chewy royal canin golden retriever puppy

ALL our dogs reside in foster homes in TX. Please fill out an adoption application at haydudeeqine. I am on the prowl for my fur-ever home now since I was found abandoned at the neighborhood doggie park. I'm not sure what I did that was so bad to just leave me there cuz I'm really a very good girl. They think I'm around 2 years old and weigh in at about 30lbs. I am house trained, calm and obedient. I try my best not to make any extra work for my foster mommy. I absolutely adore kids, they are just the next best thing since milkbones in my book. I do very well with other pups too! My ideal home would have a nice big fenced backyard that comes already stocked with playful siblings hopefully both the 2 and 4 legged variety to chase around stealing.At 30lbs I'm at that great size to accompany an active family on all their outdoor activities. I'd love to go with you on nature hikes or camping in the wilderness. I'd even make a great cheering section if any of 'our' kids are on a sports team! Both breeds of my hairytage are known to make great loyal family additions. Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Boxer Puppies for Sale.

It is their outgoing, affectionate, and eager-to-please demeanor that makes them so qualified to take on all of these jobs and still be the perfect family pet. When it comes to breed standards, the AKC recognizes three official colors for the Labrador: black, chocolate, and yellow. At Hidden Pond Labradors, we understand that everybody has a different preference in mind when they set out to bring one of these incredible dogs into their home. Yellow Labrador Retriever Breeder The yellow Lab is one of the most popular colors, in part due to its photogenic nature. This also makes them excellent show dogs, although any of the three recognized colors can easily achieve Grand Champion status. Coat shades that are classified as yellow range from white to fox red. Like chocolate, the yellow coat is a recessive color that requires both parents to carry and pass on the gene. Yellow Labrador Retrievers, just like every other color, have a stable, amiable temperament. Their trainability and discipline should not be mistaken for lethargy though. Labs are very active dogs that will bring a lot of fun energy to your household. Are you interested in the unconditional love, support, and joy a Lab can bring to your family? Get in touch with Hidden Pond Labradors! Your purchase of one of our yellow Labrador Retriever puppies includes a veterinarian health certificate , first set of vaccinations, one-year written health warranty, and a lifetime placement warranty should you need it. Contact us today to reserve a puppy from our next litter! The AKC Breed Standard is essentially a set of criteria for a dog to be considered of the highest breed quality possible. In brief the, the criteria include, but is not limited to: General Appearance The AKC breed standard for Labrador retrievers describes a dog that has a strong, athletic build, allowing the dog to be utilized in a hunt, win as a show dog, or act as a family companion. Its undercoat, meanwhile, should have weather-resistant characteristics, so the dog can withstand water damage. With coat color , the AKC recognizes black, yellow, and chocolate. Anything other than those three colors, such as silver, champagne, and charcoal, is disqualified. White spots are not necessarily encouraged but are permissible. Temperament The AKC certifies dogs of sounds temperament; eager to please, kind and intelligent. Ideally, a Labrador retriever will be non-aggressive towards people or other animals, but instead very friendly to whoever they meet. The AKC also evaluates the build of every dog looking for sound structure, proportionate sizes and substance, and several other distinguishing features of the breed. See the full list of criteria here , and then meet the puppies born from our championship bloodlines here! Call Hidden Pond Labradors at with any questions you may have. We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us. Our next Yellow Lab Litters will be from Ama after January We regularly have chocolate, black and yellow labrador puppies. We put a lot of energy into raising puppies. We are involved with them from birth. They are loved all day long. They are exposed to children, adults, older dogs, loud noises, household items, scented to wings, duck calls, a early start with obedience and potty training. Our lab puppies are well on their way to being potty trained before they're placed in their forever homes, as we've incorporated the misty method. Labrador retriever puppies will have a complete puppy packet including information on shots, worming schedule and medication that has been given, that you will need to share with your vet. A written guarantee, and the basic schedule of sleeping and feeding that the puppy has been raised on will also be some of the information in your puppy packet. AKC Northern California labrador puppy Breeder All of our labrador puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club with limited registration , micro-chipped and ready to be enrolled in the AKC ReUnite program before they go into a new family home. This service is included in the purchase price of your puppy. Our labrador puppies are also sent home with a supply of their current food and feeding schedule. We feed large breed puppy food to insure they grow up healthy and avoid any problems with dysplasia as recommended by the AKC. We also send them home with a receiving blanket that has been with them for some time. It has the scent of their litter-mates and their mother to ease the transition to their new home. We had a litter of Chocolates born on October 12th, .They'll be ready to go home the first weekend on December, the 5th and 6th. Amarella Rose Da Serra.

To ensure the safety of our readers and the right fit for a new pet, we work hard to make sure only the most trusted breeders are featured on the site. We have a dedicated team that works hard and has done extensive research that involves checking both the breeder and their dogs, to verify that the breeders featured on our site are highly reputable and trustworthy. Feedback on Google and Facebook is also taken into consideration before they are listed as a breeder to have the highest standards possible. We hope that this gives you a little more information about how we list breeders on our site. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Ontario: If you are looking for a companion dog that has a calm personality and loves children, getting a Labradoodle might be the ideal option for you. As we know, Labradoodles is a designer dog breed that becoming one of the most loveable designer breeds in Ontario, Canada. In fact, these friendly and intelligent pups are being adopted by more families at an increasing rate than other purebreds. After you decide to get a Labradoodle, the next and most important step is to find out a reputable and ethical breeder who values the breed as much as you do. You have probably heard about puppy mills and how they produce dogs with indiscriminate breeding practices as their puppies are usually unhealthy and not well-tempered. When looking to add a new member to your family, you should always buy from a good and reliable breeder. A good responsible breeder will always be there for their puppies and ensure that all of their needs are met for as long as possible. Check out this list and do your own research first about the breeder and then decide which breeder you want to go with. The Best Labradoodle Breeders in Ontario: 1. Who raises happy and healthy F1B Labradoodles with wavy fleece coats in medium to standard sizes. The purpose of this breeder is to provide the best of the best Labradoodle puppies to families so that they can live with it happily. They understand the importance of this thing, how difficult it is to find the perfect dog that suits you and your family. All Labradoodle puppies in Ontario come with a two-year Genetic Health Guarantee that you can count on, As well as they also guarantee you the incredible personalities you will receive in their puppies. If you are looking for a dog that has always been happy and can live a long life with its family and has been wonderfully cared for and well socialized, then you can buy such a dog from this breeder. If you want to know more about this breeder, we have given the link below. You can learn more about them and find out more about Labradoodles, by visiting their website. Australian Labradoodles in Windsor, Ontario! At pm on July 17th, , Cozy gave birth to her very first puppy. Just over an hour later, there were 5 more puppies in the world and by that evening, we had NINE healthy, happy puppies from Cozy by the fire. These Australian Labradoodles are medium-sized and will be between lbs full grown. They can go home as early as September 11th. In the wee hours of the morning, Tully gave birth to here very first litter and the puppies are adorable. We had 4 boys and 2 girls! We are so excited for this new litter and the best part is for the first time in 3 years, we have availabilities that are ready to go home NOW! They are medium sized Australian Labradoodles and will be lbs full grown with a going-home date of August 21st, .First bred as a non-shedding Guide Dog - this particular breed of Labradoodles has been in existence for over 30 years. Originally bred in Australia, their genealogy consists of not only Labrador Retriever and Poodle, but also the Cocker Spaniel. They are a non-shedding, hypo-allergenic, medium-sized breed that behave amazingly and are easily trained to suit your needs and your family. Are you interested in bringing home a cuddly Labradoodle to join your family? Look no further than Cucciolini Labradoodles! We have.Females available. These puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their new homes. The puppies have received their first vaccine and also ongoing deworming.Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.They are both two years old. One male fox-red lab, and one female black labradoodle. The labradoodle doesn't shed at all. They are both very friendly. Ask for.Gorrie One sweet, 7-week-old female puppy ready for a new home next week! Has had vaccinations, vet check and deworming. Mother is on site and very good.Bunni is a medium size double doodle weighing 40 lbs, non-shedding double doodle puppy. She is 8 months old and will have puppies when she is the.Kawartha Lakes Ready to go to loving homes. They come from a home with a 4 year old who has made sure they are gentle and playful with the littles. Ideally looking for a.Bunni is a medium size double.Description: 3 Females Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. These pups.Description: 2 Females remaining Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. Urgent Beautiful puppy for you! Are you ready to welcome a bundle of joy into your life? Look no further! We're thrilled to introduce our enchanting litter of 6 Labradoodle.There are 2 girls still available. They will grow to be approximately 25 Ibs. They all have amazing temperaments! Playful, sweet and bright little ones. Father Labradoodle is a playful, gentle giant and mother bull-mastiff is a very.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.She is playful and would do best with a fenced in backyard. She can sit, shake a paw and loves treats. She is crate trained and has been exposed to kids and a.Both mom and dad on site and both wonderful family pets. All puppies have been vet checked with first shots and deworming. Mother, Rue is our miniature Aussie doodle,Brown ticked parti, 28 pds. Father, Stitch is a miniature Labradoodle, blue.Kingston Hello from Teddybear Australian Labradoodles! We have puppies available NOW! We are a small in-home breeder of Registered Australian Labradoodles in Kingston, Adorable F1BB third generation puppies ready to go to their forever home. Two males and one female available. Born July 16, .Puppies have been family.Are you interested in bringing home a cuddly Labradoodle to join your family? Look no further than Cucciolini Labradoodles! We have.This is a rescued dog from a friend of the family. Coco was living in an apartment, so we figured we would take her on but it is too much with our our 2 smaller.Females available. These puppies are 8 weeks old and ready for their new homes. The puppies have received their first vaccine and also ongoing deworming.Sarge- Sire of the litter. First picture. Imported directly from Romania. Direct son of the famous.They are both two years old. One male fox-red lab, and one female black labradoodle. The labradoodle doesn't shed at all. They are both very friendly. Ask for.Gorrie One sweet, 7-week-old female puppy ready for a new home next week! Has had vaccinations, vet check and deworming. Mother is on site and very good.Bunni is a medium size double doodle weighing 40 lbs, non-shedding double doodle puppy. She is 8 months old and will have puppies when she is the.Kawartha Lakes Ready to go to loving homes. They come from a home with a 4 year old who has made sure they are gentle and playful with the littles. Ideally looking for a.Bunni is a medium size double.Description: 3 Females Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. These pups.Description: 2 Females remaining Mom Nina is a first-generation f1 miniature labradoodle, and the father Chico is a toy poodle. Urgent Beautiful puppy for you! Are you ready to welcome a bundle of joy into your life? Look no further! We're thrilled to introduce our enchanting litter of 6 Labradoodle.There are 2 girls still available. They will grow to be approximately 25 Ibs. They all have amazing temperaments! Please Contact 1. He is great with kids and fairly well behaved. He has all his shots and is not fixed. We are just unable to give him the attention he.Playful, sweet and bright little ones. Father Labradoodle is a playful, gentle giant and mother bull-mastiff is a very.Toronto Ready to go! I hope you're having a great day. Please take a moment to read through the information provided before asking.She is playful and would do best with a fenced in backyard. She can sit, shake a paw and loves treats. She is crate trained and has been exposed to kids and a.The owners are finding it difficult to care for him with an illness int he family. Both mom and dad on site and both wonderful family pets. All puppies have been vet checked with first shots and deworming. Mother, Rue is our miniature Aussie doodle,Brown ticked parti, 28 pds. Father, Stitch is a miniature Labradoodle, blue.Kingston Hello from Teddybear Australian Labradoodles! We have puppies available NOW! We are a small in-home breeder of Registered Australian Labradoodles in Kingston, Adorable F1BB third generation puppies ready to go to their forever home. Two males and one female available. Born July 16, .Puppies have been family.We saw our first labradoodle more than 15 yrs ago and fell for the labradoodle dog breed. Immediately there after we grew into a guardian home of a breeding labradoodle puppy for Puppy Love Labradoodles and adopted our very own labradoodle over twelve yrs ago. All of our puppies reside with us in our home or in Guardian families which we have very carefully selected. We think our labradoodle family members do best when they are one of us and taken like family members. We travel with our labradoodles regardless of whether it is merely to the grocery store. Each one of our baby labradoodles are whelped in our bed room and live there with their mum for the very first 2 full weeks. This is where our mother dogs feel most safe and where we can keep a close eye on the babe labradoodles. Right after they are two weeks old we relocate them to the family room where they are introduced to everything that happens in family lifestyles. The labradoodle puppies get to see, hear and smell every little thing that goes in our residence. When they are ready to see their new adopted families they have already been for frequent car rides and have had countless hours of playtime and cuddles. We love our life's work! And know You will Too! Arrowhead, Established in .We are the only family that breed our particular line of Cobberdogs, and are happy to announce we are now offering top quality MDBA registered Australian Cobberdog breeding dogs for sale. When you purchase a puppy from Arrowhead you are getting fresh and exciting genetics, creating the best temperaments and therapy Labradoodles and Cobberdogs ever. We have researched for years, traveled far and worked long hours to build our program to be one of the finest and most complete Labradoodle breeding programs in the world! We value the health and temperament of each of our Labradoodles , and provide clean, spacious living conditions for our family of companion Labradoodles. We provide an all natural, locally made food for our dogs and also an environment that contributes to each Cobberdog being a cherished member of our lives. Many of them are in caring foster homes and receive a life of continual support and love from two families, the foster family and us at Arrowhead. Please browse through our site, learn more about what we do and why. We are grateful for all the wonderful families who give our puppies great homes, because without them the magnificent Australian Cobberdog would not be a reality! Available Labradoodle and Cobberdog Puppies Loading

You can get this puppy elsewhere for a lesser price, but you want to ensure you receive a healthy dog with great genes. Should you buy a German Shepherd puppy or an older dog? The answer to this will be based on your preference and lifestyle. But there are also pros and cons to buying a puppy or an adult dog. Adopt whichever feels right to you. If you intend to buy a German Shepherd, know that the breeding of dogs is more involved than just putting a sire and dam together. Reputable breeders look into the health and genetics of the parents. When the puppies are born, they get them health-tested, too. For example, the puppies get hip x-rays, elbow x-rays, thyroid tests, cardiac tests, and a canine ophthalmologist exam. In most cases, the breeder will ensure that the puppies are up-to-date on their vaccinations before going to their new owners. Are large GSD dogs more expensive than small ones? No, because a purebred German Shepherd is a large dog and only comes in one size. Male GSDs can grow to be 24 to 26 inches 61 to 66 cm , with female GSDs being slightly smaller at 22 to 24 inches 59 to 61 cm. Do German Shepherds that train as service dogs cost more? Yes, German Shepherds that are trained as service dogs are more expensive. This is because they are selectively bred and go through special training. Bloodline affects the purchase fee. The West German Show Line is bred based on the breed standard. They make great house protectors, are social, and need a high amount of physical activity. Working line German Shepherds are fully trained with various skills and excel in obedience. Some of the most expensive German Shepherds are the ones that look different. For example, this pooch can come in a few rare coat colors. The colors may include Panda, Isabella, or Black. In addition, some German Shepherds might have one or two blue eyes. Take into account whether you want your German Shepherd as a family dog or a working protection dog. A companion will be less expensive. In addition, the litter size of German Shepherds is about 6 to 10 puppies. Therefore, the more puppies in a litter, the less the puppies will cost. When searching for a German Shepherd puppy, your best bet is to go through a reputable breeder rather than a search aid site. This is because you can get to know the breeder during the process. There is nothing wrong with being a hobby breeder, but they may have less experience than a professional one. For example, test their knowledge of the German Shepherd breed as a whole. Ask them about the family tree and the health history of the parents and the puppies. In addition, discuss the temperament and traits of the dogs as well. Finally, ask if the puppies have been crate trained and gone to the vet. The breeder should be able to answer these questions flawlessly. Alternatively, you can find a German Shepherd rescue. In addition, you might find puppies as well as adults. These factors include traits of the dog, but it also depends on where you adopt the dog as well. Age Age is one of the biggest factors in pricing a German Shepherd. A puppy is more costly than an adult dog. German Shepherd puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks will be the most expensive. This is because owners want to train the puppy to their lifestyle. Therefore, puppies older than 12 weeks will be more affordable. Adopting an adult GSD dog is less desirable, but these pups need loving, forever homes, too. Size German Shepherds are a large dog breed, growing up to 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall. If a breeder advertises Miniature German Shepherds, they may cost more, but there is no such thing. That pooch is most likely a mixed breed, or the purebred has dwarfism. Since purebreds are more desirable, they cost more. However, hybrids are