boxer puppies for sale vancouver

Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. She has beauty radiating off of her from every angle. Bonnie has gorgeous crystal blue captivating eyes that are beyond velveteen rare. Baby Bonnie is truly a once in lifetime German Shepherd. We frequently save Black German Shepherds. In fact every month we meet people who are looking specially for a Black German Shepherd Dog. To help someone adopt a Black German Shepherd we evaluate their temperament and then place them in a loving foster home. Every month we meet a family that is looking for this most beautiful of dogs. Probably the main reason we are involved in Black German Shepherd Adoption is that we love the breed. Over one hundred years later the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty, trainability and strength. With the right owners they are magnificent family dogs. They are active dogs that need attention and a consistent owner. If you do right by your German Shepherd you will rewarded with the loyalty of one of the most amazing dogs. Our team has saved thousands of dogs over many years. Like you, we love German Shepherds. We are proud that none of our dogs go to kennels and that we can place them all in loving foster homes before they go to their forever homes with their new family. However, we also have volunteers on the Peninsula and South Bay. By considering a Black German Shepherd Adoption you are saving a life. Sadly, there are some unscrupulous breeders causing many to be unwanted and abandoned and that is where we and you come in. Thank you for thinking about Black German Shepherd Adoption. We love it when a family does adopt a Black German Shepherds, they have a very distinctive look. Home German shepherds for sale The German Shepherd is a breed of medium to large-sized working dog that originated in Germany. Our main objective at Royal German Shepherd is to produce the best German Shepherd litters of puppies for sale in the world. Breeding top producing west German Sieger show Line German Shepherds is number one in producing quality German Shepherd puppies for sale. Being a German Shepherd dog breeder requires breeding high quality German Shepherds from some of the top rated German Shepherds in Germany. As a German Shepherd breeder of German Shepherd puppies for sale, we strive to be consistent with the quality of our German Shepherd puppies for sale which means breeding with top rated German Shepherd breeding stock of some of the best German Shepherds in the world. Breeding quality German Shepherd puppies is our passion and we are committed to offering our clients excellent German Shepherd puppies for sale with a dedication to increasing the quality of puppies with each selective breeding. Our German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale are excellent for families —good with children, adaptable to any environment. Our German Shepherd puppies have super character, rich black and red color and of course sound temperament. They are superior in health with parents being x-rayed with clear hips and elbows by the OFA or the SV. These German Shepherd litters of puppies for sale will make great companion dogs as well as excellent conformation, show and working dogs. Their inclination towards making their masters happy, their mental soundness and their high degree of intelligence have made this dog a successful working dog and masterpiece companion for their owners. As a German Shepherd breeder, we strive to breed German Shepherd puppies for sale that will have rich black and red color along with excellent temperament and structure. We also breed our German Shepherd dogs to produce puppies for sale that are good for sport and show and excellent with families. Our German Shepherds puppies for sale are intelligent and eager to please their owners. We specialize in German Shepherd litters of Puppies for sale for Family, companionship or working dosg and we can ship our German shepherd litters of puppies for sale and our German Shepherd adult dogs for sale worldwide. Royal German Shepherd is a highly regarded German Shepherd Breeder and has German shepherd litters for sale all throughout the year. We are the best select German Shepherd breeders producing German Shepherd litters for sale for family, show, or companion dogs. Focusing on super character, rich black and red shepherds. We are the premier, select German Shepherd breeder in North America, producing strong, sound, healthy German Shepherd Puppies for family, show, or companion dogs. Focusing on super character, rich black and red German Shepherd puppies for sale. We breed, import and ship world-wide. Many of our dogs and puppies are imported directly from Germany from west German Shepherds breeding stock. Pedigrees and Progeny photos are available for viewing for each stud dog and breeding female. All shepherd puppies are home raised and socialized. Temperament of our dogs and puppies are unmatched by any other breeders. We sell only top quality puppies and provide the best written warranty for all sales. Our goal is your satisfaction with your puppy or dog. We have usually have several litters available. Available German Shepherds. I have been a well respected and very successful German Shepherd breeder for more than 40 years. To be an excellent breeder takes a lot of knowledge and skill. Because of this, I am able to produce the very best quality and temperament for my German Shepherd puppy buyers. I want YOU to be happy, and I want my puppies to be happy and in forever homes. Most people that buy my German Shepherd puppies do so to because my dogs are very loving and loyal family dogs, but also have very well developed natural protective instincts to guard their home and family. Those are very lovely dogs, but as the saying goes, they will ask the burglar or attacker to please throw the ball for them once they are done with their dastardly deeds. Most people get a German Shepherd with the expectation that the dog will protect them…. They no longer have the needed protective instincts that made the German Shepherd famous in the first place. This way the breed maintains the character and protective traits that made the German Shepherd famous in the first place. I am very careful as to what dogs I include in my breeding program. I studied the German language in college so I could talk to the breeders directly each time I traveled to Germany to select new stud dogs and bloodlines to import back to my kennel. I carefully selected which dogs to add into the breeding program generation after generation using world famous working and show dogs, mostly from Germany. Some of my puppies have been from direct imports, and others have up to 9 generations of my selected breeding program behind them. I get very consistent results. That is when I simi-retired and moved to Kansas. No one has ever matched the accomplishments of my foundation sire Eros! I have many accomplishments with my dogs, all raised, trained and shown by me. I hope you will go to my About Us page and read more details about my experience and my dogs as I want you to feel confident that if you buy a German Shepherd puppy from me that you will be happy with your puppy. .The more you know about me and my dogs, the better choice you can make as to if you feel one of my German Shepherds will be the right dog for you. My German Shepherd puppies are well socialized and handled daily so they are very well bonded to people. This means they will adapt to your home and family easily once you take your puppy home. I make sure every one of my dog babies gets off to the best possible start! My puppies come with a written sales agreement and written health guarantee, as well as detailed Puppy Care information, and guidelines on how to teach your puppy proper manners. By following my guidelines, you will not have to put up with nipping, jumping up, etc. It is better to teach the puppy how to behave from the beginning so the puppy learns manners in the first few weeks. Sure, they are babies and will not be as well trained as an adult, but they will be well on the way to being a blessing to your home rather than a curse. I will share a story here. I retire me females from the breeding program while they are still young. Many of my girls go on to a second career as a service or therapy dog. Of course, Bristol was laying quietly and calmly on a loose leash next to me in the waiting office. We waiting to get her heath certificate so she could move to Hawaii to be a service dog there. I felt sorry for the owners of the dogs as well as the dogs. Life does not have to be like that. I owned and ran an all breed dog training school for over 25 years as well as running my German Shepherd breeding kennel. I told the Golden owner that it is training, not age that makes a well behaved dog. And yes, it is easier if you start with a puppy that is selectively bred to have a high desire to please and is highly intelligent like mine, but all dogs can learn polite manners. My guidelines will help you achieve that happy level of control where you will be able to take your dog with you anywhere and know it will be a pleasant experience for you both! Service Dog Bristol in her new home in Hawaii Please take some time and read some of the other pages on my site. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! I love to talk to dog lovers, and especially German Shepherd lovers! I post a lot! Haus Amberg Shepherds is a family-based kennel that breeds for the love and preservation of the German shepherd dog GSD. We offer show and working dogs, as well as family pets and service dogs from high-quality German bloodlines. Patrick, a military veteran, and his wife Alishia have spent years learning the proper methods to compassionately breed, preserve and train German shepherds. They believe it is of the utmost importance to uphold this standard and have spent countless hours to achieve and maintain a quality breeding program. Haus Amberg emphasizes proper care and upbringing of each of our puppies to ensure the correct development of personality and socialization. As breeders, they are happy to help you find a perfect new addition to your family. The best lines of German shepherds are located in Germany, bred under the SV. Owning a quality German shepherd makes a world of difference. Haus Amberg Shepherds can help you find what exactly you are looking for as they work with many local breeders and kennels here in Germany. Whether a family pet or top of the line German shepherd show dog, Haus Amberg is able to match you with the perfect dog. One of their priorities is to be sure that the personality and temperament of the dog matches its owner and what they are looking for in their German shepherd. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page!

