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When to Get a Goldendoodle Spayed Two super small brown or chocolate Goldendoodles The most common age Goldendoodles get spayed is around six months old, but the age at which you should get your Goldendoodle spayed depends on their size. Research shows that you should wait until your Goldendoodle is between five and fifteen months old to spay them if they weigh over fifty pounds or that they should be spayed when they are around four to six months old if they weigh under forty-five pounds. According to the American Animal Hospital Association AAHA , smaller dogs that weigh less than forty-five pounds should be spayed before their first heat cycle. Studies show that the risk of your Goldendoodle getting mammary cancer is decreased by about ninety percent if they are spayed early. However, if you have a bigger dog that weighs over fifty pounds, veterinarians usually advise waiting until after they have had their first heat cycle, but before they have their second one when they are between five and fifteen months old. Waiting to spay your bigger dog until then reduces their risk of urinary incontinence, developing different cancers such as mammary cancer, and their chance of experiencing ligament, joint, and bone issues. Sadly, these health issues are common for large breed dogs. Benefits of Spaying Your Goldendoodle As we mentioned, it is beneficial to know when to get a Goldendoodle spayed because it can help reduce their risk of developing several different health issues, including cancer, joint problems, urinary incontinence, and pyometra. This is an infection your Goldendoodle can get in their uterus that commonly occurs in older female dogs who have not been spayed. A pyometra can cause dogs to get extremely sick and requires emergency surgery to treat them. In some cases, a pyometra may even be fatal. However, there are several other benefits to spaying your Goldendoodle. Did you know that male dogs can smell female dogs in heat from up to a mile away? Spaying your Goldendoodle stops them from producing the pheromones that alert other dogs when they are in heat and prevents male dogs from trying to mate with them. That means you can worry less about finding male dogs in your yard, sniffing around your Goldendoodle. Spaying your Goldendoodle also helps with overpopulation issues. Every year, far too many unwanted puppies end up in shelters, but spaying can help decrease the number of litters in these facilities. How a Goldendoodle Gets Spayed A cream Goldendoodle lounges on a couch When a Goldendoodle is spayed, the veterinarian will perform one of two surgeries. Before and During Surgery Your veterinarian will do a complete health check-up on your Goldendoodle to check for any underlying health conditions before they get spayed. They will also request that you not feed your Goldendoodle after 10 P. This is because your Goldendoodle will be put under general anesthesia during their surgery which may cause them to vomit. During their surgery, your Goldendoodle will also be monitored with equipment as well as by a veterinarian technician. Surgery Aftercare After you get your Goldendoodle spayed, they will spend about two weeks recovering. Here are some tips that can help your Goldendoodle recover quickly and rest easily after they get spayed. Make sure that you give your Goldendoodle their pain medication as instructed by your veterinarian. This could account for as little as the day of their surgery or may be needed even for a few days after their surgery. Do not let your Goldendoodle run or jump around. Keep them as calm and quiet as possible so as not to exacerbate their stitches. Do not let your Goldendoodle lick their stitches. If you are having a hard time keeping them from messing with their incision, you can always put a cone around their neck. Do not give your Goldendoodles any baths for two weeks after they get spayed. Your Goldendoodle should take it easy and stay inside as much as possible for two weeks after their surgery. Your dog should only go outside to go to the bathroom or for super short walks. If your Goldendoodle has diarrhea or they are vomiting, not eating, or appear lethargic, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Cost to Get a Goldendoodle Spayed When you are considering when to get a Goldendoodle spayed, you are probably wondering how much the surgery may cost. In general, the price does depend on where you live because veterinarians in bigger cities tend to charge more than veterinarians in smaller towns. There may also be a few expenses added to your bill other than the cost of surgery. How much do Goldendoodles cost per year? It will cost more to get a female Goldendoodle spayed than it male dog neutering. For example, most veterinarians will suggest that your doodle dog get pre-operative bloodwork done before their surgery to check their kidney and liver function, especially if they are young. If your Goldendoodle is born with any congenital defects and they are not caught before any type of surgery, they could face severe or fatal consequences. A F1 Goldendoodle is a cross breed with hybrid vigor, but is not immune to genetic problems same with F1b back cross Goldendoodles. A dog owner should be mindful of these risks before organising a spay or neuter for male Goldendoodles. In some cases, dogs may develop slower or have abnormalities on their bloodwork, so veterinarians have to make changes to the amount or kind of anesthesia they use. Your Goldendoodle will also receive pre-operative and post-operative pain medications which can vary in price and may affect your final bill. If you are concerned about the cost, there are low-cost clinics that may be available to perform the procedure for your Goldendoodle at a discounted rate. However, it may be worth noting that they are typically funded by the state and use minimal monitoring equipment. They also usually will not perform surgery on overweight or oversized breed dogs. Speaking of overweight dogs, most veterinarians will charge extra fees for performing spaying procedures on overweight Goldendoodles or a female dog who is going through a heat cycle. Veterinarians charge these fees because the procedures take longer and are more labor-intensive. Goldendoodle Spaying Age Conclusions Goldendoodles are prone to fleas and ticks — pick the best budget friendly Goldendoodle flea treatment that prevent itchy issues Spaying your Goldendoodle puppy gives them a healthy start to their life! It helps them live longer by reducing their risk of developing health conditions. Plus, it stops them from going into heat and having unwanted litters that may end up stretching shelters resources. Spaying your Goldendoodle will also save you money in the long run. Rather than pay for the cost it takes to get your Goldendoodle spayed, you could end up paying for a laundry list of medical issues down the line. Why would you want your Goldendoodle, or your wallet, to suffer? If you want what is best for your Goldendoodle, it is not a question of how, but when. Hopefully, our age guide has helped you better understand the procedure and answered the question of when to get a Goldendoodle spayed. When it comes to considering when to get a Goldendoodle spayed, the choice is pretty clear. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Not only does spaying help prevent the possibility of unwanted litters and curb overpopulation, it can also reduce the risk of certain medical issues such as mammary cancer, uterine infections, and ovarian cysts in goldendoodles. Choosing to spay your goldendoodle can help minimize the risk of disease, reproductive complications, and even extend lifespan. Ultimately this ensures that you have many fulfilling years together with you goldendoodle pal! When to spay your goldendoodle Before the first heat cycle or after the second heat cycle Determining the best time to spay your goldendoodle can be challenging. Whichever you choose, it is important that you discuss all available options with your veterinarian to ensure that your goldendoodle is getting the right treatment for her needs. How to care for your goldendoodle during the recovery period Caring for your goldendoodle during the recovery period is no small task. Quality nutrition and frequent exercise will ensure that your goldendoodle recovers well and replaces energy used during the healing process. Keeping up with regular cleaning of any cuts or wounds is essential, as it helps to prevent infection. Also, be sure to monitor any changes in behavior and other signs of discomfort like unusual whining or licking of a particular area, since these can signal further health problems. With proper care, dedication, and plenty of cuddles, your beloved goldendoodle will be back on her feet in no time! Unwanted pregnancies Tips for preventing unwanted pregnancies in goldendoodles Having a goldendoodle can bring a lot of joy, but to ensure your goldendoodle stays healthy and happy, they need to be monitored carefully. Unplanned breeding can be avoided by taking necessary precautions, such as having goldendoodles spayed or neutered at the appropriate age. See also The Genetics of Mini Goldendoodle Size: What You Need to Know In addition to avoiding medical issues associated with goldendoodle pregnancy and childbirth, this will also help reduce the population of homeless goldendoodles. Lastly, goldendoodle owners should always keep an eye out for signs of pet attraction from both their own goldendoodle as well as any other goldendoodles that come into contact with them. By being proactive with prevention measures like these, goldendoodle owners can go a long way towards keeping their furry friends safe and healthy! The importance of having your goldendoodle spayed by a qualified veterinarian Having your goldendoodle spayed can be a major benefit to their long term health and wellbeing. Properly spaying goldendoodles , when done properly by a qualified veterinarian , can greatly improve their quality of life in the long run. By having your goldendoodle spayed at the right time, it can help prevent future health problems associated with uterine infection or breast cancer. Additionally, spaying ensures that goldendoodles do not develop aggressive behaviors related to being unaltered and reduces the risk they might escape or roam away from home looking for a mate. In summary, having goldendoodles spayed is highly advisable for both their physical and behavioral wellbeing! The Answer Will Surprise You! Spaying your goldendoodle has many benefits and is an important part of responsible pet ownership. It is recommended to spay your female goldendoodle before her first heat cycle or after her second heat cycle. You can help prevent unwanted pregnancies in goldendoodles by keeping them away from unneutered male dogs and being aware of their mating habits. Make sure to have your goldendoodle spayed by a qualified veterinarian to decrease the risk of complications. Related posts:. What are the benefits of spaying my Miniature Goldendoodle before she reaches six months and has her first season? When should a Miniature Goldendoodle be spayed? A Miniature Goldendoodle should be spayed before six months of age. The reason for this is because the risk of mammary cancer increases with each heat. Many Miniature Goldendoodle parents decide to wait for the first heat to pass thinking it is better for their body. There is no research to back that up. In doing so, the chance of mammary cancer and unwanted pregnancy only increases. Miniature Goldendoodles experience their first heat around 8 months of age. The choice to spay your Miniature Goldendoodle is individual. That is why you should always consult with a veterinarian before moving forward. Another benefit of spaying your female Miniature Goldendoodle is to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you are not planning on expanding your family, it is best to get your pet spayed. This way, you are saving the puppies from ending up in a shelter. Sometimes, even the breeders will prevent you from breeding their purebred Miniature Goldendoodles. How early can I spay my Miniature Goldendoodle? There is no actual set time for when you can spay your Miniature Goldendoodle. Some shelters across the world spay their female puppies before they reach 4 weeks of age. It is a risky thing to do so, but they are preventing unwanted puppies that might end up in shelters later. That being said, you can spay