cost of a standard poodle puppy
If you would like to have the puppy held for you, make a deposit online. You are certainly welcome to select your puppy this way without a deposit, but please note that availability may change on a daily basis. If you come and see the puppy, make your purchase and take the puppy home if the puppy is 8 weeks old or older. Skip to 6, unless you need to arrange travel for your pup. Connect with us and we will get the right information to deliver the puppy to you and set up the exact date and time. Enjoy the new puppy that you have adopted into your family. If you have any questions, please reach out to the breeder for help! How much is a Golden Retriever puppy, and why do the prices on the website vary? The price depends on the credentials of the parents and the number of puppies available at the time. This allows you to set up an appointment that fits both your schedule and that of our breeders. Our golden retriever puppies are all raised by families in the Northeast Ohio area, conveniently located about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus. This makes it easy to come visit our puppies and spend time playing with them in a home environment. How can I get puppy travel arranged if I am out of state? A little-known fact about golden retriever puppies is that they actually do very well with travel. Check out our puppy travel page here to find out more about how we go the extra mile. How do you raise your dogs? When buying a golden retriever puppy, the people who bred and raised them can have a big impact on the health and sociability of the dog! Because of this, we are dedicated to choosing caring, dedicated golden retriever breeders in Ohio who will get your pup started on the right track. Our small network of breeders in Ohio all are dedicated to the same principles. This starts by providing carefully-planned breedings to ensure the best pedigree for our pups. They raise healthy, socialized pups that can make a smooth transition to a new home. Most of our breeders actually have young children at home who help raise the puppies and play with them so they can become socially adjusted. How do I leave a review of my Golden Retriever experience? Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Florida Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Florida? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Florida? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.
The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet. How much exercise do American Bulldogs need? American Bulldogs are a very active breed and will need over 1 hour of exercise per day. A shorter one in the morning is fine but make sure that they can have a nice long walk later in the day. We advise walking them during cooler times of the day and having plenty of water handy, as Bulldogs are known to struggle in the heat. To keep them happy and healthy, take them to a secure environment where they can run off-lead, with lots of interesting things to see and sniff. American Bulldog dietary needs Your American Bulldog will need a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Growing pups may prefer smaller servings during the day, rather than two larger meals. This can be reduced to two meals a day as your dog gets older. The recommended portion size will depend on your individual dog. To avoid weight gain, make sure your American Bulldog has a healthy and balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise. Training: how to train an American Bulldog Training an American Bulldog will often require the patience and understanding of an experienced owner. As is the case with all breeds, American Bulldogs will start to approach new experiences with caution when they are around 12 weeks old. Whilst they are still so young and receptive, it's a good idea to introduce your bulldog to other dogs, people and livestock as well as car travel and unfamiliar noises, such as traffic. Grooming: do American Bulldogs shed? American Bulldogs are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Thanks to their short, dense coat, a quick brush once a week will suffice. You should only need to bathe your bulldog when they get muddy. Complete your American Bulldogs grooming routine with regular tooth brushing , nail clips and ear checks. Cost of owning an American Bulldog When considering the lifetime cost of owning an American Bulldog, remember to take into account the following costs:. Red skin Recurring skin infections If you notice any of these signs in your American Bulldog, contact your veterinarian for guidance. Feeding your American Bulldog a diet formulated for large-breed dogs as both a puppy and an adult is recommended for optimal growth and wellness. As American Bulldog puppies mature, feeding them two meals a day is recommended. Nutritional Tips for American Bulldogs Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, which may be dangerous to their health. Dogs fed a complete and balanced commercial food diet should not need any nutritional supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian. Because they are so loyal to their family, they can be useful watch dogs that bark to alert you when anything is amiss. A well-trained and socialized American Bulldog will typically get along with other pets and with young children. American Bulldog Behavior American Bulldogs can be watchful over their family and, as with every other dog breed, early training and socialization is vital. They are large, active dogs who need to be kept busy physically and mentally. Playtime and long walks are important for American Bulldogs—though they also enjoy a good afternoon nap. American Bulldog Training American Bulldogs are a large, active breed that require dedicated training. They can pick up training cues quickly, especially when training sessions are done consistently and with positive reinforcement. Fun Activities for American Bulldogs Agility. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The very muscular, sturdy and powerful, yet compact frame of the American Bulldog remains higher on the leg, more agile and swifter than its English counterpart. Some individuals are reportedly able to leap six or more feet into the air. Males are characteristically stockier and heavier boned than the more refined females. The head is large with strong jaws. Agile and light on his feet, the chest is wide and moderately deep, giving the sense of athletic ability and power. The neck is muscular, tapering from the shoulders to the head and may have a slight dewlap. The head is square, large and broad with muscular cheeks relatively in proportion to the size and overall structure of the dog. There is a defined furrow between the rounded eyes, with a distinct, sharply defined, deep stop. The strong muzzle is broad and square. The preferred bite is reverse scissors, but a moderate underbite, scissors or even bite are acceptable. A variety of ear types are acceptable including cropped, rose, half-pricked and forward flap. Uncropped ears are preferred in the American Bulldog Breeders Association standard. Eyes are most often brown, but can come in any color. They sometimes have split eyes, where one eye is brown and the other eye is blue. Black eye rims are preferred on white dogs. Pink eye rims are considered a fault according to the written standard. The nose is black, red, brown or grizzle; black is the preferred color according to the standard. In black-nosed dogs, the preferred lip color is black, though some pink is permitted. The lips should be full but not too loose. The front legs are heavy-boned, strong and straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and thick with well-defined muscles. The tail is low-set, begins thick at the base, and tapers to a point. The coat is smooth and short, and comes in all shades of brindle including red brindle, varying degrees of white, red, brown, tan, fawn and piebald. Temperament The American Bulldog is loyal, reliable, brave and determined. Not a hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism toward its master. It has strong protective instincts, and needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Well-socialize and obedience train them at an early age, to prevent them from becoming reserved with strangers. Without that strong-minded pack leader who can tell the dog what is expected of it, it may be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be around people and know their place in their pack to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Without enough daily mental and physical exercise they will become high strung and may become hard to handle. Height, Weight Height: Males 22 - 28 inches 55 - 70 cm Females 20 - 26 inches 52 - 65 cm Weight: Males 70 - pounds 32 - 54 kg Females 60 - pounds 27 - 45 kg Health Problems Prone to hip dysplasia. Living Conditions The American Bulldog will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Exercise The American Bulldog should be taken on a long daily walk. Life Expectancy. Dog domestic dog The American Bulldog is a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type that was used as stock dogs, catch dogs, and guardians on farms and ranches. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott are widely regarded as the forefathers of rescuing the breed from extinction. Small farmer and ranch owners used this all-around working dog for many tasks including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. These dogs were not a bona fide breed by modern standards as was the case for most other dogs; kennel clubs and breed registries did not exist until , [6] at least two centuries after the Old English Bulldog first migrated to America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Old English Bulldog had many different strains for cattle-droving, bull-baiting , farm dogs, and butcher's dogs. In America, no records remain, but rather landrace strains are acknowledged that initially depended on where a dog's master originated in England, the majority of which were bred to work as evidenced by accounts of the age in local newspapers and written inventories upon death. Later, breeding decisions were dependent on the best working farm dogs, despite breed or background. Later, in states such as Texas, several separate strains of the " bulldog "-type dogs were kept by ranchers as utilitarian working dogs. Other dogs in time became guard dogs on plantations. The bulldogs were the settlers' only means of sufficiently dealing with the vermin. Johnson scoured the backroads of the South looking for the best specimens to revive the breed. During this time, a young Alan Scott grew an interest in Johnson's dogs and began to work with him on the revitalization process. At another point, Johnson began crossing his original lines with an atavistic English Bulldog from the North that had maintained its genetic athletic vigor, creating the Bully type American Bulldog, also known as the Johnson type or the Classic type. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" catching escaped hogs or hunting feral pigs , as cattle drovers, and as working or sport K-9s. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as dog obedience , Schutzhund , French Ring, Mondioring, Iron Dog competition, and weight pulling. The shoulders and chest tend to be the most muscular parts of the American Bulldog. Its coat is short and generally smooth, requiring little maintenance except a bath every few weeks. The breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colors, while historically predominantly white with patches of red, black, or brindle, have grown in recent years to include many color patterns, including black, red, brown, fawn, and all shades of brindle. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is traditionally preferred, with only some pink allowed. Eye color is usually brown, but heterochromia also occurs, although this is also considered a cosmetic fault. American Bulldogs are known to drool more than other breeds of dogs. The Bully type is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle, but the muzzle should never be so short that it causes difficulty with breathing. Standard types are generally more athletic with longer muzzles and a more square head. Many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types, usually termed "hybrid". In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 and 54 kg 60 to lb and are 52 to 70 cm 20 to 28 in at the withers , but have been known to greatly exceed these dimensions, especially in the "out of standard" nonworking stock. Temperament and characteristics[ edit ] This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to train. Please help improve this article either by rewriting the how-to content or by moving it to Wikiversity , Wikibooks or Wikivoyage. August An American Bulldog at guard dog training American Bulldogs are typically confident, social, ebullient, and lively dogs that are at ease with their families. They are not as friendly, however, with people they do not know; their ancestors were farm dogs that guarded the home, the livestock, and the children when their master was away. That said, they do not have the affinity for water a retriever would: they swim if they have to do it, not because they particularly enjoy it. However, they also prize the breed having a soft, affectionate inner nature. Some health problems in American bulldogs are often found within certain genetic lines, and are not common to the entire breed, while others, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis NCL , [25] Ichthyosis , disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia , cherry eye , elbow dysplasia , entropion , ectropion , and bone cancer are more common to the general population of American Bulldogs. Some American Bulldogs are prone to allergies. Due to the ideal of beauty regarding the shape of the face the skull malformation brachycephaly was increased by breeding selection. American Bulldogs in popular culture[ edit ] This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. February .Their personalities are easy to love; they have a confident demeanor and are known for their almost clown-like antics when excited, making them an excellent family companion. This breed is quite family-oriented but may be distant with strangers at first. Their characteristic aloofness to outsiders helps make them great guard dogs. With consistent training and established rules and boundaries, this powerful pup can learn with the best of them. As a working breed, they were known for their wild pig and cattle catching abilities, making them indispensable on southern ranches in the US. Grooming Hurray for easy care! Make sure your vet gives your pup a professional cleaning every year, too. Be sure to put nail trimming every couple of weeks and ear cleaning monthly is usually enough on the grooming menu, too. And as for baths, plan on a bath about once a month or so. You may be able to just use your nose. If you detect an unpleasant odor eww! Training When it comes to training, an American Bulldog puppy needs a confident pup parent who uses positive reinforcement to teach various skills, such as how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. Start training your American Bulldog puppy early to get them used to the ropes. Once you understand what works for them, training becomes easy. Remember: American Bulldogs are smart. These social interactions give your dog a chance to explore a variety of environments and social situations. Feed your puppy large-breed puppy kibble for their first 14 months to support slow but consistent growth. Skip food or supplements with calcium until your pooch is fully grown and eating an adult diet. The added calcium could disrupt healthy bone development. Treats are an essential part of training and a great way to show your pup you love them. However, too many treats can lead to a tubby pup, so check with your vet if you need help figuring out a proper treat-to-mealtime ratio. Exercise Even though they have a moderate energy level, an American Bulldog needs a lot of exercise. And exercise is important to keep your dog out of trouble. If they have unused energy, an American Bulldog will resort to destructive behaviors to release that energy, like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. This athletic dog benefits greatly from structured walks and play to work the mind and their muscular build. As a puppy parent, strive to offer non-impact movement such as hiding balls in the yard or offering a puzzle toy, as these games lower the risk of joint and bone damage early on. Get out of the house twice a day or more if your young dog is up for it for playtime and walks that last between 20 and 30 minutes. Trainers often suggest skipping the dog park because structured play is more difficult in this setting. Instead, get creative with activities. Think: fetch, tug-of-war with a rope toy or a chewy option filled with something delicious. You may even try lower-impact dog sports like agility or nose work. Both are an excellent way to keep your pup mentally and physically engaged. Remember, a happy dog is a tired dog! Ideal Environment Both city and country homes will suit the American Bulldog as long as you can offer lots of exercise and playtime. Still, families with kids are a good match for this protective and intelligent breed. A structured day with regular walks and chances to play with a variety of toys is the best environment for the American Bulldog. Staving off boredom is paramount, and, of course, no animal likes to be home alone for a long time. When considering the American Bulldog as a pet, bear in mind that training is the key to their success, especially when adding this breed to a home with kids or other dogs. Pup parents need to be aware of some of these issues so they can help their dog live the healthiest life possible. Joint Dysplasia: This joint abnormality is seen in the hips and elbows, and a dog with dysplasia may run, jump and climb less than usual. Most often, the issue is a rupture or partial tear. Cherry Eye: Did you know dogs have a third eyelid? Bone Cancer: Often found in the long bones arms, legs , the cause for this condition is unknown, though vets feel it may have a genetic or environmental component. Deafness: Deafness, which can occur in one or both ears, may be acquired via drug exposure or infection. But deafness could also be hereditary and is linked to dogs with light coats and eyes. Acquired deafness is usually permanent but may improve over time without intervention. A special diet may be the treatment or medications, depending on the cause. Spinal Issues: Degenerative myelopathy DM is often genetic in nature and affects the spinal cord, leading to weakness and hind limb paralysis. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: NCL is an inherited, progressive and rare neurological disorder that starts showing up between 1 and 2 years of age. The most obvious symptom is behavioral changes in the dog, and the pup will usually lose coordination and eyesight. It can be discovered through a DNA test, and at this time, there are no treatments. This proud pup carries an imported pedigree, having been brought over from across the pond as a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was originally bred for bull baiting. Thankfully, this horrific sport was outlawed in England in .Back in the 17th century, early settlers packed these working dogs with them for service on farms and ranches. The American Bulldog became a utility player, stepping in to accomplish many tasks, such as guarding livestock and catching cattle and feral pigs. In fact, were it not for their success as an excellent catch dog in the southern states, we might not know the breed today. