boxer puppy biting at face

Boxer Puppies For Sale Near Me Boxer puppies ready to rehome in 2 weeks We have 3 healthy boxers 2 male fawn and a female brindle almost ready to be rehomed to their new forever home. No papers, but cute as ever. Parents are on-site. Located in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Contact us for pictures and more info. Shots, tails and claws done. We have a male and female both fawn with white markings. Parents have excellent temperaments and solid pedigrees. They are playful, high energy and super sweet! They would make great holiday additions to any family. Please contact to discuss further details. He is 3 years old. Slobbers a bit but thats normal for boxers. Is a non aggressive calm lazy but still active dog. Great for families with kids older than 6. Younger kids probably not a good option as they might try to grab his mouth or play with his slobber. Text xxx xxx-xxx2 We raise our puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. We want to offer an exceptional quality and healthy puppies to you by producing gorgeous puppies with lots of attention. .We breed for excellent temperament, health and appearance. Pups are sold with vet check, shots up to date, and are on a deworming program. Text xxx xxx-xxx9 Lovely Boxer puppies for sale at affordable price. All of my puppies are Registered and they are current on shots and have been declawed. They are ready now to join your home and will make great addition in your family. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx9. Free Shipping is Included. They will serves as perfect guide doggies in your home and will easily get along to their new environment. They are upto dates on their shots and vaccines, and each doggy will be coming along with a health guarantee. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx7. Text xxx xxx-xxx7 Beautiful Certified Boxer Puppies up for sale. Litter of 4 puppies. They all well socialized from birth. I own both parents and you can come see them whenever you want. Pick out your new pups before it's to late!! Our puppies are available now at an affordable offer. Shipping is Available for free to first 2 buyers. Please Interested persons should Text xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details. View Detail wonderful boxer puppies for.She is AKC and pedigree is included. We are thrilled with the quality and health of her first litter. She is so gentle and a wonderful. Call or text at xxx xxx-xxx2. View Detail Red and White Boxer Puppies Top quality litter of red and white Boxer puppies, these pups have been raised properly in a family environment around household noises and children. I have 2 boys, 2 girls in litter, they have been wormed up to date, been to the vet for health check and 1st vaccination. Pups kc registered, vet certificate, also a3 generation pedigree paper. Mother is our stunning red and white bitch which can be seen with pups on viewing. Puppies ready to go now, will have 4 weeks free insurance. Delivery can be arranged, phone for further details. This pups and dogs are raise in my home with other boxers Txt only via xxxxxxxxxx View Detail Amazing Boxer puppies need good homes Our litter of adorable and trained puppy are seeking for a home with much love. THey are very easy going, have a good temperament and waiting to be spoiled with love by your family. They are 10 weeks old now and ready enough to go to a new home. View Detail Adorable Boxer Puppies We have quality Boxer puppies available ready to go to their forever homes Our puppies are raised in our home and are well socialized to sights, sounds, and people, especially children! They are handled daily and will make you a wonderful family companion. The sire and dam have great temperaments. For more information and pictures just kindly email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. They have great temperament towards people and gets along with big dogs and pets at home even children, They are registered. Contact me for more information. They are loving generation of large boxeri puppies. Men and women are available. They are so playful and friendly. It reveals that they chose the Boxer as the King of Hearts. We don't know whether this choice was intentional to reflect the big heart of this Breed, but it is certainly apropos. The Boxer has a great heart. He loves to play and loves to socialize, with both people and other dogs. His character and temperament make him the perfect companion both for adults and children. The American Boxer Club provides a short introduction to the breed. Boxers are known as a breed that's " forever young ". About Boxers Mission The Boxer Club of Hawaii strives to promote the breeding of quality Boxers, to protect all interests of the breed, to maintain the standard of the Boxer in Hawaii, and to encourage true sportsmanship among Boxer owners. Although we are no longer an "official" club, we remain a hui of committed Boxer lovers. Looking for a Boxer? The Boxer Club of Hawaii does not recommend or endorse specific breeders. You can monitor the Facebook page. It may occasionally have announcements of litters and rehoming opportunities. External Links. Boxer puppies for sale Maui, Hawaii Boxer puppies for sale Maui, Hawaii Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Maui Hawaii? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Maui for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Maui HI Native Hawaiian tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawaiiloa, the navigator credited with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. According to it, Hawaiiloa named the island after his son, who in turn was named for the demigod Maui. The earlier name of Maui was Ihikapalaumaewa. Wiki Maui Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

Acana Top 10 Dog Food Brands in the Philippines In the past, people fed their dogs leftovers and table scraps; however, as international dog food brands found their way into this nation, households with above-average income started opting for these products. Pedigree This is among one of the most recognized dog food brands in the world, and Pedigree was also the first brand to sell its products in the Filipino market. Owners claim that even after a decade of feeding their dogs this product, their dogs have not encountered any urination or kidney problems, which most sources state, they encounter. While it is not the best dog food available in the market, it sure is readily available, and most convenient. Moreover, the brand states that their recipes are created with keeping wolves in mind, as dogs derived from them. This dog food is suited more towards active breeds, and it can be a little too much for less active pooches, but it is grain-free, which is always a sign of a great product. Royal Canin This brand is fairly new, it was established in in France by a veterinarian, and it is quite famous among dog owners with a picky eater. Some dogs just hate kibbles, and for them, this wet dog food is an ideal choice. Solutions Go! Solutions is an American brand, which not only offers premium-quality dog food but also serves as a noble cause by providing food to animal shelters. Moreover, they offer special dog food for pooches with sensitive stomachs, and they are more than happy to provide to state their limited 15 ingredients, and none of them are grain-based. Holistic Select This brand specializes in kibbles, while they do offer wet dog food, dogs seem to be in love with their dry food. Furthermore, if you happen to have a dog that is very specific in its eating habits, then this brand is for you because they have about 16 different flavors with varied meats. Although their products are grain-free, they are packed with other fillers, which may be a concern for some pooches. Eukanuba Easily the most trusted dog food brand of Filipino dog owners, Eukanuba has gained huge popularity in the last decade. Plus, they have a specific product for each type of dog, small dogs, large puppies, senior dogs, you name it, they have a product for them. While it is a favorite of many dog lovers, it consists of grains and many fillers. Summit This is the only Canadian brand on the list, and its parent company is Petcurean. Being a brand of such a large manufacturer, it is unsurprisingly affordable. Aozi A fairly new addition to the Filipino market, and it is a unique product, as it was formulated in Europe, and is manufactured in China. Additionally, it is the only product on this list that contains spinach. Special Dog Excellence The only Italian dog food brand on the list, but similar to Summit, it is a part of a huge corporation, Monge. Plus, none of their product contains any artificial flavoring or preservatives. Additionally, this brand is often recommended to dogs with high cholesterol. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. How to Choose Puppy Food — Buying Guide Here are some key points to consider: Wet or dry food: pick the type that's best for your puppy. Look for high-quality and nourishing ingredients to support development. Consult your vet to check if your puppy has special needs. For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below. Here are some of the differences between dry and wet food to help you choose the right one. They can also be easily ingested because they commonly come with softened meat chunks. Wet foods are also more flavorful and aromatic for dogs, which is why most of them prefer them, especially picky eaters. Moreover, if your fur baby is sick and has less appetite, wet food can entice your pup to eat because of its flavorful smell and taste. Dry Foods Are Convenient and Have Dental Benefits Compared to wet food, dry food or kibbles do not spoil easily and can be pre-portioned. They are also cheaper than the other type, making it a more cost-efficient diet for your puppy. Moreover, dry food encourages your pup to chew on their food, which helps remove tartar buildup and encourages the development of stronger teeth. You can always pick breed-specific puppy foods, but below are some tips for easier selection. For Smaller Breeds, Choose Small-Sized Kibbles and Chunks If you have a chihuahua, a toy-sized shih tzu, or a poodle, opt for small-sized kibble and chunks, whether it is dry or wet. This is so that your puppy can easily chew and ingest the food. Moreover, small breeds require a higher amount of protein and calories compared to larger breeds because they are more active and have higher energy levels. As their bones grow faster, it is recommended to choose puppy food with the appropriate calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of to 1. This prevents joint and muscle diseases like developmental orthopedic disease DOD. Moreover, large breed puppy foods typically come in larger sizes, so be careful not to overfeed them to avoid getting them overweight. This is also why their food has fewer calories than small-breed puppy foods. Franz Philip Joseph R. Ubaldo Regular weighing of large breed puppies is important. In the first months, large breed puppies grow way more than the smaller breed ones making the adjustment of their food portions more crucial in ensuring they get the proper amount of food to sustain their rapid growth. Puppies also have a lot of energy, so it is important that their food contains a good amount of calories and carbohydrates. Steer Clear of Puppy Food Made With Meat By-Products Part of ensuring that your puppy is eating safe and nourishing foods is avoiding those that are made of meat by-products. With this in mind, always remember to check the label and choose puppy foods with real meat. They may be allergic to a certain type of meat or ingredient found in most puppy foods, so you have to be picky when selecting one. Ubaldo Aside from food allergies, food intolerance is another concern in puppies that pet owners need to be aware of. This is different from allergies because it does not involve the immune system and can just cause transient gastrointestinal problems like one-off vomiting, stomach pain, or stool changes upon ingestion of the trigger food component. It becomes a lot more complicated when given or fed on a regular basis because those symptoms may mimic the effect of allergic reactions and could have longer effects. Report Issue with Content 10 Best Puppy Food to Buy Online The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide. Simply put, neither is superior to the other. Wet foods have a high moisture content, plus they are easier to chew and digest. Nibbling on dry dog food, on the other hand, can reduce plaque and tartar buildup in your dog's teeth due to their crunchy texture. Furthermore, unlike wet dog food, dry dog food can be left for a longer time. Get a Trial Pack First! We highly recommend getting a sampler set or a trial pack of dog