We have been professional dog breeders since , starting with Labrador Retrievers then changing to English Creme Golden Retrievers before evolving into English Creme Goldendoodles, also known as Teddybear Goldendoodles. Being raised with our families ensures the puppies are highly socialized and exposed to different environments. This also allows us to interact and get to know the puppies individually. Please check out our website and get to know us and our dogs. About our breeding dogs: Our breeding dams and sires live in guardian homes with their owners. The dogs in our breeding program are the foundation of our success. We are very particular about their well-being and quality of life, which is why we require that they all be members of loving families. We make certain that they are bred at a standard and pace that does not overtax — the health of the pet always comes first. When the time of birth nears, each expectant mother comes to stay at our home so we can monitor the labor and delivery. We want the process to go as safely and smoothly as possible for both the mother and offspring. Afterward, the pups are raised with the dam and socialized with our family and children. Once all health checks have been passed and the puppies are ready for adoption, they are released to their pre-screened loving families. We are Cindy and Jeff Suit, and we strive to produce puppies with the very best temperaments and personalities, and the health and overall condition of our Goldendoodles are a top priority. All of our puppies come with a two-year health guarantee, have been vet-checked, have received their first shots and have been wormed on a regular basis. The care we take in breeding to create the best puppies is matched by the thorough socialization we give them after they are born. After more than two decades of producing exceptional puppies, our reputation speaks clearly about our breeding methods, the level of care we provide and, most importantly, the great love we have for these wonderfully sensitive and intelligent dogs. We take great care in matching you with the right puppy. So, if you would like more information about our puppies, please fill out the puppy application on our website. We will call you to discuss your preferences and our available litters. Available Goldendoodle Puppies The health, beauty and temperament of a Blue Ridge Goldendoodle puppy is second-to-none. This page features the stunning selection of pups we currently have available. Learn More Meet Our Dogs The secret to continually producing great puppies is to always use the very best breeding pairs. We carefully select our sires and dams for health, temperament, beauty, size and coat type. Visit this page to learn more about the exceptional dogs we use to create our second-to-none Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. They are up-to-date on shots and have been wormed regularly and thoroughly checked by our vet. We send a detailed vet record with every one. Each puppy also comes with a blanket or toy that was played with and rubbed on the mom and the siblings. This helps in the transition from our home to yours. We also test them for problems with the elbows and heart, check for patella luxation and make sure that their eyes are cleared for Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA , a degenerative vision disorder. In addition to these checks, our breeding dogs are DNA tested for a battery of genetic diseases. Blue Ridge Goldendoodles is a member and recommended breeder at Goldendoodles. About Goldendoodle Puppies Goldendoodles are the result of calculated crossbreeding between pedigreed Golden Retrievers and any of the three officially recognized Poodle varieties standard, miniature and toy. Exceptional breeders like Blue Ridge Goldendoodles are able to produce puppies with the best attributes of each lineage — physical beauty, loving and loyal personalities, high intelligence, a strong desire to please and a size range that suits apartment dwelling, farm living and everything in between. Their patience and gentle spirit make Goldendoodles especially good with small children. If acquiring a Goldendoodle is the right choice for you or your family, start by locating a top-quality breeder. All puppies should be examined and okayed, too. These exams are standard operating procedure at Blue Ridge Goldendoodle Puppies. No, all dogs shed a little, that is nature. There is low shedders and high shedders. A low shedder would have more texture of the poodle coat. Where as a high shedder would have the lab texture. Most Goldendoodles are low shedders. What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? Cindy Suit T What is the main difference between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles? The differences between Labradoodles and Goldendoodles depends mostly on the breeding stock chosen for the parents. With that being said, there really is no difference between our Goldendoodles and Labradoodles. Most people cannot tell the difference between the two breeds. Please feel free to look at my Doodle Hall of Fame and see if you can tell the difference. Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles easy to potty train? Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and motivated to please, this makes them outstanding pupils for housebreaking, crate training, learning tricks and more. What is the difference between and F1 and F1B? It depends what genes they inherit. What is an F2? Cindy Suit T What is an F2? In genetics, an F2 means a second generation cross, or a cross that is 2 generations away from the original parent breeds. There are 2 ways to get to the second generation. The second way is described above, as an F1B. So breeding an F1 Labradoodle or Goldendoodle back to a Poodle to get an F1B, is resulting in a second generation of the hybrid. Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles appropriate for apartment living? Yes, Goldendoodles are a very adaptable breed that can thrive in all residential settings. All they need is proper love and care from you to flourish. Plus, potential owners have the option of choosing a standard, mini, toy or teacup Goldendoodle based on the ideal size fit for their living conditions. While this is an impossible question to answer with any specificity, the average lifespan of a Goldendoodle is calculated to be between 10 and 15 years. Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Cindy Suit T Do Goldendoodles get attached to one person? Goldendoodles are extremely affectionate dogs who love to give and receive outward signs of love. They have the propensity to become more attached to one person, but their drive for attention prevents them from limiting their interactions in this way. To the dog, anyone willing to spend a few minutes giving a belly rub is worth an abundance of licking. Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Cindy Suit T Are Goldendoodles lap dogs? Whether your canine companion is a five-pound teacup or a pound standard, they will see themselves as equally small and act accordingly. If that sounds the least unpleasant, know that new owners quickly get used to having their entire laps swallowed and grow to love these times of bonding. Still have more questions about Goldendoodles? Check out our reference pages below:.

However, these numbers are not set in stone, as some pups do grow faster, and some a bit slower. From there on, their growth will slow down significantly. Around the time they are 18 to 24 months old, Boxers finish growing. Naturally, larger Boxers will reach their adult size later than Boxers on the lower end of the scale. However, all Boxers will continue to gain girth and fill up their chest cavities well over their first birthdays. If their paws look disproportionately big compared to the rest of their body, they still have some growing to do! Boxer is a medium to large sized breed with a boxy chest and muscular body. Full-grown female Boxers usually weigh around 50 to 65 pounds, and stand around .Male full-grown Boxers usually weigh more than females with an average of 65 to 80 pound body weight. They usually stand around 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Full-grown Boxers can weigh anywhere between 50 to 80 pounds, and stand around .We hope you found this Boxer size guide helpful in understanding the sizes and growth patterns of Boxers. After all, knowing the estimated adult size of your Boxer puppy will provide you a better understanding of what type of living conditions you can provide them. After all, what every dog owner wants is for their furry little companion to thrive and live the best life possible! As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds.

Breeders first crossed a Chow Chow with a German Shepherd to create a superior breed that would be an excellent herding dog and a loveable companion without the various health issues for which the parent breeds are well-known. Said to be one of the oldest dog breeds still alive today, Chow Chows were used in hunting in ancient China. One Chinese Emperor was alleged to have kept more than 5, of these dogs! Queen Victoria also loved Chow Chows, even carrying her beloved bet with her wherever she went. While Chow Chows serve their role as guard dog well, they are not overly aggressive, and in fact, their personalities are quite similar to that of a cat. Fiercely independent, the Chow Chow is quite happy to be left to do his own thing. However, this reserved and smart temperament can also make this breed quite stubborn. These adorably fully dogs are one of the few breeds in the world to have a blue tongue. The military captain used various local breeds to create the ultimate smart, fit dog that would excel at herding and be exceptionally driven. Rescued during World War Two, this survivor went on to star in a number of silent films in the s. Due to their intelligent and protective nature, German Shepherds still perform working roles today, and you will often find these dogs serving in military and police forces. Here they are used as guard dogs, searching and rescuing, as sentries, drug detection, or as messengers. Their watchful, vigilant nature can make this breed a bit wary of strangers. What does a German Shepherd Chow mix look like? The beautiful and graceful Chow Shepherd has the face of a German Shepherd with a long muzzle. The ears stand up like a German Shepherd, before flopping down at the top. The tail curves up and round, like that of the Chow Chow. Want to know what this breed will look like? The German Shepherd Chow mix will be a medium- to large dog, standing 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66cm tall and weighing between 45 and 90 pounds 20 and 41 kg. However, some dogs of this cross can even reach a weight of 95 pounds 43 kg! With this mix breed being a relatively new breed of dog, you may find Chow Shepherds bigger or smaller than this. Due to their average size, the Chow Chow Shepherd will require a big home with a large yard, although they can adapt to smaller homes if they are provided with enough daily exercise. At night, these dogs will want to be indoors with their family. Their coat colors mainly come in black, dark and light brown, gray, red, fawn, and cream. Some can have white, tan, and blue fur. Temperament: Is a German Shepherd Chow mix aggressive? The playful nature of the German Chow makes them the right choice for families with older children, and while not aggressive, they might not be as tolerant of rough play from young kids. They also will become bored and destructive if left alone by themselves for too long and can suffer from separation anxiety. This protective breed will also watch over its family and are wary of strangers, without being overly noisy. While this can lead to them being aloof with new people, the German Shepherd Chow mix will get along famously with other people, children, and dogs alike with the proper socialization. New dog owners may struggle to tame their independent steak. Still, experienced dog owners will find a loveable, hard-working pet whose stubborn nature is a quirky part of their personality. This makes the intelligent Chow Shepherd both an excellent guard dog and a fantastic family pet. Caring for the Chow Shepherd Chow Shepherds have double coats that help keep them warm in colder temperatures and cool in hotter weather, making this dog a good choice for extreme climates. It is not all easy going though when it comes to caring for the German Shepherd chow mix. This breed does have some specific requirements when it comes to exercise, grooming, and feeding. They will want space where they can play and enjoy doing daily activities with energetic owners. This dog will require at least one hour of exercise daily with hiking and strenuous walks highly recommended. It