your Miniature Goldendoodle as early as a few weeks old. But, not sure why would you need to do so at that age. It is best to consult with a veterinarian before you decide. The early weeks of life bring so much change, growth, and development. Going under surgery at this stage could be risky and is best to wait for at least 6 months. This decision is left to the pet parents. If you are getting a female Miniature Goldendoodle and you already have an unneutered dog in your household or neighbourhood, you might want to get the procedure sooner. Most Miniature Goldendoodle owners get their female pets spayed at the age of 6 months. Regardless if or when you choose to get your pet spayed, take care of her overall health. By doing so, you will only speed her recovery after the surgery. You should feed your Miniature Goldendoodle a nutrient-dense diet that meets her needs. Your vet will do the evaluation and will provide you with a diet full of protein, without any additives. The female Miniature Goldendoodle should be stress-free. The stress affects their bodies and will certainly slow down the process of healing. Exercise also plays an important factor in your Miniature Goldendoodle overall health. Before the surgery, your doodle should get enough exercise. The benefit of spaying your Miniature Goldendoodle before she reaches six months of age and has her first heat season is preventing her from going through the stress that the heat season brings. The changes that come with the first heat will change your Miniature Goldendoodles behavior, personality, thought process, and physical body. This is most definitely a challenging time for a young puppy. If the Miniature Goldendoodle is not destined to be a mother, it is best to get her spayed before the first heat season. By Dr. This may be your first time owning a Goldendoodle and have a lot of questions about when to spay a Goldendoodle. This article contains answers to mandy common questions about spaying your Goldendoodle, including the best Goldendoodle spaying age. When Should a Goldendoodle Be Spayed? The right time to spay a female dog, including Goldendoodles, depends on the expected adult weight of the Goldendoodle. If you have a smaller Goldendoodle that will be less than 45 pounds, you should try to spay them between 4 and 6 months of age before their first heat cycle. Goldendoodles who will be over 50 pounds should be spayed later, between 5 and 15 months. Less than 45 pounds: Should be spayed between 4 to 6 months of age Over 50lbs should wait until 5 to 15 months. There are many great benefits to having your Goldendoodle spayed, and it is very impmalortant to know all the details before making this decision. Spaying a female Goldendoodle is a common procedure performed at a veterinary clinic. But there are many things that you should understand before having this procedure done, such as how the procedure will be performed, the risk, the cost of surgery and the recovery time. When Should You have your Goldendoodle spayed or Neutered? The most common age to spay or neuter your Goldendoodle is around six months of age. Many different factors would influence when you should spay and neuter your pet. Large to giant breed dogs tend to mature later in life, and some people will wait until the dog is a few months older before spaying and neuter. They recommend different ages for different size dogs. The reason that your veterinarian advises that your female dog be spayed before their ffeirst cycle is to reduce their risk of developing mammary cancer. Larger Dogs Over 50lbs: Some vets will advise larger dogs to wait until they are 5 to 15 months old. Waiting until after their first heat cycle but before their second will still decrease the risk of mammary cancer and will also decrease the risk of cancer, bone, ligament, and joint problems. It may also decrease the risk of urinary incontinence. All of these are common problems seen in larger-breed dogs. So, in general, spaying a mini Goldendoodle should be done before their first heat cycle. The first heat cycle triggers a lot of hormones to be released in your Goldendoodle as they reach sexual maturity, increasing their chances of getting ovarian or uterine cancer. Spaying a standard Goldendoodle is best done after their first heat cycle. Why should you spay your Goldendoodle? There are many great benefits to having your Goldendoodle spayed. These are some of the most common reasons. Overpopulation: By spaying your Goldendoodle, you are helping decrease the number of unwanted litters and dogs in shelters. Mammary cancer: By spaying your Goldendoodle early, you will decrease the chance of mammary cancer. Pyometra: A Pyometra is an infection in the uterus that can be prevented by spaying your Goldendoodle. This is a very common occurrencer in older intact female dogs. These dogs can get very sick and need emergency surgery from this infection. In some instances, this can even be fatal. Stop unwanted guests: By spaying your Goldendoodle, there will no longer be male dogs unexpectedly entering your yard trying to mate with your dog. A male Goldendoodle can smell the pheromone released by a female dog up to a mile away. If that male is intact, they will find a way to get over and fence to mate with your female dog. Before you spay your Goldendoodle, your veterinarian should have a complete health checkup. This is to make sure that there are no underlying conditions that would cause your Goldendoodle not to have a successful surgery. How much does it cost to spay a Goldendoodle? The reason for this wide variation in price is that many clinics have received grants and other endowments through public agencies to subsidize spaying and neutering costs in order to get more dogs spayed. In some instances, you may be able to find a reputable practice that even offers free spaying from time to time. Spaying requires a great deal of training and a lot of equipment to perform safely, so the price tag can add up quickly, especially if there are any special considerations for your Goldendoodle or if any complications arise while they are under anesthesia. What aftercare is needed after surgery? These are: Some vet clinics will allow you to take your dog home the same day, whereas some want to keep your dog overnight. Keep your Goldendoodle inside for two weeks after surgery. Only allow them to go outside to potty and a very short walk when on a leash. Keep your Goldendoodle calm and quiet, and do not allow them to run and jump around. This might be hard considering how much Goldendoodles love running. Make sure that your Goldendoodle cannot lick their incision. You may have to use a cone of shame. Look at the incision each day and let your vet know of any problems, smells, or discharge. If you notice spots and smells lingering on your furniture, check out our article on how to remove Goldendoodle smells around the house. Do not bath your Goldendoodle for 10 to 14 days after surgery Notify your vet immediately if your Goldendoodle is lethargic, not eating, vomiting, or has diarrhea. Make sure that your Goldendoodle receives their pain medication after the procedure. This may only be needed for a day, but some dogs will need pain medication for a few days. A good way to tell if your Goldendoodle is painful is to monitor their activity. If your dog is not active, they are usually painful. Just because your dog wants to be very active, they should still be confined for 14 days post-surgery. What is the difference between Spaying and Neutering a Goldendoodle? Spaying is removing the female reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and uterus. Neutering is commonly used for removing the testicles of a male dog but can also mean making your Goldendoodle gender-neutral. So, it can actually be used for both males and females. What is the difference between an ovariohysterectomy and an ovariectomy? Most veterinarians perform a procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. This is where both the uterus and ovaries of your Goldendoodle are removed. Some veterinarians will only remove the ovaries. This is a quicker procedure and is known as an ovariectomy. Both surgeries are very effective in preventing unwanted litter. Is surgery risky? No surgery is without risk. Your veterinarian will examine your Goldendoodle before surgery. Your Goldendoodle will be under general anesthesia and should be monitored during the entire procedure. During surgery, a veterinary technician will monitor your Goldendoodle the whole time. Most of the time, veterinary surgeries have a whole team of people working on your Goldendoodle from pre-op to recovery to being discharged. Your vet will ask you not to feed your Goldendoodle after 10 pm the night before. This helps prevent your Goldendoodle from vomiting during surgery from the anesthesia. Make sure to follow these pre-op instructions for a successful surgery. The cost of spaying or neutering your Goldendoodle will all depend on where you live. Vets who are in a bigger city will charge a little more than a vet who is in the country. There are many other factors that may affect the cost. Most veterinarians recommend that pre-operative bloodwork be run on your Goldendoodle before surgery. This will check liver and kidney function before surgery. They will also give your Goldendoodle pre and post-op pain medications. These are all added expenses to the cost of surgery. Vets highly recommend pre-op bloodwork even in very young Goldendoodles. Your Goldendoodle could have been born with a congenital defect that could potentially cause severe to fatal results if not caught beforehand. It is not very common, but it does happen. Some dogs just develop slower and may not handle the anesthesia well. If any abnormalities are seen on the bloodwork, then the veterinarian may adjust anesthesia accordingly or even use a different kind altogether. For Goldendoodles that have a liver or kidney defect, or their lab values are not where they should be, then a different type of anesthesia should be used. Most anesthetic drugs are broken down in the liver and filtered out of the body by the kidneys. If these organs are not functioning properly, then it is best to use an anesthetic drug that is metabolized by the lungs. There are also usually added costs for overweight Goldendoodles, dogs who are currently pregnant or dogs who are undergoing a heat cycle. This is because it takes more time and is much more labor-intensive, too, especially if you are trying to save puppy lives. There are low-cost clinics that can do the procedure at a discounted rate. These non-profit organizations are usually funded by the state, and they do not have to charge as much for the procedure. Low-cost clinics may also have minimal monitoring equipment and usually will not do surgery on large breeds or overweight patients. While not all surgery is without risk, having your Goldendoodle spayed is the best for your dog. When you spay your dog , your dog will be much healthier and live a happy and long life. The exact age to have this procedure done all depends on the size of your Goldendoodle. Try to weigh the pros and cons of waiting vs. Discussed these with your vet, and they can help you decide when is the best time to spay your Goldendoodle. Wait to Spay or Neuter your Puppy They're only puppies once. Let them enjoy it. Deciding whether to wait to spay or neuter your puppy? Your new puppy from Maple Hill Doodles will be more comfortable and happier, and so will your family. We recommend to wait until your puppy is at least a year old. Ah, but why? Because there are growth and maturity factors to consider. Abetting Joint Disease by spaying your puppy too early This may come as a surprise, because the process is so commonplace. Both of those terms sound serious, and they are. What is Hip Dysplasia? As dogs grow, the hip joint may become loose or distorted from its normal ball-and-socket configuration. Then the hip goes out of joint. Very painful to a dog of any age. Some vets consider heredity to be the primary cause of canine hip dysplasia. And certainly it can play a part, especially in large breeds. Grossly overweight dogs risk dysplasia too, because the hip joint has to bear up under too much strain. All of the hormones and enzymes associated with those necessary parts go too. According to a study by Margaret V. Root Kustritz, DVM, hip dysplasia occurred more often when puppies were spayed or neutered before 5 months of age. The reproductive hormones