food first. Most dog foods, especially kibbles, come in a rather large size, so by purchasing a trial pack first before you commit, you can determine whether your dog likes the dog food. There are also some trial packs that come in a variety of flavors! Some examples of vet-approved brands, according to veterinarian Dr. How to Choose a Dog Food - Buying Guide Here are some key points to consider: Choose a dog food with whole protein listed first in the ingredients list. Make sure to pick a dog food according to your dog's life stage. For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below. Ideally, your dog's diet should be composed of a high amount of proteins that may come from meat or animal sources, like poultry, beef, lamb, liver, and fish. Try to look for high-quality dog food that tends to contain little to no fillers, like wheat or corn. It is also best to steer away from harmful additives, such as food dyes and artificial flavors, that may trigger allergies in some dogs. Athena Gaffud Whole protein means that it's tastier. Nonetheless, as omnivores, dogs can survive on a diet of either plant or animal origin if it is balanced and diverse. Dogs have various sets of nutritional requirements at different stages in their lives. For instance, puppies need dog food high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D to support their growth. Senior dogs, on the other hand, need low-calorie and high-fiber foods. Dogs with particular health conditions, like obesity or allergies, require an even more tailored diet. Some of the most common allergens for dogs are dairy, soy, and wheat. For cases like this, it is best to consult your veterinarian and find out the specific ingredient your dog is allergic to so you can avoid it. Athena Gaffud Aside from what's stated above, it is best to discuss with your veterinarian if your new dog food option is good for your pet based on their health status. Report Issue with Content 10 Best Dog Foods to Buy Online The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article. We currently have puppies available now as our mothers have hade much larger litters than expected and we had more puppies than people on our waiting list. When searching for a Retriever Breeder in Ontario it never pays to gear your search toward finding a Labrador puppy quickly, rather, focus your efforts on finding a Chocolate Lab puppy of quality, bred by a breeder with a reputation who will stand behind the Labrador Retriever puppies they breed. Please visit our Facebook site by entering luckylabspuppies in the search box on Facebook, see the pictures of our Labrador puppies and hear what our owners have to say about our commitment to quality. Look for quality puppies for sale not quick puppies. A second thing to consider is that you will want your breeder of Labrador retrievers to provide you with support after your Labrador puppy goes home with you. Lucky Labs guarantees this lifelong commitment to support for you and your Lab and we are happy to do so. We have deep discounts to Labrador puppy training websites , many articles on our blog dealing with health, behavior and other aspects of owning a Labrador puppy. We are available for you after your puppy goes home either by email or a phone call. Our availability changes at times in regards to the color of Labrador puppy we have available. As well, there are times when we get so busy and focused on our pups that we may have beautiful ckc yellow black or purebred chocolate lab puppies for sale that are not listed here. So if we are the small scale family based registered breeder for you please send us an application for a puppy in order to get the most accurate and up to date information about what our availability is. Puppies for sale Our silver lab puppies for sale are actually a faded coat chocolate lab. When both parents carry the chocolate gene, and they both carry the dilute gene then the color is diluted to a silver. If you look close you will notice that the silver lab still had brown pigment around its eyes and mouth because officially it is a chocolate lab. Silver Labradors make excellent family dogs. The Labrador Retriever breed regardless of color has been the most popular breed for over 25 years and the Silver Lab is no different. We have some Silver Labs who will be mating in the future resulting in puppies for sale. If you are interested to get on the waiting please read toward the bottom of this page to see what colors we are accepting applications for. For more information about silver Labradors click here. There is 1 male and 1 female yellow Lab puppy available to reserve who go home Oct 7th. One of these yellows will go to an Ontario Police force and the sibling will be available. Please apply below for more information. There are 2 black males available to reserve from this litter. Please apply below. Haddie and Archie Haddie had her puppies. There is 1 chocolate female available to go home Sept .Reservations are available please apply below. Ginger and Hank Ginger had her puppies Aug 5th and they will go home Sept 30th. Available for reservation are 2 black females, and 1 chocolate female. Reservations are available please apply below Chanel and Archie Chanel had her puppies. This litter will go home Oct 7th, 1 yellow male, 2 yellow females, 1 chocolate male and 4 chocolate female puppies are available for reservation. Daisy Flowers and Gus One chocolate female puppy is available for reservation to go home Oct 8. Ruby Emma and Archie Ruby has 5 chocolate males available and 1 chocolate female available to go home Oct 18th. Interested in one of our chocolate lab puppies for sale? Click here and visit the Lab Puppy Quality page for further information and price. If you are ready to apply click the button below and send us an application for one of our puppies for sale. You may want to consider being a guardian of one of our dogs, if so, click here. We are accepting applications for chocolate, silver, and black lab puppies. For chocolates we have some mothers mated who will have puppies ready for homes Sept through December. Our availability changes daily as people reserve puppies and sometimes change their minds for a puppy later on, or a different sex or color. We are expecting one litter with a few yellow puppies who will be ready to go home in Oct. We will have black lab puppies that will be born in August and Sept, reservations are available. For silver litters our next silver puppies will be ready in winter of .We are accepting applications now for our silver waiting list and first born silver puppies will be offered to those on the waiting list in the order that their deposits are received. To reserve one of our silver puppies or to get onto our waiting list for winter silvers please apply below. The earlier you place your deposit the higher up on the list you are. To check the quality of our purebred dogs click here. If you have had a family talk, everyone is on board getting a puppy, and you are ready to take that step please apply here. If you want a puppy later this fall or winter we are accepting applications for those timings as well. If an adult lab is better suited for you view availability on this page. View our Labradors There are many pictures of our Labs on the pages of our website, please click through some of the pages to view them. There is a photo gallery of our dogs here. As well, once a litter is born and we reach your position on the waiting list we will email you a picture of the puppies and the parents for you to decide if you want to move into that litter and take one of the puppies, or, you can wait for the next litter. To see many many more pictures and videos of our dogs please scroll back through our Facebook page as it goes back to .Trained Chocolate Lab Puppies.

Harley is an f2 black labradoodle and a very energetic happy and healthy and very much loved standard labradoodle ,I also have her mum here so you can see 2 generations.Harley is 3. Even though she has not had a litter before she has seen her Mum and Sisters have litters before and loves to play with the puppies. Bailey does not live with us but if you would prefer we can arrange for him to come along to meet and greet you when you come for a visit. These pups will be hypoallergenic meaning they will shed very little to no hair at all, perfect for people who suffer from dog hair allergies. Mum is standard and Dad is described as miniature but much bigger and having bred from Bailey before with our other girl the puppies will most probably be standard size like Mum or just under. Photos of both Mum and Dad attached. We will provide you with plenty of updates and photos throughout their time with us so you don't miss them too much and you can see how they're getting on on a daily basis. We will also have a Facebook page you can go into at anytime and see how your furbaby is doing as will be updated daily just tsking a bit longerto get it in place as was a shock with litter size The pups will be very well socialised living in our busy family home alongside our three other children and our other dogs 2 of which are Standard Labradoodle and minature and also a French Bulldog and a Rescue Rabbit. This not only helps the furbabies by introducing them to Kids and everyday noises from when they are first born but also other dogs and animals which will help them even more so with their socialising and fitting into different types of homes. Puppies will be available from the end second week in May. Puppies will leave for their forever homes with their family history certificate, vaccination certificate, microchip details, up to date with their flea and worm treatment, 4 weeks free insurance and a free puppy pack which consists of a bag of dry puppy food, toys and a scented blanket with the scent of their mother and siblings on. We can also provide you with references and if you prefer can ask one or 2 of our previous buyers to speak to you on phone if it makes you feel more comfortable before looking to rehoming one of our furbabies. Thank you for taking time to read this and we look forward to hearing from you Read more Age:. In order to stamp out irresponsible breeding and exploitation of dogs and purchasers , this Code of Practice seeks to define the criteria by which a responsible breeder can be measured. Any breeders wishing to be listed on this site must be in compliance with the following Code of Practice. Minor divergences from the specific terms of this CoP may be accepted subject to review and must accompany any and all listings made as a breeder on this site. The site administrators reserve the right to refuse listing. Prospective Labradoodle owners are urged to verify all details with potential supplying breeders prior to progressing the purchase of any dog. The UKLA provides no warranty whatsoever and cannot confirm that listed breeders are in compliance with these terms - it is the responsibility of the individual purchaser to assure themselves of the suitability of their breeder. Labradoodle Code of Practice for Breeders 1. No bitch bred from in the same 12 months as having a litter 2. No bitch to have a litter before 2 yrs or after 7 years, bitches to be limited to 4 litters. All tests relative to breed carried out on parent dogs and KC and vet certificates available for viewing by prospective purchasers Potential purchasers should be aware of the hereditary problems that can crop up in the breed 4. Puppies are wormed with a veterinary preparation and schedule provided 5. Puppy comes with puppy pack of information leaflet, pedigree, registration documents where possible, photos of parent dogs and the next 48 hours of food. The breeder must supply a contract with their puppy stating that they will remain responsible for the future of the pup, in that they guarantee to assist with rehoming of the dog at any time in the future, if it should become necessary. All bitches and puppies must be kept in warm comfortable conditions. In the breeding of Miniature Labradoodles care must be taken that too large a dog is not mated to too small a bitch 9. All adverts to have the breeder's full name and landline number, address to be supplied in full to puppy viewers. This section is really for the posting of dogs that need to be re-homed or are in Rescue Centres. As this is the first time you have been on for a while you might not know about the new rules. If they are a high generation, often breeders refer to their lines as multi-generational Australian Labradoodles. We suggest asking your breeder what generation the pups are. Some less reputable breeders may be referring to "multi" as merely more than 1! So do British and Australian Labradoodles appear or act differently to each other or other Labradoodles? The answer is yes, they do. It would be like comparing an Australian Shepherd Dog with a German