will take quite a bit of exercise to tire out the Chow Shepherd, so alongside your daily walks, jogs, and hikes, you will also want to plan some visits to the dog park, a game of fetch, or tug of war. Do Chow German Shepherd mix dogs shed? The German Shepherd Chow mix is not a great choice of pet for anyone prone to allergies as these dogs are heavy shedders. They are the cross of two-parent breeds known to shed, and as a result, the grooming needs of the Shepherd Chow are relatively high. Also, be prepared to vacuum your house regularly. When brushing your dog daily, also check their ears for pests and debris and wipe them clean. You can trim the nails of your dog twice a month. These dogs do have healthy nails that can grow very long if left unattended. Bathing, on the other hand, is only necessary when needed and should be done using a dog shampoo that is specifically formulated for long coats. Feeding the German Shepherd Chow mix You should feed your Chow Shepherd a diet of high-quality dry dog food specially designed for medium to large-sized dogs with lots of energy. Three to four cups of kibble can be split over two meals; however, you may find that just one feeding a day is sufficient for your dog. Be sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit the number of treats you give to your German Shepherd Chow mix. You may also want to consider providing your dog with supplements that help alleviate joint diseases common in this breed. This includes fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin. How long do German Shepherd Chow mixes live? The average lifespan of a German Chow is between 9 and 15 years. With that life expectancy, we can say that this crossbreed is generally healthy. These ailments include Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, which affects the joints, Entropion, which causes a variety of eye problems, and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or Bloat, which causes stomach pain and issues with digestion. Also, the German Shepherd Chow mix may be prone to allergies. Other costs, such as treats, toys, training, collar, leash, and bed, etc. German Shepherd Chow mix breeders and rescues While you may struggle to find a particular breeder for a Chow German Shepherd mix puppy, you can try checking your local shelter or rescue center to look for any Shepherd Chows in need of a loving home. You may also be lucky enough to find this crossbreed at a breed-specific German Shepherd or Chow Chow rescue. These dogs are eager to learn and easy to train. Does the German Shepherd Chow mix make a good family dog? Always ready to play, these dogs are great for active families. However, they need proper training to prevent aggression and may not be as tolerant around small kids. Is the German Shepherd Chow mix right for me? If you are active, have lots of time to dedicate to your dog, and a house with space for them to roam, this dog may be the perfect fit! Should you get a German Shepherd Chow mix? The Chow Shepherd will need to be trained and socialized correctly to ensure they interact nicely with other pets and children. Do you have a Chow Chow Shepherd mix? Let us know in the comments below. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Chow Shepherd Highlights Chow Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Chow Shepherds are fawn, cream, gray, red, brown, and black. They generally have a beautiful blend of two or more colors. Chow Shepherds will most likely have long, dense coats and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. Regular daily brushing and extra brushing during shedding season with a de-shedding brush may be needed. Chow Shepherds have high energy levels. One hour daily of rigorous exercise is a good starting point. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. The Chow Shepherd makes a great addition to a big family with older kids who know how to play nicely with dogs. This pup will not tolerate rough play from small kids. Chow Shepherds are highly trainable and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods, as they can get separation anxiety easily Chow Shepherd History The Chow Shepherd mixed breed may have existed naturally over the years, however breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate herding and companion dog. They continued to create Chow Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. To better understand the Chow Shepherd, you may wish to learn about the history of their parents: the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd Dog. Chow Chows are one of the oldest breeds, believed to have originated in Mongolia China. One Emperor was said to have kept 2, pairs of Chow Chows for hunting expeditions. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating breed you can read more about Chow Chows. German Shepherds are a herding dog from Germany. One military captain, Max Von Stephanitz had a favorite pastime, which was breeding and developing the ultimate German herding dog. After retiring from the military, he did just that, and the German Shepherd Dog we see today is the result. Learn all about German Shepherd Dogs. Even though Chow Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Chow Shepherd rescues, or check with breed specific German Shepherd and Chow Chow rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd Dog and Chow Chow parents, you can expect the Chow Shepherd to be in the medium to large category. Most weigh in at 45 to 90 pounds and range in height from 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. With them being so new, many can be smaller or larger than average. Chow Shepherd Personality Chow Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Chow Chow parents have jobs as guard dogs. Chow Shepherds like to be active and get lots of attention and praise from their human. They are highly trainable and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods, as they can get separation anxiety easily, which can lead to depression and frustration. This can result in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and destruction around the home. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by environmental factors, such as rapid growth from a high-calorie diet or injuries incurred from jumping or falling on slick floors. Entropion causes the eyelid to roll inward, irritating or injuring the eyeball. One or both eyes can be affected. If your Chow Chow has entropion, you may notice them rubbing at their eyes. The condition can be corrected surgically. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat , this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Golden Retrievers , especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to get rid the excess air in their stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trimming their nails twice a month is strongly recommended. These pups have thick strong nails that can get out of control very easily if neglected. One major concern when it comes to your Chow Shepherd care will be maintaining their oral health. Brushing their teeth three times a week should help prevent any major problems. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Chow Shepherd Feeding An ideal Chow Shepherd diet should be formulated for a medium to large sized breed with high energy. You should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. One single feeding per day may be recommended, though it will really depend on your dog. As with all dogs, the Chow Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Chow Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. Chow Shepherds will most likely have a long, dense coat and are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. Chow Sheps descend from two heavy shedding parents. Their coats will require much care. Baths are required only as needed. With these heavy shedding pups, extra vacuuming is recommended. You may benefit from a robovac for day-to-day cleanup. Chow Shepherds have double coats that give them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. This dog would have been a great training partner for Rocky in Rocky IV when he went to train in Siberia! Keep in mind they are indoor dogs and need to live indoors with their families. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Chow Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Chow Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Chow Chow or German Shepherd Dog breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. These dogs can be challenging for novice owners, and ownership may be best suited for those with more experience. If you do decide to bring one of these dogs home, be sure that you have the time necessary to devote to their training. You may also want to budget funds for a professional trainer, just in case you have trouble achieving the desired results on your own. If you own one of these dogs, as they often suffer allergic reactions to flea bites. The symptoms of such a reaction include a rash, excessive scratching, blisters, bleeding sores, and pus discharge. You should brush them with a flea brush regularly, as well as use a medication that kills fleas in every stage of their life cycle. They have strong independent streaks and often come to you for affection on their terms. This is great if you enjoy your space, but it provides something other than the traditional dog ownership experience. This can include digging their way out, wriggling through loose boards, or even jumping the fence entirely. They can quickly figure out what you want them to do, as well as how to get you to do what they want you to do. This means they take to training well and require as much mental stimulation as physical. Chow Shepherds are loyal and loving toward their families and would do anything to protect them. However, that instinct can sometimes cause them to be standoffish or worse toward strangers. While this makes them excellent guard dogs, it can make having visitors over a dicey proposition. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They can get rambunctious while playing as well, which may make them dangerous around elderly family members. This can make them quite popular with older kids, though. They generally tend to ignore them. Before you take the plunge, there are a few important things you should consider. We recommend feeding them a high-protein diet to ensure they have all the energy they need. This should also help to stave off obesity although portion control is your best bet there. Keeping their weight at manageable levels is important, as the breed tends to suffer from joint issues later in life. Walks are necessary but not sufficient, and you should work in other training as well. Obedience work is a good idea, as is agility training. Chows can be standoffish and even aggressive toward strangers, so you must socialize your Chow Shepherd puppy as early and often as possible. These dogs shed constantly. They have thick, dense coats with heavy undercoats, so while their shedding is bad during the winter, it becomes nearly unbearable in the summer. You should brush their teeth several times a week and trim their nails as needed. Be sure to clean out their ears regularly as well, as they can be prone to ear infections. They often inherit the swayed back that German Shepherds are known for, and this can lead to joint and spine problems down the line. Beyond that, here are a few other things to watch out for: Minor Conditions. The dog requires some outdoor space to loosen up when bored. Not only does the dog typically captures the bodily appearance of a Chow Chow, but also has a curved tail that is unlike the tail of a German Shepherd. The dog is also seen to inherit the long muzzle of the German Shepherd parent dog side along with a black accent on its face and pointy ears. This makes the German Shepherd Chow mix resemble the facial appearance of a bear or a lion. This dog is a quick learner, making it easily trainable even as a puppy. Part of its personality that you should try to address while training your dog is its stubbornness which originates from the nature of its Chow Chow parent dog side. Obedience training should be your initial and primary training method on the dog. Unlike the stubbornness of a Chow Chow, the German Shepherd Chow mix find great pleasure in exhausting itself with constant play time and attention by its owner. Without any form or source of mental or physical stimulation, the dog can easily become bored and may end up acting more aggressively or destructively to release its restrained tensions. The dog is prone to chasing things that run by it, so make sure it is always kept on a leash once the dog is taken for a walk or any other outdoor activity. German Shepherd Mixed with Chow Chow Puppies for Sale Before buying a German Shepherd Chow puppy, you need to consider your budget and the costs involved after paying for its ownership. About more than a thousand dollars is required for purchasing the puppy and providing it with medicines and vaccinations. The typical price of a German Shepherd and Chow Chow offspring range from two hundred and fifty dollars to seven hundred and fifty dollars. The best way of looking for this puppy is by checking out dog breeders who specialize in breeding German Shepherd Chow offspring. Besides crossing out possible health issues from parent dogs, your other concern when looking for quality breeders is the price of their puppies. Another budget-friendly method is by looking at adoption centers or German Shepherd Chow mix breeders who are open to adoption. An excellent and responsible dog breeder is someone who makes as many background checks on the buyer as possible. Below are some adoption sites and dog centers to get a German Shepherd Chow puppy: Petcurious. You could also attend professional dog shows, contact or join dog clubs, or talk with a veterinarian who may know or refer a German Shepherd Chow mix breeder to you. Since the dog would appear like its Chow Chow parent dog, its long hair can result in excessive shedding. Having a vacuum around can help you clean up the mess in your surroundings. You should shampoo the dog only when necessary such as flea or skin problems or in cases when it starts to smell unpleasing using shampoo products made for long coats Chow Chows. This dog shampoo is formulated with a Sweet Pea Vanilla scent for a more pleasing smell on the dog. It is also specifically designed for Chow Chow coats and is hypoallergenic. This dog shampoo is a good alternative for skin allergies and infections. It contains Bentonite clay which helps in alleviating itchiness, dry skin, and hot spots. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. Also formulated as a moisturizer, this dog shampoo includes Aloe Vera extracts. Do not forget about maintaining the nails of the dog. Just like many dogs, the German Shepherd Chow mix also needs its nails trimmed once in a while using specialized nail clippers for dogs. This is a genetic illness that is common to many dogs in general. In other cases, obesity and improper nutrition and diet can contribute to the development of hip dysplasia as well. The hip joints of the dog slowly deteriorate and could result in skeletal malformation. Flea Allergy. Irritation can occur once ticks or fleas get into the coat of your dog. The long coat of the German Shepherd Chow mix can provide the perfect and warm atmosphere for the pests to breed and feed for their eggs. Scientifically termed as gastric dilatation and volvulus or GDV, bloat is the result of gas filling up in the stomach. As the stomach expanses, the diaphragm and blood vessels get squished and could cause breathing and heart problems to the dog. Eye Problems. Pannus or chronic superficial keratitis is a common eye problem with the German Shepherd breed. When it is left untreated, the dog may experience blindness. It is usually common for the dog at its middle to the old age of seven to nine years and above. Heart Problems. Vital signs that you should be wary of are breathing problems, behavioral changes, weight and diet changes, abdomen swelling, and weakness. There are several reasons for the dog to catch a heart problem but being aware of the signs and symptoms should help in treating it as soon as possible. The German Shepherd Chow mix does not necessarily have any health issues or illnesses that were specifically pointed out. Nevertheless, the sicknesses and health problems that were mentioned above can still be passed on to the offspring derived from the genes of both parent dogs. Healthy supplements including chondroitin, fish oil or omega three acids and glucosamine should help in preventing or reducing hip dysplasia problems. According to the American Feed Control Officials, a German Shepherd Chow mix puppy should eat protein at about twenty-two percent, while an adult German Shepherd Chow should consume only eighteen percent of protein. Protein from whole meats including beef, fish, and chicken are recommended in its diet. It features the following ingredients: salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, pea derivatives, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and parsley. It is made grain-free and packed with protein. Ingredients are as follows: duck, chicken meal, turkey meal, whitefish meal, egg protein, peas and chickpeas, sesame oil, and almond oil. It is another grain-free dog food with a hundred percent satisfaction guarantee. This dog food contains a variety of animal protein and healthy fat sources. Ingredients include salmon, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, lamb meal, chickpeas, split peas, dried potatoes, and sunflower oil. It is a unique-tasting and premium dog food made of real beef, dried whole eggs, pork meat meal, beef liver, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, salmon oil, cauliflower, apples, green beans, carrots, blueberries, and other sources of antioxidants. This dog food is full of nutrients and proteins without containing wheat sources. The ingredients include turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, chicken fats, chicken liver, salmon oil, peas, and potatoes. Feeding your German Shepherd Chow mix should have a balanced diet just like any other dog. You should consult with your veterinarian about these dog foods and devise a holistic dietary plan. Too much protein is too much calorie for the dog and may result in too much weight. If you want to obtain the best food for your sweetheart, this is a place to start. Senior dogs have specific nutritional requirements and you should search for their food in the best senior dry dog list. In case you have welcomed a puppy into your home and the little munchkin is just getting used to a regular diet, take a look at the list of the best puppy food brands. Your sweetheart comes from two different parents, which makes your pups more likely to grow to love dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. The same is expected from its offspring too. Hence, the German Shepherd Chow needs a daily dose of mental and physical stimulation to stay on the right track of things. Aside from doing activities with the dog including running, hiking, jogging and cycling, training is also another way of stimulating since German Shepherd Chows enjoy pleasing their owners. Below are some activities that you should do with the dog: Swimming. Swimming is not only an exciting activity for both the dog and its owner, but it also burns a lot of fuel or energy from the dog. The German Shepherd Chow mix is a friendly dog to people, but it is equally essential for it to recognize other dogs and behave in the same manner towards them too. Dogs, in general, are curious animals, and you can keep their curiosity in check by teaching it how to be around and respect other dogs. The dog will eventually learn new social skills. Scenting or Tracking Games. The German Shepherd parent dog side of the German Shepherd Chow mix was tracking dogs that loved to hunt things. Some games include finding the treat, hide and seek, and find the toy. Obedience Training. There are many ways to train your dog, but it all boils down to giving it commands and following your orders. Any form of training should keep the dog mentally and physically engaged and exhausted too. The Chow Chow parent dog side of the dog is known to be independent due to its stubborn nature and may choose not to obey you when you tell it to do something. Here are some training methods that you could apply to the dog: Puppy Training. The most important part of training the dog as a puppy is giving it your time and company. This should teach your dog the value of your bond with it and will soon acknowledge you as its alpha. Let it play with toys that you give so that it learns that being with you is a rewarding experience. Positive Reinforcement. Rewarding your dog while teaching it commands can come a long way to its relationship with you. You give your dog a reward such as a treat or a toy whenever it successfully responds to your command but gives it nothing until it learns how to react correctly to your call. A German Shepherd Chow mix needs to be taught how to socialize and behave properly around both humans and animals. If the dog would live in a home with children, it should be exposed to them as early as possible so that the dog learns how to tolerate your kids and feel more comfortable around them. They are playful towards any member of the family and is also easy for anyone to get along with as long as the person is introduced to the dog properly and not spontaneously. It is generally a peaceful dog that barks less unless provoked or neglected of attention. Some traits that make German Shepherd Chows great family pets are loyalty, protectiveness, and loving. It is also a perfect watchdog because the dog when faced with a stranger or someone not belonging with the family, becomes wary and can show intimidation as a warning sign to potential intruders. This is not just an energetic dog, but it is also a larger dog breed in size. In terms of lifestyle, the dog does very well with owners who are also active outdoors. The family does not necessarily need to have an energetic attitude towards the dog since it can be stubborn too, but owners should set daily activities that include the dog in their routine. Overall, the German Shepherd Chow mix is an excellent dog breed and family pet to own. With the parents of two dog breeds that are geographically far apart, a combination of the German Shepherd and the Chow Chow seals the deal. Sheprachow Description The Chow Shepherd is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Chow Chow and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Louie the Chow Shepherd as a puppy at 3 months old with his toy. She also has a purple spotted tongue you can't see. I adopted her when she was a year old. She is a wonderful dog. She is very loyal to me. If I ran through fire she would do it to. She loves my family as well but when she sees me its like she hasn't seen me in forever. She is highly intelligent. I can tell her to stay and not to run the street without her moving till I say come. She will play fetch but only for a bit. When she hears a noise from over the fence she waits to see what I will do. If I say no she will do nothing and if I say, "Lilly whats that? She prefers to follow me then anyone else. She is not an aggressive dog but rather a defensive dog. I have known her to mistreat a sign and snap, but not to bite, to warn. She will happily curl up in my pillow but when I start crawling in bed she gets out and on the floor into her bed. When she is out side alone she will never bark unless someone is over the fence but if I yell her name once she will stop barking. She never barks in the house. Unless she is in my room and hears a different voice in the house but I can either say stop or let her out to run to the stranger just to smell but she really could care less about the person. She hates being smothered by strangers only my family and I and a couple friends. She hates when strangers stand close behind her. She doesn't mind dogs as long as they are smaller then her. She hates when a dog is over the fence. A Boxer came on our property once and she attacked it. I broke it up very fast I am aware of the danger, I am a vet tech. She follows me everywhere. She loves my family but when I'm there she will only listen to me. I don't walk her on a leash because she will follow me anywhere. She will run back and forth barking and growling. And doesn't like strangers coming in the back yard. Learned that the hard way with the gardeners. We have a game I chase her and she maneuvers around the trees but I stop and run she will run and bite my hands or shorts or shirts and bark and growl but if I turn around and chase her she will freak and run then crouch and let off a good bark, but once I say Lilly no more she will immediately stop and come to me so I can kiss her. When I feed her I put the food in front of her but she will not eat until she sits and I shake her paw. She will drop a treat out of her mouth if I tell her to. She is very loyal to me, she knows I love her and I adopted her. She was probably 2 years old at that time so I am guessing she is around 13 now. She was very energetic, smart, wouldn't eat from her bowl until given permission, loved being with my grandchildren and me always. Her worst habit as I discovered early on was being aggressive to other dogs which probably was a result from her long term confinement at the pound. Now at her age she is arthritic and moves pretty slow.I feed her an excellent