control normal growth of the long bones of a puppy. Deprived of these hormones, the femur has much less chance of fitting correctly into the skeletal puzzle. It holds the leg bones in their proper relationships for good working order. But some dogs will show a limp before the CCL actually does tear. Your ACL usually ruptures because of a serious injury. But in dogs, the process is much more gradual. Being spayed or neutered has not been directly linked as a cause of CCL sprain. But there is a correlation. The Big C and spaying your puppy too early Removing the reproductive system of puppies will naturally stop all tumors connected to estrogen or testosterone. Take away the source and you have no cancers. Hart et al. Please, wait to spay or neuter your sweet puppy. But he was such a good boy. Castrati were deprived of their boyhood between 7 and 9 years old. That meant their voices never deepened. The sound was the same. But about their behavior we have little idea, except their reported lack of sex drive. Behaviors in spayed and neutered puppies are more noticeable. The procedures have been linked to impaired mental development and a shocking three-fold risk of abnormally low thyroid function itself causing changes in behavior. A study published in followed over Vizslas , divided into groups by age at removal of reproductive organs. Avoid separation anxiety, timidity, fear of sudden noises, aggression, fear biting, hyperactivity, fear of storms and excitability. Compare spaying to major surgery for a 6 year old child. Being spayed or neutered really is a traumatic experience for a young puppy. It makes sense that it would cause trust issues. Or menopause. Just think about that for a bit. Wait a while before you spay your puppy. So, what's to be done? In our opinion, having a young puppy spayed or neutered is a terrible idea. There are way too many land mines hidden down the road of life — growth issues, deadly diseases and abnormal behaviors. But we require that the procedure be delayed until at least a year old, and before the second birthday. By then, your puppy will be mature enough that her bones have developed normally, with the natural assistance of the reproductive hormones. That greatly reduces her chances of having joint problems hip dysplasia, CCL rupture. Also, those important hormones are there to keep your puppy healthy. Removing them early is an open invitation to cancers that are more aggressive and show up earlier in life. This lays the foundation for a well-adjusted dog who can handle anything and has the best disposition possible. When your puppy comes home with you, he becomes a member of your family. A very good reason to have an understanding vet There is a solution to the quandary of how to maintain hormone levels as the time comes for spaying or neutering. Honestly, we would far rather go for sterilization instead. Male dogs can be vasectomized, and their jewels left where they are. These sterilization procedures are not routinely done, but it will be worthwhile to find a vet who offers them. Dogs Naturally Magazine recommends this approach and has a helpful link to the Parsemus Foundation for more information. We hope you find this post useful, both for you and for your puppy.

If a reservation fee is placed, the balance is due when you choose your puppy. This only applies to families that are going onto the waitlist not to puppies that are openly available. We do not accept payment at pick up. We do not accept PayPal or Venmo. We send out an email letting you know that choosing will begin, including details of the litter. You need to respond as needed and do so promptly. Check the pictures and videos of the litter you might choose from and have your top three picked out. When we contact you directly via text or call, offering you a choice, you have 2 hours to make your decision. We understand a family's excitement for their potential new family member, so as soon as there are updates to be had, we will send our announcements as posts on our Instagram and Facebook pages. The LK team will go through our waitlist when puppies are available of a certain size and generation to the families on that same size and generation waitlist. You may not be on multiple lists. If you want to know more about the Waitlist Process, watch this video. We will post birth announcements to our Instagram page. You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. Premier Pups is your go-to source for the best Mini Bernedoodle puppy sales in Vancouver, Washington. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. We hold ourselves to high ethical standards to be reputable and responsible breeders. Our mission is to breed amazing temperament and genetic soundness into our puppies. Our strong foundation of breeding dogs is what sets us apart, and what further distinguishes us is the hours of love and devotion poured into your future puppy. The first eight weeks of your puppies life can determine their temperament for their entire life. Our Philosophy We plan on producing large standard F1 bernadoodles, minis and micros. Bernedoodles are intelligent, fun and loyal and a wonderful addition to any family. How to Own You may be asking yourself, how do I get one of these amazing puppies? The best news about our program is there is NO waitlist. You do not have to fret about being so far down a list that getting your companion will take years. Our quality and level of care is easily translated onto our social media pages. We post many video and photo updates of all our puppies so our families get a clear idea of exactly what your babies first 8 weeks with us entails. Not Your Typical 'Kennel' We are not your typical kennel with rows of dogs contained in runs. We are a family who spends each day down in the field with our frolicking berners and letting them swim in the stream. Every puppy has a name and is known individually. Our puppy parents receive weekly updates leading up to pick up to be part of the growing process. Our dogs and puppies get the individualized and personalized attention and care that every dog deserves. We also have a guardian home program for our breeding dogs to ensure they have their forever homes prior to retirement. For information on how to become a guardian, view our guardian home page! We love to maintain relationships with all our puppy parents and are always a lifetime resource for help and support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Rose City Bernedoodle Family! We started our life in Washington on a farm just outside the little town of Morton in the beautiful Cowlitz Valley. After living there for seventeen years, we decided that life had another adventure waiting for us. We listed our farm and off we moved to Eastern Washington to the beautiful town of Colville, which is about an hour's drive north of Spokane. Our farm is just 8 miles outside of Colville on acres of paradise. We absolutely love the drier climate of Eastern Washington and our property which is home to wild turkeys and deer. Our Bernedoodles are keen on the adventure of exploring our property and absolutely love the daily runs down our many trails. Our bernedoodle puppies are handled daily by us, with extra attention from our grandchildren and our neighbors who love having puppies living next door. When our puppies are 3 weeks old, they move out of their baby pens and start the transition to solid food and being litter box trained. We litter box train the bernedoodle puppies to hopefully make it easier for their families to house-train them when they take them home. Before we know it the puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their new loving forever homes. Cowlitz Valley Bernedoodles. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Battle Ground Washington and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! Questions about Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Vancouver, WA? We have answers. What class of dog are Bernedoodle puppies for sale near Vancouver? Bernedoodles are hybrid dogs that were developed by crossing the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. They can come in several sizes, including Standard, Miniature, and Toy, and they typically have a curly or wavy coat that is often low-shedding. Bernedoodles have a fun-loving personality and make loyal and loving companions. They are intelligent dogs and typically do well with basic obedience training, and they also have an active nature and tend to enjoy activities like playing fetch and going for walks. How can I manage allergies with Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Vancouver? Managing allergies with Bernedoodles involves looking for hypoallergenic qualities in the breed, such as a non-shedding coat, and keeping up with proper grooming and maintenance. Additionally, brushing your Bernedoodle routinely can help reduce dander, which can be an allergen for some people. An anti-dander shampoo or an allergen-fighting spray may also be helpful. What's the best dog food for Vancouver Bernedoodle puppies for sale? Bernedoodles are special dogs with unique dietary needs. The best dog food for Bernedoodles should be rich in protein, fiber, fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins for overall health and wellness. Look for a formula with real animal protein as the primary ingredient, as well as healthy carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and lentils for energy. Additionally, try to find foods rich in fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 to promote healthy skin and coat. Look for an all-natural, holistic recipe with plenty of dried fruits and veggies for added vitamins and minerals. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Bernedoodle puppies in Vancouver? Before getting a Bernedoodle, it's essential to stock up on the necessary items. First and foremost, you'll need a sturdy collar and leash to keep your pup safe when you take them out for walks or to the dog park. Next, select a good quality food that caters to the needs of your Bernedoodle and their coat type. You should also invest in sturdy and chew-proof toys to give your new addition ample entertainment while you're away or otherwise occupied. What sizes do Bernedoodles for sale in Vancouver come in? Bernedoodles come in a wide variety of sizes, depending on the generation. Standard Bernedoodles typically range in size from 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder and 50 to 76 pounds. Mini Bernedoodles range from 15 to 17 inches and 20 to 40 pounds. The size of the Bernedoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle and the Bernese Mountain Dog used in the breeding. Do Bernedoodle puppies near Vancouver like to swim? Bernedoodles have a natural affinity towards swimming! They tend to have a lot of energy and swimming is a great way for them to get some exercise while having fun. They also often have a natural instinct when it comes to water, which makes it easier for them to take to swimming. With proper and regular training from an early age, Bernedoodles can become expert swimmers. Their loyal and affectionate nature makes them great pool and beach companions as well. Bernedoodles love the warm feeling of water and the excitement of splashing around in the pool. Are Bernedoodles in Vancouver good for first-time owners? Yes, Bernedoodles can make terrific companions for first-time owners. They are known for their loyal, affectionate, and intelligent nature, which makes them easy to train. As long as they get the physical activity they need, they can make great house pets and rarely resort to aggressive behaviors. They are also often recommended for people who suffer from allergies, as their non-shedding coat helps keep allergens at bay. Moreover, their good temperament and social nature means they get along well with both people and other animals, making them an excellent choice for those new to owning dogs. How do I train my Vancouver Bernedoodles for sale? Training your Bernedoodle is possible and easy with dedication and consistency. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach when it comes to dog training, but there are some basic steps that can be taken. Initially, use positive reinforcement to reward your Bernedoodle for good behavior. Spend time with them and create an environment they feel safe in, as this encourages them to learn and respond. Treats are a good way to show that a behavior is desirable. Structure is also important.