Shepherd Dog - they are genetically different puppies! In our experience, there are many differences. We have two decades of experience in this area. Australian Labradoodle British or Early Generation Labradoodles British Labradoodles are two breed hybrids which are of low generation. Unfortunately, this means that there is low predictability in the puppies within the litter produced. On second or third generation, genetics becomes more complicated, not less since throw-backs start appearing. Especially true if breeders have been backcrossing to Labrador or Poodle. Commonly a second or third generation Labradoodle resembles a poorly bred Poodle or a Labrador, not a typical Labradoodle. Predictability becomes essential when considering an Australian Cobberdog or an Australian Labradoodle. With many generations of careful breeding, specific physical and temperament characteristics become consistent and predictable. Every puppy in an Australian Cobberdog litter should be recognised as such or at least to a layperson as an Australian Labradoodle, not a British Labradoodle. At the Australian Cobberdog stage, there should be less resemblance and throw-backs to the parent infusion breeds. But what difference does this make? What is the real difference? Do Australian Labradoodles look or behave differently to other Labradoodles? In short — yes they do. There are a multitude of differences in fact, and having bred both here at Lomond Hills in the past, we have a great deal of experience in this area. Early Generation Labradoodles Consistency Early Generation Labradoodles are, as the term implies, are of low generation. This means that there is very little consistency in the litters of puppies produced. If you cross a Labrador with a Poodle, the resulting puppies vary considerably in size, coat type and temperament. When you get to the second and third generations, things get even more complicated as the genetics play out and throw-backs start appearing. This means, for example, that a second or third generation Labradoodle could look like a poorly bred Labrador or a poorly bred Poodle rather than a Labradoodle. There is much, much more consistency in Australian Labradoodle litters. This is primarily because we are now so far down the generations, and as we breed further, physical characteristics and attributes become more predictable and consistent. Every puppy in an Australian Labradoodle litter will be recognisable as an Australian Labradoodle and throw-backs to parent breeds are very rare. The Coat Being only a few generations away from a Labrador, it is no surprise that the vast majority of Early Generation Labradoodles DO SHED their coats and are therefore NOT suitable for allergy sufferers, despite what you may have been led to believe from other sources! Australian Labradoodles on the other hand, are many more generations away from the shedding Labrador; their coats have been developed over the last 35 years such that they DO NOT SHED and therefore have a very high compatibility rate with allergy and asthma sufferers. Temperament Whilst there are some Early Generation Labradoodles with fantastic temperaments, they do tend toward the lively and potentially hyperactive side, particularly when compared to the calmer, better-balanced Australian Labradoodles. In fact, Australian Labradoodles are particularly intuitive, very intelligent, easily trained and are excellent with young children making them an ideal family member. However, they are still full of fun when playing outdoors and can be incredibly comical at times! We have now stopped breeding Early Generation Labradoodles and are focusing all of our efforts into preserving and developing the Australian Labradoodle here at Lomond Hills. If you are interested in bringing an Australian Labradoodle puppy into your life, please click here to see the litters we have just now, and coming up over the next few months. You can also contact us for further information or to arrange a visit to meet us and some of our Australian Labradoodles. Share this article:. Australian Labradoodles are dogs that have a very interesting history. They were first bred in the s by a member of the Australian Guide Dog Association who set out to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. They can be considered to be six in one, as six different breeds were used to create what I believe is the ultimate dog. They are gentle, smart, loving, playful and obedient. An extra bonus is that they have an allergy friendly coat and do not shed! Tootsie is a cuddly and very loving dog who adores children. She is very intelligent and has proved easy to train. Her gentle temperament means her puppies will be perfect for first time dog owners! She is an exceptionally pretty dog with a gorgeous thick and curly coat. Tootsie comes from my breeder friend from Poland, a wonderful lover of dogs who is respected and well known all across Europe. The dad of both sets of puppies is Miles, our amazing stud who comes from Spain. He is a wonderfully calm and gentle boy! He loves to play with other dogs, whether they are smaller, bigger, older or younger! Miles adores his family and enjoys learning new tricks as he is extremely obedient. He is a very pretty boy with a luxurious, thick brown coat. The Pups are now ready to go home! A deposit is required to reserve your puppy, please do get in touch for more details : - All of our dogs are extensively health checked, having passed all their hip, elbow and annual eye tests. As well as having extensive genetic DNA tests. We have done extensive remodelling to suit the needs of the little puppies as well as the mums! The puppies have an outdoor area built and designed exclusively for them and their needs. They are also potty trained and know basic commands. I will always be reachable for any questions! Please feel free to contact me or any of my other extremely satisfied customers who have welcomed one of my puppies into their homes. These organisations contain the most amazing group of breeders who only pick the best dogs to breed. Please check out my website which has links to all the popular social media!

Please call or Text for more information. Buy Now Golden retriever Golden retriever looking for forever home. Retired beautiful golden male. Text me please xxx-xxx-xxxx serious inquiries only Buy Now Golden Retriever Puppy for Sale Are you looking for a properly trained, purebred golden retriever puppy? You can have Penny! Penny is a sweet and playful golden retriever puppy. She loves to cuddle and play with kids. She is house, crate, and potty trained. We are still working on getting her trained on leash but she is too young for that. She got her first dose of vaccines on July 12, and will receive her second shots on August 11, .She is very healthy and just got her routine check-up done. Penny is waiting to be adopted by a loving family. She will come with a puppy bed, dog foods, turf pee pads, feeding bowls, her favorite chew toys, leash, and a harness. I can pay for the first month of insurance if needed. Please contact me in my email: xxxxxx xxx. We love him but must look for a good home for him. We live in apartment and realized that since he came from a ranch he needs his space. We love him so much but hate to see him suffer. Please feel free to contact me by email xxxxxxxx. Fur color ranges from English Creme white to light golden. They have been vaccinated and dewormed. You can meet the parents, as well as the puppies anytime! Comes with AKC registration papers, toys, puppy pads, puppy food, carrier crate, and vaccination records including worming. Please contact xxx. Full breed. .Papa Bailey is also very friendly with reddish golden coat. More info contact us. View Detail Golden retriever puppies We have boys and girls, The price is set at ,puppy with first shot dewarming and physical check we are looking for families that are caring and responsible and can care for them we are not a scam. He comes from a champion bloodline. He is 75 lbs. Very energetic, so must have time to exercise and play with him. Please contact me for more info. As much as this breaks my heart ,I have to give her away. So a quick rundown on my baby girl , she is 3 months! She has all her vaccines except for rabies, she is extremely hyper , hates being alone, very understanding. Nellie did a great job around my son , she understands that he is a little baby just like her! Aside from all her great traits , she is such a beautiful puppy! Nellie prefers to sleep inside since she hates the cold. She knows how to sit , and her favorite hobby is playing fetch. They are very playful puppies and have been socialized with other dogs and cats. Labrador have a very friendly happy character and get on well with children and like to be in a family environment. We are always available to give any help and advice on general care and house training your new puppy. Free puppy pack and 4 weeks free insurance with pet plan. From Pet lovers not Breeders. Prices are Negotiable. Health Certs. See website www. No scams. We thoroughly vet all breeders based on our 47 Breeder Standards. When you find a puppy at Uptown, you're not just getting a dog--you're getting peace of mind that your new best friend is coming from an experienced, ethical breeder who loves dogs just as much as you do. We have answers. What kind of hybrid dogs do you have? Do you have the best puppies for sale near Ventura County? Uptown Puppies is the best place to find puppies for sale in Ventura County. Doodles are not the only hybrid dogs out there! You can also find Morkies, American Corgis, and many more. Of course, there are also dozens of different types of Doodle dogs. What kind of delivery options are available when I pick dog breeders near Ventura County? Looking for puppies for sale in Oxnard? Pining for puppies for sale near Thousand Oaks? Looking to adopt a puppy but don't know where to start? Look no further! Our partners make it easy as pie to adopt a furry friend. You can choose from chaperoned travel to your nearest airport, ground transportation, air travel, or even have your new pup brought directly to your home! Local breeders can be hard to find, but our partners make it easy to locate your dream dog anywhere in America. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today! Does Uptown Puppies actually breed puppies in Ventura County? Curious about puppies for sale in Simi Valley? Or maybe puppies for sale in Ventura? Looking for a new puppy? Uptown Puppies is the perfect place to start your search! We work with only the best breeders in the country to make sure that you're getting a healthy, happy pup. Plus, we offer a variety of resources to help you take care of your new furry friend. Why is Uptown Puppies the best puppy finder? Looking for healthy puppies for sale in San Buenaventura? What about adorable puppies for sale in Camarillo? Puppy mills are bad news. They churn out sickly, poorly-bred pups that often end up in shelters or worse. But by supporting elite breeders, we can help stamp out these cruel operations. When you buy from a reputable breeder, you're not just getting a healthy, well-raised puppy. Why are puppy mills legal? We have all kinds of puppies for sale in Moorpark, and even puppies for sale in Santa Paula. But what about mills? Puppy mills are an unfortunate reality that exist due to legal loopholes. The standards for dog breeders are often too low, which allows mills to operate without repercussions. Here at our site, we only partner with fellow dog lovers who meet our high standards. This way, you can be sure that the puppies you find here are coming from a good place. Have you spotted your perfect puppies for sale in Ojai? Puppies at Uptown are very popular and tend to get reserved quickly. If you see a puppy that you like, we recommend reserving it as soon as possible before someone else takes your potential pup. Which mode of transportation is best for my puppy? If I find puppies for sale near Mira Monte, how do I get them? There are loads of puppies for sale in Fillmore. There are many benefits to flying with your puppy instead of driving. Your pup will be less stressed and will have a professional flight nanny with them at all times. Flights are also much faster than driving, so it will be easier on your new friend. You bet we have Doodle puppies for sale in Oak Park, California! Looking for a new furry friend? Adopt-a-Puppy is the perfect place to start. We have a wide variety of breeds available, and you can browse through current and upcoming litters. Find the pup that makes your heart melt, and we'll connect you with the dog's breeder. The whole process is easy, fast, and free! Why is picking a good breeder so important? There are all kinds of purebred puppies for sale in El Rio. When you are looking for a new puppy, it is important to find a good breeder who breeds dogs for a living. They will have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that your puppy is healthy and has a good temperament. What is a backyard breeder? Want the best puppies for sale in Oxnard? Puppies from backyard breeders are often cheaper than those from professional breeders. However, there is no guarantee that your puppy will be healthy and well-adjusted if you choose a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders may lack the skills and experience necessary to produce healthy puppies. Choose a backyard breeder at your own risk! Do you have small breeds of puppies for sale in Thousand Oaks? Looking for a laid-back apartment dog? Check out our selection of small, low-maintenance breeds. Do you live in an apartment and want a small dog that will be a perfect fit? There are loads of great options out there! Do you have non-shedding puppies for sale in Simi Valley? There are plenty of breeds of dogs that don't shed much. The Poodle is one example, but there are dozens of Doodle breeds too. Uptown Puppies Puppy Finder.