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott were able to breed the last few native American Bulldogs in the southern US, resulting in two types the Scott type and the Johnson type that thrive today. These breeds differ in appearance; the Johnson American Bulldog sports a bigger, stronger build, a larger head and short muzzle, and the Scott American Bulldog has more lithe features, such as an athletic, small-boned frame and a longer muzzle. Are you looking to add an American Bulldog as a family member? Check out the AKC puppy finder to find a reputable breeder. You can also seek out local American Bulldog rescues to find a worthy, loving dog to call your own, or keep an eye out for the breed at your local shelter. FAQs Do American bulldogs shed? Yes, American Bulldogs shed, albeit lightly and seasonally. Are American Bulldogs Pitbulls? Are American Bulldogs aggressive? American Bulldogs may be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly unfamiliar ones of the same sex, in part because of their protective and somewhat dominant nature. But with consistent training and early socialization, this breed is considered a loving family dog that does well with kids and other pets. How long do American Bulldogs live? American Bulldogs can have a generous life span, often living between 10 and 12 years. Providing your dog with the proper diet and exercise can help your pup live a full life. What are the most popular American Bulldog names? Get more dog names here. What are the most common American Bulldog mixes? Families of all kinds admire this agile, athletic breed and count themselves lucky to own such a loving, loyal pet. Female Names. Key Takeaways Pro Tip: One in three pets require veterinary treatment each year and vet bills can come to thousands of dollars. Pet insurance can give you peace of mind when your dog gets sick, especially for breeds like the American Bulldog that are prone to certain health conditions. American Bulldog characteristics Physical characteristics American Bulldogs are stocky and muscular dogs. Male Bulldogs are visibly larger and stockier than females and typically grow 22 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 70 and pounds. Female Bulldogs can be 20 to 26 inches tall and weigh from 60 to pounds. The breed is characterized by a large, square head, broad and square muzzle, and powerful jaws. Their eyes are either almond-shaped or round and most commonly brown in color, but some members of the breed can have blue, grey, or hazel eyes. The ears are typically folded forward in a flap and the lips are pendulous. American Bulldogs have a short and soft coat which is typically white with patches of black, brindle, black, red, or shades of gray or brown. Personality The American Bulldog temperament is characterized as brave, loyal, and prepared to protect their owners whenever necessary. American Bulldogs are great with kids and enjoy the company of multiple people. Lifespan American Bulldogs typically live from 10 to 16 years the average lifespan is about .It has the longest life expectancy and fewer genetic health problems. American Bulldog care tips Training and exercise Puppy training classes and early socialization are highly recommended. American Bulldogs need strict routines, good training practices, and positive reinforcement in order to retain proper boundaries. American Bulldogs are very energetic and athletic dogs that require quite a lot of exercise and a wide range of activities that involve a companion, such as hikes, jogs, and tug-of-war games. Regular brushing is needed in order to keep their coat clean and shiny. The ears should be cleaned about once a month, the teeth should be brushed regularly, and the nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks. Nutrition Because American Bulldogs are muscular and very active, they require food that is rich in meat protein and omega-3 fatty acids but low in carbohydrates in order to prevent weight gain. Adult Bulldogs should also be given muscle and joint supplements. Living with Bulldogs As long you keep your American Bulldogs engaged and active, they will be happy in any type of home, be it a family house with a big yard or a city apartment. Be sure your yard is securely fenced so that your dog can run around safely. American Bulldogs can be quite persistent and can easily jump over a fence when chasing a squirrel or a rabbit. Consider creating a busy box or maze to provide enough mental stimulation and prevent boredom which might result in undesirable behavior. When you are not around, be sure to leave interactive toys to keep your Bulldog busy. Common American Bulldog health issues The American Bulldog is generally considered healthy but there are some genetic issues that are common to the breed, such as: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis NCL, a group of progressive degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. They know how to finish a task, and they hope you'll appreciate it. They're brawny and well-built, they have incredible stamina, and they'll be at your side if you're out in the fields, in the woods, or hiking a rocky trail. They also enjoy cuddling. With a family, they're naturally loyal. Their hindquarters are narrow and lifted with sculpted haunches. They have a high, thin tail like a rudder and a long back. Standing about 2 feet at the shoulder, their broad, square head is positioned on a solid neck. With a quick glance, it's almost as though most of their 60— pounds is in the front of the body, but that's just because their burly chest ripples with strength and their forelegs are set wide apart. They have a prominent forehead, and their dainty upside-down, V-shaped ears drape on either side of their cap. They have soft, round brown eyes. Most American bulldogs are white or have a white base coat usually marked with black, brown, brindle, or tan. Their fur is short and neat. Temperament The American bulldog temperament is quite silly when excited or happy, and these dogs will clown around to make their human companions laugh. Your lap is often their favorite spot, regardless of how much oomph they have. They love to frolic and play, especially fetching and tug-of-war, and they'll spring many feet into the air after a Frisbee or another flying toy. They're so intelligent , it's easy to be enthusiastic about training to help them grow into effective hunters or well-mannered family dogs. American bulldog puppies need early socialization and consistent training , and mental and physical stimulation for bullies of all ages is a must. They were bred to do good work, and some of their job titles include feral hog wrangler, hunting dog , livestock herder, personal protection canine, and ranch hand. When a working dog is bored, their impish charm might toe the line, and they're more likely to engage in undesirable behaviors such as digging , chewing, and barking. Birt says new American bulldog owners need to be knowledgeable and vigilant! Include your American bulldog in any exercise you do. This helps them see you as the leader, and they'll jump for joy—literally! They're naturally wary of strangers and may need some extra association with your children's friends so they recognize their play together as non-threatening. Early and consistent socialization will help your American bulldog be more comfortable around new people. Living Needs As long as American bulldogs are kept active and engaged, they'll do well on a farm, in a house with a big yard, or in an apartment with a large-animal dog park nearby. As long as they're not left alone for too long, they're adaptable. Because American bulldogs crave activity and stimulation, potential owners should first talk with a veterinarian to determine if this bulldog's exercise needs match their lifestyles. All dogs benefit from early, positive socialization so they can learn to work well with their owners and children, and this is true for an American bulldog, too. Though he lives happily with animals he's known since puppyhood, Birt says he might get a little grumpy if his four-legged sibling tries to play with his toys or eat all his food. An American bulldog's temperament is so persistent, he'll probably dash through invisible fencing, especially if he's chasing a rabbit or squirrel. Tall plank fencing is a good option and hard for these dogs to jump over. Creating a maze or a busy box to provide mental stimulation is a terrific problem-solving activity to eliminate boredom and avoid undesirable behavior. Something simple, like tossing wads of crumpled newspaper across the floor with little treats hidden underneath, helps keep your American bulldog happy and engaged. When you're not around, he'll love interactive toys to keep him busy. Care There's no need to spend a lot of time spiffing up an American bulldog—he's a naturally handsome breed. Weekly brushing controls moderate shedding and spreads essential oils through his coat to keep it healthy. But you might need to give him an extra comb-through when spring and fall seasonal shedding picks up. They only need baths when they're dirty , and that's a good time to trim their nails and check and clean their ears , too. Regular home dental care is important, not only for healthy teeth and fresh breath but also because they have a tendency to slobber a lot, especially after eating and drinking. Their cute facial folds need cleaning throughout the day. Most types of bulldogs, including the American, are a bit gassy. A veterinarian can explain how their particular anatomy affects digestion and what diets minimize flatulence. Health An American bulldog's lifespan is 10—12 years, and they're generally healthy and robust. But as a brachycephalic or flat-faced breed , they're prone to overheating, and you have to take action quickly. According to the American Bulldog Association ABA , this breed can also develop elbow or hip dysplasia , a condition where the joint doesn't properly form. This results in a loose joint and, if untreated, osteoarthritis. The ABA also says American bulldogs can also develop two diseases: Ichthyosis: This is a skin disorder resulting from a genetic mutation. In less-severe cases, the dog has flaky skin and requires more frequent bathing and oiling to be comfortable. In severe cases, your pup will be itchy and need almost daily bathing and oiling. American bulldogs can also develop allergies , so talk to your veterinarian if you notice your dog excessively itching. Canine Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis NCL : This is a deadly, incurable condition where a dog loses control of his hindquarters, eventually resulting in him not being able to move. According to the ABA, signs of the condition begin appearing when a pup is about 2 years old. The good news: both of these conditions are detectable with genetic testing. Make sure your American bulldog breeder conducts all health screenings recommended by the OFA. If you're adopting through an American bulldog rescue, ask for all available health information. History American bulldogs' ancestry began in the English countryside, where they were often found in butcher shops. When laborers immigrated to the American colonies in the 17th century, they brought their stout working dogs with them. According to the ABA, this breed was originally known as the English white bulldog or the white English bulldog because of their mostly white coats, even though they didn't have the typical "sourmug" face of their English cousins. American bulldogs almost faded away after World War II, but breeders John Johnson and Alan Scott each worked to improve the animals' family sociability and guarding skills. Now, there are two primary strains of American bulldogs, and those with Johnson's traits are a little larger and more athletic than canines Scott's line. This breed is sometimes confused with pit bulls, but there are some things prospective owners need to know about American bulldogs vs. For one, the term "pit bull" in the U. But pit bulls are recognized as their own breed by the United Kennel Club. While both can be loving and rambunctious dogs, the American bulldog always has a white base for their coat, while pit bulls can be almost any color. They also have different lineages—American bulldogs descend from mastiffs , and pit bulls from various terriers, including American Staffordshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers —although some breed historians believe there's a little bulldog mixed in. Fun Facts American bulldogs can jump more than 3 feet in the air. Some have been known to bounce as high as 7 feet! American bulldogs have spent a lot of time on the big screen. Steve Martin's movies Cheaper by the Dozen and Cheaper by the Dozen 2 featured an American bulldog as the family companion. The couple also trained him for his movie debut. Was this page helpful? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic American Bulldog Overview American Bulldogs are generally happy, family-loving dogs that do well in homes where they have plenty of space to roam. A big, fenced-in backyard is practically a must-have for one of these energetic dogs, though exercise needs may vary by specific type and breeding. They may be just fine with urban life, so long as they get plenty of walks, and they can even make good jogging or running buddies. They do not, however, take very well to being left alone for long periods of time, and they can feel cooped up in an apartment. American Bulldogs need experienced owners who can be patient with training and start socialization early. Whether they are used for hunting and farm work or just cuddling up with their humans, the American Bulldog makes for an excellent, loyal companion and a competent watchdog. American Bulldog Highlights Temperament: They are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and affection toward their families. American Bulldogs are often described as gentle giants, making them good family pets. Intelligence: These dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can also be strong-willed. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement training are crucial to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults. Exercise Needs: American Bulldogs are an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like daily walks, playtime, and even agility training. Lifespan: The average lifespan of an American Bulldog is around 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, diet, and overall care. Family Compatibility: American Bulldogs can make excellent family pets when raised in a loving and consistent environment. They are known for their patience with children and are protective of their human family members. Guardian Instinct: Due to their protective nature, American Bulldogs can be good guard dogs. They are naturally watchful and alert, which makes them capable of providing security. These two lines may have slight differences in appearance and temperament. Always check local laws and regulations before acquiring one of these dogs. American Bulldog History The ancestor of the American Bulldog is the Old English Bulldog, which was brought to North America by working class immigrants who wanted to keep their working dogs to help on the farms. Rather than being concerned with maintaining breed purity or certain genetic traits, early farmers bred the dogs with the best working qualities for all-around farm work. Wild pigs were an invasive species not native to the American south that had no natural predators, and the strong jaws and muscular build of the American Bulldog was perfect for hunting them down. They were originally used in the barbaric sport of bull baiting. By the end of World War II, the American Bulldog was almost extinct until a few breeders scoured the south for specimens to revive the breed. Today, the American Bulldog is in no danger of extinction and is mostly a family-friendly companion. Adorable American Bulldog puppies will grow to 20 to 28 inches in height and 60 to pounds by the time they reach adulthood. Although these sizes are considered to be standard for the breed, American Bulldogs can be quite a bit larger or smaller. American Bulldog Personality American Bulldogs are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate , though that affectionate nature often leads them to be territorial and overly suspicious of strangers. This makes them lovely family dogs and watchdogs, even for families with children, but they will need socialization training, especially as puppies to get along with unfamiliar humans or other dogs that stop by for a visit. Luckily, their intelligence makes them highly adaptable and trainable. The American Bulldog is a playful breed that has some high exercise needs, and they do well in families that are able to stay active with lots of walks and play time. They can develop in American Bulldogs and may require surgical removal for treatment. It can lead to itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Treatment typically involves medicated baths and sometimes oral medications. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, skin issues, and other health problems. It is usually managed with lifelong medication. It can lead to lameness and discomfort, and severe cases may require surgical intervention. Elbow Dysplasia : Elbow dysplasia is another developmental disorder affecting the elbows. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected limb. Treatment may involve medication, weight management, and in some cases, surgery to correct the condition. American Bulldog Care Most of the care that is necessary for the health of an American Bulldog is meeting their needs for exercise and mental stimulation. Failing to do so can result in anxiety, boredom, and destructive behavior. So long as those needs are met, the rest is fairly standard. Maintain normal vet visits, check their ears weekly, keep up with monthly nail clipping and normal dental care. One of the issues you may face is the potential for drooling that is common among bully breeds. You should take care to wipe your dog as needed unless you want a generous amount of slobber all over your home. American Bulldog Feeding An American Bulldog diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed, and their high energy level should be taken into consideration. Their needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood. You should discuss with them how to form an appropriate diet for your dog. Traditionally they are white with patches of brindle, red, or black, but there are quite a few more color variations to the breed in modern times. They may have patterns that include shades of black, red, brindle, brown, or fawn. American Bulldogs usually have black on the nose and the rims of the eyes, but they may also have shades of pink. Their eye color is usually brown. Although these are breed standards, some American Bulldogs have been known to be merle or have coats that contain shades of blue. Weekly brushing should keep it under control with baths as needed. So long as they are trained properly, American Bulldogs are great with children and are very loyal to all members of the family. It is also important to train children on how to properly handle and treat animals to avoid incident. American Bulldogs are large animals, and overly energetic play can cause injuries. The same can be said for interactions with other pets. So long as American Bulldogs are socialized and trained, they usually get along with other dogs just fine. Play should be supervised, especially with smaller dogs that can easily get hurt when playing with a large, muscular American Bulldog. You can also check local shelters near you, or you can use our adoption page that lets you search by breed and zip code for adoptable dogs. American Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. More Info For You. American Bulldog Traits General Appearance Though they can vary in size and appearance depending on which line or strain they came from, American Bulldogs are typically stocky and well-built. The Johnson type American Bulldog is a large dog with a shorter muzzle, whereas the Scott type is smaller with a longer muzzle. Coat and Coloring The American Bulldog may be solid white or white with all shades of brindle i. Blue eyes can occur, but they are not common. Distinctive Physical Traits American Bulldogs have large heads, powerful jaws, and beefy builds that include a deep, broad chest, broad back, and muscular shoulders. American Bulldog Temperament American Bulldogs often serve as guard, hunting, and working dogs. They require daily mental and physical activity to prevent hyperactivity and undesirable behaviors. American Bulldogs also need firm, consistent obedience training and socialization to be friendly toward strangers and easy to control in all situations. As such, this breed is best for experienced dog owners. American Bulldogs can be wary of cats and other small pets and may react to strange dogs—especially those of the same sex. And there have been incidents of American Bulldog aggression toward other pets or people. But you can reduce the risk of such events through early socialization. Experts believe Bulldogs arrived in the United States as early as the 17th century, along with immigrant farmers and ranchers who put them to work as farm guardians protecting livestock , stock dogs herding livestock , and catch dogs catching and holding mature livestock for slaughter. By the late s, the Bulldogs approached extinction. But thanks to breeding programs set up by John D. Johnson and Alan Scott, the American Bulldog survived. There are now two American Bulldog types named after the breeders: the Johnson, also known as the classic or bully type, and the Scott, which is sometimes called the standard or performance type. The American Bulldog Association started in .And a year later, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed in the working class. American Bulldog Care Nutrition American Bulldogs need a high-quality diet formulated for large dogs. To ensure slow and steady growth, they should eat large-breed puppy food for the first 14 months of life. And you should not feed them foods with added calcium until they are eating adult food. Grooming Grooming American Bulldogs is relatively easy. Their coats are fine and glossy, with moderate shedding. That means the breed needs only occasional brushing, and baths can typically wait until they get into something messy. Exercise The American Bulldog is an athletic breed. Otherwise, bone and joint damage are possible. Adult Bulldogs, on the other hand, can enjoy a range of invigorating activities—from jogs, hikes, and tug-a-war games to training exercises. American Bulldogs often struggle when left alone for long periods. The boredom of solitude may drive them to develop a variety of behavior problems—such as chewing or digging. Meeting their needs for physical and mental stimulation can help prevent this. If exposed to good training practices, other dogs, and a variety of people, your American Bulldog will likely grow to be a well-mannered, manageable adult. American Bulldog Genetic Health Conditions.
