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Located in beautiful Southern California, we strive to breed superior quality family dogs that will not only make great companions and protectors for your family but that also represent the German Shepherd breed well with the exceptional temperament the breed is known and loved for worldwide. We breed only top German V and VA bloodlines that possess superior health and temperament through generations of hip and elbow certified and temperament tested dogs. Additionally all of our dogs are tested for Degenerative Myelopathy to be sure we are producing puppies safe from this disease. Additionally all of our dogs are DNA tested Clear for the MDR1 gene that can cause mild to severe reactions to a variety of medications. Please visit our testimonials page to read review from many of our clients through the years. Also be sure to visit our Dogs For Sale page to see retired females and males we currently have available to the right homes. Check back often as we are always updating photos of our available puppies. With keeping a small number of dogs we have time to give plenty of love and individual attention to them and the puppies when we have them. Our dogs are not kept in kennels, they live with us as part of our family, with room to roam outside on our one acre property and a warm spot inside to sleep. All puppies are raised inside our home in a clean and healthy environment. All whelpings are supervised by us and assisted as needed to ensure the best start and to protect the health of the mother and her puppies. All puppies are well socialized with small children, cats and our other dogs. Temperament is very important to us, our breeding dogs have wonderful temperaments that they pass on to their puppies. Puppies are temperament tested so that we can help you to find the perfect fit for your family and your needs. We actively show our dogs on the local, national and international level thereby striving to breed dogs of quality bloodlines and structure that adhere to the German SV standard for the German Shepherd dog. We make every effort to continue to learn and to improve our bloodlines by importing dogs of superior quality with top German VA bloodlines to bring you the highest and best quality puppy for you and your family to enjoy. Our hope as breeders is that we can provide the best quality German Shepherd puppy with an outstanding temperament that will in turn make a lasting impression on you and your family like they have in ours. I have so many customers that have been lifelong fans of the German Shepherd, that have grown up with German Shepherds and long for that companionship again with the dog of their childhood. I look forward to providing the dog of your dreams to you and your family! Call today to begin your future with a great German Shepherd Dog of your own. Call or email for an appointment to visit us and to meet our dogs and puppies. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale Near Me German shepherd Female German shepherd 4 months old needs a forever home adoption fee required Buy Now German shepherd German shepherd female puppy looking for her forever home she is 3 months old playful and effectionate. He eats dog food and is very playful. Need a forever home! Buy Now German shepherd puppy Adorable puppy so cute. Playfull perfect for kids or as a guard dog Buy Now Rehoming German shepherd puppies 9weeks old males and females GSD puppies for sale. Has some of her shots including rabies. Already trained and listens well, I just have to give her away because of my complex. View Detail German Shepard Looking for a living home for all these beautiful pups View Detail regime pups Asking vaccinations fee only .No signs of aggression and is already house broken! He is not fixed and is male parts are in tact. Cannot keep do to allergies. View Detail German Sheppard New liter just arrived I have female and male , they looking for warm and loving family. Please call for detail View Detail Two free German shepherd pups Two bonded German shepherd puppies barely turned 1 year, both vaccinated, spayed, house trained, listens well Koba- male, 85 lbs, black, the sweetest boy ever will shower you with kisses. These pups are large boned, straight backed black and tan puppies. They have been bred for health and temperament. They are very outgoing, friendly, inquisitive and well socialized. These puppies have been bred on our working farm in the countryside. Shipping available. View Detail German Shepard Dewormed and one set of shots 10 weeks old friendly and active View Detail GermanShephard puppy 2 months old puppy, female very cute and adorable pup. Need to find her a new house. She is sweet and play. She is also potty train. We can't keep her cuz we are moving to Nevada.

At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. The first vaccination for your Golden takes place between 6 to 8 weeks. Since everything is new to your pup, he might be timid and get easily scared. Golden puppies just left their source of security and are away from their littermates and mother for the first time. Bring your pup out to relieve him after every meal. Divide it into four small meals throughout the day. This is also the recommended age to start training. Housebreaking is especially important to avoid bad habits from developing. If you want him to be friendly to all, socialization at this age is also essential. This will help him grow familiar with strange sights, smells, and sounds. For the diet, stick to feeding him four small meals a day with the same amount mentioned for 7-week Goldens. After the vaccines, keep your Golden pup away from other pets for at least two weeks. Golden Retriever at 3 months This allows them to have full immunity, especially against the fatal parvovirus. They are becoming more curious, and you might have a problem with biting. Stay calm and teach him gently but firmly that he is not allowed to chew on you or anything else, except his chew toy. You can also acclimate him to grooming. Get him used to being combed and his paws handled. Introduce him to the blowdryer and praise him when he stays calm. You can start to be more serious about training. Spread 2 cups of kibble over the day, and cut one meal out by the end of the week. He should also be picking up basic commands. If your pup is quick to learn, kick it up a notch by teaching him a few tricks. Golden Retriever at 5 months Offer some chew toys that you can cool in the fridge to alleviate him discomfort. You may also start exercising him for 20 minutes a day, as this is the stage where he should show excitement for the outdoors. Swimming, fetch, and walking are great to start things off. Some Goldens are potty-trained around the 4-month mark, although accidents might still occur. He will have the body of an adult, but the legs and tail of a puppy. Golden Retriever at 6 months Also, his nose and ears will grow faster, so you end up with a goofy-looking pup. You need to be careful with him for the next six months because this is when they are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. Avoid long walks, going down the stairs, and stopping suddenly while running. The pressure from those activities might cause joints to deform. Your Golden may also start to display signs of sexual maturity in the next few months, if not neutered or spayed. Some of them never grow out of it and will stay young at heart into their old age. To be sure he is free from hip dysplasia, have him checked by the vet when he is two years old. When do Golden Retrievers stop growing? Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between 3 to 6 months of age. Around the six-month mark, their growth starts to taper off. This will prevent him from reaching his full potential. If left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to their bones, muscles, immune system, skin, and digestive system. Being ill for an extended period might also affect his development. Your puppy may be stunted due to malnutrition. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth Some people prefer bigger Goldens, but some like them small, like Mini Golden Retrievers. This might lead to under or over-feeding, neither of which is ideal. Accelerated growth can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. It can also be responsible for bone disease and arthritis. Stunted Golden puppies, whether by illness or under-feeding, are generally weaker, and make them susceptible to falling sick. What is the best age to spay or neuter your pup? You can spay Golden Retriever puppies as early as 8 weeks old, but any time before they reach sexual maturity is preferred, which is around one year old. This will prevent undesirable behaviors such as marking, territorial behavior, or a fixation with toys. All of which are hard to correct when they manifest. For breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, vets recommend spaying around the 6-month mark. Will neutering or spaying your Golden pup affect his or her growth? Yes, fixing a Golden before they reach sexual maturity generally causes your dog to grow bigger. This is because sex hormones suppress growth hormones. Without growth inhibition, your Golden will continue to grow. Aside from joint problems, there are also a few issues connected to spaying or neutering. They can become more prone to some forms of cancer. Some dogs also experience a change in behavior after the operation. The lack of estrogen can make female dogs more aggressive. Male dogs may also experience an increase in fearfulness. Sexual maturity usually occurs in Golden around 8 to 12 months. This gives you ample time to decide whether to sterilize or not. How heavy is a newborn Golden Retriever puppy? But, puppies as small as 10 oz at birth have been recorded. They usually leave their mom at 10 lbs. Also, bigger litters generally have smaller puppies, but they should all catch up by their 8th week. How to identify an overweight Golden Retriever? Use your eyes and hands to assess if your Golden is overweight or not. A survey in showed that .While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues. Do Golden Retriever types have different growth rates? Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs. Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy. Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! Golden Retriever Male Puppy Growth Chart lb and kg Keep in mind that minor differences are not a cause for alarm: it is not compulsory for your pup to weigh the listed amount. However, if your puppy has a very low weight, you will know that you should check with your veterinarian. As a new owner of Golden Retriever Puppy, you will be surprised to know that handling of puppies can boost their growth. Not only does it promote proper weight gain, but it can also affect development in other areas. Introduction In Comparing the puppies who were handled with those who did not show that the puppies that were being held opened their eyes and ears and had their hair grow faster and they even had better motor development. You may want to know how your puppy compares to another Golden Retriever. Or are you worried that your dog growth is not on the right path? In studying Golden Retriever growth charts, it is clear that most pups gain weight between 5 and 10 percent per week. Keep in mind that a lot of factors can affect the growth rate of a puppy. One size doesn't fit all Not all puppies will follow the growth chart at an exact speed. There can be a lot of diverse reasons for this. The growth chart can alert you should there be significant differences. However, even good owners can have skinny dogs. The Golden Retriever growth charts can alert you to the common causes of slow growth. Occasionally it comes down to a change in the dog diet. Ensure your dog likes his food and that he eats frequently. Request your veterinarian to rule out worms or any other condition. In the meantime, rest assured knowing that most puppies do well when they are raised by a loving and caring owner who has a good relationship with a trusted veterinarian and spends a lot of pleasant time with the puppy. To ascertain if your puppy is large, small, or average-sized for his or her age, you will first find the correct chart based on the sex of your puppy. Scroll down until you locate your puppy's age on the left side of the table. Then compare your dog weight with each column subsequently to that age. To predict the future heights and weights of your dog growth for a period of time. If your dog weight is always in the average range, you can scroll down the average column to estimate how large your puppies maybe as an adult. The same applies to other columns too. Remember, this is just an estimate. By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. 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The Cocker Spaniel may also experience hip and elbow dysplasia like the Golden Retriever. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Keep in mind that the following information is based on its parent breeds. These are all predictions that vary from case to case depending on genetic makeup. In terms of physical appearance, the Cocker Spaniel comes in a variety of coat colors, so the forever puppy may not always be golden. It could be a mix of blue, black, brown, and white. The ideal attributes a Golden Cocker Retriever should have is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than the Golden Retriever. We can predict the height of the Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix will range from 20 to 24 inches 51 — 61 cm. As we mentioned above its weight will range from 30 to 45 pounds 13 — 20 kg. The health concerns of a Golden Cocker Retriever are also based on its parents. Both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are capable of experiencing seizures associated with epilepsy and hip and elbow dysplasia. On the Cocker Spaniel side, however, you have more serious illnesses to worry about like glaucoma and cancerous tumors. On the bright side, both parent breeds have a good life expectancy, so your Golden Cocker Retriever will live a long and happy life of at least 10 years! Want to see how this mix grows up? For owners who really want a teacup-sized Golden Cocker Retriever, there are some toy ones on the market. And then you mix it once again with Cocker Spaniel to get an even smaller dog. A dog with dwarfism may look cute and small but it causes them a lot of pain throughout their entire lives. The height of a standard Goldendoodle reaches 20 inches 50 cm. The weight ranges from 50 — 90 pounds 22 — 40 kg. Additionally, the coat of a Goldendoodle will be much curlier than the Golden Cocker Retriever thanks to its Poodle parent breed. Before buying one, consider if a Golden Cocker Retriever is your best match in the long run. How will this dog fit into your daily schedule and hobbies? Does This Mix Shed? Both parent breeds have long-haired coats that invite moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year. Do I Need A Backyard? Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. Purebred Golden Retrievers sometimes need two sessions. A fenced backyard or a playpen is also essential to keep your Golden Cocker Retriever from wandering off. Both parent breeds have a long history of being hunting dogs with a strong prey-drive. If your Golden Cocker Retriever sees or smells a small animal in the distance, it will run as quickly as it can to track it down. Dogs are just fine. For example, any sign of stubbornness or independence can lead to harder training. Start training as early as possible as puppies are easier to handle than adults. The temperament of a Golden Cocker Retriever should be: Happy. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. They are not purebreds like their Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel parents. The mixed breed does shed, so aim to brush the coat daily if possible, being on the lookout for any potential mats. Golden Cocker Retrievers usually have no problems getting along with kids. This is a gentle and playful mixed breed that will happily become play buddies with your children This is not a dog who does well being left alone for long periods of the day. But digging into the background of their parent breeds can tell you a lot about where the dog comes from. Developed in Scotland, the Golden Retriever has always been renowned for their high intelligence and ability to take on agility and obedience-based tasks. When it comes to the Cocker Spaniel, this breed comes from Spain where they began as a hunting dog with a special expertise at tracking down and startling fowl. The Golden Cocker Retriever has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 30 to 45 pounds and range in height from 20 to 24 inches. A total family dog, the mixed breed will quickly form loving bonds with the humans in their life—and will also very much want to be in on the act with any day-to-day tasks and activities. This is not a dog who does well being left alone for long periods of the day. Even better, at the end of a long day of healthy outdoor action, the dog will love to cuddle up together as you relax and recuperate on the couch. Golden Cocker Retrievers usually do great around children. Golden Cocker Retriever Health Golden Cocker Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. If you jog, bring the dog along! If you have access to a safe off-leash park, even better. If you have a safe fenced-in yard, add some interactive toys to the environment and let the breed explore and investigate. As with any dog who loves the outdoors, check that their nails are trimmed and in good shape, and examine the paw pads for any signs of damage. Doing this every two weeks should suffice. The coat is straight, medium in length, and usually described as being dense to the touch. The Golden Cocker Retriever does best in slightly warmer than usual weather. This is a gentle and playful mixed breed that will happily become play buddies with your children—just remember to make sure both parties are socialized correctly during the early days. In general, Golden Cocker Retrievers are fine around other household pets. But be sure the boundaries between the dog and existing household pets are laid down early. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Golden Cocker Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. However, you may want to try Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Golden Cocker Retrievers borrow traits from both of their parents, normally with a medium length golden coat, floppy ears and a smaller stature than the Golden Retriever. Friendly, intelligent and energetic making a great family dog that will want to be involved in all your daily activities. They also go by the name Dakota Sport Retriever. Size: The Golden Cocker Retriever stands from 14 to 19 inches tall and can weigh anywhere between pounds, though the average weight is pounds. Coat: Considered a long haired breed but they do shed less than the average Golden Retriever. The most prominent colour is gold, but can come in all colours and patterns. Character: The Golden Cocker Retriever loves water and to play fetch. They are playful outdoors and calm while inside. This breed is very gentle and loving. Temperament: A soft-tempered breed, people-oriented and forms strong bonds with their owners. Care: Should be brushed on a weekly basis and bathed when needed. Their ears can be trimmed twice a year to avoid matting. Training: The Golden Cocker Retriever has a strong desire to please and is not difficult to train. Activity: Loves to play and should be exercised on a daily basis. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! This lovable and playful dog is the perfect family dog and brings joy to any home with their cute looks and adorable nature. Because the Golden Cocker Retriever is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what kind of dog you are going to get — you never know what they will look like or what their temperament will really be. However, based on Golden Cocker Retrievers as we know them and taking a look at their parent breeds, we can make assumptions about this wonderful breed. Read on below to find out more about Golden Cocker Retrievers are whether they could be the right dog for you. Perfect for first time pet owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever is an active and intelligent dog, with both parents belonging to the sporting dog group classification. They are also known for being loyal and they love to play outside, too. Golden Retrievers originate from Scotland and were used as gun dogs to retrieve game that was shot down both on land and in water. Cocker Spaniels first came to the US on the Mayflower in the 17th century. They were registered in and the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel grew significantly during the s and s. The American Cocker Spaniel has a smaller prey-drive than the English Cocker Spaniel, which makes them better family pets. The origin of the Golden Cocker Retriever was not widely documented and it is thought that this breed could be a designer breed that was created in the later s and the early s. Characteristics Of The Golden Cocker Retriever As we mentioned above, because the Golden Cocker Retriever is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to know exactly what your pup might look like and what their temperament might be. However, we can guess based on past litters. Both of the parents — either a Golden Retriever or a Cocker Spaniel — can be the sire or the dam in this cross breed. This contributes to the varying size and appearance of many Golden Cocker Retrievers. Regardless of some of the finer details, this breed is known for being an intelligent and friendly breed. The litter size for a Golden Retriever mix can be anywhere between 4 to 12 puppies. This means that they are said to maintain the look of a puppy, even as they grow up. It can be difficult to know exactly when they reach their adult life, but it is estimated anywhere between months. Mental maturity can take up to three years. A Golden Cocker Retriever is normally smaller than a Golden Retriever and usually weighs around pounds and measures between inches. They are a medium sized breed and are broader than a Cocker Spaniel with a long, smooth coat, floppy ears and a head which is slightly bigger than a Spaniels. Coat The Golden Cocker Retriever coat is normally medium in length and is smooth. It will have some featured fringes around the legs, ears and stomach which will need to be brushed daily to prevent any matting. Some puppies inherit more genes from the Golden and therefore have a double coat, meaning the fur may be denser and require more thorough grooming. We will go into more detail about grooming your Golden Cocker Retriever dog later on. If the Cocker Spaniel parent is brown, black, white or merle, then this can be passed to the pup. Temperament The Golden Cocker Retriever is a loyal and loving dog and is the perfect companion. They have a natural playful instinct that makes them fun to be around, and they love to chase and run around. Both parents have a sporting background which means your Retriever will love to be outside playing with you. Because they are so friendly they can make the perfect playmate for older children, but know to gentle around younger children too. They will want to be with you at all times, so they are not the right pet to have if you are going to be out for hours at a time. They will do best in a busier household where they have people around for most of the day. Luckily, these dogs are easy to train and, most of the time, undesirable behaviors can be trained out of them. This can include barking as well as behaviors brought on by anxiety if they are left alone for too long. Lifespan The typical life expectancy of a Golden Cocker Retriever is normally between 11 to 14 years. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Cataracts — you might suspect your dog has cataracts if they are constantly bumping into furniture. Cataracts can be cured with surgery. Hypothyroidism — this can be caused by a deficiency of the thyroid hormone and may produce signs that include infertility, obesity, mental dullness and lack of energy. It can be treated with medication. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — this is an eye disorder that eventually causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eye. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Daily Life We have covered what the temperament and the characteristics of the Golden Cocker Retriever are and how many of their traits depend on what they inherit from their parents. Now, we can take a look at what living with this dog is like. Luckily, no matter what features your Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel hybrid inherits from their parents, daily life with them is pretty much the same. Of course, you should always check the back of the dog food packet to confirm how much you should be feeding them based on their exact weight. Try to feed your Golden Cocker Retriever high-quality dog food two times a day. If possible, you should try to put them on food that is formulated for medium to large dog breeds, again based on their weight. It is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. We got him from some people who didn't take very good care of him. This dog is an amazing athlete and can run non stop for a long time and has powerful hind legs for jumping. He does not have the swimming ability like our 8 year old Golden Retriever, Rosie. He is the nicest dog you can ask for, he's always up to play , never bites , loves playing with other dogs , and always wants to get outside the house. Great family dog! She loves to go fishing and swimming. When I put her out in her run to play she will call me when she's ready to come in by saying 'mama. She does have some English Cocker Spaniel in her too. She is a very sweet, smart, playful puppy. She loves to carry around sticks when she is playing outside and enjoys going on a walk. She is content to sleep in her indoor doggy kennel-bed at night. I couldn't imagine a better family pet! Bred by Dakota Winds Ranch. However, they may have as much as .He's got the gentle disposition of his Golden Retriever friend and the up-beatness of a Cocker Spaniel. Her favorite food is bar-b-q and will jump off the walls until midnight! I got Tucker from a breeder. He was the only shorthaired puppy in the litter. The breeder did not know why he came out shorthaired, so a DNA test was done. His sire was, in fact, his sire. There is no reasonable explanation why he has short hair, other than he just does! He is a great little dog and a very sweet puppy. He is very gentle, loving and sweet. Hybrids When you take a golden retriever and mix it with a cocker spaniel, the outcome is a truly adorable golden cocker retriever, also known as a Dakota sport retriever or a cogol. These hybrid dogs are called forever puppies because they maintain a puppy-like look to them even when they are fully grown. The golden cocker retriever is a hybrid or designer dog intentionally created to combine the best qualities of the cocker spaniel and the golden retriever together. The golden cocker retriever maintains the look of the golden retriever in a smaller package with longer hair. The golden cocker retriever is an excellent family dog, provided you can meet its needs. Read on to find out if the golden cocker retriever is the dog for you. Parentage Of The Golden Cocker Retriever When mixing two breeds together, like the golden retriever and the cocker spaniel, there is no guarantee of exactly how each puppy will look and behave in every litter. Understanding the history and personality of both parent breeds will also give you an idea of how your golden cocker retriever will behave later on in life as it develops its personality as an adult. The Golden Retriever The golden retriever as we know it today, originated in Scotland in the mid to late s and early s. The golden retriever was bred to be a sporting dog with a soft mouth. Its job was to chase down prey, usually waterfowl, after the owner had shot one down. Once the dog located the prey, it would gently pick it up in its mouth and bring it back to the owner. The area in which they had to do the retrieving was often marshy, so the dogs were bred to have warm coats and be excellent swimmers. For a more detailed look at how the golden retriever came to be, check out our dedicated article on their history. Golden retrievers are highly loyal, dedicated, easily trainable, and loving dogs. It is important to note the golden retriever is also very high energy and requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation. The Cocker Spaniel Cocker spaniels originated in Europe as sporting and hunting dogs. They were used to flush out birds from bushes and low lying brush for the hunter to shoot them down. There are many different types of spaniels, but the cocker spaniel was so named because that specific breed specialized in hunting woodcocks. Cocker spaniels were popularized by the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp and U. The cocker spaniel is an easily trainable dog who loves spending time with the family in all activities. However, they are high energy pups who require a lot of time and effort from their owners in order to stay happy. The Golden Cocker Retriever The golden cocker retriever takes on the best of both breeds and looks a lot like a shrunken version of the golden retriever with the long floppy ears of the cocker spaniel. The golden cocker retriever is a very high energy dog and will require a lot of energy from you as well. The golden cocker retriever stands at 20 to 24 inches and weighs 30 to 45 pounds on average. This makes them a medium-sized dog. They are inquisitive dogs who love being involved with their humans and their environment. Golden cocker retrievers are great dogs to have if you have children. They love the company and energy small children bring to the home and will get along with them very well. The golden cocker retriever is an intelligent dog which will require mental as well as physical stimulation from you in order to be happy. Trainability Thanks to both of the parent dogs, the golden retriever and the cocker spaniel, the golden cocker retriever takes to training very well. They are intelligent dogs that enjoy the effort it takes to learn tricks and tasks. Training should be consistent and based on positive reinforcement as the golden cocker retriever takes harsh words and negative punishment to heart. Health Concerns Golden cocker retrievers are a mixed breed, which means they have a wider genetic pool to draw from. This means they are genetically healthier than either of their purebred parents. However, because the golden retriever and cocker spaniel share some common health concerns, they can appear in the golden cocker retriever too. Be on the lookout for: Hip dysplasia Entropion eyelid condition Hypothyroidism Taking your golden cocker retriever to the vet every year for a check up and their vaccines is incredibly important. Prevention is always better than treatment. Your vet can catch small issues developing in the early stages and provide preventative care before the problem becomes life threatening or painful for your dog. The golden cocker retriever seems like an ideal medium-sized dog for any family. However there are some care needs you need to consider to determine if this is the dog for you or not. The golden cocker retriever is an incredibly high-energy dog. They require a minimum of an hour of exercise a day, preferably split over two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Physical exercise can take the form of play sessions with you, walks, going to the dog park, swimming time, hikes, obedience training, and playing fetch. If you have trained your golden cocker retriever well, taking them to an off-leash dog park and allowing them to run around and explore all the different sights and smells is an excellent way to stimulate them. Golden cocker retrievers need mental stimulation during the day, which is separate from their physical exercise. Toys, slow feeders , lick mats , snuffle mats , and puzzle games are all excellent options to boost their mental stimulation. The golden cocker retriever has a beautiful coat that sheds a lot thanks to the golden retriever and cocker spaniel parents. They will need to be brushed every second or third day depending on the individual dog. If your golden cocker retriever loves swimming, their coat will need to be dried and brushed after every swim. There are two different kinds of cocker spaniel , the American and the English. Both kinds can be crossed with a golden retriever to make a golden cocker retriever. The biggest difference between the two cocker spaniels is their size. The American breeders focused on producing small, sleek companion cocker spaniels, while the English breeders focused on breeding larger cocker spaniels with longer legs. Therefore, the English cocker spaniel is taller and slightly broader than the American cocker spaniel. Parent Breed. Goldadors are very social, intelligent, easy to train and are an excellent family companion. Our Goldadors can be anywhere from lbs. Country Retrievers With the many requests for Country Retrievers also known as Comfort Retrievers or Golden Cockers , we spent time researching the cross over the past 2 years. This year, in , we are excited to introduce our first Country Retriever puppies! Country Retrievers are a smaller version of the Golden Retriever, with the combined friendliness, loyalty, and sweet temperaments of both breeds. Throw in a dash of the comical, playful spirit of the Cocker Spaniel, and the Comfort Retriever is lovingly referred to as the Forever Puppy. Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family pets. They are playful but gentle with children. They get along well with other pets, and are friendly to family and strangers alike. The intelligent Golden Retriever is very versatile. They excel in obedience training. Our Golden Retrievers can weigh between 55 — 75 pounds. Cocker Spaniel The Cocker Spaniel is a very gentle, easy-going, yet lively companion. Cocker Spaniels love their people families, love to snuggle, play together, and give a good laugh with their antics. They repay the loving they receive in multiples of loyalty and affection. Our Cocker Spaniels come in a variety of colours and can weigh from pounds. Genetics play an important role in the health and longevity of your puppy, but environmental factors play a greater role. Things like over and under stimulation, exercise, quality of food, home environment, etc… greatly affect the health and lifespan of your puppy. The quality of the nutrition your puppy receives directly affects his health, so we strongly recommend that your pup is fed top quality dog food. To protect each dog from negative breeding experiences and puppy mill conditions, the signing of a non-breeding contract is required. Our entire business is made to ensure that no dog is kept in unethical, inhumane conditions, and we are careful in screening potential puppy families to ensure each puppy goes to the best possible home. Follow Us. If you love the amazing personality of a Golden Retriever and the small size and loyalty of a Cocker Spaniel, you may love a Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix. What do Golden Cocker Retrievers look like? These Golden Cocker Retrievers come in several sizes, colors and looks. They come in all the same coat colors as a normal Cocker Spaniel but commonly come in white, red, golden and tan. First generation cocker golden mix dogs have more floppy ears. When breeding a second and third generation, there is usually a higher percentage of Golden Retrievers in the mix. The golden retriever mixed with cocker spaniel puppies can often be referred to as "Miniature Golden Retrievers" or "Golden Minis". These puppies can look very much like a "Mini Golden Retriever" and have many of the same personality traits. When they are puppies you can see the Cocker Spaniel showing up in their eyes. They look almost angry, but it often fades with age. Here is a male Cocker Spaniel mix at 7 weeks old and again at 3 months old. The size depends on the parents of the puppies. In a first generation cocker spaniel golden retreiver mix you need to look at the size of the Golden Retriever used. The general rule of thumb is the puppies will be in between the sizes of both parents. However every now and again we see puppies that grow up to be bigger than both parents. To get a good idea of how much the puppies will weigh as a golden cocker retriever full grown we often use this weight chart predictor from thegoodypet. It has been the most accurate we have found to predict adult weight. Many people wonder if this mixed breed is a good family dog and easy to train. Yes, a Cocker Spaniel mix with Golden Retriever can make a great family pet. The Golden Cocker mix is a loyal and smart companion. They also are dogs that are easy to potty train. Cocker Spaniel Golden Retriever mix puppies tend to be food driven so we often train with kibble instead of treats. Issues with a Golden Cocker Retriever mix? The most common problem I see in the Cocker Spaniel Golden mix is some litters are more mouthy. They nip at anything moving which sometimes includes hands. Most are not, but it does happen every now and again. Remember that Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to be working dogs that kept livestock together by nipping at their heels. They also love to chase moving objects which is fantastic if you like playing fetch with your puppy but can scare children that don't know how to behave around a puppy. Two purebred parents will have more of a Cocker Spaniel look. Make sure to ask what they expect the full grown Golden Cocker Retriever to weigh. It will only be an estimate and there are no guarantees but it is good to get an idea. Also ask what kind of health testing was done on the parents of the litter. We normally have Cocker Golden Retriever mix puppies available or coming soon. Check out our puppies HERE or fill out the form below and we will get back to you. First Name.

Dehydration How to treat Giardia in French bulldogs? To determine whether your pooch got infected by Giardia, your vet will ask you to take a fecal examination. In most cases, vets recommend performing fecal testing of your dog 3 times. Giardia should be treated with drugs prescribed by your vet. You should also wear gloves while bathing your Frenchie and pay special attention to his tail pocket and anus. Reinfections are common The treatment can also be repeated because this parasite is very resistant and reinfection is also quite common. At the end of the process, make sure to rinse the bowls and toys with boiling water and let them dry. Performing general hygiene measures is essential if you want to get rid of Giardia permanently. Can I get Giardia from my Frenchie? Well, even though this parasite is highly contagious, it can rarely be transmitted to humans. However, infection is not impossible. Giardia is commonly transmitted through water and not by our pets. It can also be present on food and soil, so paying attention to hygiene is highly important. Although it sounds like an impossible mission to protect your pet from this parasite, you can avoid taking him to crowded dog parks, and fields where many dogs go to the potty. Your pooch should not share toys, water bowls , and food bowls with other dogs. Post navigation. Read up on the simple steps you can take to reduce your dog's risk of infection. By Sarah Mouton Dowdy Sarah Mouton Dowdy writes for both pet parents and veterinary professionals and is passionate about meeting the needs of both to the benefit of all involved—especially the pets. With a master's degree in human health communication, she's particularly interested in the ways in which human and animal health overlap. Sarah's own health has been positively impacted by adopting a dog named Agnes whose tricks include sitting, staying, and stealing pizza from the kitchen counter. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on August 24, If your dog has diarrhea that just won't go away, don't ignore it. It could be caused by a common intestinal parasite called Giardia that is spread through the poop of infected animals. Treatment typically involves medication and thorough cleaning to rid your pet and his environment of the parasite. And while there aren't any preventatives available for Giardia in dogs, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your dog's risk of infection. Giardia duodenalis also called Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia is a tiny, single-celled parasite that commonly infects the intestines of dogs. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council CAPC , here's how transmission works: Animals infected with Giardia shed the parasite in the form of cysts when they poop, contaminating whatever the poop comes into contact with e. These infectious cysts can survive for months in certain environments. A new host dog becomes infected when it accidentally eats or drinks these infectious cysts. Once the cysts reach the dog's intestinal tract, the parasites emerge from the cysts and begin eating and multiplying. Some of the parasites will form cyst walls around themselves, and then these cysts will be shed in the dog's poop to continue the cycle. Given how Giardia is transmitted, it's not surprising that studies have found an increased rate of infection among dogs who visit dog parks. Can People Get Giardia? We agree. But if you're worried about contracting Giardia from your dog, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says humans are much more likely to get the parasite from other humans and that there is little evidence for direct transmission between dogs and people. What Are the Symptoms of Giardia in Dogs? Many dogs infected with the parasite won't show any outward signs of infection. When Giardia does cause disease, it's known as giardiasis. Persistent diarrhea is the most common sign of giardiasis, but if left untreated for a long time, weight loss and even death can occur. Diagnosis involves using either a microscope to examine the dog's poop for Giardia, or an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA test to determine if the poop contains antigens proteins that are present on the parasite. How is Giardia in Dogs Treated? After your pup is diagnosed by his veterinarian, he'll likely be treated with oral medication. In dogs, Giardia is often treated with fenbendazole a dewormer , metronidazole an antibiotic , or a combination of both. And sometimes, a combination of multiple medications including febantel, pyrantel pamoate, and praziquantel can also be effective in treating the parasite in dogs. Follow-up testing at your vet may be necessary if clinical signs continue after treatment is complete. If your dog is treated for Giardia, it's important that you pick up and dispose of your pet's poop as soon as possible to decrease the likelihood of spreading more infectious cysts. On the last day of treatment, you'll need to give your dog a bath to remove any cysts that might be stuck to his fur, since re-infection is possible if any are still hanging around. You'll also want to steam-clean or disinfect your pet's environment—including bedding, carpets, and furniture that he likes to lay on. Is It Possible to Prevent Giardia? Unfortunately, there aren't any preventative medications available for Giardia in dogs. However, there are things you can to reduce your dog's risk of infection and reinfection. Diehl recommends removing your dog's poop from the yard as soon as possible and keeping him from drinking out of potentially contaminated water sources. Dogs with giardiasis typically respond well to treatment and don't suffer lasting effects from the infection. However, geriatric dogs and dogs with health issues in addition to giardiasis are more at risk for serious problems, including death. If your dog's bathroom habits have you concerned that he may have picked up a parasite, don't hesitate to reach out to your pet's veterinary team. They can help you determine if your dog needs to be seen in the clinic. Your veterinarian is also the perfect source for more specific tips on how to avoid the parasite in your area. Was this page helpful? It consists of two forms. The feeding form is when the parasite exists in the gut of the infected animal. The cyst form can be shed in feces, surviving for months, especially in damp environments. Your dog can become infected by eating poop, sniffing the ground, or drinking water. Since the cyst-form can survive for months, giardia is easily transmitted. Once ingested, giardia cysts take days to develop. Cysts are excreted in stool, making it easy to pass on. Infection is more common in senior, young, and immunocompromised dogs. Diarrhea is usually the main symptom of giardia. Loose stools can be intermittent, watery, foul-smelling, and green-tinged. Some dogs can have giardia without typical symptoms. Other symptoms include fever, fatty stool, vomiting, and weight loss. If giardia is suspected, you can submit a stool sample to your vet. Analysis will show if giardia is present and if treatment is necessary. Fenbendazole or metronidazole are the medications given for days. For more resistant cases, fenbendazole is the medication of choice. After treatment, a stool sample should be submitted in weeks. A second medication treatment may be necessary since giardia is hard to treat. To prevent infection or reinfection of giardia, make sure to pick up stool as soon as possible. If infection is present, baths should be more frequent to remove cysts from fur. Giardia can be passed to other family members. It is difficult to pass infection from dog to cat or cat to dog. Infection can be