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We have some terrific litters on the horizon and we look forward to working with you during this exciting process! We currently have 2 girls and 1 boy available, and they are ready to go home today! We currently have 3 girls and 2 boys available! Pups will be ready to go home on September .We currently have 2 girls and 2 boys available. This litter will be ready to go home on October 6. We currently have 2 girls and 4 boys available. This litter will also be ready to go home on October 6. This is going to be a beautiful litter. Contact us for more information! We are currently receiving deposits for this litter! We can't wait to meet their puppies! This is going to be a terrific litter! We do provide shipping with our awesome courier team! Selecting your puppy is easy. You will receive weekly updates full of information as well as pictures and videos. Selections take place at 8 weeks! Whether you are in a nearby city or multiple states away, we'll help guide you each step of the way. Some people come directly to our home and others make the selection from the convenience of their own living room with the assistance of FaceTime, Skype and plenty of conversations! At 8 weeks old, they'll be ready to join your home! Again, we wish you all the best in your journey of finding the perfect puppy. We know it's an important decision and we're here to assist in any way we can. We'd love to hear from you so feel to email us. Hello from the Orths! We are a family breeder with a huge love for English Cream Golden Retrievers located in a small town just outside of Spokane, Washington. Heritage Gold weeks with foundational training Our week-old puppies go home with a great start in our Foundational training program. See our training page for more information including pricing. We are taking reservations now for week-old puppies. Our next planned litters are here and we are taking reservations now for these pairings. These puppies have been chosen for their exceptional learning abilities and superior structure and temperament, and are considered top candidates for our breeding program. These puppies are also ideal for those in need of service-trained dogs. We are pleased to offer these exceptional puppies for adoption, beginning at 12 weeks of age. Please visit our training page to learn more about our Crown Reserve puppies and reserve one today. We also invite you to contact us to schedule a visit with the puppies and their parents, where you can meet us in person and see how our dogs and puppies live. If you are interested in providing a loving forever home for one of these amazing pups, please contact us for the next steps and to complete the puppy application. Every day we are learning how to care for this breed and will continue to update on what we have found that works best for putting your puppy on the best road to happiness and health. Here are some tips, advice and links we would like to share. More Information You can contact us for more information on our upcoming available puppies and the pairings. In order to reserve a puppy, contact us about your interest in upcoming litters by going to our "Contact Us" tab at the top. At that point, I can let you know about the dam and sire pairings, your pick placement, and more about the puppy homing process. If you wish to be included in our e-mail send outs, please tell us that you're interested. Just so you know, our puppies are normally reserved very quickly, so the earlier you reserve your puppy, the better chance you have to receive one. If you would like to take the first steps toward finding out about bringing home a Classic Heritage Golden Retriever puppy, write me an email about yourself, your experience with dogs, or anything that may help me know more about you and the environment you will provide one of our puppies. This is to ensure a thriving future for our puppies. We look forward to placing one of our puppies with your family! New Puppies available. We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. Size: inches tall and lbs— so essentially a very large Teddy bear. Lifespan: of the best years of your life! Energy Level: Active Coat: Thick, silky, and luxurious. Shedding: Moderately heavy. Hypoallergenic: Unfortunately, English Cream Goldens are not hypoallergenic. What is an English Cream Golden Retriever? Ah, the English Cream Golden Retriever, also known as the striking ivory white counterpart to the traditional Goldens we all know and love. And with a name like that, it comes as no surprise that these dogs are so sought after! Basically, an English Cream is a subtype of the Golden Retriever breed—more specifically a variation of the British Golden. English Cream Goldens gained their namesake as a result of, well, their elegant pale coats, which can range in color from a delicate cream shade to white. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the British Golden subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oh, and we can thank years of selective breeding for that wonderful and uniquely white coat of theirs, too. Because their temperament is friendly, fun-loving, and obedient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and attentive. Like all Goldens, they are playful and excitable. In short, their great, balanced temperament makes them a great addition to any home! Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are English Cream Goldens more expensive? What is the difference between English Cream and Golden Retriever? The British Goldens including the English Cream are very similar to their American Golden relatives; however, they do tend to sport slightly lighter colored coats overall and are about 2 inches shorter on average. How big is a full-grown English Cream Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do English Cream Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the English Cream Goldens often have a coat that is slightly thicker and shorter than the American Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are English Cream Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, English Cream Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature. In fact, their sweet, calm, and lovable disposition make them a fantastic addition to any family including yours. Are English Cream Goldens more calm? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Why choose MN English Golden? We are professional breeders that focus on 1 excellent genetic health testings, exquisite temperaments, and highest quality pedigrees such as World Championship Moondust Masterpiece and three times winning Steadfast Angus. Our pups are breastfed until couple days before they go home at 8 weeks old. Classified as a working dog with purposes such as Service or Therapy work. We breed to better the breed. We focus on superior health of our puppies to give our families the perfect golden. For more information view health testings on OFA. English Cream Goldens are such an exquisite breed. They are intelligent, playful, honest, loyal, and loving companions. Once you have a golden, you will always want a golden. They will always be by your side, full of love, and will make your heart melt! Majority of our pups are sold before pups are born. We recommend reserving your puppy early so you can be one of the first picks of the litter. Once pups are born we will mark each puppy with a different color collar and have weekly pictures for you so you can enjoy watching your puppy grow! We love to have our families come to our home and have the joy in picking out their puppy. Each family will have their own time to meet and play with the puppies, parents and meet our family. We will answer all questions and help guide each family in choosing their perfect puppy. If a family can not come to our home to pick out their puppy, then we will have the family pick out their puppy online before we ship or deliver puppy to you. Visit FAQ page for more information on delivering or shipping a puppy to you. Puppies will be ready to join their forever loving homes at 8 weeks old. We do have options where your puppy can stay and go through our puppy training classes. Please visit FAQ and training program page for more information. Life Span Did You Know? The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a separate dog breed from the Golden Retriever ; it is simply a rarer coat color variation. These Golden Retrievers tend to have light white or cream-colored coats instead of honey, golden-brown, or reddish coats. As they are still standard Golden Retrievers, they are recognized by the AKC and other canine organizations and can be registered. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. As long as they are socialized and trained, Goldens tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even known for being open and friendly with strangers. As one of the kid-friendly dog breeds , Golden Retrievers love attention. These dogs tend to be energetic, full of personality, and are devoted to their families. They also tend to be excitable, which means they can be prone to barking. Training your dog to stop barking early on can help curb this habit and help prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Due to their friendly, gentle nature and intelligence, Goldens can often be found working as service, therapy, or search and rescue dogs. English Cream Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. Their high energy and exuberance make them better suited for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to ensure they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise. Goldens fare well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they bond so closely with their families and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Cream Golden Retriever can include canine cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of these health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an NCL DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only are they one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners , but they also tend to excel at obedience competitions and other dog sports. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered basic commands , move on to other activities or more advanced commands. Anything you learn will help and will only strengthen the bond you are building with your puppy. Plus, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes including socialization. English Cream Goldens may have a lighter-colored coat, but they still have the classic longer Golden Retriever coat that will shed a big year-round and heavier as the seasons change. You will want to bathe them as needed and get your Golden professionally groomed a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Trimming nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay. This, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Golden Retrievers are known for being high-energy dogs. Like Labrador Retrievers , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They do tend to calm down a little as they grow into adulthood, but will still have a lot of energy. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Goldens tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once they are done growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact activities, you can take them running with you, play frisbee, go hiking, train for dog sports, and more. As one of the most active dog breeds , you will likely run out of energy before they do and they will likely be up for even more activity if you are. An English Cream Golden Retriever generally lives for years on average. Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds of famous dogs.

