best wet food for english bulldog puppy

Boxer Puppy and Dog Whining Issues Overview Dogs have an array of vocalization and we may never understand exactly what is going through a dog's mind when he is vocal; however one of the most perplexing sounds is whining. This sort of whimpering may last for hours. Boxers of any age may do this; though puppies often have very different reasons than adult dogs. In this section we are going to discuss: Reasons why a Boxer puppy whines and steps to take to stop it Reasons why an older adult Boxer may whine When a Boxer Puppy Whines It's not a minute of whining that gets to you. It's not even 5 minutes. It's the culmination of minutes upon hours upon days. Your Boxer pups whimpers so much and so often that you've either come to the point where you're thanking your lucky stars your kids are grown or if you don't have children yet, you've sworn off ever bringing a baby into the world. You're ready to pull your hair out and if your Boxer puppy whines one more time, you're going to turn yourself in as an unfit dog owner. If you can relate to this, you'll be happy to know that there are reasons why a Boxer puppy whines and steps that you can take to stop it or at the very least drastically cut down on the whimpering while remaining a loving, caring owner. Brand New Boxer Puppies While bringing a new puppy into your household is a super happy event for you, it's a rather stressful one for a young Boxer pup. At this age, a pup is leaving his entire world behind. His life revolved around the dam and his siblings. Most of his interaction was side-by-side play, sleep and eating with his littermates. He was never alone and he was just starting to feel secure when it was all taken away. Don't feel bad - soon he'll learn that his new home - your home - couldn't be a better place. At this age, enough time has not passed for the Boxer puppy to understand his schedule. He's living minute by minute. You might wonder why he whines if he's hungry…"Doesn't he realize I feed him on time, all the time? Memory is ultra-short term at this time and there are not enough past experiences and events for him to depend on any type of care at this point. He's dealing with the stress of a new environment coupled with real needs and for this reason he does not hesitate to be vocal. The main reasons a new Boxer puppy whines is: Separation from his littermates - The bond between littermates is very close, as is the security a pup feels with his mother. Puppies do always adjust to a new home, however it is not uncommon for there to be whining the first few days simply due to feeling sad and feeling the brunt of the lost connection. He's hungry or thirsty - The environment of a new home and getting used to new humans can throw off a pup's appetite. The moment even a tinge of hungry begins, a pup may be vocal about it. Also, puppies may not eat enough to feel satiated due to one of several reasons. This may be due to many outside factors such as humans standing too close to his dish, too much background noise that's causing some stress or even a cold draft near the feeding area. In addition, pups this young may need to be led to the eating area. A quick reminder of where food and water is may be needed for the first couple of weeks. Be sure to choose a spot that is away from foot traffic and loud noise. In multiple dog households with more than one Boxer, don't expect a Boxer puppy to eat close to another dog. This can be very overwhelming and a young puppy may back down from eating if he interprets the setting to mean that an older, established dog has claimed the dining spot. Giving him his own corner, free from distractions will help him feel more secure. He's cold or uncomfortable - Puppies need a safe, warm area to spend their resting, sleeping and independent playtime or else they may whine due to a feeling of insecurity. Many owners make the mistake of thinking that only older, senior dogs need a quality dog bed. However dogs of any age appreciate a 'den' that consists of a properly sized canine bed, placed in a room that is frequently used by people but out of the way of foot traffic. If the pup feels too isolated, this can lead to whimpering and barking. The corner of a living room that is free from drafts is usually the best place to keep a Boxer puppy. Keep his toys and chews in that same area. This breed should not be crated. Boxers tend to be claustrophobic and a puppy will whine if he is put into too small of a space. A pen or gated off area works best. If your Boxer will be spending his days home alone, it can help to have this area gated off with the entrance open when you are home. This way, he'll become accustomed to 'his spot' and be more prone to accept being there once you leave the house. Boxer Puppies - 10 weeks to 1 Year It takes a couple of weeks for a puppy to start to learn his schedule of when he'll be eating, taken outside for walks and so forth; however this is still the most common age of whining. Each dog is different, some will bark to vocalize feelings and others will whimper. It's a coin toss as to which one causes more frustration for owners. But the good news is that there are some steps you can take to lessen this. The 4 main reasons a Boxer puppy won't stop whining: 1 Hunger. Bruno's first week—7 weeks old, 12 pounds, 10 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. We adopted Bruno when he was 7 weeks old. We had to wait until he was ready to leave the breeder before we could pick him up and bring him home. The breeder's policy was not to let the pups go until they are 8 weeks old, however Bruno's mother had died at birth and therefore he was not going to get that extra week with her and because of a schedule conflict on our end she made an exception. We decided to crate train our new puppy. Most puppies will cry all night in the beginning days because they miss their mother and their littermates. I placed Bruno's crate in the kitchen since it has a floor that can easily be cleaned in case of an accident. Dreading the sound of a crying puppy all night, and knowing this was the first night away from his litter I told two of my children to set up camp on the kitchen floor next to the crate. I did not want to bring the pup into our bed since we do not plan on allowing him on the beds when he is older. It worked, Bruno slept in his crate and didn't yip all night because he was not alone. Allie, our adult Boxer and two of our children were next to his crate. This allowed Bruno to learn what the crate was for, yet not be left alone. Bruno was exhausted from his three-hour car ride home and all of the attention he was receiving. Amazingly enough, he slept until a. I jumped out of bed and ran down to take him out to pee. It was then time for breakfast, another trip outside and playtime. I was up for the day because when he woke up, he needed to be taken right outside to pee and poop. Then he was hungry. After he ate he needed to be taken immediately outside once again to go to the bathroom. After a puppy eats, it stimulates them and the vast majority of time, they need to eliminate, it's a rule of thumb with a puppy. Then he wanted to play. After all, he just woke up! No time like the present to get hyper and want to play. He had three accidents in the last two days, which is very good for a brand new puppy. If Bruno is out of his crate, he needs to be watched constantly. I don't mean watched from across the room, I mean watched as in "hovering over him watched" to ensure he does not pee, poop or chew anything he is not supposed to inside the house. During the day we try not to crate him. He's either being held, hovered over or outside. We are lucky enough to have a very large fenced yard for him. If we did not, he'd have to be walked on a leash to go to the bathroom, which would be much more time-consuming. We have to teach Bruno not to bite our hands and feet. Yes, it is cute now and kind of funny, but when he is pounds it will not be so cute anymore. Rule of thumb with a puppy: if you do not want him doing it when he is full grown, do not allow him to do it when he is a puppy. This includes sitting with him on the furniture. Another thing we must break him from is chasing our cats. Again, it's cute and funny now, but this tiny little Boxer puppy will not be tiny for long and our cats would not appreciate an adult dog chasing them around. Cats are smart, if we allow this to go on they may even decide to take up residence elsewhere. Allie the Boxer meets her new brother. Adult dogs usually do not attack puppies and Allie rather liked the little guy. She did have to put him in his place a few times, which is normal dog behavior. An adult dog will often growl at a puppy to let it know its behavior is not acceptable. For example, when Bruno wanted to play and Allie did not, she let out a small growl and stomped at the pup to tell him enough was enough. Bruno took the hint and backed off his play and started chewing on Allie's collar and dog tags instead. Allie didn't seem to mind getting her tags chewed. She realizes Bruno is just a baby. I am lucky enough to be home with the puppy. If I had to leave for work things would be much more complicated. Bruno is young and he can only hold his pee and poop for a certain amount of time. The point of crate training a dog is you put the dog in a small enough crate so there is only room to comfortably sleep. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. However, if you leave a young puppy in a crate for too long, they cannot physically hold it in and they must go, even on their bedding. If you allow this to happen, you are going backwards in your housebreaking. If you are going to be gone for many hours a day, longer than the puppy can physically hold it, it is better to pen the dog in an area such as the kitchen where the floors are easy to clean up and place some pee pads down. It is not fair to crate a puppy or dog longer then they can comfortably hold in their waste. It is much harder to housebreak a dog if you are not home. This can really give the puppy a bad start in life and will be no fault of its own when they do not understand the concept of housebreaking. Keep in mind, you cannot yell at a dog for something after the fact, you must catch it in the act. If you do not catch it in the act, your yelling is pointless and confusing to the dog. I am writing this at a. However, he will be up bright and early wanting to eliminate, eat and play.It's now a. Bruno had to go to the bathroom. I walked him outside to the spot where I prefer him to do his business. He peed and I decided to give him some time to see if he had to poop as well; he is still outside and I must go and check on my adorable bundle of a puppy.Bruno is back in his crate. Bruno is yipping. I instinctively go and see him. Goodnight, Bruno, you have a lot to learn my young puppy. Sshhhh, lets only hope he does not keep me up all night because I will have to put up with his yipping in order to teach him what nighttime means. As I type this he is yipping from his crate. I am off to shower and go to bed. I decide to let Bruno get a drink and put him outside with Allie one last time before I go to bed to ensure he does not have to go when I ignore his plea to come out of his crate. When I turned off the shower water I could hear Bruno yipping up a storm. It woke my 9 year old who was almost sleepwalking when she opened his crate to put him outside to pee. I did her the favor of taking the pup out and told her to go back to bed. I put Bruno outside. He stayed out for a few minutes then wanted back in. It is only his third night away from his littermates and he's a tiny pup. After getting the usual puppy kisses all over my neck yeah, nice after my shower, huh? I will give him a few minutes to get good and sleepy then place him back in his crate and hope for the best. Even with all of this work, I look at him like I did my newborn babies; I just love this little puppy! The next morning: 7 weeks and 3 days old a. Bruno's up, hungry and ready to play! Bruno is tired and ready to go back to sleep. But first, his head smells like pee; he must have rolled in it. Time to clean him up and then put him back to sleep. He's taken outside to go to the bathroom and to play. He is now awake for the day but will take numerous naps as puppies need a lot of sleep. We will try not to allow his naps to last for hours on end, as those long sleep periods should be adjusted to the middle of the night hours. This size crate is the perfect size for this puppy. There needs to be room to sleep, stretch out and stand, but not enough room for him to pee in one section and still have a dry place to sleep. It's Bruno's fourth day with us and he has already picked up on the concept that his crate is the place to sleep without being disturbed. We are not being extra quiet as it is the middle of the day and he must get used to noises. Also most of his quiet sleep should be adjusted for the middle of the night. He'll soon wake to eat his lunch, go to the bathroom and play. He'll be awake for a few hours and then need another nap. This crate may be perfect for now, but very soon he'll outgrow it and we'll have to get him a larger one. I let Bruno sleep for two hours and decided it was time to wake him. As soon as he turns his hours around and is sleeping through the night I will no longer worry about the length of his daytime naps. I know he can sleep through the night; he did it the first two nights, but not the third. Bruno's 4th night: 7weeks and 4days old Bruno woke up at a. I came downstairs and put him outside. He peed and pooped. I carried him back to his crate and closed it. He laid down, then a few minutes later he started crying again. I walked back to the kitchen and was about to tell him to be quiet and give him a bone to chew when some motherly instinct inside me opened the crate door. Bruno walked out of his crate and over to my feet then sat down, leaning on my leg. I picked up the little fellow, he put his head on my shoulder and started to go back to sleep. My typical advice would be to put the puppy back in the crate if you are sure he no longer has to go to the bathroom, however I walked over to the rocking chair and rocked him back to sleep. I then put him back in his crate and he woke back up in the process, but this time he went to sleep and stayed asleep until a. He is just like a newborn baby and he's sweet as can be. Bruno's 5th night: 7 weeks and 5 days old Bruno woke up at a. I came down and took him outside and he went to the bathroom. I held him for just a bit until he calmed back down, then put him back in his crate and he fell back to sleep by a. Bruno woke up again. He was ready to play and eat his breakfast. I was beat, so at a. I tried putting him back in his crate to see if he would go back to sleep. It seemed like it just might work. I headed back to bed. At he started yipping just as I lay down. I went back to his crate and held a bone up to him to chew on and talked quietly to him. His eyes started drooping as he half chewed his bone still inside his crate. I waited there for just a bit until his eyes stayed closed for a minute or two, then I went back to bed for an hour. Housebreaking Bruno is now 7 weeks and 5 days old. He seemed to be doing so well with housebreaking. He was either inside being watched, in his crate or outside. As soon as he woke we put him outside to pee. He is not in his crate unless he's sleeping. Bruno was falling asleep so I decided to put him in his crate for a nap. As I leaned down to put him in his crate I smelled something. I felt his blankets and sure enough they were damp. Bruno had been peeing in his crate and sleeping in it! I changed his bedding and he seemed quite pleased. Now I have to figure out how to stop him when he's not doing it in front of me. The crate is not too large, which would have been my first advice to someone, to check the crate size. He is only 7 weeks. Maybe I am not always hearing him wake up in the middle of the night. At this age, puppies can only physically hold it for so long before they have to go, no matter what. Baby monitor??? Bruno smells like pee from sleeping in his crate. Time for a bath. Bruno's 6th night: 7 weeks and 6 days old Bruno was up at a. I let him out to pee. He went back to sleep shortly after and re-awoke at a. Bruno peed in his crate again, in the very back corner. I had to throw his bedding in the wash again and replace it with new bedding. His crate is not too large. I believe I need to watch how much he drinks right before bedtime. Puppies at this age have small bladders and cannot physically hold it in for too long. Bruno asked to come back inside the house and wanted to curl up in my lap, which means he's ready to go back to sleep. I put him back in his crate with the fresh bedding. Allie and Bruno sharing the dog bed. Yes, I do believe they like one another. Why Bruno.Bruno peed on his dog bed, the bed we keep on the porch for him. I had to hose his bed off and prop it up to dry. This is him asking mommy why she got his bed all wet with the hose. Actually, it is him discovering some new and interesting smells the moisture is bringing out from the bed!

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Please leave this field empty. Got our girl home to Minnesota. Little freaked out by the snow and the zero temps. She is doing great. She is a lovable sweetheart. Also fairly adventuresome. In and out of tight spaces outside and crawling over a pretty sizable and messy rock pile. Anyway, thank you. Tom Ziggy is awesome! My 3 yr old hugs and lays with him and he sleeps at the door of her room at night. Sara Thanks so much Doug. Proud to be the guardian of such joy. Thank you so very much, trust me when I say he will be loved and cherished. Take care. Sharon The puppy I received, 8 week old female Legacy was beyond my expectations, she was everything I was promised and more! Everyone who meets her loves her, she is the sweetest smartest thing. She is excelling in her obedience and her service dog training, I am very blessed for that. Thank you Doug! John B. Wells — former Coast to Coast talk show host, now at Caravan to Midnight. Our dog Luna is all you said she would be and more,beautiful,intelligent,we love her so much! Thank you, Heidi P. She is fantastic! We got him from you back in July .Ghost is the most amazing dog. He is the most loyal, the most loving, protective, and smartest dog I have ever known. Have a great day! The puppy has been started on its vaccination series, dewormed, vet checked, and given lots of T.

For the complete list please see our Listings of Boxer Breeders page. Boxer breeders can be found throughout Pennsylvania but prices fluctuate based on location within the state. The bigger brand-name dog kennels tend to charge more than small hobby breeder kennels. However, the latter is more likely to have less experience and may not yet know proper breeding practices. Prices vary depending on location within the state because there are pockets with lower demand and pockets with a higher demand for boxers. Bigger cities tend to have more financial competition from other breeders so sometimes prices can be lower in nearby rural areas. Please note that the average price does not include breeding rights included with the purchase of the boxer puppy which varies based on location within Pennsylvania. The best way to find one is through our list of breeders on this page. Another way is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members that have purchased a Boxer puppy in Pennsylvania before. If you are having trouble finding a responsible breeder please reach out to us. Visit Your Pennsylvania Boxer Breeder in Person It is always best to visit your boxer breeder in person before deciding on purchasing a puppy. This way you can see the conditions that the puppies are living in. If possible, try to check out more than one litter before committing to buying a puppy. Do they look happy and healthy? Are their cages clean? Do they have any health issues? By visiting the breeder in person you can also see the temperament of the adult dogs. Visiting your potential breeder in person is one of the most important steps of selecting your puppy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Pennsylvania Be sure to ask for references from the breeder as well as talking to other owners that have purchased a Boxer puppy from them. This can be anyone from past or current customers as long as they are satisfied with their purchase. References will be able to give you a better idea of the level of service and care that your breeder provides. They can also tell you if they were happy with their boxer and if a boxer might be the right breed for you. Meet some of their past Boxer customers in person so you can ask questions. It will give you insight into their customer support after the sale should something unforeseen come up with your pup. You should be able to find out if your breeder uses a Veterinarian for their dogs and also where you can take your puppy for his check-ups. Reputable breeders will always have their own vet they use and recommend. A reputable breeder will also provide ongoing care, recommendations and support long-term on an ongoing basis to their customers for the life of the dog. Be sure to visit the veterinarian within 48 hours of bringing your new boxer home. Make sure all necessary paperwork is provided along with the puppy, including AKC registration papers. Also, be sure your Boxer Puppy is at least 8 weeks old before taking him home so he can have all his vaccinations and get settled in. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy Finally, you want to make sure your home is ready for the addition of a new Boxer Puppy in Pennsylvania after they are old enough to be taken from their mother. Be sure that they have a secure area where they can get away from children if needed, and they can still see everything going on around them. Introduce him slowly to everyone in your family, not all at once or he will become overwhelmed. How to Cope with Boxer Bites And Scratched up Furniture Boxers are very smart and loving dogs but can be aggressive at times because of their strong personalities. You should also invest in chew toys like Kongs that they can chew on without destroying your shoes, couches and other things around the house. A great alternative to having them always on a leash is getting a dog crate, putting it in the living room and letting them sleep there at night. Lastly, sit down with your children and teach them how they need to behave around their new family member. As long as you ask the right questions and remember those above points it should be easy enough to find yourself a well-bred boxer puppy. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale.

