were starting to see other GSD breeders selling more puppies with the popular colors. They decided they needed to start breeding these colors too. The more popular color, the more demand for breeding them. It makes sense to me. Now over the years of owning multiple German Shepherds, I have black, black, and tan colors and solid black. Now, I like to take you back to the year when I purchase my first black German Shepherd. Everywhere I went people stop and ask me questions about the color because they have never seen a black German Shepherd before. I have one guy ask me how much I pay for my dog, and I told him the cost was .But for me, I was happy to pay for the color. I got the exact temperament dog that I was looking for. Now you will pay anywhere from .The shipping cost runs around .Do black German shepherd puppies stay black? If you see a dark brown that would be a black sable color. Are all German Shepherd puppies born black? All puppies are born black and will stay black throughout their adulthood. This is a must-have Both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. This is why we get a lot of good mixes of both colors in our puppies. Black sable male puppy. Anywhere from 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age, the ears will start to stand on their own. How much does a German Shepherd cost? Anywhere from .My puppies sell for .This is important for you to understand before you buy a German Shepherd Puppy or adult trained German Shepherd dog. Now, I like to give you a good base price on what you and I would pay for a GSD puppy that was six months old to 12 months old, that already has been trained with basic obedience training and properly socialized and housebroken by a good trainer. The cost would be around six-month-old .There are a lot of breeders out there, who will charge more for a solid black puppy. In the last litter, I had four black and four black dark black sable color puppies. I sold my puppies for the same price. But a lot of German Shepherd breeders do. How many puppies do German shepherds have in their first litter? When it comes to breeding dogs, anything can happen. There are no guarantees. I have seen GSD dogs bred that sometimes only had one single puppy. The normal litter size is about 8 puppies. But I have seen some females that have bred up to 10 puppies at a time. The last litter I bred had 8 beautiful healthy puppies. A good friend of mine had bred his German Shepherd and had 12 puppies. But most of the time eight puppies are a normal litter size. Is a German Shepherd a good family dog? Are you considering bringing a puppy into your home? If so, you should do a fair amount of research into the hundreds of breeds that are available both for purchase and adoption. Considered by many to have the most beautiful coloration in the breed, the all-black GSD is quickly gaining popularity as a pet. If the stunning good looks of the black GSD are attractive to you, here are some things that you should consider before bringing that adorable puppy home. About the Breed The German shepherd dog originated in Germany in .A working dog in the herding group, the GSD was originally bred to herd and guard sheep. The breed is amazingly intelligent, fiercely loyal and protective of its human family. The breed is also extremely popular in the United Kingdom, with over 8, currently registered. The all-black German shepherd dog is a striking animal to look at and is becoming the popular variant of choice among new owners. Family The GSD is an excellent family dog, provided that it is well socialized and raised with children. Though these dogs bond deeply with children whom they have been raised with, they can be nervous and skittish around strange children and adults alike. If you choose to bring home a GSD puppy, be sure that you have a plan in place to socialize the dog. Additionally, if you choose to rescue an adult GSD, you should ensure that the dog has been raised with, or at least socialized with, people of all ages to ensure the safety of your family and friends. Teaching German shepherd dogs are incredibly smart and eager to learn. Teaching should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. The easiest way to begin teaching your black German shepherd puppy is to set a schedule and stick to it. Dogs, especially GSDs, thrive with routine and are happiest when they know what to expect. Training Because of their intelligence, high work drive, and loyalty, German Shepherds excel at obedience, agility, herding, protection, and even flyball. If you plan on bringing home a GSD, you must enroll in some type of formal training. If your GSD is not permitted to drain its energy, you will have a destructive, unruly dog in a matter of months. The type of training that you enroll your puppy in should be something that you can enjoy together; neither of you will have fun if training becomes a bothersome chore. Dark Black Sable. A black German shepherd dog can be an excellent choice for families of all types. You should have at least some experience with dogs before you choose to welcome this breed into your family. This is not a dog to be spoiled and coddled; it needs to be raised with a firm but gentle hand if it is to thrive. The dark black Sable German Shepherd is really popular in the Schutzhund training world today! Schutzhund is a dog training sport that was developed in Germany. The Germans use this for testing their dogs to see how far they could go in training as a temperament test for training the German Shepherd Dogs. It is a great dog sport. What does the word Schutzhund mean? This is the owner of Kraftwerk K9 kennels. Wayne has trained and handled many different dogs in competitions worldwide today. I highly recommend checking out his website. Conclusion: We cover a lot of information in this article about some of the most popular questions most people are searching for. If I miss anything that you were looking for. Please post in the comments. Talk, soon!

Additionally, always provide fresh water for your puppy to stay hydrated throughout the day. Nutrition Tips for Proper Growth Avoid feeding your puppy table scraps or human food, as this can upset their stomach and lead to weight gain. German Shepherds frequently have sensitive stomachs. Feed your puppy on a regular schedule, typically three to four times a day. As your puppy grows, you can gradually reduce the number of feedings and increase the amount of food at each meal. They will. Create an environment that nurtures their physical and emotional well-being. Establishing a healthy sleeping and play schedule is crucial for your young pup. You can create a designated sleeping area for your puppy, such as a soft doggie bed , and encourage them to sleep there at night and during nap times. Just like humans, puppies greatly benefit from regular exercise. Exercise helps build strong muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and support the development of coordination and balance. Over-exercising can lead to joint problems in the future. In the world of puppy exercise, balance is the key. Your little fluffball is growing fast, and the right types of puppy exercise ensures they develop into a strong and athletic adult dog. Follow these valuable tips to ensure that your puppy gets the exercise they need while keeping their growing body safe and happy. Start with short walks on leash, around 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. Mind Games: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Arrange playdates with other vaccinated puppies to let your fur baby learn the ropes of doggy interaction. Swim Time: If you have access to a safe and shallow kiddie pool, introduce your pup to water. Avoid strenuous exercise, and always monitor them for signs of fatigue or discomfort. Remember to also give your puppy plenty of opportunities to rest and recharge throughout the day. But before you start planning your first doggy spa day, remember this: your pup is still a baby, and gentle introductions are key. Spend quality time bonding with your pup—treats, belly rubs, and a friendly chat go a long way in building trust. Make sure your puppy associates grooming with love and positive experiences. But hold your horses! In fact, frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils and lead to skin issues. Instead, aim for a bath every months unless your pup finds a mud puddle to roll in or some other mess that prevents you from petting them. Opt for a mild, puppy-specific shampoo to keep their fur squeaky clean without irritating their sensitive skin. Tangled Up German Shepherds are known for their luxurious, double-layered coats. But your little ball of fluff still has their puppy coat. Grab your grooming comb and work those knots out gently, starting from the tips and working your way up. To help your young puppy get used to regular brushing, slide on grooming gloves which are gentle on their skin. Remember, patience is your best friend here! Invest in a good pair of dog nail grinders and take it slow. Grind a little at a time. Nail grinders are easier on a puppy than nail clippers. To make that happen, brush their teeth regularly with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste. My German Shepherd and I recommended a finger toothbrush that easily slips over your fingers. But beneath those cute tips, moisture can accumulate, leading to infections. Use an ear cleaning wipe to gently get their ears clean. Keep an eye out for their ear health. German Shepherds are known for their bushy tails and long fur along their hindquarters. This zone can get pretty dirty. A quick wipe-down with a deodorizing cleaning cloth should keep that tail wagging in style. And, you can give a bottom check for any potty leftovers that need a bit of wiping down. After all the grooming TLC, your week-old German Shepherd puppy will be feeling like a million bucks or at least a million treats. Reward them with praise, treats, and a few belly rubs to show them just how fluff-tastic they are. Keep the grooming sessions positive and upbeat. Make it a bonding experience, be patient, and remember, practice makes paw-fect! Introducing your puppy to new people, animals, and environments will help them become well-adjusted and confident adults. Introduce them to different people, animals, and environments. Expose your German Shepherd to as many positive, safe experiences as possible between 10 and 16 weeks. It helps build their confidence and reduces the chances of behavioral issues later on. Notice the emphasis on positive and safe? Take your puppy on walks in different neighborhoods and parks to expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells. Enroll your puppy in a puppy socialization class where they can learn from other puppies and experienced trainers. Always supervise your puppy during socialization and never force them into uncomfortable situations. With patience and positive reinforcement, your puppy will become a well-socialized and happy adult. The Road to a Well-Behaved Pup: Training Training your week-old German Shepherd is like molding clay; it requires patience, consistency, and a dash of humor for your sanity! Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise to encourage your puppy to follow your commands. Consistency is key, so make sure to practice these commands daily. Consistency is key. Use the same commands every time. Start teaching your puppy good leash manners early. Patience and positive reinforcement are your secret weapons! Nurturing good behavior in your German Shepherd starts early. Biting during play is often their way of engaging with you and their littermates. Teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing and biting can provide relief from the discomfort. Social Learning: Puppies also learn bite inhibition through interactions with their littermates. When one puppy bites too hard during play, the bitten puppy yelps or withdraws, teaching the biting puppy to use a gentler bite. So, why is your German Shepherd puppy still biting you at 10 weeks old? That hurts! If they do, praise them and offer a toy as an alternative. This helps them learn to control the force of their bite. Provide Chew Toys: Make sure your puppy has plenty of appropriate chew toys to satisfy their teething needs. Offer a variety of textures and shapes to keep them engaged and relieve teething discomfort. Socialization: Continue socializing your puppy with other dogs and puppies in controlled, safe environments. This helps them learn proper play behaviors and bite inhibition from their peers. Avoid harsh punishment; it can lead to fear or aggression. Use the right techniques for proper discipline. Love, laughter, patience, and a sprinkle of treats! Your young week-old German Shepherd is still learning, so help your pup by: Establishing a sleeping, playing, and exercise routine Feeding them the proper nutrition Finding the right socialization experiences Including positive training Letting them be puppies by having fun experiences! Are you ready to unleash the magic of your week-old German Shepherd puppy? Let the fun and adventures begin! From tracking their height and weight to expert tips for their well-being, this PDF is a must-have for every German Shepherd owner. Download now and unlock the secrets to raising a happy and healthy German Shepherd! While the average weight range is 15 to 25 pounds, remember that puppies vary. What do I feed my week-old German Shepherd? A German Shepherd puppy at 10 weeks of age usually eats a combination of dry kibble mixed with wet, canned food. How do I potty train my week-old German Shepherd? Take them out after meals, naps, and playtime, and praise them when they go outside. Be patient; accidents happen. Is it normal for my puppy to chew everything in sight? Yes, absolutely! Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Provide plenty of chew toys, puppy-proof your home, work on positive training, and keep them supervised. When can I start leash training? Begin with short, positive sessions around 10—12 weeks. Use a harness, and reward them for walking beside you. Practice in a distraction-free environment, like indoors, first. My puppy is shy around strangers. Is this OK? Yes, German Shepherd puppies can be cautious around new people and situations. This is part of their protective and guarded nature. Why is my German Shepherd puppy so energetic and wild? At this age, their boundless energy and curiosity are perfectly normal. Your puppy is on a quest to discover the world! Plus, they want to play with everything—even your shoes! Give them the right chew toys to bite and play and enjoy some fun games to help them use their minds. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. In general, a German Shepherd puppy can open its eyes after 7 to 10 days after birth. A German Shepherd can start to focus and see things after about 14 days, after birth. Upon birth, its ears and eyes are closed. Its umbilical cord is still attached. Their heartbeat is slow. After three or four days, the umbilical cord of a GSD puppy gets dry and falls off. At this stage, your GSD puppy relies on its mother in everything. Its mother will feed it, clean it, and protect it from everything. Its temperature starts to normalize as well. At two weeks old, the nervous system of a GSD puppy is still not fully developed. At this age, it will start to open its eyes and ears. After the second week, it can have fully opened eyes and ears. A GSD puppy at this age starts to crawl too and can do its bowel movement on its own. In normal circumstances, a GSD baby will open its eyes at around 10 days according to pets. It can walk and it will start exploring around. At this stage, it starts to form a bond with other puppies and with humans. Its emotional development starts to develop as well. Your puppy will start to roam around. A slight noise will make it react. It will start to notice other living things like cats or other animals in the household. It will start to notice you, its owner. You can introduce it to a pet toy too. It will start playing with humans at this age as well. At one month, a GSD puppy already has a full set of teeth. Its temperature is now normal so is its heartbeat. You should also start exposing your puppy to kids to see how it will react or its behavior around children. At two to three months old, your puppy is learning quickly by now. Its motor skills have greatly improved by this time and it has reached sexual maturity. At the age of six months , a GSD is now considered an adult. A female GSD experiences its first estrus period at this age. For both male and female GSDs, this is their juvenile stage. It means it is their most active phase in life. Your GSD would want to go outside all the time, play, or run. It is about doing outdoor activities. It now raises one leg when urinating to show ownership and leadership. After 12 months of being with you, you can now feel the bond that your dog has for you. Your GSD will continue its maturity until it reaches three years old. If it has been two weeks and your puppy has not opened its eyes yet, you can check if its eyes are clouded with dirt birth buildup dirt. You can do it again the following day according to Dopappy. If the eye is infected, use saline water to clean its eyes. A drop of saline water two to three times a day should do the trick. German Shepherds of all ages are susceptible to eye problems. Among the common eye problems that GSDs are at risk of are: Cataracts.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Which is why a lack of exercise can be the root cause for many destructive behavioral problems for active dog breeds such as Labs. As WebMD. This is a game that combines both mental and physical activity. To start, teach your dog the specific names for his or her toys by pointing at them and repeating the names. Ask your dog to fetch a particular toy. If they bring back the wrong one, throw it back and ask again until you get the right toy. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Make a circle of about 20 feet or more with your Labrador square in the middle and take turns calling him or her to you. Praise your dog or give a treat when they come, and then step back to let someone else call. Once your dog understands how it works, call faster and faster for a great doggie workout. You can also have family members in different parts of the house calling to give your Labrador the exercise they need on a rainy day. If you have the room, you can set up the hurdles indoor and have your dog run through them until blissfully tired. You can also set them up in the yard and create a true agility course, complete with jumps, twists and turns. Your Labrador has an incredible nose. Keep it in top shape by hiding treats around the house or yard and asking your dog to find them all. You can hold one treat in your hand and let your Lab sniff it before sending him or her out to search to give an idea of what to look for. Alternatively, you can use people instead of treats and have your dog find your loved ones instead for a twist on the game. Just make sure to have treats on hand to reward your Labrador for their excellent finds. Kong makes some of the most popular models, but you have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to picking the right toy for your Labrador. Designed to help cut down on boredom, food dispensing toys are like puzzle treats for your dog. Click here for our list of the best chew toys for labs and strong chewers. Upgrade Your Fetch Toy To a Frisbee Unlike balls that tend to sink and roll away, Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. As for durability, you can choose between soft Frisbees your dog can easily grip with their teeth yes, even puppy teeth! Then you can scatter multiple toys around the house and give the command for your dog to put them all away. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. If your dog is a whiz at identifying the right cup, you can then make things more challenging by slowly rotating the cups. Have you any favorite games you like to play with your Labrador? Let us know in the comments! 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. Labs are very active dogs, especially in the first few years of their lives. They will have a lot of energy to spare every day, so a few long walks will become part of your daily routine. This will not only help exercise your pup, but also keep him happy. Make sure you spend at least minutes walking your lab. Once your dog is a little older and better coordinated, you can try letting him run alongside your bike while you go for a slow ride. This will be a great form of exercise for him, and he will get to spend some quality time with you in the process. Just make sure the leash is loose enough to allow him enough space between himself and your bike. Watch for traffic and take breaks if your dog needs one! Practice caution when riding a bike with your dog. Labs are notorious for their love of water. Everything from tiny puddles from the rain to backyard swimming pools are going to attract them to play. If the weather permits, take your dog for a swim! Labs have a tendency to become destructive when left to their own devices. Provide your lab with plenty of toys to chew on and play with. Strong, durable chew toys are great options. Redirect those chewing habits and behaviors to toys and keep your personal belongings safe from a gnawing pup. Getting your dog working for his food will add enrichment to his environment and increase his mental fatigue. Food puzzles are a great place to start, as there are many commercial options available, but you can also make your own puzzle using something as simple as a towel or an empty container. Fortunately, labs are easily trained. The instructor will help you learn the skills you need to train your dog properly, and help you along the way. Teaching your dog a new trick using positive reinforcement based training is another great way to get your dog to use his brain. This will strengthen your relationship in the process and tire him out, making it less prone to destruction. Labs love to be around people and other dogs, so find a local dog park to check out with your lab. Just make sure your dog is treated for flea and tick prevention to avoid taking any pests home from the park. If you are thinking about adding another dog to your family, labs tend to mesh well with breeds like collies, golden retrievers, beagles, and corgis, as these breeds are also energetic and sociable. Also, consider adding a dog of the opposite sex, as dogs of the same sex might have issues with dominance. Written by Small Door's medical experts Being stuck at home is disappointing for both you and your dog. Check out our tips below for how you can keep your dog entertained indoors. Dog activity requirements Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay fit, healthy and happy. Physical exertion comes from walking, running and playing, whilst many different things can provide mental stimulation. From tracking scents outside, to concentrating hard on obedience training, or attempting to get kibble out of a puzzle toy — tough mental concentration results in a tired, happy dog. Ideas to entertain your dog indoors 1. Practice short bursts of obedience training each day Training your dog provides great mental stimulation. Teach your dog a new trick Try teaching your dog a new trick. A great trick to try is tidying up. Give your dog a stuffed Kong or a food-dispensing puzzle toy Stuff a Kong or a similar toy with pieces of kibble, mixed in with a tasty treat like a spoonful of peanut butter, canned pumpkin or mashed banana. Pro tip — you can freeze it to make it last longer for your pup! Puzzle toys and food dispensing toys are great for mental stimulation as well as dogs who gobble up their meals too fast! Some of our favorite food puzzle toys are made by Trixie or Nina Ottoson. Let them watch the world go by Dogs love to sit by the window. If you can, set up a safe spot for your pup where they can see out of the window, and if you feel comfortable doing so, open the window a crack for them to enjoy the smells and sounds of the outdoors. Teach your dog the name of their toys Teaching your dog the names of their toys is not as hard as it may sound. This can be a great activity, especially if you spoil your pup with lots of toys. Start by playing with one toy and give it a name while you do — tell your dog to fetch the specific toy by name and give lots of praise when they bring back the correct one. Eventually, see if your dog can pick out the toy by name out of a pile of toys. Once they understand the name, try moving onto another toy and repeating the process. Dogs love new things. Hide some toys in a cupboard for a few days, then bring them out again for the novelty factor! Other games you can adapt for indoor play include throwing a very lightweight ball in a safe area for your dog to catch or fetch, provided there is nothing breakable around. When they succeed, make sure to react super enthusiastically and reward them so they know they did a good job and enjoy the game as much as you did! Hide treats around your home and let them sniff them out throughout the day. If you repeat this over several days, make sure to vary the placement of the treats to keep it interesting for your dog. Create an indoor obstacle course If you have enough room, why not set up a homemade obstacle course for your pup? Teach your pup the basics of agility , jumping over some small boxes, weaving through stacks of books, and lying down on a blanket at the end. Another great one to keep kids entertained too, you could even work up to hosting your own dog show with an agility course and obedience category with your kids as dog handlers! Learn scent work Our dogs explore and understand their world through scent, so scent work games are a great way to keep Fido occupied by putting their nose to work. For these games, all you need is some dog treats and various household items. When they choose correctly, open your hand and give them the treat. Muffin tin puzzles: Using a muffin baking tin, tennis balls, and dog treats, place treats in a couple of the tins and cover all the holes with tennis balls. The shell game: Using three to four cups, place a treat under one of the cups for larger dogs, you may want to use plastic cups or even upside down flower pots. Let your dog sniff around and discover what cup the treat is under. When your dog paws at the correct cup, lift it up to reveal the treat while praising them. Box search: Using empty cardboard boxes, put several boxes out on the floor. Place a treat inside one or more of the boxes, while your dog is out of the room. Bring your dog into the room and let them search for the box which has the treat inside. When they paw at or nudge the correct box, reveal the treat and give them lots of praise. Summary of how to keep your dog entertained indoors Just like humans, dogs need a balance of physical and mental exercise. Related articles. How to keep your Labrador entertained Walk it Labradors are a breed that is meant to get exercise on a daily basis in order to be fully stimulated. When they do not get enough exercise it can cause them to behave abnormally and to be more energetic around the home. Generally, it is recommended to give them an hour of exercise per day. If yours is not getting that much it would help to start giving it more exercise. Play fetch One effective way to wear it out quickly is to get it to play fetch which is effective because it gets your Lab to do a lot of sprinting without much rest which will help to wear it out quickly. It will also get it used to interacting with you in a positive way and it will help to make it more responsive to your