diet and walk her twice daily to maintain muscle and keep her mobile. We are bonded as much as any human and dog could ever be in this life. She is the best and I pray every day that I can be the person she thinks I am. This energetic hybrid dog breed is becoming increasingly popular. The Chow Chow German Shepherd is a designer breed. To create a new breed, it was bred from two different pedigrees. Designer dogs are more robust and healthier than their parent breeds. But, poor breeding can have the opposite effect and magnify any existing health problems. Before you buy or adopt a Chow Shepherd, make sure to do extensive research. Type of coat: Thick, dense coat lengths may vary. Shedding: Moderate to heavy with seasonal shedding Lifespan: Approx years Variations in Color: Tan, brown, chocolate, black, silvery grey, and red colors and patterns may favor one parent breed. Notable Features: Large ears and tufts, with ruffled fur around their necks may vary depending upon each dog , thick coat, and a face that resembles a German Shepherd Daily exercise: High exercise requirements, many hours of intense exercise daily Daily Food: You should eat one to two meals of kibble per day for medium-large dogs the recommended amounts will be in your dog food packet. A Chow Chow was first crossed with a German Shepherd by breeders to create a superior breed that could be a great herding dog and a loving companion. Chow Chows are the oldest dog breed. They were used for hunting in ancient China. According to some reports, a Chinese Emperor kept over 5, of these dogs. Queen Victoria loved Chow Chows and even took her beloved bet everywhere she went. German Shepherds are still working dogs today because of their intelligent and protective nature. You will often see them serving in the military and police forces. They are used here as guard dogs, search and rescue, sentries, drug detectors, or messengers. This breed can be a little wary of strangers due to their vigilant and watchful nature. The graceful and beautiful Chow Shepherd is a German Shepherd-like face with a long muzzle. The tail curves upwards and around, much like the Chow Chow. Because they are a cross between two parent breeds that shed, their grooming requirements are high. Daily brushing with a de-shedding tool is necessary for your German Shepherd Chow mix. If the seasons change, you should do it more often as he will shed more. You should also be ready to vacuum your home regularly. Dogs with healthy nails can grow very long if they are not taken care of. Chow Shepherds are loyal to their families and cautious of strangers. Chow Shepherds are similar to German shepherds and can be trained to guard their family members. They also have less separation anxiety than traditional Chow Chows. Chow Shepherds are stubborn, however. Chow Shepherds are intelligent and can make training challenging. Chow Shepherds can sense inconsistency and uncertainty in a trainer and will react accordingly. Chow Shepherds can be socialized with other pets, but it takes effort. Chow Shepherds may not be the right choice for families with small children and pets. Chow Shepherds need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Chow Shepherds are very social and love attention. They can be irritable if left alone. They may chew on and destroy furniture or cause damage to it while their owners are away. Purebred dogs are more expensive than mixed breeds. Shepherd Chow mixes can be slightly more expensive than other popular breeds but have had problems with dangerous breeders. Many puppy mills used unsafe breeding methods to produce the Shepherd Chow mix when it first became popular. These puppies were often sick or abandoned at the pound. Although price is not everything, it can be a good indicator that your puppy will likely suffer more from a lower price. However, it is important to do your research and get the license of the breeder before you buy from them. They can be socialized from a young age and will do well. However, it is better to have one of these breeds in your home to teach your children how to respect animals. They will get along well with teens and tweens and love to play together all day. Keep your Shepherd Chow mix on a schedule and keep them from eating too many treats. Usually, they will need only one or two meals per day. Ask your veterinarian what you should feed them each day. Grooming Needs Chow Shepherds require regular grooming due to their dense, thick coats. It is recommended that you brush your Chow Shepherd at least twice a week. Your Chow Shepherd will require more frequent brushing during shedding season. Chow Shepherds should not be used if you have allergies. After bathing your Chow Shepherd, dry it thoroughly. Chow Shepherds love playing in the snow and it keeps them cool in winter. Exercise Needs Chow Shepherds require a lot of exercise. Your dog will be happy and healthy if you give them at least one hour of intense exercise each day. Chow Shepherds are often unable to be left alone so make sure they have access to a safe area. For a Chow Shepherd to stay energized and healthy, running, hiking, and playing fetch and throw are all great options. Other German Shepherd Mixes. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. German Shepherd Chow Mix Puppies A post shared by Karrisa Cardenas karrisamarieofficial The biggest thing that stands out to most people who bring a Shepherd Chow mix home is their energy levels. These new designer dogs have a lot of energy they need to expel, and they have to have a stern trainer. With lots of positive reinforcement and patience, this dog will become well-behaved and social. As medium-sized dogs, this breed has a good lifespan that usually lasts years. They do have a few standard health issues that you should consider before buying one, but overall, they are in good health when they get plenty of exercise. This could get them into a bit of trouble if they feel bored or neglected. Shepherd Chow mixes have to have a lot of stimulation both mentally and physically. Despite having a stubborn side, they will protect you at all costs. Are These Dogs Good for Families? If they are socialized at a young age, they do fine, but it is better to bring one of these breeds into your family when you can teach your kids how to respect animals and give them personal space when they need it. A post shared by Rusty and Duke rusty. They have a lot of demands that must be met in order for them to be happy and act accordingly. Always stick to a regular feeding schedule and limit their treats when possible. One or two feedings every day should usually suffice. One hour of daily, vigorous exercise is only a starting point for this dog. Ideally, Shepherd Chow breeds should go on long adventures like hiking or running every day to get as much energy out as possible. This helps with behavioral issues at home and keeps them fit and mentally stimulated. Because they are sometimes stubborn, you have to be consistent with your demands and offer them a lot of positive reinforcement. Brush these dogs two or three times a week and bathe them about once per month. Check their ears for debris or pests every day and keep their nails trimmed. This breed has nails that are strong and grow fast, so trimming them twice a month usually suffices. Shepherd chow mixes have to have their oral care maintained as well. Brush their dirty teeth at least once a week to avoid any major issues. Most are generally healthy, but they benefit from regular checkups at the vet. Minor Conditions.

She loves her humans and is always ready to greet them with a big smile and some tail wags. Marigold was found in a rural area along with 4 of her puppies back during an ice storm. Since she has been in her foster home, she has really bloomed! She is a smart girl and learned the doggy door quickly from her furry foster siblings. New situations can still be a little scary for her. To submit an application, please go to www. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs in shelters, dogs in abusive or neglectful situations, and dogs surrendered by their owners because of difficult circumstances. We place dogs in loving, responsible, committed permanent homes, following a comprehensive adoption process, which includes taking considerable care in finding good matches and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a dog into their homes and lives. Dogs in our care are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment, and placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement in their permanent homes. We assist dogs in distress without regard to age, breed or ease of placement. Dogs in the greatest need take priority. Finally, we strive to work with shelters and other rescue and humane organizations to develop a network of supporters and volunteers in order to create a better world for homeless dogs. Contact us to come visit and select yours. We had seven golden retriever puppies born August 17, ready to go home October .Four females and three males that look like fat little teddy bears. These are perfect dogs for single adults, families, children, outdoor activities, water play, and waterfowl retrieving, appearing and behaving exactly as the breed standard. They are happy, playful, and easy to train. They make great service dogs. These puppies will be large dogs because they had larger than normal parents, uncles, and aunts. They are from a mix of American and English Cream Golden retrievers so they have high genetic diversity as well as stunning looks and easy going personalities. Males will reach pounds. Females will reach pounds. They love outdoor activity, fetching, and swimming. They need to be in water to cool off after outdoor time during hot months. Indoors, they love to lounge, watch TV, and be your constant companion. They will do anything for a treat. We have a range of colors from champagne to darker golden. Reserve yours soon because they won't last long. Items Included: Dewclaws removed, current vaccination, dewormed, ID chip implant, basic training, and care package. Satisfaction guaranteed.

A low-calorie diet is enough for an older dog, but it should still be full of nutrients. Moderate protein and fat content are still needed. Typically, Golden Retriever puppies need to be fed at least three times daily. Meanwhile, adult and senior Golden Retrievers are satisfied with two meals per day. A Golden Retriever puppy should be fed three times a day at scheduled intervals until it reaches six months. You may divide the three meals into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When your Golden Retriever puppy turns six months, you can begin feeding it twice a day until it reaches adulthood. For adult Golden Retrievers, the most ideal feeding schedule will be twice a day with equally spaced meals. You can give it high-quality food in the morning and evening. The same goes for senior dogs but with fewer calories. For an easier routine, you can create a customized feeding plan based on your daily schedule or commitments. A proper routine also prevents under and overfeeding. As Golden Retrievers have a ravenous appetite, you might be tempted to feed your dog often. But you should be firm and watchful to avoid any weight-related problems. Here, we provided the optimal feeding times you can follow for your Golden Retriever: 2 to 6 months: am — am, pm, pm 7 months to 8 years and above: am — am, pm — pm Ideally, you should not feed your Golden Retriever puppy after pm. Instead, give your pup an ice cube to chew on when it gets thirsty. Your Golden Retriever puppy should also be fed in the same area daily without distractions. This way, your young puppy can focus on eating its puppy food. Allot around 20 to 30 minutes for your Golden puppy to finish its meal. Remember that some Golden Retrievers like to gorge on more food while some are finicky. Keep your pooch lean with the right feeding schedule, feeding amounts, and proper physical activity. You can also consult your vet for more insights. You may give your pooch kibbles or cold-pressed dog food. Both are packed with necessary ingredients that are filled with nutrients! It can be a bit costly, but wet dog food is still a better choice for Golden Retrievers that are picky eaters and for senior Golden Retrievers, too. You may either mix them or alternate the two at every meal. Just make sure that when you take this approach, your pooch is getting the right food with proper calorie and nutrition requirements. Complete Raw Diet: Feeding your Golden Retriever raw food should be fine after it turns three to four weeks. However, feeding dogs with this option is linked to many food safety concerns. Meanwhile, freeze-dried dog food is also a raw food that has been repacked. Both have no preservatives added and are easy to store with long shelf lives. When choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, you should take into account the ingredients, nutrient details, and feeding instructions as well. Based on the general guidelines, the nutrients you should be looking for besides meat products or animal protein and fats are high-quality grains such as brown rice. Fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals are also vital. This can be ideal for dogs that are sensitive to different types of grain. But grain-free food has been controversial due to its link with heart disease. Your vet can also help you personalize a diet plan for your dog. Curious to see what a homemade meal looks like for Golden Retrievers? Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are known for their strong appetite, and on top of this, they are also curious. Several foods are toxic to Golden Retrievers, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, walnuts, and macadamia nuts. Alcoholic drinks and foods that contain xylitol are also dangerous for your dog. Even a tiny amount of alcohol can cause severe issues to your dog, such as vomiting, and diarrhea, among others. Meanwhile, xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is also unsafe for your pooch. If your Golden Retriever consumes too much xylitol, it can result in a dangerously low blood sugar level and even acute liver failure. This substance is usually found in sweet candies, gums, cookies, and the like, so make sure that you check what treats you give your dog. Read food labels or buy organic brands instead. Other vegetables that are harmful to your Golden Retriever are Brussel sprouts, kale, and wild mushrooms. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. Meanwhile, cherries contain cyanide which can be extremely harmful to your dog. You may also consult your vet to check the safety of specific foods, especially if your pooch has allergies or sensitivities. These gradual transitions typically occur over 5 to 7 days. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. Golden Retrievers are very food motivated. If your puppy seems to be getting fat, you may need to switch to the lower end of the above recommendations. Alternatively, if their ribs are becoming too prominent, you should work to the upper ends of the guidelines. Golden Retriever puppies have much smaller stomachs than adults. This means their daily food allowance should be split into smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than just feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening, as you might plan to do eventually, their food will need to be split into 3 or even 4 portions, like so: 8 — 12 weeks: 4 meals a day 3 — 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 — 12 months: 2 meals a day However, like the feeding charts, this should only be used as a guide. Feeding too much food at once can lead to cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort for your puppy. How to Choose the Best Golden Retriever Puppy Food Puppies need a balance of certain nutrients and vitamins to support their growth — not just as much food as possible. In fact, simply giving as much food as possible is linked to certain joint-related health problems. So, when searching for a high quality puppy food, there are a few key ingredients you might want to search for. This includes a real meat source, and the correct amount of nutrients like calcium and iron. Commercial Food vs Homemade Food There are pros and cons to every type of puppy food available. Dry food is long-lasting and easy to use during training, but can contain filler ingredients. Wet food is palatable and easy to serve, but can be more expensive and harder to use during training. Homemade food is often very appealing in terms of taste for our dogs, but is the most likely type to contain nutritional imbalances that can lead to serious health problems. So, they will continue to grow and develop physically until somewhere between 12 and 18 months. You may want to transition your puppy to a new food when you bring them home, rather than whatever your breeder was giving them. Ideally, you want to make the change over the course of a week. Replace a very small amount of their old food with their new food at mealtimes. Over the week, you can change these amounts by decreasing their old food and increasing the new. By the end of the week, they will be eating only the new food. Changing abruptly can cause stomach upsets and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. But, Golden Retrievers should generally look lanky rather than chubby. But, the most successful rewards in this type of training are often food, such as kibble or small chunks or meat and cheese. Doing all of your training in the morning can lead to stomach upsets if your puppy ends up eating a large amount of their daily allowance all at once. Instead, try and complete shorter training sessions before each mealtime, and give whatever allowance is left for each meal after training is done. This can also benefit your training, as a hungry dog will be more motivated to work for those treats! There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us We are a family breeder located on a 6 acre hobby farm in the beautiful hills of Western NY. After a mini goldendoodle became part of our lives, we knew we had to be a part of the doodle world. We have searched long and hard for the perfect dogs and are so excited to introduce you to our Bernedoodles. Our dogs are members of our family and we can't wait to help you find a new member for yours. We believe in bringing you the best dogs that are healthy, loving, loyal and family oriented. Specializing In: Currently we are specializing in traditional tri, phantom tri and parti tri colored F1 and F1b Standard and Mini Bernedoodles. Bernedoodles combine the athleticism and intelligence of the Standard Poodle with the calm, laid back and affectionate nature of the Bernese Mountain Dog. With good breeding, the resulting puppies are beautiful, playful, affectionate, loyal, sweet and sometime quite comical. They are low to no shedding and tend to be allergy friendly. Full grown, our Standard Bernedoodles will weigh between between 80 lbs. Our Miniature Pups will weigh between lbs. My Bernedoodles are usually black, brown and white in a vaiety of color patters. I am also looking at adding a blue Merle to my pups. I love all Bernedoodle colors and work hard to breed puppies that are beautiful and have great temperaments. Some can have the taller but more slight build of the poodle, others have the stockier build of the Bernese. Their coats come in a variety of styles as well. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat, which are low to no shedding. Some can also have a curlier coat more like the poodle. Generally, the curlier the coat the less likely it is to shed. With little to no shedding, Bernedoodle coats can get matted. They need to be brushed regularly and clipped every few months. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. I currently do not breed F2 Bernedoodles. They are all about people and are happiest when they're spending time with their families: playing, cuddling, and making us laugh. The puppies are raised in our home, being snuggled daily by our children, and come with a 12 month genetic health guarantee. 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. 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. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Buffalo New York 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 Buffalo, NY? We have answers. What's the most interesting thing about Bernedoodle puppies for sale near Buffalo? Bernedoodles are unique hybrid dogs that boast a combination of the intelligence and pleasant demeanor of the Poodle and gentleness of a Bernese Mountain Dog. One of the most interesting characteristics of a Bernedoodle is their outgoing personality. They have an extraordinary ability to form strong bonds with people, making them terrific companions. Furthermore, Bernedoodles are highly-intelligent dogs and boast an impressive ability to learn tricks and commands quickly. With an energetic personality and boundless enthusiasm, these dogs can keep owners entertained for hours. Will Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Buffalo cause me to have allergies? Whether or not Bernedoodles will cause you to have allergies will depend on your own individual sensitivities. In general, Bernedoodles are low-shedding, which means they produce fewer allergens in your home than a dog who sheds more. People with allergies should keep in mind that all dogs, regardless of the breed, produce dander that some can find irritating. If someone is concerned about having allergic reactions, talking with an allergist is a best first step. They can offer specific advice on what may be most appropriate for your situation. What should I feed Buffalo Bernedoodle puppies for sale? Bernedoodles are a mix between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle, which makes them a unique hybrid breed. As with all dogs, it's important to ensure your Bernedoodle is eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Look for a commercial dog food that is specifically formulated for mediumto large-breed puppies and adults. Your Bernedoodle might also benefit from healthy add-ins, such as a bit of mashed cooked vegetables, cottage cheese, or eggs. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Bernedoodle puppies in Buffalo? Purchasing items for your Bernedoodle before they arrive to ensure they have what they need is essential. It's wise to buy food bowls, a collar with tags, a good quality dog food, treats, toys, a bed, dog shampoo, nail clippers, and an appropriate sized kennel. Also it's beneficial to have a brush, comb, and conditioner to maintain their coat, as Bernedoodles can have coarse, thick fur. You will need a leash and a waste disposal system to manage clean-up sessions. Are Bernedoodles for sale in Buffalo considered big dogs? Bernedoodles are considered large dogs when full-grown, taking the average size of their two parent breeds into consideration. This hybrid designer breed typically reaches between 46 81 lbs. The Bernese Mountain Dog is an average large-sized dog, and the Poodle is considered a medium-to-large size pet. How many minutes per day should I walk Bernedoodle puppies near Buffalo? While the exact amount of minutes of walking per day varies by the age, breed, size, and health of your Bernedoodle, it is generally recommended that your pup gets around 30 minutes to an hour of walking every day. Depending on your pup's breed and health, you may want to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best amount of activity needed for your pup's health and bonding. Additionally, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise make sure to plan out and provide stimulating activities and playtime along with your daily walks. Are Bernedoodles in Buffalo good for first-time owners? Bernedoodles are great for first-time owners due to their friendly, social nature. They are intelligent and eager to please, so training them is often easy. They adapt well to both rural and city environments and make loyal companions. These gentle giants typically have an easy-going demeanour towards other animals and children, so they make a great addition to households with both. They also have a good energy level, so they make good walking and running partners. Are Buffalo Bernedoodles for sale considered smart dogs? Bernedoodles are highly intelligent dogs that tend to retain information easily. Because of this, they can understand commands and tricks very quickly and are considered to be one of the smarter breeds of dogs. Bernedoodles require consistent training in order to achieve the best level of understanding and obedience. Plus, their friendly and sociable nature means they are devoted to their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement. Bernedoodles are thus ideal companions for those seeking a versatile, smart, and loving pet. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque waterfront, and friendly community, Buffalo is a fantastic place to find and raise your new Mini Bernedoodle companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Mini Bernedoodle breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in Buffalo, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Erie Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Mini Bernedoodle canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Mini Bernedoodle breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Buffalo. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Mini Bernedoodle puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Mini Bernedoodle puppy on TrustedPuppies.