July 12, If you are looking for the perfect French Bulldog puppy to add to your family then this list of French Bulldog breeders in Virginia should get you started down the right path. Before contacting any Virginia Frenchie breeder I highly recommend reading these tips to find a reputable French Bulldog breeder. Below is a list of some of the Virginia French Bulldog breeders to begin your search with. You want your puppy to be healthy, happy, and safe as possible and proper breeding practices can ensure you get a great Frenchie to add to your home. Their kennels are located in Virginia, and they have a large selection of beautiful French Bulldogs that are all well-socialized, up-to-date on vaccines, and ready to go home with you. They offer various options regarding the type of French Bulldog puppy you want such as color or temperament and the gender s you wish to breed your puppy with. They also have an online store where you can purchase some items for your new puppy. Their goal is to produce healthy, happy puppies with excellent temperaments and personalities. They breed for temperament, health, and longevity. They also breed for longevity by including hip dysplasia screening on all their dogs. They have various options for their future customers: black, blue, chocolate, and white pups; males and females; short coats or long coats; short legs or longer legs; healthy hips or not; the list goes on. The Kaigan Kennels team takes its time to ensure that every puppy leaves their home with proper care instructions and socialization tips. They also offer a lifetime support program that includes training classes held every month at their house, allowing customers to come to watch puppies grow up from birth while they develop. They can help you find the perfect puppy for your lifestyle and needs. Brick House Bulldogs breed only French Bulldogs—they have no other breeds of dogs on their roster. If you want a great-looking French Bulldog that will be a joy to own, this is the breeder for you. Their focus is on quality over quantity when it comes to breeding Frenchies. They only have 15 puppies per year, so they can spend time preparing them for their future homes without sacrificing quality control or consistency. They also strive to maintain an environment that promotes healthy relationships with humans and dogs—they will only sell fully vaccinated puppies and microchipped at 8 weeks old or older depending upon what vaccine was given. They specialize in breeding Frenchies with health problems such as hip dysplasia or blindness, which makes them easy to adapt to families looking for a companion or therapy dog. They offer several options for choosing what type of puppy you want: boy or girl; black or white; short-haired or long-haired; purebred or mixed breed; Labrador Retriever mix or standard poodle mix this option is only available if you live outside VA. The McCoy family started with two dogs—a male named Mac and a female named Piper. Their first litter consisted of three puppies: One male and two females. The second litter was a bit larger, with six puppies: Two males and four females. The third litter had seven puppies total: Four males and three females. Some are females only, others both male and female; some are purebred French Bulldogs, while others are crossbreeds mixing other breeds. Throughout all this time, Jackie McCoy has always focused on finding the right mix of personality traits in her dogs so they can be loved by everyone who comes into contact with them. The owner has been breeding Frenchies for over 20 years and has no other French bulldog breeders Virginia. They have had many litters of puppies over the years but are currently only breeding one litter per year. They do not open up for tours or meet visitors as more extensive facilities might, but they let visitors see the dogs at their homes or in a local park. The dogs are all born to parents registered with the American Kennel Club since birth and have been DNA tested to ensure that they are purebreds. The dogs are raised indoors in a free-range outdoor area with fencing so they can safely roam around when outside is too cold or too hot for them. However, most people purchase them as pets right away so they can start training immediately instead of waiting months after being purchased before training begins. They are located in Virginia and currently have two litters on the ground at any time. Their current focus is on Frenchies, but they can also take in other breeds. They only use certified genetic parents who have been tested for every health condition their puppies could inherit. This includes hip dysplasia and eye conditions like patellar luxation, which can affect the quality of life for your puppy if not caught early enough. The owner, Sueann Merrick, has been breeding Frenchies for over 20 years and has been thrilled with the results. Shenandoah Valley Bulldogs is located in Virginia but serves clients from all over. The dogs they raise are always kept indoors, where they can get plenty of exercise and playtime with each other. Shenandoah Valley Bulldogs also offers puppy training classes so owners can learn how to train their new pup without having to do it themselves this helps them avoid any potential accidents at home or in public. Shiloh French Bulldogs breed healthy and happy puppies of all sizes. They focus on producing well-balanced puppies in all aspects: health, temperament, conformation, and movement. The dogs at Shiloh are all purebred French Bulldogs, meaning they all share the same genetic makeup and bloodline. The owners do not use any other breeders or kennels for their dogs; instead, they only use them for breeding purposes. Shiloh French Bulldogs offers two different types of dogs: Standard and Miniatures. Both breeds are 25 pounds or under, making them perfect for families with children or small apartments. The Standard is a medium-sized dog, while the Miniature is smaller than the Standard but more significant than its companion breed, the Toy Poodle. Proper breeding practices and care is essential in order to get the French Bulldog your heart desires. Meet the puppies! We are located in Powhatan County in Virginia and have over seven years of breeding Bulldogs. We love dogs just as much as you do! We make sure that all of our puppies are raised and treated with lots of love, and have special attention paid to them. Both English and French Bulldogs are an attractive and eye-catching breed. They love car rides, leash walks and just spending time with you. They are the most lovable and sweetest dogs available, learn quickly and are always eager to please you. Our selective breeding process ensures you get the best dogs available. We make sure our puppies are of the highest quality around. We take pride in our process. All of our puppies come with a 6-month health guarantee, club registration, microchip and have age appropriate vaccinations and deworming. We would love the opportunity to be a blessing in helping you find the perfect English or Frenchie for your family. Let us guide you to the perfect addition to your family! Check out our available puppy page. Meet the Puppies! See all of the puppies! I would highly recommend Cute Ugly Bulldogs if you are looking for a puppy. We are considering adding a second one to our family. They are honest, fair, and good people to work with. I would do business with them again! Carly Kimble Johnson We got our Frenchie in January and the vet says he is by far the healthiest she has seen in a long time. We love our Zeke boy! Thank you guys for allowing us to make him part of our little family! Rebecca Cash Rawe We just added a new addition to our family today…. The vet saw her and just could not express how healthy she was and how well kept she is. I would definitely be coming back for another addition!!!! Liz Yun Veronica was super nice and answers texts if I have questions about our pup. We love our pup. I definitely recommend. Winnie McKinstry My family got our Frenchie from Veronica and she was so nice, helpful, and responsive. We love our baby Bella!! Thanks so much! Taylor Colly We have a beautiful new baby girl from this wonderful family! Talullah is a bundle of energy and sweet kisses. We would do business with them again! Jourdan Jones Veronica and her husband are wonderful and care a great deal about their bulldogs. Melissa Reinhold McDaniel. Questions about French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia? We have answers. How does French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia work? You might have noticed that the prices from Virginia French Bulldog breeders tend to be a little higher than they would be with other breeds. The reason for this is that breeders of Frenchies have to spend more money to raise these dogs due to their unique skeletal structure. The females have to have C-sections in order to deliver their litters safely, leading to higher expenses for both breeders and buyers. What are some health issues associated with Frenchies? French Bulldogs for sale in Virginia can live for 14 years or more in some cases, but they are also at risk of several health issues. Their snub noses make it hard to breathe, so they can snore and wheeze quite a lot, and they often develop bone and joint issues too. Be sure to buy your Virginia French Bulldog puppy for sale from a trusted breeder to have the best chance of a happy, healthy dog. How do you vet businesses selling Frenchies? Trying to find the best French Bulldog breeders Virginia can feel like quite a challenge, and it can be hard for a typical person to tell breeders and businesses apart from one another. At Uptown, we have lots of experience when it comes to finding top tier breeders, and we've developed one of the strictest screening processes around to help our users find French Bulldog puppies Virginia from only the best sellers. How does Uptown work for finding a Frenchie pup? Ready to begin your journey to find French Bulldog puppies for sale in Virginia? It all starts here, and the first step is to browse through the various pups that are currently available from our listed breeders and businesses. Speak with the sellers to learn more about any pups that catch your eye and then make arrangements to bring one home. It's as simple as that. Can I find the cheapest Frenchies here? If you're trying to find the cheapest possible French Bulldog for sale Virginia, we urge you to reconsider. There are many scammers and bad breeders out there who sell their pups at super low prices, tricking people into buying unhealthy, socially difficult dogs and then having to spend way more money later on for vet bills and socialization training. You'll find fair, competitively priced pups on Uptown. Why shouldn't I buy my dog from a shelter instead? For example, if you're looking for a specific breed, like French Bulldogs for sale Virginia, you might not be able to find the right pup at local rescue centers. How do I know that my French Bulldog will be healthy? The vetted breeders and businesses of the Uptown Network always carry our nose-to-tail veterinary checks of their French Bulldog puppies in Virginia, providing you with full health reports and giving you all the details you need to know. This way, when you buy a Virginia French Bulldog for sale from one of our featured sellers, you won't have to worry about any hidden health problems Is it enough to walk my Frenchie, or do they need more exercise? French Bulldog puppies for sale Virginia aren't the most energetic dogs around, and they can get by with a single moderate-length walk each day, but they still need regular playtime and other forms of physical and mental stimulation in order to lead happy, fulfilling lives. If a French Bulldog for sale in Virginia doesn't get enough exercise, it might start gaining weight and developing health issues. How do I know I can trust Uptown? Looking for a French Bulldog Virginia online can feel quite intimidating, and it's hard to know which sites you can trust. At Uptown, we strive on a daily basis to be your No. What type of dog is a French Bulldog? Virginia French Bulldogs for sale are all unique, with their own little quirks and personality traits, but most Frenchies tend to be very fun, affectionate, inquisitive animals that like to spend time with people of all ages. They're super friendly and like to learn new things too, so can be quite active around the home, but also appreciate a good nap and lots of cuddles on their best friend's lap.

We are an all-volunteer group of German Shepherd lovers dedicated to rescuing German Shepherd Dogs from at-risk and unacceptable situations and finding them permanent, loving homes with qualified owners. We also work cooperatively with animal shelters, professional trainers, and other rescue groups toward our common goals of saving dogs' lives. Except for a portion of Nevada around Lake Tahoe, we don't adopt dogs out of state and rarely adopt out of our area. Adoption events are held in Riverbank Modesto , Sacramento and Roseville every month, rain or shine, from 11am - 2pm. The schedule is: Riverbank - 2nd Saturday of the month, Sacramento - 3rd Saturday of the month and Roseville - 4th Saturday of the month. You can see which dogs scheduled to attend each adoption event at: www. Please check back on the Friday afternoon before each adoption event for the final line-up and check out their bios on the Adoptable Dogs page. Adoption Policy Our Philosophy The dogs are our clients and we do what is in the dog's best interests. We match the dog to a suitable home where the dog will be happy and fulfilled, and the dog must approve of the match as well. That means we don't adopt dogs over the internet, as gifts, or sight unseen. Home Visit We require a home visit by one of our own volunteers because we match the home to a specific dog, and we want to meet all members of the household and all other pets at that time, and make sure that environment will work for that dog. The home must be safe and suitable for our dog, and that means we won't adopt to a home with out-of-control children or out-of-control resident dogs. Outside Dogs We rarely place dogs in outside only homes. All of our dogs come out of shelters and into volunteer foster homes where they live in the house with the people. We haven't had much success re-homing them to an outside-only home after that. We believe that dogs are happier living and sleeping inside with their family pack, which has been borne out from many years of bringing dogs into rescue. The home must be safe and secure, and legally allowed to have a German Shepherd Dog, and be within the allowable number of dogs. We require landlord consent for renters. The entire household must be a good match for the dog, therefore we won't place a higher Level dog in a lower Level household. Adoption Day Events At an adoption day, if there are several parties interested in the same dog at an Adoption Day, we will make sure everyone who arrives on time has a chance to meet the dog and then our volunteers will help make the best match for that dog. Not everyone is the right match for every dog. We do what is in the dog's best interests. Puppies We have special requirements and an additional questionnaire for puppies, please be sure you meet the requirements before sending in an application. Since we see so many dogs that have come out of an unsuitable environment, we want to make sure our puppies have the very best start in life. That means we won't adopt a puppy into an Outside Only home or where the puppy will be alone the majority of the time, as we don't feel that's an optimum environment to raise a happy and well-socialized dog. Adoption Restrictions If there is a vacation or major change imminent, such as moving, having another adult move in, or having a baby, we won't place a dog in that home. Those events are extremely stressful and it wouldn't be fair to expect a new dog to adjust well to them. We Reserve the Right to refuse to adopt to anyone who we feel isn't a good match to a dog, in particular or in general, as not every household is suitable for a rescued German Shepherd Dog. We will not adopt to anyone who is hostile, belligerent, deceitful or disrespectful to our volunteers, our dogs, our organization, or otherwise refuses to follow our policies or accept our guidelines. Adopter Preferences Yes, we do have preferences for adopters and they would get first choice on any of our dogs above the general public, provided it is an appropriate home for the dog rating level, energy, children, other pets, etc. Yes, our volunteers pay the same adoption fee as everyone else. No, we don't give dogs away for free, not even to our volunteers. Our unapologetic order of preference is: 1. The Foster Home - they always have the first option of keeping their foster dog. This is known as a Foster Failure, and we have many repeat offenders. Active Volunteers - it's the only perk we get for all the hard work we do. Previous Successful Adopters - they have proven they know how to take care of a dog and we love repeat customers! These are the folks who have kept a dog safe and happy through sickness and health until the end of the dog's life. Highly Qualified Owners Level 3 or above personally known and recommended by one of our volunteers who will vouch for the home and handling ability. General Public. In between Adoption Days, those who get their Adoption Questionnaire in and are available for a Home Visit will be ahead of those who don't! Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. If you can help, click here Application to send us your application. Then, email us here foster gsrnc. Not all of our rescue Shepherds are lucky enough to go directly into a foster home; some have to start in a kennel. Every rescue dog must be in a foster home before it can be adopted. In a foster home it will experience the love, care, and attention it needs and deserves while it is waiting to be adopted and we will observe the personality of the dog to help place it in the best possible forever home. Our network of rescue volunteers is there to help you with advice, and Rescue pays for the care of the dog including food and authorized veterinary expenses. Won't you consider fostering a German Shepherd who wants a second chance at a happy life? Fostering is a very rewarding experience, not only for you, but for the dogs too! Join us on October 7th for Wags to Riches! Register now before we sell out! Help us save dogs while putting yourself in the running for some great prizes! Click on the "Lucky Dog" for full details and to order tickets! Shop online at Pet Food Express by clicking on the puppy. Visit Our Dogs on YouTube.