You will also need to purchase starter items that will make the transition of your Whippet Lab pup to its new home comfortable. Hence, it is very difficult to find authorized breeders specializing in breeding a Whippet Lab mix puppy. Luckily, there are reputable places you can visit that advertise Whippet Labrador puppies for sale! Here are some of the places where you can find Whippet Labrador puppies: Puppies. You can easily find the breed you are looking for using their search filter system. There is a high chance that you might find a Whippet Labrador mix on their listings. PuppySpot — There are over thousands of puppies, purebred and mixed breed, listed on the website of PuppySpot. They have comprehensive puppy profiles which cover the birth date, health condition, age, and personality of the listed pups. Petango — With its vast network of breeders, Petango remains one of the largest pet advertising websites in the United States. This pet marketplace lists hundreds of purebred and mixed breed dogs, including Whippet Lab puppies. You can also opt to adopt a Whippet Labrador dog from a local shelter instead of buying from a breeder. This method of acquiring a Whipador is not only practical but also noble. Their rescued Lab mixes are treated and trained before being cleared for adoption. Labs4Rescue — This non-profit organization takes in purebred Labradors, and Labrador mixes. Rescue Me! You can easily find the nearest Whippet Labrador mix available for adoption near your area through their website. Moreover, if this is your first time applying for adoption, I suggest that you read our ultimate dog adoption guide. This guide includes helpful information and tips that can help ace your adoption application. If you are still skeptical about whether this is the right dog for you, you should check out the pros and cons of owning a Labrador Whippet mix listed below. Here are some of the pros of owning a Whippet Labrador mix: Intelligent hybrid and easy to train: Whippet Labrador mixes are smart mixed breed dogs. Hence, training them is fairly easy to do. These dogs are very eager to please their owners and follow commands. Low maintenance: Whipadors only shed moderately. Also, they only require weekly brushing and routine bathing to keep them fresh and clean. Suitable for families with children: This mixed breed dog is known to be calm and gentle around children, thanks to the amiable personalities of its Labrador and Whippet parent breeds. Here are some of the cons of owning a Whippet Labrador mix: High energy dog: Whippet Labrador mixes are highly energetic and active dogs that require frequent stimulation. They need to be exercised at least an hour every day to keep them stimulated and healthy. If you are a busy person, the Whippet Lab mix might not be the right dog for you. Growth is difficult to monitor: Since this hybrid is fairly new, there are no available growth guides or charts that can help you monitor the development of your Whippet. Hence, it is only logical that the Whipador has inherited the hunting instincts of its parents. This hybrid will likely chase after small animals. If you think that the pros outweigh the cons and you are confident of your capabilities in maintaining a Whippet Labrador mix, then nothing should stop you from getting one. Just know that owning a Whippet Labrador mix or any dog breed for that matter is a lifetime commitment. Whipadors, just like their parent breeds, are intelligent hybrid dogs. They are easy to train and very eager to follow orders from their owners. How Fast Can Whipadors Run? A Whipador can run for approximately 35 miles per hour at its top speed. This is faster than most medium-sized dogs! This is expected since one of its parent breeds, the Whippet dog, was originally bred for racing competitions. In addition, it is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Whippet Labrador mixes are moderate shedders. However, you should expect it to shed heavily twice a year, especially during the spring and winter seasons. Nonetheless, weekly brushing and regular bathing can help manage the shedding of your Whippet Lab mix. Are Whippet Labrador Mixes Hypoallergenic? Since Whippet Labrador mixes are moderate shedders, they are not considered to be hypoallergenic. They lose hair throughout the year and shed heavily during the shift of seasons. This also means that they are not suitable for people with allergies to fur and danders. The Whippet Labrador mix is indeed an excellent pick for a family pet. It is playful, friendly, and calm around children and other pets. It is also easy to take care of and maintain. However, if you are a busy type of person, this hybrid might not be the right dog for you. Whipadors are highly active and energetic dogs that require regular daily exercise. Nevertheless, if you think you are capable of maintaining and caring for a Whippet Labrador mix, nothing should stop you from getting one. If you have prior experience with this hybrid, let us know in the comment below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. It is outgoing, friendly, kind, and affectionate. Its even temperament makes it an ideal choice for breeders to create crossbreeds with calm temperaments for family settings. The result of these two dogs is a friendly dog that balances the calm temperament of a family dog and the energetic, outgoing personality of a working dog. The Whippet Lab mix brings out the best qualities from both parents, making it a high-quality, valuable dog. Whippet Lab Mix Background Like most crossbreeds, there is not enough information on the background of the Whippet Lab mix. The good thing is that both parents, the Whippet and the Labrador Retriever have a rich history dating back to their earlier days and how they evolved to what they are today. Here are the backgrounds of the Whippet and the Labrador Retriever; hopefully, these can give you an insight into the kind of mix these two create. Whippet Background Whippets can be traced back to the s, with their origin believed to be England. These medium-sized dogs are known to be part of the sighthound family, descendants of the greyhounds. Dogs in the sighthound family are similar; however, whippets are smaller than regular-sized greyhounds. Whippets, in this case, were bred as working dogs to chase rabbits and other small animals. They were trained to hunt small animals and chase them out of their burrows. Thanks to their high speeds, Whippets outdid themselves in hunting and were popularly kept as working dogs for a long time. Today, Whippets are kept as home pets, although some people still utilize their working capabilities. They were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in .This followed recognition by the Kennel Club in England in .They were bred as hunting dogs; however, they were not as fast as whippets and were not as popular as their hunting counterparts. Labradors are believed to have originated from Newfoundland, Canada. Their popularity grew in England when the British visiting Newfoundland appreciated their hardworking and easygoing personality. They became popular in England but returned to North America in the early s. American sportsmen admired their positive qualities and brought them back. They became popular, and this followed recognition by the AKC in .Today, Labrador Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs and the best award-winning hunting dogs worldwide. Even so, they are still charming and gentle, qualities that draw people to keep them as family pets. Whippet Lab Mix Appearance The appearance of Whippets and Labradors is significantly different; therefore, the Whippet Lab mix has a unique appearance, a blend of features from both parents. That said, a Whipador can be a mix but still look like one of its parents. This entirely depends on the dominant gene in the mix, which means that puppies from the same litter might not look alike; it all depends on the outstanding gene in each puppy. Generally, Whippet Lab mixes have an athletic look that has a striking resemblance to that of Whippets. However, this could also be a contribution from the Labrador, which has a robust body shape; much more pronounced than the Whippet. Size Whipadors are averagely sized; the Labrador is much heavier than the Whippet, so the mix tends to be bigger than the Whippet but smaller than the Lab. On average, a Whipador can weigh between 25 to 80 pounds. The weight range is significant; therefore, you are bound to find some Whipadors smaller than others even though they might be close in age. This wide range in weight can be attributed to the varying size of the parents; the mix can lean to the weight of one parent. An average Whipador has a height of 19 to 24 inches; therefore, most of the mixes will have the same height. It is rare for a Whippet Lab mix to take the size of the Labrador, so you cannot expect a robust mix. The Labrador retriever comes in black, chocolate, and yellow, while the Whippet comes in white, blue, fawn, black, tan, and brindle. If the Whippet Lab mix takes after the Lab parent more, the coat color can be black, yellow, or chocolate. If it takes after the Whippet parent, it can come in solid blue, blue, fawn, black, or brindle. It can also have a mix of fawn brindle, white, and another color. Whipadors come with a double-coat like Labradors or a short single coat like Whippets. Whippet Lab Mix Temperament Whipadors take the temperament of either parent or get a mix of both. Labradors are outgoing and friendly and present a kind and affectionate character. On the other hand, Whippets are gentle and loving; they enjoy spending time with their family. Both parents were bred for their incredible hunting skills. Whippets are considered the fastest hunter dogs and have a strong drive to chase. Labradors have a strong prey drive and are excellent at sniffing and retrieving game. These qualities result in Whipadors that are equally gentle as they are fierce. When they are out, they can be wild and overly active; at home, they can be calm and peaceful, a balance that most crossbreeds do not have. Generally, Whippet Lab mixes are affectionate, loving, and friendly. They are shy and occasionally anxious like whippets, especially around strangers and in new environments. They are energetic and appreciate an excellent playtime session in the outdoors. That said, Whipadors are high-energy dogs that need to be with active people. Therefore, they need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and loving. Watch this video to see a high-jumping Whippet Lab playing fetch outdoors: How to Care for The Whippet Lab Mix Your gentle Whippet Lab mix will give you as much love as you give it; therefore, it is crucial to understand how best to care for it. Whippets Lab mixes are generally easy to care for, but like other dogs, they have a set of needs that must be met to lead a happy and active lifestyle. The vital needs are feeding, exercise, training, and grooming. Whippet Lab Mix Feeding Each dog requires a specific diet and amount of food each day. For the Whipador, a diet curated for medium-sized dogs will do, as long as it has all the essential nutrients that the dog needs to grow and stay healthy. It is important to note that Whipadors are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. To keep this at bay, your dog needs a diet rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil—these support bone and joint health, especially in aging dogs. You should remember that Whippet Lab mixes are highly active dogs; therefore, the diet should provide enough energy to stay active and healthy. Be careful not to overfeed your dog as it could easily become obese. If you have challenges finding the right dog food for your Whippet Lab mix, talk to your vet for advice on an appropriate diet. Its offspring will take after this quality; Whipadors are playful, full of energy, and outgoing. This dog requires adequate daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need to exercise their hunting instincts and chase drive while expending built-up energy from staying home all the time. Their high energy active characteristic makes them only suitable for people that can meet their high exercise demand. If you have a busy schedule, you might need to hire a dog walker or take your dog to a daycare where their exercise needs can be met fully. However, you should ensure that the training sessions are engaging and fun to keep them attentive to the cues and commands. The best way to do this is by implementing positive reinforcement by giving treats during training or praising the dog each time it makes a step in the right direction. Your dog will likely focus on the training if you encourage it with praises, treats, and fun games. Socializing your dog to ensure it can stay with other dogs freely and comfortably is essential. Whipadors tend to be shy in new environments and with new faces, but with early socialization, they can handle unfamiliar situations better. Whippet Lab Mix Grooming Whippets do not shed as much, but Labradors do; therefore, your Whipador might require more care than the Whippet when it comes to grooming. However, remember that the kind of care your