command. Teach it to swim Another option would be to teach it to swim which is also an effective way to exercise it since it gets it to do a lot of work in a low impact way and it is especially useful in the summer. Most Labradors take to water naturally but there are some that do not. However, there are ways to get it to like swimming that I talk about here. Give it toys One way to keep it entertained without your direct involvement would be to give it toys to play with. By doing so you will be able to keep it occupied with something that you want it to be occupied with. Give it lots of training Another way to keep it stimulated would be to give it lots of training. By doing so you should be able to get it to use up a lot of energy listening to you and to become better behaved. If you have not given your Labrador much training yet, it would help to start by training it the basics such as to sit and stay in an environment without many distractions and then to build up from there. Give it puzzles Another way to entertain it without your direct involvement would be to give it puzzle games to play with. There are a number of puzzle games that you can buy that are designed to make your Labrador think and put its attention into it in order to get the reward. Play tug of war with it Another way to entertain it would be to play tug of war with it. Use a dog walker When you are unable to exercise your Labrador yourself, one option would be to make use of a dog walker. There are apps you can download now that will allow you to find a dog walker in your local area. Walk it with other dogs Another way to wear it out more and to get it to require less entertainment around the home would be to walk it with other dogs. By doing so your Labrador should wear itself out more by running around with the other dogs. Give it chew toys Another way to entertain it would be to give it chew toys to chew on. By doing so you should be able to keep its focus on chewing something that you want it to and to avoid having it do things such as chewing on your sofa. Doggy daycare If you will not be at home for a long time one option would be to take it to a doggy daycare so that you can have them look after it while you are away. If it is a puppy then it will require a lot of attention but you will be limited in how much exercise you can give it. This is because, when they are puppies, their joints and bones are still developing and lots of exercise could damage them. It is also important to remember that it will not be able to control its bladder as well yet so it will be necessary to avoid leaving it for long periods. Ways to give it attention would be to play with it, train it and to give it exercise. Last Updated February 13, .We all love taking our dogs for some good outdoor fun, but depending on the weather or air quality , it can sometimes be a little tricky to go on long walks or trips to the park safely. With a little creativity and motivation, your home can be transformed into a canine playground. Here are some ways you can entertain your companion dog while indoors. Dog puzzle We all know dogs are intelligent, so it should come as no surprise that they love games that require a little bit of problem-solving. There are all kinds of dog puzzles that provide all sorts of benefits such as increased mental capacity, a longer attention span, and better behavior overall. The shell game All you need for this game are treats and two or more opaque cups. Place a treat under one of the cups while your dog watches, then give a cue to turn over the cup with the treat under it. Next, repeat but switch the cups around a few times so your dog has to think. You can repeat this a few times and raise the difficulty level by adding more cups. This game is great for mental stimulation and increasing focus. Dogs love to sniff things fire hydrants, strangers, dirty clothes , and this game will put their sense of smell to the challenge. Not only will it increase problem-solving skills, it will also promote activity and alleviate boredom. There are different apps that focus on different goals, but what all humane ones have in common is the notion that rewarding good behavior positive reinforcement and redirecting unwanted behavior into a positive action will result in a well-behaved dog. If you train with patience, enthusiasm, consistency, and clarity, your dog is likely to have a great time and look forward to each session. Try some agility Inject a little imagination into your interactive games by setting up an obstacle course using different household items. You can teach your dog to jump over pillows, weave through table legs, or run through a tunnel just throw a blanket over some chairs —all for a reward. The more creative, the better! For more ideas, contact your local dog agility group. Playing a short game of fetch or tug-of war or running through some training exercises for five or 10 minutes a few times throughout the day will give you both a boost and is a good way to tire your pup out and dispel feelings of boredom. Hide and seek For this game, your dog has to be able to sit and stay reliably while you go and hide somewhere in the house. You can start out hiding in plain sight like behind a chair and gradually make your hiding places harder and harder such as in closets, under beds, on the countertop, etc. Once discovered, lavishly dole out the treats and praise. Keep away This game requires at least two people, so grab another household member if you have one the more, the merrier! The challenge for your dog is to try to jump up and grab the toy. This is a fun workout—but do make sure that your pup actually gets to catch the toy after every few tosses as a reward! Go for a car ride If bad weather or air quality are keeping you indoors, it might be good to get out of the house by taking your canine companion for a car ride. Riding in the car gives dogs an exciting adventure, allowing them to explore while keeping them out of harsh weather. Subscribe to a YouTube channel for dogs The channel Relax My Dog uploads calming music and TV for dogs, featuring drone footage of wide open landscapes and nature trails that help soothe hyperactive canines. Make homemade treats You can never have too many dog treats, and showing your dog some extra love with homemade treats is a great way to reinforce good behavior. Or if your pup needs something refreshing to cool down, try freezing treats in ice cubes to make dog-friendly Popsicles! For more tips on how to entertain your companion dog indoors, visit Canine Enrichment on Facebook and check out the awesome dog toys on our website that your best friend will love! If you buy something after clicking the Amazon links on this page, a percentage of the qualifying purchase will be donated to PETA and help us protect more animals from exploitation. Follow Us. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you. Mental Stimulation For Dogs As a society, we long ago recognized that animals in captivity of any kind begin to behave differently than those in the wild. This is true even if they were born into that environment and have never known anything else. It even applies if their species came into existence paralleled with domestication, like the modern dog. Much of being a good pet parent and trainer to your dog has to do with recognizing whether or not your home environment and daily routine are meeting the biological needs that your dog has. He chews on anything and everything in the house. He gets into the trash constantly. He follows you around constantly when you are home. Behaviors like these often crop up with a bored dog. You might think he just needs more space, but even zoo animals in huge outdoor enclosures develop problematic behaviors from boredom — called stereotypic behaviors. Enrichment and mental stimulation! What is Dog Enrichment? Enrichment includes a change in scenery, toys, new scents, social interactions, and any kind of mental stimulation. Dog enrichment can include training sessions, going for a walk, playtime with you or another dog, toys, food treats, or even having the radio or TV on for auditory stimulation. In the zoo community, enrichment is a huge component to working with exotic animals in captivity. And, thanks to the zoo community and their push for enrichment research, dog trainers and behaviorists have a deeper understanding of the consequences of bored animals and the benefits that enrichment can provide. What Mental Stimulation Can Do Here are a few generalizations we can now make about the benefits of enrichment, or mental stimulation, for your dog at home: Bored dogs are destructive dogs. These include behaviors like pacing, chewing on non-food items, obsessive licking, and over-grooming themselves or housemates. Bored dogs are hyperactive. Enriched dogs adapt more easily to stress. This is particularly useful information to any who have dogs that deal with anxiety during their daily life: for example, aggression toward the mailman or other dogs walking by, anxiety during thunderstorms or fireworks, or separation anxiety. Under-stimulated dogs can become overweight and suffer more joint problems. Veterinarians agree that providing mental stimulation increases the overall amount of movement in dogs and can raise their heart rate — both of which contribute to the healthy amount of physical activity dogs need to stay fit. So, what are some fun ways to add mental stimulation for dogs? Brain Toys for Dogs The absolute easiest thing a pet owner can do to reduce boredom for her pooch is to leave him with some challenging dog toys. There are tons of new, safe, dog mental stimulation toys on the market! A few of my favorites include these puzzle toys that dispense treats to your dog once he unlocks the mechanism for dispersion. This puzzle has a unique and fun design! The reviews for this one are great. Well worth a try! Ideally, it should take minutes for Fido to retrieve all of his breakfast. Not all dog enrichment toys have to include food rewards. After all, one of the side benefits of enrichment is preventing your dog from gaining weight in the first place, right? The reviews are great for this one! You can drop a few scents in between the layers for Fido to sniff around and discover. Training games, or mind games for dogs, include anything that makes your pooch use his noggin for something other than sleeping or eating. Teach your dog how to learn with the use of a clicker. This game involves you teaching your dog to climb inside a cardboard box, and full instructions on this game can be found here. Nose games are great mental games for dogs to put their sniffer to work. In addition to using various scents with the Snuffle Mat, you can add unique scents inside dog-proof containers around your yard or house. Use safe scents, like lavender oil or scents specifically prepared for dog nose work. These are available online. Present both closed fists to your dog, and only give him the treat when he sniffs the correct hand! Before releasing your dog to the backyard for some afternoon exercise and potty breaks, toss a handful of kibble into the yard. Whenever I do this one with my dogs, they will spend 20 minutes or more investigating the whole yard every day for the next three days! When you need to get Fido out from underfoot at home, take a handful of mini milkbones and place them in random locations around the house. Be sure nothing around the hiding spot is able to be chewed on or damaged by your dog rummaging around. Great places include on the seat of a dining room chair, in the far corner of the room, or on a low windowsill for tall dogs. My German Shepherd loved this game — anytime she would get bored, she would wander the house, sniffing high and low to see if there was anything hiding for her. Mental Stimulation for Dogs A ride in the car is a great way to entertain your pup for a while. More and more cafes are welcoming pets to sit at your feet while you enjoy a coffee, and there are lots of stores that allow dogs on leashes for a stroll Home Depot, Lowes, and Bass Pro Shops are all pup-friendly and very stimulating for dogs. We hope that this information has inspired you with a newfound appreciation of the positive benefits of brain training for dogs! Whether you pick up some puzzle toys, create a change in your routine, or develop some dog brain teasers of your own, any form of enrichment or mental stimulation is great for your dog. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. At-Home Tips for Keeping Your Pets Busy and Engaged April 23, One key to a happy and healthy pet is regular enrichment, keeping their environments safe and exciting and allowing them to engage in their innate behaviors such as sniffing or chewing in dogs. For many pet parents right now, extended and prolonged time at home may be making it difficult to stay engaged and busy, and boredom can lead to destructive and undesirable behavior patterns for some pets. While families are busy working and learning from home, it's important for dogs and cats to do the same! These enrichment ideas are great ways to keep your furry friends happy, healthy and on best buddy behavior while in quarantine. Staying Active In More Ways than One Is Key In addition to physical exercise, there are many fun and free ways to give your dog or cat a mental workout from the comfort of your home. For dogs: Use a snuffle mat for offering treats or dry food or stuff a puzzle toy with yummy food like plain yogurt, peanut butter or their meal for a fun and delicious challenge that will keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated. Cardboard boxes of all sizes , paper towel rolls, PVC pipes with holes drilled into the sides or plastic jugs can be used. Set up a scavenger hunt so your pup can put their powerful nose to work. Hide treats around a room in partial view, or even in cardboard boxes, empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes or egg cartons, to be discovered. For cats: Offer their meals or treats in food puzzle toys for kitties. Provide objects for them to explore, such as cardboard boxes, paper shopping bags with the handles cut off , bottle caps, packing paper and toys that encourage them to investigate various openings with their paws. Position bird and squirrel feeders outside windows where your cat can observe animals coming and going during the day or even try playing videos of birds and squirrels on your tv, computer or phone! Check out our full list of DIY projects you can craft to help with enrichment for your cat! Preparing Them for Alone Time Again When our regular work and school routines commence again, your dog or cat may be left confused once everyone is rushing out the door instead of spending time at home. Even while you and your family are home, start to prepare your pet by designating time for them to spend alone, comfortably, throughout the day. Tips to helping them adjust: Create a cozy, inviting place for your dog or cat to nap away from all the activity of remote work and school. You can put on some soothing music. When giving your pet time away from you, offer your dog tasty chews to keep them busy. You can purchase all sorts of interesting and easily digestible chews online such as bully sticks, or you can fill a puzzle toy with a tasty treat and freeze it. Both dogs and cats will be entertained for some time with an interactive food-puzzle toy. There are many free game apps for cats to play with on their own. You can also find battery-operated toys online that may keep your cat busy and happy on their own. Leave your home and take a stroll outside without your dog occasionally to practice leaving the house for short durations. Other Ways to Help:. Keeping your dog entertained can be a challenge, and simply trying to come up with new ways to keep your dog entertained can be more exhausting than actually getting up and doing it. By playing with your dog a few times a day you can decrease the likelihood of them developing destructive habits such as excessive barking or chewing. Play a Game of Find The Treats Nose work games are one of the easiest ways to tire out your dog, and they can be played indoors. To play all you have to do is grab some treats and have your dog watch in a stay position as you place them around the room. Have them stay in another room as you hide the treats, and start hiding them in spots they have to sniff out such as under a rug. Play the the Shell Game The shell game is a simple problem solving game for dogs. To play the shell game with your dog let your dog watch as you place a treat under one of three cups. Praise them like crazy, then rinse and repeat. If you want to keep your dog busy for awhile try stuffing a Kong with some of their favorite treats. You can freeze some peanut butter or broth inside, or just put some treats in there and give your dog something to work for. Play a Game of Tug of War Playing a game of tug of war is one of the best ways to engage in meaningful play with our dogs. And contrary to what some people say playing tug will not make your dog aggressive, and letting them win will not make them dominant. Letting your dog win just makes the game more fun for your dog, and it will encourage them to play more. Dogs that play tug with their owners have been found to be more obedient and have higher confidence. If you want to impress all of your friends teach your dog to fetch you something from the fridge. Play Interactive Games To keep my dog busy on rainy days I love using interactive games such as tug, find the treats, puzzle games and fetch. Interactive games are an easy way to give your dog plenty of mental stimulation , and they can help cut down on problem behaviors such as excessive chewing or barking. Make Your Dog Work for His Food We give our dogs a nice comfy life — they get a warm bed, lots of attention, and all their meals for free. But our dogs were bred to work alongside us, and a lot of our dogs are missing out on some mentally stimulating activities. You can make your dog perform some tricks before he gets his dinner, or you can have them eat from a food dispensing toy. Have your dog work for their meals by using food dispensing toys. Start by playing with one specific toy and giving it a name while you do. Once your dog has learned that specific toys name you can test their skills by seeing if they can pick it out among their other toys. Dogs have the ability to learn hundreds of words. As your dog gets better at this game you can make it more challenging by increasing the number of toys they have have to sift through. Keep it fun for them by rewarding them handsomely with a treat or quick game of tug when they succeed. This game will give your dog a great mental workout. Teach Your Dog a New Trick Does your dog know how to weave through your legs and jump through a hoop? Does your dog already know a bunch of tricks? Once your dog knows a bunch of tricks you can step it up a notch and combine their learned behaviors into brand new tricks. Teaching your dog a fun new trick like weaving through your legs. Work on Some Clicker Training One of my favorite tips when it comes to dog training is using a clicker. They costs a few bucks and can help make training easier by ensuring you can capture the exact moment to praise them for doing a new trick or command. When you use a clicker you can mark the exact moment your dog made the right choice. Close your fists and hold them out in front of your dog. When your dog sniffs or paws the correct hand open it up and give them the treat. Tip: Chopped up carrots make excellent treats for scent work games and training. Hide and seek might not seem all that complex or entertaining to us, but a lot of dogs get a real kick out of it. There are a ton of dog puzzle toys available, as well as treat dispensing toys like the Kong Wobbler. If you want to give your dog something to chew on for awhile we love Best Bully Sticks and Benebones. Master the Basics of Obedience Training Does your dog know all of the basic obedience commands? Does he have a reliable recall and stay? Even well trained dogs need a refresher course now and then to keep them sharp. All dogs should have a reliable sit, down, stay, drop it, and come here. You can keep your dog interested in his toys by engaging in a game of tug or fetch. Play a Game of Fetch Most of us do have some extra room indoors for a simple game of fetch, but if you live on the 5th floor with a St. Bernard you should probably skip this game. When it comes to playing indoor fetch hallways, stairways, and big living rooms are popular choices. My dog and I love playing soccer in the basement with her Jolly ball. Master The Art of Doggie Massage Learning how to give a dog massage is enriching for owner and dog alike. A nice massage can help soothe and relax nearly any dog. And dog massages are great for older dogs or those with arthritis, since it helps soothe sore and achy joints. Giving your dog a massage reduces anxiety, relieves stress, improves circulation, and creates a great bond between you and your dog. Tip: If your dog has a hard time settling down for a massage you can practice the relaxation protocol. The basic principle of shaping games is to encourage our dogs to try something new. They get to make their own decisions and increase their mental and physical flexibility. You start out with a box on the ground and without any cues let your dog investigate and decide what to do. Shaping can be used with any item, not just a box. Our dogs need to be brushed, bathed, have their teeth brushed , and have their nails trimmed when they start to get long. Some dogs tolerate grooming better than others, and the more you practice using positive rewards the easier it will become. Play a Game of Tag Playing tag is a fun interactive game for dogs, but it does require a partner. Each of you will sit or stand at one side of the room with a toy or some treats. Take turns calling the dog over and rewarding them when he comes. Make sure your dog is receiving lots of positive reinforcement each time they obey. This is a simple and fun way to reinforce a reliable recall. Have your dog jump over some towels, weave through his toys, and then lay down on a blanket. Use your imagination and come up with a set of obstacles for your dog to follow. Once your dog has learned how to jump over the towels you then move onto the toy weave. Building on prior tricks will keep your dog mentally stimulated and encourages focus. Brushing up on dog tricks, making some yummy treats, and playing a game of fetch are all simple ways to keep your dog busy. And seriously, a few minute sessions of chasing bubbles can work wonders for your dog. You can either buy your dog a new toy to get their enthusiasm going or you can rotate their toys. Instead of giving your dog access to all of their toys all the time give them a couple. Toys take on a whole new value once you get involved and start playing with it as well. Make your own DIY dog toy by braiding some old t-shirts into a tug toy. Make a Doggie Play Date Does your dog have some nice dog friends? Invite them over for some play time. Brush up on Some Old Tricks Just like us our dogs can benefit from a refresher now and then. When was the last time you asked your dog to roll over or play dead? Teach Your Dog to Grab His Leash Before we go for a walk I have my dog go and grab her leash, then she has to fetch me my boots and her harness. This way I can keep her nice and calm, making it easier and quicker to get ready and out the door. Teaching your dog to go fetch their leash or harness is a nice way to give them some extra mental stimulation , and give them a nice simple job to do. Instead of having to get up and turn on the light have your dog do it for you. If you have a small dog you might have to improvise to make it possible for your dog to reach the light switch. Brush up on the basic impulse control commands like leave it, wait, stay, settle, and down. These commands are important if your dog ever gets loose or decides to chase after that squirrel. Instead of handing out a free meal have your dog perform a few tricks before they eat. I love making my own dog treats rather than buying them from the store. Tip: Be sure to check out our list of 25 simple dog treat recipes for some great options. Reward polite behaviors handsomely, with consistency your dog will get into the habit of asking for things in a polite manner. We all need time to unwind, and many of our dogs love to lounge around with us. Before bedtime each night I sit on the couch with Laika for a bit. Play some fun games with your dog or teach them something new. Dogs thrive on interactive play, and it has a big impact on their overall health and well being. We might not be able to provide them with the full time job they were bred for — but we can give them something meaningful to do with a few simple games and tricks. You call to a dog and a dog will break its neck to get to you. Dogs just want to please. Have you read about the recent studies that found a correlation between interactive play and a dogs well being? Does your dog know the name to all of his toys? Do you make your own doggie treats or toys? Does your dog get bored? 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It has had more staying power than many other designer dogs that emerged at this time because it is an especially great breed for families looking for a dog to protect their property but still has the affectionate streak of a family pet. Labrador retrievers are medium-to-large gun dogs that were bred in the United Kingdom from stock brought over from Canada specifically to retrieve game, even in wet conditions. This means they were bred to love the water and have a soft mouth for retrieving. They are also very intelligent dogs that enjoy working and are eager to please and therefore easy to train. These characteristics have made them popular working dogs in assistance and service roles as well as popular family pets. However, they do require consistent grooming and shed heavily. Meanwhile, Doberman Pinschers are even bigger dogs at around three to four inches taller than Labs. They were developed by a tax collector in Germany in the late 19th century. He wanted an intelligent and strong dog that could protect him while working that looked impressive enough to put off most would-be thieves based on appearance alone. Dobermans are brave and fearless when it comes to protecting their people. Nevertheless, they are commonly seen as police dogs, personal protection dogs, and guard dogs. To account for the size difference between the different parent breeds, the mother will always be the Doberman. Female Dobermans measure 25 to 27 inches in height and weigh 71 to 77 pounds. The males are quite a bit bigger, measuring up to 28 inches and weighing up to pounds. Male Labs measure 22 to .This basically means you can expect your Doberman Lab mix to be 24 to 28 inches tall and weigh around 60 to pounds, with the males being quite a bit larger than the females. It is less predictable whether they will have the stockier but athletic body of a Labrador or the thinner and stronger body of a Doberman. Overall, they tend to have a heavier look than your average Doberman. Additionally, they could also have either the pointed ears and snout of a Doberman or the slightly flatter face of a Lab with floppy ears. But it is not an exact science, so some Labramans can end up having more high-shedding coats. The thinner coat also means they are less tolerant of the water and the cold than a Labrador. Doberman Labradors can have varying coat colors as well. They can be black, chocolate, tan, or fawn in color, and they can have a solid coat like a Lab or markings like a Doberman. Doberman Lab Mix Temperament Both Labrador retrievers