passed to humans. Washing hands is a must after handling feces or cleaning an infected pup. Prevention is key to keeping your pup healthy. If giardia is suspected, submit a stool sample for analysis. After treatment, submit another stool sample to ensure that the infection is cleared. Giardia can be difficult to resolve. A second treatment may be necessary. Check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription. Please enter a valid email address! Call Vic Kasser or Email! It is common throughout the United States and can cause infections at almost any time of year. Unlike many other infectious organisms, giardia persists longer in the environment when conditions are cool and moist. Most dogs become infected by drinking water contaminated with feces. Giardia then infects the small intestine, and infected dogs pass microscopic cysts in their stool. These cysts can then infect another animal or person if ingested. Giardia cysts are very resistant in the environment, and can live for many months under the correct circumstances. These cysts are a threat to pet health, and giardia is a very common cause of pet diarrhea in the United States. All dogs — even those on year-round parasite preventives and those without diarrhea — should have at least one to two fecal samples performed annually as part of their wellness exam to screen for gastrointestinal parasites, including giardia. All dogs with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea should be tested for giardia and other gastrointestinal parasites. All newly adopted dogs should be tested for these parasites before they are introduced to a new home, and all dogs returning from high-risk environments e. Testing for Giardia There is no perfect test for giardia. Giardia is an elusive parasite, and cysts are shed only intermittently from the gastrointestinal tract of an infected dog. A single fecal sample has only a 70 percent chance of detecting an infection. Performing three fecal samples within five consecutive days increases the chance of detection to greater than 90 percent. There are other tests such as the giardia ELISA that can be used with a routine fecal sample to increase the likelihood of a diagnosis to about 95 percent. Treating Giardia If your dog is diagnosed with giardia, he will likely be prescribed medication, and your veterinarian will recommend a follow-up fecal sample two weeks after treatment. A dog should be bathed on his last day of treatment to eliminate all giardia cysts from his hair coat. Wearing gloves, you should bathe and rinse his whole body as normal and then focus last on his hind end. Do not touch the rest of his body after you have bathed and rinsed around the anus. This will eliminate spreading any remaining giardia cysts around his hair coat. Pet bowls, toys, etc. Upholstery and carpeting should be steam-cleaned and allowed to dry. Troubleshooting: Dogs With Recurrent Giardia Many dogs become reinfected with giardia as soon as treatment is finished because their environment remains contaminated. Following are tips for preventing giardia reinfection in your dog: Allow your pet to defecate only on cement surfaces or surfaces that can be disinfected with aforementioned solutions or products. Dirt and grass areas can harbor large amounts of giardia for months. When treated dogs return to these environments, they can become reinfected and begin shedding giardia cysts within five to seven days. Pick up all feces immediately and disinfect surfaces daily. If you walk your dog, carry a spray bottle of dilute bleach solution to easily disinfect surfaces. Test and possibly treat other dogs and cats in the household for giardia. Although dogs and cats are usually affected by different species of giardia, they can share infections, and cats can serve as a source of reinfection for household dogs. Do not allow your dog to drink out of communal water bowls at pet stores or in public places. Do not allow your dog to drink from puddles, lakes, ponds, rivers or streams, which may be contaminated with feces from other animals. Do not allow your dog to eat his own feces or the feces or other animals. Chronic Giardia Infection It can be frustrating if a dog continues to test positive for giardia after treatment. The giardia ELISA test can remain positive for weeks to months following successful giardia treatment — so a positive test does not necessarily mean active infection. If additional treatments are unable to eliminate giardia infection in your dog, your vet may recommend a more extensive medical evaluation for your pet. Testing can also be performed to determine if the giardia infecting your dog is zoonotic — meaning an organism that can also sicken humans. The Centers for Disease Control CDC has detailed information available on giardia and how to prevent infection in people. The risk of infection is small because the type of giardia that affects humans is not usually the same one that affects dogs and cats, but it is good to be informed. Giardia disease is caused by a microscopic parasite that is generally attributed to poor sanitation and unsafe water. Giardia infection which is called Giardia is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. These parasites are found in back country streams and lakes but also they may be found in municipal water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpools spas and water wells. Giardia affects humans, dogs, cats and other animals. It spreads by food and water that has been contaminated by the Giardia intestinalis , protozoa organism. It is most common in over crowded developing countries with poor sanitation and a lack of clean water. Giardia is becoming a problem in the United States as well where it affects three times more children than adults. Children can easily pass on the infection by touching contaminated toys utensils their own feces and then touching other children or people. For this reason, infection travels quickly through a daycare center or an institution for the developmentally disabled. In canine kennels, giardia outbreaks are very common due to water being shared on common grounds that have been contaminated in group situations of many animals together. Feces contains cysts that are ingested by a human or another animal albeit even microscopically, they are broken down by the stomach acids and the cysts dissolve releasing the active parasite into the body. Once within the body, the parasites cling onto the lining of the small intestine where they reproduce and are swept into the fecal stream or digestive tract. As the liquid content of the bowel dries up the parasite forms cysts which are then passed in the feces. Once excreted the cysts can survive in water for up to three months. When an animal such as a cat or a dog is infected with the giardia parasite the clinical signs of such an infection present with feces that are looking like diarrhea: soft and watery containing blood and or slimy matter, a sort of mucus covering the Poop and having a very foul odor. So what can we do about it? Traditionally a puppy shows signs of diarrhea after having not changed any eating habits. Here it can sometimes be confusing when the dog has just been newly relocated to its new home. Because stress can also cause varied symptoms of diarrhea type poop. Only after about one week in the puppies new home if the bad poops are getting worse and not better after feeding things like chicken and rice and pumpkin then we should consider that perhaps the puppy has contracted Giardia. In my kennel, my dogs are all treated before they leave my home as if they have Giardia. For a very long time, it has been found that the combination of these two ingredients can attack the organ rendering it dead after six days of treatments that occur twice a day. After a weeks break from this medication usually the treatment is done again for six days. Consider though that treating twice a day with two medications over a period of six days equals the administration of 24 different things. Most often it is necessary to take a small break and then repeat again another 24 doses. Animals are being found to still have live cysts three weeks later. This has been referred to as a resistant giardia. You may have heard about antibiotic resistance? This is the same idea. I learned about it through doing my own research on the Internet and found this video posted above where the vet is talking to other vets about this medication that is tremendously effective because it does its job in just one single dose to a cat and three doses to a dog. Compare now 24 doses with 3 doses for your dog. Which would you prefer? In my experience, it is vastly more effective than the traditional treatment of metronidazole and Panacur. I hope that this will put you on the right track and soon you will have conquered this bugger of a parasite and know to0 that once your puppy reaches the age of approximately eight months he will have built a tolerance to the symptoms and will typically no longer exhibit signs. If this is your scenario with other adults dogs in the household it is best to treat all dogs as if infected otherwise your puppy will keep getting infected over and over again.

German Shepherds can have three different varieties of coat: double coat, plush coat, and long haired coat. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight, short hair that lies close to the body. The long haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds that are family pets. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The most common colouring for a German Shepherd is black and tan; however, the breed can also appear in all black. Typically the coat is predominantly tan with black facial and saddle markings. In rare instances, German Shepherds can have white, blue, or reddish brown coats. These colours are not recognized by the breed standard, but do occur periodically. In fact, the white German Shepherd is actually considered a separate breed in some areas and is called the American White Shepherd. The German Shepherd is part of the working dog classification and has a strong proportioned build. Typically, the German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds 23 and 41 kg. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source It has a narrow and deep chest, and the front legs and shoulders are muscular and sloping. Its body is slightly longer than it is deep, measuring from the shoulders to the rump. Go to source German Shepherd puppies typically weigh pounds kg after the first month and will continue to grow steadily throughout their first year. By six months they will weigh approximately pounds kg. German Shepherds have very distinct pointed ears that are erect. They are long at the base and face forwards, making the shape of a triangle. As puppies, the tips of the ear may flop over slightly, but they will straighten as the dog ages. German Shepherds have a long and bushy tail that hangs down when the dog is resting. When a German Shepherd is alert or in motion, the curve of the tail is accentuated and the tail will be slightly raised. German Shepherds can be fairly aloof and reserved when first meeting new people. However, once the dog has formed a connection with their owner, they are extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but can be protective if they feel threatened. German Shepherds are high energy dogs and they need lots of daily exercise. If a German Shepherd is left a lone for long periods of time it will likely become bored and destructive. For example, the dog may start barking, chewing things, or digging. Make sure that your German Shepherd receives at least 1 hour of exercise each day. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable. They like to have a job or task to do, and you can train a German Shepherd to do a variety of different jobs. For example, German Shepherds are often used as "working" dogs, helping with search and rescue, drug sniffing and security, as well as providing aide and assistance to the visibly impaired. This is fun and stimulating for the dog. This breed is known to herd the sheep, count them, and keep them safe. This sense of possession make them apt for guarding a family. A pet can guard when he knows what all belongs to him and what does not. This ability helps a German Shepherd to differentiate between an enemy and the family. Protection to this breed comes naturally and that's why they are known as police dogs, too. German Shepherds are fantastic with your own kids and can act strange with the strangers and other kids. If you see a dog that you think might be a German Shepherd and are curious about the breed, approach the owner and ask. It is such a cute dog. I am considering getting one. Veterinarians will be familiar with the breed standard of most dog breeds. They will be able to easily examine the physical characteristics of the dog to help with identifying the breed. A licensed breeder will be able to provide you with paperwork that proves both parents are recognized as German Shepherds by the American Kennel Club. Make sure that you always use a breeder that is licensed by the American Kennel Club. This will also help to ensure that you are purchasing a purebred dog. There are a number of applications available that can help to identify different dog breeds. In order to use the app, simply upload a photo of a dog and the app will identify the breed. Once you receive the DNA test kit in the mail, open the package and carefully read all of the instructions. The instructions will provide you with steps on how to take a DNA swab and then how to return the results to the lab for testing. The kit will likely come with two swabs. They are both to be used on the same dog. Do the same thing with each of the swabs. Place the swabs into the plastic baggies provided. Then place them in the pre-paid return envelope or box. Once sealed, mail the results to the lab for testing. Approximately three weeks after you complete the test, you will receive detailed DNA results. Purebred German shepherds are also likely to follow the following standard measurements by the American Kennel Club. To be more precise, the ideal ratio of the length to the height of a purebred German shepherd is 10 to 8. However, purebred German shepherd puppies may not show such signs yet. This is because they are still far from developing them for their first six months. For example, they may not have upright tails since it straightens out through age. Any price that deviates from that is enough for suspicions. Speaking of a purebred German shepherd price, it might be helpful knowing that there are dogs with different price that resembles German shepherds. However, there are dogs that have the same appearance as well. Here are some of the dogs that are likely to possess similar trait with that of a purebred German shepherd: First up in our list is the Belgian Malinois. This dog breed is the most comparable in terms of appearance with purebred German shepherds. They have similar coats and style. King Shepherds are also similar to German shepherds, with the exception of their size and coat color. They are much bigger and muscular and only have sable as their color variation. However, Bohemian shepherds have undercoat, unlike German shepherds. Another cheaper breed is Northern Inuits. They are much larger than purebred German shepherd puppies, but a bit lighter. Their coat is typically pure white or black, with a face mask. Carpathian shepherds are not as similar to purebred German shepherds as the rest of this list, but they resemble a GSD enough to be used as a ripoff. Just like the Belgian Malinois, they will typically have black markings. There are many breeds that can look identical to the German shepherd pure breed. Testing a Purebred German Shepherd Testing a German shepherd pure breed through technical means is a surefire way to identify a purebred German shepherd. Registration certificates. Despite that, in the case of dogs from shelters, the caretakers genuinely have no documents to provide you. They might not even know where the dog came from in the first place. This leads us to try out other ways of testing purebred German shepherds. Genetic Testing Genetic testing has come a long way since its discovery. Now, there are many ways to check the details about the genes of even a dog. Most companies offering genetic testing have a whole database storing data of all the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is, therefore, recommended that you talk to your vet about it. They will naturally have more experience with blood testing purebred German shepherds than you are. Wrapping Up Purebred German shepherd is listed as one of the most lovable, and therefore, popular breed in America, and even in the world. Regardless, there are many problems with being unable to know if what you really have are purebred German shepherd puppies. We then tackled other breeds that are likely to be sold as a purebred German shepherd. Finally, you learned how you can test the legitimacy of a dog. At this point, you can easily steer away from the traps of the breeders into ripping you off your money. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? They have a strong bond with the entire family and are untrustful of strangers. Also, German Shepherds are very protective of their families and their property, so if you are entirely new to this breed, you may need to reach out for added expert advice. Purebred German Shepherds are intelligent Due to their high intelligence, they are preferred as working dogs in police departments, rescue teams, and search crews. If you think your puppy can pick up your training quickly, chances are they may have a lot of German Shepherd DNA in him! Regardless, you will need to keep them disciplined and mentally stimulated. Can They Outsmart You? Purebred German Shepherds are naturally protective and possessive German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families and their territory. This trait will quickly manifest itself as protectiveness when a potential enemy is approaching. That said, a purebred German Shepherd will intimidate a potential threat to its owners and their property without questions. Consult experts Another great way to check if your dog is a purebred German Shepherd or not is to ask experts, such as veterinarians or previous owners. A skilled veterinarian can give you plenty of valuable insight into this breed. They can inform you of the physical characteristics of German Shepherds and their most common traits. A breeder can also help answer any questions you may have about your German Shepherd. You will want to get a puppy from an American Kennel Club licensed breeder. A previous German Shepherd owner could grasp what a purebred dog looks and behaves like. However, this method may be unreliable, as many mixed breeds seem to look and behave like a purebred GSD would. Check the registration certificate if you have it If you purchase a purebred German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you should get a registration certificate. Use dog identification apps Using dog identification apps is an innovative way to help you identify the breed of your dog by scanning a picture of a dog. All you have to do is to submit a picture of your pooch taken from your phone. Then these apps will do their analysis and return a short description of the breed as well as a match percentage of the breed. Of course, these apps may be a little more than a fun video game and are not as accurate as DNA tests. Besides taking a picture, you can also record a video or upload an image from your gallery. Share your results and compare them to the results of the community! Upload pictures of your favorite dog to our Social Feed and share them with other dog lovers! Have a look at the profiles and photos of other users, like and comment on posts from our dog community and filter them by date or popularity! All types of dogs are supported — mutts and purebreds, and everything in between. DogDNA Identify dog breeds by uploading a picture from your camera or photo library. We use advanced computer vision dog breed identifier technology to analyze the pictures and provide results on the possible breeds your dog could be. Conclusion Regardless of the result, your new furry friend deserves all of your love. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. This is because there are several other dog breeds with similar characteristics, like the Belgian Malinois, the Bohemian Shepherd, and the Dutch Shepherd, among a few others. There are also different types of German Shepherds , such as the working lines and show lines which have slightly different appearances. However, that does not mean identifying a purebred German Shepherd cannot be done. Test the DNA When you are grappling with the question of how to know if your German Shepherd is original, taking a DNA test on your dog is not something you want to do as a first option. Because DNA tests and test kits have a hefty price tag. The most straightforward bet when taking a DNA test on your German Shepherd is to purchase a test kit and follow the instructions on the package. Package the swab with the DNA sample in the provided sealable bag and mail it for testing. If you seek greater accuracy, go for the 2-pack option and use both with your GSD to check the consistency of results. You can identify if your German Shepherd is purebred by assessing your dog for these coat features. The outer coat should be dense, even though a somewhat wavy outer coat is permissible. The hairs at the neck are longer and thicker, while those on the head, fore face, and inside the ears are short. The paws and legs also have short hair, but you may notice slightly longer hair at the rear of the legs, on the hock, and along the pastern. Coat Color The coat colors of the German Shepherd are varied. The black and tan, sable , black and red, bi-color, and solid black variants are among the most common German Shepherd coat colors. The AKC advocates for strong-rich colors and disqualifies blue , livers, white , and faded German Shepherd coat colors even though GSDs with these colors can still be registered. Variations in German Shepherd coat standards should suggest the need to consider more than just the coat type and fur patterns when trying to make out if your German Shepherd is an original. Some of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherd you should look for include the following characteristics. Other features of a strong-build purebred German Shepherd you should notice include: An even built hindquarter and the forequarter. A noble look with a well-defined feminine or masculine gait for either case. A deep and narrow chest with sloping shoulders and front legs. Pointed Ears The pointy ears of a German Shepherd are among its most popular signature features. The GSD typically carries its ears erect, with the ear ends parallel to each other and vertical to the ground. But the ears of your German Shepherd may not stand erect until the teething period is over. If your GSD is at that teething stage, which ends around weeks 16 and 20, check to see if your dog has erect ears when it hears a sound, barks, or gets excited. Note that floppy ears in adult purebred German Shepherds can be a sign of ill health or the outcome of grooming routines. Also, breed standards usually disqualify a GSD with docked ears. A Long Bushy Tail The German Shepherd has a full and long bushy tail with the last interlocking bone extending to the hock joint. The tail is carried low rather than high and is smoothly set into the rump. A purebred German Shepherd should not carry the tail curled forward as though fearful. The curve can be more pronounced when the dog is excited or moving. You can read about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. A long and strong muzzle with a topline parallel to the skull. A black nose. A strong and muscular neck with smooth skin and no loose skin folds. Notice Their Temperament and Behavior Your purebred German Shepherd will present as a confident, fearless, and alert dog. Timidity, nervousness, and anxiety are not part of the intelligent and agile German Shepherd, originally bred as a herding dog. Any characterizing tendency to flee and hide behind the owner or handler should suggest that the dog is not a purebred German Shepherd. While your purebred dog will be friendly and loyal to you, it will show some aloofness towards strangers without, however, being aggressive or showing a lack of confidence. That could leave you wondering how a dog registration certificate can help identify a purebred German Shepherd. That should tell you if both parents of your German Shepherd were of the same breed or not. However, the information given to a dog registry is self-reported by the owner or breeder. The registry does not do background research to confirm the details but instead relies on the honesty of the breeder or owner. Experts with extensive knowledge about the breed are mainly veterinarians. Talk to a German Shepherd Breeder To determine if your German Shepherd is purebred, talk to a reputable breeder with years of experience with the breed. Reputable German Shepherd breeders will give you reliable info about: German Shepherd dog personality and temperament. German Shepherd registration and pedigree papers, especially if you are considering buying your GSD from the breeder. Talk to a German Shepherd Owner Someone who has owned a purebred German Shepherd for years has observed their physical and personality traits and can offer you valuable information about the breed. Go for a purebred German Shepherd owner whose dog you like and looks healthy and well cared for. Fulfilled GSD owners will be glad to tell you about their furry companions and probably show you photos and videos of their growth journey. Videos and photos of another purebred German Shepherd can give you specific details about physical features and temperament traits that you can look out for in your own dog. Original sketch of my German Shepherd Willow Talk to a Veterinarian Veterinarians not only deal with many dog breeds, but they also attend to many dogs of the same breed. As such, they have mastered characteristics proper to the GSD and will give you purebred German Shepherd facts and proofs from their own experience. Suppose you already own the dog that you are trying to identify as purebred. Alternatively, you can explain to the vet features and behaviors you have observed in your dog and have the vet tell you if they are typical of the breed. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Color Colors have a significant role in portraying if a dog from German Shepherd is original in its breed or not. The variants found in colors of dogs from German shepherd breed are many, where eight patterns are most common — pure black, pure white, black and tan, etc. Source Though most of the colors are permissible, strong colors have a greater say. Also, lighter colors, off colors, pale and washed are not the ones you are looking for if you want a purebred german shepherd. In comparison, the other colors are said to vary from one country to another. Along with this, the forefoot and hindfoot are proportioned similarly for moving simultaneously in opposite directions. The shoulder blades have a vibrant melange with the upper arm, intersecting at a right angle. Though the limbs are straight, the angles are oval-shaped and not round. According to the source , the pasterns, sloping part of foot found between fetlock and hook, are springy and valiant, and they form a twenty-five degrees angle from vertical. Also, with regards to Hind Quarters, a pure german Shepherd would possess broad and muscular hindquarters where the upper thigh could subsequently meet the lower thigh in ninety degrees. The size of the head also matters and ought to be proportionate to the entire body size having a keen and intelligent expression. The head of a male German Shepherd dog is distinctly masculine, whereas the head is distinctly feminine in the case of a bitch female dog. The head is carried forward so high by the dog in times of great excitement and attention. Finally, the common expression is said to be quite composed as well as intelligent. Ears There are a few considerations to be kept in mind while reviewing the originality of the dog from its ears. The first consideration is regarding the drooping of the ears in puppies of every breed. Many proud German shepherd owners share for other breed puppies; the ears droop may be sideways while for pure German Shepherd, the ears droop straight downwards. As the pup grows to become an adult dog, it can be spotted in an instant because of the shape and sharpness of the ears. The size of the ears will also be proportional to the size of the entire head. READ : Top 10 interactive puzzle toys for german shepherds 5. Eyes The eyes of each dog have many stories to say. This adage applies to the breed of German Shepherd too, and one can judge if a dog is a purebred original one, with its eyes also. They do not protrude but are set slightly oblique. The color of the eyes is also preferred to be as dark in complexion as possible. Teeth The ideal original German Shepherd jaw has forty-two teeth, with the dentition, being twenty-two in the lower jaw, and twenty in the upper jaw. The upper and lower jaws are also strongly developed and have their blend in a scissors-bite. There are preferences in choosing with respect to dentition. Complete dentition is always desired and preferred. In the same way, a dog with an undershot bite cannot be considered as well. Coat Facts show that an ideal dog from a German shepherd breed has a double coat, which is of medium length and can be wiry too. But, most importantly, the double layer of coat needs to be plush, implying that a fluffy coat must be found beneath the outer coat, which in turn gives the fur some volume. However, shorter coats are also accepted from standards. With regards to the outer coat, it has to be as voluminous as possible, roughly textured, and in close association with the body. Feet According to a reliable source , the feet of the original German Shepherd is usually short, round, and possess compact and well-arched toes. The footpads are tough and thick, but not rough or chapped. The footpads are also short, and the nails are dark, small, and strong. Also, the dewclaws might be found in the hind legs but shall be removed-front dewclaws are not removed usually but can be removed. The rear dewclaws must be removed, if any is found, in a few days after the birth. Gait As per official AKC standard , German Shepherd dogs are basically trotting dogs that have a greater outreach and an effortless stride where the maximum possible ground is covered with minimal effort. Thus, the gait of a dog, for it to be original German Shepherd, must be smooth, effortless, and in a rhythmic pattern which is accomplished with the hindquarters offering a mighty forward leap, that marginally lifts the dog and takes the body forward. Tail The tail of an original German shepherd is fluffy, set smoothly into the hindquarters with the last vertebra extending till the hock joint. Also, if the dog rests, the tail must hang in a smooth slight curve like a sword. Meanwhile, if the dog is in motion, the tail lifts and raises with a highly pronounced curve. Also, it is a must to consider the fact that the tail must never curl forward beyond the demarcated vertical line. The amount of excitement, loyalty, assistance, commitment, intelligence offered by it is simply awe-inspiring. But, one must carefully analyze their physical features like gait, eyes, ears, head, foot, etc. Now that you have known about all the relevant information, we are sure you will be able to get the purebred dog easily. You may also check out different varieties of original german shepherd dogs before buying the right one! Conclusion 1. That said there are additional benefits to getting a DNA test for your pup and these tests are out there and readily available. All you need to do is purchase a kit online. Although the kit will likely come with two swabs, each kit is only meant to test a sample from one dog. These kits usually include sealable plastic bags to place the swabs in and a pre-paid return box or envelope. When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. The coat is typically dense and short and lies close to the body. This more typical look is only one of many of the purebred German Shepherd. A purebred German Shepherd can have three different varieties of coats, which are the double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The double coat is considered the standard of the German Shepherd coats, although many German Shepherds that are kept as family pets have a long-haired coat. Regardless, German Shepherds shed regularly throughout the year and require regular brushing and grooming. While the typical and often preferred coloring of the German Shepherd is tan and black, look for other variants in coloring. The next most common coloring of the German Shepherd is pure black, along with black and cream, black and red, black and silver, bi-color, blue, gray, liver, sable and white. Other Physical Characteristics There is a multitude of other physical characteristics that immediately makes a purebred German Shepherd stand apart from other dogs. These include: Distinct, pointed ears. This means your German Shepherd is going through the puberty stage, where they are teething as well as growing and developing cartilage in their ears. Along with the distinctly pointed ears comes the distinct German Shepherd head tilt which fans of this breed also tend to adore. A strong, proportioned build. Part of the reason the German Shepherd makes an excellent working dog is due to its strong, tall build. A typical German Shepherd is up to 26 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 77 and 85 pounds. A typical German Shepherd puppy weighs up to 10 pounds in the first month and reaches close to 60 pounds by the time they are six months old. A full, long, bushy tail. This is another cherished physical feature of the German Shepherd. When the German Shepherd is resting, their bushy tail tends to hang low to the ground. Behavioral Characteristics Putting aside their physical features, German Shepherds are largely known for certain behavioral characteristics — both positive and negative. These behavioral characteristics include: A high energy level. German Shepherds need a ton of daily exercise and preferably a backyard to let off some steam in-between walks. A strong sense of loyalty. They can be extremely protective of their families if they feel threatened which means that German Shepherds may not necessarily be the best choice for someone with no experience with dogs. A high level of intelligence. German Shepherds are extremely smart, making them excellent working dogs. You often see German Shepherds doing important jobs like assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue. German Shepherds benefit from training and obedience classes which also help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. A sense of possession. As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families. If your family is looking for a guard dog, a German Shepherd is definitely an excellent option. Due to their sense of possession, German Shepherds are also great dogs for herding sheep. Your German Shepherd may be fantastic with you and your kids but act standoffish or protective around other adults or children. This is where additional training is necessary to make sure that your German Shepherd is not acting unnecessarily aggressive or territorial. Asking Questions The simplest way to identify a German Shepherd? Ask questions! There are a variety of different sources you can ask about the German Shepherd, including: Talking with a breeder. Find a reputable German Shepherd breeder and ask as many questions as you can about the German Shepherd. Unfortunately, a breeder may not be completely forthcoming about negative information so really dig deep about the breeder before purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. Talking with a German Shepherd owner. Speak with someone that you know has a German Shepherd and ask questions. That said, exercise caution when doing so as the German Shepherd may not be overly accepting of a stranger approaching their owner. Talking with a veterinarian. Veterinarians can provide all kinds of valuable information about German Shepherds. If you already have a dog that you believe to be a German Shepherd but are unsure, ask your veterinarian to give you their opinion on whether they believe the dog to be so. Downloading an app. You are now able to download a dog breed identification app to identify a large variety of dog breeds. Additional Identifying Factors An additional identifying factor is unfortunately the genetic health concerns that come along with German Shepherds. German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, some more so than other breeds. These health conditions include degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask your vet about their experience in regards to German Shepherds and whether or not they think this breed would be a good fit for you. Conclusion German Shepherd or not, there are so many wonderful breeds of dogs out there that have an incredible amount to offer you and your family. Mary Nielsen I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read.

Our breeding dogs undergo thorough testing and selection to ensure they are healthy and happy, and suitable for their new homes. As a top-tier breeder, we pride ourselves on providing the best care possible for all our dogs. They all live inside our homes with loving caregivers who ensure their well-being and happiness. Our puppies are also born and raised in our homes, where they receive plenty of socialization and interaction with the world around them in a safe and nurturing environment. They are usually bred to be companion, therapy, guide, and other types of assistance dogs. A Goldendoodle is a crossbreed dog that is a mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, as well as their hypoallergenic coats, which make them a popular choice for families with allergies. They come in a variety of sizes, depending on the size of the Poodle parent used in the crossbreeding process. Goldendoodles require regular grooming to maintain their curly, non-shedding coats, and they also need daily exercise and socialization to stay healthy and happy. Goldendoodles are known for being highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a popular choice for therapy and service dogs. Goldendoodles can come in a variety of colors, including cream, gold, red, chocolate, and black. They are often considered to be hypoallergenic, as they inherit this trait from their Poodle parent. Goldendoodles are social animals that thrive on human interaction and attention. They require regular grooming to maintain their curly, non-shedding coats. Goldendoodles are active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming. They are known for their love of play and can be quite silly and entertaining. Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people discover the many wonderful qualities of this unique crossbreed. Goldendoodles are considered a designer breed and are known to be intelligent and extremely agile. They also can weigh to be about pounds. Goldendoodles are perfect family dogs. They are known to be friendly, energetic, trainable, and sociable. Around children and babies, they are extremely even-tempered. They are just as friendly and playful indoors as they are outdoors, great for going on walks and hikes. Training Goldendoodles Goldendoodles are extremely smart and easy to train. The best way to train them is through positive reinforcement- since they are always willing to learn. Bring home a new addition to your family Bring home a new addition to your family Goldendoodles are a wonderful choice for families as they are a crossbreed of two of the smartest dog breeds, Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They are highly trainable, intelligent, and well-suited for families. They are affectionate, playful, and loyal, making them easy to care for and love. Additionally, Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, making them a great option for people with allergies. They are created by breeding a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Poodle. The new Goldendoodle mix is a friendly, intelligent, and affectionate dog. F1B Goldendoodles are created by breeding a first-generation Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle. Because F1B Goldendoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, they are often even more hypoallergenic and non-shedding than first-generation Goldendoodles. They also tend to have more predictable traits and can exhibit more of the desirable characteristics of Poodles, such as intelligence, trainability, and affectionate personalities. F1B Goldendoodles are popular pets for families, especially those with allergies or who are looking for a low-shedding dog. They are typically friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, and require regular grooming and exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Physical Characteristics of Goldendoodles Goldendoodles can have a range of physical characteristics, as their appearance can vary depending on factors such as the size and coat type of the Poodle parent and the Golden Retriever parent. However, here are some common physical characteristics of Goldendoodles: Goldendoodles Color: Most Goldendoodles are white, cream, chocolate or black, although other colors are also possible. Goldendoodles Coat Goldendoodles coat are usually wavy like mostly Golden retriever coat with a little mixture of poodles curls or completely curly more like the poodle coat. Goldendoodles Size and weight Most Goldendoodles size upon reaching adulthood will either be the mini size Goldendoodle that will weigh around lbs or the medium size that will weigh around lbs or standard size that will weigh around lbs. Goldendoodles Height The male Goldendoodles height at the shoulder is generally inches higher than its corresponding female type. Goldendoodles Facial features Goldendoodles tend to have a soft and friendly expression, with round eyes and floppy ears. Bring home a new addition to your family. We have the tremendous opportunity to raise these little mini goldendoodle nuggets of joy for Sacramento, California. These mini goldendoodles have the deep wiring to find joy in almost anything. Familiar person; joy. New person; joy. New toy; joy. Sunny day; great. Rainy day; awesome chance to play in the mud. They have been intentionally bred to make beautiful companions for families, so that they can flourish and enjoy great health in Sacramento. We also know that these joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies - and adults - raise the joy of the people who meet them. These beautiful mini Goldendoodles end up becoming a dear part of the family unit, and get their own particular piece of our hearts. We do not take this lightly. As a breeder, all of these different clubs, groups, and programs are aimed at raising as much joy as possible in our mini Goldendoodles for Sacramento. Happy and Healthy Sacramento Mini Goldendoodles We know that there is much more to breeding healthy, confident, flourishing mini Goldendoodles than just getting a dam and sire together at the right time. These organizations serve as a source of accountability for us, in order to help us breed for mini-goldendoodle puppies with the puppies health in mind. So our mini goldendoodle parents must pass hip, elbow, patella, cardiac, eye, and genetic screening in order to be a part of High Desert Family Doodles. Our mini Goldendoodle parents - Brownie and Rosie - have passed their health-testing and are ready for a litter of puppies in the next couple months. These puppies will be in the pound range, and we will have a variety of coat colors and textures in the litter. Your mini Goldendoodle puppy would be a day trip away, if you wanted to drive up to pick them up. We can meet you at the airport with your mini goldendoodle puppy so that you can just enjoy the brief flight north to Oregon. We look forward to our joyful mini Goldendoodle puppies joining you in Sacramento, California. From that point, we begin to integrate different exercises and exposures that help the mini goldendoodle puppies with overcoming fear responses to become both brave and confident. We give them practical problems to solve - such as navigating obstacles in order to get to their meals - in order to nurture problem solving and trouble-shooting. Mini Goldendoodles come from the hybridization of two intelligent breeds- poodles and golden retrievers - which tends to lead to a highly intelligent puppy. Our hope and desire is to encourage this intelligence as much as possible, and to to teach the mini Goldendoodle puppies that the world - especially Sacramento California - is a trust-worthy place that is safe. In the final weeks we have these mini Goldendoodle puppies, we begin to work with crate exposure, and potty training. We help them begin to understand that their crates are safe places for them as well. They begin to quickly pick up on potty training. The mini Goldendoodle puppies also get a large amount of early socialization with different people in order to help them trust the wide array of humans. Hat: yep. Beards; oh yeah. Tall people; indeed. Kids; all the way. We do all this stuff so that these mini Goldendoodle puppies can handle all the Sacramento California has to offer. Our mini Goldendoodle puppies go home when they are 8 weeks old. The next month is an important window for you to continue to work on exposure with new situations and people to help them continue to grow confident and brave in Sacramento, California.