dog will depend on the coat it has, depending on the dominant gene. Generally, a Whippet Lab mix will need grooming at least once a week to eliminate loose hairs and dander. Since it is a shedding dog, you ought to keep up with grooming and regular vacuuming to care for fur on surfaces around the home. Whippet Lab Mix Health Like other crossbreeds, the Whipador can inherit health issues from either parent or both. Labradors and Whippets are generally healthy dogs but susceptible to some illnesses. Here are some of the health conditions your dog may be predisposed to: Hip dysplasia. They are naturally very friendly and very reliable. They love playing with their owners and will excitedly welcome new guests, instead of being hostile towards them. Also, they also love snuggling with their owners after a day of being active. As mentioned earlier, Whippet Labs are from two hunting breeds. If there are any pests or small animals trying to invade your home, they will make sure to track them down and chase them away for you. They are worthy investments since owners will gain both a trusty companion and a loyal friend. This is why a lot of people are looking to have Whippet Labs. However, like other dog breeds, Whippet Labs are also susceptible to some congenital diseases. Before you finally purchase a puppy, make sure that you also understand the risks that your new pet will face, and what you need to do to take care of it. Taking prior precautions will ensure that your pet will live out its maximum lifespan. While they offer the convenience of making sure that you will be able to have a pet at once, they may not be able to check up on each dog if it is still healthy enough to live out a long life. Missing out on small issues could lead to future problems for your pet. That way, you can ensure that the parents of the puppy grew up in areas that are conducive for living. You can find out if it inherited a disease from its parents and if that particular disease has been treated or not. It helps to have more information about your new pet before you take it home and take care of it yourself. Aside from these sites, you may also visit local rescue centers if they have any Whippet Labs that are up for adoption. The mix of the two makes the Whippet Lab a moderate shedder. They tend to run around a lot, so expect fluffs of fur all over your house if they are free to roam around. As with most dogs, Whippet Labs should be given baths when needed. Usual hygienic practices, such as trimming their nails and brushing their teeth, also apply to Whippet Labs. You may comb their fur as well, but again, watch for the shedding. Having a long nose also comes with the risk of having nose tumors and other nose-related issues. The color of their skin also puts them at risk for skin damage and sunburns. Mitral Valve Degeneration: While this condition is a common risk for dogs in general, Whippets have been observed to have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Some studies have shown that Whippets have a low level of thyroid hormones. This puts them at risk for hypothyroidism, something that the Whippet Lab could inherit from the parent. Additional medical precautions need to be taken to avoid this. Overfeeding is not encouraged since Labradors tend to become obese. Whippet Labs are active and energetic, which means that they need food that will sustain them efficiently. Make sure to look into food that can supply the energy they need to run around and play a lot more. These best dry dog food options ought to do the trick, while the worst dry dog food is what you should undoubtedly avoid. Just make sure not to overfeed your pooch, as this could lead to hip and elbow dysplasia, something that the Whippet Lab is highly susceptible to. It would help to have a diet rich in fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine, all of which can be found in the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Life stage nutrition is a thing nowadays, so make sure to select accordingly — the best puppy food brands for cubs and the best senior dry dog food for doggo-grandpas! Whippets are thin, medium-size pooches, while Labs are much bigger woofers, so their mixed offspring can be either or anywhere in the middle! Browse through our guides on the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food so that you can choose the right kibble for your nibbler! This makes it easy for the dogs to digest and regulates how much stool it produces, while still giving energy. It also has a lot of beneficial ingredients to promote a healthier immune system for your dog. Alpo Prime Cuts: This particular kind of dog food is packed with protein and 23 vitamins and minerals, perfect for an active breed like the Whippet Lab. Aside from ensuring muscle growth, it also gives your dog additional protection from possible diseases that it could develop. Vitality High Energy Dog Food: This was made for working dogs and show-dogs so that they would be supplied with sufficient energy. It has Beef and Lamb flavors that dogs love, and it also contains Omega oil for healthy skin and shiny coat. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you may also resort to raw food for your Whippet Lab. Feeding them raw meat and vegetables will give them a decent amount of energy and nutrients for their growth as well. Whippet Combined with Lab Exercise Requirements Lab-Whippet mix To ensure that the Whippet Lab will stay happy, exercise should be done, and the dog should be allowed to run around. Otherwise, it will become depressed and may ruin household objects. As such, the Lab Whippet should be allowed to stretch out at your home or in dog parks. Daily walks are also advised. You may also play games with your dog to further exercise it. Playing catch or fetch is advisable, given its hunting lineage. It also functions as a squeaker toy for your dog to play around with. You can use this to give your dog some exercise while teaching it to fetch. It launches a ball that the dog will fetch, then re-launches the ball once the dog returns it to the machine. It will keep the dog occupied while you can focus on other things. It keeps the dog from looking at other household things as chew toys. Labrador Combined with Whippet Training Whippet-Lab mix To further understand how the Whippet Lab can be trained, you have to know how its parents think. It has to recognize who is in charge so that it will obey commands effectively. Having a stronger relationship with the Whippet makes training it so much easier. Labradors, on the other hand, are natural service dogs and are motivated by positive reinforcement. They respond well when rewarded, especially with food. They are also people-pleasers, which means that they will work hard to perfect a particular skill to satisfy their owners. Naturally, the Whippet Lab will inherit these qualities from its parents, giving you a dog that is highly motivated by strong bonds and positive reinforcement. Both breeds are quite intelligent as well, so you can teach the dog various tricks. You may follow these tips to make training easier: Be firm with commands. You have to establish that you are the alpha and that the dog must obey your commands. When you issue an order, make sure the dog follows you. You should also be clear and consistent with rules to avoid confusion. Provide varying levels of positive reinforcement. After a dog learns to do the trick repeatedly, you have to start withholding rewards. This will teach the dog to work harder for the next treat. Repeat this until the dog successfully improves specific skills. Make your bonds strong. To appeal to its Whippet side, you have to make sure that you have enough time with your dog. Exercise with it and give it cuddles to enhance your relationship. Try to please it as much as it will try to please you. Give it enough exercise. The more activity a Whippet Lab gets, the easier it becomes to train. Make sure to walk the dog often and give it enough space in your home to roam around. Take your dog to parks and allow it to socialize with other people and other dogs. Labradors are naturally social dogs, so bonding with it will come quickly. All members of your family will have fun bonding with the dog and playing with it. If you have hyperactive kids, you can make them run with the dog so that they will both bond and have exercise at the same time. When you or someone in your family are out for a morning jog, take the dog with you. It is the result of the union of two great hunting breeds: the loyal Whippet and the reliable Labrador. As long as you know how to take care of the dog, it will give everything it can to take care of you as well. Just make sure to remember everything that you read here. Keep the dog happy by making sure it gets its exercise daily. Let it expend its naturally high energy by letting it run around and play. If it gets tired, let it rest, and take that opportunity to cuddle with it. Feed the dog specific food that will give it back its energy and strengthen its muscles and bones. Take care of its health as well by knowing how to avoid health risks. When training the dog, make sure to have a strong bond with it and reward its good behavior. Work hard to please the dog, and it will begin to please you as well. Make your family members bond with the dog so that its socializing tendencies are fulfilled as well. Teach it useful skills so that you can utilize its service dog qualities. References: Davison, L. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, .Bengtson, Bo. The Whippet. Kennel Club Books, .Whippet Labrador mixes are produced by crossbreeding pure-breed whippets and Labrador Retrievers together, these are also known as Whipador. As odd as this mixture might seem, the result is quite astonishing. The Whipador is a fantastic pet that has excellent traits and a fun personality. Whipadors are extremely streamlined canines that look a little bit like a heavy or overweight whippet or sometimes a lean Labrador. Whippets and Labs are both hunting dogs that originated hundreds of years ago. The American Kennel Club registered its first whippet dog in .Labradors originated from Newfoundland, Canada, during the early s. After some time, these small dogs were crossbred with Newfoundlands to produce the Labs. The AHC registered its first Lab in to be among its sporting group. Even as excellent hunters, Labs are still well-reserved and charming service and house dogs. Most people love them. Therefore, the actual appearance of Whipadors primarily relies on chance and genetics. A Whipador can have the whippets fairly upright ears and a bulbous head, or long ears like those of Labrador Retrievers, or a mixture of these traits. Since the Labradors are much heavier than whippets, the Whipadors tend to bit bigger than the whippets. Generally, the female breeds tend to be lighter and shorter than the male breeds. The standard coat colors for Labrador retrievers are black, chocolate, and yellow. Common whippets coat colors are white, fawn, blue, tan, black, and brindle. Whippet Lab Mix Traits And Temperament Reproduced from a hunting crossbreed and excellent retrievers, your Whipador is expected to be very energetic and active. Meaning, you should always be ready for those frequent plays and exercises for your pup to thrive and be happy and satisfy their chase drive. This crossbreed can be very predacious too. Therefore, you should ensure your home is well-fenced and always have a leash for those outside walks and hikes until your pooch learns to walk off-leash. Whichever the case, Whipadors are more likely to be predacious and incredibly energetic. Whippet Lab Mix Health And Life Expectancy Crossbreeds usually are susceptible to health disorders that their parents carry or afflict. Whippet lab mixes are prone to eye issues, such as retinal dysplasia, glaucoma, and lens luxation. They might suffer from heart issues, bloat, hereditary myopathy, joint dysplasia, and skin ailments like demodectic mange, elbow hygroma, and allergies. Hence Whipadors are full of energy and playful too. To thrive, be happy, and be well-adjusted, they require adequate daily exercise to burn off their extra energy and satisfy their chase drive. Once in a while, you should allow your Whipador to play off-leash. You can also plan to take your puppy out for long walks or hikes and short runs. Get enough toys to engage and him busy. You should set aside time to play with your dog, train, and indulge in various activities that match his energy level. Mixes with the short fur coats occasionally shed while those with double coats shed more often. Therefore, Whipadors require frequent brushing and grooming to maintain a clean home and dog. This is when you should invest in that robust and expensive vacuum cleaner to pick up all the hair your pooch will shed without hassling. Individuals living in such areas should be prepared to invest in proper clothing and doggy boots to protect their furry friends from freezing. Underfeeding him will make him thin and malnourished. Therefore, you should ensure to feed your pup a proper diet and the right amount of food. Since the whippet lab mix are susceptible to elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, they require food rich in fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine supplements. Obese dogs are prone to these health disorders; hence you should always give your food the right food amount. Your veterinarian can help you decide on the best food amount, type, and quality for the whippet lab mix. Whipadors can also enjoy raw foods. However, you should ensure the training sessions are highly engaging, fun, and consistent. To motivate your dog to learn fast and remember cues, you should use treats and praises to reinforce desired actions or behaviors. As intelligent dogs, the Whipadors require adequate mental stimulation and exercise to them mentally focused and fit. A well-exercised dog is easy to train too. Therefore, you might exercise your dog to ease the training sessions. Another crucial learning your dog will need is socialisation to stay with other pets and people comfortably and without fear. Therefore, those park walks and daycare visits can help introduce your Whipador to more pets and people as possible. Final Thoughts Whippet lab mixes are perfect family and service dogs. If you want a slightly smaller and more streamlined Labrador, a Whipador can be an excellent choice for you. However, you should be ready to engage him in plenty of activities and games and ensure your home is well-fenced to keep them safe when they want to stretch. Obedience training and house training are essential for your pup to be well-behaved and an exciting family pet. You should train him to control it and respond to your commands promptly. Careful genetic testing is essential to identify the specific health issues the breeding parents have. Other Popular Posts. But I should emphasise that most Whipadors are a healthy breed. As long as you regularly have them checked you should be able to keep them in tip-top condition and identify health issues before they become serious. The life expectancy for healthy Whippet Labradors fed a healthy diet and exercised appropriately is 10 to 12 years. Find out about more about Whippet health problems. As with any breed, insufficient exercise makes for an unhappy dog with a lot of energy that needs to come out. Given a Whipador will inherit more powerful jaws from the Labrador side, this could be a problem for your furniture! If you have an enclosed garden area, your Whipador will enjoy having additional time to sniff around and stretch his or her legs! You might find you need to groom a Whipador once a week to prevent excessive shedding messing up your furniture and to keep dander to a minimum especially important for allergy sufferers. You may also need to use a vacuum cleaner more frequently than you would with a purebred Whippet! Find out more detailed information about how much exercise a Whippet needs. These best illustrate their general appearance as well as the variety in terms of colouration and personality! Summary Many Whipadors combine the looks of Labradors and Whippets as you might expect, however there can be a lot of variance depending upon the dominance of the parent genes. Friendly, loyal, obedient and intelligent, the Whippet Labrador mix is an ideal medium-sized dog for families but they do need sufficient exercise to keep them happy. Please share on Pinterest! Do you own a Whipador? Share this post.Whippet x Labrador Health Mixed breeds, such as Whipadors, may inherit some or all of the health problems that afflict or are carried by their parents. Fortunately, both Labs and Whippets are relatively healthy dogs. But as with many purebreds, their genetics and physical attributes predispose them to certain health problems. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that Labrador retrievers are predisposed to, check out the health section on our website. To learn more about the diseases and health conditions that Whippets are predisposed to, keep reading! In addition to the aforementioned health conditions, the following genetic ailments have also been observed in Whippets: Nasal health issues Whippets are dolichocephalic, or simply put, they have longer noses than some of their shorter-muzzled brethren. Having a longer muzzle definitely has its perks, but it sometimes can put a dog at risk of developing nasal tumors, sinus problems, and other conditions. Congenital deafness According to a study, Whippets with the piebald or extreme-white piebald gene are most likely to be born bilaterally one-sided or unilaterally completely deaf. The piebald gene is found in predominantly white dogs. Color Dilution Alopecia Another color-related genetic condition, color dilution alopecia unusual hair thinning or loss has been reported in Whippets that have a diluted hair coat color. Especially blue or fawn. Hemangiosarcoma One final color-related health condition that is common in Whippets is hemangiosarcoma, or skin cancer. Whippets have naturally thin fur and light-colored skin, and so like fair-skinned and fair-haired humans, they are more susceptible to sunburn and subsequent skin damage. One way to prevent a susceptible dog from developing skin cancer is to carefully monitor their exposure to extreme sun if you live in a very sunny climate. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation should not be given certain antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, anti-diarrheal drugs, dewormers, pain medications or tranquilizers. Doing so could result in an adverse reaction due to toxin build up, including but not limited to seizures, blindness, loss of muscle control or death. According to a study, sighthounds like Whippets have most commonly been observed to have low total thyroid hormone levels. A dog with hypothyroidism will need to be given a pill to replace the hormone that is not being secreted. This will protect them from such symptoms as dry skin, hair loss, skin disease, weight gain and behavioral issues. When one copy of the mutation is present, the affected dog may just appear to be very muscular and highly athletic. But when two copies of the mutation are present, the dog will appear entirely too muscular. While over-muscling is not necessarily detrimental to afflicted dogs, as the condition may cause some muscle cramping, it is mostly just unsightly. Mitral valve degeneration MTD This heart condition, which often leads to left-sided heart failure, is the most common form of cardiovascular disease in dogs. It typically does not present until a dog reaches older age. But in Whippets, some studies are showing an increasing number of much younger Whippets presenting with signs of cardiovascular disease. This suggests that MTD could be hereditary in certain breeds of dogs. Anesthesia complications Sighthounds like Whippets are usually lean-built dogs without a lot of body fat and devoid of a super thick coat. This makes them especially susceptible to cold temperatures. Where this relates to anesthesia is as follows: Surgery takes place in a cold and sterilized environment. Whippets placed under anesthesia are thus at risk of developing hypothermia if their body temperature is not monitored closely and adjusted as needed during a procedure. Whippets also have an issue with their liver filtering certain drugs that are used during anesthesia. Therefore, certain agents cannot be used for anesthesia in Whippets and Whippet mixes. Or they may become a royal terror to your house, not to mention become very unhappy. Your dog will also love the opportunity to be let off its leash to stretch its legs. Buying Labrador Whippet Mix Puppies Before you purchase a puppy from a breeder, we recommend that you do plenty of research to ensure that you only buy from the best of the best, so to speak. Not all dog breeders are equal. Responsible breeders use genetic testing to prevent the passage of undesired traits or health conditions. While irresponsible breeders breed using stock with known health problems or genetic predispositions. Responsible breeders also keep all of their dogs healthy and in clean living conditions. Unfortunately, there are lots of breeders who run puppy mills solely to produce lots of puppies, with no concern for the health of the breeding stock. Adult dogs, purebred and mutt, working dog or pet, end up in shelters or animals rescues. Some are surrendered by owners who cannot care for them anymore. Others are taken from bad situations. And some are picked up as strays. You might find yourself a perfectly nice Whipador for adoption at an animal shelter or rescue. We suggest beginning your search from a Labrador or Whippet-specific rescue association. Similar Breeds. We adopted a 12 yr old cat American Gray short hair - Rebecca from a friend who was forced to leave the country about 4 years ago. Having a cat was a very different experience, she went from a very distant aloof type of cat to a lap cat in about one years time. She actually sleeps on me every single night. We love Rebecca very much but I am a dog guy so it was time for my next fur baby. I really wanted a family type medium sized dog, she had to be a rescue and of course she had to get along with Rebecca. We looked for a long time months and then we went to what felt like our 60th adoption fair for a scheduled meeting. While greeting another dog, this lanky blonde pup caught my eye. Her foster parents called her Blondie, she was in the back corner of a pen with 3 other lab mix puppy's but she was so not interested in all the commotion, she looked like a Lazy Daisy so we called her Dazey. This quirky 4 month old baby stole my heart in a moment. I knew instantly that she was the one! The rescue did not know for sure what breed she was except that she looked like a Lab mix. She was blonde, had long legs and a very lean racing type build. One ear stood straight up and the other ear flopped over, she had a crooked curved tail we thought it had been broken previously but now we know the curved tail was the Whippet and pretty thick claws for a 4 month old. She was very nervous but seemed to know that she had been adopted because she clung to us as if we were old pals during the adoption process. Dazey fell asleep in my partner's lap on the way home from the adoption fair. She was covered in fleas so we had to give her a flea bath before going in the house. It was obvious that she was not fond of the water still isn't but she was very well behaved during the bath. Once dry, we went in the house and she quickly investigated her new home, she completely disregarded the cat and the cat was not impressed by her either. I went to get her bed set up and when I returned to the bedroom with the bed, she was fast asleep in my bed, on her back with all 4 legs in the air. Once awake Dazey claimed her bed quickly, she seemed to prefer having her own space and she was a long girl. Dazey is oddly very skittish around new people and she really is not a fan of children. She is also very protective of her new family. I can honestly say that I have never had a more loyal, pleasant and easily trained dog before which if you knew my previous pets, you would agree that's saying something. Dazey is great with other dogs as long as she is off her leash like at doggie daycare, she has no problem with how big other dogs are but she prefers to play in the small dog room. We really had no idea what her mix was, so many people offered suggestions including our vet. We knew that she must have a hunting breed mix because her nose rarely leaves the ground and she can see small birds, rabbits and the like from a long distance. We took her to the park her most favorite word now - next to Frisbee to see if that type of play interested her and we were blown away by her instant ability to track, chase down and catch a Frisbee mid air. I mean she literally knows exactly where its coming down regardless of the winds, she almost never misses. One day an elderly lady came up to us in the park all excited, she said that it had been a long time since she had seen a Whipador! We were like a.She even opened up her phone and pulled a few pictures of Whipadors' up and to our surprise, there was Dazey well at least a look alike. The DNA test confirmed that she was correct! Dazey has a shiny golden blonde coat, chestnut brown eyes and has all the characteristics of the Whippet but look's like a mix between the breeds and she sheds like a lab. She is the sweetest, funniest little girl with two speeds, full throttle and sleep, lol. Dazey also loves to howl along with us once we get her going, she has a deep hound dog chest howl and a very big bark. OH, I am sure you are wondering about how Rebecca and Dazey get along.At first Rebecca was annoyed with her, Dazey has no sense of personal space as she frequently will sniff Rebecca from behind, often lifting Rebbeca's back legs off the ground. Rebecca responds with a hiss and a soft swat but no malice intended. We do have to watch Dazey because sometimes her instinct to chase gets the best of her and the two go flying through the house but Rebecca many times will instigate the play time. They also frequently share a bed or a pillow, depending on who got there first. Sorry this was so long but I just found this page and I wanted to share! Thanks for reading!