Boxer puppies for sale Cincinnati, Ohio Boxer puppies for sale Cincinnati, Ohio Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Cincinnati Ohio? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. Boxer puppies for sale in Cincinnati OH The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Cincinnati for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Cincinnati OH Cincinnati is a city in the U. The city is the economic and cultural hub of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. With an estimated population of 2,,, it is Ohio's largest metropolitan area and the nation's 29th-largest,11 and with a city population of ,, Cincinnati is the third-largest city in Ohio and 64th in the United States. Throughout much of the 19th century, it was among the top 10 U. Wiki Cincinnati Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery. ALL our dogs reside in foster homes in TX. Please fill out an adoption application at haydudeeqine. I am on the prowl for my fur-ever home now since I was found abandoned at the neighborhood doggie park. I'm not sure what I did that was so bad to just leave me there cuz I'm really a very good girl. They think I'm around 2 years old and weigh in at about 30lbs. I am house trained, calm and obedient. I try my best not to make any extra work for my foster mommy. I absolutely adore kids, they are just the next best thing since milkbones in my book. I do very well with other pups too! My ideal home would have a nice big fenced backyard that comes already stocked with playful siblings hopefully both the 2 and 4 legged variety to chase around stealing.At 30lbs I'm at that great size to accompany an active family on all their outdoor activities. I'd love to go with you on nature hikes or camping in the wilderness. I'd even make a great cheering section if any of 'our' kids are on a sports team! Both breeds of my hairytage are known to make great loyal family additions.

We have perfected our lines over many generations to ensure we breed the most healthy, well structured aesthetically pleasing French Bulldogs possible! You are able to contact us anytime with any concern no matter how minor and we will give you the best possible advice reflecting our extensive knowledge as French Bulldog breeders. We love to see our puppies thriving with their new families and stay in regular contact with all our Frenchie buyers to make sure your puppy is settling in well. Prior to leaving our puppies are well socialised and exposed to as many day to day hurdles we can show them to such as toilet training onto grass mats, noise, other dogs and introduction to different foods to make their transition into their new homes as easy as possible. They come very loved and spoilt. We breed all of the colours in the Frenchie Rainbow ranging from cream and cream variations, chocolate coco , blue and lilac as well as these colours with tan points, brindle and pied. All will have relevant health testing completed and available upon request. Please see our studs tab. All of their canines are raised alongside their family, which includes small children. Sydney-based French Bulldogs sells puppies directly to approved, loving families! Themistocles French Bulldogs take the quality of the pups it sells very seriously. They make every effort to guarantee that all puppies are healthy, socialized, and have exceptional temperaments so that everyone may enjoy them. In addition, they aim to educate prospective owners on the requirements for raising a well-rounded dog in a happy environment. All dogs at Themistocles French bulldogs have been examined by veterinarians, microchipped, vaccinated, and health-tested. They have produced Frenchies for fifteen years, regularly exhibiting their dogs at Specialty Shows and All-Breed Championships. They are mainly concerned with the health and fitness of their puppies and strive diligently to instil loving temperaments in each pet that joins their home. This screening procedure guarantees that none of their French Bulldog puppies is born with these genetic conditions. Location: Sydney Website: Perreux French Bulldog Tips When Choosing a French Bulldog Breeder When choosing a French Bulldog breeder, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you find a reputable and responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Here are some tips to help you choose a French Bulldog breeder: Research: Do your research to find a breeder with a good reputation. Health testing: Look for a breeder who conducts health testing on their dogs, including testing for common health issues in the breed, such as hip dysplasia and brachycephalic syndrome. Ask questions: Ask the breeder about their breeding practices, including how often they breed their dogs and how they socialize their puppies. References: Ask the breeder for references from previous puppy buyers. Talking to other owners can give you a better idea of what to expect when bringing a French Bulldog into your home. Still, it ensures that the puppy is healthy, has received proper veterinary care, and comes with a health guarantee. On the other hand, buying a cheaper French Bulldog from a less reputable breeder or pet store may save money upfront, but it can lead to higher veterinary costs down the line. Yes, French Bulldogs can make great pets for the right owner. They are known for their affectionate and friendly personalities, as well as their intelligence and adaptability. French Bulldogs are typically small in size and have a low activity level, making them suitable for apartment living and owners who may not have much time for daily exercise. They are also known for being good with children and other pets. However, it is important to note that French Bulldogs can have health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin allergies, so potential owners should be prepared for the possibility of ongoing veterinary care and expenses. Additionally, their small size and unique physical characteristics may make them more vulnerable to certain health issues. Overall, French Bulldogs can make great pets for owners who are willing to provide them with the care and attention they need to thrive. Conclusion The French Bulldog is a breed of dog that many people are interested in adopting. Image Credits:. The French Bulldog is a cross between the bulldog ancestors from England and the local ratters in France. Behaviour-wise, this dog is adaptable, playful and smart. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Lovely Frenchies ready for a new home, super lively, fun and energetic. All six puppies are adored. They are all vet-check, microchipped and wormed. Now just ready to join a family. Have been toilet trained on astro puppy pee mats and are doing great with it. Our babies are raised in our home as part of our family. Each puppy comes with; Registered papers - are from 5 panel DNA clear families - a puppy pack - are Vaccinated - microchipped - wormed - health checked. These puppies are a beautiful representation of the breed and won't be seen at these prices again. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about these little wonders. Registration number .He has an absolutely beautiful nature, loves people, very devoted. She is so sweet , loves everyone, especially kids. The puppies are raised in a loving family home. They have their own lounge room and access outside to the garden and massive yard. They have had structured play time with the children which they love. Toilet training is going well. Puppies available this weekend or can be viewed prior. Will be have their first vaccination and are wormed regularly. Melissa French bulldog puppies for sale Born 18th August .Two boys and two girls. Taking deposits NOW. We are thrilled to announce the confirmation of our highly anticipated litter of French bulldog puppies, to be born to a magnificent blue Merle father and an enchanting blue dam. Both parents exude elegance and grace with their athletic build, turning heads wherever they go. The father's striking blue Merle coat is adorned with mesmerizing patterns, while the mother's luxurious blue color is simply captivating. Beyond their captivating appearances, both parents possess exceptional temperaments, exhibiting intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their human companions. They have been lovingly raised in a nurturing environment, ensuring that they pass on their wonderful traits to their offspring. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to maintaining the utmost care for the health and well-being of our dogs. Both the father and mother have undergone thorough health screenings, with no history of health issues. As a result, we are confident that their offspring will inherit their robust health and vitality. For those truly seeking a lifelong companion of exceptional quality, we warmly invite you to view both parents in person. Witnessing their captivating personalities and impeccable manners will leave no doubt that their progeny will be nothing short of extraordinary. These highly coveted puppies are sure to attract a lot of attention, and thus we respectfully request only serious and committed individuals or families to inquire. The puppies are expected to be ready to go to their loving homes around mid October , so the journey of unconditional love and joy can begin. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information or to arrange a viewing. We eagerly await the opportunity to introduce you to these precious little ones and ensure they find the most loving and responsible forever homes. The puppies have - [ ] Worming schedules completed to current age. Vet checked, wormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies have been hand reared and love cuddles and attention. They will be microchipped, vaccinated and wormed regularly before leaving. Parents are healthy, clear of hereditary disease and have good breathing. Parents are fed a high quality diet including raw food. Each puppy will go to their new home with a puppy pack and registration papers from the ANKC. They are raised on premium nutrition and kept in optimal health. Puppies come with comprehensive health contract, LIFETIME breeder support and impressive puppy pack including food, treats, toys, owner gifts, supplies and so much more. Puppies are hand raised in a kennel free, indoor family friendly environment with THE most care. All our animals are owned by our own family and they are family pets and loved ones first and foremost. We can provide real customer feedback of our healthy animals and impeccable service. We are registered breeders and provide pure breed registration papers with our pooches from Master Dog Breeders and Associates. Our member number is .We start toilet training and placing babies on strict routines as soon as possible to ensure take home is simple and dogs are top quality. We also spread breed education, responsible breeding practices awareness and support local shelters and animal fundraising. Please enquire about mains options. Prices are as a pet only. They are very friendly and playful. Bred in our home in a family environment. Our puppies come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed fortnightly and pedigree registered with MDBA. We will also send our puppies to their new homes with a comprehensive puppy pack with all the essentials to get you started. We are looking for a family to love her as much as we do. She is currently the only dog and I have 2 primary aged children who she is great with. We have had her since a puppy and she is very easy going. She is used to being home alone while we are at work and school during the week and mixes with other dogs well once a week at doggy day care. She is toilet trained. Microchipped and registered Pure bred with papers from a registered breeder Healthy and Happy with no health issues. Born 13th September Nicole Maddison is a sweet and beautiful 2 year old frenchie. We find her very affectionate and loyal. She is toilet trained, desexed, walks well and up to date on all shots and treatments. Justin Sadly due to my partners allergies to dogs we cannot have her anymore. She is roughly 2 years old. She is in good condition and has been well taken care of. Anne French Bulldog French Bulldog, male ,Blue pied, DOB Geoffery is a very well bred boy with a loving nature, His genetic testing shows he has no health concerns, I would like him to placed into a loving home with a single or older couple. They are vet checked, wormed and vaccinated. They're full of quirky and playful energy. The litter includes 4 pure bred Females and 1 pure bred Male. They are fully microchipped and vaccinated If you wants the pups DNA papers that will be at an extra cost But if your just happy seeing mum an dad DNA papers we have that already Pm me for price an can be negotiated Ruby girl Dialga girl Zippy boy Bluey girl this one has the blue eyes Spotty Evan French bulldog Selling my frenchie as I'm now doing night shift work and don't have the time for her that she needs she's good with kids and other dogs and cats pls msg me for more info she's 11 months old and toilet trained she's an inside dog Donna French Bulldogs Pedigree with Papers DNA and pedigree papers of parents available to see. All pups will come Wormed Vaccinated Microchipped Vet checked With a puppy pack containing puppy food and toy bedding and more. I am happy for Personal meetings to see mum and dad and puppies. I am MDBA registered SnuggleMeadows Exclusive puppies for sale Two adorable boys,with an unusual and rare color, are looking for a new loving home! Boys from purebred parents with excellent DNA. No breathing problems and excellent health. Grown with love and care. Wormed treated - 2, 4, 6 weeks. Please message for Main papers welcome for extra. Alla This is George. Selling due to overseas relocation Greg Fluffy French Bulldog Puppy — Jumanji We have a beautiful frenchie named Jumanji looking for her forever loving home. He has been brought up in a loving home and socialized with our kids and now hes ready to join his new family for many cuddles and lots of kisses.