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. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Here's what we know so far: How many dogs were killed in the fire? The Tampa Bay Times reported that Hillsborough fire officials told them 5 dogs passed away from the RV fire, despite earlier social media reports saying it was over .Another user on Facebook wrote that two pitbulls nearby also were killed by the smoke. Are there any other injuries reported? There were no other injuries from the RV reported as of Wednesday. How did the fire start? As of Wednesday, authorities have not released the cause of the fire. A video of the incident shows the flames engulfing the front of the camper before spreading towards the back. Who did the RV belong to? The identity of the camper's owner has not been publicly released by authorities, though many on social media have said it belonged to professional dog handlers, Rick and Mandy Justice. Several online have shared their condolences for the popular breeders and handlers of boxers. A verified GoFundMe has been sent up in their honor, confirming the loss of their dogs. This money is not only to help the handlers and any survivor dogs if any get home but to also serve as a down payment for another RV. In AKC conformation shows dogs compete in different classes based on breed and sex, with breeds divided into hound, terrier, working, herding, sporting, non-sporting, toy, and miscellaneous groups. Petersburg Dog Fanciers Association. What has been the community's reaction? Since the Tuesday night incident, many across the dog community are sharing their pain for the lost pups and their condolences for the handlers. Whether dealing with great danes to dachshunds, all handlers, breeders, and just dog lovers said they felt a great loss after the tragedy. We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the owners and handlers who are broken by this tragic event. We grieve with you. We are a small hobby breeder in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Boxer Aid and Rescue Coalition - Northern. We are totally staffed by dedicated volunteers and all Boxers in. Our Boxers are part of our family and we take great pride in taking care of. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. Please view all of our available dogs to find the Boxer who is the most likely candidate to fit into your home and lifestyle, keeping your heart and mind open to all possibilities when considering your new family member. If you are looking for a puppy, please contact us to inquire about puppies sired by our stud dogs or for the occasional litter born into our nursery. PleaD contact Natalie Kruse at xxx-xxx-xxxx or xxxxxxx xxxxx. Puppies have been dewormed, tails have been docked, dewclaws removed, and …. We have been breeding since .The Westminster Dog Show is beginning to draw to a close and is now much closer to crowning its winner following Monday's Best of Group competition. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. Our boxers are part of our family; they live in our homes. Incorporated in , Florida Boxer Rescue Inc. Frightened and rescued from neglect, Penelope arrived with her 1-year old hound mix brother named Noah. Available Dogs Available Dogs If you are interested in adding a new member to your family, and have decided to rescue a boxer, please take a minute to understand what rescue is. When raising puppies we focus on lots of early handling and socialization. We have been a K9 breeder for over 20 years and have been breeding boxers for over 12 years. The Westminster Dog Show is in full swing, with Day 1 completed. Boxer Breeder Details. FL Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Florida Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Florida. Our puppies are held and loved daily by our family. Crazy About Boxers Details; 2. Our puppies will complete your home, your family, and your heart! On average, Boxers range from 21 to 25 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds. Had other breeds but always came back to the Boxer for their unmistakable loyalty and dedication. Identifiable by their short hair, square jaw, and strong bodies, Boxers have been one of the most loved pets. This is between Orlando and Tampa, Florida. The puppies are raised in a birthing room in controlled temperatures. This is an AKC-compliant breeder that specializes in breeding Boxers only. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy. Boxers for Sale in Fort Myers. Contact Us About Calvin's Boxers. Throughout my life I've had boxers. Hybrid dogs are created when two purebred canines, from different groups or classes, breed to create a new standard with positive characteristic from both lines. They are described as bright, fun-loving, and active. Boxers were bred to be intelligent and noble guard dogs. Westminster Dog Show winners: Complete list with Best in …. Male Orange Collar Boxer. Florida Boxer Rescue Inc. We own a farm on 29 acres in Morriston, Florida, near Ocala. Available Dogs — Coastal Boxers Rescue. We have been Breeding for about 18 Years. As Boxer puppies Miami mature, they grow into impressive dogs… a little imposing too! Male Boxers can mature to stand up to 25 inches high at the shoulder, weighing up to 80 pounds. Calvin's Boxers is located in North Florida and breeds Boxers. These puppies are family raised and well socialized with children and other pets. Sweetest pure bred boxer pup with shots and papers just at 12 weeks old full of energy and needs a good home Buy Now Boxer puppies 4 week old Boxer puppies available, 1 fawn male, 4 brindle males and 1 brindle female, fun, feisty, beautiful pups who want stable and loving homes. We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Boxer Puppies in Florida For Sale; 1. There was only one repeat champion this. She is great with other dogs and loves to p… more 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. Boxer Puppies by Champions! Call or Text for. Contact us today! Crestview, FL view our pets petfinder flbr. Boxer puppies for sale in Orlando, FL from trusted breeders. We are happy to help find your way to Fortune Meadows! Take exit 31 toward Kathleen Rd. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Orlando, FL. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Get information on all CBR events. Purebred FL Boxer Puppies .Rescue is taking in a dog in need, no matter what age, sex, color, cuteness, etc. She is a sweetheart that would be well suited for someone who lives in a smaller » Read more » Leon County, Tallahassee, FL. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Penelope ID is a petite, 8-month old female Boxer mix with an adorable underbite. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Hard Run Acres is situated on a farm in the heart of Florida in Lakeland. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. AKC registered Boxer puppies, 5 males, 5 females. We are a responsible boxer breeder that cares about our. At Chippewa Valley Boxers, we consider ourselves to be family breeders who raise puppies for the joy it brings and as a wonderful experience for our families. We are committed to offering Boxer puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. Dogs and Puppies, Boxer. We moved to Florida in .We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. Boxers for Sale in Melbourne, FL. American Boxer Puppies Details; 3. The mini boxer is a hybrid dog. Their Boxer puppies have all received deworming and. Get answers to frequently asked questions here. The Boxer you least expect may be the one who chooses you! We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. Speaking of homes, we are always in need of foster homes to provide a safe and loving place for them to live until adoption. Take a look at our available puppies by clicking on the picture of the breed you are interested in. Please contact us to find out when we are getting more. Best Boxer Breeders in Florida! Purebred boxer puppies four fawn males and one solid white male available. Their Boxer puppies have all received deworming and administered their first shots. Our Boxers are part of our family and we take great pride in taking care of them and making sure they are healthy and happy and the same goes for our little puppies until they go to their forever homes. Female Boxers are a little smaller, maturing to stand up to .This mini line is a cross between the American boston terrier, which has been around for years, and the boxer, originally from […]. Florida Boxer Rescue, Inc. Boxers generally live years on average. Boxer puppies for sale in Florida from trusted breeders. Purebred Boxer Puppies. She is a sweetheart that would be well suited for someone who lives in a smaller » Read more » Leon County, If you reside outside of this area you may be directed to one of the below Boxer rescue organizations. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Florida. American Boxer Puppies. Boxer Puppies and Young Boxers pictured. They are playful and healthy and the breeders have been inspected and approved by AKC. That means we know some of the winners of each of the seven groups a reminder: There's a breed winner, and each of those. Lakeland is right in between Orlando and Tampa. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, We breed naturally reared performance and conformation dogs and believe that all boxers should be engaged in meaningful jobs to enrich their lives. Westminster Dog Show winners: Complete list with Best in. We are a responsible boxer breeder that cares about our boxers and our boxer puppies. Through my life I've had boxers. Adopt Penlope a Boxer, Mixed Breed. Our boxers are raised in a social, healthy and loving environment. Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Central Florida. We have beautiful puppies of good colors, conformation and personalities. Welcome to our fun loving farm here in the heart of Florida. We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too!
Long or medium, water resistant Coat Colors Bi-colored, range from black, cream, sable, black, and amber. Above all, know that these dogs are by no means small! In fact, they can grow to be quite large. This mix will grow to be somewhere in between how big its parents are. Male and female German Shepherds have a better big difference in height and weight. While males grow up to 24 and 26 inches cm , females get to be about 22 and 24 inches cm. As far as weight, males can be 65 to 90 pounds kg heavy while females are only between 50 to 70 pounds kg. The Golden Retriever looks a bit different. Again, there is a difference between the sexes. Females can grow as tall as .Males are inches 58 — 61 cm tall and pounds 29 — 34 kg heavy. But what does this mean for your Golden Shepherd? As mentioned above these dogs grow to 20 to 26 inches cm tall and 60 to 85 pounds 27 — 39 kg heavy. It really is just a guessing game with this breed. Hands down, they the best out of the best when it comes to guarding. Golden Retrievers are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are very easy going, love all strangers, and are loyal to any family members. These dogs are social and beloved because of their awesome people pleasing skills. The Golden Retriever German Shepherd Mix could inherit any combination of these behaviors from their parents, just as the same as their appearance. Their cleverness makes training easy. Kids and Golden Shepherds get along great. Your dog will always be up for some fetch or tug-of-war. Since there is hunting blood in their veins, watch them around smaller animals. Or you might witness lots of chasing. Be on the Lookout for These Possible Health Problems source As mentioned in the first paragraph Golden Shepherds have a life expectancy of around years if they receive enough love and high-quality care. However, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have numerous health issues that can pass down to their puppies. Work closely with your breeder to prevent this from happening to you. German Shepherd Health Risks These dogs have been bred for multiple centuries. Because of this, they run into many medical problems. However, here are the top three problems that you might run into. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is a pretty common disease for most, but unfortunately, the German Shepherd is more prone to it than others. In fact, 1 out of 5 German Shepherds are expected to have this. This could be blamed on their energetic personality and big stature. Regardless, hip and elbow dysplasia is when the hip or elbow joint frequently pops out of its socket. As you can expect, this can cause the bones to wear down over time and, eventually, cause lameness. Perianal Fistula In other words, doggy diarrhea. It can be particularly alarming as it is often accompanied with bloody poop. It all starts when the skin around the anus begins to gets infected. Osteoarthritis Or, when the joints begin to wear down after normal living. Most specifically for German Shepherds, it happens around the spine. If you take good care of your German Shepherd, as well as schedule regular vet visits to be proactive in their health, you can expect 11 happy years together. The most alarming of these is cancer. Aside from this, you can expect .Here are several of their other health problems: Atopic Dermatitis : Otherwise known as allergies! Most commonly, dogs can be allergic to pollen, animal dander, plants, insects, food, and medication. This breed is known to have lots of issues with this. Aortic Stenosis : This is a medical condition that affects the blood flow in the chambers of the heart. Eventually, this can thicken the heart walls and lead to serious heart issues and even failure. Just like with German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Many do debates whether this is true. The unfortunate side of this is that examples have shown us over time they may change into something not as healthy. A great example of this is the English Bulldog. Yet, on the other hand, mixing combines the positive traits of two types while getting rid of the negative. It takes a lot of time and hard effort, but it can happen. Regardless of this debate, whether your pup is healthy comes down to the breeder you choose and the parents. But what should you specifically work on? Make sure to socialize your Golden Shepherd early in case they adopt the nervousness around strangers from their German Shepherds parents. Have visitors, other animals, and children over often. The more experience they have around strangers, the better. Plan for many daily walks. Because of this, a house with a yard is better. But an apartment can work if given enough daily exercise. Since German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are prone to having joint problems and your pup could inherit these issues, be cautious when exercising. As well, overeating can be a problem because extra weight increases the load on the joints. Make sure to use a brush that can reach both layers of the coat. Heading to the bathtub too often can damage their skin. As well, pay attention to how long their nails have grown and clip when necessary. Brush their teeth weekly to avoid the buildup of plaque and stinky kisses. And check their ears weekly for too much wax. This depends on where you buy from and the pedigree. The good news is that there are breeders everywhere! Also across Canada and the UK. As we mentioned before, do your research! Make sure anyone you purchase from is raising healthy and happy pups. Do a quick search in your area on sites like:. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Golden Shepherd Highlights Golden Shepherds are mixed breed dogs. The main colors of Golden Shepherds are black, tan, red, cream, and blue. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. They shed quite a bit. The Golden Shepherd not only loves kids, they enjoy the commotion they bring with them. Though, as with all dogs, playtime with kids should always be supervised. Golden Shepherds have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour-long walk per day. Hiking and other adventurous activities are strongly recommended. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create Golden Shepherds as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though Golden Shepherds got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up Golden Shepherd rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Golden Retriever rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Golden Retriever parents, you can expect the Golden Shepherd to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. Golden Shepherd Personality Golden Shepherds make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their Golden Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Golden Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. Golden Shepherds like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Golden Shepherds are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. Golden Shepherd Feeding An ideal Golden Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. As with all dogs, the Golden Shepherd dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Golden Shepherd diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors with their family. Like all dogs, however, Golden Shepherds need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Golden Shepherd Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Golden Shepherds because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Golden Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. This hybrid breed, sometimes referred to as a golden German shepherd, is utterly adorable, incredibly smart, very loyal to his family members , and, above all else, supremely lovable. Golden shepherds make great pets for families that have plenty of time and energy to dedicate to daily exercise and affection. Appearance Golden shepherds, like other hybrid breeds, get their traits from both parent breeds. Half German shepherd, half golden retriever, they may closely resemble one parent or the other, or they may look like some combination of the two—it all depends. Golden retrievers typically stand 21—25 inches tall and weigh 55—75 pounds. As this breed's name suggests, their fur color falls somewhere along the yellow spectrum—from creamy white to dark golden. They have feathery tails that are almost always wagging happily. German shepherds tend to be about the same size as golden retrievers, weighing between 50—90 pounds and standing 22—26 inches tall. These regal-looking canines are typically black and tan but they can also have black, black with red, sable, or white fur, too. Similarly, golden shepherds may have the floppy, folded-over ears of a golden retriever or the alert, upright ears of a German shepherd. No matter which parent your golden shepherd puppy looks like, he's basically guaranteed to be cute. A full-grown golden shepherd will likely be a medium- to large-sized dog , so consider how much space you have before bringing one home. Temperament For lovers of German shepherds and golden retrievers, golden shepherd dogs are the perfect happy medium. These good-natured pups get the brains of a German shepherd, the happy-go-lucky attitude of a golden retriever, and the family-friendliness of both parent breeds. Golden retrievers are cheerful, fun-loving dogs with delightful personalities—there's a reason they're so popular, particularly among families with kids. They love to romp and play, but they're equally as happy snuggling up on the couch for movie night. Golden retrievers absolutely adore getting attention from their human owners—pets, scratches, praise, and cuddles are their favorite—so they're all-around top-notch companions who would gladly follow you anywhere. They are friendly with new people and almost always steal the spotlight at parties. They love going for walks and learning new cues and tricks , so some daily blend of physical and mental stimulation is important for keeping a German shepherd happy. They love their human family members deeply and are often referred to as "Velcro dogs" because they like to be in the same room with their people at all times. They'll readily alert you to a delivery at the door, too. As a German shepherd and golden retriever mix, golden shepherds will likely have varying personalities that incorporate attributes from their parents, according to Nicole Ellis , CPDT-KA, pet lifestyle expert with Rover. This makes them ideal for families that spend a lot of time at home or young professionals with remote jobs. Puzzle toys and feeders can help keep your golden shepherd engaged, too. Care Grooming a golden shepherd is relatively low-maintenance, though be forewarned: Your dog will likely shed a fair amount golden retrievers and German shepherds both shed heavily in the spring and fall and moderately year-round. To keep your golden shepherd looking his most handsome, brush his coat at least once a week and bathe him with shampoo formulated specially for dogs as necessary. Regular brushing can also help keep the shedding in check, to a degree, but you may also want to invest in a good vacuum cleaner , too. Courtesy of bella. Also, brush your golden shepherd's teeth nightly or at least as often as you can manage! Set a reminder to clean your golden shepherd's ears regularly , too. Though your golden shepherd may naturally be a very social dog, thanks to his golden retriever lineage, it's still important to socialize him from a young age. This way, he'll be comfortable around new sights, smells, sounds, people, and other dogs. Puppy kindergarten training classes can help your golden shepherd puppy learn new cues while also interacting with other pooches of all shapes and sizes as well as their owners. As you search for a training facility or begin to prepare your own training plans , keep in mind that golden shepherds respond best to positive reinforcement that involves a reward, such as high-value treats , petting, and effusive praise, Ellis says. Health A golden shepherd's health and expected lifespan depend greatly on the health of his two parents. German shepherds, which typically live 7—10 years, can be susceptible to certain genetic diseases and conditions, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia , epilepsy , bleeding disorders, eye conditions , degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma , and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Golden retrievers tend to live slightly longer with average lifespans between 10—12 years. Like German shepherds, golden retrievers may also experience elbow and hip dysplasia and eye conditions including cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Golden retrievers are also susceptible to allergies and hypothyroidism. The good news is that hybrid breeds tend to have fewer medical problems than purebred dogs, she says, though you should still be aware of these common concerns. History As with other hybrid breeds, the exact history of the golden shepherd is unknown. We do know that golden retrievers were developed in the mid-to-late s in the Scottish Highlands by Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, who wanted to develop a skilled hunting dog who could tackle the region's rugged terrain. German shepherds hail from Germany, where they were developed in the late s by a German cavalry officer named Capt. Max von Stephanitz. These intuitive dogs learn quickly, which is why they're such a popular choice for police work, search and rescue missions, and other important jobs. Today, golden shepherds are primarily companion animals and pets. There aren't many golden shepherd breeders in the U. But check with local animal shelters and rescue groups regularly, as they may have a mixed-breed dog with some German shepherd and golden retriever in his DNA or dogs with similar characteristics to these two pups! Fun Facts If you're training for a marathon or planning a big summit, a golden shepherd will gladly accompany you on your training runs and hikes. These pups are very sporty and have a lot of endurance not to mention that they'd get to spend time with you, their favorite person! Large breeds like golden retrievers and Germans shepherds can become overweight if left to their own devices. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and talk with a veterinarian about the best way to keep him fit and healthy. Golden shepherds are good contenders for dog sports like agility, rally, obedience, and more. They love a good session of fetch in the backyard, too. Was this page helpful? Furthermore, since they have deep ears, these dogs accumulate ear wax quicker than the other dogs. These dogs need 45 — 90 minutes per day of exercise These activities also reduce the chances of having health issues in the future. This said trait may result in an unintentional aggressiveness to strangers. To fix this issue, these dogs should have proper training and enough socialization in their early years. Note sure the Golden Shepherd is right for you? Ever wonder what a Golden Retriever Corgi looks like? These dogs are very loyal to their owners and are also intelligent which prevent the dogs from causing trouble. They are generally patient, attentive, and eager to learn and work. They are an affectionate and a great companion 2. Guarding Ability Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs are large and muscular dogs due to the genetics of the parent breed German Shepherd. These features allow you to have dogs that can protect you and the people around you. Environmental Adjustments With proper training, these dogs are remarkably adaptive. This characteristic gives you an easy time particularly if you move around frequently to regions with many changes in the weather and environment. So, If you want to travel with your pet, this breed is the one for you. Their body is longer than it is tall. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs weigh from 60 lbs to 80 lbs while their height can range from 20 inches to 25 inches. This breed has variations in coat types and colors. Their coats are commonly long, dense, thick and doubled; resulting in a higher chance of constant shedding. These energetic dogs like outdoor activities such as swimming, long walks, and jogging but you need to be wary of extreme heat because of their thick coats. Early socialization training for these dogs is valued. This breed tends to be reserved and nervous towards strangers. Nonetheless, they can learn to be friendly immediately by going out regularly. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix dogs usually express extreme loyalty and a loving personality to their owner and the family they belong to. The German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever is not an official dog breed yet; however, the following organizations recognize them as a designer mixed-breed. A reliable breeder should provide you with valuable documents. If everything checks out, a contract that shows clear briefing of the conditions is essential. Doing research and exploring your community is the best way to find reliable breeders. Remember, adopting a dog will always cost less. Visit your local animal shelter to ask about the availability of this dog breed. Moreover, try looking into the private dog rescues as some dogs may be transported there. Grooming Your Golden Retriever German Shepherd German Shepherd mixed with Golden Retriever dogs require regular coat brushing because their coat tends to be tangled and matted together. Regular brushing promotes a shiny and healthy fur for this mixed breed. Here are some products that you might need for this pet. Pro Slicker Brush for Dogs and Cats This slicker brush either has a flat or curved head with lots of thin wire pins which help to untangle and shed loose fur. This mixed breed features a double-coat that requires constant brushing making this item a must-have for all dog owners. Dog nails can hurt other people or animals when they get playful. Sometimes, dogs snap their nails off unintentionally, and the pain can be excruciating for them. To use, gently hold their paws and snip off small bits of the toenails. Promptly discontinue if any bleeding occurs. Apart from the items suggested, bathing is one of the most important steps in pet care to remove unpleasant odors and dirt on their coat. When giving a bath, make use of dog shampoo to avoid accidental allergy attacks and fleas. This dog breed typically has large ears that can accumulate wax. Observe your dog for symptoms of ear problems; healthy dogs do not habitually bother their ears. Wax, dirt, and other elements may cause ear infections. For better cleaning and disinfection, use liquid ear cleaners and cotton balls. Golden Retriever mixed with German Shepherd dogs need regular trimming, so make it a habit to schedule appointments with your veterinary clinic at least once or twice a month. Make sure they get trimmed around the eye area for better vision , around the anus for hygiene , and the chin for easy eating. Mixed-breed dogs are ordinarily healthier than their parent breeds, yet this specific breed is more prone to certain health conditions than others. Most of these health problems are seen as the dog gets older. This breed enjoys being active and playing which can cause a harmful impact and damage on their bones and joints. Receiving an average level of activity would prevent them from having these problems. Here are some more health hazards that you need to be aware of: Allergies Both parent breeds are prone to allergies and German Shepherd Retriever Mixed dogs share this trait. Their common allergies mainly affect their skin and flea bites or certain foods typically cause these. Fleas are tiny parasites that dogs can accumulate from outdoors. You can prevent this by avoiding physical contact with environmental allergens. The symptoms include mouth or nose bleeding, blood in the urine, and excessive bleeding, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet. Joint Dysplasia In dogs with joint dysplasia, the joints fail to develop correctly, scraping and grinding upon each other instead of sliding smoothly. Bloating Bloating in humans and bloating in dogs are different. It is harmless in humans, however, in dogs it is deadly. Immediate treatment for bloat is needed. It would be best to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible because there is no first aid that you can do at home. Learning some first aids for this breed of dogs can also help. Awareness over these usual problems of the Golden Retriever crossed with German Shepherd breed will result to their proper care. Your furry friend should get the best, so pick their food wisely. You can find lots of options in the best dry dog food list. Whelps need energy to be active, which means lots of proteins too. Food that gives them everything their body needs is on the best puppy food brands list. Older canines have different requirements, so skim through the best senior dry dog food list. It will help them stay healthy and show off proudly. Steer clear of the worst dry dog food at all costs. You can also find some ideas on the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food lists, which may contain some food that your pooch will love. Because of their energetic personality, these dogs need a diet that can fulfill their nutrition needs. Dogs may be omnivores, but they highly rely on protein to survive. It is also the building block of their muscles. Although dogs love fat in their meals, it is necessary to maintain the amount of fat that you give them. Too much fat is harmful to their well-being and too little creates skin problems. Make sure that your dogs are hydrated, especially if you live in a hot place. Ingredients and supplements for joint and bone development are also needed to prevent possible injuries for this very active dog. Giving your dogs vegetables, fruits, and other minerals is proper for their growth. However, you need to be wary of the portions since it varies depending on their age and body size. Avoid products that contain these ingredients since they are not good sources of carbohydrates for dogs. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds. This is done in order for German shepherd owners who are looking to have their German Shepherd Dog as part of their family, but are unable or unwilling to have the German Shepherds that are required for Police work. This combination has many positive points, one of which being the qualities both breeds share. For example, both German shepherds and golden retrievers make great guard dogs. They are protective by nature and will protect you if they sense danger. If this sounds like your type of canine companion then read on to learn more about how you can find golden retriever cross German shepherd puppies for sale, German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix puppy for adoption and German shepherd Golden retriever mix dog breeders. Parent Dogs: The German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs with a strong desire to work, which makes them great candidates for police or working-dog duties. They were originally bred in the German state of Bavaria during the 19th century to herd sheep, guard property and act as an all-purpose farm dog. German shepherds are extremely loyal and protective of their owners; you could even say they sometimes overreact about protecting you if they sense danger. This loyalty has also turned German shepherds into popular family pets today. Golden retrievers on the other hand were developed by hunters in Scotland during the 19th century as a gundog. Golden retrievers were bred to be an obedient and loyal dog, which meant they made great companions for hunters who needed a dog that could fetch lost game and return it without damaging the meat! While German shepherds make great guard dogs and golden retrievers make great hunting and retrieval dogs, German shepherd and Golden Retriever cross breeds or German Shepherd Golden retriever mix can bring together the best qualities of both breeds — obedience, loyalty, friendliness — into one pup! If not provided with enough exercises German shepherds can become destructive and hard to handle. German shepherds are a large breed so they require a significant amount of daily exercise, but Golden retrievers have been developed as family dogs throughout the years and have retained their desire to please people which also makes them great candidates as working dogs. This breed was originally bred in Germany by crossing German Shepherds with Golden Retrievers because the dogs were used to work on police and military duty. They were later exported to America in the s but this did not stop them from becoming popular across the world. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is a wonderful type of dog to have. If you live in a temperate climate, this type of German shepherd mix is the perfect size for roaming around your yard and playing fetch. Golden Shepherds can be quite energetic, but they are very smart dogs. They are sweet and will make wonderful companions. They are active, trainable, obedient and intelligent; they often make perfect military or police working dogs. They will even be good with children if the owner trains them early enough between months old. This breed is popular because it can fit into many types of households without any problems. They only sleep about 10 hours every day and will fit right into your lifestyle. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mixes are usually very protective of their owners and will fiercely protect both children and the home front from strangers. They can be trained as police dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs or as pets. Physical Appearance Golden Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with long golden fur. You might find that the Golden Shepherd has the same appearance as other dogs, but because its hair can be difficult to maintain, it should not grow too long because you will notice the difference in the physical appearance immediately. German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is one of the most popular family pets around the world, along with Labrador retriever family pet parents. The Golden Shepherd has a nice square face that covers its nose and jaws. Its ears are small and medium in size, listening to the instructions given by caregivers closely. Golden Shepherds have a long neck with good length. When seen from above, the head of the ear is slightly pointed down towards his eyes. This shape looks like an inverted triangle when viewed from above. Their hair can be short or long depending on your preference as their caregiver. Some people say it will look better if their hair is longer because they give them an elegant look. Basically, they are one of the best family pets, caring, loving, and loyal. They are highly intelligent too which makes them always fun to play with kids or other pets in the house. Temperament of a German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. These dogs are good-looking, friendly with children, make them the perfect choice for your family. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a high activity level so sometimes these dogs need extra physical activities to keep them free from boredom. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix can be easily trained as both breeds are easy to train breeds. They are active, friendly and love both children and other dogs! A quick note about their care requirements- these pups require someone who will be with them all day due to separation anxiety which you can take steps towards solving by creating an environment that does not make the animal feel alone or suddenly abandoned when left at home for long periods such as taking them out regularly. This individual needs regular exercise such as running around with friends after work; this helps release endorphins making it more likely one would stay healthy. However, like any other dog, they can become ill and it is important that you do everything possible to ensure your pet remains healthy and happy for as long as possible. Common Health Issues Of German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix No breed is perfect and the popularity of a certain breed only means that there will be more dogs with problems. German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is one of the most popular dog breeds in the US, with over 30 years ranking first among all breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. The most common problem in German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness and arthritis later on. If possible, buy from a good breeder who has tested their animals for hip problems. You can also have your own dog tested when it is old enough. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is generally a healthy breed, but there are some conditions from either side of the family that may develop. Some of these include: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus GDV — formally known as bloat — where the stomach becomes extremely enlarged and twisted, this is fatal if not treated immediately; owners should know the symptoms and be prepared for an emergency situation or know what signs indicate this condition so they can seek medical attention at once if their pet exhibits them. The causes for this life-threatening problem are still unknown but it mostly affects deep-chested dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. Hip Dysplasia — dogs with this condition will walk with a peculiar gait that is noticeable once you know what to look for; they often have difficulty rising from sitting positions and seem uncoordinated. There are many possible causes but if your dog suffers from hip dysplasia it can significantly reduce his quality of life by causing him pain and discomfort, it may also shorten his lifespan. Osteochondritis Dissecans OCD — this sounds very complicated but all it really means is that the articularilage of the joints does not fully cover the ends of the bones; it is more common in large breed dogs like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix. You should brush your pet daily so you can find out if the problem lies with his diet because there may be no need to wash him more often than usual. Best Diet For German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix The German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix is a large to giant dog with an average weight of 65 pounds and 20 inches in height, but the designer dogs are known for their flexibility in terms of size. So, what kind of diet does your pooch require? Well, there are some things you should know about his age, breed, and health condition if any… which will help you decide how many calories he needs on a daily basis. Golden Shepherds are known to be more active than the average family pet. A Golden Shepherd loves to exercise- more or less- depending on its energy level. Also, keep in mind that she will need more calories as she grows older. Sometimes these foods can harm your pet. Adult German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix should be fed 3 times a day. However, if he eats very slowly, you might consider adding 1 or 2 extra meals because the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix has a tendency for over-eating which can lead to obesity very quickly. Obesity is harmful to any dog breed and can decrease its lifespan drastically even by 5 years. In fact, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix has a double coat which means he will blow his undercoat once or twice per year and lose huge amounts of hair in the process. This makes him a poor choice for those who suffer from allergies as it can be difficult to control dander and loose hair around your home. However, these dogs do tend to require less grooming than many other breeds as their coats are not as long as those on certain other working breeds like the German shepherd. Brush them only occasionally with a firm bristle brush; if you brush too often you may cause their coats to become matted. They are likely to be shy when they are young but with the right training, owners can help them become more confident in new situations. These animals will benefit from early socialization with lots of different people, dogs, children, cats, strange noises etc. Make sure you start this process as soon as possible after bringing your dog home. Exercise Needs Any dog, particularly a working breed like the German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, enjoys a daily exercise in the form of walks or interactive play with its owner. A German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix will need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day with his family. This dog needs time to run off-leash in a securely fenced area where he can explore new territory and work his muscles. Owners should never let their pets roam around unsupervised even if they are believed to have a good recall off-leash. It is also advisable that you take the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix for a long walk or hike each day to satisfy his need for exercise and additional stimulation from the environment around him. This dog will make a wonderful hiking companion as he loves being outside with his family, particularly on sunny days when he can frolic in the snow or swim in a lake. But owners should always remember to bring water along as some dogs may become dangerously overheated after an excessive amount of physical activity. Working on training new obedience commands or tricks is the perfect way to keep your pet busy while satisfying his primal instincts. First of all, know that there is no one perfect method to train every dog in the world. Each dog has its own temperament and personality, it responds better to some methods rather than others. The instruction manual for dogs does not exist because each dog is unique. Therefore, when working with your German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix, you have to remember that even if I give you a bunch of tips here, they may or may not work for your dog. You will need to play around with the methods and see what works best for your new four-legged friend. Second, you must understand that although Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are both known as intelligent breeds, they come from different worlds. The Golden Retriever is an English breed and was bred to retrieve birds this explains their willingness to please and obedience , while the German Shepherd comes from Germany and was originally used by shepherds hence his protective instincts. Therefore, due to their origin and original task, these 2 dogs behave in completely opposite ways. For example, retrievers such as Golden Retrievers are used for hunting for birds in the sky, so they love taking things away and playing with them. Shepherds, on the other hand, were originally working dogs who needed to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is why you should do as much as you can to train your German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix during his first 6 weeks of life or even earlier. His behavior will form during this period and anything that is not learned by then will become more difficult to teach later. On the other hand, if he learns something now it will be harder for him to unlearn it! Even though puppies are born with their eyes closed, they can still see just like cats and they start learning everything about their environment right away. Use this time wisely… Give him some space but make sure he knows where home is! This way he will learn how to find you when you call him or otherwise he may go looking for you when. You cannot imagine how often I see dogs who are lost because they followed a car or bike and never came back! Teach your puppy to walk on a leash as soon as possible, this will come in handy when you take him for a walk. This way he will learn how to behave around other dogs and people. This is because they are intelligent and have a lot of strength. The hybrid is also very easy to train because they use positive reinforcement training. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an ideal pet for people who do not want messy fur, drool or shedding because this hybrid does not suffer from any of these issues. They are also great with kids, other pets and strangers because they are naturally protective but will get along with anyone. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be great for active people. This is also the perfect breed if you live in a cold climate or if you want a dog that can work in the police or military. They are strong, loyal and easy to train. These dogs are beautiful, strong and intelligent which makes them very easy to train. They use positive reinforcement training methods that most people find effective. The German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is an extremely smart dog that would be perfect for active people who enjoy working out because this hybrid combines the best features of both their parents. One of the main pros of this breed is that they have incredible leadership skills so they are trusted by police officers on duty in some parts of the world. Cons Of Having German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix Training and Socialization is a must with this breed, if not done correctly they can become aggressive towards people or other dogs, they are very protective of their family which can make them aggressive towards friends, strangers etc. They require a lot of exercise in order to burn off the excess energy they have. They are very intelligent dogs and can be stubborn at times which makes training them more difficult, if not done correctly it could lead to aggression towards other animals or people. They require a lot of attention and most likely will not be good for you and your family if you are gone often, they do not like to spend time alone. They can also become bossy or pushy which can lead to aggression unless the owner is able to control the dog. Another con is that they shed a lot although it is not as much as a German Shepherd, if you are looking for a low shedding breed this might not be the best match. If done correctly they can become the best dogs to own but if not they can become quite destructive or even dangerous towards strangers or other animals. Keep in mind that every dog is different so what applies to one may not apply to another. Take everything you hear about breeds with caution because there are always exceptions out there. For example, you can save money on spaying or neutering fees, and your pet will already be housebroken when it gets home. Additionally, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is known for being highly intelligent dogs who tend to get along well with children. It takes work, study, knowledge about genetics, and much more to produce healthy, happy dogs when crossbreeding. Unfortunately, not everyone who does their research ends up with a healthy pup. They may get a pet worthy of a loving home or a stud for a breeding program but they may also get an unhealthy hybrid whose life can be cut short by genetic problems. No one wants that. As one of the most popular hybrids, the German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix is recognized as a hybrid of the world famous German shepherd and Golden retriever. This dog is usually referred to as a breed that has many talents. By studying more about this dog you will quickly realize that this is not only an intelligent but very loyal family pet with a good temperament. The father is always a German Shepherd and the mother can be either a purebred Golden retriever or another crossbreed such as Irish Setter, Labrador retriever, Siberian Husky, Labrador retriever, or any other breed with similar characteristics. This is a very popular dog breed that gained instant fame among celebrities, professional athletes, and ordinary people alike. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Golden retrievers and German shepherds are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Both medium-to-large dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to please, and great with families, it was only a matter of time before someone created the golden shepherd by mixing these two breeds. But what can you expect if you decide to adopt one of these amazing dogs into your family? Read on as I take you through exactly what you can expect from a golden retriever-German shepherd mix, including their size, appearance, temperament, and the care they need to thrive. Is the golden shepherd the right dog for you? Learn more below! Essential Statistics Breed: Mix of golden retriever and German shepherd Height: 21 — 26 inches Coat Type: Medium-long high shedding coat Colors: Black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, liver Lifespan: 7 — 12 year lifespan Temperament: Highly intelligent, easy to train, playful, friendly, does well with families Exercise: High energy and exercise needs History Of The Breed Golden retrievers were first bred in the United Kingdom to retrieve shot waterfowl. Their soft mouths allow them to retrieve ducks and other game without damaging them. As a highly intelligent breed that is eager to please and with a naturally good nature and understanding of how to act around children, goldens have been popular working dogs since the s, and you will often see them working in search and rescue and disability assistance. German shepherds , also known as Alsatians, were first bred in Germany just before the start of the 20th century as herding dogs. When natural sheep predators began to die out in Germany at the start of the 20th century, German shepherds were taught to do other kinds of work. While German shepherds are not an aggressive breed, they developed a bad reputation in the 20th century when the German Nazi army started using them as working dogs. The breed was also adopted by gangsters and bootleggers in the United States. Fortunately, today, their reputation is largely recuperated, and they are often seen working with police and in roles such as search and rescue. Golden shepherds were first bred around .The intention with this mixed breed was to create a dog with the courage, quickness, and alertness of the German shepherd but also with the good nature of the golden retriever, which is also intelligent, highly trainable, and easy to please. The results are excellent working dogs and family pets. Golden retrievers are usually 21 to 25 inches tall and will usually be the mother in a first generation golden shepherd coupling. They weigh 55 to 75 pounds. German shepherds are slightly larger, measuring 22 to 26 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds. As you would expect, their golden shepherd offspring measure 21 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 90 pounds on average. Both parent dog breeds have medium-to-long coats that are known to be high-shedding, so you can expect the same from a golden shepherd. Being a mixed breed, they can come in an extensive range of colors, including black, cream, white, gold, yellow, brown, chocolate, and liver, and they will often be bicolor. The color of their coat tends to be highly unpredictable in the first generation. Because they are high-shedding, they do need regular grooming, which means brushing at least once a week to keep shedding under control. Still, there is no escaping all that dog hair, and you will definitely need to invest in a good vacuum cleaner. The way their facial features will develop is less predictable, since they are still a new breed and breeders are still learning to control for desirable features. They can also either have the pointed ears of a German shepherd or the drooping ears of a golden retriever. Either way, they are sure to be a gorgeous pup! Golden Shepherd Temperament And Intelligence Golden retrievers are known for being playful and friendly dogs that love everyone they meet and therefore make terrible guard dogs. They are playful and loyal to the family with whom they have developed a bond. While they can be wary of strangers or anything that seems out of place, they are more likely to alert you with a bark than attack. You can expect a golden shepherd to be playful and friendly, but a little bit warier of strangers than your standard golden retriever. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and also eager to please. German shepherds, in particular, are also independent thinkers and problem solvers. This means golden shepherds are easy to train, as they learn new commands quickly and enjoy the rewards that come with completing them, but they are also good at knowing what is required of them in new circumstances. Golden shepherds, like both of their parent breeds, are incredibly loyal and will want to be around their people all the time, whether that is out and about, or curled up on the couch at home. This can lead to frustration and destructive behavior. They are naturally protective of children, and despite being large breed dogs, they are very aware of their own size and strength and know how to play gently with children. However, it could be a struggle to have this breed with very young children, as they have lots of playful energy, and this can be overwhelming for smaller folks. Golden Shepherd Energy And Exercise Golden shepherds, like both their parent breeds, are high-energy dogs. Additionally, golden shepherds need at least an hour of fairly intense exercise each day. This means running around the dog park and sniffing everything, playing catch, and going for a swim rather than just a casual walk. They should be getting less exercise as puppies, despite their apparent energy, as too much exercise can undermine their proper development. While they are growing, they should have about five minutes of exercise per day per month of age. So at four months, they need 20 minutes of exercise each day, and at six months, they need half an hour. As adult dogs, they will love joining you on longer adventures, such as hikes and boat trips and will have no problem keeping up. Bear in mind that, while they are natural swimmers, if you go out on a boat, they should be wearing a flotation vest. As well as formal exercise, they need to be able to move around and play throughout the day, and a decent-sized backyard is the best thing for this. Golden Shepherd Health Concerns Of course, when you adopt a dog into your family, you will want to closely monitor and care for their health. This means ensuring they are vaccinated for all the most transmissible canine diseases, such as Parvo , protection against fleas and ticks , and proper dental care, which ideally means daily brushing. But certain dog breeds are also more susceptible to certain health conditions than others. With mixed breeds, they could be less susceptible to some of the most common ailments of their parent breeds, or they could be more susceptible to certain conditions. The best thing to do is inform yourself about the common health issues for both parent breeds and monitor your puppy for all of them. This means for golden shepherds, you will want to be on the lookout for: Elbow and hip dysplasia, common in both parent breeds Eye conditions, common in both parent breeds Bloating gastric dilation volvulus , common in both parent breeds Epilepsy, common in German shepherds Allergies, common in golden retrievers Hypothyroidism, common in golden retrievers Degenerative myelopathy hemangiosarcoma, common in German shepherds Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, common in German shepherds Of course, just because some dog breeds are more susceptible to these conditions does not mean they will get any of them, and your golden shepherd could pass their entire 7-toyear lifespan without being affected by any of these. But if you know the symptoms, you can catch any problems early and ensure a better quality of life for your dog. One other health concern with both the parent breeds of golden shepherds is obesity. They love their food, and we love to reward them with delicious treats. Remember, every treat you give them also contains calories! Also, never feed them off your own plate. They already tend to think they are human, and this can just lead to begging at the table and food theft! Plus, a lot of the foods humans eat are toxic to dogs. This not only includes chocolate and fake sugar, but also common kitchen staples such as onion and garlic. Invest in good quality food for your dog and avoid giving them table scraps. No doubt having read my guide you are interested in bringing a fantastic golden shepherd into your family. These are the questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you are a good fit for this unique breed. Do you have an active lifestyle? Your dog is going to need lots of exercise and is happiest when they can accompany their humans in energetic activities. Are you out of the house a lot? Golden shepherds love company and need to be around their people most of the time. They need a home where there is usually someone about or where they can accompany someone to work. Do you have much space? Golden shepherds thrive when they have space to use their energy, and they are fairly big, so they can make a small apartment feel claustrophobic. Are you willing to accept dog hair as a part of life? Are you a first-time owner? Golden shepherds are easy to train and control, so they are actually great choices for first-time owners. Do you have kids or other pets? Golden shepherds are great around kids and other pets if they are properly socialized. But these big dogs with lots of energy could be challenging if you have very small children. Let these questions guide you as to whether a golden shepherd is the right dog for you. In short, if you are low on space, time, or energy, a different breed might be a better match. If you find a breeder selling for less than this, be wary, as you may be dealing with a puppy mill. You may also find golden shepherds in your local shelter , because despite being amazing and pliable dogs, their energy and attention and exercise needs often prove too much for some owners. What do you think of the golden shepherd? Does it mix the best aspects of the German shepherd and golden retriever? Is this the kind of dog you would like to adopt? Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. Find out the unique characteristics of each in the rest of the article. The founders realized that many dogs in shelters are just a number on the list of those waiting to be put to sleep and decided to do something about it. They give the dogs a second chance at life by saving, rehabilitating, and finding a forever home for them. The not-for-profit organization also invests in community education. The goal is to make others aware of this needy situation and invite them to be part of the solution. You can also help with monetary donations or dog care equipment on their wish list. Attach, to the application, pictures of yourself, your home, family members, and pets. Allow a Facetime interview and virtual home check. The remaining steps of the adoption process will follow once your application has the go-ahead. If you need specific info about the Rescue or the adoption process, you attend the adoption clinics. Find details about the visits on their website or follow them on Facebook. The founding volunteers were people knowledgeable about the GSD breed, including long-term GSD owners, trainers, handlers, and other breed enthusiasts. They all had the goal of rescuing and rehoming German Shepherd Dogs. Once at the Rescue, the dogs receive nutrition and medical care, socialization, and basic training. This way, the pets are ready to be part of a temporary foster family and a forever home later. To achieve this mission, BrightStar pulls together the efforts of many collaborators, and you can also be one of them. How you can Collaborate with BrightStar Rescue Becoming a volunteer or a foster are the main ways you can be a part of the rescuing and rehoming mission at BrightStar. Alternatively, you can make monetary or equipment donations towards the care of the GSDs or commit long-term by adopting a dog. Only persons living around Rochester and with proof of yearly heartworm tests and prevention for any current pets are allowed to adopt. You can view available dogs on the website or attend upcoming meet-and-greets. You may also request additional info by emailing the relevant contact person on their contact page. It started in in Otisco, New York. Like other breed-specific rescues, Finger Lakes Rescue works with volunteers to save, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned and surrendered German Shepherds. You can also donate supplies through their chewy wish list. Most significantly, you can open the doors of your home and adopt a needy GSD. The Finger Lakes Rescue is still in the process of building information on its website. Alternatively, complete the Adoption Form on their website and wait for volunteers at the Rescue to communicate and guide you through the rest of the process. However, members of the group also work with other dog rescues to save and rehome GSDs from shelters. They also educate others about dogs in need of rehoming. Although still on the journey of becoming an established rescue, we find the group a reliable source of information because it has an up-to-date Facebook presence. This means anyone looking for a German Shepherd rescue in New York could find an adoptive dog on or through this platform. Rescue City Rescue City is an all-breed charitable organization in Brooklyn, New York, that saves dogs from kill shelters. The rescue does not discriminate against any dog on breed, health, age, size, or personality grounds. Such inclusiveness demands commitment and a unique way of carrying out the dog rescue and rehoming mission. Unique About the Rescue As a foster-based organization, Rescue City places rescued dogs in foster homes while they wait to find their forever homes. As part of the rehoming process, the Rescue provides support and education to prospective owners so that both owner and dog have the best experience that leads to a lasting relationship. Every rescued dog undergoes medical and temperamental assessment, and if needed, it is altered, vaccinated, and microchipped. All this is possible thanks to the donations received by the Rescue from well-wishers. All donated funds go to rescue transportation costs, food, and vet expenses for dogs in foster homes. Want to Help? You can also apply to be a volunteer or foster parent. Adopting a dog from a rescue will give a needy dog a forever home. If you are looking for a German Shepherd, Rescue City could have the dog you are looking for. Allow the adoption team time to review your request and contact your vet, landlord, and personal references. Take part in a phone interview and allow a virtual home check. Sign the adoption contract and bring home your new furry friend. You may also send an email to [email protected] or become part of their Facebook following and learn about new GSD arrivals as soon as they are available for adoption. German Shepherd Dog Clubs in New York German Shepherd dog clubs are a fun and reliable way to connect with other owners of dogs in the breed. If you are not yet a GSD owner and want to adopt, joining a club could be the easiest way to find a German Shepherd rescue in New York.