What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Initially, they grow rapidly. At this point in their development, puppies are unable to see, hear, or chew on anything. Since they are still developing rapidly, they will spend all of their time nursing from their mother and sleeping. There will be more playing and discovering. Since they will have begun to learn to regulate their bladder, they will soon be able to get up from bed whenever they need to urinate or defecate. Housebreaking may begin as early as 8 weeks, and by 9 weeks, they are ready to start learning basic instructions. This is because your puppy is shedding teeth. To avoid your puppy from developing destructive habits, you should always provide safe, chewable toys within easy reach. Between the ages of 4 and 6, you should keep up with your training. A well-trained puppy will respond to your voice and other basic instructions. The puppy will learn most of its behaviors from you. When they are 6 months old, pugs typically weigh approximately 10 pounds. By 10 months, a Pug should weigh about 17 pounds, giving or taking a few ounces since some dogs are larger or smaller than average. You may expect your dog to be done teething now. Adult The eventual weight of your adult pug will be heavily influenced by his or her gender, the level of activity he is exposed to, and the quality of food he is fed. The average adult pug weighs between 16 and 20 pounds. How Big Do Pugs Get? Pugs achieve their full adult size during the ninth month, however they may continue to gain weight until the first year. In contrast to the rest of their body or limbs, an abnormally large head and paws indicates that the dog is still developing. You can now take your dog to a lab and get a DNA test to learn its family tree. Pug Growth Chart Adult male pugs usually reach a height of 10 to 12 inches at the withers and a weight of 16 to 20 pounds. Female pugs are often smaller than their male counterparts, with an approximate height of 10 inches and bodyweight of 14 to 16 lbs. One further thing to keep in mind is that pugs, like many other little dog breeds, tend to be on the smaller side. When your Pug is standing tall, measure from the maximum height between its shoulders withers. Measure from the floor up to the withers. Pugs often range in size from 10—14 inches in height. The surgical process known as spaying is performed on female dogs, during which their eggs and womb are removed. Neutering, on the other hand, is performed on male dogs, during which their testicles are removed. Your Pug should be spayed or neutered around he age of 4 — 7 months, depending on which option you choose. There are a number of advantages to spaying your Pug, including the prevention of unwanted pregnancies, a lower chance of developing cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and breasts, and improved overall health. On the other side, sterilization eliminates the possibility of offspring being produced and lowers the danger of prostate illness and testicular cancer. Additionally, it lessens the occurrence of aggressive behaviors and problems associated with marking territory. French Bulldog vs Pug Size Male French bulldogs normally weigh around 16 — 28 pounds and reach 11 to 12 inches in height at the shoulder, making them bigger than pugs. Female Frenchies often weigh 16 to 24 lbs and stand between ten and eleven inches tall. Pugs are indeed a smaller breed, with males standing 10 to 12 inches height at the withers and weighing 16 to 20 pounds. Female pugs are somewhat smaller, standing 10 inches tall and weighing 14 — 16 pounds on average. It is crucial to note, however, that size varies greatly inside every breed and may be impacted by a range of variables including food, activity, and heredity. Pugs, like people, may benefit from regular exercise yet still gain weight. Your dog will naturally be on the tinier side if he was the runt of litter. Not all pugs will be affected by these diseases. There is a noticeable size difference between male and female pugs, with the latter often being the smaller of the two sexes. Nutrition The food you provide your dog has a major impact on how much it weighs. Dogs have dietary preferences, and not all dog diets are created equal. In addition, your dog should be fed more often, but with careful attention to both the quality and amount of food it receives. All dog food should start with meat as the primary component. How well and how healthy your pug grows depends on the food he eats. Pugs may not be the most active of dogs, but they still need enough playtime and exercise to be in excellent shape. The more active they are, the less probable it is that they will gain weight. To maintain normal growth and development, pug puppies require the optimum quantity of food. Pug pups should eat high-quality small-breed puppy chow. Small breeds require greater protein and calorie diets to sustain their quick development. Growing pug puppies should have a waist and ribs that can be touched but not seen. Feeding your skinny dog more may help. However, overweight puppies may require less food. Divide the appropriate daily food into smaller portions and give your puppy several times a day. This prevents bloating and obesity in petite breeds like pugs. To keep your pug healthy, weigh them regularly every month. Underweight or overweight pugs may have health issues. Body condition is a simple method to tell whether your pug is overweight or underweight. Healthy pugs have a waist and ribs that can be touched but not seen. Use a bodily condition score sheet to assess your pug. These charts show a healthy pug and might help you determine whether yours is overweight or underweight. You may also ask your vet if your pug is a healthy weight. They may assess your condition and advise on weight management. You may use the pug growth chart as a reference to help you determine whether or not your pug is on the appropriate development curve, but you should keep in mind that the chart is just a recommendation. Talk to the doctor about any concerns you have about your pug. You can assist your pug in achieving a healthy weight if it is either overweight or underweight. If your pug seems to be underweight, you should either give them extra food or switch to a diet that has more calories. Reduce the amount of food your pug is eating and try to persuade them to do more physical exercise. Always seek the advice of your trusted veterinarian in order to choose the best course of therapy for your pug. Every six months is the recommended interval between weighing your Pug, according to the conventional guideline. This applies to both puppies and mature dogs. If your Pug suffers from any medical concerns, you need to weigh them more frequently because some diseases might cause fluctuations in weight. In order to weigh your Pug while you are at home, you will need a bathroom scale. First, while you are holding your Pug, walk on the scale, and make a note of the number. The second step is to do a self-weigh without carrying your Pug. In the end, you may determine the difference by subtracting the first weight from the second weight. This is how much weight your Pug has. Pug Genetics And Common Health Problems Pugs are not immune to the possibility of developing hereditary diseases; this is true of all dog breeds. A few examples are as follows: Dry eye, corneal ulcers, and proptosis in which the eyeball is positioned too far forward in the socket are all potential complications for their eyes. Medications exist to alleviate the discomfort caused by ulcers and dry eye. Your dog has to visit the doctor ASAP since proptosis may lead to blindness. Only pugs are susceptible to encephalitis, a fatal brain illness. Circling, seizures, and even blindness are all symptoms. Legg-Perthes disease is a joint disorder characterized by a decrease in femoral blood flow and subsequent disintegration of the femur. This may sometimes be helped by surgery. This disease, known as hemi-vertebrae, is more common in pugs with short noses. Final Words Because pugs are a small breed of dog, it is probable that they would have a longer lifespan than you would find with a bigger breed of dog. This is something that you might see with larger breeds. The average lifespan of a pug is 13 years, but it may vary anywhere from 13 to 15 years depending on how healthy the dog is and whether or not he has any health concerns that might shorten his life. Overall, pugs have the potential to live a happy and long life provided that their weight is managed appropriately. When they are between Between one and seven yeas old, they are regarded as being at the height of their potential; beyond that, they are categorized as senior dogs. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. They most frequently come in black and fawn, but there are other Pug colors , as well. Pugs, who were originally designed to be lap dogs, enjoy being around people. These puppies are playful, affectionate dogs who will get along with even inexperienced pet parents, despite having a stubborn side, especially when it comes to housetraining. Pugs were first domesticated in China during the Han era B. According to some historians, they are descended from the Tibetan Mastiffs. The Chinese Emperors treasured them, and they lived in lavish homes, occasionally even with troops on duty to protect them. Pugs were brought to the United States just after the Civil War, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized them as a breed in .Pugs were initially quite well-liked, but by the turn of the century, sentiment had changed. But even in those small bodies, a lot of stuff can be happening. Pugs go through a lot of physical and mental changes during the first year of their life. Their development is pretty rapid and they can sometimes reach full adult size at just nine months of age. But what exactly happens in those months? And how do Pug puppies behave in certain periods? Puppies will be toothless, blind, and deaf at this age, but they will have a sense of taste and touch. Thanks to a lifestyle consisting of exclusively nursing and napping, they will develop and grow swiftly. Your pug puppies should perk up and start to interact more by the time they are three weeks old. They should be able to get out of bed and go potty on their own, since they will start to have some control over their bladder. By the time they are eight weeks old, they can start some proper house training , and by nine weeks, they can start learning basic commands. When it comes to their size, they should already weigh around six pounds by this point. This indicates that your puppy will be losing teeth as well. A 6-month-old pug will closely resemble a full-grown adult in its physique, but the development process is not yet quite over. It should already weigh close to 18 pounds, but keep in mind that some dogs are slightly bigger or smaller than others. By now, your puppy should have finished teething. To help maintain your puppy as healthy as possible, you must keep him active and stimulated. From Nine Months To One Year Most Pugs are fully physically formed and close to their full adult weight by the time they are nine months old. However, some of them can still continue to add a little bit of weight past this mark. Offer plenty of opportunity for exercise, because Pugs like being active, and due to their unique physical build, they need to stay as slim as possible. The eventual weight of an adult pug will be strongly influenced by his gender, the quantity of exercise it gets, and the kind of food it consumes. Nevertheless, the weight of an adult pug can range from 14 to over 18 pounds. Being little dogs, even a few pounds make a difference. There is a basic average range associated with the breed, but not every Pug will end up being the same height and weight. Furthermore, the weight chart that we provided is mostly referential for standard-size Pugs and not taking into account the special case of teacup Pugs. This is due to the fact that it is hard to anticipate the growth of the puppies to within an inch or pound because there are so many diverse elements that in the end determine their development. In other instances, it may even enable you to identify early signs of anomalies or health problems. We can roughly divide those factors into two distinct categories: internal and external. Internal Factors Internal factors that impact the growth of a Pug are those that are embedded within the dog as soon as, or even before, it is born. This is what nature has given the pup, and there is nothing you can do to change or influence it. However, knowing these details and the effect they have on puppy development can help you prepare and anticipate certain things. The two biggest internal elements that shape the growth of a Pug are its genetic makeup and its gender. Genetics The height and tendency to gain weight of your pug can be influenced by genetics. Pugs could exercise frequently, just like people, yet still, gain weight. Your dog will naturally be smaller if he is the runt of the litter. Male pugs stand between ten and thirteen inches tall and weigh between 14 and 18 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, with their average height being twelve inches, and the average weight between 13 and 16 pounds. As you might have guessed, the two biggest external factors in determining the growth of a Pug are nutrition and exercise. There are a lot of different dog foods out there, and some of them contain fillers or additives that are actually unhealthy for Pugs to consume. Your dog has to be fed multiple times per day, but be mindful of the type and the amount of food. Pugs may not be the most active dogs, but they still need enough walks, play and exercise to stay healthy. They are probably lighter as they move more. Their general health will improve, which is crucial for growing