He is potty trained , crate trained and loves people. He is a goof ball but also a great dog to protect your house. He is playful and loves to follow you around the house. He is mostly black with brown and is beautiful View Detail 15 months old male shepherd Great dog house trained and very smart. They are already very energetic and love to be snuggled. All puppies will come with their first set of shots and AKC papers for you to register if you choose. Well tempered puppies. Contact John Thomas for any questions at x-xxx-xxx-xxxx or email him at xxxxxxxxx xxxxx. She is the sweetest kindest dog I have ever owned. She is so kind and friendly and it breaks my heart to have to part ways. I believe because of my neglect she has turned to getting into mischief, like the garbage or anything edible. She loves attention and frankly requires it. I will not give her to anyone so you will have to prove you can give her a great home. She loves human of all kinds. She is 8 years old, never had an incident when she was aggressive towards anyone. She has no medical issues or concerns. Please call me if interests. Mom and puppies are raised in or home with our family. Puppies will be ready the 3rd week of March. They will be vet checked, dewormed, had there first round of vaccinations and be microchipped. At this time we only have females available. Please contact us for more information, we would love to talk to you! They will be dewormed, had there first round of vaccinations and will be vet checked. All our puppies are raised on puppy culture and come with a health guarantee, vet check, age appropriate shots, fully wormed, contract, AKC registration, puppy go home bag full of goodies and lifetime support. View Detail Dont have time to take care of but shes a great beautiful puppy its a Dont have time to take care of but shes a great beautiful puppy its a German shepherd and husky mixed View Detail Edtradavladimir Two months puppies German Shepard mix with Rottweiler. We are just too busy to take proper care of him. View Detail German Shepherd Shot is up to date. She is friendly and aged 11 months. Have no time to take care of her :. Our older dog is not adjusting well to having another dog in the house though, so we are hoping to find a good home for Ruby. She is crate trained already and very sweet! World Sieger VA and V lines. They are on xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Both are 0FA certified. DM and brucellosis tested. We have 2 males available. They are up to date on vaccines and worming. Vet checked with health certificate and puppy packet. Please visit xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. German Shepherd German ShepherdT The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the worlds leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds according toAKC Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in .The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high. Temperament Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming. The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent. They are very easy to train with a firm hand and keep that training well. Herding Group; AKC recognized in .Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Herding, police work.

Is this the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? Where are all these dog mats coming from? The surprising transition from puppy coat to adult coat can sneak up on any unsuspecting dog mom. But the subject of the Goldendoodle coat transition deserves just as much attention as all the other Goldendoodle pros and cons. However, one thing is true for all Goldendoodle puppies. At some point, the Goldendoodle puppy coat will change and the adult coat will come in. Matting can take over quickly Kind of like the month of March, the coat transition may enter like a lion! You may be surprised how quickly the mats coming roaring onto the scene. When my Goldendoodle sidekick Chloe was a pup, her puppy coat was soft and silky and there was not a mat to be found, even in the crevices like the armpits! Meet Chloe. Her puppy coat was silky soft. First under the ears. Then the armpits. Brushing became our thing. Brushing removes dead hair that would otherwise cause mats. Like hair on our human heads, dog hair has to go somewhere. Since Doodles tend to shed less, Goldendoodle grooming is part of keeping the hair from tangling and matting. There will always be hair to manage with any dog, whether low-shedding or high-shedding. With a low-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of grooming. With a high-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of time spent cleaning hair off floors. Either way, you have the joy of being a dog parent! For more about shedding, read my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? It may make you feel overly confident. When the Goldendoodle puppy coat starts transitioning, be ready. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their coat? However, as a rule of thumb, Goldendoodle parents say anywhere between four to eight months and may even be up to two years. What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? When the Goldendoodle adult coat begins to grow in, the puppy coat begins to shed. This creates tangles. If not groomed early, the tangles turn into mats. Since there are so many Goldendoodle coat types, there is not one set example. Some parents will hardly notice the change while other Goldendoodle parents will find what feels like an explosion of mats. What areas are the biggest matting culprits? If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Will stop growing eventually if left alone Straight coat Goldendoodles are the most like a Golden Retriever Expect troubles with shedding Expect allergy sufferers to have a rough time with a straight coat Goldendoodle A positive is much lower maintenance Regardless of the coat type you would expect a softer puppy coat from months, then a transition into the final Goldendoodle adult coat from then on. As a general rule the replacement adult Goldendoodle coat will be stiffer and denser than the Goldendoodle puppy coat. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats All sizes of Goldendoodle from large standards, to miniature or teacup Goldendoodle will all experience some form of coat change. When I spoke to breeders to interview them about the way they can predict the coat type for Goldendoodle puppies, they told me an interesting message. Our F1b tend to have soft fur even as adults. When the change does hit it is not always obvious to the dog parents. The transition to adult coat can be seamless, or it can reveal a surprising final Goldendoodle coat type. There are clues from early puppyhood that you can follow to take the best educated guess about which type of coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have. We wrote a thoroughly researched article telling you what strategies the experts use to predict Goldendoodle coat type from puppyhood. Remember that nature is a lottery, and there still can be surprises! You can see that the experts agree that a Goldendoodle puppy should start being groomed around 5 months of age. If the transition from puppy coat to adult Groodle coat is a difficult one, it is really handy to have a dog that is very used to grooming. Goldendoodles can have trouble with their paws. Have you ever seen a Goldendoodle lick or chew its paws? This is often a sign that something is wrong. Early exposure to paw touching can make it so much easier to four out what is causing Goldendoodle paw licking and fix it. At the least consider getting your Goldendoodle used to bathing and shampooing as needed only from a young age. Should I use special shampoo for the Goldendoodle Puppy Coat transition? When a Goldendoodles does lose its puppy coat around months of age you will be ready for an adult Goldendoodle shampoo. There is little harm in using up the rest of your puppy shampoo. Although it is probably easier to just use a natural, excellent smelling shampoo that is friendly to both puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Dog owners may experience anxiety with the goldendoodle puppy coat transition to an adult coat. Depending on environmental and genetic conditions, growing into an adult coat can take several months to an entire year. More so, there is a myriad of information regarding Goldendoodles losing their puppy fur, but you need to be critical in following this information. However, keep in mind that the coat transition of your goldendoodle requires constant attention. This article will therefore serve as a step-by-step guide to help you learn about the coat transitions that your goldendoodle will experience and how to care for them properly. Puppies of the Goldendoodle breed have a gorgeous coats! Goldendoodles will lose their puppy coat as they get bigger rather than getting a new one. Your puppy has already started the change when you see this. This can vary rather considerably. The beginning of others occurs before or later. The vast majority of breeders expect it to appear before the first birthday. In contrast, its coat will gradually transform when a Goldendoodle matures. The Goldendoodle in your life will only go through this change once. This is comparable to losing baby teeth and replacing them with adult teeth. This shift occurs only once in the life of your Goldendoodle. Depending on heredity and other circumstances, the texture and color of the coat may alter. Do Goldendoodles Puppy Coats Shed? Moreover, the easiest approach to determine whether your Goldie will have furnishings is to consider their age. They are most likely lacking from F1 Goldendoodles. F1B dogs are more susceptible to having them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, it is doubtful that they would develop them as adults. With or without, Doodles are still unquestionably adorable. Goldendoodle puppies will have varying coat colors and patterns regardless of size or generation. However, several breeders have found that Doodle puppies of different ages—F1, F1B, and F2—can have only slight differences. The mini goldendoodle puppy coat transition in your life will only go through this change once. Poodles have a fading gene, so that they might be a different color. However, breeders do emphasize a few telltale features that could provide an early indication of what to expect: Do A Nose Check When a puppy has abundant hair on top of its snout, it is called a mustache, and it is a good indicator that the dog will have a curlier coat. A wavier coat is suggested by hair that is straighter, shaggier, and more beard-like. Curly coats, according to breeders, are indicated by a pronounced mustache. The beard-like shagginess of a wavy coat is especially prominent around the face. The