often healthier than purebreds. Lineage and bloodlines If your puppy comes from a champion bloodline and is a show-quality German Shepherd dog, then you can expect to pay more. Breeder certifications, registration, and pedigree When it comes to looking for a reputable breeder, be sure to do your research. A responsible breeder will care about finding the puppies a loving, forever home rather than making a profit. A qualified breeder will charge their puppies higher but at a reasonable fee. Gender Believe it or not, male and female German Shepherd dogs cost about the same price. Male GSDs are stronger and have more energy. Coat Colors and Markings German Shepherds with different colored coats and markings will be more pricey. This is because they are more difficult to breed since they rely on recessive genes. Did you know this doggo can also be long-haired? You can learn more about long-haired German Shepherds here. Health screenings and medical expenses Most reputable breeders will get the puppies health screened and take care of certain medical expenses, such as their first vaccinations. If they do, then you can expect to pay more. For instance, if the breed is in high demand where the breeder is, you can expect to pay more. Other factors The litter size is another factor. For instance, if there are more puppies in a litter, the cost will decrease because the breeder has more puppies available for adoption. In addition, if the parents have a proven record of being show dogs or breeding dogs, that will increase the puppy prices. A friendly German Shepherd dog with a veterinarian Health care and veterinary bills: how much are vet expenses for GSDs? Fortunately, German Shepherds are generally healthy. This includes general physical exams, vaccinations such as rabies , and heartworm and flea prevention. GSDs also need additional vaccinations. For example, Leptospirosis if they are exposed to wildlife. Medical Expenses for German Shepherds Range. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments 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. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders close to you page. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in America. When looking for a German Shepherd puppy, be sure to avoid pet stores and breeders who only offer puppies for sale online. Another option is to work with a breeder that offers health insurance for their puppies. This can help you avoid astronomical costs later on down the road, especially if you end up with an expensive breed of dog. This organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting the breed, and they only work with breeders who adhere to their high standards. The AKC maintains a list of reputable breeders who have met their rigorous standards and are committed to providing high-quality puppies. Do your research before buying a puppy, and be sure to ask lots of questions. Responsible breeders will be more than happy to answer all of your queries. This will allow you to see the puppies in their natural environment and meet their parents. It will also give you a chance to ask any questions you may have about the breed or the breeding process. You can also see the living conditions the puppies are kept in. When you visit a breeder, be sure to look for clean cages and plenty of human interaction. Grooming is also a good indication of how much care goes into raising these dogs, so be sure to check out the condition of their coats. High-quality German Shepherd breeders will always have a history of doing all they can to help their customers find the right puppy for their family situation. This will give you an idea of what your German Shepherd will look like when he or she grows up. Responsible breeders will only sell their puppies to families who are willing to commit to their welfare for the duration of their lives. Responsible breeders will be more than happy to provide you with the names and contact information of previous customers. Good breeders will have nothing to hide, so they should be more than willing to provide you with references. Be sure to contact the references and ask them about their experience working with the breeder. Were they happy with the puppy they purchased? Did the breeder follow up after the sale to make sure they were satisfied? How did their puppy turn out? Prior to making a purchase, ask for some pictures of the puppies with both parents. This will give you an idea of what kind of breeders they come from and how committed they are to excellent customer service. Insist on meeting the person who purchased your potential puppy and ask them about their experience with the breeder. Did they receive weekly updates after the purchase? Were all their questions answered during the purchasing process? Were they able to take home a healthy, happy puppy? Do they seem like someone you can trust? Are they knowledgeable about the breed and the breeding process? One of the best ways to judge a breeder is by their relationship with their veterinarian. These breeders will often produce puppies without regard for their health or well-being. Ask The Kentucky Breeder if Your German Shepherd Puppy Has Any Health Problems One of the biggest benefits of purchasing a puppy from a breeder is that you can rest assured that they have been health screened and are free from any genetic health problems. Be sure to ask the breeder about any health problems that may be common in the breed. They should be able to tell you about any genetic disorders that could potentially affect your puppy. This will make your life easier and ensure that their introduction to your family goes off without a hitch. Make sure there are no small objects or toys lying around, including things on shelves or in cabinets. With their powerful jaws, puppies can do some real damage if they get hold of something small and pointy. Put away all plants with berries that could potentially be deadly if eaten by a curious pup. Remove any string or wires that are visible. Secure any medications, cleaning supplies, alcohol, or anything else that may be harmful to a puppy. Create a designated space for your new pup, such as a crate or kennel. This will become their home base and a place where they can feel safe and secure. Set up a schedule for feeding, walking, and playing with your new puppy. Establishing these routines early on will help them develop good habits for the future. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy is an exciting experience for any family. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your new pup is an incredibly important step in establishing a good relationship. Offer plenty of positive reinforcement for going potty in the right place. Have treats or other rewards on hand so that they associate certain behaviors with receiving something fun. Take them outside frequently, especially after meals and naps. Go to the same spot each time so they start to make the connection between going outside and doing their business. This will help them to understand that this is not acceptable behavior. By following these tips, you can potty train your new German Shepherd puppy quickly and easily. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. The momma Catahoula dog got out and the neighborhood stray German Shepherd Casanova knocked her up and so here we are. Rankin is a typical puppy who will do typical things puppies do - give you endless days of fun, grow up to be your ride or die, and maybe along the way chew your favorite phone cord. This dog will likely grow up to be smarter than a 5th Grader, so be prepared to provide him with things to do to keep him occupied. The best home for him would be someone interested in training a puppy to do good in this world and someone home more often than not. Our main website, www. All known information about an individual dog is provided in its listing. We do our best to provide accurate information, but adopters should understand that each home is different and the dog may behave differently in a new home. Dogs are creatures of their environment and you help make the dog what it will be. Homes considering adopting a puppy must be prepared for 1. Flexible schedules for potty training. Puppies can only hold it for one hour per month of age i. Crate training until the puppy is at least one year old to prevent chewing on inappropriate things when you can't supervise. The more positive and varying experiences as a puppy the better, both in and out of your home. Puppy behavior and life stages are equivalent to a human toddler. It takes at least a full year to have a calmer, well-adjusted dog. Patience is required and when your dog's behavior is a positive experience for you and those around you, your patience will be rewarded ten-fold, for years to come. Please do not consider adopting a puppy if you have not thoroughly thought through the pros and cons of having one. So many people end up returning them after months because they didn't realize the amount of work involved in raising a puppy. Patience, appropriate toys, socialization, and obedience training are all musts. All are time-consuming and can be expensive. All dogs require supervision with children and obedience training. Adopters that want to have good dogs must be prepared to put the time and effort into training a dog. Any dog requires work and effort, but a well trained, well-socialized dog is more than worth the effort to get them there. Considering Rally for adoption? She is scared of new people and gets upset by changes in her regular daily routines. She will require a patient and understanding family to help her make a smooth transition into life at home. Her ideal living situation would be a quiet home with a fenced in yard. She would love a canine sibling who can show her the ropes and give her some much needed confidence. Patches is considered special needs, due to her anxious personality - she wasn't socialized with humans as a puppy and will need a patient and understanding family preferably with another dog to work with her to help her feel comfortable in her new home and around new people. She would love to have a fenced yard and preferably another doggy sibling to help ease her transition into her adoptive family. She loves playing with other dogs, running outside, and playing with toys. If you are interested in adopting this animal from us, please visit our facility at U. Highway 68 East, Benton, KY .All adoption applications and interviews must be completed in person at the facility after meeting the animal. We adopt animals out within a 3 hour radius from our Benton, KY facility.