How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. Translation missing: en. June 8, Liz Palika Dog breeders and behavioral specialists feel that the week range is the adequate age for most dogs to leave their mother for their new homes. Unfortunately, in talking with other dog trainers, behavioral consultants and behaviorists, we all agree we're seeing a trend of puppies leaving mom and littermates far too young. A puppy who leaves his mother and littermates at five to six weeks of age, or worse yet, even younger, is going to suffer for that throughout his life. Adopting Eight Week Old Dogs Is Typical The traditional age for puppies to leave their mom and littermates and go to their new home has been eight weeks of age. At eight weeks of age most puppies are able to eat well, no longer need to nurse or eat supplemental formula, are mobile, and are aware of their world. They are well socialized to the people in their household and hopefully have also met other animals in the home. They have been exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells and while they pay attention to these things, they are not afraid. At eight weeks of age these puppies are ready to leave their mother and siblings and go to their new home. Nine to Ten Week Old Pups are Typically The Best Age Since some puppies tend to go through a fear period at eight weeks of age an awareness of the world around them that can cause anxiety , many breeders and new owners would prefer to wait one or two more weeks. I brought home Hero, and before him Bones, at nine and a half weeks of age, because I felt that the puppies at that age were a bit more mature and ready for their new lives. One to two weeks can make a big difference. Other dog trainers and behaviorists agree: nine to 10 weeks of age is absolutely fine. In fact at this age, the puppy is past the eight week fear period, if he had one, and he's a bit more confident now. Developmentally, he's ready to learn, explore and figure out what his new life is going to be. Those who breed toy breeds especially, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, and other tiny dogs, will keep the puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. These tiny puppies can be quite fragile physically and may be slower to mature mentally and emotionally as babies. A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic. Not only do large breed puppies grow rapidly, they are also stronger and rowdy, potentially making it more difficult for new owners to bond with this excited, big puppy who is jumping, pawing and otherwise making life difficult. Also, a week-old large-breed puppy is still a dependent baby; by 12 weeks he's changing. It's much easier for new owners to bond with an eight—to week-old puppy. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy ; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together. To Learn Key Social and Behavioral Traits Puppies who leave their canine family too early will show immediate behavior problems. They will be fearful of many things and show a lack of confidence. They can also be slow to bond to people or will go the other direction, attaching so strongly to their new owners that they will panic when left alone. The ability to soothe himself, to relax when left alone, is missing with most of these puppies. Biting is common. The mother dog teaches the puppy to control his biting as do the puppy's littermates. When puppies go to their new home, some biting is to be expected, as all puppies experiment. But when deprived of these early lessons, the puppy will bite more and harder, and teaching him that biting is not allowed is more difficult. This important transition time ensures that puppies receive all the appropriate nutrition from their mother. This will support the long term health of the puppy. Additionally, interrupting the weaning process too early has behavioral side effects for young dogs. Suckling, even past the need for milk can be a source of comfort while a puppy grows accustomed to eating only solid foods. Taking Puppies Too Young is Illegal In Some States In 26 states , the age at which puppies may be separated from the mother dog or sold is defined by law. Of those, 22 say that puppies must be eight weeks old before they can be sold. Three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that puppies must be seven weeks old. Some states focus on the age that a puppy can be separated from his mother. Illinois, for example, requires that a puppy be at least eight weeks old before he can be taken from his mother. The laws vary as to who these laws apply to, with some focusing on dog breeders, kennels, and other commercial facilities. Other laws apply to anyone selling puppies, including those on Craigslist. Before buying any puppy, the more you know the better. If an unscrupulous person produces puppies and knows that he can sell them early at six to seven weeks or earlier and avoid paying for food, veterinary care, or other costs, then that cycle will continue. But if more people say no, then perhaps that cycle of human behavior can be changed. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. The new owners are very gentle with the puppy and simply talk softly to him and give him pats and toys as he gets settled in. Sadly, the Puppy Mill Project states there are more than 10, puppy mills operating just in the United States alone. Puppy mills keep breeding pairs of dogs in often horrific conditions and take the puppies away from their moms much too soon so they can breed another litter of puppies. The Humane Society states that there are some warning signs you can watch for to indicate you may be getting your puppy from an unethical breeder or even from a puppy mill: The breeder is willing to release the puppy to you at a very early age before the age of eight weeks. The breeder will not allow you to visit their kennel and see their operation or meet the parent dogs — they only sell at off-site locations or over the internet. Here again, this question is a topic of often intense debate between different breeders. As one canine biologist explains in Psychology Today , the very earliest any puppy should be allowed to leave the litter and go to their new home is 79 days seven weeks. But many other breeders feel that even seven weeks is too early, as the GSDCA article cited earlier here states. There are a variety of reasons why letting a puppy leave the litter sooner than seven to eight weeks is considered a bad idea. The puppy is still too little and fragile Some breeders believe a primary reason to keep puppies with the mom and littermates longer is that puppies are very little and easily injured. However, because the German Shepherd is a large breed dog and has a sturdier body to start with, some breeders may be apt to release GSD puppies closer to the eight week age range. In contrast, smaller and toy dog breeds that are very delicate may need a bit longer to grow up before going to their new home. The puppy needs to learn social skills Another common reason why many breeders feel that puppies should stay with their litters and mothers at least until they turn eight weeks old is that the puppy will learn important social skills. The best trainer for any German Shepherd puppy is typically going to be the mother dog. As well, GSD puppies will have the chance to play and learn from their littermates and get comfortable with having people around by watching their mother interact with the breeder. Some theories suggest that this initial period of dog-to-dog socialization needs to happen before the dog-to-people socialization so the puppy can learn to be a dog first and then to be a companion to humans next. This benefit is simply that the German Shepherd breeder is experienced working with this dog breed and can give your puppy some early expert training and socialization with people. The difference here would be bringing home a puppy that is already used to a collar and lead, puppy pads, and some initial potty training commands, playing with toys and being handled by people. The rehoming process is always going to be stressful enough on its own that you want to be sure your puppy has the most confidence possible before coming home with you. Set aside time to just be with your puppy Your puppy is going to be a bit nervous or even frightened at first — this is normal. Rehoming is a big change. You can make it easier by just carving out time to sit nearby, praising your puppy, offering pats, and talking softly. These guidelines can ensure that your new German Shepherd puppy feels at home right away living with you. Posted in Uncategorized. We are very excited to present them to the world and look forward to seeing them grow, develop, and move on to their loving forever homes. Puppies need to stay with the dog breeder for a little while after birth. During this time, they learn skills and socialize so they will be well-adjusted when they move away from the litter. Socialization Puppies should stay with the litter for about 8 to 12 weeks. Probably the main reason for this is socialization. When a puppy is with its litter and especially its mother, it learns valuable behaviors. A reputable dog breeder will never let a puppy leave before 7 weeks at the minimum. During this time, the pup will learn how to deal and live with other living things. In a sense, the dogs learn how to dog. Mostly they spend their time playing with their littermates. These are all skills that if developed well, they can use throughout their lives. They also learn how to communicate and receive commands from both their parents and humans. A dog that is not properly socialized will not be confident and may have difficulties fitting into new environments. They could be easily confused and fearful. Neither of these traits is good for both house dogs and dogs that are meant to work or show animals. Unsocialized dogs also tend to have more behavioral problems. They act out in situations in which they are not comfortable. This can mean chewing, barking, or even viciousness. Other dogs are the best trainers for a new pup, so keeping them with their littermates and parents will help them grow and develop into confident, well-behaved dogs. They are bred to be experts at detection, which is great for policing, and agility. While these traits are inbred and instinctual, they also need to be developed. These puppies are spending time with their mother and littermates, with whom their skills are already becoming apparent. The parental dogs provide a good example and play with siblings will mimic and develop these skills. The same goes for agility. There is no better training ground for a pup than an open space with their siblings. German Shepherd Puppies and Humans The fact is, the puppy will most likely be going from a place with many other puppies to a home with either none or comparatively very few. Most of the interactions throughout their lives will be with humans. Dog breeders are dog experts who will calmly and confidently help your puppy get used to human interaction in a safe and respectful way. A newborn puppy sent into a home without that buffer will be extremely stressed and have incredible difficulty adjusting. When it comes to adopting German Shepherd puppies, it is natural to be impatient. However, waiting just a few short weeks to have this beautiful and intelligent pet in your home will pay off down the road.
Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Deer Creek Comfort Dogs Shaping future companions for families and those in need of comfort Our family has been raising puppies for over 20 years. Our children have always had a passion for dogs which began our journey and now our grandchildren enjoy growing up with our wonderful dogs by their side. Deer Creek provides emotional support dogs, therapy dogs, service and therapy prospects, canine good citizen dogs as well as family pets. Deer Creek assists our families with puppy selection to help ensure the families get the puppy that will work well with their needs. Someone once said, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative" and we hope you choose one of ours. If you are interested in finding your new family member, fill out our puppy application and we will be thrilled to work with you. We recognize that our dogs have the capability of changing peoples' lives on a therapeutic level. Many of our Doodles have become therapy dogs at funeral homes, children's advocacy centers, hospitals and nursing homes, and others have found homes as anxiety, PTSD and emotional support dogs. Learn more about our nonprofit organization Deer Creek Paw Prints at www. Learn More Molly, Rhys, and Beau! View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. They usually combine a Standard Poodle with a Lab, and have a dark wavy coat. Most chocolate Labradoodles weigh around 50 — 65 lbs. You can expect them to have the same temperament as other colors of Labradoodle. Could a chocolate Labradoodle dog be the right choice for your family? Keep reading. What is a Chocolate Labradoodle? Chocolate Labradoodles are just like any other type of Labradoodle. Except for the fact that they sport a luxurious dark brown coat. These dogs can be the standard or miniature in size. Standard Labradoodles weighs up to 65 lbs. Whereas the miniature version usually only weighs around 20 lbs. Chocolate Labradoodles are popular dogs for families. Particularly those with older children. Best Environment for Them This breed prefers an active environment so they can run about and socialize with others often. But they can also be quite boisterous. So, they may not be suitable for families with pets or very small children. The main difference is indeed the coat color of the coat. But, some evidence suggests the chocolate color might be linked to specific personality traits too. But otherwise, chocolate Labradoodles are just like any other Labradoodle. For example, the Goldendoodle is a Golden Retriever-Poodle mix with similar traits to the Labradoodle. With obvious differences in appearance, of course. Typical characteristics of the Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are are water dogs native to Newfoundland, Canada. They stand up to .Labradors are prized for their companionship and outgoing nature. They love to swim and run, and make excellent service dogs, too. These agile natural athletes have a waterproof coat that helps them excel at hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Labrador Retriever Coat Colors Although there are many types of Labrador Retrievers, people generally break them down into types by color. The three main coat colors for Labrador Retrievers are black and, of course, chocolate. Poodle Characteristics Poodles, on the other hand, have fluffy coats that can be multicolored, solid, or bi-colored. Chocolate brown is a popular coat color in Poodles, too. Genetics Behind the Labradoodle Two pairs of genes that determine the basic coat colors in dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and of course, Labradoodles. While chocolate is not as genetically common as black, dogs of many colors can carry the genetic instructions for chocolate fur. And you might be surprised to hear that even two black dogs, can create chocolate Labradoodle puppies! Or a black dog and a yellow dog. Chocolate Labradoodle Temperament Chocolate Labradoodles behave just like any other kind of Labradoodles. But with one small exception. Does Color Matter? The chocolate coat color in Labs might be correlated to higher excitability. At least, one study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science seems to provide some evidence of this. Scientists discovered a greater tendency to become agitated when ignored. And in addition, lower trainability but also lower fear of noise. These trends are based on owner-observed differences between Labrador colors. Labradoodle Temperament Of course, the temperament of the individual Labrador parent will be a large influence. Chocolate Labradoodles are usually also quite friendly, playful, and energetic. Although they can be somewhat reserved around strangers. This particular trait is common in Poodles. But it can be dampened down by regular socialization. Labradoodles are strong and active. They are often chosen for hunting and farm work as well as for public service. In addition, Labradoodles make excellent seeing-eye dogs, guide dogs, and other types of service dogs. Training Requirements of the Labradoodle Labradoodles are easy to train and they respond best to positive reinforcement training. Plus, Labradoodles require frequent interaction and positive reinforcement training. This is something recommended for all breeds. They also benefit from lots of activity. This can help reduce behaviors like jumping around small children and other guests. Chocolate Labradoodle Health There is little detailed evidence to suggest the chocolate color has any link to overall health. But, a limited amount of research shows that chocolate Labrador Retrievers are becoming less healthy as a breed. And therefore, dying much younger sooner than black or yellow Labradors. Genes The gene that creates a chocolate coat is recessive. So, breeders that want to guarantee a high proportion of chocolate-colored puppies in their litters must mate two chocolate-colored Labs. As a result, the gene pool is much narrower and the risk of inheriting health conditions is higher. This includes problems like obesity, ear infections, and skin problems As a result, it is possible that your chocolate Labradoodle may suffer from the same health conditions as its Labrador parent. Inherited Health Conditions Ultimately, any health issues your dog inherits will depend on the genetics of the parents. And how purebred the parents are. If your dog was bred from a purebred Labrador and a purebred Poodle, it can be tough to determine what kind of health problems your dog might have. After breeding further generations of chocolate Labradoodles together, it may be easier to determine which health conditions are genetic. Health Testing Always select a breeder who has tested the chocolate Labradoodles for known genetic health problems. According to the Canine Health Information Center, you may want to test your chocolate Labradoodle for problems such as: hip and elbow dysplasia. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption.