Plus 9 Tips on What to Look For! French bulldogs have become quite a craze with everybody wanting to bring this bundle of fun into their lives. The French bulldog is an expensive breed but their price is well worth it. They are an absolute charmer, smart, playful, and affectionate. Their cute face, adorable bat ears, wrinkly face, and short noses are hard to resist. French Bulldogs have every trait of a good pet dog. They are an extremely sociable breed and will be unhappy and depressed if left alone for long hours. So, now the question is where do I buy a French bulldog? A French bulldog can be purchased from an ethical, local breeder. Use local shelters, vets, or ask other French bulldog owners about recommended breeders. It is best to seek a breeder who has been in the market for several years, maintains pedigrees of the French bulldogs lineage and health, has medical history of vaccinations and health, and has professional references. Always take your time to perform due diligence on the breeder. This is not something that should be done hastily because you want to be sure you find a great breeder and the right French bulldog for YOU. Adoption is also a great choice but this may come with added responsibility and health issues that need to be tended to. My wife and I adopted our bulldog Daisy, but it was the right fit for our family. Owning a French bulldog can definitely change your life for the better. But owning one of these snuggle buddies requires work and patience. To help you know if a Frenchie is right for you here are 8 must know tips. So, if you want a Frenchie the first thing you should know is their potential genetic problems and behavior problems. You may end up paying thousands and thousands of dollars for a sick Frenchie. Due to the brachycephalic airway syndrome, these dogs are susceptible to a multitude of health problems. Most of these health issues are non-life threatening but can escalate the vet bills. Therefore, it is imperative to look for a healthy well-bred Frenchie, even if you have to pay more. Although small, French bulldogs may have a stubborn streak in them making them a little bit more difficult to train than other dogs. French bulldogs do not need a lot of exercises. Frenchies have fairly low energy levels. So, if you want to take your dog for long hikes on trails, then a Frenchie is not for you. They are loud breathers and snore a lot. This is due to the general makeup of their airways. French bulldogs suffer from digestive issues and can easily get constipated. They are extremely affectionate and want nothing but the love and attention of their owners. They are the happiest in the company of their owners sitting in their laps. Typically, French bulldogs do not bark excessively and can make wonderful apartment dogs. French bulldogs are excellent with children and also get along with other pets, as long as they are just playful. Before you buy be sure to do your homework. Here are several pointers that should help you in your search for the perfect fur buddy. A reputable and ethical breeder invests in genetic testing of their breeding stock and will be able to prove the same to you. An ethical breeder will not allow a dog who has been tested positive for genetic problems to be used for breeding. If a puppy is bred correctly and has an excellent health history then there is little chance of it developing any health problems. Your breeder should also be able to provide you the documentation of the vaccinations of the first 8 to 10 weeks of the pup. Good breeders will allow their breeding stock to have one or two litter every year so that they can protect the health of the female French bulldog. Even if there are multiple breeding females, a good breeder makes sure they do not have litters within the same period. So, ask the breeder about their breeding policy. Beware of the unethical breeders who exploit dogs and scam the potential owners. It is advisable to visit the facility and make sure that the dogs live in a positive and clean environment. A reputable breeder will not have several litters at once and also a variety of dog breeds for sale. An ethical breeder will also not try to let the puppy go before they are 8 to 10 weeks old. It can be dangerous for the puppy to be introduced into a new environment without prior vaccinations. Do not fall for what seems to be an abnormally low price. Ask the breeder about the health history of the parents as Frenchies have severe health issues in their bloodlines. Check for the eyes of the puppy as well as the parents for redness or any other issues. Always ask the breeder to show you the parents so that you know what your pup will grow into. It may not be always possible to see the father but this is a must with the mother. Ask the breeder if the puppies have been socialized. You can also ask the breeder for references who would have previously bought a French bulldog puppy from them. A refusal from the breeder should raise red flags! If a breeder is not telling you what you need to know, then just walk away. If you did not get a French bulldog that was AKC registered, you may find value in it, and the process in having your bulldog AKC registered is fairly simple. There are a lot of differences between male and female Frenchies in terms of personalities and temperaments. Male French bulldogs are more playful, mischievous, and assertive. On the other hand, females are often more docile, moody, dominating, and affectionate between the two. Female bulldogs are typically easier to house train than their male counterparts. Female dogs, although timid, get aggressive quickly if tempted and often more temperamental as puppies. They become calmer with age. Male French bulldogs also have the same problem but are less aggressive than females. These are some typical personality traits, however, the personality of a French bulldog is also dependent on the environment they live in, how they are raised, and trained. Spaying and neutering French bulldogs will also make a huge difference in their personalities, curtailing a lot of negative traits in both the sexes. Spaying and neutering French bulldogs reduces their health issues, makes them calmer, and easier to train. Another difference between a male and a female French bulldog is the difference in cost. Female French bulldogs are more expensive than the male French bulldogs because you can choose to breed her. Male Frenchies have big heads and a larger physical frame. They weigh more than females and are more susceptible to health problems than females. Male puppies are more energetic than females, who tend to be more relaxed. It ultimately boils down to the level of care and training you put into your dog. Why are French bulldogs so expensive? French bulldogs are expensive because of the expenses required for breeding and caring for them. The price of a French bulldog depends upon the number of puppies in the litter, color of fur, and the genes carried. French bulldogs come in an array of different colors. French bulldogs in rarer colors can cost a whopping price. The color of a French bulldog is dependent upon the genes of their parents. But some most common colors of French bulldogs are white, fawn, brindle, or pied white and brindle. Lilac, blue, and chocolate are rare colors and cost more than the other colors. Blue French bulldogs have a blue coat which is the result of a genetic disorder called color dilution Alopecia. French bulldogs are not easy dogs to breed and there are lots of reasons for this. If you are seriously thinking about bringing a French bulldog into your home you should know all the pros and cons of owning a Frenchie. Exorbitant Tests and Procedures A series of pricey tests and procedures are done during the breeding process. Progesterone tests These tests are required to know when exactly is the female ovulating. Blood tests are also needed to make sure the female is healthy and strong enough to carry puppies. Artificial insemination and c-section A natural way of mating is hardly accessible and therefore, female French bulldogs have to be artificially inseminated. This whole process is time-consuming and expensive. French bulldogs have relatively large heads and shoulders and so a female French bulldog cannot birth naturally as the birthing canal is very small and cannot handle the labor. Another reason is their narrow hips. The large heads and shoulders of puppies can also get stuck and can result in injury or their death. Therefore, all the French bulldog puppies are delivered through c-section, which is an expensive procedure. Then come the pregnancy tests, prenatal care, including check-ups, a good diet, supplements — all adding up the cost. High Protein Diet A French bulldog female also needs to be fed a high protein diet to induce lactation and to help her provide the puppies with plenty of vitamins. Constant Attention and Care French bulldog puppies can also not be left alone with their mommy for the first several days. A female French bulldog is a very good mom but can sometimes unknowingly roll over her babies and suffocate them. Newborn French bulldog puppies also need to be fed every three hours and require a great deal of care and attention. Health Issues Because they are brachycephalic dogs flat face they are prone to more health problems, especially breathing issues. Their skin folds look cute but can easily become infected. They are also susceptible to eye conditions like the cherry eye, and other problems such as hip dysplasia, joint disorders, and heart problems. A good breeder will conduct tests to ensure the pup does not have any of the preventable genetic health problems. Another reason for the high cost of the French bulldog is that their litter is relatively small with only one or two puppies. After understanding how much time, money, effort goes into the breeding of French bulldog puppies, you should have a new appreciation for the breeders. High-quality food, vet bills, toys, medicines, vaccinations, treats make breeding the French bulldogs an expensive affair. Despite the plethora of health issues associated with the extreme facial features of the French bulldog, there is a staggering demand for the French bulldog puppies which has given a fillip to unscrupulous and unethical breeding of this wonderful breed. From where you buy a French bulldog is your choice. However, always research carefully about where your French bulldog puppy comes from and buy them only from reputable breeders. It is important to do your homework on the breeder. The French bulldog is by no means a cheap breed but having pet insurance can surely mitigate those worries. Plus 4 Recommended Plans. But if you are looking for a furry companion who will have you amused and in splits all day, then look no further! Life is much better with a Frenchie. Post Views: .They are also big business today! Why do we mention this unpleasant fact up front? This is the only way to avoid falling prey to puppy mill scams that breed unhealthy Frenchie puppies. Researching Reputable French Bulldog Breeders The information included in this article can absolutely help you in your quest to identify a reputable, responsible, health-focused French Bulldog breeder that can sell you a healthy Frenchie puppy. Identifying Responsible French Bulldog Breeders A responsible French Bulldog breeder will demonstrate a consistent commitment to breeding healthy, happy puppies. What does this mean, exactly? Read on for specifics. Commitment to breed health and temperament Responsible breeders will voluntarily conduct pre-mating genetic health tests and participate in health oversight and research organizations like CHIC, the Canine Health Information Center database. Adherence to breed standards Responsible Frenchie breeders will voluntarily provide proof of purebred registry with the appropriate oversight organization. Proper care and socialization of puppies Responsible French Bulldog breeders will provide new puppy owners with a comprehensive packet including but not limited to puppy registration and pedigree certification, proof of microchip, veterinary clearance, remaining vaccination schedule, initial good health guarantee, take-back guarantee and food recommendations. As of time of publication, the Frenchie is now the number one most popular dog in the United States — a record previously held for over three decades by the Labrador Retriever! This means you need to know each of these red flags for unscrupulous breeders backward and forwards when searching for a French Bulldog puppy. Multiple litters from the same breeder available simultaneously Any dog breeder that advertises multiple litters of puppies for sale or back-to-back or year-round litters of puppies for sale may be operating as a French Bulldog puppy mill. Unwillingness to provide pedigree and health records Any dog breeder that sells Frenchie puppies without proof of registration, pedigree, proof of pre-mating health clearances and proof of puppy clean bill of health is a potential puppy mill. Questions To Ask A French Bulldog Breeder French Bulldog puppy mill breeders are literally counting on demand for Frenchie puppies to ensure they never have to answer any questions about how they breed and supply their puppies. In other words, unless you ask, they will never tell. So you must ask! Inquiries about breed-specific health concerns A health-focused, responsible French Bulldog breeder will care about the health of the breed itself, their personal breeding lineage and the puppy you are purchasing. This type of breeder is happy to answer questions about known genetic French Bulldog health concerns, especially the tendency towards serious lifelong health issues such as BOAS Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. These breeders may even volunteer this vital information before you ask! Expectations for potential French Bulldog owners French Bulldog breeders that care about their operation and its reputation will have their own pre-screening protocols for prospective puppy buyers. Pre-screening protocols may include an agreement to limitations on breeding rights, purchase of pet insurance, proof of initial veterinary exam requirements and more. However, if possible, try your best to check off each of these boxes before committing to purchase a Frenchie puppy. Observing Litter Dynamics Litter dynamics is a fancy way of saying you need to check to be sure the puppies get along with each other and the mother dog…not to mention new human guests like you! Interaction between puppies Appropriate puppy behavior is an indication that puppies have been permitted to remain with the mother dog and each other long enough to get some socialization pre-training under their belts. Puppy socialization and early development Puppies go through two fear periods as they grow up. The first period is from 8 to 11 weeks and the second period is from 6 to 14 months. Puppies that are properly fed, handled and socialized will demonstrate basic self-confidence and a playful nature when you bring them home. This will help them successfully weather the fear periods, especially the first one that begins about the time they come home with you. French Bulldog Puppy Temperament Assessment You should know going in how to assess the temperament in any Frenchie puppy you are considering. Personality traits to consider The official French Bulldog breed standard gives you insight into basic breed temperament traits to watch for. Playful, affectionate, even-tempered, alert and active are all hallmarks of the Frenchie breed. You can also make use of various standardized tests. Physical French Bulldog Puppy Evaluation While your canine veterinarian will be the ultimate authority when it comes to a physical evaluation, you can also do a basic evaluation at first meeting. Appearance and conformation Look for clear eyes and ears, healthy skin and coat and clean private areas. Also be aware that aggression or shyness can be signs of budding health issues. Checking for potential health concerns French Bulldog clubs in different geographic areas can be a great resource to find local temperament, conformation and health testing resources for your new prospective Frenchie puppy. But is the Frenchie the right dog breed for you? Activity Level and Exercise Requirements Frenchies adapt quite readily to life in smaller spaces. Their exercise needs are moderate and they are heat-intolerant so the indoor life suits them just fine. Time Commitment and Availability The Frenchie may not be a natural athlete, but a puppy of any breed are always going to have more energy and need more of your time and care than an adult version of the same. Your Frenchie puppy will need your help with potty training, mealtimes, initial and ongoing training and socialization, interactive playtime , bedtime routine, daily walks and more. It is a good idea to be sure you have sufficient time for all of this every single day before signing the breeder contract. Essential Supplies Reputable French Bulldog breeders should provide you with a specific list of supplies they recommend, including puppy food and transitional food for adults of the breed. The breeder may also send you home with a starter pack of food, toys , bedding and a l eash or harness. But child-proof latches and puppy gates will get you off to a good start. Here again, your local French Bulldog breed club and your canine veterinarian will be excellent resources for you to find convenient puppy training and socialization classes, play groups, dog parks and other essentials. Making the right decision on a French Bulldog Puppy can be a wonderful experience for your family Making the Final Decision Sooner or later, the big moment will come — decision-time. Are you ready? How can you know for sure? Additionally, be aware that French Bulldogs frequently come with added health challenges and associated expenses. Pet insurance may help with some of these potential costs. Selecting the Perfect French Bulldog Puppy Buying a puppy is a decades-long commitment — and investment. As such, you may have your exhaustive wish list of color, gender, size, pedigree and all that good stuff. But underneath it all, what matters most is good health. A healthy puppy of any size, gender and color is much more likely to be a happy and rewarding member of your family over the long term. This is even more crucial for French Bulldogs, since their short brachycephalic muzzle shape means they typically cannot be transported via commercial airline cargo. Conclusion Becoming a pawrent is a huge commitment and you want to get started on the right foot…. You can use all of the information provided in this article to do your due diligence before committing to your forever Frenchie puppy. Good luck and be sure to stop back by and let us know how it is going! Additionally, in her twin roles as freelance pet writer and animal communicator, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. Conclusion French Bulldog Health Issues French Bulldogs have been extensively bred for generations favoring the flat-faced, stubbed nose, bat ears, and stumpy legs look that is just irresistibly cute. All of these features are what contribute to their common health issues. See the list below for some of the most common health problems with Frenchies. BOAS Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is a mouthful of a name , but it basically means severe respiratory problems due to their abnormally short snout. Dental issues — the short face of a French Bulldog also caused overcrowded teeth in the mouth. Dental problems may be ongoing. Cataracts — Frenchies are prone to eye issues, particularly in their adult to elderly years. Cataracts are most common, but conjunctivitis is also frequent. IDD intervertebral disc disease — the spinal shape of French Bulldogs puts pressure on the discs, and they can bulge or burst to cause spinal nerve damage Ear infections — those cute bat-like ears have their issues! Without a folded ear, they attract all sorts of dirt, dust and allergens and are prone to ear infections. Many of these can be mitigated and managed with an owner with good knowledge and close care, but genetics can dictate many. Make sure you visit your puppy, their home, their litter, and their mother before committing to purchasing them. Their mother should not be far from them, so it should be easy for you to view her or ask the breeder to let you see her. Ensure she has a clean bill of health from the vet and proof of her vet checks. If the father is also available, you should also view him. Many breeders will not own the father. Instead, they hire them as stud breeders. So viewing the father is not always possible. .The breeder should still possess information about his health too! Vet Check Any good breeder should have a vet perform checks on the puppies for confirmation they are happy and healthy before advertising them for sale. Some of the tests a vet should do on puppies include a physical health check, hearing test and providing them with their vaccinations. Hearing loss at birth is a common congenital issue for French Bulldogs. Puppies should be cleared to have a good sense of hearing. Unvaccinated puppies are highly vulnerable to getting seriously ill, especially when they go to new environments. Physical Health Check When viewing the puppies, you can also do a physical health check yourself. While you are no professional veterinarian, you can still check some things with a little bit of knowledge and prior research. Main things to check over include: Mouth — look inside the puppies mouth, looking for any abnormal excess of skin. This can be due to palate deformities and lead to respiratory issues. Eyes — ensure they are bright and vibrant. Look out for red or yellow eyes, which may be symptoms of hidden health issues. Coat — healthy puppies will have lovely coats that are soft and shiny. Ears — check both in and around the ears for any discharges. It may seem strange but give them a good sniff, as any odours can indicate an ear infection. Energy — healthy puppies should be active, alert and full of beans! Breeder History Breeding French Bulldogs can be profitable, so many breeders tend to get into it for the wrong reasons and do not tick all the boxes of a responsible and moral breeder. Your breeder should happily answer all your questions and provide all paperwork when asked. Avoid breeders that are honest and open about their practices. Trust your gut! Ask extensive questions of your breeder to make sure you are buying a healthy French Bulldog. A knowledgeable and experienced breeder will have no issues answer the below questions! The breeder should provide all history of both parents with honestly and transparency. How old are the parents? A mother that is less than three years old should not be bred as her genetic health conditions may not be apparent yet and still develop. Can I see the parents? Viewing the parents and seeing them healthy and happy will help ease your mind. How much litter has the mother had already? Dogs should not be bred more than once a year as overbreeding can cause health defects with the mother and the young, Every 2 — 3 years is ideal. Where have the puppies been living? View the area the puppies have been kept in and ensure it is light, airy and clean to promote good health. How often have the puppies been handled? Puppies should be handled frequently to get them adequately used to human touch. Can I have a copy of their vet clearance? Ensure you can verify that the documentation is valid. Can I talk to a former buyer? Speaking to someone who has purchased a puppy from this breeder in the past can be helpful as they can assure you that their pup has grown up to be happy and healthy. Breeders may be dishonest about their condition so you should confirm this for yourself. Be wary of a low price. Frenchies are expensive due to the time, money and expertise involved in their very specific requirements for breeding. A cheap puppy may not be bred healthily. Consider adoption. While a puppy can be irresistible, many pounds have older Frenc Bulldogs looking for their forever homes also. Male vs female. While there is not any real scientific proof, many owners will tell you that male Frenchies tend to have more energy, while females will be more chilled out. Pick a gender based on how they will fit into your family. Conclusion Knowing how to buy a healthy French Bulldog starts with understanding the breed. This question is usually accompanied with wanting a list of questions to be asking the French Bulldog breeder. Based on this feedback I wanted to give you the ultimate list of questions to ask, plus all the warning signs that should make you walk away. Not just warning sings about the French Bulldog puppy, but also her mother and the breeder too. Things to know before buying a French Bulldog puppy The moment you see that adorable French Bulldog puppy for the first time will last with you forever, it certainly did with me when we first met our own dog. Just take a step back for a second as there will be some red flags to watch for. I wish we had, but luckily, our dog ended up being ok, but it could have been very different: French Bulldogs are a notorious breed for health problems and unscrupulous breeders. With their cute squashed faces and cuddly squat bodies, they will tug at your heart strings. You will be tempted to just take that French Bulldog puppy and go. But please, please, please… before you do that, here are some things you should check before you pay your