and Dobermans are intelligent dogs, so you can expect the same from their offspring. But while Labs are eager to please and therefore highly trainable, Dobermans are more independent and therefore more difficult to orient. Nevertheless, they have proved themselves capable of completing the complex training required to become police dogs, and their independent thinking is helpful in unknown situations. Most Labrador Doberman mixes will be very intelligent and even more trainable than your average Doberman, but you can expect a little bit of stubbornness, especially when food is involved. Labs are very friendly dogs that like to make friends with everything they meet! This makes them great family pets, since they enjoy the company of children and other animals, but terrible guard dogs. Dobermans are loyal and bond quickly with their people, including children, and can get on well with other animals if properly socialized. However, they are much more wary of strangers. They are also very protective and will jump into action when they perceive a threat. This will be barking and growling while placing themselves between their people and danger rather than biting. With a Doberman Lab mix, you should expect something between the two. They are typically loving dogs that will get along great with your family but also raise the alarm when it comes to strangers. They should be easy to control with a firm command if they have been properly trained, but you can expect them to be quite noisy dogs. It is this balance that makes the Dobrador a great balance between a family pet and guard dog. Always use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to train your Doberman Lab mix. It is more effective, and punishment can unintentionally trigger aggression. Doberman Lab Mix Energy Levels Both Labrador retrievers and Dobermans are high-energy dogs that need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Labrador Doberman mixes need at least an hour of exercise a day, preferably split over two or three different sessions. They will want to flop their huge frame down on the couch with you for a snuggle and always like to know what is going on in the house. Nevertheless, they do need an outdoor space, as they will want to be moving around for a lot of the day. Their large size means this can be uncomfortable indoors, so a backyard is a must. A larger property they can wander and defend will make them very happy. Even if you leave them in the yard, they can develop anxiety if they are left alone for eight hours or so a day when everyone is out at school or work. They really need a family that has time to spend time with them. Watch their diet carefully, as both of their parent breeds tend to love food. It is easy for them to overindulge and put on weight. We tend to want to show our dogs love through food, but this can do more harm than good. Remember, every treat contains calories, too! A calorie-controlled diet that is high in animal-based proteins and healthy fats is ideal for high-energy dogs like a Doberman Lab mix. They have more diverse genes than their parent breeds, which means they may be less prone to some of the illnesses that affect them. However, their large size means elbow and hip dysplasia can be a major problem. When the joints are misaligned, their movement becomes strained, resulting in a lot of pain. While this is genetic, one major aggravating factor for this condition is too much exercise while growing. Until they are fully grown, which can take 18 months to two years, they should only get about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So, at four months they need 20 minutes, at six months they need 30 minutes, and they should only be getting close to an hour a day once they are a year old. Wobbler syndrome has also proven relatively common in this mixed breed. This is a neurological disease that affects the spine and neck of larger dogs. If they develop the condition, you will notice it because their legs will become wobbly when walking. In about five percent of cases, this can progress to full paralysis. Early and consistent vet check-ups can help prevent and monitor conditions like Wobbler syndrome. Labrador puppies are already quite popular, and many breeders work with them. Dobermans are harder to get your hands on, and you might pay almost twice that for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Additionally, you may get lucky and find a Doberman Lab mix at a rescue or up for adoption. They grow to be a lot bigger than people expect and need a lot of space, which are the main reasons that they end up in rescues. The fact that they naturally bark quite a lot can also lead to them needing to find a new home. Doberman Lab mixes can be great dogs if you want a friendly-family pet that can also act as a guard dog. How big is a Lab Doberman mix? Doberman Lab mix dogs are fairly large. They can measure anywhere from 24 to 28 inches and weigh 60 to pounds. The males tend to be significantly larger than the females. When apartments restrict specific dogs, it usually comes down to size and perceived aggression. Dobermans are big dogs with a reputation for being aggressive and working as police dogs. If Dobermans are not allowed in your apartment, a Doberman Lab mix will probably also be restricted. Labrador Doberman mix dogs make great pets. They can be loving family dogs that also protect your family and property. But the main thing to remember is they are big dogs with lots of energy, so not everyone is capable of looking after them. You need the space, time, and energy yourself to exercise and train them. However, if you have a fairly large property that needs a guard dog, and you want a pet to join you on physical adventures, then the Doberman Lab mix may be the perfect dog for you. Doberman and Labrador Histories The Doberman Lab mix has a rich working history, specializing in two very different jobs. The Labrador Retriever breed was first developed in Newfoundland, Canada. Where smaller water-fowl hunting dogs were mated with Newfoundlands to make the ultimate retrieving companion. Modern Labs are prized working dogs, service companions, therapy animals and of course family pets. The Doberman Pinscher was first bred in Germany during the late s as a protection dog. To develop this type of dog, short-haired Shepherd-type dogs were bred with Rottweilers, black and tan terriers, and German Pinschers. Even military work! What Do They Look Like? Your Doberman Lab mix dog will be tall, lean and leggy. They have naturally floppy ears and long slim muzzles. As their name suggests, chocolate Lab-Doberman puppies could come out chocolate brown, like their chocolate Lab parent, or they could come out looking more like a Doberman. Generally, Doberdors are solid colored like the Lab, but they may be bicolored like the Doberman. A dense double coat will require weekly brushing. Doberman Pinschers have long been viewed as dangerous dogs. Some Dobermans may have a more severe temperament than others. Additionally, Dobermans do not take well to being caged for long periods of time. They do not do well with isolation at all. Labradors also have a tendency to get bored and destructive if left alone for lengthy periods. These breeds are not advised if you work away from home during the day. If you plan to get a Doberdor, you might like to have two of them. Or maybe another pet that you know your Doberman Lab mix gets along with. All of these precautions should help reduce their need to guard their property or family from people or other pets. As the Doberman Lab tends to be a good-sized dog, some people may find one that likes to jump a bit intimidating. Or once he spies something that resembles a bird or squirrel! A great recall is essential. Until you have this a Doberman Lab mix would greatly benefit from a fenced-in yard. This way they can play, be trained and exercise risk free. Doberman and Labrador Health A few common canine ailments that are common across breeds. These include hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. However, hybrids like Doberman Labrador mixes may inherit the health conditions that are common in their parent breeds. Doberman Lab mix dogs have the potential to inherit health conditions from either parent. Both the Doberman and Labrador mother or father should have great hip scores and be tested clear for Progressive Retinol Athrophy. You absolutely will need an exercise plan for one of these active and playful fur babies. Exercise is especially important if your Doberman Lab takes after his Lab parent in the weight category, as he may easily gain too much weight without adequate exercise. Your pup will be even happier if he gets to stretch his legs at the dog park every so often! Lifespan Hybrid dogs generally have the same life expectancy as their parent breeds. So, the Doberman Lab mix has an estimated life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Doberman Lab Mix Puppies Your Doberman Lab mix puppy should come from a breeder who prioritises health and temperament. You should be confident that they know you can handle a dog of either temperament, and ask you lots of questions about what you plan to do in terms of training and exercising your new puppy. The best Doberman Lab mix breeders are open, honest and have ensured both parent dogs were fully health tested. Should I get a Doberman Lab mix? As with any dog, mixed or not, you must also be prepared to deal with any ailments that come with the breed or breeds, especially hip dysplasia and loss of eyesight, in this case. There are a host of other inherited conditions that a Doberman Lab mix may develop, so we also recommend genetic testing of breeding stock before you purchase a puppy. Both of these personality types can be handled with proper training. Trainable Protective The temperament of the Doberman Labrador mix is one that is kind, loving, watchful, playful, and loyal. But even guard dog breeds like the Doberman make great family pets with proper time and effort put into training and socialization. So give your Doberman Lab Mix every bit of free time that you have to train and socialize him well. It is all up to you on how you raise and train your Doberdor. Before getting your puppy, assess if you will have the time for the necessary training, exercise, and socialization, and finally hanging around time with the dog. This is the critical part that too many dog owners omit. Brushing the Doberman Labrador Mix will be an everyday thing for spring and fall. Twice weekly is sufficient in winter and summer. Doberman Labrador mix dogs shed a lot, so plan on daily brushing in spring and fall, and a couple times weekly otherwise. Doberman Labrador Mix Health Issues Bloat or Gastric Dilatation — where gas builds up in the stomach, causing the intestines to knot up and block blood from going into and out of the stomach and heart. This can kill your dog in a matter of hours. The most common reason for this to happen is if you exercise your dog after he eats. Hip Dysplasia — common to purebreds, it is not life-threatening, but can be painful to the dog. Bone Cancer — can happen to a dog at any age, but generally happens to older dogs. The tail stops wagging from overuse and can be painful for the dog. Obesity — Be careful not to give your dog too many treats. It is easier Labrador to gain weight. Doberman Labrador mix. Perfect family dog. Even after being severely abused and neglected as a puppy. Skin and bones with a broken tail and scared to death when we rescued her at 6 months old. She was scared of men and anyone holding something resembling a stick or belt. She had nightmares and would wet herself in her sleep but adjusted very well to family life and being around people after a year or so. Her and her sister are inseparable. She is a bit clinging but very well behaved and very loving. She really is a great dog and they are a wonderful breed. Her and her sister both come to the nursing home where my son and I work, as therapy animals. She is so sweet and gentle with the residents and they love her. I am completely in love with all my fur babies. The Doberdor needs a strong pack leader, that will not bend to whatever the dog wants. The Doberman Labrador Mix needs a good amount of exercise, love, training, and socialization to make this awesome breed a perfect match for you and your family. Which is the Rottweiler Doberman mix , they require a little bit more in training, but they may fit your needs better than the Doberdor. Do you have a doberdor? You can send your photos, info, and question to us by email! If you are in the market for a guard dog then we have the perfect article for you! Now if you liked this article we have another article on the Rottweiler Doberman mix that you will enjoy! If you have decided on getting a Doberman Labrador mix, we have several other articles on dog names that may fit your new puppy! Doberdor Highlights Doberdors are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Doberman Pinscher or Labrador Retriever parents. The most common Doberdor colors include black, chocolate, tan, and fawn. Doberdors require way more exercise than your average dog. Ball games and interactive toys are also a must. Doberdors get along well with children, though they should be socialized from an early age. As with all dogs, children should be supervised and taught how to properly interact with pets. The Doberman first came on the scene back in the s in Germany. The dog was actually invented by a tax collector who also worked at a local kennel! After a while, the breed graduated from being renowned as a guard dog to being employed by the military and police force. The Labrador Retriever originates from Canada, where it was first bred as a dog to help out with hunting and retrieving tasks. These days, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States. The Doberdor