Finding a suitable collar for your dog matters, especially if you own a smaller dog like a pug. Pugs are adorable, but finding the right collar can quickly become challenging as you review various options and understand what they include, requiring you to consider multiple points. Ensure you review the best collars on the market, see what you should consider while you buy a collar, and keep your pug safe. Best Dog Collars for Pugs You should start by reviewing the best pug collars on the market. Doing so will help you see what matters the most, which options you like, and pick your favorite. A lightweight and comfortable design Supports 40 percent more GPS satellites Waterproof design Three months battery life Over pound resistance This collar focuses on tracking your pug and keeping them safe and healthy. It has a waterproof design It supports the Fi GPS unit Includes a quick-release collar The webbing is flexible It includes a D-ring A waterproof design on your collar never hurts since you can use it in the rain and various weather conditions. You can also add the GPS unit to track your dog with the collar if you have it. Nylon Collar Speaking of other options on the market, you should look into a Nylon collar to see if your pug may prefer it. Includes sliders for adjusting Custom nameplates on the collar No-slip design D-ring for your leash Over 20 colors The collar focuses on customization to meet your needs and help you make it perfect for your pug. For example, the sliders ensure you find the perfect tightness to keep it on without becoming uncomfortable. Go with this option if your dog tends to escape or run away. Rope Hounds Collar You can use an aluminum and plastic combination if you purchase a Rope Hounds Collar Band while enjoying various features. Over one dozen color choices Supports a GPS device A lightweight design A clasp to keep it on Since you have multiple color choices, you can pick whichever one you like the most. The design prioritizes a lightweight and comfortable design, utilizing webbing to offer more comfort. You also have a clasp to put it on and take it off your pug whenever needed. What Makes a Collar Good for a Pug? You want to consider multiple crucial points as you think about what works best for pug collars. Comfortability Size Durability You can choose an option your pug can comfortably wear at most moments. Owners usually have their dogs wear their collars most of the day, so they can keep a tag on them in case they run off, and they can easily take them on walks as needed. Size also plays a role in what works for your pug. You also want to go through the options and determine which ones hold up the best. That includes finding one made of excellent material. Choosing the right collar for your dog depends on what your dog needs. For example, some people prefer to focus on materials, others like the idea of GPS trackers, and others care about which color they purchase from the store. You can even find ones with quick-release or sliding buckles. Quick-release options allow you to easily take off the collar while sliding buckles let you adjust the collar to the perfect size. Plastic and nylon Fabric Leather Plastic works well for various collars since they have good durability while also maintaining a waterproof design. Aluminum matters as you look into options with buckles and loops on them. Leather is a comfortable choice if you purchase it for your dog. Do Pugs Need a Special Collar? You should also think about your environment and other circumstances. The same applies to collars with reflective strips if you walk your pug during the evening. In short, think about what you want to do with your dog, see which course of action works the best, and do what you can to find the best pug collars available. A global positioning system GPS collar also matters as you review your options for pug collars. If your dog runs off somewhere, you can look up their location, find them, and protect your puppy from dangerous situations. Track Activity and Sleep You can also keep track of your pug while they spend time nearby. You can also see when they sleep and determine if your pug sleeps enough during the day. Final Thoughts Pug collars matter as you consider your options and your furry friend's needs. As you do, consider an option with GPS to find your pug if they ever run off alone. Doing so will help you protect your pug, keep them nearby while you walk, and do whatever you must to make your furry friend comfortable and happy. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. The link has been copied! You might also like. When it comes to puppies, particularly short-haired breeds, you should look for a soft collar made of a non-abrasive material. Fabric collars are a good option, and collars made from a breathable fabric that is also machine washable are even better. When should a puppy wear a collar? Even if your puppy is still too young to go outside for walks, getting them used to wearing a collar is a good idea and will prevent any tiny tantrums further down the road! Collars should be worn most of the time, even around the house, but taking it off every so often to let the skin breathe is recommended. Try leaving the collar off for a couple of hours every time you brush or bathe them. Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a collar? Responsible breeders recommend puppies should not be brought home until 8 weeks old, and you can start getting them used to their collar shortly after this. It may be a good idea to let them settle into their new environment before introducing something new, but getting them used to their collar in their second week at home is a good idea. Should puppies wear collars at night? Most dog collars are designed to be non-abrasive, and perfectly safe for pups and older dogs to sleep in. This can also help puppies get adjusted to wearing a collar for the majority of the time. However, many vets also recommend including a contact telephone number, in the event your dog goes missing. Although microchipping has been mandatory for pet dogs since , tags are still a legal requirement and provide a quicker way to get in contact with you if your dog is found, without their microchip needing to be scanned first. We hope our puppy collar size guide has been helpful, as well as our dog collar FAQs! If you enjoyed our puppy collar size guide, you might like our other article, What do I need for a New Puppy? Owners who wonder if a collar or a harness is better for a Pug dog, the answer is that both are important accessories for this breed and each will serve different purposes. However, for the Pug this is should not be the case since this is a brachycephalic breed. Being brachycephalic, the face is flat with a short snout. Nasal and airways passages are compressed, with many Pugs having some level of stenotic nares narrows nasal openings. The soft palate located in the back of the throat is often elongated, causing some issues with breathing. Due to the structure of the face and the short neck of the Pug, ability to breath correctly is already an issue with this breed. If the leash is connected to the collar all pressure, force and tension is placed directly onto a Pug's neck. This can cause several serious issues including: Compression and constriction whenever the Pug pulls ahead and the leash goes taut, causing increased breathing difficulties Injury to the windpipe if the Pug lunges to the side or jerks his head including the very serious issue of collapsed trachea in which rings of cartilage surrounding the windpipe collapse inward. The Harness A proper harness should be the apparatus that is used any time that a Pug dog is on leash. As opposed to a collar, the harness will distribute pressure, force and tension across the dog's shoulders, chest and back. These areas of the body are much sturdier since they are comprised of bone and muscle as opposed to softer cartilage and ligaments of the neck. Using a harness frees the Pug's neck from potential injury and allows the Pug puppy or dog to breathe easier when on leash. In addition, the right harness will give an owner better control when walking a Pug. This is a curious breed that often tends to want to lead while on walks. A harness allows an owner to better control the puppy or dog, keeping him on course, without having to worry about causing any type of neck injury or pulling that would inhibit breathing in a dog that already has struggles in this respect. Choosing a Collar for Your Pug Though connecting a leash to a collar is not recommended, you may still want your Pug to wear one for other reasons. This would including to hang a dog tag for ID purposes. And many owners find it easier to have a collar on their dog inside the home to help facilitate handling such as grooming. There are over 20 different types of collars and there are only a couple that are ideal for this breed. Let's first look at what type of collar should NEVER be used: X Flat Buckle Collars - These are similar to a belt in which the sizing of the collar's diameter is adjusted with prongs that slip into punched holes. The issue with these is that you need to fidget with the buckle when taking it off and with this breed, breathing issues can come on very quickly. You'll want a collar that you can take off almost instantly. X Choke collar - These are exceedingly dangerous for the Pug breed. Made of chain with rings at the ends; both 'dead' and 'live'. When a leash is attached to the live ring, the chain instantly slips tighter when the dog pulls, causing a massive jerk to the neck. X Prong collar - These are used as a means of control via pinching the dog's neck when he pulls while on leash. The interlocking steel link collar's metal spikes are considered - by many- to be inhumane for any dog. The choke and prong collars mentioned above have been associated with whiplash, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, fainting, collapsed trachea, asphyxiation, fracture of the bones in the larynx, bruising of the esophagus, dislocated neck bones, damage to the skin and tissues in the neck, brain damage and dislocated eyes the eye s are forced from the socket due to excessive restraint to the head and neck. Now, let's look at the best collars for a Pug puppy or older dog. For this breed, the two best options are: Flat collar, quick release - This consists of one flat, adjustable strap that fits around the neck. It closes with a clasp that is ideal for fast removal. You'll want it to be lightweight yet sturdy, weather resistant and with stitching only on one side to prevent irritation. Examples would be if the Pug's collar got accidentally caught on an object such as fencing, a part of a safety gate or even a chair, in which the dog would otherwise be strangled. Material - The material that the collar is made of along with its thickness will determine how heavy it is and therefore how much weight will be placed on a Pug's neck. Flat collars the type recommended for this breed can be found in an array of materials that include leather, polyester or nylon webbing. Let's look at the choices: Polyester - This is a cheap material that is made from synthetic polymers. This low quality fabric wears out extremely quickly, absorb and hold body oils that can lead to terrible smells and are not a good choice. Leather - These collars can look very stylish though the downsides are that these are not waterproof and some cheaper leathers can stretch out over time. Nylon - Webbed nylon, flat collars with a quick release or breakaway clasp are the best choice for most Pugs. A quality collar made of nylon webbing will be weather resistant, washable, resistant to odors and sturdy. Size - The general rule of safety and comfort is that once the collar is on, you can easily slip two fingers between it and your dog's neck. This allows it to be loose enough to avoid any type of constriction but be tight enough that it cannot slip off or be easily snagged onto something. While the collar for your Pug will be adjustable, you'll want to make sure that as your puppy grows, it can be sized to still fit those two fingers underneath. Pug puppies often wear collars sized for toy breeds, though this will change after the first year. Since the Pug is the largest of all toy breeds with an adult weight of 13 to 18 pounds 5. How Many Collars You Should Have for Your Pug You'll want to have at least 2 quality collars so that if one is taken off your Pug and misplaced, you'll still have one on hand. The collars should be periodically checked for any wear and tear. Depending on their use if you always use one and the backup one is rarely used you may need to replace the collar anywhere from every 2 to 5 years. Times to Remove the Collar Many owners wonder if it is okay to keep the collar of a Pug when the dog is at home inside the house. One element that you'll want to be exceedingly aware of is the chance of the door being opened and the Pug darting outside. If you do take the collar off when at home, it can help to have a rule that even household members knock on the door to announce their presence so that the dog can be held while the door opens. While it can be freeing for a dog to be collar-free while sleeping and playing inside of the house, for some this can cause intolerance for times that it must be placed on. Bittoo, 20 months old Photo courtesy of Vishnoo Sangeet Dubey For puppies in the house training phase, it's best to keep it on at all times since you may only have seconds to bring the pup to the designated bathroom area and spending time putting the collar on can result in an accident inside the home. It is recommended to take a Pug's collar off when brushing the coat. Since this is a heavy shedding breed, the collar can impede proper grooming. You'll want to be able to do long strokes down the back of the head, over the neck and along the back in addition to the front of the neck and down the chest. It should also be removed during baths to properly scrub and rinse the coat; keeping in mind that a wet dog is quite slippery and all exit points of the house should be secured to prevent an unplanned escape. For Pugs that have breathing problems due to tracheal collapse or other medical issues, the veterinarian may recommended that the collar be kept off while the dog recovers. Choosing a Harness for Your Pug As mentioned above, a harness is a necessary accessory to use any time that a Pug is on leash. Some owners shy away from harnesses due to a bad experience of the Pug resisting or showing intolerance for it; however in most cases this is just a matter of the dog needing time to become accustomed to it and having one that is comfortable. The best type of harness for a Pug will be easy to slip on and will fit comfortable without pinching the skin. Let's look at some things to keep in mind: 1 A comfort wrapped, strapped harness is the best choice for most Pugs as these are designed for flat faced breeds with wide chests. If the straps are too thin, they will pinch and cut into the dog's skin, causing discomfort, redness and even sores. This way, it's super easy to put on and off within seconds. However, adult Pugs are more powerful and this type of harness often does not properly distribute pressure on a dog as large as a full grown Pug. Leaving it on can cause body oils to accumulate under the strapping, blocking healthy air circulation to both skin and coat. Our favorite choice: It has these great features: Quality nylon that is sturdy but soft to the touch won't chafe a Pug's skin Has quick-snap buckles on both the shoulder and belly making it super easy to put on Has a Martingale loop on the chest piece this prevent the harness from twisting The strap that goes under the Pug is a slightly different color, so you'll always know how to put it on Did you find this article helpful? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Rated 5. There are plenty of options available for this breed. What Size Collar for Pugs? Pugs are considered to be small dogs with neck sizes that measure about 10 to 14 inches around. You should be able to easily fit two fingers underneath the collar when it is attached to the pug. Pug Temperament The existence of Pugs were first recorded in China as pet companions for Chinese nobility. Pugs are popular as pets for a reason. Their sociable and gentle nature is full of personality and are known to be charming, affectionate, and mischievous. These pups are very intelligent and clever, so training them can sometimes be a challenge. Choosing the right collar for a pug is extremely important. The best type of collar to fit your precious pug are those that are flat with a quick release or break away. The reason for this is because pugs are a brachycephalic breed, dogs that have flat faces and short snouts. This can cause difficulty in breathing when a collar with a leash is used on them. It can cause injury to their windpipe if they pull and jerk their head, resulting in a collapsed trachea among other possible injuries. For that reason, we recommend using a harness with a leash. With that in mind, there are plenty of options available for collars—including leather and nylon. Leather Collars for Pugs Calmer and more obedient Pugs will benefit from a leather collar, which can provide a combination of durability and comfort. Also, for Pugs with super sensitive skin, leather collars are the best option. Nylon Collars for Pugs Pugs that are calm and have a good temperament will also benefit from a nylon collar. Regardless of the temperament of your Pug, our selection has what you need to balance control and comfort. Sign up for Doggie Deals By signing up, you will receive an email every week with new deals only for Mimi's Doggie Deals subscribers. We believe that your dog is a reflection of yourself. We believe that you have really great taste. Learn About.
Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? Making sure your German Shepherd gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is really important for keeping them healthy and happy. Regular exercise can not only keep them in good shape, but it can also help improve their behaviour and well-being. How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds are highly active dogs , originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep, and more recently used by military and police forces. All this means that German Shepherds are among the most high-energy dogs out there. Of course, their exercise needs can vary based on a number of factors including age, fitness level, general health, food intake and more. That said, most German Shepherds usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing. To get an exercise goal tailored to your dog, simply download the free PitPat app and enter their details. How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need? This is especially true for this breed since they are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia. As a rule of thumb, puppies will need five minutes of formal exercise such as walkies for every month of their age. These walks should be opportunities to explore their environment, work on training and good behaviour outdoors, and socialise with other people and dogs in a controlled manner. How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need? You can also set your own goals manually in case they have higher or lower exercise needs. What types of exercise are best for German Shepherds? German Shepherds excel at all sorts of exercise and canine sports thanks to their working background. In addition to their daily walks, you could try:. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Puppies Establishing an efficient exercise routine for a German Shepherd puppy is extremely important for your GSD to live a healthy lifestyle. While there is no exact science to knowing your German Shepherd puppy exercise limits, it is best to slowly ease into a routine and your puppy will gain stamina over time. Dogs are creatures of habit and love a routine. Accordingly, if you normally walk your puppy first thing in the morning, your pup will start to expect and look forward to those morning walks as soon as you roll out of bed. Try and establish an exercise routine that you can maintain long term, so your puppy can grow to learn the routine. The American Kennel Club UK recommends two exercise sessions of 5 minutes per month of age during puppyhood 1. When Allie was a puppy, I found short walks multiple times a day worked well. I started Allie with short minute walks times a day as an 8-week-old puppy. This served two purposes, to get some of her energy out, as well as getting her used to walking on a leash. Finding the Right Length of Walks for Your Puppy Although there are many recommendations as to how long to walk your German Shepherd puppy, it is best to look to your puppy for clues on its limits. Start with 10 minutes, 2 times a day. If you find your puppy is still a ball on energy increase it to 15 minutes, or you can add in a third minute walk. You want to find the walking time that is right for your individual GSD puppy as all puppies are all different and will require different amounts of exercise. Keep in mind, that it can be dangerous to push your German Shepherd puppy beyond his or her limits at a young age. If your German Shepherd puppy show signs of being tired or exhausted, stop the walk immediately and allow your pup to rest. Final Thoughts Establishing a solid exercise routine for your German Shepherd puppy is an important step in establishing the framework for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to walks, I would include short play sessions in the yard with a ball or play with toys in the house as well. The most important thing with walking a German Shepherd puppy is to start with short walks and play sessions and build on that process as your puppy grows. How much exercise does your German Shepherd puppy need? Your puppy does not need nearly the amount of exercise an adult dog does. Adult German Shepherds require two hours or more of exercise every day. And within that time, the duration of exercise depends on intensity. Your dog would not spend an entire two hours performing high-intensity exercises unless in formal training. A typical routine would include 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous exercises such as jogging, vigorous playing, or other activities. Some examples are practicing Shutzhund, preparing for herding or agility trials, or learning search and rescue. The remainder of the time dedicated to exercise, you should spend on training, ongoing socialization, and moderate- and low-intensity activities. You can include warmup and cool down in a moderate or leisurely walk. Keep in mind any puppy who is not full-grown does not need to engage in rigorous exercise for extended periods. What is the five-minute per month rule? However, one rule that makes sense as a loose guideline, is to exercise your pup for five minutes per month of age. You can do an exercise session twice a day. If you bring a GSD puppy home at ten weeks old, your exercise guideline would tell you to work with her for about .A six-month-old puppy , which you may be tempted to treat as a miniature adult, should still only get about half an hour of exercise twice a day. By 10 or 12 months , your Shepherd is up to his quota of nearly two hours split into multiple sessions during a day. However, you should still limit jumping and long-distance running until you are sure your puppy has finished growing. How do you know when your Shepherd puppy has stopped growing? This closure signifies your dog has finished growing and can engage in exercises that may be too strenuous for bones that are softer when lengthening. Once growth plates close and the joints no longer have laxity