Consider Using Deodorizing Litter Cats have famously used litter boxes for a long time, so pet product manufacturers have developed many unique products that absorb pee effectively and suppress odor. By offering your old dog accessible litter boxes, you can almost eliminate the possibility of accidents, all while empowering your aging dog. By giving your dog a huge amount of praise and an immediate reward, you can override any other thoughts they may have, like a compulsion to mark. Watch for Digging or Coprophagia Dog owners encounter some of the most common issues when litter box training their dogs are digging and coprophagia. Unfortunately, the best way to address these issues is using a different potty training method. Buy a Litter Box With High Sides To avoid accidental spills, you should consider buying a litter box made of sturdy material with high sides. These prevent spills with male dogs since they can block any splashing. A flat litter box tray has drawbacks but is significantly better for large dogs. Generally, you will have an easier time litter box training a smaller dog, as a large dog will have difficulty containing their mess in a cat litter box that is entirely too small for their body. If you are set on litter box training a large dog, you will need to get creative with what you use as the litter box itself — using a large metal tray or a shallow plastic storage bin may be your best bet! A small dog can use a standard large litter box and keep the mess in the potty area. High sided litter box, intened for dog use 4. While litter box training a dog is not for everyone, you can teach your dog how to use one with persistence, treats, and positive reinforcement! How useful was this post? Click on a star to rate it! Submit Rating Please give us feedback on this post: Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post? Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals. Post navigation. We all know cats are typically the fur family members to use a litter box. But what about dogs? Are there any good arguments for litter box training your canine friend? A dog litter box? Or an artificial grass pad? So I rarely advise pet parents to skip this opportunity. That said, there are a few instances when using a dog litter box is preferable. Is it right for your dog? This is especially true if you have a small dog, or tiny tinkler as I call them, since they often have more difficulty holding their urine than bigger dogs. This leads to more accidents in the house and bigger frustrations, which puts a damper on your relationship. I wrote an entirely different article that goes into more detail about why your dog is peeing in the house. But if you live in an area that sees several feet of snow or is primarily paved and gets very hot, an indoor dog litter box might actually be safer for your pet. You or Your Dog Have Mobility Issues If you or your dog have mobility issues, dog litter box training might be a good idea. Some companies, like doggybathroom. All you need to do is change out the pads and keep the inside clean. This can be a good option for medium-sized dogs that raise their leg to pee. The downside is the cost. The pee pads are disposable and will need to be replaced frequently. If you want to use dog litter, the sides of the litter box should be low enough for your dog to easily step over but high enough to contain the litter. Now what about artificial grass pads? The initial investment for a grass pad like this one is minimal. Can Dogs Use Cat Litter? Yes, technically, dogs can use cat litter. However, cat litter can be harmful if ingested, which is a risk since our canine friends are known to eat strange things from time to time. Dog litter typically consists of larger, more absorbent pellets, which are safer if ingested. Some are also made with recycled material, like wood or paper. Pin me! Whether you choose a litter box or a grass pad, will your dog really use it? This is the million doggie bone question. Can pet parents actually get their pups to use a dog litter box? In many cases, the answer is yes, you can. Trying to contain a Bull Mastiff in a box while they do their business would be quite a feat! And large dogs tend to raise their leg to pee, so the sides of the dog litter box would have to be very high to avoid soaking surrounding objects. Step 1: Find the Right Spot When house training dogs, we usually bring them outside. Do this by getting a paper towel or pee pad containing a little of their urine and placing it where you want them to go. Step 3: Praise Them for Using the Right Spot Again, just as you would do if training a dog to go outside, be sure to give them lots of praise and some training treats when they do their business in the right spot. But with time, your dog will understand how to use their new pee spot. And of course, you want your home to be sanitary.

Pug Ears Overview Pugs are a very unique breed that has very interesting ears; they are one of the standout features of this amazing toy breed dog. There should be routine cleaning to keep the ears clean and free of odors. And, even so, ear infections can develop which can cause intense itching and discomfort. Pug Ear Care and Cleaning - The important steps of keeping your Pug's ear flaps, outer ear canals, and inner ear canals clean for both hygiene and prevention of infections. Pug Ear Odor - The types of smells that may stem from the ears and what these may mean. Pug Ear Infections - Signs, causes, and treatment of bacterial, yeast, and mite ear infections. It is a beautiful feature since the black ears match the black mask that is also a hallmark of this breed. Of course, these is apparent on non-black Pugs fawns, silver-fawns, and apricot-fawns since black Pugs have black fur, and thus ears, all over. Preference is given to the latter. Preference given to latter. So, as you can see, there is a general agreement that Pugs will have small black ears that are very soft to the touch, reminding one of velvet and that there are two accepted shapes rose and button with the button being preferred in conformation show rings. Types of Pug Ears While there are variations of the Pug ear and each dog will have his own unique look, one element is clear with this breed: The ear is a folded ear, meaning that it rises and then flaps over itself. The differences in Pug ears are the angle in which it folds and the distance from the ear tip to the side of the face. Let's take a look at examples of the various types of ears a Pug can have: The button ear The button ear on a Pug is one in which the ear folds forward, pointing toward the outer corner of the eye, and lying against the face. The outer ear canal is fully covered. This is the preferred ear shape in conformation shows. The rose ear The rose ear on a Pug is similar to the button ear in that it folds over, but the major difference is that the ear has a softer fold in which the ear stands out a bit and does not lie against the Pug's face. The burr on a Pug is the section of cartilage that forms a small bump on the outer ear canal and this shows with the rose ear. This ear shape is accepted, but not preferred, in the show ring. The fly ear The fly ear, also known as the rose flying ear, is considered a fault with the Pug breed. The ear just barely folds and the flaps extend far from the Pug's face. Though there is nothing wrong with a pet Pug having this type of ear set, this is a genetic trait that can be passed down and for this reason Pugs with flying ears should not be in breeding programs. However, if a Pug puppy has ears that stand out a bit rose ears these can eventually fall down to lie against the face button ears. And, if a Pug puppy has ears that really stand out far from the face flying ears , there is a chance that they may settle down to just expose the burr rose ears. This, however, is by no means a guarantee. You may notice the ears changing during the first 9 months, most obvious during the teething phase which can temporarily affect the ear set due to a connection from nerves in the jaw to muscles in the ear base. Coloring on the ears seen at a young age is also a strong indicator of what to expect once a Pug becomes an adult. However, there can be changes with this as well. So, typically, the ear set and ear color on a Pug puppy will let you know what to expect in general, yet there can be some changes during the first year. Final adult set and color is in place by the one-year mark. Ear set on a Pug, like other physical features, is genetic. Sort of cosmetic surgery, there is no method that owners can do to change the ear set on a Pug. You may have heard about taping which is a method literally using tape to hold a puppy's ears into a desired position in the hopes that they will eventually stay that way. But, this rarely produces any visibly noticeable results and can be quite time consuming and frustrating for both owner and dog. If your Pug's ears are not what you expected them to be, remember that every dog is beautiful and unique in their own way. The only time that ear set truly matters is if you plan to enter your Pug into conformation shows or a breeding program. This is done for hygiene purposes to remove dirt, debris, excess wax, and possible related odors as well as health to help prevent ear infections. Cleaning the ears involves two different aspects: Ear flaps and outer ear canal - Anything on the inner ear flaps or outer ear canal including moisture and fine particle debris can make its way deep into a Pug's inner ear canal which can eventually lead to issues including infection. So, for this, routinely use a wipe to clean the entire inner flap and outer ear canal as far as you can comfortably reach in. This is typically done once per week. If your Pug has had problems with reoccurring ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this every other day. A recommended ear wipe for Pugs is PPP Pet Aroma Care Ear Wipes ; these are small textured ear specialty wipes with both aloe vera and eucalyptus that works very well to clean the ear area and leave a nice fresh scent. Inner ear canal - Even if you work to keep your Pug's ear flaps and outer canals clean, the inner ear canals should be cleaned every so often. This will help break up thick clumps of excess ear wax, flush the ears of fine debris, and dry up any excess moisture. For regular maintenance, this is generally done every 6 weeks. If a Pug has a history of ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this as often as once per week. Instructions for cleaning a Pug's ear canals are as so: Clean one ear at a time Use one hand to lift the ear flap. Use your other hand to place several drops of ear solution into the ear canal for exact number of drops, follow the instructions on the label Massage the base of the ear by placing your thumb on one side of your Pug's ear and your forefinger on the other side. Press your fingers toward each other and slowly move them around. You may hear swashing sounds as you move the solution around. Massage for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a piece of sterile gauze, ear wipes, or cotton balls to thoroughly clear off anything that has come up and onto the outer ear canal. Tip: Do not be surprised at what you may see as you clean up the gunk that comes out. The color of the matter can range from yellow to dark brown and may contain any number of colored specks including green and black. A recommended ear cleanser for Pugs is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner which is a non-alcohol formula no stinging that works exceptionally well to break up wax, lift up debris, and dry any inner moisture. Pug Ear Odor A mild odor coming from the ears may simply be a sign that it's time to clear out the ear canals of accumulated ear wax and other matter that are clogging the canals. This can be done using the method as previously described under ' Pug Ear Care and Cleaning '. However, a very strong pungent odor from the ears is a sign of an ear infection. This may be a musty, yeasty, or moldy smell. In many cases this will require a medicated ear treatment and this is what will be covered next. Pug Ear Infections Ear infections are very common with dogs; in fact, this is one of the top reasons for sick visits to the veterinarian. There are several types of ear infections that can develop including yeast, bacterial, and mites. Causes: There are several possible causes of ear infections with Pugs including chronically dirty ears and moisture in the ears. Yeast infections may also occur due to immune system response, often seen alongside different types of allergies. Ear mites are very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another when in close quarters, typically seen in shelters, doggie day cares, and other facilities. Symptoms: Signs of an ear infection include one or more of the following: Itchiness a dog may scratch at the ears or rub his head into different surfaces Head shaking Red, irritated outer ear canal Discharge Black or red crumbly specks see with ear mites Treatment: If you are not sure if your Pug has an ear infection, are not sure of the exact type, if home remedy methods have not produced results, or if you do not feel confident treating an ear infection from home, it is recommended to bring your puppy or dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The ears will be examined and a sample from the inner ear canal may be taken to determine the exact type of infection. Both topical treatments and oral medications may be given depending on whether the problem is a bacterial, yeast, or mite infection. This said, some acute ear infections can be treated at home. A medicated ear solution like Pet King Brands Zymox Otic Ear Treatment w Hydrocortisone contains a broad spectrum enzymatic solution that kills several of the most common strains of bacteria seen with canine ear infections including streptococcus, and staphylococcus and common strains of yeast including malassezia pachydermatitis, candida albicans, and candida albicans. This also has hydrocortisone to help with itching and inflammation. For first-time infections, this is used once per day for 1 week and for chronic reoccurring infections this is used once per day for 2 weeks. Did you find this to be helpful? Are you a PetPugDog Member? If not, sign up to become a free Member today ; this will allow you to receive newsletters that announce new articles on this site. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about, we always look to Member suggestions. You may also like: Giving a Pug a Bath - A guide to making sure that baths are done on time and are effective in cleansing away body oils and odors while keeping both skin and fur in great shape. Pug Teeth and Dental Care - A summary of type of bite set and details of how to take proper care of your Pug's teeth to prevent decay and periodontal disease which can lead to eventual tooth loss. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Is it ethical to tape a dog's ears? Functions of a dog's ears Although dogs use vocalizations for intraspecies communication, they most effectively communicate with others through body language. This complex system of signs and signals use almost every part of the dog's body including facial gestures, tail movement and, important to the topic in discussion, ear positions. Additionally, a dog has a highly developed hearing ability, something which is assisted by ear movement. By turning their ear pinnae the outer ear in the right direction, they can better receive sound vibrations into their ear canal. Ear pinnae also provide practical protection for the inner ear, including deterring foreign bodies from entering. This can also be done with regular cleaning of the dog's ears. Since the ears are so important for dogs, depriving them of their natural mobility can lead to significant problems. These include poor communication with both humans and other dogs. Ear cropping and tail docking is a common practice among certain dog breeds. Not only has this procedure been shown to have little to no benefit to the welfare of the dog, something which has even led to the banning of this practice [1]. It has also been shown that dogs with cropped ears are often perceived as being dangerous or unpleasant, regardless of their actual nature [2]. As we stated above, a dog's breed will generally determine whether their ears are erect or floppy. There are some instances when a dog will have one floppy ear , but this is almost always due to a medical issue such as otohematoma. Also, it will take some time for a puppy's ears to become erect. Some guardians prefer their dog's ears to stand erect, others prefer them to lay down. In the latter case, some may even ask how to make a dog's ears floppy. Taping down a dog's ears is one of the most common ways to do the latter and we explain why it is a practice best avoided. Why is taping a dog's ears performed? There are claims that shorter or less erect ears can help prevent dogs injuries if they get in fights. Working dogs with erect ears often have them taped down or cropped because it is said it reduces injury when they are hunting or if they come across a wild predator. It is also claimed that it reduces injuries when traveling through thickets or other wooden areas. While many guardians may do it in good faith, the main reason for taping a dog's ears seems to be an aesthetic one. Some animal guardians prefer a dog's ears to stand up erect, others want to make a dog's ears floppy or lay down. Either gives the dog a certain look which many simply find appealing. This can be done with taping: Taping a dog's ears down: this is usually performed by pulling the erect ears down and taping them as far down under their chin as they go. Some may even tape the ears together under the chin. The type of tape needs to be strong enough to hold, something which can be difficult due to boisterousness of young dogs. Taping a dog's ears up: tape can also be used to tape a dog's ears up, something often seen in dogs such as German Shepherds. This is usually performed by wrapping tape around the ears until the tape cause a hard support and they become erect over time. For the dog, it is very unlikely they would want to have their ears taped for an aesthetic reason. It is similarly unlikely they would elect to have the procedure performed for any reason. Since there is no provable medical benefit for a dog to have their ears taped down, it is hard to see the practice being a good idea. Other ways to keep a dog's ears down Many people do not think twice about making a dog's ears stand on up or taping them down flat. Since the culture behind this practice is so strong, many people think of various ways to keep them flat. These include: Taping a dog's ears We have explained the reasons for doing this above, but it can also be practically very difficult to do. Some people will simply use duct tape or other adhesive tape to keep the dog's ears laying flat. Others will buy specialized tape, often provided over the internet. Since the dog moves about a lot, people often need to use a lot of tape to keep it in place. When ripped from the dog's coat, it is likely to take some hair with it also. Puppy ear glue Most ear glue for dogs is used on puppies since it is easier to keep them down if performed during initial development. It is applied by shaving the areas where the top of the ears will be glued to. Ear glue is added to the tip of the ear with a swab and the ear is held down tightly for a number of seconds until the glue dries. Eventually, the hair will grow back and the glue will fall out. Bandages Similar to how tape can be wrapped around the ear to keep them erect or adhered under the skin to keep them down, some guardians wrap the ears in bandages. The bandages are wrapped around the dog's head and neck and then secured tightly so there is little movement. The ears then stay flat as they grow. Surgery Veterinarians will often use surgery to help the dog with certain ear problems. If they have a hematoma, infection or traumatic injury, they can modify the ears to bring them back to health. The dog requires anesthesia and there is a chance of risk. Most veterinarians will not carry out this surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, but some do. When we look at the evidence, there is little to support the idea of ethically taping a dog's ears. Unless the dog has a pre-existing medical problem, letting their ears develop naturally will benefit the dog greatly. It will allow them to communicate properly with others. With breeds such as Pit Bull type dogs, ear cropping prevents dogs and people to see a vital signal they might be aggressive. Taping a dog's ears can do the same. Although owners of working dogs claim the benefits of ear taping, there is little empirical evidence to suggest it is good practice. For dogs which are purely companion animals, getting in a fight is much less likely. When we balance the distress taping down a dog's ears causes the animal, it doesn't seem like it is worth the risk. Put it simply, there is a small chance taping a dog's ears may save them some distress. It is much more probably that taping a dog's ears will cause them distress. For a puppy, their early development is vital. Not only will they want to explore their environment, but playing with their siblings and other animals is a vital part of their socialization. If we prevent or limit them from doing this by taping down their ears, it can negatively affect their development. Taping down a puppies ears is a painful and potentially traumatic experience. The discomfort can be terrible and this practice is being banned in more and more countries. Taping a dog's ears is a bad idea. It should only be done in the rare circumstances that it will benefit their health and only when explicitly approved by a veterinarian. References 1. Sinmez, C. Tail docking and ear cropping in dogs: a short review of laws and welfare aspects in the Europe and Turkey. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 16 3 , .Scissors How to begin: The video starts with Dr. Bill laying out all of is supplies and taping the straws to each individual piece of gauze. Next, he back-rolls the gauze so that the sticky tape is on the outside of the straw so that it will stick to the inside of the ear. He then tears off the tape strips that will be used to tape the straw to the ears. He makes these in two sizes, two the width of the tape plus two narrower strips. He also tears off a strip to brace the ears. He sticks all these to the treatment table so that they are handy during the procedure. How to tape the ears After all his supplies are ready, Dr. Bill then begins taping the ears. He inserts the soft end of the straw into the inside of the ear flap while holding the ear to the sticky tape on the straw. He then takes a piece of tape and starting on the back of the ear the side with hair tapes the ear to the straw so that the ear is standing in the erect position. Bill tape both ears. The video demonstrates how to wrap one thin piece of tape around the base of both ears using a crisscross method. This will help stabilize the ears if your dog shakes their head, etc. They should be braced so that they move in tandem when your dog moves or shakes their head. The tape should be light on the ears as opposed to heavy and not too uncomfortable for the dog. How long should the tape stay on? Leave the tape of the ears for two weeks. Your dog will wear the tape until their ears can stand up. If the ears are not standing on their own by 7 to 8 months, they most likely will never stand on their own so end the process and enjoy your beautiful pup just how they are. We hope you find this video helpful. Ears up or down, we love German shepherds! Please feel free to share with your friends. Pug Ears Overview Pugs are a very unique breed that has very interesting ears; they are one of the standout features of this amazing toy breed dog. There should be routine cleaning to keep the ears clean and free of odors. And, even so, ear infections can develop which can cause intense itching and discomfort. Pug Ear Care and Cleaning - The important steps of keeping your Pug's ear flaps, outer ear canals, and inner ear canals clean for both hygiene and prevention of infections. Pug Ear Odor - The types of smells that may stem from the ears and what these may mean. Pug Ear Infections - Signs, causes, and treatment of bacterial, yeast, and mite ear infections. It is a beautiful feature since the black ears match the black mask that is also a hallmark of this breed. Of course, these is apparent on non-black Pugs fawns, silver-fawns, and apricot-fawns since black Pugs have black fur, and thus ears, all over. Preference is given to the latter. Preference given to latter. So, as you can see, there is a general agreement that Pugs will have small black ears that are very soft to the touch, reminding one of velvet and that there are two accepted shapes rose and button with the button being preferred in conformation show rings. Types of Pug Ears While there are variations of the Pug ear and each dog will have his own unique look, one element is clear with this breed: The ear is a folded ear, meaning that it rises and then flaps over itself. The differences in Pug ears are the angle in which it folds and the distance from the ear tip to the side of the face. Let's take a look at examples of the various types of ears a Pug can have: The button ear The button ear on a Pug is one in which the ear folds forward, pointing toward the outer corner of the eye, and lying against the face. The outer ear canal is fully covered. This is the preferred ear shape in conformation shows. The rose ear The rose ear on a Pug is similar to the button ear in that it folds over, but the major difference is that the ear has a softer fold in which the ear stands out a bit and does not lie against the Pug's face. The burr on a Pug is the section of cartilage that forms a small bump on the outer ear canal and this shows with the rose ear. This ear shape is accepted, but not preferred, in the show ring. The fly ear The fly ear, also known as the rose flying ear, is considered a fault with the Pug breed. The ear just barely folds and the flaps extend far from the Pug's face. Though there is nothing wrong with a pet Pug having this type of ear set, this is a genetic trait that can be passed down and for this reason Pugs with flying ears should not be in breeding programs. However, if a Pug puppy has ears that stand out a bit rose ears these can eventually fall down to lie against the face button ears. And, if a Pug puppy has ears that really stand out far from the face flying ears , there is a chance that they may settle down to just expose the burr rose ears. This, however, is by no means a guarantee. You may notice the ears changing during the first 9 months, most obvious during the teething phase which can temporarily affect the ear set due to a connection from nerves in the jaw to muscles in the ear base. Coloring on the ears seen at a young age is also a strong indicator of what to expect once a Pug becomes an adult. However, there can be changes with this as well. So, typically, the ear set and ear color on a Pug puppy will let you know what to expect in general, yet there can be some changes during the first year. Final adult set and color is in place by the one-year mark. Ear set on a Pug, like other physical features, is genetic. Sort of cosmetic surgery, there is no method that owners can do to change the ear set on a Pug. You may have heard about taping which is a method literally using tape to hold a puppy's ears into a desired position in the hopes that they will eventually stay that way. But, this rarely produces any visibly noticeable results and can be quite time consuming and frustrating for both owner and dog. If your Pug's ears are not what you expected them to be, remember that every dog is beautiful and unique in their own way. The only time that ear set truly matters is if you plan to enter your Pug into conformation shows or a breeding program. This is done for hygiene purposes to remove dirt, debris, excess wax, and possible related odors as well as health to help prevent ear infections. Cleaning the ears involves two different aspects: Ear flaps and outer ear canal - Anything on the inner ear flaps or outer ear canal including moisture and fine particle debris can make its way deep into a Pug's inner ear canal which can eventually lead to issues including infection. So, for this, routinely use a wipe to clean the entire inner flap and outer ear canal as far as you can comfortably reach in. This is typically done once per week. If your Pug has had problems with reoccurring ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this every other day. A recommended ear wipe for Pugs is PPP Pet Aroma Care Ear Wipes ; these are small textured ear specialty wipes with both aloe vera and eucalyptus that works very well to clean the ear area and leave a nice fresh scent. Inner ear canal - Even if you work to keep your Pug's ear flaps and outer canals clean, the inner ear canals should be cleaned every so often. This will help break up thick clumps of excess ear wax, flush the ears of fine debris, and dry up any excess moisture. For regular maintenance, this is generally done every 6 weeks. If a Pug has a history of ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this as often as once per week. Instructions for cleaning a Pug's ear canals are as so: Clean one ear at a time Use one hand to lift the ear flap. Use your other hand to place several drops of ear solution into the ear canal for exact number of drops, follow the instructions on the label Massage the base of the ear by placing your thumb on one side of your Pug's ear and your forefinger on the other side. Press your fingers toward each other and slowly move them around. You may hear swashing sounds as you move the solution around. Massage for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a piece of sterile gauze, ear wipes, or cotton balls to thoroughly clear off anything that has come up and onto the outer ear canal. Tip: Do not be surprised at what you may see as you clean up the gunk that comes out. The color of the matter can range from yellow to dark brown and may contain any number of colored specks including green and black. A recommended ear cleanser for Pugs is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner which is a non-alcohol formula no stinging that works exceptionally well to break up wax, lift up debris, and dry any inner moisture. Pug Ear Odor A mild odor coming from the ears may simply be a sign that it's time to clear out the ear canals of accumulated ear wax and other matter that are clogging the canals. This can be done using the method as previously described under ' Pug Ear Care and Cleaning '. However, a very strong pungent odor from the ears is a sign of an ear infection. This may be a musty, yeasty, or moldy smell. In many cases this will require a medicated ear treatment and this is what will be covered next. Pug Ear Infections Ear infections are very common with dogs; in fact, this is one of the top reasons for sick visits to the veterinarian. There are several types of ear infections that can develop including yeast, bacterial, and mites. Causes: There are several possible causes of ear infections with Pugs including chronically dirty ears and moisture in the ears. Yeast infections may also occur due to immune system response, often seen alongside different types of allergies. Ear mites are very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another when in close quarters, typically seen in shelters, doggie day cares, and other facilities. Symptoms: Signs of an ear infection include one or more of the following: Itchiness a dog may scratch at the ears or rub his head into different surfaces Head shaking Red, irritated outer ear canal Discharge Black or red crumbly specks see with ear mites Treatment: If you are not sure if your Pug has an ear infection, are not sure of the exact type, if home remedy methods have not produced results, or if you do not feel confident treating an ear infection from home, it is recommended to bring your puppy or dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The ears will be examined and a sample from the inner ear canal may be taken to determine the exact type of infection. Both topical treatments and oral medications may be given depending on whether the problem is a bacterial, yeast, or mite infection. This said, some acute ear infections can be treated at home. A medicated ear solution like Pet King Brands Zymox Otic Ear Treatment w Hydrocortisone contains a broad spectrum enzymatic solution that kills several of the most common strains of bacteria seen with canine ear infections including streptococcus, and staphylococcus and common strains of yeast including malassezia pachydermatitis, candida albicans, and candida albicans. This also has hydrocortisone to help with itching and inflammation. For first-time infections, this is used once per day for 1 week and for chronic reoccurring infections this is used once per day for 2 weeks. Did you find this to be helpful? Are you a PetPugDog Member? If not, sign up to become a free Member today ; this will allow you to receive newsletters that announce new articles on this site. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about, we always look to Member suggestions. You may also like: Giving a Pug a Bath - A guide to making sure that baths are done on time and are effective in cleansing away body oils and odors while keeping both skin and fur in great shape. Pug Teeth and Dental Care - A summary of type of bite set and details of how to take proper care of your Pug's teeth to prevent decay and periodontal disease which can lead to eventual tooth loss. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. The simple procedure involves putting tape around the base of the ear, holding it in place for several weeks, and allowing the ear to stay in an upright position. What Is Dog Ear Taping? Dog ear taping is a cosmetic technique used to help keep floppy ears erect. The procedure involves placing tape around the bottom of the dogs' ears and leaving it in place for several weeks. This helps train the ears to stay in an upright position and can be repeated as needed until desired results are achieved. Benefits of Dog Ear Taping The main benefit of dog ear taping is that it can help create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for pups with floppy ears. It can also be beneficial for those breeds whose breed standards require erect ears, such as Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Boxers. Lastly, some experts claim that taping may provide medical benefits such as preventing infections or reducing pain associated with ear cropping surgeries or other medical conditions. How To Tape Your Dog's Ears Taping your pup's ears is relatively easy once you understand how it works and what materials you will need. The following steps should provide you with a basic outline of how to go about it: Gather supplies: You will need medical-grade adhesive tape such as vet wrap , scissors, cotton balls, and rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide solution optional. Prepare your pup: Make sure your pup's ears are clean and dry before applying any tape. If necessary, use cotton balls soaked in alcohol or hydrogen peroxide solution to clean them first. Create supports: Cut pieces of tape into strips long enough to wrap around the base of each ear twice about 8 inches each. Make sure to leave enough slack so that the strip can be easily adjusted if necessary. Apply tape: Position each strip at the base of your pup's ear so that it encircles both sides of their head without being too tight or too loose. Secure each piece by overlapping its edges on top of one another before fastening them together with additional pieces of tape as needed. Monitor progress: Check on your pup periodically to ensure that the tape is still fitting correctly and not causing any distress or irritation on their skin beneath it if so, remove immediately. Re-tape every few weeks as needed until desired results are achieved. Avoid overdoing it : Remember that dog ear taping should only ever be used sparingly — not continuously — as overexposure may cause skin irritation in some cases. There are a few reasons that people might tape a dog's ears. The most common reason is to help train the ears to stand up straight. This is often done in conjunction with ear bracing, whih helps to hold the ears in place while they are growing. Another reason for taping a dog's ears is to provide support for droopy or damaged ears. This can help to prevent further damage and also improve the appearance of the dog's ears. Finally, some people simply tape a dog's ears for cosmetic reasons. This is most common in show dogs, where having symmetrical and well-proportioned ears is important for achieving a high score. Most veterinarians and breeders recommend leaving the tape on for weeks. Some owners will leave the tape on for weeks. After that time, the cartilage in the ear should be strong enough to hold the ear up on its own. It is recommended to wait until after your German shepherd puppy's adult teeth have started to come in around 3 to 5 months to tape up his ears. You may even want to wait until after he has finished teething around 7 months before taping up his ears. No, floppy ears are not bad for dogs. Dogs with floppy ears are just as healthy as dogs with erect ears. The only difference is that floppy-eared dogs may be more prone to ear infections because teir ears don't get as much air circulation. If a dog's ears are not standing upright, it is often because the ear cartilage is too soft. This can be due to genetics or it may be the result of an injury. When the cartilage is too soft, the ear may flop over or fold at the tip. Taping the ears is one way to help support them in an upright position. German Shepherd dogs typically have erect ears, meaning that their earflaps stand up straight on top of their head. There are a few different ways that people believe German Shepherd's ears stay up. One theory is that when puppies move their ears up and down, the cartilage and muscles gain strength to keep their ears upright. As your dog moves its ears, this helps the muscles and cartilage to eventually become strong enough to stand upright naturally. Another theory is that German Shepherds' ears are taped or glued to make them stand up. However, there is no scientific evidence to support eiter of these theories. Does Taping Yorkie Ears Work? There are a few different ways to tape Yorkie ears. The most common method is to use medical adhesive tape, wich is available at most pharmacies. This type of tape is safe for use on puppies and will not irritate their skin. To tape your puppy's ears, you will need to purchase two rolls of medical adhesive tape. Start by cutting two pieces of tape that are approximately four inches long. Next, gently lift your puppy's ear up and place one piece of tape underneath the base of the ear. Be careful not to put the tape too tight, as this could cut off circulation to the ear. Then, bring the other end of the tape around and over the top of the ear, and attach it to the first piece of tape. Repeat this process with the other ear. You will need to check your puppy's ears frequently to make sure that they are not too tight or causing any discomfort. If you notice that your puppy is scratching at their ears or seems to be in pain, you should remove the tape immediately. Taping your Yorkie's ears is not a guarantee that they will stand up perfectly erect, but it can help them achieve this look. Remember to be patient and take care when taping your puppy's ears, as improper taping can case serious injury. There are a few ways to keep a floppy dog's ears up. One is to grab the ears in your hands and perch them at the top of the dog's head so that the ear canal entries are exposed. Another way is to wrap a bandana, surgical tape or a loosely-fitted scrunchy around the ears. The ears should stand up fairly straight and you should be able to see the canals. There are a few key indicators that suggest a puppy's ears will eventually stand up. If their ears perk up in a way that suggests they are trying to stand, there is a good chance they will go up over time. Another good indication is where the ears are placed on the head. Ears set higher up and close togther are more wolf-like and more likely to stand. No, dogs' ears do not stand up naturally. Their ears are made up of cartilage, which is soft and flexible when they are born. As they grow, the cartilage will gradually harden and the ears will eventually stand up. However, this process can take several months, so don't be surprised if your puppy's ears are stll floppy well into his first year. No, floppy ears do not make dogs hearing worse. In fact, dogs with upright ears, like German Pinschers, can hear better than dogs with floppy ears, like Beagles, bcause of the placement and size of their ears. Especially when they hear a sound, dogs can move their ears from side to side or up and down to enable them to hear better. There are a few different reasons why your dog may put his ears back when you pet him. One possibility is that he is feeling submissive or subordinate to you. This body language is often seen in dogs who are lower in the pack hierarchy and are trying to show deference to the higher-ranking members. Another possibility is that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed. This may be due to something as simple as being in a new environment or meeting new people. In this case, the ears back position may help your dog feel more secure and protected. Whatever the reason, it's important to observe your dog's body language and facial expressions when he does this so you can bettr understand what he's trying to communicate. It is best to go to a reputable clinic to get your dog's ears clipped, in order to ensure that the procedure is done correctly and your dog's health is not jeopardized. Pitbulls ears can be cropped at any age, but it is recommended to do so when the puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old. This is because the cartilage in the ears is still soft at this age, which makes the surgery less painful and prevents trauma. It is possible to crop a dog's ears at 1 year old, but the chances of success are much lower than if the procedure is performed when the dog is between 9 and 12 weeks old. After this age, the ears may already be drooping, making it more difficult to achieve the desired results. Some puppies' ears will stay floppy forever, even if prick ears are characteristic of their breed. This is because not all puppies are born with the same ear structure. Some have flatter ears that will never stand up, no matter how old they get. If you're unsure whethr or not your puppy's ears will eventually stand up, it's best to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog breeder. Many German Shepherd's ears do not stand up whle they are teething. So, if they are teething, be patient and try not to worry. In fact, it is not uncommon for their ears to stand up and then drop when they start teething. So until teething has finished, be patient. Some German shepherds' ears flop becase the cartilage in their ears is not yet fully developed. This usually happens when they are teething, which typically ends around weeks of age. By then, the cartilage will have hardened and the ears will be able to stand up permanently. There are a few reasons why a Yorkie's ears may not stand up. One reason is that the muscles at the base of the ear are not yet strong enough to hold them erect. These muscles will gradually become stronger with time. Another reason may be that the ears are not properly positioned. The ears should be positioned so that the top of the ear is level with the top of the head. If the ears are not positioned properly, they will not stand up. What Is Dog Ear Pinning? Dog ear pinning is a procedure where the tips of a dog's ears are surgically removed, and the remaining ear is taped upright so that it heals in a vertical, triangular shape. This gives the dog's ears an upright, alert appearance, rather than the hanging-down floppy ears of most dogs. Ear Posting.