straight-coat goldendoodle puppy typically has a tidy and short muzzle. For example, an F1B Goldendoodle that has been backcrossed with a Poodle has 75 percent genes, increasing the likelihood of a coat with waves or curls. Typically, these dogs do not have a substantial coat shift from puppyhood to adulthood. These strategies for deciding on a goldendoodle puppy coat type are the most accurate. Nothing is guaranteed, and surprises are always possible. Types Of Goldendoodle Puppy Coats? It is difficult to envisage Goldendoodle coats having anything other than curly whenever the issue of this Doodle breed is brought up. Although Goldendoodles with curly coats are well-known, different less frequent coat types include wavy, smooth, and flat. Wavy and curly hair are the most prevalent varieties of Goldendoodle coats, followed by straight and flat. In addition to their attractiveness and sweetness, these charming pets have advantages for humans. Goldendoodles With Curly Coats. For various reasons, this specific style of Goldendoodle coat is extremely popular and in high demand. Curly-coated Goldendoodles are great for people with allergies and have a cute teddy bear look. Because of their curly coat, Goldendoodles are considered hypoallergenic. Curly-coated dogs, in contrast to straight-haired dogs, shed significantly less hair, which is helpful for allergy sufferers. To clarify, dogs with non-shedding coats still shed at a far lower rate than those with straighter hair. Curly-Coated Goldendoodles Compared to dogs with straight and curly coats, wavy coat Goldendoodle puppies fall in the middle. Goldendoodles with wavy coats are more prone to shed than those with curly coats but shed less than those with straight coats. But since the wavy coat is between the regular and curly coats, it requires less effort to brush than dogs with curly coats. If you live with people who do not suffer from allergies, a wavy or flat hair coating could be an extra option when selecting your partner. While Goldendoodles with a curly coat require daily combing, those with a wavy coat require brushing only a few times per week. Straight-Coat Golden Retrievers If you desired to bring home a Goldendoodle with a straight hair coat, you would likely find hair everywhere. Typically, a goldendoodle with a straight coat does not require brushing; nevertheless, you should double-check if any household members are allergic to fur. Always certain that no one is allergic, as straight-haired dogs shed huge amounts of hair. While not having to brush your Goldendoodle regularly may seem great, the amount of hair it sheds requires additional cleaning. Daily brushing is strongly advised for Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats. Most of the time, Goldendoodles with a straight coat do not need to be brushed, depending on the situation. F1b Goldendoodle Coat Changes When you look up F1b Goldendoodles pictures on the internet, you will find out recombination between an F1 first generation Goldendoodle and a purebred Poodle. The hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat of the Poodle is a highly desirable characteristic. Most often, F1 Goldendoodles will disappear with a piece of furniture. This greatly enhances the probability of a Curly or Wavy coat. F1b Goldendoodles are less prone to see a substantial coat change between puppyhood and adulthood. It is typical for the density and coarseness of the fur to grow. This is true in some circumstances. Their adult coat may take on a deeper shade if that is how it is in their native habitat. Alternately, it might lighten up and leave the cute darker characteristics around the face. However, lateral color changes and shifts are common. When Goldendoodle puppies reach maturity, their adult coat is typically heavier and more rigid than their puppy fur. The breeder should know what to anticipate throughout coat transformation. Yes, their coat can be affected by various variables, most of which are health-related, and these common causes may include the following: Sun Bleaching. It can occur if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors in direct sunlight. Depending on the extent of the sun damage or bleaching, their deeper hues will lighten significantly, and portions of their exposed fur may turn yellow or white. Grooming Your Goldendoodle coat changes pictures might have darker coat color due to lack of grooming, but it can be lightened and brightened with constant grooming. Grooming your dog on a regular and recommended basis improves not only their comfort but also their physical appearance. Goldendoodles need regular grooming to keep them healthy and clean. You should trim their face regularly. Since its natural sheen diminishes with time, it typically seems darker than it did before. A healthier diet will help them shed their darker coat. Puppies of all breeds and sizes go through similar but somewhat different main processes. Pet owners observe the onset of mats and shedding fur in clumps. Their mature fur begins to emerge. Frequently Asked Questions 1. In most cases, a prominent mustache indicates that the puppy will have a curly coat. Unfortunately, not all puppies mature into adulthood with the desired wavy or curly coat and fluffy, soft fur. In addition, the F1B Goldendoodles are the least likely to undergo a drastic coat change as they age, while seeing an increase in coat coarseness and density. This is referred to as fading. Parents of Goldendoodles estimate a lifespan of four months to two years. It is advised to wait six months before giving your goldendoodle puppy her first complete trim down. Related Posts. The golden doodle puppy can be defined as a type of designer dog. The word designer is used intentionally to show the fact that the golden doodle puppy is a crossbreed of two different dogs. The two dogs that are crossbred in an effort of reproducing the golden doodle puppy are the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. The coat transition process is when the golden doodle puppy has its coat change from the puppy kind of coat and adopts an adult kind of coat. This transition can last anywhere from four months and stretch to eight months. Sometimes the transition may go all the way to two years. What to expect and how to prepare for the Goldendoodle coat change at each age? The golden doodle puppy needs to be well taken care of as it grows. There are quite a several things that an owner may want to do and practice as often so as to be sure the coat transition phase takes place appropriately. Giving the golden doodle a good brush regularly is very important because this will prevent the fur from tangling. By brushing the fur regularly will be in a position of removing debris that may be on the coat. One will need to use a brush that is slick since it will work best for the fur of the Goldendoodle. The brushes are available at various pet supply stores. Choose clippers that are designed for grooming Goldendoodle puppies and not just any clippers at the store. Getting a grooming kit will as well be very helpful. One should not use scissors for grooming, because one might end up accidentally injuring the dog. A Goldendoodle puppy needs to be bathed regularly. Washing your Goldendoodle dog in warm water is ideal. One will need to make sure that the coat is scrubbed thoroughly with the use of a shampoo that has been designed for dogs. During the cleaning process, one will get to know the existing coat and how well to handle the cutting of its fur. Dog shampoos are available at stores. Drying the coat of the Goldendoodle is also essential after giving it a warm bath. One will need to completely dry the coat before starting to trim. It is true to say that a wet coat is already shrunken and this makes it difficult to determine the length of the coat to be trimmed. Taking the above steps and practicing them from time to time, will guarantee that the Goldendoodle is well kept and when the coat goes through a transition, the process will be okay. There are three types of coats that are common amongst the Goldendoodles. This is contributed by the fact that the dog in itself is a mixed breed. One might find that one-half of the dogs have a dense, water-resistant kind of coat, whereas the other half may have a coat that is curly and low shedding. The coats will entirely depend on the parents of the dog. One common coat type is the wavy kind of coat. This coat is found to be the most desirable kind of coat for the Goldendoodle dog. The wavy coat is also referred to by some people as the fleece coat. The wavy coat is found to be very low shedding. For this type of coat, a lot of grooming will need to take place to generally prevent knots and clumps on the hair. For the wavy coat, the chances of allergies are a bit low as compared with any other coat. The other coat is the curly coat. This coat tends to look like a poodle coat. The curly coat is way denser than any other type of coat. The curly coat has a low odor and is hypoallergenic. The curly coat will seize from growing when left alone. The curly coat does not have a lot of shedding taking place. The straight coat is also another type of coat that the Goldendoodle dog can have. With this coat, there are some things to expect. One of the expectations is there will be trouble when it comes to shedding. The straight coat is also very low maintenance which is a plus. As the Goldendoodle puppy grows there are lots of things one will need to know about. When a Goldendoodle puppy is born to when it gets to around four months, its coat is usually very soft, and managing it will be very easy. A Goldendoodle puppy owner can prepare himself or herself for this stage by taking the time to play with his paws. An owner can prepare him or herself by purchasing different grooming supplies. One might want to visit a groomer and get the necessary information that will be helpful at the given stage. During this early stage, a Goldendoodle owner may as well want to introduce at-home grooming activities. Making sure the sessions are delicate, positive, and short will be very helpful. The other stage that a Goldendoodle dog owner will experience is when the dog is between four months through the two-year mark. In this phase, one will expect that the puppy coat will generally begin to change and the adult coat will start coming through. This stage will require that the owner takes the initiative of brushing or combing the Goldendoodle daily. One will need to focus entirely on a particular section at a time. Giving close watch to see if the coat does show signs of matting is crucial. A Goldendoodle owner will need to readjust his or her grooming techniques as the dog transitions to the adult phase. Changing grooming tools will be inevitable. In this phase, one will need to note that the face, as well as the muzzle of the dog, might as well change to a lighter color. An owner of the Goldendoodle dog will need to make some modifications to the grooming routine as the dog grows. Some of the changes can be using a simple comfort cut and using a softer kind of touch when it comes down to handling the arthritic paws. Incorporating grooming tables or a hydraulic lift grooming table can be very beneficial. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their puppy fur? The Goldendoodle dogs in general are seen as low-shedding as compared to other dogs. There are no dogs that do not tend to shed their fur as they grow, so this is very common for any dog owner to experience. The Goldendoodle puppy owner would expect that shedding of the puppy fur will take place when the puppies get to around six months and it can go until the ten-month mark. A Goldendoodle owner might want to note that the fur coat on the puppy is a uniform kind of soft fur but as the puppy grows and sheds its coat, one will see that the coat becomes much thicker and stiffer. After the puppy coat of the Goldendoodle sheds one might as well experience a change in the color patterns. The adult coat on a Goldendoodle is found to be lighter as compared to the puppy fur. It is necessary for the Goldendoodle owner to note that not all puppies will shed during the six to ten-month mark. Some of the Goldendoodle dogs may tend to shed their coats a bit late and one should not worry. Some may shed their coats at twelve months. An owner of the Goldendoodle puppy might want to start cleaning its fur as early as five months in preparation for the shedding of its fur. At this point, the owner is encouraged to bathe the puppy with dog shampoo and pay keen attention to its grooming. What adult coat type will my Goldendoodle puppy have? Knowing the exact adult coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have can be extremely difficult to tell but there could be some signs and characteristics that one may see and hope the coat turns out as desired. As the Goldendoodle puppies grow one may notice that the more they grow the more similar they tend to become. Goldendoodle puppies more often than not do change their colors as they go through the process of maturing. Crossbreeding dogs will in one way or the other bring unpredictable results. It is common to find that a puppy may take more after a given parent as compared to the other parent. In this present day, one will find that DNA testing has been embraced by dog breeders in an effort to know which coat a particular puppy will have. This can be a good tell sign of which coat type the puppy will have as it becomes an adult. As a general rule, if the puppy has a mustache that is prominent then one will expect the puppy will be having a curly type of coat as they grow and get into adulthood. If the Goldendoodle puppy tends to have a shaggy beard when one takes a look at the muzzle then chances are high that it will develop a wavy type of coat. What is it like Doodle hood? It is quite true to say that Goldendoodles make the best dog for any person who is a first-time owner of a dog. This is generally due to the fact that the Goldendoodle is friendly, easy to train, and temperamental. There are quite a number of things that every owner of a Goldendoodle should have in mind about the dog. The Goldendoodle tends to form bonds very fast with human beings. This can be very good for the owner since it will not take long before one feels loved around a Goldendoodle. The fact that the Goldendoodle is very quick at forming binds means that they do have separation anxiety when one leaves them. This means one will need to be very cautious when forming functional bonds with them. A Goldendoodle does love to play every now and then. The Goldendoodle has been created in a way that it loves maintaining an active lifestyle. For the owner, this will mean one will need to be willing to be active to meet the expectations of the dog. The Goldendoodle is extremely social and this is something that the owner will need to consider. The Goldendoodle loves greeting new people as well as meeting other animals. An owner of this dog will need to take the dog for outdoor activities from time to time. The coats of the Goldendoodle may get curlier as they age. The coat is expected to shed as they grow. The coat a dog will have as they get into adulthood is entirely dependent on the genetics of the dog. There is nothing much that an individual can do. What is an improper coat on a Goldendoodle? An improper coat is characterized as the hair of a Goldendoodle that is short. This short hair is found on the head, leg region as well as head since they tend to lack the dominant gene. Technically speaking, your Goldendoodle will tend to have flat or rather straight hair all through the body. One can confuse them with the Golden retriever. The term furnishing is used to describe the long hair, eyebrows as well as mustache that tends to give the Goldendoodle the scruffy type of dog look. The furnishings are a dominant trait. An improper coat on a Goldendoodle means that the dog will lack long mustaches as well as eyebrows. The longer eyebrows, as well as the long mustache, are seen as the furnishing gene which gives rise to that specific growth pattern. The improper coated type of Goldendoodle dog is the one that is rarely sought after. Nevertheless, the improper coat is quite easy to maintain and it requires lesser brushing as compared to other coats. The improper coat technically does not give the desired teddy bear texture and look that most people look for. This can be a limitation for families or owners who have allergies. Conclusion In conclusion, the Goldendoodle dog breed is a very nice dog. For an owner to enjoy the full benefits of owning the dog, he or she will need to pay close attention to how the dog is growing and how well to handle the growth at every stage. Owning a Goldendoodle dog can be very therapeutic and engaging. An owner needs to be very intentional with the dog. An owner will need to be involved both emotionally as well as physically so as to make sure the Goldendoodle dog functions optimally. There is also the financial aspect of owning the Goldendoodle dog and an owner needs to be willing to spend on nutrition, grooming, and the overall health of the dog. Related Posts:. The change can be sudden or gradual, and sometimes the texture of the coat will change completely. The fur grows in dense curls that can be tight, kinky curls, or loose barrel curls. Generally, curly coats have virtually no doggy odor and are usually very low shedding. Wavy Coat English Goldendoodles have wavy coats that are also sometimes referred to as fleece coats. This coat type is typically very low shedding, but it does need plenty of regular grooming to prevent matting. Straight Coat Goldendoodles with straight coats take mostly after the Golden retriever parent. These Doodles are the heaviest shedders, making them unsuitable for life in a home with allergy sufferers. These coat types tend to need a little less brushing than the curly or wavy coated types, and they are slightly less prone to tangling and matting. To make matters even more interesting, Goldendoodles commonly change coat colors or get a brighter coat as they age , so it really is a total lottery! Goldendoodle puppies have a fantastic coat! Brushing your puppy removes loose, dead hair that would otherwise turn into immovable mats. So, even though one of the reasons that Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are extremely low-shedding, they do shed. Regardless of what size or generation of Goldendoodle you have, all these puppies will change their coats. Often, Goldendoodles that enjoy swimming and generally get grubby so that they need regular bathing can often lose their puppy coat almost invisibly. Generally, when Goldendoodle puppies change their coats, the mature adult coat they grow is denser and stiffer than the puppy fur. The breeder should be able to give you a good idea of what you can expect during the coat transition period. That said, the process of healthy coat transition can last for as long as two years. When your puppy starts growing his adult coat, his silky, soft puppy fur is shed. You need to be alert to that process starting! All puppies are born with a single coat. You might not notice any change at all, whereas other Goldendoodle parents see a massive amount of matting appearing from out of nowhere. Where Do Mats Form? Mats generally form in areas of friction. Particular hotspots include: Under the collar. By Kern Campbell Goldendoodles require a lot more attention than other dog breeds. So you should be aware of When Goldendoodles shed their puppy coat. Generally, it would be best to groom your Goldendoodle often to keep them clean and attractive. Good grooming also benefits the dog because it helps with its health. In addition, you are less likely to deal with skin and coat issues when you groom your puppy right. Goldendoodle puppies shed or change their coat in 5 to 8 months. After this shedding, the mature adult dog fur often begins to grow. However, you should not be discouraged if your puppy does not seem to shed the young fur since some dogs are late shedders and can take up to 12 months to be done. As for mature adult coats, it can take up to two years for some breeds of the Goldendoodle to have a full adult mature coat. When it grows back it can take anywhere from two to three and a half months to become full length again. Goldendoodles have three different types of possible fur coats. They can be wavy, curly, or straight least common. It will require regular brushing to keep it free from tangling. This type of fur is low shedding and can often be close to non-shedding as you can get. The last coat, the straight coat, which resembles closest to the Golden Retriever, is the least common and the easiest to take care of. The curly coats will have an excess amount of hair on the top of their muzzle, almost making curly looking mustaches on the sides of their nose. The wavy coat will have more straight hair around their muzzle, while the straight fur coat Goldendoodles usually tend to have short tidy hair around their muzzle. Nothing is guaranteed though because each puppy is unique, so these are just some general guidelines of what may happen. From the different styles of hair, to the maintenance required, to the types of brushes to be used, to how often they need to be groomed, the information can be overwhelming at times. Want to learn more? Check out our users guide to grooming and also our 3 Must-Have brushes for Goldendoodles! You might be surprised to learn you probably have the best daily brush for a Goldendoodle already in you. Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog.