has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Doberdor Size The Doberdor is usually described as a large-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 60 to pounds and range in height from 24 to 28 inches. Female Doberdors can be noticeably smaller than their male counterparts. These dogs can become super loyal and will definitely act as a guardian of your family and property, but they also require an owner with the time, patience, and experience to train and socialize them properly. The breed is very smart, but with that intelligence also comes a degree of stubborness. Doberdor Health Doberdors are generally considered to be healthy dogs—although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Doberman Pinscher and Labrador Retriever face. This should be split up into two or even three separate sessions. Games of fetch can also help keep the breed in tip top shape. Doberdor Feeding An ideal Doberdor diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Bathing needs are low and should be undertaken if the dog seems dirty. Ask your vet if you wish to put into place a regular bathing routine for your Doberdor. Due to their coat, the Doberdor does much better in warmer rather than colder climates. Think of the dog as like an older sibling, full of love and protective instincts. Teaching children to act responsibly around the dog is also a must. Most Doberdors will be okay living with other animals and pets—but you will need to very quickly let the breed know that cats and rabbits are not to be considered as prey. Again, early socialization between the breed and any resident pets is key. Ultimately, early socialization pays off—so make sure to reward your Doberdor for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family. Doberdor Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Doberdors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Doberman Pinscher or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Breed Profiles By Kate Brunotts 11 min read July 14, K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Are you searching for a loyal and loving furry family member? The proud Doberdor may make the perfect pooch for the position! As it is the case with most mutts, Doberdors exhibit traits reminiscent of both pooch parents. You might want to consider a couple of other purebred pups and marvelous mutts that are similar to the Doberdore. From the dignified Rhodesian Ridgeback to the sweet Labrabull, there are plenty of energetic, loving dogs to look into. The Doberdor, sometimes referred to as the Labraman, is an adorable mixed breed dog created by crossing a Labrador retriever with a Doberman Pinscher. That being said, understanding the parent breeds can offer insight into what your canine cross may be like. These popular pups are well-loved for their adaptable personalities, happy-go-lucky dispositions, and energetic attitudes. Labs do well in a wide variety of home environments, so long as their needs are met. These active bird-hunting dogs appreciate adventure, and they need owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Labs are also known for their innate intelligence, helping which helps them excel in a variety of roles, ranging from police work to therapy dog roles. And as a general rule, Labs get along with just about everyone — including two-footers and four-footers alike. Labradors are medium to large dogs that usually weigh between 50 to 80 pounds. They come in golden, chocolate, or black coats that are likely to find their way all over your couch, as these pooches shed quite a bit. As long as the furry friends get enough exercise, Labs make amazing canine companions that are likely to follow their favorite humans from one room to another. In fact, these are one of the best breeds for many first-time dog owners. These capable working dogs were originally bred as tax collector companions , serving as imposing yet good-natured furry friends, who helped their owners who had unpopular jobs make their rounds. Today, Dobies are elegant, steadfastly loyal canine companions that thrive as valued members of the family unit. Like Labs, Doberman pinschers have moderate to high energy levels and need lots of exercise to keep their tails wagging. These furry friends need owners who can provide consistent training sessions to help guide their everlasting energy. Dobies are some of the smartest dogs around , which makes them easy to train , but it also means they like to stay stimulated throughout the day. These medium to large dogs usually weigh between 70 and pounds. They usually have red, black, or blue coats with tan markings. Dobermans are extremely loving towards their family members, though they may bond particularly close to one special human. So long as these confident yet sensitive canines are provided with plenty of attention and training, they make amazing furry family members. Doberdor Traits and Characteristics Are you considering bringing home a darling Doberdor? Size and Shape: The Labrador-Doberman mix is a medium to large dog weighing between 60 and pounds. Doberdors usually have Lab-like build with the longer legs and slimmer faces of their Dobie parents. Temperament: The Doberdor is a loving, confident protector that bonds closely with his humans. These courageous dogs have plenty of energy, and do best in homes with plenty of space, and humans around to keep them entertained. These energetic family companions get along well with kids and other pets, so long as they get the chance to learn their mutt manners. Coat and Colors: Doberdors are usually all one color, or one color with tan markings. Coat colors can vary from brown, black, blue, red, or fawn. These pups will have a shorter coat like their Lab and Doberman parents. Intelligence: The Labrador-Doberman mix is incredibly intelligent coming from two smart parents. These pups are happy to participate in training sessions and need to be challenged on a regular basis to keep their tails wagging. Early socialization is a must as well, since these pups have a tendency to be protective. Health: Doberdors typically live between 10 to 14 years. You love to spend time outside. While these mixes can be adaptable, they need lots of time to stretch their legs and exercise. Doberdor dogs make great dog running buddies and need homes where their activity needs are fully met. Someone is usually home. Doberdors love to be a part of the family and do not like being left alone often. These family-oriented furry friends thrive in lively homes, where someone is usually around to play or take them on an engaging walk outside. As with any strong-willed dog, training Doberdors can be a challenge. You have the time and energy to help your furry friend become a true family member. These canine companions will become true furry family members, lovingly following you from one room to the next, always ready for the next adventure. Doberdors are high-octane furry friends who love to learn and play as much as possible. Tracking down a designer dog can be difficult, and Labrador-Doberman mixes are no exception to the rule. With that in mind, here are a couple of sources to jumpstart your search for Spot. Use the power of the internet. The best way to start narrowing down your search for a Doberdor is to use an online search engine like Petfinder. Start with a shelter. Many designer dogs unfortunately end up in shelters, especially popular Labrador mixes. This can be a great way to give a deserving Doberdor a home, so be sure to reach out to your local shelter and rescue groups. Opting to adopt is an amazing, rewarding experience. Seek out a ruff-ural. You can ask other Doberdor owners for a referral if you happen to know any. However, keep in mind that not all breeders are reputable. Weimaraner: These blue-eyed beauties are friendly furry friends with boundless energy. Weimaraners are well-loved for their fearless and enthusiastic nature that pairs best with a lively household. Doberlian Shepherd: This Australian shepherd and Doberman mix is an energizer bunny with plenty of wit and zeal to get him through the day. These loyal canine companions are highly active and bond closely with one special human. Rhodesian Ridgeback: These purebred pooches are big best buddies with a distinctive stripe across their back. Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are known as affectionate, playful, yet strong-willed personalities. You may also want to consider one of the many Rhodesian ridgeback mixes breeders have produced. German Shepherd Dog: German shepherds and German shepherd mixes are well-loved for their loyal, hardworking personalities. These intelligent family dogs love spending time outdoors with their loved ones. Labrabull: The Labrabull is the handsome cross of a Labrador and pit bull. These loving, energetic dogs are up for just about any adventure and are sure to cuddle up next to you after a long day of running or hiking. Have you met a Doberdor before? Like it? Share it! An adult Doberman can weigh up to 80 pounds and could measure more than 27 inches tall. The Doberman has a stately appearance, and this contributes to its height and stature. Meanwhile, a Labrador Retriever weighs from 70 to 80 pounds and can grow up to 25 inches tall. At present, there are no dog organizations and dog breed registries that recognize the Lab mixed with Doberman dog breed. Doberman Mixed with Lab Puppies for Sale Possibly the first thing that comes to your mind is to look for a breeder to purchase your Lab Doberman pup. But before you do, please consider getting a puppy or a dog from a shelter. If you still want to purchase a dog from a breeder, make sure that you find a reputable local or international breeder. The following are online sites are found to have ads for Doberman mixed with Lab puppies or dogs. If it has a longer coat because of its dominant Lab parent, then you should brush it more often. You may also choose to have it groomed in a pet salon. Invest in a good lint roller and a vacuum cleaner because your dog will likely shed a lot. If your dog hails from its dominant Doberman parent, then expect a dog with very short hair, therefore, less frequent grooming is required. You must still brush it once a week to keep its coat shiny and healthy. Inspect its nails and cut or file it as necessary. You should also give it some dental products to clean its teeth. Playing with a net or a rope may also help your dog floss his teeth. Your dog needs a bath but only when it is dirty. But if your dog swam, wash him off with plain water to remove chlorine from its coat. The following are the best dog shampoos for this mixed breed dog: 1. This shampoo is made only from all- natural ingredients including oatmeal, honey, and beeswax. These ingredients are known to soothe skin and can help relieve with a variety of skin conditions in dogs as well as in humans. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo This dog shampoo is made from aloe and oatmeal and can heal itchy, dry and flaky skin. It can reduce irritation and stop inflammation. You will love the smell of this shampoo because it smells like delicious vanilla and almond oil. This shampoo also has moisturizing effects that can promote healing. It does not contain parabens, dyes, and phosphates that can only cause irritation and itching. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. It is a paraben and soap-free dog shampoo that contains aloe and oatmeal to treat skin conditions. Your dog may have a solid color like a Labrador Retriever or may have a combination of black, gold, brown or gray if it has a Doberman dominant gene. If possible, have your dog groomed at least once a month especially if it has the coat and long fur of its Lab parent. As much as possible, have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition. This should be done as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the pound or the shelter. The following are common health problems of a Lab Doberman mix. Heart disease. Today, the concept of designer dogs is well known and accepted. But where some designer dogs are so popular they are nearly household names Cockapoo , Labradoodle, Puggle , others are still catching up. The Doberdor is one such hybrid dog. Doberman Pinscher History Interestingly, like the Dobredor, the Doberman purebred dog breed also has somewhat mysterious origins. What is clear, is that this dog breed first appeared around , courtesy of one Herr Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. So the story goes, Herr Doberman needed a guard dog to protect him during his work. Breeding efforts over time shifted from producing a fierce and unpredictable military and police dog to selecting traits for loyalty, protection and trustworthiness. This shift resulted in the Doberman breed taking its place as one of the favorite large dog family breeds. Labrador Retriever History The Labrador Retriever has been the number one most popular purebred large breed pet dog in the nation for a while now. These furry, friendly, loyal and loving large breed dogs are very popular pets and workers. Early Labradors were always black, but today the yellow lab and the chocolate lab have joined the black lab in the purebred lineup. Even those from the same litter can be completely different from one another. So, one puppy might be exactly like their Labrador Retriever parent, whilst their brother has more of a Doberman influence. Luckily, we will cover all of the options in this guide. Your puppy could have the long water-friendly tail of the Lab. Or she could have the shorter triangular shaped tail of the Doberman. The very short tail on adult Dobermans is always a result of docking during puppyhood. When it comes to ears, you can expect longer, floppier ears to predominate in any Doberman Lab mix litter. Since both the Doberman and the Labrador purebred breeds have this ear type naturally. You can read more about