Mixed breeds are often mistakenly called hybrids. A hybrid is an animal that was created by mixing two different species. The dog world is wonderfully varied, and there is a breed for everyone no matter how unusual your taste or lifestyle. But are these mixes really breeds? It turns out it takes more than crossing two existing breeds to create a new one. It takes several generations over a period of decades before a new breed is considered uniform enough in looks and temperament to conform to a standard. But for this article, we will continue to call them mixed breeds. But before we move on, a word of caution. Both dogs are intelligent and can be independent and stubborn. Both breeds are also untrustworthy off-leash. And they both need early socialization and firm training, so count on having your hands full. Likely variables: Friendliness. Possibilities: A mix of the two is almost guaranteed to be a challenge because of their independence and stubbornness. All in all, expect this mix to be double trouble! They are both friendly with their families, though the Corgi is less suspicious of strangers. Both breeds are working dogs with a moderate need for exercise. Likely variables: Playfulness and level of interaction. Besides the obvious difference in size, the Corgi can be bold and playful, while the TM finds it hard to let his hair down. But they also have very high guarding instinct and can be aggressive with strangers. Likely variables: Trainability and health concerns. Another gamble: The GSD is prone to many health issues. Possibilities: If you're looking for a family or property protector, this may be a great mix for you. Both the Rottweiler and the TM are good with family members. They are both prone to obesity and can be barkers. And be forewarned: These breeds are both heavy shedders. Likely variables: Obedience and energy level. The Rottie is less independent and more trainable than the TM. The Rottie also has a higher energy level and does best with a job to do or a canine sport. Possibilities: This mix could create a more obedient Tibetan Mastiff or a lower-energy Rottweiler. These are two enormous dogs with aggressive tendencies. Neither is considered an appropriate choice for an inexperienced dog owner. Both require early socialization and firm training. Likely variables: Aggression level. The gamble here is likely to be mostly the degree of aggression in the puppies. The TM is easier to train to tame the aggression, but the CS is more challenging. He is less friendly to other pets and strangers and can be fierce when he feels threatened. Possibilities: This crossbreed would probably make an ideal guard dog. The Great Dane GD weighs up to pounds with a height of up to 34 inches. Both breeds are gentle and friendly with family and can be sweet and devoted. Likely variables: Separation anxiety and aggression level. The GD is known as a gentle and reserved giant who can be prone to separation anxiety. Some lines can be more aggressive, however. If you pair an aggressive GD with the super-protective TM, the puppies are likely to need extra-firm and early training. Possibilities: This mix could make a nice family dog. Both the Saint Bernard and the TM are gentle, attentive, and loving to family. They are both thick-coated breeds that have a high tolerance for cold. Likely variables: Stranger reaction and drooling. The Saint Bernard is as friendly to strangers as he is to family. The TM, not so much. Either way, this cross would probably make a nice family dog. Both the Labrador Retriever and the TM are gentle, intelligent, and family-friendly breeds. However, both are also prone to obesity. Likely variables: These two breeds have more differences than similarities. The Lab adds energy level, exercise needs, stranger friendliness, and prey drive to the mix. He also has a high energy level and needs an active job to do, preferably hunting. Sadly, the Lab also has a relatively large number of health issues. Chances are good, though, that they would be good family dogs. The Golden Retriever and the TM are gentle, intelligent, family-friendly dogs. Both are heavy shedders. Likely variables: Energy level, need for mental stimulation , obedience levels, separation anxiety tendency, stranger wariness, health concerns. The Golden is a moderately high-energy, athletic dog who needs to be busy. He also needs to be with his people and is prone to separation anxiety. The Golden is easier to train than the TM and is eager to please. He is generally friendly to everyone. This mix could produce a more energetic TM. However, it could also work the other way and result in a less exuberant, more stranger-wary Golden. Either way, this mix would probably make a great dog for an active family. Though the Great Pyrenees GP is smaller than the TM by about 10 pounds and 6 inches, he is also considered a giant breed. The two breeds are known for being challenging to train and are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. Likely variables: Level of aggression, overall friendliness. Possibilities: This mix would probably create a good guard dog for a home without children. The Alaskan Malamute and TM are both loyal, friendly, and gentle with kids. They are both intelligent working dogs that can be stubborn and challenging to train. Likely variables: Exercise needs, playfulness, aggression levels including food aggression , prey drive, howling. The AM could add a host of challenging behaviors to the pot. They are known to need very firm training and discipline from the beginning. Possibilities: A mix of these two dogs will almost certainly be a handful because of their stubborn natures. This is also a cross that you would not want to bring into a home with other pets. The Chow Chow is even more likely to be aggressive than the TM. Likely variables: Devotion, trainability, dominance. The Chow can be intensely loyal, but he is a one-person dog. He is exceptionally strong-willed and is not known for obedience. He believes he should be the boss and needs strict training. Possibilities: This mix would very likely result in a dog with a high level of aggression that is difficult to tame. We do not recommend this Tibetan Mastiff mix breed for families with young children. Both have aggressive tendencies, and the Chow Chow is known to bite when provoked or annoyed. Both breeds need very firm training and socialization. Likely variables: Devotion, dominance, aggression. When crossed with a TM, the Akita ups the ante when it comes to devotion and loyalty. He also tends toward aggression with strangers. Possibilities: This is another mix that would likely be dangerously overprotective. It would probably be best suited to a single-pet home. Likely variables: Disposition, dominance, separation anxiety, exercise need, drooling. The BMD brings a sweet, soft disposition to this pairing. He has a high energy level, though, and is prone to separation anxiety. He also has dominance tendencies and needs proper early training and socialization. Possibilities: This mix would be like crossing a bear with a lion, and it may be just as frightening because of size alone. While the cross could create a loving family dog, it would probably be challenging to train with a stubborn nature and possible dominance issues. The Newfoundland can grow to be pounds and 28 inches. Not the most massive combination on this list, but close! The Newf has slightly less energy, but both breeds need moderate exercise. Likely variables: Soft disposition, obedience, stranger friendliness. What does this breed bring to the table in the game of designer dog breeding? The most distinguishing feature of the Tibetan Mastiff is his size. A male can grow to a weight of pounds and a height of 30 inches tall. When he stands on his hind legs, he is often as tall as a human. Females can be as large as pounds and 28 inches. Despite his size, though, the Tibetan Mastiff tends to have a gentle and sensitive disposition—most of the time. He needs a lot of socialization to compensate for his guarding instinct. That guarding instinct can be problematic in homes with young children. The Tibetan Mastiff also has a very independent nature and can be stubborn. For these reasons, the Tibetan Mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff mix breed is not the best choice for every family. The Tibetan Mastiff can be aggressive toward strangers and children he doesn't know. Also, check out our article on the cost of the Tibetan Mastiff A Word About Mixed-Breed Temperament Predicting temperament in a mixed breed is trickier than with a purebred. When you cross two breeds, you can generally expect that the puppies will have some traits from each parent. But the ratio can be completely different in each pup. One may look exactly like one parent, one may favor the other parent more, and still others may be nearly perfect blends of both. The same goes for temperament. Adorable Tibetan Mastiff Puppy To complicate the issue still more, the parents may be second-generation mixes. All of this means that there will be a lot of individual difference in a crossbreed, making temperament harder to predict. As we discuss the Tibetan Mastiff mix breeds below, we mention similarities of the two breeds being crossed. We then talk about temperament traits that are different in the two breeds. These are the traits that are likely to be most variable in a mix. They can offer some guidance as to possibilities but only in a broad sense. But predicting temperament in mixed breeds is a crapshoot. For more information on evaluating mixed-breed temperament, please see our Guide to a Successful Dog Relationship. Takeaways In the world of designer dogs, the massive Tibetan Mastiff makes for some fascinating Tibetan Mastiff mix breeds. All Tibetan Mastiffs need early socialization and firm training. When they are mixed with other giant breeds, with or without aggression, meeting those needs will be even more critical. Calvin L. Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog. Although this cross is usually hardy and long-lived, they do have certain diseases that owners should be aware of. It is a congenital disease caused by irregularities in the joint of the hip. It can involve both genetics and environmental factors, and symptoms range from mild lameness to severe movement problems. If caught early enough, Hip Dysplasia can be treated with surgery and targeted therapies. Another potentially serious condition that can occur in Do Khyi German Shepherd mixes is total loss of hearing. This is very annoying and cannot be treated, but preventative measures such as ear cleaning and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the chances of such serious conditions occurring. Due to their mixed ancestry, Do Khyi German Shepherd Mix dogs may also be prone to developing metabolic problems. Owners should therefore be careful to provide their pet with a diet of healthy nutrients and consider giving vitamins and minerals on a regular basis. Immune deficiencies, allergies and autoimmune diseases can also be common in Do Khyi German Shepherd Mix dogs and should be diagnosed and treated early. In conclusion, owners should remember that Do Khyi German Shepherd Mix dogs are just as susceptible to parasites and infections as other breeds. Therefore, owners should regularly check their pet for parasites and make sure they get timely vaccinations. With good care and regular veterinary checkups, Do Khyi German Shepherd mix dogs can live long and healthy lives. What does this mixed breed look like? A Tibetan Dog and German Shepherd mixed breed usually has a thick, long-haired coat. It is usually black and brown, although the colors can vary from dark brown to light brown. Some reach a creamy tone or even white. The coat has a thick undercoat that helps them stay warm on cooler days, but they need to be brushed regularly to avoid matting. Other coat characteristics that some of these dogs possess include a tail that is often curly, and bushy ears and eyebrows. This breed has a robust body, is very active and has a very strong instinct, which makes them loyal and loving companions. Fur length. Due to the wide variety of mastiffs, their appearance can vary considerably from one adult mixture of German shepherds to another. Like other designer dogs, they often combine the most desirable traits of two breeds that do not seem to have much in common. If you are lucky enough to win the Mastiff Shepherd, you need to establish control early on and focus heavily on socialization and training. Due to the wide variety of mastiffs, their appearance can vary widely from German Shepherd mastiff blend to each other. There are many different types of mastiffs, but the variation that people most associate with the German Shepherd mix is the mastiff with English roots. Many of them also died. Breed resurrection includes one surviving female and about 15 dogs. Historically, the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix has served as a wild hunting dog, the wild boar, and the guard dog on the farm. They also wage wars, fatten bulls, participate in fighting dogs, and protect livestock at various stages of evolution. German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Appearance: Their appearance depends on the type of mastiff used in the development process. These dogs are generally loyal and devoted in nature and are mostly excellent at being the perfect companion to pets. The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix is a large and heavy variation of the standard German Shepherd like black german shepherd mastiff mix. It also shares some exterior features with Tibetan Mastiff. The color of their coats varies between shades of red, brown and black. The eyes are almost black and there are sparks of joy. Standard features typically include a wide belly, large legs, and a wide, sturdy nose with folded ears. German Shepherd Mastiff Mix blend sizes can vary considerably, so you can expect Mastiff Shepherd lengths to be 0. German Shepherd English Mastiff Blends tend to be measured on the larger and heavier side. Depending on the mastiff variety, the color of the mastiff shepherd coat is expected to vary between red, black, brown and gray. Brindle coat color is also available. German Shepherd Mastiff Mix coats are usually thick, but medium length short. Tibetan Mastiff mixed with German Shepherd varieties generally has the longest coat. However, keep in mind that Mastiff Shepherds are regular shepherds and require regular coat care. It is helpful to have a vacuum cleaner to clean loose fur. To take care of the Mastiff Shepherd, you usually need a more polished brush under the rake and metal comb. Use a long stroke to straighten the coat and prepare this dog to be groomed times a week. However, due to genetics, this dog can be cumbersome and overweight if not exercised regularly. Expect to walk for at least minutes daily to keep the mastiff supple and healthy. A moderate intensity exercise of hours is an ideal time to devote yourself to the exercise and play of the Mastiff Shepherd. By exercising daily, the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix joints turn into greater bendy and stronger, and you will be able to hold substantial weight. Many of them will also work for some military operations, drug detection, physical support, and search and rescue. Ideally, you should always split your workout into at least two intervals per day. The personality of the German Shepherd Mastiff Mix can be compared to the personality of a stubborn and gentle giant. In this section you will learn how to get better ideas on how you can expect a Mastiff Shepherd performance. Mastiff Shepherds are loyal and highly protective of their owners, and in the worst case can appear indifferent or hostile to strangers. They are the family of two historically known parents of their parents. This means that little training is required to become a lookout dog or guardian. But with proper training and sociability, the Mastiff Shepherd can be a great companion to a small or large home. Gentle : Early interaction with German Shepherd Mastiff Mix puppies is important for quick training in aggressive behavior. But overall, the Mastiff Shepherd is a very gentle dog, relatively calm and can be left unattended by children. German shepherds and mastiffs have different personalities, and their mixtures can represent two types of unpredictable mixtures. Guard Potential : The German Shepherd Mastiff Mix has shown the protection of herds from the first day of work to homes and families. Our German Mastiff needs to be kind to strangers or a little further away. She will remain relaxed as long as she experiences a heartfelt relationship between you and your guests. It has an intimidating, fiercely threatening position, but your mixture is unlikely to bite. They are usually very effective guard dogs. Occasionally people make good guard dogs, but you can train most of them for some kind of conservation work. Make friends with other dogs : The kindness of Mastiff extends to other animals and children. A highly social German Shepherd Mastiff Mix can make friends with other dogs and cats. However, if you have a large size, you should always monitor small pets and toddlers. German shepherds easily learn that children and other animals in the house deserve their protection. They are tolerant and tend to be friendly even to young children. However, German shepherds do not always show kindness to people outside the family, often showing aggression against other dogs and suspicion of foreign children. Some have a strong urge to chase moving objects. Watch your shepherd mix with other animals and children until you can determine that they are ready. If you supervise kids and dogs in your home, most will be fine. Information about German Shepherd Mastiff Mixture: German shepherds and mastiffs are moderate shepherds all year round, and their mix does not change much. German Shepherd Mastiff Mix are fine in cold weather, as long as they are below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, like mastiffs and shepherds. Due to its short nose and large size, some mastiffs can be heat sensitive. Mastiff only needs weekly brushing work, while German Shepherd needs to brush four times a week. The Shepherd Mastiff Blend has a moderately dense double layer that can have edges and wrinkles. She will probably brush a couple of times a week and ask you to shake off the foundation every day. Most problems are due to the large size of the hybrid. Joint problems : Hip and elbow dysplasia is the most popular mastiff shepherd joint problem you can expect. These joint problems generally affect large dogs. Lack of exercise and a poor diet can worsen joints and adversely affect the quality of life of German Shepherd Mastiff Mix. The weight of the German Shepherd Mastiff mix is an important factor influencing the severity and development of joint problems. Mastiff shepherds are more and more susceptible to these problems. Cherry eye While not always a painful health concern for German Shepherd Mastiff Mix, candle eyes are ugly and not aesthetically pleasing. In severe cases, they can experience irritation, swelling, irritation, and dryness in the affected eye, which can lead to illness. This health problem is asymptomatic and usually shows no signs before arrival. Swelling digestive problems : Flatulence is a digestive problem known to German Shepherd Mastiff Mix. The problem of swelling can also lead to malnutrition and sudden and unexpected death if left untreated. Otherwise, your dog can quickly become overweight. Being overweight can cause joint and hip problems. All dogs need a complete diet full of vitamins, minerals and protein to stay healthy and alive. A constant supply of freshwater Post navigation. Coat Both the Tibetan Mastiff and the German Shepherd are double-coated breeds who shed year-round and blow their coats twice a year. Although it is no secret that German Shepherds are heavy shedders during shedding season, the Tibetan Mastiff has them beat! Since the Tibetan Mastiff has a heavier coat of wooly fluffy slightly longer hair than the GSD, shedding season will be more fur filled. Accordingly, a mix between these breeds will also result in a breed that sheds significantly every spring and fall when they blow their coat. As far as coat coloring, German Shepherds come many color varieties such as black and tan, liver , sable, blue , and all black. Since there are many color options for both breeds, the coloring of a mix will depend mostly on which parent the pup takes after. Grooming The grooming needs of both of these breeds are similar, thus the grooming needs of a GSD Tibetan Mastiff mix would be the same as well. Outside of shedding season, your dog should be brushed once weekly. However, doing the shedding season you will need to brush them two or three times weekly and vacuum your home or apartment regularly as well. Unless they get unexpectantly dirty, you can expect to bathe your mutt about every 6 -8 weeks. Nail trimming and teeth cleaning requirements are the same as with any dog. If your pup takes after their Tibetan Mastiff parent and has floppy ears as opposed to the erect ears of the German Shepherd , you need to make sure to keep their ears dry and cleaned more often as floppy-eared dogs can be more prone to ear infections. Strength There is no doubt that a German Shepherd Tibetan Mastiff mix will be an incredibly strong dog because of their muscle mass and size. They will also have an incredibly strong bite force. Although it is hard to pinpoint exactly, a mix between these breeds will create a dog with an incredibly powerful bite force being at least psi in most cases. Speed German Shepherds can run at top speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, whereas the Tibetan Mastiff is a little slower because of its size at top speeds of 20 miles per hour. Thus, a cross between these breeds would likely yield a mix that runs at a top