Contact Us Breeders of Champion Labradors Lynda Miles and her family successfully breed and show chocolate, black and yellow labradors. They have bred first prize winners at Crufts in all three colours. Llanstinan labradors are strong healthy good looking dogs with excellent loving temperaments. Labradors are a very large part of Lynda's happy family life in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside where their dogs, children and grandchildren live and play together. As a Labrador breeder and after many years of studying animal behaviour and genetics Lynda is always willing to give Labrador advice. Her puppies are bred for type, temperament, intelligence and health. Find Out More About Our Dogs We hope you enjoy your visit to our Llanstinan Labrador website where you can see pictures and videos of our Labradors and Labrador puppies, bred from generations of careful breeding. Rita Looking For a Home.We are looking for a home for our absolutely adorable Rita. She is a beautiful chocolate labrador girl age 16months and spayed. She was born 2 weeks early which caused her to be born with a condition called Cerebral Hyperplasia. She is very active and loving but moves with a slight wobble. We have been assured by our Vets and two further veterinary opinions that her condition will not get any worse but it will not get any better either. She is not on any medication and is very healthy and well. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA in dogs is a type of genetic eye disease causing deterioration… Read more View all breed additional tests Sinodah Labrador Retrievers conducts 13 additional tests available for the Labrador Retriever. It can result in puppies or dogs who collapse after only five to thirty minutes of exercise. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Canine Elliptocytosis Genetic Test Canine Elliptocytosis is a rare genetic disease causing the red blood cells to be abnormally elliptical in shape, rather than round. It generally does not cause a clinical problem to affected dogs, but puppies may be mildly anaemic and smaller than others. There is a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. A DNA test is available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. It is a blood disease resulting in low numbers of very large platelets. Cystinuria Genetic Test This condition mainly affects Newfoundlands although other breeds can be affected. It is a genetic condition which results in the production of kidney and bladder stones. There is a DNA test available to confirm that breeding dogs are not carrying this condition. Degenerative Myelopathy DM Genetic Test This is a disease affecting the spinal cord of older dogs, initially causing wobbliness and eventually hindlimb paralysis. It can affect a wide range of breeds. There is now a DNA test that can indicated if a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It causes very dry and crusty skin around the nose that predisposes to infections. There is a DNA test available to determine whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. HUU Genetic Test Hyperuricosuria HUU is a genetic disease that causes a build-up of uric acid in the urine, predisposing to painful bladder and kidney stones. It can occur in a range of breeds. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this disease. It results in the body rapidly overheating and is sometimes fatal. There is now a DNA test available to identify if a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Affected puppies are small and lack coordination. Within weeks, the puppies may have difficulty holding their head up or standing and may collapse after exertion. There is a DNA test available to identify whether a breeding dog might be carrying this condition. Narcolepsy Genetic Test Narcolepsy is a genetic disease which causes affected animals to fall asleep suddenly following periods of excitement, such a feeding or play. These dogs might collapse and appear drowsy or might completely fall asleep. They usually grow out of the condition after about one year of age. Affected dogs can experience lethargy, exercise intolerance and severe anaemia. There is a DNA available to identify whether a breeding dog is carrying this condition. Skeletal Dysplasia Genetic Test Skeletal Dysplasia is an inherited form of dwarfism which causes the leg bones to grow much shorter than is proportional for the body. Affected legs will be short and slightly bowed outwards. Often the forelimbs are more affected than the hindlimbs, which can make the condition more difficult to spot in subtle cases. We aim to breed healthy, attractive multipurpose dogs that are sound in temperament and body; and make loving family pets. We do not rush things at Sinodah. We only breed litters based on the right… Read more Why we got involved in breeding We first got into breeding because we wanted a puppy and being able to experience the process of breeding labradors. Our family adores labradors, and all of our dogs and pups are considered part of our family. Our special touch We breed multi-purpose dogs, with a good temperament, good with families and kids and with the best health outcomes. Being a vet, I ensure all of my dogs and pups are healthy and are meticulously tested and screened. Connect with us.

Sol's son, Darcy, lives in a guardian home. He is a lovely color with a lovely temperament. He recently passed his CGC test! My daughter with Friday. Welcome to Shyre Poodles! All our dogs are family pets and are a part of our everyday life. Puppies are raised inside and when old enough go on "field trips" around the house and backyard to expose them to new situations. When old enough they travel in the car to accustom them to travel and new environments. They are started on raw beef with probiotics and transitioned to a high quality food before going to their new homes. We follow Dr. Dodds vaccination protocol as closely as possible, using nomographs from each dam to tailor the vaccination timing. Petri received a best in show 2 and Friday a Best in Show in the first show. Petri lives with his co-owners Cynthia and George. Dodds vaccination protocol as closely as possible. We are a small poodle breeder about an hour outside Columbus, Ohio; at this time, we have around one to three litters a year. We try to only raise one litter at a time occasionally heats will make this impossible and they are raised indoors with us. All our dogs are house pets not "stock" and are part of our family— in fact they are like our children. We have mostly solid litters, but may have multicolored poodles from time to time. We have some who live in our home, and some live as " guardians " or with co-owners. Our first priority is our breeding dogs live excellent lives as pets. Our goal as poodle breeders is to produce high quality puppies that will make excellent family pets. We play with and closely observe temperament on our puppies. Our dogs are selected for good temperaments, structure and genetics; we are continually attempting to better our lines. Puppies will enjoy being part of family life and be familiar with children. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Ohio? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Ohio. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for Ohio Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Ohio? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Ohio? The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Ohio? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Ohio for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Ohio? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Ohio? It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! They are impressive as well. This breed is famous for its participation in many dog shows. They are the fashionistas of the dog world because of their iconic coats which come in different colors. This breed has won many best-in-show awards. However, behind the glam and spotlights, he is a very affectionate dog that loves to be around family, has an ancient history and is very talented. They are not just beautiful and pleasing to the eyes, they are very intelligent, highly trainable and impressively complete tasks assigned to them. Miniature poodles are petite and ooze luxury. They have all the qualities of a standard poodle but in a smaller form. They are however bigger than a toy poodle. Discover more about our Miniature Poodle puppies for sale below! Breed History Looking at the life of a miniature poodle today, the jewelry, the bright-colored coats and the luxury they live in, one may be shocked that these pooches used to accompany hunters many years ago. They were developed in Germany but developed into their own distinct breed in the country of France. They were developed especially for waterfowl hunting. They are believed to be a hybrid of different water dogs from Europe. They are believed to be a result of crosses between Spanish, Russian, Hungarian, Portuguese, French and German water dogs. There are also different theories that link its ancestry to different parts of the world like Africa and Asia. One thing however clear is that the Miniature Poodle is a very old breed. There are illustrations of this breed on Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs. Many believe Miniature Poodles came hundreds of years later after the Standard Poodles. Temperament They are intelligent, loyal, loving and mischievous. Poodle enthusiasts describe them as having an air of distinction. Miniature Poodles have a daffy streak and love to play. They can however often get leery with strangers. They are shy and if not socialized with new people and animals at an early age, will grow up a little laid back. The Miniature Poodle is very protective of his family and is quick to bark whenever strangers approach your home. They are highly trainable and have high energy. Environment Miniature Poodles require an environment of care and discipline. They can be raised in apartment homes because of their small stature. Exercise Early socialization is critical to their development. Without this, they will get scared easily and be aggressive at strangers. Take your Miniature Poodle for walks of about an hour. Play games of fetch with them, they love tasks that challenge them mentally. They were working dogs historically, so it is no wonder that they want something to occupy their bodies and minds. Grooming The Miniature Poodle is a safe choice for people with allergies. They are a non-shedding breed and they have been found to give allergic people no reaction at all. Their coat comes in several colors. Their colors include blue, black, white, gray, silver, brown, cream, etc. They are high maintenance dogs. Their beautiful coat can be trimmed, clipped, curled and generally manipulated into different lovely shapes. They require grooming every three to six weeks to keep their coat in good condition. They need to be bathed every three to six weeks. Poodles have weepy eyes and you will need to wipe the hair under their eyes often to get rid of this stain. Make sure you check their ear often to spot any developing infection for quick treatment. Our Miniature Poodle puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our Miniature Poodle puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Our pet counselors can answer any questions you have about our Miniature Poodle puppies. No, they are not. Miniature Poodles are smaller than standard poodles but are bigger than Toy poodles. Do Miniature Poodles shed? You do not have to worry about shedding with Miniature Poodles as they do not shed at all. Are Miniature Poodles a hypoallergenic breed? They are highly hypoallergenic. Studies show they are the easiest to live with for people with allergies. When should your Miniature Poodle be spayed? Vets recommend that they should be spayed between the ages of four to nine months. Are Miniature Poodles good with kids? Miniature Poodles are great with kids if trained to socialize with them at an early age. Their looks give them the advantage of being treated nicely by kids which creates a good relationship between them and kids. Are Miniature Poodle easy to train? Yes, they are one of the easiest breeds to train. What are Miniature Poodles average life expectancy? Miniature Poodles live for as long as 15 years. Can Miniature Poodles become overweight? Like any other dog breed, if overfed, Miniature Poodles will become overweight if overfed and encouraged to lounge around for hours. This will cause them to joint problems. How big are Miniature Poodles? Miniature Poodles stand between 11 to 15 inches tall and weigh 15 lbs. Are Miniature Poodles particularly liable for any disease? Miniature Poodles are generally healthy. Contact Us.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.