this here. Doberdor Size In terms of size, you can be reasonably certain your puppy will grow up to weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds and stand anywhere from 21 to 27 inches high at the shoulder. Males being larger than females in most cases. Doberman Lab Mix Coat Type One area where there continues to be a great deal of variance in Doberman and Lab mix puppies is in appearance, especially when it comes to the Doberador coat. A purebred Doberman has a short, neat, sleek coat that sheds very little and needs only regular brushing for maintenance. A purebred Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, could safely be called a shedding machine. Their coats are mid-length to long, double layered and thick, with an oily feel due to the water-resistant coating on each hair. Their coats require regular grooming and brushing just to keep them under control, let alone neat. A Doberdor puppy could have a short but shaggy coat, a long but thin coat, non-oily or somewhat oily hair, a non-shedding or a shedding coat. Color Variations Coat color can also vary a great deal from one Doberdor puppy to the next. Labradors have three coat colors: black, chocolate and yellow. So here, you will just have to wait and see what coloration the genetic melting pot produces in your Doberdor puppy! For instance, a black Lab Doberman mix could come out with tan markings, or even be fawn if it takes after a fawn Doberman parent. And incredibly different in others. Both purebred dogs are known to be loving, loyal and strongly bonding. They are also affectionate to their owners, athletic and energetic. Not to mention intelligent and trainable. You can therefore expect your Doberman Lab mix to display these qualities when she grows. But, they also have an important significant difference. The Doberman is highly protective and has a guarding nature. Labs are the exact opposite. Being happy to welcome anyone, from friends to burglars, into the home with open arms. When you cross the two, there is no way to know whether your pup will be a social bunny or a bit of an introvert. Socialization From the day your pup arrives home make sure you have lots of visitors, adults and children. Take them to a number of places, with crowds and strangers. This is very important, even with a mixed breed. Because there is just no way of guessing which trait will be expressed. If the consistency and discipline of training and socialization is not there, all of the risks inherent in both purebred parent breeds can manifest in a Doberman cross Labrador puppy as well. Lack of ongoing training and socialization will produce aggression, inability to distinguish friend from foe, destructiveness, willful disobedience, separation anxiety and other unwelcome behavioral issues. The reward based nature of these will bring out the best in them. Punishing a potentially aggressive dog is dangerous, as it can mask signs of upset that the dog would otherwise use to show you they are unhappy. You can find out all about the demise of the use of dominance in this article on Alpha Dog Theory. But, no matter which parent breed your puppy takes after, they will need plenty of exercise every day. Doberman Lab puppies grow into energetic, alert dogs. Training will provide some exercise, but they will also need something more formal. This could be walks, hikes, retrieval games, swimming, and more! Labrador Doberman Mix Health and Care There is no dog breed on the planet that is completely healthy. This is simply not possible. Both Dobermans and Labrador Retrievers have their own unique set of known health issues. For this reason, it is critical to be aware of breed-specific inherited health conditions for each parent, both so you can watch for signs of these health issues manifesting and so you can do genetic testing to ensure you pick the healthiest Doberman Lab mix puppy. Doberman Pinscher Health Genetic testing can identify some of these issues in the parent. The breeder should have run heart cardiac , vision, hip and general DNA tests on the Doberman parent before mating. The main health issues potentially occurring in Doberman dogs are: Heart disease cardiomyopathy. Canine hip dysplasia.

Next » by docrad on 26 May - I have been on a quest to find a nice german shepherd. You would think that would be easy. I was referred to Mittelwest Kennels in Illinois. With that price in mind, I pictured in my head a really nice kennel. Entering the property with the gate that let you in was impressive, what was not impressive was the kennels itself. After getting a tour of the kennels I noticed that there were dogs sitting in crates in the barn but I did not see any empty kennel runs. I asked about that and was told their kennel was being cleaned, there were not any empty kennels to clean. During my 2 hour visit I seen things that did not impress me. Some dogs did not have water and were panting heavily, fur was a mess. When I returned home I checked her web site out, I should have done this prior to going. There are several litters, lots of litters coming soon. Where are all these puppies going to live? So, can anyone give me their experiences with this kennel and lead me to others if they think I should go somewhere else. Thanks by Blitzen on 26 May - Maybe try to find a local kennel that has fewer dogs and breeds less? If you let us know the general area where you live, someone may have some recommendations for you. I assume you are looking for a German showline? You could also try to find out if there is a local GSD breed club or an all breed club in your area. Many times they can refer you to member breeders. Good luck.If you're looking for a showline, there are 2 breeders in close proximity that I would not hesitate to refer you to. I breed working lines, but I "know" both of these women well enough to recommend them and their dogs.Either is easily found online. If you are not set on showlines, I might have something for you in the near future, but that would really depend on what your plans were for the dog. My contact info is in my profile if you want further info, but living in the same area as Mittlewest and the others I mentioned has given me a pretty good idea of where I would and would not send someone for a SL puppy. I've sold a few dogs to people who previously owned dogs from Mittelwest. I would buy this dog if the plumbing were different. In fact, I was planning on buying one of these, but alas, nature does not take puppy orders. This is a super opportunity. That is good use of this forum. They both live in Lake county so they are local. If you are looking for a working line dog Zyta and Seastian Piotrowski out around Dekalb have some that you should consider. Zyta also trains, handles and titles all her own dogs. I recently sent and LE officer to her for a family dog and he is very happy with his pup she may still have some I'm not sure. Decide what you want to do with your pup, how much time and effort you want to put into training and let the breeder whoever it is know, so they can match you up with the correct pup. Good luck Trudy by nanu on 27 May - by gsddreamer on 05 June - My boy is going to be 21 months this month. When I first got him I was going there on a regular basis for training and never saw a bunch of dogs sitting in crates. I started going again for ring training and again haven't seen that. My boy is from Mittelwest but he actually was born at the dam's owne'rs home and was with them till I got him at 2 months old. It seems to me that all the owners want are the puppies from these poor animals and don't give a damn about the animals themselves!! Isn't that being nothing but a glorified puppy mill???? The cruelty is unforgivable!! I'd love to see the owners in crates, without water, living in their own waste and being bred over, and over!! As 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reports, the outbreak happened this year with dogs from a local breeder. Puppies for sale at Mittelwest Shepherds in Wonder Lake are either bred on site or imported from Germany. And my only thought he was gonna die. Mittelwest's owner Julie Martinez blamed the German breeder that the puppy originally came from. It's not something that could have been foreseen," said Martinez. McHenry County Animal Control reports include a violation warning for "failing to provide veterinary care" for two puppies. It gave the breeder 24 hours to take the puppies to a veterinarian. They were taken to the vet and tested positive for parvo the next day. Experts say getting puppies with parvo symptoms to a vet fast is critical because it's highly contagious. Seven puppies in one litter all died at Mittelwest this year. In all CBS 2 can confirm more than a dozen puppies got parvo. In February, the Illinois Department of Agriculture placed a quarantine on the facility that meant none of the dogs or puppies could be moved or sold. That quarantine was lifted 18 days later by the Department of Agriculture due to the puppies "not showing any signs or symptoms" and Mittelwest "being cleaned and disinfected. But, Megan Swiechichowski purchased her puppy after the quarantine. Three days later it tested positive for parvo. Martinez says she believes Megan's puppy got a false positive, but agreed to pay for the vet bills and refund half Megan's money and all of the Barry's. She also says she routinely provides vet care. Inspectors revisited Mittelwest last week and found no evidence of parvo. More from CBS News.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. By Pups Central Team What to Look For When Buying a Labrador Puppy These past few months, you may have been drooling over adorable puppy photos over on Facebook and Instagram, even became a loyal follower of their social media accounts. With this cuteness overload, you are now thinking of buying a Labrador Retriever puppy. Remember that you are not buying a toy. You are buying a living being, whose growth, training, and care will be your responsibility for the length of its life. Have no clue on what to look for when buying a Labrador puppy? Let us enumerate the steps. Figuring out the Labrador puppy that you want is not as easy as it looks. You need to determine your reason for buying a pup in the first place. Do you want a gorgeous Labrador that you can flaunt in dog shows? Do you want a competitive dog that can participate in field trials? Or maybe you just want a loyal and dedicated pet for the whole family? Knowing the type of Labrador you want is important because it will give you an idea of its overall temperament and if it matches your lifestyle, and help you in finding the right breeder. Aside from type, you should also determine the color of the Lab puppy that you want to own. Labrador experts have observed that the three main colors of the breed also present with different levels of intelligence and temperament. STEP 2: Come up with a list of reputable Labrador breeders Now that you know the type of Labrador that you want, the next step is to look for reputable breeders in your area. The Club has a search directory for club-registered breeders. If you have no particular breeder in mind, scroll down to the bottom of the directory for the breeder listings by state, last name, and kennel name. This list helps you to further narrow down your choice for a Labrador type. STEP 3: Contact the breeder. Having come up with your list, the next step is to contact the breeder through email or phone. Make sure that you have your notes on the Labrador puppy you are interested in as well as the questions that you would want to ask the breeder. Some good initial questions that you can ask are the following: 1 Do you have a litter of puppies available? Most breeders would have all the puppies reserved for early buyers before they are even born. If there is a new litter on the way, you can book an early reservation for a puppy as well. STEP 4: Visit the breeder. Once you have determined the breeders that have puppies available, schedule an on-site visit with them. Check out the stud dog and bitch and verify their credentials. If the stud mated with a bitch outside the kennel, consider tracking them down. The reason why you need to see the parents is that their temperaments can be passed on to their puppies. STEP 5: Check credentials. Aside from knowing the credentials of the breeder, you also need to check out the credentials of the stud dog and bitch. The three main standards that you should keep in mind are temperament, ability, and especially health. When it comes to health, both parents should possess the following health certificates : A Canine Eye Registry Foundation CERF certificated dated within the past year that the dog is free from eye diseases An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA or PennHip certificate that the dog has normal hips An Orthopedic Foundation of America OFA certificate that the dog has normal elbows An Optigen testing certificate that the dog is free from inherited progressive blindness. STEP 6: Prepare to be assessed by the breeder. Reputable and responsible breeders would like to be sure that their puppies will go to good homes. In most cases, they will also interview you, asking questions on why you have chosen to get a Lab, the type of Lab that you are interested in, and the readiness of your home and family to take in a puppy. Some breeders may choose to visit your home and talk with family members. They may also offer recommendations to ensure the best living environment for their puppies. However, if you are given free rein to choose a puppy, these are the things you should take note of: A healthy Lab should be solid and well-proportioned. Thin puppies with visible ribs may be signs of malnutrition or illness. Inspect the coat, which should be soft and luxurious. There should be no bald patches. It should be clean with no signs of diarrhea or white flaky matter which is