money. Your French Bulldog will become a huge part of your life, but make sure you know what to look for before you buy a puppy. Read these before you spend the money. By doing this due diligence you should hopefully get a puppy that not only fits your family and lifestyle, but also lives a long and happy life. You want to choose one that has a track record, online reviews, and a good reputation in the French Bulldog world… not some first timer nobody has heard of. Be suspicious of low prices: If the French Bulldog puppies are advertised as a lower than average price, be wary. The old adage about if it looks too good to be true is almost always the case with puppies. Low prices can be a sign of an unhealthy litter. Find out how many litters the mother has had already: French Bulldog mothers should not have anything more than one litter each year. The best scenario would be a litter every couple of years. More pregnancies than this mean she has been over-bred and both her and the puppies could have health problems. Look out for serious conditions and hereditary issues including dwarfism, hip and spine issues, soft palate issues, eye problems, and hearing problems. I would recommend getting a puppy from a French Bulldog older than this just to be sure. Before 8 weeks of age, they should still be with her, and it can also help you understand what type of dog your puppy will grow up to be. If the breeder refuses access to the mother, walk away. Ask where the puppies have been living: If the French Bulldogs have been in a dark garage away from human interaction it will mean they will be harder to socialize and harder to train. Ask how often the French Bulldogs have been handled: When puppies are regularly handled by humans, they will be much easier when taken home. Ask whether a vet has checked the puppies: Puppies should have been checked by a vet and had their first set of vaccinations before going to their new home. Ask to speak to a previous buyer:A reputable breeder will let you talk to people who have bought a French Bulldog puppy from them before. If they are unable to supply references and contacts, they could be hiding something. I hope you find these questions to ask a French Bulldog breeder helpful. Please do print them off before you visit the litter and decide to buy. The personality of the French Bulldog breeder This is so often over-looked, but I wanted to add it on as something to look for when buying a French Bulldog puppy. Only buy a French Bulldog puppy from a breeder who is prepared to take the time to answer any questions and concerns you might have. Breeders that treat buyers with respect will most likely extend that kindness to the French Bulldog mother and her puppies. This gives you an indication of what health problems could in store. These can include: Allergies. I know I did when my wife persuaded us to go and see our own dog for the first time. Of the four of them, this one little fella scampered over to me and immediately started chewing on my knuckles. That when I fell in love with him. It was a really simple decision in which one we wanted to take home. As you know, we went on to name him Claude. But, given hindsight, there are some questions I would have asked the breeder before deciding to buy him. And there are also some things I should have looked for too. It was our first ever dog though, so hindsight is a wonderful thing. However, there are unscrupulous breeders and there are certain health and physical problems view all Frenchie health conditions and concerns you should check for before you get too excited. It also includes some questions to ask a breeder when buying a French Bulldog puppy. Choose a male puppy if you want a more energetic dog: or a female if you want a more relaxed dog. There are subtle behavioural differences in the two genders which you can read in this blog post where I discuss the differences between male and female Frenchies. Make sure your breeder is knowledgeable: on breeding and cares for the puppies. I would always do online research into the breeder before I would even visit them. Be wary of what seems to be an abnormally low price: this can be a sign of an unhealthy puppy. Red eye can be a signal of a health problem. Ask the breeder how many litters the mother has had: a French Bulldog should only really have 1 litter a year , preferably only one every couple of years. Any more than that is a warning sign that she is being over-bred, and health issues could be present. Ask if the puppy has been checked by a vet: and has had the relevant vaccinations. If not, walk away as this should be handled by the breeder before the puppies go on sale. It can give you some insight into what type of dog your Frenchie puppy is going to grow into. If the breeder refuses to let you see the mother, then walk away as this is a huge warning sign. Ask if the parents have had health checks: as this can give you insight into any potential health problems further down the line. Conditions to look out for include hip problems, cataracts, cherry eye , deafness, and soft palate issues. Ask how old the parents are: if the mother is less than 3 years old, any genetic health conditions might not yet have manifested themselves. Ask how often the puppies have been handled: the more the young pups have been handled by humans frequently it will be far easier to get him used to all the excitement in store when you get him home. Ask to speak to a previous client: the best breeders will be more than happy to let you talk with people who have previously bought a Frenchie puppy from them. Ask for a hearing test: whilst this might not always be possible, it is a concern. White Frenchies in particular can develop hearing loss at birth due to a congenital issue. You can read more about this my recent French Bulldog hearing loss blog post. Cheap and rude breeders are an absolute no-no. When buying your Frenchie, you need a caring breeder that gladly answers your questions and shows you the parents and tell you about their history and problems. If you are dealing with a breeder who is just looking to make a quick buck and not telling you what you should know then walk away. How to best buy a healthy French bulldog puppy There are several factors you should consider before buying a French Bulldog who is hopefully going to live a healthy life. Sadly Frenchies can have some severe health issues in their bloodlines which you should look out for when purchasing your puppy. Health issues can include:. What does "breeder" mean? Irresponsible breeders who breed for profit rather than quality will accept any buyer with a check or credit card. Ethical breeders screen new homes as a potential new owner, be prepared for lots of questions , serve as knowledgeable mentors after you take your puppy home, and will always be there for you, as long as you own the dog. Ethical breeders spend lots of time socializing, caring for, and observing their puppies and will be able to recommend the puppy most likely to fit best into your life. They will tell you what you need to buy before you bring your puppy home, have started his paper training, had his health checked, and begun to accustom him to having his nails cut, feet trimmed, and coat brushed. All of this gets your puppy off to the best possible start. Ask for referrals.Ask your veterinarian if they know of a reputable breeder in your area or ask close friends who own healthy purebred dogs. Take advantage of social media and join French Bulldog groups, ask questions. You can also contact local breed clubs or visit professional dog shows and strike up a conversation with participants or spectators to see if they know of a good breeder. Meet the breeder at their facility.Finding an ethical, reputable breeder is important to ensure the health of your new puppy. If you contact the breeder, but they are coy about letting you see where the puppies were born and the conditions they are currently living in, this is a possible sign they are running a dirty breeding business, are a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Look at all the areas where the pups and their parents spend their time. The grounds should be well-maintained with clean, odorless kennels and exercise areas. Dogs should not be confined in cages for long periods. They should have individual runs if possible. The kennel should be heated and cooled. Fresh water supplies at all times. It is not uncommon for the male dog to be separated, but make sure you ask about him and see him. The breeder should be more than willing to let you meet the parents if at all possible. The parents will be the best way for you to see what the puppies will be like as adults. Look at the siblings if any remaining. Make sure ALL dogs have good coats, clear eyes and noses, and a healthy weight. Ensure it is not a puppy mill.Make sure the breeder isn't churning out high volumes of pups, but rather considers their breeding dogs to be family members and treats them with loving care. The breeder should encourage you to spend time with one or both parents on your visit. The parents should be friendly and socialize well with both people and other dogs. Their pups should have the same demeanor, be clean and energetic. Raising a litter of puppies takes an insane amount of work. Breeders who have more than one or two litter of puppies at once might not be giving the puppies the attention they need in this critically formative time. However, if breeders have multiple litters 3,4, or more at once, you may want to take pause. You can put your name on a waiting list. Since optimum mating times occur according to natural schedules, litters are usually born in the spring and fall. Do not expect to pay a few hundred dollars for your puppy — think in the thousands. Breeders should know the breed.Since most devoted breeders only deal with one type of dog, their knowledge of the breed should be extensive. Good relationship with veterinarian.All good breeders have a good working relationship with a respected veterinarian who examines each pup and provides immunizations and parasite control according to medical standards. The breeder should readily provide a complete medical record on each pup. You should be able to contact the veterinarian and speak freely about health records of puppies and parents. Ask for references.Breeders should provide several references from other families who have purchased pups and welcomes inquiries. Responsible mating is key.The breeder should take genetic predispositions into account to reduce potential inherited problems. Look up what health testing is recommended for your chosen breed — the AKC has great recommendations. Really good breeders will have a scan of these scores for each dog on their website, sometimes even complete with the x-rays. This testing is expensive, but good breeders will do it. Parents should be over 2 yrs old.If you want a happy, healthy adult dog, you need to be sure that her parents are happy and healthy adult dogs. That means waiting until the parents are 2 years old prior to having puppies. Puppies should be raised inside.Puppies raised inside are more likely to be exposed to kids, other animals, and normal home activities. Bonus points for breeders that expose the puppies to kids and other animals. Puppies should be unavailable until 12 weeks.Studies show that puppies removed from their parents and litter-mates too young are more likely to exhibit problem behaviors like fear or aggression toward other dogs. Be prepared for questions to you.A breeder may question you regarding your ability to care for the dog, how much time you have to spend with him and where he will fit into your family. Breeders pick the families. The breeder should take the time to get to know the family's needs and help the family pick a puppy. Introducing pup to new home.A knowledgeable breeder will be happy to sit down with you and discuss what you can expect in the breed, including any issues that might crop up later in life purebred dogs, even well bred ones, have be susceptible to certain diseases or health problems. They should also offer to be available to answer any questions you may have after you take the pup home. You should receive a written contract with a guarantee of health allowing time for a pre-purchase examination by a veterinarian of your choice. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. Options to re-home a dog.Sadly, not all puppies work out for every family. A reputable breeder cares a great deal about where their puppies end up and will do anything they can to ensure they find another perfect home. Helpful list of questions for breeder.This popularity attracts them to inexperienced and unscrupulous breeders. So how do you know the difference between a responsible and irresponsible breeder? Dogs Australia registered breeders follow a strict code of breeding ethics, conduct health testing to help reduce the incidence of inherited diseases and, for accountability, and research. This could be the difference between a happy and healthy puppy and a poorly bred one. Dr Hedberg previously bred German Shepherds for over 30 years. Dr Hedberg gives a great guide on what to consider when purchasing a French Bulldog puppy as your new best friend. What is a healthy French Bulldog? Cheerful, deeply affectionate, intelligent, and courageous, yet with clown-like qualities, the French Bulldog is a popular family and companion dog. What health testing should breeders be doing? There is a range of health tests recommended for French Bulldogs. It is strongly recommended that Dogs Australia registered French Bulldog breeders test for the following health conditions in their breeding stock. Most testing is done after 12 months, with respiratory and eye tests done regularly to see how the dog is going over time. Puppies with high numbers of hemivertebrae, especially when in the lumbar area, are not recommended for breeding and placed in lovely pet homes. Dr Karen has seen an improvement in French Bulldog puppies bred by Dogs Australia registered breeders, seeing far fewer spinal issues. What is a well-bred French Bulldog like? Many French Bulldogs participate in Agility and do equally well at Obedience. There are concerns with dogs sold as French Bulldogs who have off-standard colours and coats that are sold for large amounts, for example black and tan, merle and lilac. The long coat gene really shouldn't occur. Dr Karen highlights how the merle and hairless gene do not occur naturally in the French Bulldog and how lethal the merle gene can be in French Bulldogs. Right breed — Have you researched all you need to know about your breed from its natural instincts to grooming? Right Breeder — Is your breeder responsible, operating under a code of ethics, with regulations and health checks? From getting a dog to keeping them happy we will have you covered at dogsaustralia. It champions the highest standard of animal welfare through education and fostering dog-loving communities. Keep Updated Want to stay across the latest news? Sign up here and we will add you to our mailing list.

Top 5 Labradoodle Haircuts Be sure to check out our 2-part series on types of Doodle haircuts, with tons more pictures that cover overall body styles and variations of styles. Different groomers may have different ideas of what the following types of cuts are. If any of these pictures represent what you want your Labradoodle to look like, be sure to bookmark this page for easy access when dropping them off at the groomer! With the hair slightly rounder and longer around the face and legs, the Labradoodle teddy bear cut gives your pup the most adorable puppy-like look. As the name hints, the goal is to give your Labradoodle a puppy-like look with shorter hair on the body, and longer on the head. This look is not for the faint-hearted, but a dog as cute as a Labradoodle will surely pull this off. Labradoodle Long Clip Almost the same as the Labradoodle short clip, but not quite. The Labradoodle long clip is great for emphasizing those beautiful waves and an effortless, shaggy look. However, longer hair can also trap in more dirt, so make sure to set aside enough time for daily brushing. Here you can check out the best brushes for Labradoodles. A comb is also great for brushing hard-to-reach areas like the paws, face, and ears. Dog Clippers — When it comes to grooming, you are going to need a set of clippers to get the job done. Which ones should you choose? These are our favorite grooming scissors for Doodles. Dog Shears — Are you ready to take your grooming to the next level? Detangler Sprays — One of the best hacks for hassle-free brushing is having a detangler spray at hand. Use it before each brushing or just before bathtime, a good detangler spray cuts the time spent on tangles in half. Shampoo — A proper grooming routine includes an occasional bathtime. Whether your Labradoodle struggles with skin sensitivities or tends to shed a lot, there are tons of different options available on the market. Here are the top 6 dog shampoos that Labradoodle owners swear by. Ear Cleaning Products — With those cute floppy ears, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections due to the restricted airflow. Take a look at some of the highest rated dog ear cleaner products that help prevent and treat minor ear infections. Grooming Tables — Every Labradoodle owner knows how difficult it can be to groom a Doodle with one hand, while trying to keep them still with the other. A grooming table will take care of all that you still need to do the grooming though… and save you from back pain. Check out the best dog grooming tables or create a DIY grooming table. Be sure to check out our guide on dealing with matted hair , and another about the line brushing method. Bathing: Before a haircut or after a muddy playtime, your Labradoodle will need a thorough wash. Typically, once a week should be perfectly enough. However, some pups might need a couple of times a week. Once in a while, you might want to use a special dog ear cleaner to prevent any infections. Here you can check our guide on Doodle ear infection symptoms, treatments, and prevention. Eye gunk: Gently remove any eye gunk you notice, as this will prevent discoloration around the eyes and bad smell. If you can do it daily, great! Here is our step-by-step video tutorial guide that includes the entire Doodle grooming process from head to paw. For example, the best Labradoodle haircuts for summer would be short so your pup has an easier time cooling down. The Labradoodle puppy cut is the most popular Labradoodle haircut. However, we recommend you choose high-quality tools, as they will last you a longer time. As a Labradoodle puppy starts to develop an adult coat, you should start with regular grooming. The sooner you introduce your puppy to the whole process of grooming, the easier it will be for them to get used to it. See Also: Click the image To conclude, we hope that you learned some useful Labradoodle grooming tips, and that we managed to inspire you with the Labradoodle haircuts that you can try on your Doodle for your next grooming session. Let us know in the comments! The information on this page is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional groomer advice. Always seek the advice of your groomer, veterinarian, or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. All those visits can add up quickly. With a short Labradoodle haircut you can go for longer periods of time without seeing the groomer, therefore saving a decent amount of money over the years. Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush Even those who groom their Labradoodles at home often opt for a Labradoodle summer cut to save themselves time and a lot of struggle with a more complicated, longer style. Call me crazy, but I think a nice, short haircut on a Labradoodle looks just as cute as a longer teddybear look. This style looks good on any Labradoodle size. What Are Labradoodle Summer Cuts? What is a Labradoodle Kennel Cut? Similar to Labradoodle summer cuts, a Labradoodle kennel cut is often a term used to describe a generic short haircut. Many groomers will interpret this as the same length of hair all over from head to tail. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. If you have a photo of your Labradoodle with a previous haircut you were happy with, use that. As always, be respectful towards your groomer and consider their advice. Want to Do It Yourself? It may sound intimidating, but there are beginner tutorials online such as this one from Udemy that will walk you step-by-step through the process in a video course. The instructor of this course is a former professional groomer and even has a doodle herself she uses as an example! They vary in length as well as style. Some are completely shaved while others are merely a shorter trim. You can then use it as an example to show your groomer. Photo courtesy of Ann Fenton Affolter on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Beverley Roberts on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Cailin Fitzwell on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Courtney Patrick on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Donna Ferguson on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Jamie Korn on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Karen Maranzana on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Kate McKay on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Kate McWhinney on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Madaline Chapman on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Magan Foyles on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Makennah Blevins on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Matthew Jackson on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Michelle Sharpe on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Nicole Steele on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Nikki Thredgold on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gaynor on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tania Xavier on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tracey Maxfield on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Tyler Kennedy on Facebook. More About Labradoodles…. You should know that, with a Labradoodle, you get two distinct characteristics and genetic histories from two different parent dog breeds. Two Labradoodles are at the park. Labradoodles are considered a winning breed because the Poodle and Labrador are such a great combination. However, you still need to understand the coat of your pet so you can decide the best Labradoodle haircut for it. This means your dog will have wiry and short hair that grows relatively close to its body and forms tight little curls. Labradoodles with a wool coat will require significantly more grooming and a weekly management routine to keep the curls free of dirt and dust. You will also need to brush and groom him at least twice a week to prevent tangles and matting. Short Labradoodle hairstyles work best for this type of coat. Fleece Coat The fleece coat is easily recognized by straight or wavy soft hair. This coat is soft to the touch and, when groomed, can become very fluffy. Surprisingly, the fleece coat is one of the more effortless coats to maintain. While you will still have to maintain a regular grooming routine for your Labradoodle, being able to cuddle up with a soft and cuddly coat is a good compromise for the maintenance involved. Hairy Coat A Labradoodle with a hairy coat takes after its Labrador parent. This coat also gives off that shaggy look that Labradoodles are known for. However, one of the major disadvantages of this coat is that your Labradoodle will need regular grooming because this coat is highly prone to tangles and mats. Different Labradoodle Haircuts 1. The Puppy Cut Ironically enough, this is arguably one of the most popular Labradoodle hairstyles for an adult Labradoodle. Although the puppy cut would have slight variations based on the groomer, the result is very similar. An Australian Labradoodle sits with a ball at the beach. The puppy cut is a short overall body cut in which the coat is kept at a length of half an inch to three-fourth inches. The length of the puppy cut is a throwback to the style your Labradoodle would have naturally had when it was still a pup, thus the name of the cut. This is one of the most sought-after styles because it makes your Labradoodle cute and puppy-like despite its size. Apart from contributing to the adorable features of your dog, this haircut is also more popular as it is more practical and functional. It will also make grooming at home relatively more manageable and more convenient. The Teddy Bear Cut A highly sought-after haircut, the teddy bear cut is second only to the puppy cut when it comes to Labradoodles. A mini F1B Labradoodle wearing a bow tie Although this haircut is basic and quite similar to the puppy cut, it does entail more maintenance as the coat is longer. Around the tail, your Labradoodle will have a clipped and non-feathered cut with the feet and ear trims following a rounder shape. As the name suggests, the goal of this hairstyle is for your Labradoodle to look like a cute teddy bear. Most pet parents opt for this cut as it makes their dog less daunting to younger children and much more approachable and friendly. This haircut is ideal if your Labradoodle enjoys swimming and exploring the outdoors. It will also make it much easier for you to groom our pup