speed of around 25 miles per hour. Exercise Requirement German Shepherds are very high energy and thus need more exercise to keep them from destroying things and getting bored. German Shepherds need on average a minimum of an hour of physical activity each day. Thus, the Tibetan Mastiff German Shepherd mix should need on average around 45 minutes a day. However, keep in mind that this can vary between individual dogs. A mix that takes more after their GSD parent and has more energy will require more exercise daily as well as more mental stimulation. Trainability The trainability of this mix will greatly depend on whether they take more after their GSD parent or the TM parent. The German Shepherd Dog is a breed that is very easy to train and ranked as 3rd most intelligent dog breed. The Tibetan Mastiff is also very intelligent, but slightly stubborn as well. Thus, sometimes they prefer to do what they want to do opposed to what you are asking them to do, making them more difficult to train. A mix between these breeds will likely create a dog that although intelligent could be a little more difficult to train especially if the dog takes more after their Tibetan Mastiff parent. They will need a strong leader and positive reinforcement training for the best results. Temperament The German Shepherd Tibetan Mastiff mix will be a confident, intelligent, protective dog that enjoys spending time with their family. They will be eager to please their humans, but also have their own ideas sometimes as to what they think is right. Although this mix will be a great family companion, they will be leery of strangers from outside their circle. They can be good with kids, but because of their size they should be monitored around babies and toddlers and taught to be gentle. This mix will also be good around other pets if properly socialized from an early age. Other issues this cross bread could face are hypothyroidism, eye anomalies, ear infections, bloat, pancreatitis, and other digestive-related issues. Lifespan The Tibetan Mastiff has a lifespan of between 10 — 12 years, whereas the German Shepherd has a lifespan of between 12 — 14 years. The Tibetan Mastiff German Shepherd mix will have a lifespan that is an average of the two breeds usually being around 12 years. Other factors that will determine the lifespan of your mix will be the type of lifestyle they live. Doing things like making sure they get regular exercise, feed them a quality diet, and keep them going to the vet regularly will greatly increase the chances of your pup living a long healthy life. How Popular is the German Shepherd Tibetan Mastiff Mix The German Shepherd Tibetan Mastiff mix is not as popular as some other mixed breeds, thus is can be harder to find a breeder who specializes in this particular mix. Usually, this mix comes about as a result of accidental mating and can more commonly be found as available for adoption at local animal shelters. Breeders who do specialize in this mix are likely trying to create the ultimate guard dog qualities found in the Tibetan Mastiff while maintaining the fun, eager to please personality of German Shepherds. Final Thoughts The German Shepherd Tibetan Mastiff mix is a very large dog that is intelligent, loving, and protective over their family. They will require a strong leader as they can be stubborn, but with socialization and training can be excellent family companions. Some basic measures that you can take are feeding from a bowl on the ground instead of one elevated on a stand, and feeding at least 2 meals per day. However, the most effective way to deal with bloat is through surgical prevention called a prophylactic gastropexy. A prophylactic gastropexy is a procedure during which the stomach is anchored to the interior of the body wall. This prevents the stomach from rotating on itself when it gets distended. It is best to have this procedure performed when a dog is a puppy at the time that they are spayed or neutered. However, in bigger dogs that have already been altered, a laparoscopic procedure is also a viable option. Joint Problems The most common joint problems present in Mastiff Shepherds are hip and elbow dysplasia. Generally speaking, the heavier the dog, the more prone to joint problems they are. Symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia include: expressing pain by yelping or hesitation when trying to sit down aversion to exercise unprovoked aggressive behavior weakness in hind or front legs Hip and elbow dysplasia are degenerative issues that will worsen with time. However, there are a few things that you can do to lessen the likelihood that your Mastiff Shepherd will have to deal with these issues. Exercising your dog regularly and feeding him a proper diet will go a long way towards prevention, as it keeps muscles firm and overall health in check. Additionally, watch where you exercise your dog. Ideally, all running should be done only on soft grass or sand when possible. Skin Conditions In addition to the potential health issues above, Mastiff Shepherds are also prone to skin conditions. This is due to the folds around their neck and face. The most common skin conditions are bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, and cysts. Urinary Tract Infections Cystinuria is a somewhat common medical condition in Tibetan Mastiffs, and this sometimes presents itself in Mastiff Shepherds. In cystinuria , the kidneys fail to reabsorb amino acids, and this results in cystine crystals and occasionally stones in the urine. These stones, in turn, can block the urethra. Cystinuria can be treated primarily in one of two ways. Depending on the nature and severity, either non-surgical removal urohydropropulsion or surgical removal may be necessary. The larger the stone, the more likely it is that surgical intervention will be necessary. Epilepsy Epilepsy is a serious concern with Tibetan Mastiffs. In Mastiffs, this is a very difficult condition to treat. It is not uncommon for a Tibetan Mastiff that has epilepsy to die by the age of 3. Although epilepsy is not as common of an occurrence in Mastiff Shepherds as it is in purebred Tibetan Mastiffs, it does still happen. Potential owners should be aware that a risk factor for epilepsy does exist in Mastiff Shepherds. However, with intelligence often comes stubbornness. Stubbornness is much more prevalent on the Tibetan Mastiff side of this mix. This can make training this mixed breed a bit of a challenge, and not one that we recommend for the novice or first-time dog owner. We advocate training all dogs through positive reinforcement, and we suggest no different for this breed. Training a dog, especially a Mastiff, through any negative or punitive approach will almost certainly backfire, as they are stubborn and easily frustrated. Any negative approach is likely to lead to a dog that is simply unwilling to learn. A large, potentially aggressive dog combined with an unwillingness to learn can be a dangerous combination. This mix also requires an authoritative leader when it comes to training. However, with this leadership comes responsibility. It is your job to establish yourself as a kind leader who can be trusted, admired, and followed. Anything less than this and your dog will not trust you, and therefore he will not listen to you. If you are thinking of acquiring a Mastiff Shepherd, then it is very important that you consider getting one when it is a puppy, as this will provide you with the greatest chance for effective and long-lasting obedience when trained properly. This is not to suggest that an older Mastiff Shepherd mix cannot be trained, it will, however, certainly present more of a challenge. In the instance of an older Mastiff Shepherd mix, you will almost certainly want to enlist the help of a seasoned dog trainer. Temperament As we have established, both German Shepherds and Tibetan Mastiffs are highly protective breeds, and they will not hesitate to protect their owners at any cost. As a mix, if this dog suspects a threat, he will not think twice to place himself between his owner and the threat. This bold and fearless characteristic, however, does not mean that a Mastiff Shepherd is not a gentle dog by any means. In fact, these mixes are likely more gentle than you may think. As long as these dogs have been properly socialized and well-trained, many owners find that there is little reason for concern when leaving them unattended in the presence of other pets of all kinds as well. Even the best dogs can turn into less than desirable pets when this process is not properly followed. In contrast, the worst behaved of dogs can be completely turned around through proper training and socialization. However, it is especially important with this breed that you do not confuse quantity with quality. Because these dogs are so large and are prone to the health issues, as we have discussed above, feeding them a proper and well-balanced diet is essential for them to live a healthy life. Exactly how much food your Mastiff Shepherd will consume will vary widely in accordance with the size of the dog and how much exercise that he is getting on a daily basis. At any rate, you can plan on feeding this dog between cups of a high-quality, well balanced food per day. It is also crucial for this mixed breed that you never feed them too much food in one sitting. Doing so can cause GDV, as we have described above. Additionally, you should avoid providing food or water within an hour before or after rigorous exercise. Doing so will greatly decrease the chances that your this dog will have to contend with GDV. The best way to determine just how much food that your Mastiff Shepherd may need is through a visual and physical inspection of the dog. Follow these simple steps to give you a good idea on how to proceed with feeding quantities. View your dog from above — you should be able to see a waist without any extra bulge obscuring it. Then run your hands from shoulder to rear, keeping your hands over the ribs and your thumbs on either side of the spine. In a properly fed dog, you will feel some ribs with just gentle pressure being applied. If the ribs are too pronounced and can be seen, then the dog needs more food. If you cannot feel the ribs, then you should cut back on food and increase the amount of daily exercise. Once again, we find it worth repeating that quantity and quality are two very different things when it comes to nutrition for this mixed breed. It is well worth it to spend the extra money on a high quality food over a more inexpensive brand. Whichever route you choose to take, the results will make themselves apparent over time. Exercise Requirements Keep in mind that this breed does not like to undergo strenuous and lengthy runs. A German Shepherd is fully capable of this, but a Tibetan Mastiff — not so much! Mastiff Shepherds are prone to exhaustion if exercised too strenuously, and will remain in much better health when gently exercised regularly in contrast to infrequent, short-term and intense exercise. This mixed breed will benefit the most by being walked 3 times per day, for about 20 minutes on each walk. The exercise requirements of a German Shepherd are slightly higher, but when a Tibetan Mastiff is brought into the mix, the requirements decrease. Also keep in mind that a Mastiff Shepherd is very sensitive to heat. Because of their long and thick coats, this mixed breed will succumb to hot weather in a short amount of time. Keep this in mind when exercising these dogs. If the weather is above 75 degrees, then cut down on the length of time that you walk a Mastiff Shepherd. Additionally, keep an eye on the amount of water that you provide. Cost The average cost of a Tibetan Mastiff German Shepherd mix varies from state to state, and within different regions of each state. There is no set standard price for this breed. Long-term expenses for a Mastiff Shepherd can become very pricey as well. A Mastiff Shepherd will on average cost more in medical bills than other breeds because of the number of potential health problems that they are prone to. Even it is a false alarm, it is best to play it safe and alert your veterinarian immediately if you suspect any medical issues. Additionally, because they are relatively rare, it is highly uncommon to find this mixed breed available from a shelter. Thus, finding a breeder will most likely be the course of action should you choose to acquire one of these dogs. The actual cost will be dependent on your own personality, financial means, and how much you enjoy spoiling your dog! It is important, however, to understand that you should not purchase one of these dogs unless you are ready for a significant, long-term financial commitment. They are powerful, loyal, and beautiful creatures, though they are not for everyone. Owning a Mastiff Shepherd is a significant undertaking of time and money, and it should be viewed as a life change. This is because your life will change in many ways, in many of the same ways as if you were to bring a child into your home Are they worth it? Most definitely, provided that you are up to the task. Should you choose to bring a Mastiff Shepherd into your life, please do so in a responsible manner. Making sure that you have the space, time, and financial wherewithal to raise one of these beauties will ensure that your dog lives the long and healthy life that he is intended to. It is up to you to do your part, and if you do, you will have a new lifelong friend that will bring to you immeasurable joy! When you choose to bring a new dog into your life, you may be wondering whether it will be a good fit. While there is no simple answer to this, there are a few ways you can help to ensure that your relationship with your dog will be as harmonious and healthy as possible. But what does the right owner look like? Is your house large enough to accommodate a big dog? Do you have the time and resources needed to care for this particular mix? Are you ready to face the potential health issues large breeds like this are prone to? These are important things to ask yourself. If you have plenty of room to offer in your home and yard, can provide proper training, and are ready to care for any potential health issues that may arise in a large breed like this, this could be a fantastic dog for you. This helpful article from dogpsychologistoncall. As explained by Science News Online , behaviors like fearfulness and aggression can also be directly linked to breeding and genetics. However, to set yourself up for success, you can do your due diligence and learn as much about the dog you are interested in as possible before adopting. The Tibetan Mastiff and German Shepherd breeds have been combined to create an extremely unique and stunning crossbreed mix. This breed offers its owners both the intelligence of a German Shepherds and the gentle giant attitude of a Mastiff. Looking at both breeds separately can help you understand a lot more about this mix. The Tibetan Mastiff is an extremely loyal dog originally bred for protection and guarding. It can be somewhat territorial and has a booming deep bark. Tibetan Mastiffs are alert dogs with a calm demeanor. They can balance protection and gentleness with ease. More of a defender than an aggressor, these are fantastic family pets. They have deep instincts for protecting their families and property. This in-depth YouTube video can help you learn more about the attitude and behaviors often seen by these dogs. In appearance, Tibetan Mastiffs are lion-like, with a voluptuous mane of fluffy fur. They are a noble and powerful breed with an athletic and unforgettable stature. In size, Tibetan Mastiffs can reach a whopping pounds! Originally from the mountainous regions of Tibet, their fluffy fur was meant for warmth and served to protect them from wolves. Originating in Europe, the German Shepherd was carefully bred in the s as a working dog that would be intelligent, noble, and attractive. They have a wide wedge-shaped head that distinguishes them from other dogs. German Shepherds are extremely smart and easy to train. However, when left unattended, German Shepherds can exhibit many undesirable behaviors. When trained through positive reinforcement, these dogs learn quickly. These dogs need ample daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. German Shepherds can have various kinds of coats. Most German Shepherds have a thick undercoat that requires lots of brushing as it sheds frequently. These dogs are an amazing option for anyone willing to put in the time and dedication. This dog is popular around the world. With proper care and training , this can be a great dog for families. This helpful YouTube video goes over more about the German Shepherd and its characteristic traits and features. As a mix of the massive and shaggy Tibetan Mastiff and the athletic and muscular German Shepherd, this dog will be large, fairly fluffy, and statuesque. You can expect to see a wide chest, large head, big paws, and an upright tail that may or may not curl. This dog will likely have upright ears, though they may flop over a bit. This dog will also likely be prone to shedding, though it will likely be semi-annually. Additionally, their ears may or may not start to stand up as they age. German Shepherds have erect ears, while mastiffs have floppy ears with less cartridge. The German Shepherd also has various coat lengths, depending on which type of German Shepherd you have. So, this mix can have many different color variations. Generally, they will maintain the coloration of the standard German Shepherd, which is black and tan. However, these dogs can also be red, cream, sable , black , chocolate, white , and more. The coat length will be medium to very long. Since Tibetan Mastiffs and German Shepherds both have weather-resistant coats, you will only need to bathe them about once a month or as needed based on their activity. This will help to protect their fur from overwashing. German Shepherds are also a large breed of dog. This means that no matter what, your little puppy will grow into a hefty adult. We will cover that in the next section. Knowing what health risks your dog may have can help you better protect them as they grow and throughout the course of their life. Large dogs can have many health issues, which is important to consider before choosing to buy or adopt a mix like this. The good news is, since it is a mixed breed, it may not be prone to as many health risks as other purebred dogs are. Over-breeding dilutes the gene pool and can lead to even more health issues. The main issues that these dogs are at risk for are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Dysplasia is a joint condition that has to do with the growth and weight of a dog. A proper diet in puppyhood can help you avoid both of these risks. Large breeds are prone to a few other health problems as well. Katie Finlay writer for iHeartDogs. Many dog owners wonder whether or not the puppy they pick out will be easy to train. After all, no one likes a puppy who pees all over the house. That being said, training should be started early and reinforced often. All Shepherd Mixes should be trained well from puppyhood. Some may wonder if such a large and powerful breed requires professional handling. You can teach them at home, provided that you get your Tibetan Mastiff German Shepherd as a puppy. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and may become stubborn. On the other hand, Tibetan Mastiffs are very independent and can be strong-willed. They require lots of behavior reinforcement and consistency. Ultimately, the best home for this dog will be any home willing to accommodate its needs and adjust to unforeseen issues. However, there are a few factors that can make your home a better option for this mix specifically. If your dog ends up retaining more German Shepherd like tendencies, it will need a lot of exercise. From dog food costs to vet bills to grooming requirements, a large dog like this can start to get expensive quickly. Having some savings set aside for potential issues is wise. Finally, this dog will require a lot of time and energy in training. If you have children of any age, you may be wondering whether such a large and powerful dog will be a good option. The good news is, yes, this dog can be a great family companion. Dogs and children both have to be taught to coexist well, no matter what breed you have. They can make fantastic family pets. This article from thecrazypetguy. Additionally, you can read what this real-life Mastiff Shepherd Mix owner has to say about her dogs Nala and Harley! Have your dog brush ready, because they shed and may blow their coats twice a year. With proper training and handling, this can be an amazing pet for anyone with the space availability, dedication, and time that this mix requires. This obesity can also lead to some other health problems. Therefore, they need to exercise consistently. If left alone for too long, Mastiff Mixes can become bored. Then they may start barking, digging, or causing chaos. German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes can get quite suspicious of strangers, and may even start barking at them. Now, the thing is that stranger can be anyone from your friend to a thief. Therefore, you must provide them with proper obedience training so that they can differentiate between a thief and your loving one. Puppy Mastiff Mixes love to relax and laze out instead of doing anything physical. So much so that you would need a proper vacuum cleaner to clean their fur remnants or otherwise your whole house would become a mess within a few days. German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes are great watchdogs. They are incredibly devoted and protective. Owning one of them will make your home safe from thieves and robbers. German Shepherd Mastiff Mixes have a very gentle and compliant nature. They can also be safely left with children. All of this makes them a really good family companion.