indicative of tapeworms. Its gums should be a healthy bright pink. The ears should be clean with no signs of infection, inflammation, or discharge. Observe the puppy while moving. It should be walking or running around with no limping or lameness. These steps will help ensure that you will be buying the Labrador puppy that you are looking for. However, the Labrador is also one of the most common dogs to be found in animal shelters. Why is it that so many people who buy a Labrador end up either returning them to a breeder or leaving them at an animal shelter? The main reason is that most people, unfortunately, do not do any proper research before buying one. They know what they look like and they know they are so popular so think it must be the perfect dog. Well, it can be. Also though, it might not be — for numerous reasons. However, it is also known to chew. A lot. A lot of people assume this is down to teething but actually, this is not always the case. It does vary but many people have noticed that their Lab will stop chewing when they are around two years old. However, it can end quicker than this and it can go on longer. There are many reasons for this popularity but one of the biggest is that they are well known for being very good in a family environment. Some of the other reasons will become obvious as you read the below list however, another is that popularity breeds popularity. What do I mean by this? In the early part of the 19th Century, some English gentlemen spotted one during a visit and subsequently brought some examples back home. Labrador is a region within Newfoundland, Canada. So, I imagine they were just named after the location that they were found, surely? Similarly to the cat breed, Maine Coon. But what use is their tail when the Lab is swimming? Well, they can actually use it to help them steer when swimming — in a similar fashion to how a rudder works on a boat. One thing to look out for though if they are in quite cold water is the state of their tail when they exit the water. This is something that needs professional attention — so get them to the vets quickly. I was actually surprised they could run this fast and if you look at them moving at this speed it really is quite impressive. For instance: They are quick learners — the Lab is very receptive to training and, given some patience, will easily learn many commands. The earlier you start the training the better. They are intelligent — this quality goes hand-in-hand with the above actually, as they are intelligent dogs they are quickly able to follow given commands. Their size — not too big and not too small. A Labrador was also able to smell some socks and detect whether the owner had Malaria, even if they were not showing symptoms at that point! Underneath the guard coat is the undercoat, which is typically softer than the slightly wiry guard coat. So, your Labrador already has a built-in mechanism to manage their coat and they must not be shaved — there is absolutely no need for it. On average, it seems the average lifespan of a Labrador is a little over 10 years. However, it can be much more than this — and it can be much less. There are many factors and variables involved and from your perspective, the best you can do is ensure that you buy one from a decent breeder with no known genetic problems. Then, ensure they live their lives on a balanced diet and get regular exercise. Finally, get insurance as things can get costly quickly in the event of problems. Although there are a fair few genetic problems that this breed can suffer from, you should not worry about this too much. You could look at any breed and discover a relatively similar list. However, I have seen no evidence that the Labrador can deal with more pain before it is obvious — than any other breed of dog. However, there are still signs that you can look out for. If they are off their food or particularly quiet and just hide in the corner of a room, it could be a sign that something is not quite right. This is anything from around 45 minutes to about 1. This is another reason that makes it a good dog for the family. Exercising your Labrador is important — not just for the dog but also for you and your relationship with her. Spending time with her on your daily walks rain, snow or shine will help you to bond — it will become a special time for both of you. The Labrador is currently ranked at number 7 in the doggy intelligence ranking chart, which is extremely high source. The Labrador has an advantage over many other intelligent dogs though. The Lab likes to show off their cleverness! This is a very good reason why the Lab has made itself the go-to service dog on a global scale. It seems odd that a breed so clever would be like this — it will eat a lot more than it actually needs, in fact it will eat until it is sick. If it finds the fridge door open and can access it, it will devour every single thing it can within it. Do you have a tub of butter? That will be eaten. Do you have a 7-year old broccoli and stilton soup that you had forgotten about? Which explains their overeating issues. See the source of this infomation at the University of Cambridge website. This makes having a dog around a family environment safer and another reason why they are so popular. I mentioned above about their intelligence and this ties in with how easily this breed can be trained. 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? Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. Tweet on Twitter Getting a healthy, pedigree Labrador puppy requires planning. In this article we are going to share with you 8 steps that you can follow to ensure that you are buying a healthy Labrador puppy. There are potential problems that many new puppy buyers are not aware of. The litter of puppies next door, or in your local newspaper, might not be the right one for you. So you need to be cautious as you set out on this exciting journey! Plan in advance Good breeders do not usually struggle to get puppy buyers. On the contrary, they often have waiting lists. So, if a litter of eight week old puppies is still unsold, be wary. It pays to plan in advance. Six to twelve months ahead of when you want your puppy is not too soon. The structured approach below is designed to help those with no contacts in the dog breeding world, find the right puppy. Step 1. Those bred for the show ring or as pets, and those bred for work as gundogs. You can read about these two types of Labrador, and their characteristics in this article: which Labrador is right for you? In the UK we call these two strains working type or field type and show type. They look and are, very different dogs. In the USA, working bred Labradors are often referred to as field type or American and show bred gun dogs as bench type or English. The split is the same in both countries, whatever they are called. And you need to know which is which and which you prefer. Step 2. This article looks at all the different places and ways in which you can buy puppies and explains the pros and cons of each. Finding a reputable breeder if you have no contacts in the doggy world, is not as easy as walking into a pet shop, but it is worth every bit of the effort that goes into it. One way to start your search, is by looking at your local Labrador breed club. This will lead you to some experienced breeders. You will then need to do some further checks to find out whether or not the breeders meets the standards you are looking for. Many people that are involved in the committee of their breed club are themselves breeders. If they no longer breed, they will be able to put you in touch with someone that does. One will be labelled FT secretary. The FT stands for Field Trial and suggests that this person is involved with working type labradors. If someone is showing their dogs, the dogs themselves are more likely to be show type rather than true working type. Step 3. Contact some Labrador breeders Make a list of contacts to approach, you can then phone them or email them. Let them know that you found them on the Kennel Club website, and are looking for a pedigree Labrador puppy. Tell them which type work or show you are interested in. Have a separate list ready, to enter details of any litters. So the second question is often the best way of getting a puppy from one of her dogs. If you have a colour preference, let the breeder know. He or she will ask you plenty of questions later if you want one of their puppies. Step 4. For several reasons. They may not have any puppies at the moment, or they may not meet the criteria you have set for the breeder of your puppy. They will however, be able to give you more contacts to add to your list. What you are aiming to do, is to make a list of half a dozen or so litters of puppies that you can then check out and narrow down. One of the best ways to find a litter of puppies, either before or after they are born, is to find a nice stud dog, and track down all the female dogs he has been mated to over the last month or two. A reputable breeder will be happy to email you photos and may even let you visit her stud dog, so that you can decide if you like him. This trail will also lead you to some smaller, less experienced breeders so you will need to do your homework carefully to make sure that the mother of your puppies has the right credentials. Checking those out is our next step Step 5. Checking credentials It is up to you to check the credentials of the litter. This is something that people are often unaware of. A pedigree does not guarantee very much at all. The Kennel Club pedigree is simply a statement of ancestry and contrary to popular belief, does not imply that the puppy it belongs to or his parents have met any standards. The three credentials you need to personally check and verify are Temperament Abililty Temperament The most crucial of all credentials has to be temperament. An adult Labrador may weight in excess of 70lbs. These are large powerful dogs that everyone expects to be friendly. You cannot take any chances with poor temperament. He will inherit tendencies to friendliness or unfriendliness, nervousness or confidence etc, from both of his parents. Never buy a puppy without meeting his mother. And if you can meet the stud dog, so much the better. If you cannot meet the stud dog, make sure that someone who has met him, can vouch for his good nature. This may not be quite as crucial with a show champion as any successful show dog will have proven itself happy to be handled in the most personal manner by total strangers. Working dogs are a different matter, and occasionally dogs with poor temperaments do succeed in competition and are used at stud. Health Health credentials are essential. Follow this link to read all about inherited diseases in Labradors and read our article on health checks. I cannot stress this too much. You must physically check certificates or copies of certificates way in advance of collecting your puppy. It is very hard to turn down a puppy once he is in your arms. Ability Ability is important if you have an activity in mind for your dog. If your aim is to compete in working trials, you might want to choose a puppy whose ancestors have been successful in that sport. Choosing a litter Narrowing down your choice to a single litter can be tough. Unless you have your heart set on a puppy from a particular dog, you may find it difficult to decide. In many cases though, there are not that many litters that meet the right criteria. You can narrow down your choice further by looking again at the breeder. How friendly and helpful is she? Do you think she will be supportive if you get into difficulties with your puppy? Has she offered to take the puppy back at any point in his life if you cannot cope? If you can answer yes to all three, then that is a real bonus point for that litter. This person is important and you need to feel that you can trust her. A breeder with a lot of dogs may have her pups in an outdoor kennel, but they should still spend lots of time with the family. Check out this article: How to spot a good breeder , and this one How to spot a bad breeder for more information. It pays to be picky. Step 7. Choosing gender Should you buy a dog or a female dog? Some people simply prefer one gender over another. And it is very hard to generalise about the sexes. Male Labradors are no more difficult to train or control than female dogs. And though entire males may be more likely to roam if not supervised in an unfenced property, female dogs can do this too. Females come into season twice a year at which time they may need to be confined to washable floors. They will also need to be kept separate from entire males with vigilance for a period of around three weeks. Neutering a female is more expensive than neutering a male. And older, un-neutered female dogs are prone to a serious and potentially deadly condition called pyometra. These are all things to consider. But overall, it often just boils down to personal preference. Step 8. Choosing your puppy And now for the final and most exciting step Choosing your puppy. Which one of these gorgeous bundles of Labrador loveliness should you take home? One of the very best things you can do when choosing a puppy from a litter, is to take someone experienced with you. Another good reason to choose an experienced and dependable person well in advance. If there is a choice, a good breeder will be able to guide you in this. All they can tell you is what you can hope for from the pedigree, and that the puppy seems OK physically. Check out this article: Choosing the right dog for more information. To make sure all is well, you will need to have your new puppy checked over by your own vet, within a day or two of bringing him home. Health and temperament problems in a large dog can be devastating. Now available in most countries, the handbook is already a bestseller in the UK.