at home as it will significantly reduce the grooming time. This cut is an excellent choice to prevent matting and the accumulation of loose undercoats. The Lamb Cut Another popular choice among Labradoodle owners is the lamb cut. This haircut strikes the perfect balance between having some length and still having the coat short enough that it is manageable for dog owners to groom at home. A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. The kennel cut is more of a shave than a trim. Yes, it will involve getting rid of almost all that luxurious coat of your Labradoodle, leaving your dog with only half an inch, maybe even less, hair all around its body, including its head, ears, and legs. Not all dog Labradoodle owners are open to the idea of this haircut because it is rather extreme and a sight to behold. But, it is ideal for hot weather and your dog will have the whole summer to grow back its hair. This Labradoodle haircut is still stylish and is a recommended solution for Labradoodles who have severe tangles and mats. Besides, when you get your Labradoodle this haircut at the beginning of summer, it will still grow enough in time to keep your dog warm during the autumn and winter months. The Lion Cut If you want to add a touch of feline to your canine, then the lion cut is something you can consider. One of the trendiest Labradoodle hairstyles, the lion cut will transform your dog into a mini version of a lion thanks. A recently shaven Labradoodle rests on the floor in a holiday home. The Short Clip Labradoodle Cut Both parents of the Labradoodle are known to be active and energetic dogs who are fond of the outdoors. Labradoodles have inherited these traits and can spend hours swimming, hiking, and getting dirty. The solution? Labradoodle with curly coat sitting on the grass. The short clip Labradoodle cut. This is another practical haircut that will benefit both you and your dog. The short clip Labradoodble cut is a highly suggested hairstyle for summers to help prevent your dog from overheating. It is also a convenient cut if your dog is prone to tangles and matting. One of the best things about this haircut is it is a haircut you can learn and do yourself. It will save you plenty of time and money because you can give your dog this haircut at home with some help from other family members or friends. The Long Clip Labradoodle Cut This is a hairstyle suggested for Labradoodles who live a sedentary and indoor lifestyle as it allows your Labradoodle to keep its long and natural hair. When do Labradoodles stop growing? With this haircut, the fur is given an overall trim but it will be kept about two inches in length all over the body. The result is a shaggy look that maintains the natural curls and waves of the breed. The Mohawk A stylish and unconventional haircut, the mohawk looks good on a Labradoodle. The hair on top of its head, however, is only trimmed. Labradoodle hair regrows fairly quickly, give it 8 weeks and you will be back to fluffy. Your Labradoodle is essentially left with about three to four inches of hair. Some owners also love playing around with this Mohawk haircut by tying the hair together using colorful bands while others will just let it stand or fall. When you go to the salon or a barber to get a particular cut for yourself, you explain in detail the look you want to achieve. You may even take a picture of the hairstyle you want so your stylist knows what you are looking for. You can also inform the groomer of the length you want to retain on your Labradoodle. It is easier to trim again until the desired length is achieved. It is cost-effective to groom your dogs at home with your own grooming tools. Shaving is an effective solution if you want to get rid of matting and ensure that the new coat is healthier. But it is not the only option as you have haircuts like the short clip and kennel cut that can also help with mats and tangles. A shaved Labradoodle named Max having a minor sulk after a grooming session. With treats, he promptly recovered his enthusiasm. Professional groomers understand that most owners are reluctant and even afraid to have their Labradoodles completely shaved. So, most groomers will provide you with other solutions to reduce and prevent severe matting. Conclusion With their fun personality and excellent temperament, there is never a dull moment when you have a Labradoodle at home. But, regardless of the haircut, make sure your Labradoodle is regularly brushed and groomed to maintain his coat and keep him healthy. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. A lovable fluff ball we know as the Labradoodle! This hybrid breed has become widely popular over the years, and it's easy to see why. They melt hearts in an instant with their sweet souls, playful personalities, and of course, their "awww"-inducing appearances. Depending on what generation of Labradoodle they are, these dogs can have soft, fleece coats, wool coats like a poodle , or hair coats like a Labrador retriever. Their coats can be various colors, including: black, chocolate, white, silver, cream, golden, red, or a combination of colors. And while they were initially bred to be " hypoallergenic ," their level of shedding and coat care also depend on what generation they are. So, when things inevitably start to literally get hairy, it's time for a haircut done by a professional groomer! Duh, right? But whether you're on the lookout for a haircut that matches your pup's personality or your budget, we've rounded up a few of our favorite Labradoodle haircuts we think you and your dood will love. Teddy Bear Cut OK, who can actually resist turning their precious doodle into a real life teddy bear? We can't help but swoon at the sight of a teddy bear cut. And we're most definitely not the only ones! Along with this longer 'do comes "a really cute round face, round ears, and keeping it nice and full to achieve the 'teddy bear' look. Summer Cut Want to help your Labradoodle beat the heat? Or prefer a low maintenance 'do? Then the summer cut is the cut for your pup! This practical haircut keeps your Labradoodle cool in warmer weather with the body fur length typically cut to half an inch. You can also opt to keep your pup's face and tail fur longer if you prefer. This look totally embodies "short hair, don't care! Puppy Cut Ah, the puppy cut—paws down one of the most popular cuts! In fact, it's Metzger's most requested cut, she says. While there are various definitions of what a "puppy cut" is, she explains what it is and is not. A puppy cut is one length all over, but the length is determined by the pet parent," Metzger explains. This can be anywhere from shaved to a longer, fluffy look all over. Asian Fusion If you're looking for an absolutely adorable and unique! You won't be able to stop taking pictures of your sweet Labradoodle once they're freshly groomed with this look! There is so much creativity and the styles are endless! Mohawk Add some attitude to your Labradoodle's look that'll make them look just as cool as Travis Barker. Lovelia Horn, dog trainer at Every Creature Counts , describes the mohawk as being an "edgy" and "very popular choice" for Labradoodle haircuts. It is a cut that requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good though, she says. Whether your Labradoodle is an F1, F1b, or F2, one thing's for sure: you'll have to get your fluffy friend acquainted with grooming. How often, Metzger says, depends on three factors: The style of the groom The length of the haircut How often you're brushing and combing your Labradoodle "We always recommend every 4—8 weeks," she says. Learning how to maintain your doodle's hair at home will help keep them healthy—and save you some money, too—in the long run. A win-win, really. We may also have different brushing tips depending on your fur baby's coat! Slicker brush, comb, and a de-mat spray is always handy to have with you at home, but the correct ones are crucial. Sep 8, Share The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed, a cross between the loyal Labrador and the posh Poodle, and has become a popular designer breed in the last few decades. They were first bred in Australia in the late s in an effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog and sparked a designer breed revolution. While they are low-shedding dogs, their thick coats still need regular grooming and brushing, plus a haircut every few months. Here are seven of the best haircuts for Labradoodles this year that your pooch will love! The cut is named for its resemblance to the coat that it would have naturally as a puppy. It not only looks great but is also functional, and your pooch can go for a few months without any knotting, matting, or needing another haircut. This cut gives them an adorable Teddy Bear look. It takes a fair bit more maintenance, though, and will need to be done fairly regularly, as the coat is left slightly longer. This cut was originally designed for Poodles and other breeds with curly coats but works great with Labradoodles too. The coat on their legs is left slightly long and fluffy, while the body and head are sheared short. The ears are left long, giving your pooch an adorable lamb-like appearance. This cut requires slightly more skill to perform but is a great low-maintenance style to keep your Labradoodle knot-free. It is also the go-to style if your pooch is covered in matting and knots that cannot be brushed out. It is a head-turning cut for sure and has become a popular choice among Labradoodle owners. It will keep your Labradoodle cool but still allow for an adorable wavy and curly coat to comb through. Similar to a Kennel Cut but slightly longer, the Short Clip is also ideal for warmer weather. Your Labradoodle is shaved all around to about 1 inch long, except the ears, in some cases. This cut is great for summer and minimizes the need for brushing and grooming, and your pooch will be knot-free for several months. Can you groom a Labradoodle on your own? With the correct equipment and time and patience, you can take grooming your Labradoodle into your own hands. Make sure their eyes are free from hair so they can see properly, and keep their ears fairly short to prevent matting. Be sure to take care around these sensitive areas, especially with scissors. Some dogs love to be groomed, while others will run a mile. This has nothing to do with breeds or genetics and everything to do with correct training. For dogs that have long coats that need regular grooming, try and get them accustomed to the process from as young an age as possible. Make the process something to forward to, with treats as rewards and tons of praise! Do Labradoodles Need Haircuts? You might be interested in these products:. Teddy Bear Cut The Teddy Bear cut is the most popular Labradoodle hairstyle and is the basic haircut that lots of Labradoodle parents choose. If you choose a short clip, it will last longer and is more practical if your dog enjoys swimming or running through undergrowth. Also, the shorter the cut , the less laborious it is to brush. This style of haircut includes a clipped, non-feathered tail cut, a round feet trim, and a face and ear trim. This short, practical hairstyle is ideal for preventing matting and can help to save daily brushing time for a busy pet parent. Summer Cut Image Source: www. This style of clip is ideal for dogs that suffer from severe tangles and matting. Short hairstyle options are often chosen at the start of the summer months when the weather starts to heat up, and the dog is more susceptible to overheating. Pet parents usually allow the coat to grow out over the summer so that the fur is long and thick by the time the cooler weather arrives. Ideally, you need a special table that the dog can stand on while you clip him and a good quality set of clippers. Again, this is a hot weather haircut that you need to do only when the warmer weather arrives. Also, if you have a Labradoodle with a high activity level, a short summer cut can be the best choice of clip for your pet. To maintain this cut, you need to brush it every couple of days or more frequently if you decide to leave the coat longer. Puppy Haircut Image Source: thegroomersspotlight. This style of hairdo includes a round feet trim, a face and ear trim, and a clipped feathered tail cut. When it comes to coat care, you need to brush your dog every day. Mohawk Image Source: www. The head hair is left 2 to 4 inches in length. Kennel Cut Image Source: www. Basically, the Kennel cut is an all-over clip where all but 1 inch of the hair is removed. That makes grooming and bathing your dog quick and easy. Lamb Cut The Lamb cut is another extremely popular Labradoodle hairstyle. Lion Cut Image Source: www. Labradoodle Hairstyle Ideas Here are a few more Labradoodle hairstyle ideas for you to consider next time you take your furry friend to the professional groomers. Short Cuts Just like both their Poodle parent and retriever parent, Labradoodles are active dogs that enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle. These pups are born swimmers and love nothing more than to dive into a muddy pond or lake. Follow that with a few hours romping along trails and chasing squirrels through the undergrowth, and you quickly have a stinky, filthy dog! Long Hair Cuts Image Source: www. Wavy Hair Cuts There are plenty of hairstyles that suit Labradoodles with wavy coats. Curly Hair Cuts Curly coats are super-cute! If you have a Labradoodle with a curly coat, the world is your oyster when it comes to choosing a suitable hairstyle for your pet. Of course, we advise taking professional groomer advice, as curly coats do need lots of regular brushing to keep them tangle-free and looking tidy. Tail Styles A beautifully coiffured tail provides the ultimate tail-wagging, finishing touch to every Labradoodle clip. Here are the two most popular choices of tail trim that you might want to try. Flag Tail Image Source: www. The tail is trimmed so that it looks like a waving pennant with the hair long close to the base and shortest at the tip. Plume Tail Image Source: www. Basically, the hair is left to grow naturally from the base of the tail to the tip and is combed out so that it looks like a plume. Face Styles Every Labradoodle suits a different haircut, just like people! This kind of hairstyle generally suits Labradoodles that have curly or wavy coats, effectively forming a kind of doggy afro! Clean Face Image Source: www. Also, this face trim can be used with most other styles of body clip. Mustache And Goatee The Mustache and Goatee is a really cute look that many Doodle owners opt for when having their pets clipped. With this cut, the face is shaved clean, but the beard and mustache are left on. Different Types of Labradoodles So, a Labradoodle is a mixed dog breed. But did you know that an Australian Labradoodle is a different dog altogether from its American cousin? A Breeding Challenge Although first created in , the Labradoodle was made popular in the s. A client needed a sight dog, but he also suffered terribly from pet allergies. Now, the Labrador retriever had long been used as the go-to dog for visually impaired people, but these dogs are not hypoallergenic. Although every dog sheds dander, which causes allergies in sensitive people, Poodles shed much less than other breeds. So, Conron came up with the idea to cross a Labrador with a Poodle and thus created the first modern Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodle Vs. Like other Doodle crossbreeds, Labradoodles have one pure Labrador parent and one pure Poodle parent. These dogs are referred to as first-generation or F1 Labradoodles. In contrast, Australian Labradoodles can be made up of a mixture of up to six different breeds, including: Labrador.

Updated on 13 July Pros Intelligence When you think of a German Shepherd , a hard-working, muscular dog comes to mind. However, German Shepherds are one of the smartest breeds in the dog world. They were ranked third out of breeds in a study in .Only the Border Collie and Poodle are more intelligent. Usually, it takes five repetitions to teach a GSD a new trick and these dogs will follow the first command 95 per cent of the time. If you bring home a German Shepherd, you will have a brainy dog on your hands. Lola pawsofshire is an example of a German Shepherd that is quick to learn new commands. Lola is very intelligent and easy-going. She has never destroyed the house, and rarely kicks up a fuss about anything. We do a lot of mental training with Lola too as opposed to psychical exercise so she is very good at switching off and knowing when is chill time and when is play time. German Shepherds work alongside the military and the police, while they were the first American service dogs. Experts suggest keeping the commands short and sweet will help to make the training process a little bit easier. They have an eagerness to please, which helps too. When we rescued Phoenix, he walked terribly on lead, constantly pulling and lunging towards people and dogs. He just needed someone to set boundaries and help him direct his energy. We have trained him to be a very obedient dog and to get walks off lead perfectly and can even do a few tricks. German Shepherds have a desire to protect and have got a reputation for being great family dogs. The degree of loyalty depends on the amount of work that you put in during their puppyhood. With their eagerness to please and willingness to follow commands, you can strike up a strong relationship with your GSD pup which will cultivate their loyalty to you. German Shepherd owners who can establish themselves as the parental-type figure in the home can grow a companionship with their dog that is full of love and mutual respect. Freja the German Shepherd is extremely loyal to her owner. A GSD will never stab you in the back, it will always have your back. You have a unbreakable bond with your dog and they will support and help you during their whole life. I will have a long life companion. Great guard dogs While these dogs can make great family pets due to their caring and loving personalities, German Shepherds are universally recognised as one of the best types of guard dogs. Classed as medium-to-large sized dogs, a German Shepherd can grow to be cm 24—26 in tall and kg 66—88 lb in weight. They have very powerful jaws and their bite strength is second only to their compatriot, the Rottweiler. The GSD is a bold, courageous and fearless dog, all characteristics that make it ideal to guard the home. They are quick to learn commands and if trained properly, they will back off if a welcome stranger enters the home. German Shepherds are very loyal and committed. They will protect their owner, family and their house. They are amazing guard dogs and great family pets that will surely keep you safe. They are naturally protective and loyal twords their owners and will stick by you with everything. Beauty This breed can serve a purpose, whether it is guarding your home, assisting those in need or working alongside the police force. For all their admirable traits, perhaps their best is their beauty. These dogs are long, elegant animals that have a lush coat. Their wide head and square muzzle give them a powerful stature, while their pointed ears and big brown eyes give them an alert appearance. With a gentle, sloping bushy tail, the German Shepherd is a breathtaking breeds. Cons Beauty the German Shepherd Photo: beauty. These German dogs require a lot of exercise. Experts recommend at least two hours a day of exercise to keep your GSD happy. Depleting their energy levels can result in a better behaved dog at home — GSD have a reputation for chewing furniture. While committing to multiple, lengthy walks might be a con for some dog owners, it could also be a positive for those with the free time to pursue an active and healthy lifestyle. If you are unable to give your GSD the necessary exercise due to work commitments, you may want to consider hiring the services of a dog walker. German Shepherds also require much of your time to keep them healthy and calm. If left unexercised, shepherds tend to become very hyper, anxious, and not well tempered. You need to have lots of time open to exercising your dog such as walks, runs, and socializing them daily. One of the biggest issues facing the breed is hip dysplasia. A lot of GSD owners have encountered this problem and it is a reoccurring theme with the breed. They are also susceptible to epilepsy. It is a common hereditary disease found in these working dogs and can result it seizures. German Shepherds have also been known to suffer from bloating otherwise known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus which occurs when gas builds up and makes it difficult for a GSD to breathe or sends their body into a shocked state. The price can vary depending on each breeder. For GSD from certain bloodlines, you can expect to pay quite a bit more. Aside from the initial cost, feeding your German Shepherd and regular trips to the vet can hit your budget hard. Prepare for lots of hair around the home! They shed heavily year round so you will need to be prepared to get the vacuum out on a regular basis. They have a thick undercoat which blows out twice a year, which can be a particularly challenging time for a GSD owner. Three or four times a year should suffice! The amount of times I have to hoover my house daily is ridiculous. I could easily hoover 5 times a day and there would still be dog hair everywhere, and I mean everywhere. It gets stuck in the carpets, in the laundry, I find it in my food. I even bring it to work with me and find it in my work diary. I bathed Lola the other day, ended up clogging the drain up and had to go out and buy drain unblocker before I could use my shower again. Shedding season is even worse. Hair everywhere, enough to make a new dog friend made of her hair for her. Aside from this, Lola gets near daily brushes using an undercoat rake and a slicker coat. Doing so tends to keep the hair under control, but you still find it everywhere. By observing other dogs interact with their fellow pooches or humans, a GSD can learn the proper way to behave. Her attention is on loud noises or even something like wind, but we try and remain patient with her at all times. We use positive reinforcement training only and will continue on this path for the rest of her life. These dogs are known to be capable and smart working dogs that add a lot of fun and love to your family. It could be said that there is no ideal dog. All dog breeds have their pros and cons that we must considered in order to know which is the dog that best suits our lifestyle and needs. So, what are the German Shepherd pros and cons? Keep on reading to find out. Also known as Alsatian, this dog originated in German in the late s as a strong and intelligent herding dog. Later, it became one of the most popular dogs and the parent to one of the most popular breeds in the USA. It is a working dog that can also help the blind as a reliable guide dog, chase criminals, sniff out illegal substances at the airport and in malls, visit the sick as a fun dog, and herd sheep. They were able to help find survivors and comfort rescue forces. American German Shepherds are slightly different from their German counterparts. They have become more accustomed to family life and will show slightly different behavior. The dog usually lives up to 14 years, with an average life of 10 years. The male reaches a maximum weight of 90 pounds, while the female will be slightly lighter, weighing around 70 pounds. German Shepherd Pros and Cons There are several differences between members of the same breed, so these traits might not be common in every German Shepherd dog you encounter. Here are the pros and cons of the German Shepherd. Here are some of the advantages of getting a German Shepherd. Strong body German Shepherds have strong muscular bodies to be able to herd sheep. Due to its history as a herding dog, you can expect a lot from this strong and smart dog. It likes to stay active and will appreciate daily walks and play sessions that you both can enjoy together. Long Life Span German Shepherds can live up to 14 years. As long as you keep an eye on your dog, take them to the vet, pay attention to their diet, and make sure that they exercise regularly, they will have a long healthy life. Some health problems are expected at an older age, just like other dog breeds. Intelligent If you take a moment to think about all the things that the German Shepherd can do nowadays, you will realize how highly intelligent this dog breed is. This dog loves to have a job. German Shepherds were the first service dogs in the United States. They were also used to help the blind, the deaf, and people who suffer from seizures. Dogs can detect epileptic seizures 45 minutes before they occur. This dog is an excellent rescue dog and can sniff out survivors in buildings collapses as well as avalanches. They will go out of their way to warn you in case of danger. In addition to being highly trainable, a German Shepherd also has a desire to please. This means that you can teach your dog to do anything you want. Obedient This dogs understand the rules and will follow them. They will always listen to orders, and this qualifies them as excellent show dogs. German Shepherds take part and succeed at agility and obedience competitions because they are easy to train. To make sure that your dog is following your orders, you should be the alpha leader. In general, German Shepherds are easy going and will listen to whatever you tell them to do. Loyal German Shepherds are loyal dogs and will go out of their way to help you in case of danger. These dogs make great family dogs with a strong desire to protect their owner. A German Shepherd is approachable but takes time to trust strangers. Once you have established a good relationship with your puppy, you will have a loyal life companion. All the time you spend with your dog as a puppy will be reflected in a lifetime of loyalty where your German Shepherd will always try to keep you safe and happy. Your dog will usually identify the parental figure in the house and have a huge love and respect for you as a protective parent. Excellent guard dogs, they can have an aloof attitude and can even become a little aggressive if they feel danger. This dog is extremely protective of its owner and will do their best to protect you in case of danger. It has a powerful jaw and will not hesitate to attack anyone who might threaten you. This is why it will work for you if you live alone and need a companion to keep you safe. The German Shepherd is a courageous and fearless dog. Beautiful In addition to its exceptional personality, this dog is also very beautiful. It has a lush smooth coat and bold yet loving eyes. The pointed ears give this dog an alert appearance while the face shows its good nature. Combined with their gentle yet strong personality, German Shepherds are very beautiful. The puppies look lovely and innocent, and the adult dogs are also a delight to look at. Various Colors There are different types and color variations of German Shepherds you can choose from. The most common colors are black and tan, but you can find black and cream, black and red, blue, gray, sable, and even white German Shepherds. White is not considered a standard color for the breed by the American Kennel Club, but you can still get a white dog if you want to. Clean Taking care of a German Shepherd is pretty straightforward. As a matter of fact, 4 to 6 baths a year would be enough. Too much bathing strips the hair of its natural oils and make it less healthy and more prone to falling and excessive shedding. You can give your dog a bath whenever they get into mud or if you feel that they need special cleaning. Use a mild dog shampoo and a special brush to remove the tangled hair, mats, and knots. One of the pros of owning a German Shepherd is that you will not have a problem traveling with your dog and take him wherever you want to go. German Shepherds Cons Despite all the amazing traits of the German Shepherd, owning one comes with a few disadvantages. German Shepherds need a lot of daily exercise, love to run, and enjoy long play sessions. If you keep your dog in an apartment, you should take it out for regular walks. Not getting enough exercise can make your dog too aggressive or depressed. Giving your dog the needed physical stimulation every day will keep them in good health and will also decrease the tendency for less desirable behaviors like barking or chewing. The dog suffers from separation anxiety if you tend to leave them for long periods on their own. German Shepherds are family dogs and enjoy playing and interacting with everyone in the house. If you tend to spend long hours away from home, your dog will become too depressed and bored because they need human interaction. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long will chew on furniture pieces, a common trait of German Shepherds. They will also bark and act a little bit aggressive. An under-exercised and ignored dog will show you that it needs attention by engaging in destructive behaviors. Health Problems Like many other dogs, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia , especially when they get older. This condition is too painful and deprives the dog of moving properly. This dog can also suffer from epilepsy , which leads to seizures. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat is one of the common health problems in German Shepherds. It usually happens when the dog drinks a large amount of water after eating or exercises vigorously after a big meal. The stomach fills with gas and then twists, so it can be very painful. If left untreated, the blood will not be able to travel back to the heart, and the dog can go into shock. However, their ears are also prone to infections and checking the ears once a week is strongly recommended to prevent health problems. They Shed a Lot A typical German Shepherd has a dense medium-length coat to protect the dog from rain, snow, and dirt. The outer layer could have straight hair or can be curly or wavy. The luscious coat of the German Shepherd comes with a few cons. German Shepherds shed a lot all year long, so you need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner that handles pet hair and dander efficiently. In addition to regular shedding, the dog loses its heavy undercoat twice a year, which can be a serious problem for German Shepherd owners. Regular grooming and cleaning the hair regularly will help you deal with this issue. You should brush the hair at least 3 or 4 times a week to keep the shedding under control. Needs Socialization German Shepherds are generally quite nervous around strangers. Their aloof nature makes them great guard dogs, but they can become a little too anxious when they meet people for the first time. Early socialization is essential to help your dog overcome their natural fear. Your German Shepherd is a smart dog and can pick up proper behavior by watching how humans and other dogs interact. As long as you socialize your German Shepherd with other pets, dogs, and children since puppyhood, there will be no serious issues. German Shepherd puppies are quite expensive and need special care and treatment. Final Thoughts All future dog owners should first consider all the pros and cons of owning a German Shepherd. A German Shepherd is an exceptional dog. Bringing one to your home comes with lots of pros because this dog is easy to train and will always put your life first. However, you should be able to give this dog the attention it needs. They also need lots of physical stimulation and should always be given a job to do. Related Content. By Chris German Shepherds are iconic and classic dogs that adore affection and companionship. In many ways, German Shepherds are the ideal pet for those who love adventure, road trips, and playing outdoors. German Shepherds are an excitable dog breed that loves spending time with their family and small children. They are fun-loving dogs who enjoy the thrill of adventure and can adapt to nearly any situation. However, they come with a few of their own issues. German Shepherds can be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. This dog breed is also loud and may spend plenty of time barking. With the right amount of love, attention, and training, a German Shepherd can make a dog owner and family happy. Read on to find out more about the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership. Pros German Shepherds are stunning dogs with lively personalities and vibrant coats. These dogs love spending time with the family and will gladly cuddle, show affection , and play well into the nighttime hours. German Shepherds are also highly vigilant and are ideal protectors and guard dogs in case of an intrusion. There are many positives to owning a German Shepherd, including plenty of affection, constant playtime, and an enhanced sense of safety. Loyalty There is no dog breed as loyal as the German Shepherd. This dog adores their owners and families and will spend as much time as possible making them happy. These dogs thrive on praise, attention, and adoration. They will also do nearly anything to get them. German Shepherds rarely leave their owners, choose other people to be around, or abandon them. The owner and German Shepherd go for a walk. Stunning Features This dog breed is stunning and has a coat of fur that comes in many colors. Some German Shepherds may have nearly solid black fur , while others have various colors. German Shepherds have stunning features like warm, chocolate brown eyes and a resilient body type. Black German Shepherd running. Training Is Easy German Shepherds are easy to train, which is why they are often used by police departments in the United States. German Shepherds are constantly willing to please and want to do anything possible to make their owners happy. Because of this eagerness to please, German Shepherds accept commands and instructions. Owner trains her train German Shepherd. Adapts Well This dog breed adapts well to changes in routine and nearly thrives on new adventures as they come up. There is nothing more exciting than a vacation for a German Shepherd. All the new sights and smells can make a German Shepherd excitable and engage their need for something new. German Shepherd runs on the water. Highly Intelligent German Shepherds are highly intelligent and love to engage in the part of their brain that enjoys puzzles and solving riddles. This dog breed will engage in hide-and-seek or spend hours digging holes in the backyard if it needs to engage its brain. It can be hard to hide from a German Shepherd since they are so intelligent and often used to locate missing persons and items. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. Loves To Stand Guard German Shepherds are very protective and love to watch for potential dangers and threats to their families. German Shepherds will alert to anything they deem even mildly threatening and will use their bodies to shield those they love to protect them. German Shepherds can be very protective of young children and check on them multiple times a night. German Shepherd approaching his owner. Loves Small Children German Shepherds are especially loving to small children. This dog breed loves playing outside and will spend hours running in the yard, chasing children, and playing catch with toys. German Shepherds will also do anything to protect small children and enjoys laying down with young children at the end of the day. German Shepherd looks after the baby. This dog breed will also give you gifts they find like sticks from outside or their favorite toys. German Shepherd smiles upon seeing his owner. Cons Although charming and loving dogs, German Shepherds may not be right for every household or family — especially those that are busy. German Shepherds require plenty of work, attention, and affection, which some families may not be able to give during their busy schedules. In addition, German Shepherds may have some health conditions as they get older and require more cleaning due to their stunning, long hair. Read through our list of negatives to German Shepherd ownership to decide if a German Shepherd is right for you. Needs Constant Tasks German Shepherds need nearly constant work to maintain their happy demeanor. When left without toys, tasks, or other things to keep their mind engaged and happy, they may start to show signs of emotional distress or depression. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Constant Energy German Shepherds have constant energy , and this can be exhausting for some dog lovers and families with older children. The constant energy in a German Shepherd may have them running around the house at odd hours and make for mess and destruction. A big boy German Shepherd enjoys a beach visit Barks Frequently German Shepherds are hyper-vigilant and always on the lookout for danger , meaning they may bark a lot to alert their families of threats. A family with young children may get annoyed with the constant noise, and some small children may have trouble sleeping if their dog barks all night long. German Shepherd barks aggressively at the stranger. Plenty of Shedding German Shepherds are notorious for shedding. This dog breed is not hypoallergenic and can cause a lot of issues for families with allergies. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Health Issues German Shepherds are known to get hip dysplasia as they get older. This usually manifests with noticeable hopping, cracking noises, and trouble holding their own weight. German Shepherds may also get epilepsy or other seizing disorders. Separation Anxiety German Shepherds are known to have some separation anxiety. This can manifest as whining, crying, and general unhappiness. Although difficult, a German Shepherd can be left alone for eight hours but should be checked on frequently to prevent damage or property destruction. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Expensive German Shepherds are highly sought-after dogs. Due to this high demand, this dog breed is expensive and may require reservations years in advance. It can be challenging to get your hands on a German Shepherd, especially a puppy. German Shepherd puppy is under crate training. Socialization Your German Shepherd may need a lot of socialization with other dogs and humans. These dogs prefer to live in a place where there are plenty of visitors and friends who can spend time with them. Without the proper socialization, your dog may start to become sad, depressed , and lonely. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are affectionate, loving dogs who adore spending time with small children. This dog breed will gladly spend hours playing, running around the yard, and standing guard for their loved ones. German Shepherd thrives in adventurous environments and will enjoy running around, listening to your commands, and playing with the family. However, German Shepherds can have health conditions and other factors that may make them a challenging pick for busy dog lovers. Although German Shepherds are charming, this dog breed may be susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and epilepsy. German Shepherds are also loud dogs who enjoy alerting their owners of visitors, friends, or intruders. This dog breed can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners and may be too much responsibility for those who live busy lives. By considering the German Shepherd pros and cons of ownership above, you can decide whether they will be ideal for your family and needs. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. This is greatly linked to their high intelligence and trainability. GSDs will be happy in a home with a large yard, but they can easily adapt to apartment life as long as they get enough daily exercise. They will also adapt to different weather conditions and diverse living conditions. People link dog loyalty to pack behavior , which does not imply dominance but a sense of family group. But pack behavior also points to a basic dog characteristic of social animals. German Shepherds are known to develop strong bonds, show affection, protect, and stick with family through thick and thin. GSD loyalty has also been nurtured over the centuries by training in their original herding role. But, like all other breeds, German Shepherds are not all affection and loyalty. They also come with their fair share of drawbacks that are worth noting before bringing one home. On the contrary, it means knowing them well before committing to be their parent. As one of the most popular dog breeds in the US and the world, and with its many great qualities, purebred dogs definitely come with a fat price tag. Expending energy comes with a myriad of health and overall well-being benefits for German Shepherds and all dogs. A poorly exercised GSD can quickly become overweight and develop destructive behavior due to boredom and unused energy. On average, adults require around 2 hours of exercise daily. That can be divided between morning and evening walks and other engaging activities at home or as part of training. This behavior was inherited from their wolf ancestors as a hunting and survival skill. Since German Shepherds live with us and cannot show their hunting skills whenever they feel like it, prey drive is tamed through training. But as the saying goes, where there was fire, ashes remain. German Shepherds can put out their hunting instinct once in a while. Risk his life chasing moving cars or bikes. Become a stalker of other smaller animals. Focus on moving things and fail to concentrate on training or commands you give. My German Shepherd chasing squirrels — clearly needs more prey drive training! On one side, they are rated slightly above average in their ability to be friendly toward other dogs. On the other side, you should be extra careful if you want to keep cats and smaller pets like rabbits or birds. Remember that GSDs have a strong prey drive and are likely to see smaller animals as merely game. To prevent this, you should gradually introduce your doggo to a cat early in life and gradually. But you may want to avoid pet rabbits and birds altogether if dealing with a fully grown GSD. That is especially true if breeders test their dogs for possible genetic-inherited conditions before breeding. Nonetheless, the breed is associated with several health conditions, including:. German shepherds often have a lot of health problems. They are large in size and have an abundance of energy. Sometimes german shepherds bark a lot. Their temperament can sometimes be disagreeable. It can be hard to find a reputable german shepherd breeder. Sometimes they tend to latch to one person. You will need to be their leader. They can sometimes become aggressive. As you can see there are a lot of pros and cons to keeping german shepherds. So now you know in short the pros and cons of having a german shepherd. On average they live for around years. Most of their lifespan is going to be based on genetics, whereas some of it will also be based on the lifestyle you give them. There are 11 officially recognized color variations for you to choose from. As well as the normal black and tan, you can also get white, black, grey, bicolor and many more colors as well! In fact, this is one of the reasons that german shepherds make such great family pets. When you look at the different jobs dogs can have, german shepherds fill most of them! They can often be herders, guard dogs, and drug sniffers. They can also comfort the sick and old, and become excellent guide dogs as well! However, for your german shepherd to be like this, it is important to remember that they need to be socialized properly. Check out the pros and cons of owning a Rottweiler! They form extremely deep bonds with the people closest to them, who they see as their pack. And these bonds are unlikely to be broken for new people. However, it also causes them to become more wary of strangers. Highly Intelligent And Trainable German shepherds are both highly intelligent and highly trainable. In fact, according to Rover. Of course, training your german shepherd effectively always requires the right training course. However, there is a point where the weather becomes too cold. Find out more here. Find out how to keep your german shepherd cool. But in either case, if the weather is too hot or too cold for your german shepherd, it will be the same for any dog. Check out the pros and cons of owning a golden retriever! Anything more than that and the oil on their coat will be effected. German shepherds rarely smell too doggy. But if they do, you can always buy an effective doggy deodorant for them! Generally, when you have a dog your social life tends to improve. Not to mention that everyone sees dog owners as more trustworthy! They have healthy bodies that help aid in giving them a long and happy life. There are forums and websites all over the internet filled with amazing advice on how to look after your german shepherd! This makes german shepherds even easier to raise and learn about! If you live by the beach or you often visit the beach, then a german shepherd is a great choice for you and your family! Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! However, with the constraints and lifestyle some people have, they may not be best suited for your own personal circumstances! Here are all the disadvantages of owning a german shepherd. Each time to grow a coat more suitable to the season. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can manage german shepherds shedding. They Like To Have A Job Unlike some family pets which can just lay around and spend time with your family, german shepherds are going to need a task. Sometimes There Are Health Problems Unfortunately, like all pedigree dogs, there are some health problems that can occur, especially as they begin to get older. Health problems can often mean higher vet bills, and additional care needs to be given to your pup. Some common health problems that occur in german shepherds include dysplasia, arthritis, and deterioration in the rest of their joints as well. A big dog with a lot of energy can quickly become unruly and hard to control. They Need Lots Of Exercise Having a big dog with lots of energy goes hand in hand with giving them a lot of exercise. When you have a german shepherd ideally they should be let off the lead for an hour a day to run around. Fortunately, not all german shepherds bark and there are things you can do to stop them barking. Find out how to stop a german shepherd barking at night, barking at strangers or barking at other dogs. If left unchecked, this wariness can cause them to bark and growl at strangers and other dogs. As well as a lack of training, poor breeding can also cause this to happen as well. Check out this guide on how to socialize your german shepherd. Oftentimes people will breed and breed their german shepherds to make money. Toys like KONGs which can entertain them are a great place to start. This is can become problematic as it causes massive amounts of stress to your german shepherd, and they often end up becoming destructive. But they are going to consume a lot of your time. They Tend To Favor One Person A german shepherd will normally favor the person that provides them with the most care and spends the most time with them. They Can Be Aggressive Aggression will occur in all dogs, but it does seem to be more common in german shepherds. Anything you leave lying around that they can get their paws on could end up being destroyed. Remember though, all dogs can be like this when left alone too long. Then you have to pay for insurance, food, travel, and training for them as well. So after reading all of this, you may be wondering if a german shepherd is going to be the right choice for you and your family. You Like A Challenge Owning a german shepherd can be a challenge. FAQ Now you know all of the pros and cons and as you can see owning a german shepherd is going to be an amazing experience! However, here are some of your most frequently asked questions! If you do have to leave them, make sure you take them for a big walk and that they have plenty of water before you go. On top of this, puppies and seniors dogs should only be left for a couple of hours at a time and no more than 3! German shepherds are known to be extremely vocal dogs, so a lot of the time they do bark a lot. The good news is with proper socialisation and training you can either teach them not bark, or teach them to be fantastic guard dogs. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? All dogs are dangerous! And german shepherds are no exception. German shepherds are not known to bite or attack their owners anymore than any other breed of dog. However, if they are pushed they will try to protect themselves, and obviously german shepherds are going to do a lot more damage than other dogs. Which is one of the reasons you may see german shepherd attacks on the news more often Can Two German Shepherds Live Together? Of course two german shepherds either male or female can live together! If two puppies are raised together they can often create their own pack and become unruly and disobey commands. The difficulty with owning a german shepherd really depends on you as an owner. However, they have strong personalities and if you let them walk all over you they will. Recap Now you know all the pros and cons of owning a german shepherd. I hope you found this article helpful! And make sure you check out the rest of the website. German shepherd origin German Shepherd pros and cons Advantages of owning a German Shepherd are abundant. GSD owners report that the breed is easy to train, highly intelligent and can be trained to a high standard. Pros of German Shepherds include the dog's desire to please the owner which helps during training. German Shepherd breed has many other advantages, including the dog's willingness to protect the owner and to guard the owner's posessions, including the home where a German Shepherd lives. German Shepherds are very protective of their families and can be trained for personal protection. German Shepherds are perfect dogs for active owners who can spend most of the time with the dog. GSD dogs can be trained for a variety of jobs, from personal protection to search and rescue and so much more. Despite many positives associated with owning a wonderful companion dog such as the German Shepherd, there are some negatives that need to be taken into consideration. Cons of owning a German Shepherd include the dog's grooming needs. Due to abundant shedding German Shepherds need to be brushed frequently and owners of GSD can benefit from having a good vacuum cleaner that will help to control the amount of dog's hair around the home. German Shepherds are very active and without sufficient exercise the disadvantage is that the dog may display unwanted behaviors that include damaging furniture or recreational barking. This working dog needs to have a job to do. The original purpose of the breed was to be a shepherd dog and owners of GSD dogs need to understand that this breed is not ideal for sitting around the home with nothing to do all day long. City dwellers may find that German Shepherd is not an ideal breed for a small apartment. The large and energetic dog benefits from having lots of space to run and an ideal home for a German Shepherd should have a yard where the dog can run around and explore. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd is that this large dog requires daily training and mental stimulation. Disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd include the breed's health problems. German Shepherds are predisposed to certain genetic diseases that include hip dysplasia. High impact exercises such as jumping should be avoided to minimize the risk of joint problems down the road. German Shepherd litter size: 5 to 10 puppies How long do German Shepherds live? German Shepherd life span: 9 to 12 years How much does a German Shepherd cost? German shepherd is a large working breed that is loyal to the owner. This German dog breed is exceptionally intelligent and easy to train. German Shepherd is among the top five most intelligent dog breeds. Fearless and alert temperament of German shepherd makes a good watchdog. For German shepherds, their work is their life. These dogs are often used by the law enforcement services as well as by the rescue teams. German shepherds are still used for herding today among other jobs. Are German Shepherds good with kids? A properly socialized German Shepherd makes a loyal and even tempered family dog that can enjoy the company of sensible kids. Tireless German Shepherds have plenty of energy needed for playing with active kids in the yard. German Shepherds are naturally protective and intelligent dogs that can be wonderful companions for active families. Keep in mind that German Shepherds are not recommended as apartment dogs - the large working dog breed is happiest in a home with a yard and a job to do. German shepherds make an excellent companion and a family dog as long as you properly train and socialize the dog. Socializing a German shepherd helps to achieve that stable and confident temperament that German Shepherds are known and valued for. Introduce your puppy to people of different age groups, take the GSD German Shepherd Dog with you wherever you go - to a busy street, to the park, to a mall, anywhere the dog is permitted. Make sure to keep the dog comfortable during your outings as your goal is for the dog to feel comfortable in different environments. Introduce your German Shepherd to people that frequently visit your home, to your friends and relatives. Some people argue that when training a GSD as a guard dog, there's no need for the dog to feel comfortable around strangers and therefore socializing it with various people is not necessary. The reality is if your dog is spending his days locked in the backyard, without seeing other people or the outside enviroment, the dog may become fear-aggressive, and will not be able to distinguish a mailman from a burglar. By socializing the dog you are helping the dog to distinguish which situations are safe and which situations may be out of ordinary and when his guarding instinct needs to kick in. Nanuq is the name of the German Shepherd Alsatian on the picture. We learned from Nanuq's owner that he is a very special dog. Nanuq is gentle around kids, friendly with every dog and human that he meets and will never show aggression. Nanuq is very capable of defending himself when necessary and at the same time he would never be the one to start a dog fight. Well-socialized German Shepherds such as Nanuq can set an example of a well-mannered dog in various situations, making their owners feel proud. For example, a mailman approaching your home should not be considered a threat. But a stranger trying to enter the property should get his attention. This is why it is important to socialize the dog so that he would be able to understand which situations are safe and which require his attention. German shepherd's original job was to protect the herd from any dangers. The dog's family becomes his herd and as a result this breed does so well as a guard and protection dog. It is a natural instinct of your German Shepherd to react to any changes in the environment and to be alert. A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized will react to each stimuli. As a result the dog will be getting stressed out by everyday situations, for example any time a neighbor walks past your property or if there's an unfamiliar dog on the street passing by. This is the reason why early socialization is so important. A properly socialized German Shepherd will be confident when walking on the street and seeing other dogs passing by, nor will the dog try to attack the neighbor. Be sure to provide enough socialization to dog to build his confidence in the world around. The GSD then can distinguish a dangerous situation from a situation that should not alarm him. Naturally there will be less needless barking as the dog will not react in an alarmed way to normal everyday events. One of the most unrated aspects of a German shepherd is his gentle personality. Despite the large size, German shepherd makes a good house dog. The gentle serving nature is what leads to the German shepherd's most amazing role of guiding the visually impaired. A guide dog helps a blind person to avoid situations that might endanger his blind partner. German Shepherds can also serve as hearing assistance dogs. These dogs are trained to alert their deaf or hearing-impaired human partner to important sounds, like the person's name, a baby's cry, the alarm clock's ring, the oven timer's buzz and the fire alarm's wail. When the German shepherd hears the sound, the dog is trained to go to the person and give a signal, such as a nudge of his nose which indicates that he heard something that the deaf person needs to know about. Then the German shepherd will indicate the source of the sound so that the owner can respond appropriately. A well-trained service dog can do most of the tasks that would otherwise force a person to hire a human helper. Intelligence, loyalty and courage made the breed perfect for a variety of different tasks. The German shepherd's reputation as a police dog is legendary. The reason is versatility. German shepherds are often used for search and rescue, narcotics and bomb detection. See video below for more detailed information about this working dog breed. German shepherd shedding Do German Shepherds shed? Yes, German Shepherds are famous for abundant shedding. The dog's coat changes twice a year and each shedding period lasts about a month or more. To keep your animal looking tidy and to reduce the amount of dog hair clinging to your clothes and furniture, daily brushing is recommended especially during the heavy shedding months. Brushing your dog outside may help to reduce the amount of dog hair you will need to clean up after you brush the dog. Check Price Using a Furminator deshedding tool helps to keep a German Shepherd shedding to a minimum. See German Shepherd Furminator review video below. In the video, a German Shepherd owner is using a Furminator brush on his German Shepherd for the first time. White German Shepherd German shepherds come in a wide range of colors. Black and tan, black and red, black and silver, sable, solid black and even solid white German shepherds. Solid white German Shepherd is the same breed, and the only difference is the color of the coat. When the German Shepherd breed was newer, all-white puppies were frequently born to dark-colored parents. Most German breeders and many American breeders killed the white pups at birth because they were considered defective and could not be registered or entered in shows. Now, German Shepherds of any color, including white German Shepherds are welcome in Agility, Obedience, Rally, and other companion competition events. In the Conformation ring, however, dark, richly colored shepherds are generally preferred, and white German shepherds are disqualified. Solid black German Shepherds are often called Lacquer Blacks. Solid black color can be almost invisible in dark surroundings or at night. The coat length can range from short to long and have the appearance of feathering, flowing or skirting. Regardless of the color of your German Shepherd, your four-legged friend should have the stable temperament that we expect from the breed. German shepherd grooming How often should you bathe a German Shepherd? Bathe your German shepherd every month or so. Be sure to completely wash out the shampoo to prevent skin issues. Thoroughly dry your dog before going outside after a bath. Wipe the dog's ears with clean, soft towel after bath to help prevent ear infections. Dog shower attachment From an early age get your German Shepherd accustomed to having his teeth brushed only use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Brush the dog's teeth every day to prevent dental issues. Provide your German Shepherd with chewable treats that help to keep teeth healthy. Trimming German Shepherd nails is an important part of grooming. If you notice that your pet's nails are too long - it may be painful for the German shepherd to walk. Trim your GSD's nails when you hear clicking sounds as the dog walks on a hardwood floor. Dog ear wipes provide an easy way to keep your dog's ears clean. German shepherd training Start training your German Shepherd as soon as your dog enters your home for the first time. It is important to establish rules from the very beginning, especially with a large breed such as German shepherd. Basic obedience training for German shepherd is a must. Basic commands help you to have a good control over your GSD. If you like teaching your German shepherd the basics, you will probably enjoy teaching the dog advanced skills even more. Advanced skills are needed for show dogs. Playing and walking with your German shepherd helps to raise a physically healthy animal. Training your German shepherd basic commands and helping your German shepherd to memorize names of different objects - such as his toys will help your puppy to develop intellectually. Some German Shepherd owners provide a dog with one new toy at a time and keep repeating the name of the new toy. Let the dog play only with this toy for a few days until the dog clearly associates the toy with the name of the toy. This way you can build your German shepherd's vocabulary from an early age. Do not rush this process and stay consistent. Once you achieved success, keep moving forward. Whenever your dog did something wrong - stay calm and do not call your German shepherd to come to you. If you do that - the dog will associate you calling it with a punishment. It is best to ignore the bad behavior and praise the good behavior. Use one word commands and only say the command once. If you say the command more than once, the dog will think that the command consists of more than one word and as a result may ignore the command if you only say it once down the road. If you let your dog to sleep on a couch today, then it is reasonable to expect the same behavior tomorrow. If your house rule is - no dogs on a couch then be sure to enforce it at all times with no exceptions. Clear house rules are important for you and for your dog. Stay consistent and patient and you are going to achieve success. If your German shepherd is easily excitable and hyperactive, you can help to fix this problem by ignoring hyperactivity and rewarding calm behavior. Learn more about training a German shepherd puppy by watching the video below. German shepherd personal protection training German Shepherds are among the top breeds used for personal protection. Highly intelligent, strong and naturally territorial German Shepherd can be trained to protect the owner and the owner's family. Personal protection involves advanced training techniques and you will likely need to enroll your dog in training classes that specialize in personal protection. Special equipment such as protective clothing will be used during training. Be sure to do a thorough research on training techniques that the school uses and get in touch with people who had their dogs trained for personal protection in that school. Ask questions and take your time before you select the right dog training school and instructor to train your dog. Selecting the wrong instructor can be a disaster for your dog and for you. Do your homework and research before you commit your GSD to the training. Protection dog training is a costly and time-consuming process. Protection dog training may take about a year and sometimes even longer. A properly trained for protection German Shepherd will be able to protect you in any environment, not only in the artificial environment where the dog got the training. The dog will be able to think independently from you rather than rely on your commands during a real life situation when you may not have the time or opportunity to give the dog any commands. At the end of the training you and your dog will have a partnership type of relationship rather than a master-servant type of a relationship. Protection dog training involves educating not only the dog but also the owner will need to gain a lot of knowledge of how to handle a personal protection dog in order to enable the dog to do its job right. The dog in turn will be able to protect your family members from attacks, abduction attempts, and during home invasion if of course the dog was trained not only for sport but for real life situations. These types of dangerous situation require that the dog makes independent decisions in a quickly changing situation. To get the dog to the level where he is able to make the correct decisions based on real-life threats, the owner needs to develop a mutually understanding relationship with the dog that completed the training. Keep in mind that the fully trained dog will need to complete re-fresher courses every twelve to eighteen months which can add up to expenses already spent on training the dog initially. There are plenty of dog trainers that claim that they are able to train your dog for a real life protection. Pay close attention to how the training is conducted. Are the dogs trained only during the daytime and on the same territory? If so - the dog may not properly react at night and in a different setting when the real attack takes place. Are the trainers always wearing protective sleeves and the training attacks are following the exact same set routine every time? Is the dog only trained to respond to one attacker? If you have a positive answer to any of these questions then the protection training is done for sport rather than for a real life attack situation and the dog can not be considered to be a trained protection dog. Best dog food for German Shepherds Feed your German shepherd twice a day. Make sure that you are feeding your German shepherd quality dog food that does not include corn for protein as some German shepherds may be allergic to corn protein. German shepherds need to have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. Pick a high-quality dog food made for large-breed dogs. Cheaper dog foods contain too much fat or vegetable protein, and this can lead to rapid growth which in turn can result in hip or elbow dysplasia. Lower quality ingredients may result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can cause skeletal complications later in life. An active pound 36 kg adult German Shepherd needs to eat approximately four cups ml of premium dry kibble food or two-and-a-half pounds 1 kg of fresh meat and bone each day. Owning a German Shepherd pros and cons Remember the following basic requirements if you are thinking of getting a German shepherd dog: the dog requires daily exercise, training, and of course your time and attention. Without enough exercise your German shepherd is more likely to get joint diseases as well as become destructive. Lack of regular exercise leads to weakened muscles and heart. Exercise your German shepherd by walking, running with dog pals, playing fetch, swimming, etc. They are very active dogs with tremendous learning capability. German shepherd is a big dog and at least basic training is necessary to provide the owner with a good level of control over the dog. The German shepherd enjoys both mental and physical stimulation and can greatly benefit from training lessons with either the owner or a dog training professional. You are also building your dogs trust by walking the dog, feeding him and by playing dog games with your German shepherd. Bonding with your German shepherd is a process and as you are spending time with your dog, the bond grows into a lifelong friendship. If your German Shepherd spends a lot of time in the yard, it is a good idea to provide the dog with a comfortable dog house. A dog house helps to protect the dog during inclement weather. If you live in a warm climate, choose a dog house with good air flow to keep the German Shepherd comfortable during hot days. Due to their emotionally stable nature German shepherds make a great addition to families with children. German shepherds are protective of their family, and can be very territorial. Before you get a German shepherd, research the temperament of the puppy that you are planning to get. The temperament of the dog is shaped by the genetics and the environment in which the puppy grows up. Socializing the dog from an early age, providing the dog with plenty of positive interaction with humans and other dogs is very important for raising a well adjusted dog. Cons and pros of owning a German Shepherd - video Where to get a German Shepherd You can get a German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder or from a German Shepherd rescue. In both cases it is beneficial to learn as much as possible about the dog's temperament to ensure that the dog is a good fit for you and your family. Breeders provide their puppy buyers with complete health records for their pup, a four-generation pedigree, and the proper paperwork to register the dog. Be sure to find out whether the breeder conducted an x-ray testing for hip and elbow abnormalities prior to breeding and ask to see the results. Another option is adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or a German Shepherd rescue organization. Many wonderful dogs end up there through no fault of their own. Dogs are given up for adoption for many reasons, most commonly because of changes in the owner's situation. A dog owner finds a job in a new town and the family can not take the dog with them. A family member develops an allergy to the German shepherd. The owner dies and no one in the family is willing to take the dog. When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, there may not be much information available about the German shepherd's past. Ask the person handling the adoption to tell you as much as possible about the dog's behavior while he was in their care. German Shepherd puppies are sometimes found in shelters or German Shepherd rescue organizations, but most of the dogs are either adolescents or adults. There are some advantages to getting an older dog. The older German Shepherd may already be housetrained and may know some obedience cues and have other good skills. If you are set on getting a German shepherd puppy, then you may need to wait a while to get one from a shelter or from a German Shepherd rescue organization. In case you are selecting a pup from a litter of multiple German Shepherd puppies, be sure to pay close attention to the way puppies interact with one another. Observing the puppies will help you to understand each dog's inborn personality traits that will normally get more prominent as the puppy matures into an adult German shepherd. There's also a very simple puppy personality test that you can try and it will help you to quickly assess the character traits of all puppies in the litter. Inborn temperament along with the environment where the dog is growing up will be the main factors that determine the character of the full-grown German shepherd dog. If you invest your time and energy into developing your German shepherd from an early age, treat the dog with respect and expect the same from the dog, you will enjoy years of rewarding experiences with your German shepherd in return. Choosing a German shepherd puppy will be easier if you already know what you'd like your dog to accomplish. If you are looking for a German Shepherd to participate in competitive sports such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking, or Herding then seek out breeders whose German shepherds have proven their potential in the sports that interest you. The same approach works in case you are looking to exhibit your German Shepherd in Conformation shows. You would need to narrow your choices of German shepherd breeders to those whose dogs have proven accomplishments in Conformation shows. Conformation shows are competitive events where German shepherds and purebred dogs of other breeds are judged against the written Standard of Perfection for their breed. The Standard describes the ideal appearance, gait, and temperament of the breed. Males and Females are judged separately, and the winner in each sex is awarded from one to five championship points. The number of points is determined by how many dogs compete. Winners in both sexes are then judged together, along with champions, and the dog among them is selected as the Best of Breed BOB for that day. That dog then goes on to compete against the other BOB winners in his group. German Shepherds are in the Herding Group. A Conformation dog must be kept in peak of health in order to win. To find the right German shepherd for protecting your farm animals from predators you would naturally go to a breeder whose dogs have a proven record of related protection work. Temperament, structure and talent can all be inherited and passed down from German shepherd parents to pups. Training and the right kind of stimulation can enhance and strengthen a German shepherd's inherited potential. To excel in a particular activity or sport, the potential must be present from the beginning. As you are choosing a German Shepherd puppy for a certain activity or sport, it would be a good idea to bring someone experienced in the field to evaluate the pup or dog before you make the final decision. For example, Obedience trials test a dog's response to his handler. The German shepherd must obey verbal commands and hand signals immediately, precisely and willingly. The handler is allowed to command the GSD once, and then must give no further cues until the exercise is finished. Between the exercises the handler is allowed to praise and pet the dog, but the dog must remain under the handler's control. There are several levels of difficulty in Obedience, with a title to be earned at each level by attaining three to ten qualifying scores at that level. A qualifying score in Obedience is or better. A perfect score is .Obedience levels include Novice Obedience, Open and Utility level. In Rally, the German shepherd and handler heel together around a course of numbered stations, each with a sign indicating an exercise for the handler and the dog to perform. About fifty exercises test the dog's and handler's teamwork skills. In Rally the handler is permitted to talk and encourage the dog. For Agility, dogs are judged on speed and accuracy over a course of jumps, tunnels, ramps and other obstacles. Each German shepherd is timed as he individually races over a numbered obstacle course as directed by his handler. In Agility the dog performs the jumps and obstacles and the handler does not. An experienced Agility German Shepherd learns to respond instantly to subtle movements of his handler's shoulders, hips, and knees on the course, as cues for changes in direction or pace. Types of German shepherds There are two types of German shepherds: the working line German Shepherds and the show line German Shepherds. There is a significant difference between the temperaments of the two types. The show line German shepherds tend to be more calm and mellow. The working line German Shepherds are more hyper and high energy than show line dogs. Working line type of German shepherds do well with more active owners that spend plenty of time exercising the dog, playing and walking with this active animal. Be sure to select the type of German Shepherd that matches your level of energy. For example, if you are a couch potato then it would be a mistake to get a working type German shepherd. The reason is that a working type German shepherd that is not sufficiently exercised will turn into a frustrated animal and as a result such dogs tend to damage furniture or shoes which is a sign of a dog that is frustrated. Working line German Shepherds are more appropriate for people who enjoy running, exercising and other physical activities that can provide enough exercise for your dog. German shepherd health issues German shepherds tend to have joint problems as they age. If you notice that your dog is beginning to have trouble walking take it to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can prescribe the appropriate medication that will help your aging dog with the joint pain. German shepherds are also predisposed to hip dysplasia. For healthy German Shepherds and