puppies. In order to be healthy, your puppy also has to receive vaccinations and be fed consistently. Pug Health Problems Numerous health problems can affect pugs, and a lot of them are the result of their brachycephalic conformations. They share those issues with some other breeds who have a similar head and body shape, for example, the Bulldogs. Fortunately, your veterinarian can help you manage many of their potential health issues. Some of them can even be detected early on by using DNA tests. But since this is an article about Pug growth, we want to focus on health issues that are related to weight, in particular. Overweight Pugs Pugs have a tendency to put on excess weight. They are opportunistic eaters who munch on everything that comes their way and this increases their propensity for obesity. Pugs could also get overweight if their diet is not controlled, if the food is of low quality, or if they are not active enough. If your Pug is healthy, you can help it lose weight by taking the following actions: — Cut back on the serving sizes. The most frequent causes of being underweight in Pugs are various parasites, diabetes and other medical conditions , teeth problems, as well as a poor diet. There are a few at-home remedies you might try after your veterinarian has ruled out an underlying illness. You should start by switching to high-quality dog food. Pugs can be picky eaters, but high-quality dog food from a premium brand should work. After that, you have to make sure to give them smaller meals, but more frequently. Before feeding your pug again, give it some time to digest the last meal. To speed up the process, you might add some nutritious weight-gain snacks to these meals. Finally, make sure to give your pug a thorough workout. Although it may seem contradictory, exercise will aid in the development of muscles and boost hunger. Just be careful not to overwork it because that would be counterproductive. Its weight is perhaps the most important one, but there are others, as well. For example, you might want to know its neck and chest circumference in order to buy the best possible harness. In the following section, we will explain how to perform some of the most common measurements on your Pug. After that, you should weigh it once every six months. You should weigh your Pug more frequently if they have any medical issues because some illnesses can result in weight shifts. To weigh your Pug at home, you will need a bathroom scale. If your dog is calm and disciplined enough, you can just put it on the scale and note the reading. Simply step on the scale yourself, while carrying your Pug, then note the reading. Next, weigh yourself without the Pug by your side. Just keep in mind to measure a dog from the paws to the withers, not to the head. The procedure is as follows: 1. Position your Pug directly against a wall or doorframe. Locate the withers of your Pug. Calculate how far the pencil mark is from the floor. Pugs typically have necks that range in size from 12 to 16 inches on average. Two scales — either 1 to 5 or 1 to 9 — can be used to get the BCS. This implies that while your Pug has a thin layer of fat covering its entire body, its ribs can easily be felt with the fingertips and its waistline and stomach tuck are both visible to the eye. You need to be able to predict their height and weight correctly so that you are able to account for this. Not to mention all the other factors that need your focus, including your diet, degree of exercise, training, etc. Knowing how big and heavy your Pug should be at a certain age will help you plan its diet, living space, as well as your budget. Pug Growth FAQ This Pug growth chart will undoubtedly be a helpful resource for you if you already own a Pug or are simply considering getting one. Furthermore, some of the other details we have supplied will give you a fair indication of what to anticipate from a Pug puppy at different stages of development. So, we made the decision to group them all together in a straightforward, understandable, and user-friendly FAQ area. When Do Pugs Stop Growing? Pugs grow to their full size more quickly than medium or large-sized dogs, like many small dog breeds. Around nine months of age, pugs reach their adult size, though they may continue to gain a tiny bit of muscle until they are a year old. How Big Do Pugs Get? Pugs, although having a sturdy exteriors, belong to the toy category of dogs. They weigh between 14 and 18 pounds, and their height varies from 10 to 13 inches. They are stocky, square dogs with thick limbs. Owing to their mastiff ancestry, pugs are the most robust of the toy breed. There are several myths about how neutering or spaying a dog before it reaches adolescence may cause them to grow less quickly. The truth is that early spaying and neutering of Pugs has both many advantages and many risks. According to some research, castrating and spaying dogs can extend their lives and perhaps prevent later-life issues. Male castration lowers the risk of testicular and prostate cancer. Veterinarians normally advise having your Pug spayed or neutered between the ages of four and nine months, though advice varies. Although there is no percent surefire solution, it is frequently advised that you have your male Pug neutered after he has reached adolescence. This is believed to offer long-term health advantages in addition to preventing behavioral traits like aggressiveness and marking. There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for when to spay female Pugs. Some experts advise spaying before the first heat cycle as early as five months , but others contend that doing so may raise the risk of mammary tumors. Some Pugs exceed that, in fact, there have been Pugs that lived to be 20 years old. However, the vast majority will be around the lower end of that expectancy. Pugs are toy dogs who are tiny even when they are fully adult, so you can probably imagine how minuscule they are when they first arrive in the world. Typically, a newborn Pug will weigh between 0. Final Thoughts The Pug growth chart is a really helpful tool to have if you own one of these little dogs. You can decide what accessories, food, and care are needed for the dog by knowing its size. Your chances of successfully resolving health issues will increase if you find them early on. Punk and Star Photo courtesy of The Kuney's If you have had your Pug for a while, it may be hard to believe that your 12 year old dog is the equivalent age of 59 human years; however this is a guideline that refers to the breakdown of the body's ability to fend off disease, level of exercise a dog is able to handle and so forth. An owner can have a Pug in this teens that still loves to run around the park! Let's look at the milestones that a Pug will enter from birth until the senior years. Birth to 8 Weeks - Many owners do not see this stage, however newborn Pug puppies double and triple their weight very quickly. Newborns will sleep up to 22 hours per day. Those at the 8 week mark will sleep up to .Growth is going to be rapid. It will last several months. Females will have their first heat if not spayed. Males will have viable sperm. Though technically a female can become pregnant at this young age, breeding is recommended at the age of 1 year old or older. Males should be at least 9 months old. Some Pug puppies will stop growing by the age of 9 months. For others, just a few pounds will be gained from now until the 12 month mark. By the time, full height is usually reached. The adult Pug will fill out in width, most noticeable in the chest area. The dog is muscular and will not grow any larger. Extra weight gain at this point may be deemed unhealthy. Pugs that gain a significant amount of weight after the age of 18 months should be checked out by the veterinarian. The Pug dog is muscular and in his or her prime. Most vets will classify a dog as a senior by age 7 or 8. Even if this is not officially done, 9 years would be the limit that one could hold off on dubbing the Pug a senior. Pug Weight and Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect in how fast your Pug grows and how quickly he will gain weight. An 8 week old Pug puppy will weight between 2 and 4 pounds. Though the AKC breed standard gives us a final full size of pounds 5. It's a funny thing because the changes happen gradually and owners usually do not notice.And then, one day it reaches a certain point and the owner will say, "When did my dog get old!? Your dog may show a bit of difficulty when rising from a down position. He or she may walk slower up a staircase. A quality canine mattress is recommended for any age, however during the senior years an orthopedic canine bed is more important than ever. Expect an older Pug dog to take more naps and retreat more often due to a lower tolerance for noise levels. When your dog reaches the age of 8 or 9, it will be time to give a bit more attention to certain grooming techniques. Skin looses its elasticity and cleaning wrinkles will be more important than ever. An older Pug will be more susceptible to infections. Take extra time to clean the folds and keep them dry. Your Pug's veterinarian should be performing more thorough tests, especially for sugar levels. Eye exams are very important, as well. Just as with humans, an older Pug may be more susceptible to developing diabetes, arthritis , have problems with joints and their bones may be more brittle. The pounds that they have been carrying around and the body structure that they have short legs especially have been taking its toll. At this age, excess weight be a problem. It is recommended to make a gradual change in the diet, to ensure that meals have a higher count of nutrients specifically for aging pets. If you previously gave no-so-healthy snacks, make an effort to change over to a solid, healthy meal and snack plan. It will be time to make a change in regard to a vitamin and mineral supplement, switching to a senior formula. Additional supplements can be helpful depending on a Pug's specific needs. Most often, this breed does best with supplements to aid in joint health. Omega 3 can help to keep the skin and coat healthy and combat drying issues. The intensity of exercise should be scaled back a bit for seniors ; though daily duration of activity should remain as normal if the older Pug can handle it. It is still important go for walks so that a dog's heart stays healthy; movement is very necessary. However, once your Pug dog is a senior, you do not want to overdo activities as an older heart will not be able to handle what a younger heart was able to. It is during this time that you want to make the household as quite and peaceful as possible. Unless you absolutely must, do not move your furniture or make any changes that could cause stress or confusion. Creatures of habit, dogs know where things are and it can be disturbing if the environment is changed. The ability to hold elimination may weaken as bladder and bowel muscle loose some strength. At this time, you may want to start using doggie diapers. As odd as they may look, this will help your Pug and your home stay sanitary. If your senior does have accidents, never scold or punish. This is a normal process of aging. A loving owner, will of course, want to spend every moment that is left by showing compassion and care. All rights reserved. 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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. Check with local veterinarians' offices, animal shelters, pet supply stores, and other area pet business for referrals to dog rescue organizations in your area. Contact one local dog rescue group for referral to other area groups. Some dog rescue groups work with all dogs, while others are breed-specific. Most rescues groups have established networks with other area rescues. The organization's website also provides links to rescue organizations. Although the majority of dogs looking for new homes through rescue groups are adults, sometimes rescue groups have puppies to place. Most German Shepherds looking for homes through rescue groups do not have papers. If registering your puppy is important, or if you intend to enter it into competitions, you will need its title papers and health records, so a rescued dog may not be right for you. Many dog rescues will require a thorough application process in order to assure that you will be a good fit for the dog. Be prepared to disclose your address and whether you own your home, as well as your employment status and your philosophy when it comes to raising a dog. You will want to make sure that the dog's temperament works well with you and your family. Ask whether you can get the dog checked out by your veterinarian. You will want your vet to check the dog's general health and for serious conditions, such as heart murmurs. Be sure to ask about the dog's health while the rescue has had it and if it is up to date on shots and healthcare. A good rescue should actually offer this information upfront. Get a history of the dog's healthcare up to that point. Has it had its first vaccination, had heart worm treatment, and parasite control? These should have all been done before the age when a puppy is adoptable. While many rescue organizations cannot tell you much about the dogs they place, because the dogs have been rescued off the street or they have been given up anonymously, sometimes they have a bit of information. Get all the information you can about the dog's past so that you can assess their general background and health. Dog rescue organizations are usually run on a shoe-string budget. While they depend mostly on volunteers, they do need funds to transport and care for dogs. Your adoption fee will most likely help to pay for the rescue of other dogs in the future. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. 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.