During this stage a pug puppy is experiencing everything for the first time. He's also learning what it means to be a dog -- lessons that will stick with him for the rest of his life. The First Two Weeks During the first two weeks of your pug puppy's life, he'll be pretty focused on doing two things: eating and sleeping. Newborn pups spend the day nestled with their mother and siblings, suckling and napping and occasionally readjusting to get comfortable. Their eyes are still closed, and they can't see or hear, but they can feel the warmth of their mother and litter mates around them. Keep in mind that it's normal for pug puppies to breathe rapidly when they're sleeping because of their snubbed noses. But, if a puppy is wheezing, you should contact your vet right away. Age Two to Three Weeks In the two to three week stage, your pug puppy will begin to emerge from his constant slumber. Once his eyes are open, he'll build his ability to respond to light, movement and sound. He may try to crawl around his whelping box, until he wears himself out and needs another nap. Since he's more aware of his surroundings, he'll begin to recognize his mom, brothers, sisters and you. Now that your baby pug has all his senses, you can begin handling him gently for short periods of time. Always respect the pup's mother when handling her babies -- if she seems uncomfortable, return the puppy to the nest. Age Three to Four Weeks Your little pug will really perk up when he hits three to four weeks old. By now his eyes, ears, and nose are fully functioning. He'll see you coming and know that good things are headed his way. At this point your puppy is an adorable little sponge, constantly absorbing information about his surroundings. Because pug pups are so susceptible at this stage, it's important to keep their experiences positive. This is also the time when he starts to learn what typical pug behavior is really all about. Now that your pug pup's eyes are fully functional, check them for any sign of disease. Many eye diseases afflict pugs in particular because their eyes are so prominent. Check your pups for common pug eye diseases like Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca chronic dry eye and Pigmentary Karatitus spots on the cornea. If you suspect that any of the pups have an eye disease you should talk to your vet immediately. Age Four to Six Weeks And so the training begins. At four weeks old, your little pug is playing with his litter mates, who are all learning what to do and not to do as far as proper pup interaction goes. This is also a critical time in your puppy's life because it's when his mother begins to wean him. Pug puppies can start eating regular dog food at four weeks old, in combination with mother's milk, until they're fully weaned. Even though he's learning to make it on his own, it's still crucial for your baby pug to stay with his family. Experts consider weeks three to sixteen to be the most important time for learning appropriate dog behavior. During this window your pup will learn how to play with other dogs appropriately, how to respect their pack leader their mom , and where it is and is not OK to go potty. At six weeks old, your baby pug isn't ready to leave his mama's side, but soon he will be. When he reaches seven to eight weeks of age, as long as he's well-adjusted and happy, he should be ready to leave the nest and begin his life with his forever family. More Articles. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact. Still, Thinking of Buying a Pug? The birthing process Sadly, baby pug births are renowned for their complications. Like many other brachycephalic dogs, pugs are prone to difficult births. This is often referred to as Dystocia. Natural birth is difficult. For this reason, the number of newborn baby pugs born by cesarean section is greater than average. Make sure mum is eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercises Visit your veterinarian for a six-week ultrasound, pelvic exam, and blood sugar testing Put together a cosey whelping box in a quiet and comfortable location. A cardboard box with a thick layer of newspaper will suffice Be ready with everything you need for the birth- clean towels, scissors, rubbing alcohol, and heating pads are a great start As the birth approaches, mamma pug will start acting a bit differently. Look out for nesting behaviors and change in appetite. Heavy panting, straining, and whimpering are signs that birth is imminent. If your dog shows any of these signs you will require professional assistance and must call your vet immediately. Most litters consist of between one and eight puppies in total. Puppies come out head-first in the amniotic sac. This is a natural and healthy behavior. You can cut the cord with a sterilized thread or apply some rubbing alcohol to a pair of scissors. When the puppies start to cry this is a great sign. Clean them off gently with a soft towel and encourage them to start nursing from their mamma. Newborn pups will need a lot of sleep. So be patient. Newborn Pugs: The Early Days Image source: Pinterest Remember that newborn baby pugs are born deaf, blind, toothless, and relatively immobile. These tiny creatures are entirely dependent on others during their early life. Mum will help them go to the bathroom and they will need help staying warm and well-nourished. This will take some time. Your puppies will crawl at first. This is completely normal. Newborn pugs cannot support their body weight yet. With time their mobility will improve. Something to consider- pugs are prone to respiratory difficulties, so look out for breathing problems early on. Even after a week, newborn pug puppies are blind and deaf. With their limited mobility, they are most likely to stay close to the litter. Things to monitor include weight and breathing. You should expect to notice a gradual increase in weight. Most baby pug puppies will double their birth weight after one week. Remember to keep checking their breathing, even as they start to mature. This is always a special moment. Step by step, your pups will gradually start exploring. There will still be a lot of sleeping involved. This is normal. Pug puppies start their lives with blue eyes but as they get older their eye coloration changes. Once maturity is reached, most pups will have dark brown eyes. They can now support their weight and move around. This means your bundles of joy will start to come into their own. Your puppies can now hear, urinate, and defecate independently. As they grow in confidence, they will become fascinated by their new senses and surroundings. Look out for their reactions as they discover the world for the first time. At three weeks, eyesight is developing quickly. Three-week-old baby pug puppies can recognize their mother, siblings, and immediate surroundings. This is a social time and the perfect opportunity to get your pups used to human touch. But always be gentle and go slowly. Your pups will start to develop social skills and become more playful. Enjoy watching them interact with their littermates and get up to lots of mischiefs. The three-week mark is also teething time. This is when your puppies will be learning about their world. Enjoy watching your litter play and tumble. Prioritize socializing at this time and begin some basic training exercises. Glorious Food. Expect Hungry Pups by Week 5 Week five is for progress. Weaning is a slow and steady process. Let your pup experiment with solid foods and gradually reduce their milk consumption. This is a delicate developmental milestone for young dogs. They will need to stay with their litter a while longer before looking for a forever home. Nearly There. Pug Pups at 6 Weeks By 6 weeks, it can seem that your pups are seasoned professionals at, well, being a dog. Give them time to find their feet. Baby Pugs: Expect a Confidence Wobble in Week 7 After seven weeks, your pups will have gotten used to being more independent. At this stage, you must be cautious with even the most confident of puppies. Pushing a young pup too far, too soon is a recipe for disaster. If your pup seems to have lost some confidence, try using counter-conditioning to get them back on track. Here are my 5 top tips for healthy, happy pups: 1. Your pups will need vaccinations and health check-ups throughout their life. Start training early but gradually for happy pups and happy owners. Portion food according to food type and age. Remember that pugs are prone to obesity so resist those wide-eyed looks and keep treats to a minimum. FAQs 1. Where can I get a baby pug? You can source your baby pug pup from one of several locations. One option is to visit a certified breeder. Make sure that they are reputable and ensure you take a visit before picking up your pup, to check out the breeding conditions. Another way to source your pup is through a pet shop. Buying a puppy from a pet shop. Ask lots of questions and make the most of their expertise. With so many dogs out there needing homes, rehoming an abandoned or homeless animal, pug or not, is a truly amazing thing to do. How much does it cost to get a baby pug? Depending on where you live and how you choose to source your puppy, prices will vary. Take a look at this pricing roundup for clearer international price points. Pugs can make healthy, happy, friendly companions. Check out the video below for Pug puppies from the first day to day 33!

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. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.