for German Shepherds with joint issues or arthritis, getting a good quality orthopedic dog bed allow him to get a good rest. The dog may start preferring sleeping in his own bed rather than trying to take over yours. Pannus, which is an inflammation of the corneas of both eyes is a common eye disease that affects mainly German shepherds and German shepherd mixes. Bloat is another dangerous condition that German Shepherds are susceptible to. Signs of bloat include the dog trying to vomit but nothing or little comes out, the dog appears uncomfortable, whining, pacing, sitting up or getting back down in an effort to eliminate the discomfort. Obvious abdominal pain, abdomen may feel tight, like the skin of a drum, heavy salivating and the dog may go into shock where the gums turn pale color, elevated heartbeat and irregular, shallow breathing may be observed. Take the dog to the veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs of bloat as bloat can turn deadly within an hour. Call your vet and let the vet know that the dog is potentially suffering from bloat before you leave your home so that the veterinarian will be prepared to take care of the dog as soon as possible. To minimize the risk of German Shepherd developing bloat, feed the dog twice a day and use slow feeder dog bowl that helps to slow down a fast eater. The dog should eat in a calm state of mind as an excited dog swallows more air along with food, which is associated with bloat. German shepherd origin German shepherds originate in Germany and their ancestors were the shepherding dogs. The breed was created by Max von Stephanitz in .Max von Stephanitz started a breeding program using the best dogs he could find in order to create an exceptional working dog. Back when the breed was developed, shepherds needed a dog that could do more than push a few sheep around. The dog had to have a good nose for tracking a lost sheep. They needed a helper that could work all day, that was fast and could work independently. As a result the German shepherd breed was developed. Compare German Shepherd to other large dog breeds. Marissa Taffer is a consultant, writer and strategist based in Philadelphia. She lives and works with her rescue dog Charlie, a certified therapy dog. But have you wondered if the German shepherd makes a good pet? Learn all about this magnificent breed and decide if adding one to your family is the right choice. About the German shepherd German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs, and for good reason. They are loyal, protective and agile dogs. The average German shepherd stands between 22 and 26 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 50 pounds. Male dogs fall to the higher end of this range and females on the lower end. As their name implies, the German shepherd originated in Germany. In the late s a a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz began working to breed the ideal German herding dog. He bred herding dogs that at the time had some variety from district to district in the region until the breed began to resemble the German shepherd we see today. As there became less of a need for livestock herding, he promoted these dogs as working dogs — great for police and military work. Which is why they still hold many of these jobs today. When bringing a German Shepherd into your home, you want to ensure your dog will have a job to do. Otherwise, this pro can quickly become a con. Loyal to family In addition to making a great working dog, the German shepherd can be trained as a personal protection dog for the family. This works well because these dogs form deep bonds with their families and can naturally become very protective. While these dogs may easily learn to watch over your kids, remember not to leave young children unattended with dogs. Do well in almost any climate From warm weather too cooler temperatures, these dogs can live and work in any climate. Their double coat keeps them warm in the winter but also protects them from the sun and extreme heat in the summer. Like any other breed you still want to ensure they have access to shelter when needed as extreme temperatures can increase the risk of things like frostbite and hypothermia or heat stroke. Attractive dogs These handsome dogs come in a wide variety of colors. These include black, blue, grey and even white. Active and need a high level of exercise Although this can fall into the pro column for families who are very active, it is important to remember that these dogs need to work. So, you need to make sure you have a plan to give your pup enough physical and mental exercise to keep them happy and healthy every single day. With a life expectancy anywhere from years, this is a lifetime commitment. Even as these dogs age and start to slow down, they will still need some work to do that is appropriate for their level of fitness. This type of personality can come in handy for certain types of working dogs. With a family pup, it might mean you need to bring strangers into the house slowly and carefully. When having a party, be sure to give your dog a quiet place to retreat to if they become overwhelmed. Some German Shepherds bark…a lot If you live in close proximity to some neighbors, they may not appreciate a pup who can turn up the bark volume at every person, squirrel or leaf that blows by. In order to minimize barking, German shepherd owners can teach their pup the quiet cue and reinforce being quiet instead of barking. Is a German shepherd a good family dog? The short answer is maybe. It really depends on your family and your lifestyle. It is important that potential owners of German shepheds have a plan to ensure that their dogs have a job to do and enough space to get some exercise. Like any other dog, German shepherds need proper training and socialization. This means exposing your dog to as many people, places and things as possible when they are young. You also want to make sure your dog is under you control. A 90 pound German Shephard dragging you around town can be downright dangerous, so leash manners are a must. A good and reliable sit, down and come will also help you keep your dog well under your control. At Ollie , we know a thing or two about feeding German shepherds. This breed is one of the 10 most popular of all of our customers. German shepherd parents know Ollie will deliver delicious and nutritious food their pups will beg for meal after meal. Our recipes packed with human grade carefully selected proteins and combined with delicious and wholesome high quality fruit, vegetables and grains will keep your best friend full, happy and healthy. The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie. The German Shepherd is a well-rounded breed of dog and there is a reason for its popularity among dog lovers! They are usually very easy to train and learn quickly, due to their love of learning and how much they love being with their owners. Loyalty The German Shepherd also has a reputation for being an extremely loyal breed of dog. There have been stories throughout the years describing the loyalty of the German Shepherd, from the German Shepherd who helped keep a child alive to the German Shepherd who died protecting his beloved owner. These stories of the heroism of a German Shepherd are not few and far between, either. All over the world, the loyalty of the German Shepherd is renowned and celebrated by fans of the breed. Affectionate In addition to their loyalty, German Shepherds also tend to be a very affectionate breed of dog. They are quick to bond with their owner though sometimes this bond maybe with only one person in the household! While they can vary from dog to dog in how cuddly they are, there is a universal level of affection in the German Shepherd breed and all of them generally enjoy being around their owners and being directly involved in the goings on of a household. Guard Dog German Shepherds also make excellent guard dogs , even if they never receive the proper training to do so. As part of their often extreme loyalty to their owners, the breed has very high protective instincts which makes them a great choice for those who are looking for a dog to watch over their house and deter potential thieves and attackers. Athletic Another big pro of the German Shepherd breed is their athleticism, high energy level, and good work ethic. These dogs love being active! The German Shepherd is a popular choice for those who enjoy physical activities such as hiking , running , swimming , or other sports. German Shepherds do well in the rural countryside and in the heart of the city. Provided their physical and mental needs are being met, they make great dogs for apartment or condo living. They also do well in a variety of weather and temperatures, from hotter parts of the world to some of the coldest and wettest locations. Their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery also mean they are less likely to shy away from new experiences and encounters though this can vary based on their individual history and socialization training. Family Dog The German Shepherd also has a well-earned reputation for being a great family dog. Provided they are trained from a young age and socialized appropriately, German Shepherds do very well with children of all ages and sizes. They can thrive in busy family environments and their loyal and affectionate nature means they are often gentle and patient with children. They also tend to have a higher level of tolerance than other breeds, and as long as the children have been taught how to interact with dogs in an appropriate and safe way, a German Shepherd is likely quite happy to indulge a child in their often unique play scenarios and environments. While their popularity has its own set of pros and cons which we discuss in part below , in general, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to locate if you are on the search for one. In addition to rescues, there is a large network of reputable German Shepherd breeders who strive to highlight the best of the breed while reducing the number of genetic issues the breed currently faces. Health Issues Unfortunately, one of the biggest cons to the German Shepherd breed is a plethora of health-related issues. Due to poor breeding over the years which is also discussed further down in this list , the German Shepherd tends to be prone to genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. While there are many other potential health issues German Shepherds may face, these three health conditions are the most prominent and most common. While each of these disorders and many others have testing available for dogs that someone is considering breeding, many unethical breeders choose not to conduct those genetic tests and thus the conditions are still widely seen in the breed as a whole. German Shepherds are also prone to diet sensitivities, skin conditions, heart problems, and certain cancers. Grooming Requirements While there are certainly other breeds of dogs that require much more grooming than the German Shepherd such as the Siberian Husky or many of the Poodle crosses , the German Shepherd does still require a moderate amount of care when it comes to their coats. Depending on the coat type of your German Shepherd, they may require weekly brushing to avoid matting and at least twice per year a German Shepherd will shed heavily check out our article on how to deal with the shedding! However, they do not require shaving or any type of breed cuts unlike the Poodle and other breeds who require more specific grooming to maintain their coat health. Separation Anxiety One of the not-so-nice reputations that the German Shepherd has gained is their propensity for separation anxiety. This is largely due to their loyalty to their owners and their dislike of being left alone for long periods of time, and much of the time the anxious behaviors are not clinical separation anxiety that requires veterinary intervention but rather separation anxiety that can be dealt with under the guidance of a reputable trainer or behaviorist. If a German Shepherd is not conditioned to being away from their owners and left alone for long periods of time, they may develop anxious and destructive behaviors including chewing, digging, scratching, and excessive vocalization such as howling and whining. Poor Breeding As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd makes them easy to find but this popularity has also resulted in poor breeding and many unethical breeders who choose to breed for profit rather than for the love of the breed. There are many, many backyard breeders and puppy mills dedicated to the German Shepherd and it can be difficult to locate a well-bred dog from a reputable breeder. This poor breeding has led to many of the genetic issues the breed faces, as well as a risk for increased aggression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders in the breed. Behavioral Issues As with many breeds of dogs, the behavioral issues a German Shepherd displays are largely related to their genetics and how they were raised. In line with the poor breeding practices of many German Shepherd breeders, certain behavioral issues can be present in the breed. This can include an increased level of aggression and lower tolerance to external stimuli, obsessive-compulsive disorders such as circling and pacing or chewing of themselves or others, excessive licking , excessive fear responses, and other genetic issues as a result of poor breeding. Energy Requirements One of the pros of a German Shepherd is their athleticism and high energy levels, but this can also be considered a con for some, especially if you have two German Shepherds. If a German Shepherd is not adequately exercised both physically and mentally , they risk developing destructive habits and other behavioral issues that can be hard to fix. Vocal Dogs For some the bark of the German Shepherd is plus, but for many others, their love of barking, whining, and expressing themselves vocally might be a bit too much. This is especially true if you live in an apartment or neighborhood setting. While this vocalization can be reduced if the dogs are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating experience trying to deter the barking. Investment This last con is not exclusive to German Shepherds, but the breed may be more prone to being an expensive dog to keep due to their larger size and potential for health-related issues. As a larger breed of dog, German Shepherds require a larger amount of food which can add up over time. In addition, the breed does frequently experience dietary issues so special foods with limited ingredients or more unique protein sources might also increase their food bill. Due to the risks of health issues such as dysplasias and other genetic conditions, German Shepherds also often require additional health screenings and veterinary care especially in their senior years to help manage these issues. Outside of monetary investment, German Shepherds also require a hefty dose of energy investment from their owners. As a high-energy breed, they need frequent and vigorous physical exercise. Their high intelligence also means they can get bored easily so they will need more mental stimulation as well. The German Shepherd is also very owner-oriented and so many require quite a bit of affection and attention from their owners which can sometimes be difficult for owners to deal with if they want some time alone. The benefits of getting a puppy include being able to really shape the puppy and ensure that you have a well socialized, happy, and healthy German Shepherd once they reach adulthood. The downsides to getting a puppy include having to go through the potty training process, the teething phase, and the general work that comes with having a curious young pup! The benefits of getting an adult German Shepherd include little to minimal work when it comes to potty training, less or no mouthiness, and many adult German Shepherds who have already received basic training. The risks of getting an adult German Shepherd include training issues for dogs who received poor socialization as a puppy, bad habits that have been instilled in them by previous owners and which may require some work to change, and less time with your German Shepherd as they may already be well into their adult or even senior years. Getting A German Shepherd From A Shelter With pet overpopulation at an all-time high, adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or rescue group is a great option to help a dog who is at risk and to open up space in the shelter or rescue for another dog. Due to their extreme popularity, you can frequently find purebred German Shepherds at many local shelters. Purebred puppies are also frequently available during the peak of puppy season. There are also a variety of German Shepherd rescue groups throughout the country , and many of these groups can arrange for the transportation of your newly adopted dog through a network of volunteers. Visiting with the German Shepherd you are interested in will allow you to see if there are any concerning behaviors, and oftentimes many shelters and rescue groups have a full history of the dog and insight into their behaviors and health. While some rescue Shepherds may require a little bit of initial work, their intelligence, trainability, and need for affection usually mean they are quick to learn and adapt to their new home and lifestyle. Getting A German Shepherd From A Breeder If you opt to go the breeder route to get your German Shepherd, make sure you are very thorough in your research when choosing which breeder to get your pup from. As we discussed above, the popularity of the German Shepherd has led to a lot of poor breeding practices. Backyard breeders and those who primarily post their puppies through social media and sales sites should be avoided. Similarly, any breeder who does not allow you to come and visit the parents of the puppies or who does not want you to see where the puppies are being raised is another red flag. Responsible breeders will have contracts that go with their puppies, and they should also be providing you with the genetic test results that prove their dogs are healthy and free of any genetic defects like degenerative myelopathy. Female German Shepherds should also get breaks in between litters and there should not be back-to-back breedings so she is allowed time to recover from each litter. Unethical breeders care little for the health of their German Shepherds and many will breed their dogs constantly resulting in strain on the mother and unhealthy puppies. Good places to start your research for ethical and responsible German Shepherds include German Shepherd breed clubs , local dog clubs, the AKC website, and through word of mouth with other German Shepherd lovers. Closing Thoughts German Shepherds are a wonderful breed of dog, but they might not be the dog for everyone. Carefully considering what a German Shepherd requires and how those needs fit into your own lifestyle is part of responsible pet ownership. If you like the look but not the breed, consider finding a dog that looks similar to a German Shepherd instead. Researching where and how you will get your new pup is the next step, whether you are opting to go through a responsible breeder or adopting from a shelter or rescue. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

Ready to go home Christmas ! It is first come first served, so we suggest getting on the list ASAP We are currently taking deposits on this litter. Call for details bolowe2 gmail. She is absolutely beautiful. Bailey is snow white and boasts a big beautiful block head. She has a wonderful, sweet temperament, and loves to be around kids and the family AKC Reg SS Elvis is stop-traffic handsome 2-year-old. Bring Fido over to romp and play with our two dogs. We love watching them play tug-of-war and chase each other. We have all the toys and they will have a huge fenced in yard to play in. After playing all day, we bring them in with our dogs to be loved and part of the family. Fresh water is available all day and night. All you need to bring food. Call with your questions bolowe2 gmail. There is nothing more relaxing than a well mannered, well behaved dog, whether at home or away. My 47 years experience in training dogs has thought me how to effectively train both puppies and adult dogs to become well mannered, loving family members. I specialize in Basic Obedience Training for all breeds. This is a 1 or 2 week extensive boot-camp at our home. Call for details: bolowe2 gmail. Heel It makes all the difference being able to take your dog for a walk, instead of your dog taking you for a walk. The best dog ever! Bo knows labs. Molly loves her time there. As a young teen, my mom brought home a male puppy Mowgli to be part of our family. He is now 9 years old and is the most loving, caring, and gentle Labrador. I jokingly even call him my brother. We have now had our little Dallas for over a year and he is our pride and joy. He is smart, loving, playful, and loyal just as we knew he would be. They do a terrific and thorough job at breeding with the utmost care and understanding of the breed. Bo taught our 6 month old Twinkle to heel, sit, stay, go to her place, and walk on a leash with comfort. His 47 years of experience in breeding, and training in a clean and loving environment really showed. When Twinkle returned to our family she was much better behaved, more enjoyable, and had a better understanding of basic commands. Bo and Grace Lowe raise their dogs and newborn puppies in their beautiful home where all our nurtured with TLC. These are special dogs. When you meet these dogs, you will understand. We have 4 puppies still available. Please view our current litters page for more information and Pictures! My name is Kurt and with over 40 years of raising white Lab puppies a new generation of my family is continuing on my long devotion of providing high quality white lab puppies to loving families. Over the next 6months our humble breeding service will be making these exciting changes. My daughter Lora and granddaughter Kayla will be working diligently to learn all the technical ins and outs as breeders but are not new to caring and raising pups. It is very important to us to maintain a balance that allows all of our dogs to receive the love and care they deserve because at the end of the day they are family, and their well-being is what is most important to us. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, inquiries, or reservation requests. We are more than happy to aid in any way that we can with your search to find the perfect pup to suit your family. Contact Information: Phone Text ok : Lora.We are extremely proud of our white Lab adults and the litters they produce. Check out our internet famous Loki! Use button above to access his Youtube Channel. Instagram: Lokilabradorlove. Model Worthy Pups!! Poucheze are a hoodie with a detachable pouch that allows you to carry your pet wherever you go. Check out Poucheze at www. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today! If you are looking for that special new labrador puppy addition to your family, we have a perfect blocky Lab Puppy for you. Our Snow White Lab Pups possess lots of bone, coat and that wonderful lab temperament. Just to clarify, the white shade coat is simply the lightest form of the yellow Labrador Retriever!! There is nothing rare about the white coat. This shade along with black pigment gives our puppies the look we so desire. The AKC standard states — yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream. We breed for the lightest shade of cream, which oftentimes many refer to as White or White Labradors. This slideshow requires JavaScript. Our pedigrees are strong with English show and obedience champions. We limit our breedings; selectively breeding for temperament, beauty, and quality. Our pups are sold as pets on a limited AKC registration. We as breeders produce yellow labs that range from snow white to cream in color. We stand behind the dogs we produce; always eager to hear from the people who have acquired them. You are welcome to visit our facility on weekends to meet our white labs. If you cannot make the trip to Tennessee we are proud to provide potential white lab puppy purchasers with pictures, pedigrees, and references. If you have questions or concerns, please fill free to contact us. We know there are many white Labrador breeders out there but do not settle for a puppy that does not have lots of bone, a big blocky head, and that nice thick otter tail. Always check out the sire and dam to make sure both possess these essential English Labrador characteristics! Puppies receive half of their genetic makeup from mom and half from dad. It is important that both parents display the characteristics you are desiring in a puppy. All white lab puppies are adorable but not all are equal. We offer yellow, cream and white Labrador retrievers for sale several times a year — usually 1 — 4 litters yearly. If you would like to get on our waiting list please contact us via email. We offer Lab Puppies for Sale to pet family homes. We select the most handsome studs for our white labrador program that have beautiful black pigment. These amazing white stud dogs produce some of the most gorgeous little white lab polar bear puppies you will ever see. Our English Lab Stud dogs are something to witness. Thank you so much for visit our English White Labradors website. All rights reserved.