Introducing the new good home. Free brake work, suspension work, fluid changes, tuneups. Free classifieds for pets in Terre Haute, Indiana. Terre Haute Humane Society, Inc. One round of shots including kennel Search by breed, age, size and color. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Terre Haute Humane Society. Toy tiny Search all Terre Haute Craigslist. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Terre Haute, IN. Free classified ads for Dogs, puppies and supplies in Terre Haute, Indiana. Find and adopt Aquariums, stands, and lids. We are a non-profit, low-kill shelter based in Terre Haute, Indiana. Find it via the AmericanTowns Terre Haute classifieds search or use for Terre Haute deals, Terre Haute classifieds, garage sales, pet adoptions and more. Once logged in, quickly create service requests, follow along on your request updates and view. Rehoming fee applies do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers. We rent in Terre Haute, IN. On Craigslistt, you will also be able to find thousands of items In. All Adopt or Get Involved. Find it via the AmericanTowns Terre Haute classifieds search or use terre haute community - craigslist. Free female retriever mix 1. We have collected the best sources Haute deals, Terre Haute classifieds, garage sales, pet adoptions and more. Pet Adoption - Search dogs or cats near you. Need help to decide where to stay with your dog? You can browse the results below and. Search by breed, age, size and color. And remember Craigslistt is a portal where you can find totally free or find the ads you want, from jobs, cars, homes, 1 - 61 of 61 Lhasa apso 2. Free Shih tzu Last of litter! Dogs, puppies in Terre Haute, IN for sale, for adoption: classifieds. Free Classifieds are a non-profit, low-kill shelter based in Terre Haute, Indiana. We Terre Haute. Pictures of dogs and cats who need a home. Home need yorkie dog breed. Browse pet-friendly houses for rent in Terre Haute, IN. Training and employment ads job offers, courses, book, online seminars, etc. Introducing the new pic. Use our filters and online applications to find a home you — and your pet — will love. Browse pet-friendly houses for for adoption at shelters near Terre Haute, IN. We have collected the best sources. Blue Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Breaking news more every time you open your browser. As of 01 it. Greenfield Puppies has been finding homes for puppies since .Small Labradoodle Breeder team focused on. Meet the West engineer who presented VW emissions findings a year ago Carder an unassuming year old engineer with gray hair and blue jeans appears an unlikely type to take down one of the original colonies and was the first part of. Labradoodle puppies for sale Labradoodle dogs for adoption and Labradoodle dog breeders. After the family's dog Delia welcomed nine little pups into their home. We only breed Australian. This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. Quality health tested lines and. We are a premier labradoodle breeder. Find the perfect Labradoodle puppy at. We did not find results for gray labradoodle puppies west virginia wv. Of the West Mountaineers during. We raise high quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a. We are the Jones family living in rural West Virginia. Pets Cloud has a lot of dogs listed for sale or for adoption on but some breeds locations might be a rare find. You can even find potential therapy dogs here as their pups are extremely intelligent and. Specializing in allergy friendly Australian Labradoodle puppies! Find your puppy today! Screened for quality. Authorities in Northern West say a 1 year old boy held students and a teacher at gunpoint in a high school classroom Tuesday afternoon before he released them and surrendered. Transportation to West available. Because Jamestown Va. Find your perfect pup today. The boy is in custody. Beautiful Labradoodle Puppy abedeljalil. Want more to discover? We started our breeding program because we absolutely the Australian Labradoodle. Make Yahoo Your Home Page. The Blue color Labradoodle is not exactly a blue shade but rather its a mix of light grey tone. This is another breeder whose doodles are registered with GANA. Find a Labradoodle puppy from reputable breeders near you in West Virginia. Looking for a one of a kind labradoodle puppy? Was the site of the first English settlement in the United States the state is known as the birthplace of a nation. Has a history spanning from colonial times to the Civil War. It doesn't look like there are any Labradoodle Dog Puppies For Sale in Virginia that match all of your dog search criteria. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their. Trump wears a coal miner's helmet at a Charleston WV campaign rally. Puppies for sale from reputable breeders. Results 1 1 of 0 0 Labrador Retriever Puppies and Dogs for sale near you. People also ask. They are famously even tempered and will put up with a lot before even showing irritation. Challenging today. Screened for quality. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. News Results Court overturns house's tax sale over. Dec 1 0 The two closest accelerant detection dogs to Erie before Horus began work. Last Pittsburgh PA Nalls fort. Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is open to process adoptions on a walk in basis. Labrador Retriever puppies for sale adopt today! And welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of. The Labrador Retriever has a sweet nature and loves to play. We started in 1 with a single volunteer saving. Full of highest quality merchandise at the best prices around. Winchester Labradors. Tel Labs 1. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Proven Performance. AP A Pennsylvania appeals court has reversed the sale of a widow's home that was triggered by a tax for. Yellow Lab puppies for sale near me. Check out these Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies produced by these breeders are. Labrador Retrievers who are licensed and inspected by the State of Pennsylvania. We breed Yellow Chocolate and Black Labs. Check out these Chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies and dogs for sale near. Labrador Retriever. De Soleil Labradors. Pennsylvania Great gives birth to 1. In order to show you the most relevant results we have omitted some entries very similar to the already displayed. Minnesota Labradors for sale. Bowery Run Labradors is a home and family based breeder of exclusive chocolate and black English and field Labrador Retrievers with pedigrees from. We offer 1 Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Established in 01 it is our. People also askHow much is a chocolate lab puppy worth? A class Q 1vJc href search? Breeder sale animals dogs yellow lab puppies for sale from Labrador Retriever breeders in PA! Labrador Retriever puppies. Chocolate Labrador puppies for sale in pa. Female weeks old. Transportation to Pennsylvania available. Brookline Labrador Retriever Rescue is located in Pennsylvania come from different cities including. Specializing in very light almost white Labrador Retriever Puppies. Breaking news more every time you open your browser. Indiana pa hide this posting restore restore this posting. Puppies for Sale. Chocolate Lab puppies for sale. We breed for the AKC standard. These Labrador Retrievers are. Happy And Healthy Puppies. Best prices around. Labrador Retrievers Labradoodles Lab Puppies. Breeder of English Labradors in Pennsylvania. The Labrador Retriever has a sweet nature and is a loyal companion or family pet. If you like you can a href url? Puppies from state to state meaning your pooch will fly in style to your nearest. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree as well as raising them in our home their personalities and happiness can blossom. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family as they tend to be naturally gentle and patient with little ones. What color Lab is the calmest? Avoid Online Puppy Mills. Best offer Labrador Retrievers available now. Is the most trusted place to find puppies for sale online. Want more to discover? AP Call it 1 Pups and Counting. Labrador Retriever puppies available with all papers to go with. Pennsylvania labrador retriever Breeder chocolate lab puppies white lab puppies yellow lab puppies labrador retriever puppies for sale adopt today! Make Yahoo Your Home Page. Org adoptYou'll find pets of all types and personalities awaiting adoption! Sep 0 1 Labrador Puppies for Sale in Pennsylvania. Show Me The Puppies! Puppies coming soon. We are 0 from Altoona and 0 from Chambersburg Pa. All Labrador Retriever found here are. Become a Pet Parent Today. Labrador Retriever breeders in PA! Labrador Retriever puppies ready. Black and chocolate. Gatti runs Horus a chocolate Labrador retriever trained. How much does a chocolate Labrador cost? We offer Solid English Labrador puppies. Is chocolate brown Labrador Rare? Pennsylvania labrador retriever breeder yellow lab puppies white lab puppies chocolate lab puppies PA licensed breeder of top quality white labs. Potty house trained. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with a microchip first round of shots one year written health guarantee and a veterinarian health certificate. Akron canton cak. Ivy Farm is a Labrador Retriever puppy breeder located in Stewartstown Pennsylvania offering healthy well bred family raised Labrador Retriever. Org adoptdogsSelect a location from the list below to dogs available for adoption at. Save this Search. Chocolate Labrador puppies for sale Near Pennsylvania. White labrador retriever puppies for sale puppies for. Labrador Retriever Butler Pennsylvania. Reinventing tomorrow. Located in the Allegheny Mountains on the Northern Pennsylvania border we are a small family breeder of Labrador Retrievers. Fox Red Labs to Oregon. Pittsburgh Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. Similar to the other colors of Labrador Retrievers the Chocolate Lab is an energetic dog that gets along well in a family setting. Pennsylvania labrador retriever Breeder chocolate lab puppies white lab puppies yellow lab puppies labrador retriever puppies for sale puppies for. An esample of printing by Alphanumeric Incorporated. AKC Lab puppies in black and yellow. Chocolate black. They have been family raised and. Untitled Smethport PA. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. Retriever Labrador Mix. Pennsylvania labrador retriever breeder chocolate lab puppies white lab puppies chocolate lab puppies PA licensed breeder of top quality white labs. Sort Filter. Find a Labrador Retriever puppy from reputable breeders near you in Pennsylvania. Chocolate labrador retriever puppies for sale puppies for Liscensed Pa. As a result when the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1 1. A Commonwealth Court. Wall deposition of elemental iodine is limited by gas phase mass transfer. Pennsylvania labrador retriever Breeder chocolate lab puppies white lab puppies yellow lab puppies labrador retriever puppies for sale in Pennsylvania are not hard to find if you. Nestled in the Country side of South Eastern Pennsylvania. We breed Yellow Chocolate and Black. Petland Robinson has Labrador Retriever puppies for sale! A Pennsylvania appeals court has reversed the sale of a widow's home that was triggered by a tax for. Pennsylvania labrador retriever breeder yellow lab puppies white lab puppies yellow lab puppies labrador retriever puppies for sale Near Pittsburgh PA The Labrador. Search results for Labrador Retriever puppies and dogs for sale near. East Earl PA. Chocolate lab puppy will be looking forward to being around you. Labrador Retriever puppies for sale. A Commonwealth Court panel Thursday said the auction sale of Battisti's 0 home outside Aliquippa in. Closest accelerant detection dogs to Erie before Horus began work. The puppies.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.

The hair length is short and the coat lays flat against the body. The Stock coat has an undercoat, which sheds out twice per year - seasonally. It means a coat is 'plushier' than the short coat, and is preferred more in the show ring. It's basically is a longer, fuller coat. This term can be used on a Stock Coat short or Long Stock long coat dogs, depending on who is using it. Image: Chelsey V. The undercoat will be thinner in the summer and thicker in winter. As a puppy, you can not tell how long it will be. Long and full is desired with sort of a lions mane. It will not grow as long or thick in hotter climates. These dogs are stunning and in high demand. It parts down the middle of the back. It is soft, sort of fly away hair, light and very long. There is never an undercoat. It has long hair or feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. A puppy inherits only one gene form each parent. A long coat has been considered undesirable for many decades, and historically there were just short stock dogs used in breeding and selection. This puppy was considered a fault in the litter. A long coat is demonstrated only when a dog is homozygous on gene "l" - has pair of recessive l alleles at this locus. This is done to have more predictability in breeding, as mating between heterozygous dogs is highly unpredictable and has a large variety of possible outcome from producing puppies of pure short stock LL , to carriers Ll and Pure Long Coat ll. While this seems like a great idea to outcross all heterozygous on the Locus L dogs from breeding programs, this will take some time. Many "plush" dogs are very active in breeding, as frankly, they look great and thicker coat is an added benefit to those breeders that still do not accept Long Coat dogs. Large probability is only scary to those that do not understand how to predict the outcome. We enjoy learning and studying and have pretty clear understanding of what to expect in our breeding. Vom Geliebten Haus. Try to look for breeders that specialize in German Shepherds. When you bring home a plush coat German Shepherd, be ready to have a high-energy dog with you at all times. They can live for up to 15 years so take your time to research the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle since this is not a short-term commitment. Their nickname is the German Shedder. German Shepherds all shed and they shed frequently. The Plush Coat German Shepherd will shed longer hair. A recessive gene causes the Plush Coat length, so finding this breed is a little difficult. Die-hard German Shepherd breeders tend to dislike this coat, so if puppies are produced with Plush Coats, it means each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Image Credit: Jumpstory 4. Medium-haired German Shepherds still have the intelligence, courage, and work ethic to be military and police dogs. They can also be personal service dogs. Their ears stand up on their own. Their bite is super strong. While the dog might be 90 pounds, they can deliver a bite with a force of over pounds. Image Credit: Jumpstory 7. The name was changed. The name was changed back in .The Plush Coat German Shepherd is an extremely smart dog. Their ability to be trained so easily combined with their loving natures make them popular choices for family pets. With the same personality and traits, this dog has a strong work ethic and is a wonderful companion. Regular brushing can help with the shedding, but this dog is going to shed frequently no matter what. As family dogs, Plush Coat German Shepherds are great with kids and make loyal and loving pets. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Have you ever heard the term before - Plush coated German Shepherd? In case you have no idea exactly what this means I'll do my best here to turn a rather ambiguous term into an easier to understand concept. As we've discussed before in this site German Shepherd Dogs basically come in 3 coat lengths which are:Standard, Plush and Coated. So what does that mean? How can you know what coat your GSD is wearing? All righty then.So first let's talk about the standard coat. This is the coat most German Shepherds are dressed in. These German Shepherds usually have less undercoat too. So, maybe this will help if you were to think of it this way - standard coated German Shepherds wear their fur closely to their bodies - kind of like a military soldier who wears their hair cut close to their skull. Coated German Shepherds are also called long coated German Shepherds. As their description suggests these GSDs have a much longer coat with longer fur around their ears, behind the backs of their legs and on their chest and tail. These long feathers aka: feathering are very beautiful and make the dogs look almost "collie-like" somewhat - speaking of coat only. Well, when speaking of coat basically they're kind of in-between the standard coated GSDs and the Coated German Shepherds - but they are closer overall to the standard coat dogs. Plush coated GSDs do not have feathering of any type. The plush coat German Shepherds have a much longer length of hair compared to the standard coated dogs and a much fuller undercoat too. Their fur is thicker, fuller and just longer overall than a standard coated GSD - and it is very obvious to the the touch and to the eye as well. But to make it even easier I'll illustrate with a few pictures here to make the point a bit easier to understand. So, I hope these descriptions and pictures will help you to better understand the difference between standard, coated and plush coated German Shepherds. Return from plush coat German Shepherds to German Shepherd coat patterns "Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. .That is because a dog with a medium coat would still be disqualified from the show ring if his color is considered a fault. German Shepherd color , therefore, interferes with the price , so a short-haired type might command a higher price for being a rarer, more valuable color. Because medium coats have the best of both worlds in terms of fur length and undercoat, they also shed the most of both kinds. Medium vs. In nature, medium coat German Shepherds have the same social temperament as other varieties, but they get treated more positively because they are cuter to the masses. This reinforces friendliness and keeps them from seeing every human as a threat. Of course, social experience is a prerequisite for this, and poorly socialized or untrained medium coat dogs do not develop this trait. Medium Coats Are Admired by the Show Crowd The dog show crowd is quite different in that it admires dogs not for their mass appeal but for specific traits. Often dogs loved by the public for their beautiful colors are dismissed by the show circuit because of an arbitrary breed standard. The plushness of the medium-haired German Shepherd is one of the rare traits admired by the public at large and the dog show niche. A trait admired by these circles gets intentionally bred into the working line in a matter of years. They so fiercely admire the plushness of medium-haired German Shepherds that they have not just come up with a name for it but have made that name stick. The reason is the looseness factor. If you have read my post about long-haired German Shepherds , you would know that most of them cannot participate in conformation events. They have a wolf-like appearance but with a hint of cuddliness. Upon looking at a medium-coated GSD, you cannot help but pet it. In contrast, female plush-coated dogs stand 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 49 to 71 lbs. Temperament of the Medium-Haired German Shepherd The temperament of the medium-haired German Shepherd is the same as other varieties, no matter their coat type, color, or pattern. They are affectionate and caring towards their owners and form an intense bond that you can never break. They are also friendly with the surrounding community because they grow up being admired by people. Their fluffiness ensures that they have positive social experiences with people, making them open to human interaction. A medium coat German Shepherd sees you as his parent and friend, which is why he extends his loyalty to your family. Their social nature, alongside their curiosity, makes them great dogs, and their protective instincts and loyalty make them even better family members. However, their fur is replaced almost as soon as it is lost. Generally, a long coat will shed less than a plush coat dog purely because of coat volume and having an open coat. The short hair German Shepherd has two coats, but because of the shorter guard coat, the overall trapped loose fur is less than with a plush coat. You should brush them around twice a week and more in the heavy shedding season. Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat FURejector button releases hair with ease Ergonomic handle for comfort and easy use Remove loose hair without damaging the coat or cutting the skin when used as directed Deshedding tool for large lbs dogs with long h Buy on Amazon Health and Lifespan Health is essential, and your medium coat friend is likely to stay healthy as long as you take care of his fitness, give him the proper diet , and visit the vet at least once a year. That said, you must know the potential health complications your dog might have. The following health issues have nothing to do with the coat itself, but here are the problems many German Shepherds face. Elbow dysplasia — Ask for confirmation of parental joint health as normal grade or above. Degenerative myelopathy — Ask the breeder to show a SOD-1 gene-mutation test indicating both parents have normal genes. Bloat GDV — To prevent this, avoid big meals and give small, more frequent meals. Provided you take care of the above, your German Shepherd can live up to 13 years. However, once the dog is beyond seven years, his metabolism will slow down, and his appetite will not adjust to match it. Making sure your dog stays active is the best way to make sure he lives a happy and healthy life. FAQs Plush Coat vs. Stock Coat German Shepherd A short stock coat German Shepherd has a topcoat with hair no longer than one inch in length, whereas a plush coat has hair between 1 to 2 inches. The hair on the plush coat stands taller from the root but hangs a little towards the end, giving the coat a worthy look worth caressing. A stock coat German Shepherd has fur that stands more erect, albeit shorter. The surface area of this fur is still significant. Among the things that plush and stock coats have in common is a chance at dog shows. Most plush coats are admired by the show crowd, while stock coats can come from both the working line and the show line, with only the latter preferred by the dog pageant circuit. Plush Coat German Shepherd vs. Long Coat A plush coat German Shepherd has topcoat hair between 1 to 2 inches, a length crossed by long coats that have over 2 inches of fur. However, plush coats have an undercoat, which is often missing from long coats. The greatest consequence of this is that the extreme admiration received by plush coats is contrasted by the complete dismissal of long coats in the show circuit. This difference in treatment is also reflected in the prices of the two dogs, with long coat GSDs being among the lowest priced dogs and plush coats commanding one of the highest dollar values for a German Shepherd. German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The outer coat can vary in texture from dog to dog, but it is generally considered to be coarse. Final Thoughts German Shepherd is a term that encompasses dogs of various looks, which is why knowing as much as you can about their different coat types will help you articulate the kind of dog you actually want. Moreover, you should know if you are okay with the drawbacks of a long coat German Shepherd, mainly their irrelevance in the show ring. The best compromise is a medium-haired German Shepherd who can be workers and show dogs alike. Related Posts You May Like:. Both German Shepherds are the same breed, and both can be purebred. The short-haired German Shepherds have a double coat with a very short layer of fur that looks very sleek and smooth. They have a woolly and waterproof undercoat and a coat length of around 1 inch in length. The double coat of a German Shepherd is said to be the most important feature of the breed. It protects them from both heat and cold. What is even more interesting, though their hairs may be shorter they have more actual hairs than longer-haired German Shepherds. And they are also the only type allowed to participate in a dog show. Plush-Coated German Shepherds Considered to be the most stereotypical kind of German Shepherd coat, the plush coat German Shepherd or medium coat is quite famous in a dog show world. Overall, they are closer in appearance to short-haired GSDs. They are double-coated meaning they have an outer and an undercoat. The topcoat is kinda rough to touch, while the undercoat feels like a wooly sweater. They have a coat length of around 1 to 2 inches in length. They are technically called a long coat German Shepherd. In long-haired German Shepherds, the topcoat is heavier than the undercoat. They have longer and silkier hair 2 inches or longer around their ears and on the chest, back, face, tail, and behind the back of their legs. The actual hair of long-haired German Shepherds without an undercoat appears to be shinier. With long feathers and glossy hair, they look gorgeous. While they may look beautiful, but without an undercoat, they actually weak against the weather and therefore never used for herding or hunting. According to the AKC, a German Shepherd dog is required to have an undercoat, or they are considered to be a fault. However, this standard seems to differ between kennel clubs. The length of hair among each coat is not the only thing that differentiates them, but it can become the main reason for many differences found in each dog. Their hard-work ethic and strength against rough conditions make them a top choice for many roles like police dogs. Because of their upbringing, short-haired GSDs tend to be somewhat aloof and standoffish toward strangers. If you need a family dog, long-haired GSDs are a much better option. They prefer to stay close to their human family, extremely loyal, highly playful, ready to protect and enjoy playing with your kids. However, it all depends on how you raise your dog because medium-haired GSDs have the same potential to become either working or family dogs. The fact, regardless of the coat length, all German Shepherds are heavy shedders. When summer approaches, the short and plush coat GSDs blow up their thicker undercoat and replace it with a thinner coat to help cool down their body temperature. As the falls roll in, they dump their summer undercoat and grow back the thick undercoat. While it is true that the short-haired and plush-haired GSDs appear to shed more as the hair they lose is more visible when you mop your floor. In reality, the long-haired GSDs shed as much. Because of the long hairs, the hairs that are shed tend to get matted and stuck together. During summer, your GSD could be wearing three layers: a topcoat, undercoat, and dead fur. Removing these dead fur will help them be more comfortable and relaxed. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend.Even though both parents may have stock coats, some of the progeny may have long coats. The chart below shows the possibilities. The pictures below show puppies we have bred. This is the desired coat according to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America Standard and can vary from very short to plush hair with an undercoat. They usually have longer fluffy hair around their ears and on the rest of their bodies and are beautiful animals. Our Karma carries this recessive gene and in our litters the Coated puppies have often been among the first to be chosen! The gene involved in this type of puppy is a simple recessive gene making Coated dogs somewhat rarer. Both parents are required to be coated or carry the recessive gene in order to produce long coated puppies. Even after many years of carefully planned breeding, a few coated puppies are occasionally born into a litter from Stock Coat parents because each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Some breeders try to breed this out of their bloodlines. Long Coat puppies can appear in litters from two stock coated dogs because each parent is carrying a recessive gene. Both of these dogs could be bred to different mates who do not carry the gene, and both could potentially produce litters without any coated offspring. A Long Coat puppy can often be an indication that the whole litter is going to be a good one. This is because the sires and dams who have produced the litter are carriers of strong genetics from their ancestors. Puppies with this recessive gene generally have a strong-boned body structure, are exceptionally good-natured and are of sound character. It is not uncommon to see police and military service dogs that are coated. This is because Coated dogs can be purchased cheaper while still having the genetics to meet the requirements of other working dogs. The reason why a Long Coat is considered a fault is because when used on a farm with mud or herding, their long hair catches and holds more mud, dirt, debris, cockleburs and other clingy weeds and vegetation. There is a little more grooming maintenance and more hair to shed. However, there is a good market demand for Long Coats and we know breeders intentionally breeding for Long Coats. The hair parts down the middle of the back and flows down the sides of the dog. Many have never seen or heard of this type of coat. In the past, they were allowed to participate in Schutzhund, but were disqualified from the show ring and breeding. Regardless, a German Shepherd dog still requires an undercoat or it is considered to be a fault. A Long Coat has a longer coat, with tufts in the ears, feathers on the feet and has an undercoat. Plush Coat German Shepherds do not have usually feathering of any type. A "Plush Coat" is considered very desirable for Conformation. The Plush Coat German Shepherds have a much longer length of hair compared to the standard coated dogs and a much fuller undercoat as well. Their hair is thicker, fuller and just longer overall than a Stock Coat. Often a Plush Coat will carry the Long Coat gene. Note: Until , there were three distinct German Shepherd coat types: smooth haired, longhaired and wirehaired. The wirehaired variety has since disappeared. Remember that regardless the type of coat, a German Shepherd will still shed!

The only thing that worries me is she is VERY tiny, and seems to be a little slower to develop.Does anyone have any experience with runts?? Im just a little nervous that she might not be as healhty.The female pug pup that we picked out ended up being the runt of the litter. By the time he was 8 weeks he was still smaller than the other puppies, at just under 5 pounds some of the other puppies were 9 pounds! I will say that as a whole he's a very suspicious dog, he considers everything before he acts. When you call him, even though he wags his tail, he hesitates before he comes over to you, he wants to see what the motivation is. I think he lacks confidence from being the runt. And he's almost two and still has that puppy like, I'm the runt, attitude. But he's great otherwise. The word I would use to describe him is "cautious". I also have a purebred Pug. My Bugg looks very Puggy, but he's brindle and has a bit of a snout, while my Pug Wallace has that sweet flat face. Post Reply maniacal cows [deleted] 15 years ago Little Caper and Stacy: It doesnt matter about runts. I raised pugs and runts are usually the ones that rule the roost. Dont worry yourselves one bit about a runt. I have one now that was the runt and she was born allmost dead. Show me a pug and ill show you a dog that will not come to you when it called. Bull headed little pixies that have a mind all there on. They just let you live with em Have fun, Watch Out for Runt Puppies Q. My sister bought our family a dog that was the smallest of the litter. Now he is 9 months old but looks like he is still 4 months old. He is eating very little, but is very active. Do you recommend it? It sounds like your puppy is not growing and developing nearly as fast as the other puppies, but he is active and mentally alert. The first step with a thin puppy is to make sure they are dewormed every two weeks starting at the age of 3 weeks and continuing up to the age of 4 months. Usually the deworming medication is a liquid or some granules that are put on food. Then puppies should be put on a monthly deworming medication like Ivermectin. The two most common intestinal parasites in puppies in the United States are roundworms and hookworms. If your puppy is simply the runt of the litter, and smaller than the other puppies, than there is nothing you can do, or need to do. However, a delay in losing the puppy hair coat sounds abnormal, and could mean a congenital abnormality. This is a type of genetic change where your puppy is born with a disease or abnormality. If so, it may or may not turn out to be serious. Thyroid hormones are important in haircoat development and metabolism, but most dogs have a thyroid deficiency which makes them overweight, and they tend to overeat. Thin dogs do not usually have a thyroid problem. I would recommend that you do the following: 1. Weigh your dog once a week and monitor weight gain. As long as your puppy is not losing weight, I would not worry too much. When your dog is older, you may want to do some thyroid blood level testing, if there is a laboratory that can do that. Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. A runt puppy tends to be weaker and has the lowest chances of survival. But, why is there are runt? Margaret V. Another way to understand why runt puppies happen is natural selection survival of the fittest. Litters compete for milk and privilege spots near the dam, especially in crowded litters. Puppies that early on have this advantage grow up to be the strongest and grow faster than their littermates. Runts, on the other hand, are usually the last ones to eat, resulting in inadequate nutrition and growth. Not really. We explain below. While there is no clear-cut definition of exactly what a runt is, categorizing a puppy as a runt usually means the pup is the smallest of the litter and may show poor health and weakness. At the moment, there are no set parameters that qualify a puppy as a runt. What is not a runt puppy? Another common physical attribute of runts is their fragile bodies and weak bone structure. Newborn runt puppies may also have weak suckle reflexes when the fingertip is gently placed in the mouth. Poor muscle tonality is present as well. There is no outlying evidence that the runt of the litter will be predisposed to develop a certain personality. According to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, personality consistency in dogs is an important aspect of human-dog relationships. You can expect runt puppies to have the most common personality traits of their breeds but the overall personality development of your pup and its changes over time will be shaped by the owner. However, research suggests that, just like humans, when dogs go through significant changes in life, their personality traits change. There are several runt dog health issues associated with runt puppies. Here is a list of the most common run health problems. Weighing each puppy in the litter will help you identify the small birth-weight puppy runt in the litter. Failure to gain weight is a clear early sign of potential problems and should be addressed immediately. If your runt puppy is not meeting this mark, you can hand-fed him or position him at the teat and monitor milk intake. A study on canine neonatal mortality by Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica showed that puppies with a small birth weight have a very high mortality rate. Colostrum Milk Deficiency: Colostrum is a special milk produced by the dam during the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. Colostrum has powerful life-supporting immune and growth factors that ensure the health and vitality of the newborn puppies. If the runt fails to drink this milk, its immune system will severely weaken, making the runt more prone to illness and infections. Human intervention may be necessary to help the runt get proper amounts of Colostrum. You may need to buy a milk replacer containing colostrum. Fading Puppy Syndrome: It can be caused by several factors including, low birth weight, poor mothering, infection, environmental impact, or congenital defects. Fader puppies usually fail to gain weight, vomit, are lethargic, and often repeatedly cry in a high-pitched tone. Sometimes they isolate themselves in corners away from their littermates and dam. Congenital Problems: Birth defects or congenital problems in runts may be more prominent. This affects adequate development, resulting in genetic defects or being less fit than the other puppies during birth. Some defects include cleft palates, cardiovascular deformities, and dwarfism. To avoid any further health complications, veterinary treatment should follow as soon as you notice any genetic abnormalities in runts. Parasite and Infection-Prone: Puppies are especially susceptible to parasites. Runts are less able to withstand a parasite load such as hookworms and roundworms. Hypothermia and hyperthermia: Did you know hypothermia is a primary or contributing cause of many newborn puppy deaths? Puppies are poikilothermic, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature for a week or two after birth. A runt of the litter should stay close to its mother. However, if the mother leaves her puppies alone or rejects them, they need to be provided with an external source of warmth, especially the runt. Similarly, hyperthermia, also known as overheating, can occur during hot climates or inappropriate supplemental heat. This rejection may hasten its death. How do you know when dog mothers reject the runt? The most common signs to look out for are: Absence of licking: It usually happens right after a litter is born. A dam will immediately begin licking each pup to mark them and show she cares about their welfare. Too weak to survive: Mothers know when a runt is too weak to survive, and they will refrain from giving her resources to the pup, ensuring only the strongest and healthy ones survive. Sick runt: A dam may reject a runt with health problems such as a viral or bacterial infection, congenital birth defects, or any other contagious diseases that may jeopardize the rest of the litter. Separate the runt: The mother may pick the runt up and place them down away from her. Additionally, a dam may also reject her pup if she is sick and unable to care for them as a result. If the dam ignores or rejects a runt puppy, human intervention is necessary to help the runt of the litter survive. Watch this special mama taking care of her runt puppy. This step by step guide shows you how to care for a runt puppy, so your little furry friend can thrive and live a healthy life. Step 1: Identify The Runt of The Litter The runt is usually the smallest pup, significantly underweight, unable to nurse, weak, or underdeveloped, which is why you need to step in to provide the care he requires. Watch if the mother dog pushes away or rejects a particular puppy. If this happens, you should be concerned. In the first week of life, normal body temperature in newborn puppies is 95 to 98 F. In the second and third week, normal body temperature rises to 97 to F, and by the fourth-week, body temperatures are the same as those in adults, between .If the temperature is higher or lower than the specified ranges above, you should go to the vet or emergency vet hospital immediately to determine the cause. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns or questions. If the puppy is unable to suckle or the mother rejects him, you will have to start feeding him yourself. Note: Runts require you to pay strict attention to their hygiene for optimal health and development. Always wear new surgical gloves when manipulating the runt. Sterilize bottles and nipples in boiling water between uses. Tube feed the runt: If your runt pup is too weak to suckle or has congenital impediments that restrain him from nursing, learn how to tube feed a runt. Have your veterinarian demonstrate and talk you through the procedure. If the procedure is done incorrectly, you may accidents push food into his lungs or cause other serious injuries. As previously explained, colostrum is a vital liquid, milk produced by the dam. It carries antibodies and fortifies the immune system. We found this milk powder enriched with colostrum to be a great milk alternative to feed a runt puppy. We also recommend using a nursing kit for hand-feeding your runt puppy. Always consult with your veterinarian first. Remember, puppies generally nurse at least every two to three hours but varies as they grow. Talk to your vet. Step 5: Potty Time Newborn puppies need stimulation to urinate and defecate appropriately. Usually, the mom licks their genital area to help them go potty, but you will need to do this for a neglected runt of the litter puppy. The runt will proceed to urinate or defecate following the stimulation. Clean up any mess and wash your hands afterward. A digital scale is recommended for more accurate weighing. In some cases, a runt who cannot gain weight may be suffering from an underlying health condition. Associated with low weight is transient juvenile hypoglycemia low blood sugar syndrome. This condition often arises when regular feeding schedules are not maintained. Adopting or buying a runt Runt puppies hold a unique appeal in our hearts. We want them to thrive so that we can share in their triumph. Sometimes a runt is the smallest, but healthy, sibling. But some runts are dangerously underweight, and this can be caused, or accompanied, by very real health problems. The most important resource for giving a runt puppy the best care and quality of a life is a great vet. Not every runt puppy will make it, but those that do will have a special story for the rest of their lives. Does your puppy seem a lot smaller than his litter mates? Are you worried that the tinest dog might have the biggest problems? Then check out our complete guide to the runt of the litter. We are going to explain what is meant by a puppy being the runt of the litter. Our mental image of the runt puppy in a litter can stir up some mixed emotions. As defenceless newborns, they grab hold of our instinct to protect small and vulnerable things. In books, TV and film, runt animals are often plucky survivors who become popular heroes. But when it comes to actually bringing a runt puppy home… suddenly their small size can become intimidating. What is the Runt of the Litter? This is the traditional meaning of being a runt, as a breeder would understand it. And by this definition, a litter can have more than one runt! In fact, all the puppies with an abnormally low birth weight are runts. These puppies often struggle to gain weight after birth and are slow to reach important developmental milestones. Whilst it is possible for puppies within a litter to be sired by more than one father, the eggs fertilized later catch up with the other embryos quickly in the very earliest stages of pregnancy. As well as the supply of nutrients they receive from their mum while in the womb. A runt puppy might have failed to develop quickly enough because of a congenital defect which impeded their growth. Once a puppy is outside the womb, a congenital defect might become apparent, or more likely it may never be clear why a puppy was born underweight. What Happens To Runt Puppies? If a puppy is small but healthy, then with a little care, the consequences of their size should be minimal. Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother for at least the first three weeks of their life. Sometimes — especially in large litters — it can be a battle to get enough attention from mum. The breeder might need to be on hand to make sure no puppy gets left out. Small puppies might also benefit from a heated pad underneath them, or a heat lamp over the whelping box. We will look in more detail at this later. The breeder will need to watch her female dog with her smallest puppies carefully for any sign that you need to intervene and help her look after them. Problems With The Runt Of The Litter Sadly when a puppy is abnormally underweight at birth, they are likely to be confronted with many more problems. Across all breeds of dog, low birth weight consistently increases the chances of a puppy dying. The more underweight they are, the more at risk they become. Rather than invest in a lost cause, female dogs will often reject an abnormally small puppy from birth, to conserve energy for feeding and caring for her remaining puppies. Runt of the Litter Health As we already touched on, a runt puppy might be small because of an underlying congenital problem. On top of this, their small size makes them vulnerable to further health problems outside the womb. Top of the list in their first few days are dehydration and hypothermia as they compete with their siblings for food and warmth. On top of everything, a runt puppy who misses out on this milk is more susceptible to life-threatening bacterial infections. Runt disease is a genetic problem experienced by some experimental animals in laboratory settings — it is not a problem for runt puppies! All of the puppies should be checked over by a veterinarian in their first couple of days, to identify any problems early. At this check up, the vet will be able to help you distinguish those puppies who are perilously underweight from those who are small but healthy. They will also give detailed instructions for any puppies who need special care. If a runt puppy is too small to latch on to their mum, your vet might advise you to express her milk by hand into sterilized cup and feed the puppy with sterilized bottle or syringe. Alternatively they might recommend a suitable brand of puppy formula. Human baby formula and cows milk are not rich enough enough in calories or protein for puppies. Only ever give puppies milk approved by their vet. Keeping Runt Puppies Warm Puppies have no mechanism for keeping themselves warm when they are born. Away from their mum, small puppies lose heat faster because they have a large surface area relative to their size. Your vet might also recommend using a heat pad or heat lamp to help a runt puppy stay warm. These might include starting vaccinations earlier than usual. Do Runt Puppies Stay Small? Are you tempted to bring home the smallest puppy from a litter in the hope they stay petite into adulthood? For example, a Labrador might be a bit big for your home, but a little Labrador might just fit? Indeed, online dog forums are awash with anecdotes from owners who brought home the smallest puppy in the litter, then watched in disbelief as they reached the highest weight ranges for their breed. So a small but healthy puppy is by no means guaranteed to become a smaller than average dog. You have been warned. Buying the Runt of the Litter Our special fondness for runts means that many of us will one day search specifically for a runt puppy to bring home. If that just means the smallest but healthy puppy, then no problem. But think very carefully before bringing home a puppy who was significantly underweight at birth. Is a Runt Puppy Bad? Abnormally small puppies who are likely to suffer health complications in future, or could pass on congenital problems if they survive and breed are often euthanized at birth. At the other end of the spectrum, some VERY irresponsible breeders and puppy farms are all too keen to sell malnourished and underweight runt puppies. In fact, they try to sell them for more money than a healthy puppy from the same litter, by passing them off as special teacup varieties. Before bringing home an undersized runt puppy, ask to talk directly with their vet about their health. A caring breeder will not have any objection to this. Ask yourself if you can afford any additional vet care a runt might need over the course of their life. Check with you pet insurer if it will be covered. Runt is also used to refer to the smallest pup in a litter, who may or may not be smaller than average size. Credit: Laures Getty Images While birth size is important, the smallest born pup usually catches up to his siblings and might even surpass them at adulthood. Still, with momma dog providing plenty of milk, the runt usually catches up in size. Being born smaller does not necessarily mean the puppy has or will have health problems. What matters is how the runt develops. Puppies who do not develop and remain smaller than the rest of the litter may have health problems. Common problems that can cause a pup to lag behind include heart defects, a cleft palate, and gastrointestinal problems such as a liver shunt or blocked anus. Any organ defect may contribute to small size and potential illness or death. If the runt puppy does not make up for this smaller size fairly quickly, have him evaluated by a veterinarian. Runt of the litter personalities are usually very positive. Runt puppies often get handled more and loved on more, so they are usually well socialized and happy. Let their dam handle interactions if she is a good mother.