from extreme youth, you can take exercise to the next level. How can you tell if your Shepherd has stopped growing without a radiograph? According to Animalso. Use particular caution with certain working lines as they may not reach full maturity until the age of three years. Even though Czech and Eastern German lines have lower incidences of hip dysplasia than show dogs, you still need to treat their growing bones with care. Common beliefs notwithstanding, if you neuter a German Shepherd at a young age, the decrease in testosterone generally will delay growth plate closure. You will notice that neutered male German Shepherds are often taller than their unaltered counterparts. Therefore, assume if you neuter your dog, he will physically mature a little later. Mentally he will mature worlds ahead. How does hip dysplasia affect German Shepherd puppies? Hip dysplasia is a growth abnormality that affects most large-breed dogs and many small breeds as well. As you likely know, the hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the head of the thigh bone or femur, and the socket is the acetabulum or cup in the pelvis. In dysplasia of the joint, the femoral head grows at a different rate than the socket. Rather quickly, the femoral head no longer fits correctly or congruently within the socket, affecting function and causing scrapes across the protective cartilage, according to ACVS. Inappropriate looseness of the joint exacerbates the condition by allowing too much movement within the joint. Depending on the severity, affected puppies and dogs may show mild to life-altering symptoms. Signs of joint laxity or looseness usually occur first, although they may go unnoticed. Visible space between the head of the femur and the pelvis — Sometimes you can feel the excessive space when you cannot see it. Crying out in pain — Even if it has not progressed yet to degenerative joint disease, joint looseness can be painful. Abnormal gait — Your puppy may appear to bunny hop in the rear legs or exhibit other gait abnormalities that you would not classify as obvious lameness. Lame — Your dog will show lameness if she is in pain. Difficulty getting up or laying down — Your puppy may even show consistent reluctance to get up. Decreased interest in playing, especially if it involves running. Exercise intolerance — Your pup will play, but not for as long as you would expect. Maybe your dog seems to tire easily. Difficulty negotiating stairs — Joint looseness greatly affects the athleticism of your dog. Will not sit square — Many trainers advocate you enforce your dog sitting square as a sign of true obedience. Dogs with hip issues, they are unable to sit comfortably unless their hind legs are to one side or the other. Joint laxity can be difficult to judge in young dogs. Puppies have a greater degree of laxity than adult dogs to accommodate growth. Joint laxity should limit how long you walk a German Shepherd puppy , especially one under six months old. Joint laxity means your puppy will experience significant instability when walking, predisposing her to stumble and fall. Signs of osteoarthritis mostly manifest as pain, dysfunction of the joints, decreased range of motion, and even grinding sounds as the leg moves. Degenerative joint changes, believe it or not, can occur in puppies only several months old. German Shepherds do not typically have a problem with obesity. Although it seems counterintuitive, too much nutrition is not an ideal thing for the GSD. If a large-breed dog grows too quickly as a puppy, he can be more vulnerable to hip dysplasia if he already carries the genes. The dilemma comes with balancing exercise requirements and nutrition, so you have a happy and fit puppy who is not overweight but also does not overexert herself. How does exercise affect hip dysplasia? Although hip dysplasia has a large hereditary basis, over exercising a puppy can exacerbate the problem in a dog who might not otherwise develop any symptoms. It is important not to allow your puppy to run excessively or jump during her growing months. Moreover, if your puppy has excessively lax joints, overstretching during long and strenuous running or launching and landing for jumps can cause direct injury to the hips and surrounding soft tissue. Your puppy can also injure her growth plates. An X-ray at an early age gives you an idea if your puppy is already showing the effects of DJD or degenerative joint disease. Your veterinarian may be able to advise you further if your exercise program is too strenuous for your puppy based on any changes in the joints. How do you know your puppy overexerted himself? You may occasionally find that your puppy overdoes it. Perhaps you took him to a birthday party for his Labrador friend, and you did not have the heart to break up their play session. Most of the time, a play date that gets out of hand or a walk that runs over the anticipated time allotment will not cause any permanent damage. You can assess your pup the following day for signs of overexertion and know to take it exceptionally easy for the next day or two. Listen to your puppy Although you should leash-train your GSD at a young age, starting as soon as you first bring her home, there is much to be said about freeform exercise. The biggest benefit of your puppy exercising a good part of her time in the early month off-leash is she can self-regulate her activity. You will notice when puppies are tired or become sore, they will stop dead in their tracks. Make sure your puppy is in a safe environment, and she can engage in fairly unrestricted exercise on her own. When you are walking your puppy on a leash, under no circumstances should you push her to go beyond the point where you are dragging her, or she sits down and refuses to move on? You may have to carry her the remainder of the journey. As your German Shepherd approaches adolescence at five to seven months old, you will have to monitor his exercise more because what he can do will begin to exceed what he should do. Running over rolling terrain for miles or training strenuously for pursuit work is not ideal for an immature Shepherd and can be potentially harmful. Best length of time to walk a German Shepherd puppy: you know best! When facing the question of how long should you walk your German Shepherd, use the rough guidelines of five minutes per month of age a couple of times a day. Otherwise, allow your pup to dictate her level of tolerance for playing and romping. You can spend additional time with your puppy building a bond through affection and play, while still limiting duration. Your pup will need some time during the day to herself and sleep. This video shows the progression of a puppy and how his exercise abilities change. It perfectly illustrates how the young Shepherd dictates how much exercise he can tolerate. Notice, in the beginning, the interaction with his owner is a large part dependent on easy contact. As the puppy progresses in age, he gradually attempts more. If you watch puppies even three and four months old engaged in self-directed play, their actions are marked by frequent pauses to rest or think about the next move. Rarely will you see a German Shepherd laying still, but as in the video, puppies will take time to rest if left to their own devices. Swimming is a great form of exercise, but not all German Shepherds love water. This video shows that just because your German Shepherd puppy is not on a leash does not mean you are not walking her. Training should take up a good portion of your walks or exercise sessions, whether on- or off-leash. As much of a brilliant pupil as this puppy is, her session should not be longer than 15 minutes. Notice her yawn, which can be a sign of tension or a wandering mind, indicating the exercise should move to something else or stop. If you are adopting a German Shepherd, helping it grow up healthy and strong is crucial for their overall development. Also, wait until your pup has their vaccines. Every puppy is full of energy—especially German Shepherds. They are known for being a very active breed and, as adults, require at least two hours of exercise a day. Wait until your puppy is at least six months old before you begin introducing them to exercising such as minute walks because it can cause permanent damage as they get older. Vets also highly recommend waiting until your puppy has received all of their puppy shots before beginning. Their bones and joints are growing and coming together. If you begin walking your German Shepherd puppy too soon, it can cause many health issues and stunt their joint and growth plate development. These health issues can lead to health problems that can affect your puppy long-term. This disease, while genetic, is significantly impacted by the environment. Like humans, dogs have ball and socket types of joints. Dogs develop hip dysplasia when the socket or ball grows faster or slower than their counterpart. Eventually, hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis in dogs and cause your pup to experience a lot of pain when walking. Walking or exercising your German Shepherd too young can cause problems with their still-developing joints and possibly increase their chances of developing hip dysplasia later on. Sprains Puppies are clumsy. Exercising your puppy too much can cause them to injure themselves and possibly suffer a sprain. As they get older and continue to walk on hard surfaces, their soft paws will become hard and thick. However, for puppies to develop thicker paw pads, they need to do so gradually. Taking your puppy for long walks too soon will cause it discomfort and unnecessary pain. While there are many signs to look out for if you want to start walking your puppy, there are also pros to getting your new little friend out and about. Taking your German Shepherd puppy for short walks now and then is perfectly fine. Daily walks are good because they can get your German Shepherd into a nice routine, and this will help as your puppy gets older and requires more exercise. Walks are also great for socializing your puppy. Walking your puppy to a dog park or around an area where other dogs are around is an excellent way of introducing your German Shepherd puppy to other dogs. Doing this will make them less afraid of other animals when they grow into adult dogs. Five Minutes Per Month Many vets recommend that you only exercise your German Shepherd puppy five minutes for every month of age. Every puppy is different and might require different needs. Some puppies might be able to walk for longer periods, while others might require less time. You must pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy to know what they need. The five minutes per month rule is a great way to start your puppy, and you can change it as you go along. As your puppy gets older, you can increase the amount of exercise they get. But ask your vet when you should start walking your dog for more extended periods before deciding for yourself. German Shepherd puppies are full of energy. So, seeing them romp around for a while and then suddenly crash is common. If they are, you should let them get their rest. If you notice your puppy limping after a walk, something is probably wrong. They could have injured themselves without you even noticing. Let your puppy rest and if they continue to limp after a few days, take them to the vet to get checked out. Your puppy needs time to rest and develop as they grow. However, if you want to take your puppy out for short walks, you can! Not only will this adapt your new pup to a schedule, but it will allow them to socialize with other dogs and get some of that newfound puppy energy out of their system. As the German Shepherd is such a fast growing breed compared to some other working breeds the opposite is actually more correct. The strain of over exercise on the skeletal make up of a youngster is often irreversible. The stretching of ligaments at too early an age, the strain on young growing joints, or the carrying of too much weight on the overall framework can and will do harm to the young puppy, and lead to problems in adulthood. Consider a young Shepherd in comparison to a 3 — 4 year old human child — certainly not ready to run a marathon even though the spirit may be willing! Should there be any chance that there is already some problem with wear on the joints of the hips and elbows, further advice would be sought as to appropriate exercise. Then, and only then, should you build the dog up to the desired level of fitness you require for whichever field you have chosen — be it show dog, trialing, agility or family companion with the adult animal — complete in growth. Up to twelve months of age, natural free running is the best form of exercise for a youngster, for a young pup, upon tiring, can easily stop when they wish, and not keep on performing because they wish to please and keep up with you! Of course you will wish to lead train and socialise your puppy, but exercise on lead should be no more than that. Maximum time walking the dog at a fast trot of a puppy up to six months of age should be barely five minutes at one instance equivalent to a short stroll around your local block or park and then rest. Puppies need plenty of rest and sleep, just like a young toddler. Certainly they can play and romp in your back yard or in their kennel run, but they will stop when they feel tired, rest and then play again. Over six months — training on lead could extend to ten minutes if you wish, but again, moderation is the best guide, and if a puppy shows an inclination to tire, then stop! Moderation and common sense are the guidelines. Allow your puppy to grow steadily and slowly, and the fun of having a companion with which you can run your kilometres upon adulthood of the dog will not be impaired by the damage you may do,by doing too much, too soon.
cost of a standard poodle puppy - Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Medium Best For Labrador Retrievers are best for large homes with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, and with pet parents who are ready for an active and adventure-filled life. Labrador Retriever Temperament Cheerful and animated, this large dog breed has stamina and energy to spare, able to keep up with your family and all your activities. And thanks to their high intelligence, learning commands and tricks com.And thanks to their high intelligence, learning commands and tricks come relativity easy for them. Labrador dogs love having a job to do and excel at things like agility courses and, just like their name implies, retrieving items. In fact, their superior intelligence is why they often make great assistance dogs, working as therapy or service animals. A people-pleaser, Labrador Retrievers have a pleasant personality and love interacting with humans. Get ready to be showered with lots of affection! Slow and controlled introductions to other family pets will help make the transition go smoothly. Addressing any biting issues early on, providing proper socialization when they are puppies aka safely exposing them to lots of new people, places and things and working with a professional dog trainer can help avoid behavioral issues when they get older. Labrador Retriever Traits. Lifespan Sociability Despite the popularity of both parent breeds, the Boxador remains relatively uncommon. This may be because the size of the dog means that they are not suitable for all families and may not settle into life in an apartment. Their size also means that the average litter size is between 4 and 7 puppies, which is far fewer than other breeds. Breeders may not consider them profitable enough to breed. Many owners are known to prefer smaller breeds, although the Labrador retains its spot as the most popular dog breed in the USA. When choosing a puppy, you should buy through a reputable breeder. They will be able to show health screening results for the puppy and his parents, and they should have no issue letting you meet the parents. Puppies get a lot of their habits and characteristics from their parents, giving you a clue of their likely temperament and even appearance. The Labrador has a loving nature and dotes on its owner or handler. It is also intelligent and considered easy to train, although you should start training early. This combination means that the breed is very popular as a service dog for people with disabilities. They are also used as police dogs, are enlisted in the Armed Forces, and they are used to sniff out survivors after natural disasters. This breed gets his popularity thanks to his playful nature, and he loves nothing more than to play with toys or to rough house with his owner. His name, Boxer, comes from the action of standing on his back legs and boxing with his front legs, which he will do whenever given the opportunity. Whether your Boxador puppy inherits any of these traits will depend on which of the parent breeds is dominant. He may get the flat-faced look of the Boxer and the mild-mannered loving nature of the Labrador. However, both parent breeds are chosen for their family-loving nature. They will usually get along with anybody, can mix with other dogs and family pets, and the Labrador is not only considered loving but has an innate gentle quality that makes him the perfect companion for children. However, families with very small children should always take care to ensure that dogs and children are supervised and not left alone together. Small children tend to grab ears and tails, and other parts, and this can hurt the dog, potentially even leading to nipping. The size of the Boxador means that they may cause injury by accident, especially if they are having a mad moment and playing with you. They love to have fun, so if you have older children, your Boxador is likely to shadow them, present them with toys, and encourage them to give some playtime. The Labrador is a gentle dog, but while the Boxer would not usually intentionally cause harm to their owners, they are big and can be a bit daft, which means that they might cause accident harm to you or your family. Both breeds are considered highly intelligent and are easy to train, hence their use as service and police dogs. Start training early and use positive reinforcement and you should be able to encourage any of the parent traits of the parent breeds. Although very friendly, the Boxador can make a good guard dog. They will not usually display aggression, but they are a large size and some dogs of this breed may bark at strangers that they believe are getting close to the house. They are not a naturally vocal dog, but their desire to protect will push them to bark if they feel that their owner needs warning of potential dangers. Are Boxadors Good for Families? They are playful and loving and do not usually display any aggressive tendencies. They will gladly bring their own ball to any playtime and they will tug on a rope or other toy for hours on end, given the opportunity. They will also play without the aid of toys, so be prepared for the occasional play fight. It is worth noting that the Boxador can suffer from separation anxiety , such is the level of love they have for their human owners. If left alone for too long, they can get bored, and when this happens, they will invent new ways to entertain themselves — for example, emptying bins, shredding sofas, and other unwanted displays. They will usually want to meet any dog or other animal that they see. They get on with other dogs of the same breeds, as well as other breeds. They can also be introduced to cats, but this is best done when both the dog and the cat are young. Boxadors can get on very well with cats, assuming a proper introduction. Things to Know When Owning a Boxador The Boxador is a good family pet, is ideal for active individuals looking for a walking or running companion, and they can make good guard dogs as well. They train easily, want to please their owners, and they also love attention and affection. However, potential owners should always ensure that they choose a breed that is right for their lifestyle. The Boxador is a big dog with a reasonable amount of energy, and this may mean that they are not the best option for all families and owners. Expect to feed your dog between four and five cups of good quality food every day. This can be given in two meals, and they will enjoy the routine of having set meal times. Labradors are famed for their appetite, and while this can be troublesome when you are eating your own meals or when your child has a chocolate bar whipped out from under their noses, it also gives you a great way to train your puppy. They will respond to tasty, healthy treats, and will look for ways in which to receive more. They are not lap dogs and will expect and appreciate regular exercise. Even a quick five-minute run around the yard will not be enough, so if you are looking for a dog with minimal exercise requirements, you should look elsewhere. Whether you enjoy long walks or even runs, you could have your new companion dog, although you should also expect to have to stop while he says hello to everybody you pass. Give your dog at least an hour of exercise a day, on top of the time you spend in the garden throwing and chasing a ball. Another reason that the Boxador makes a great family pet is that having multiple people to play and exercise them means that they are more likely to have their exercise requirements met. Both breeds are good at agility classes. They will pick up the moves and skills they need in order to get around an agility course, especially if you use healthy treats as an incentive. Agility classes are a very good way for your dog to burn off energy in a controlled environment, and they usually also appreciate the opportunity to meet and mingle with other people and other animals. Boxers can be easy to train, as well, but their attention is more likely to wander, which means that you will have to keep training sessions shorter and ensure that they are fun, if you want to enjoy the best training results. Puppy classes are a good idea. They teach you how to train your dog, while also teaching the basic commands that a dog will need. They are also a good opportunity to socialize your puppy in a safe environment where everybody is in the same boat. People in the park might be less excited about a Boxador jumping up at them, but other puppy owners will understand. Labradors are led by their stomach, but they are also very keen to please their owners. This makes for a convenient and relatively easy way to train a dog. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. Use treats and lavish praise on your dog when they get it right, and they will soon learn what is expected of them. Also bear in mind that this breed will not respond well to being scolded. The hair is easy to care for, although this breed will normally shed twice a year and will need brushing for a few minutes every day during these periods. Brushing a dog when they are shedding helps to remove the stray hairs, keeps them cool, prevents matting, and has your dog looking their best. Only bathe your dog when it is absolutely necessary, which might be more often if yours likes to swim and run around in the water. Bathing a dog strips their coat of natural protective oils. Boxers and Labradors can have a problem with weepy eyes. Use a damp cloth or tissue to wipe away the gunk. This helps protect the teeth and gums, which is important throughout their life, but especially important when they age. Finally, as an active dog, your Boxador should do a reasonably good job of maintaining their own nails. They grind down on hard surfaces like concrete. But, with that said, if you tend to walk your dog on grass and you hear their nails scraping on the floor then you should trim them to keep them short. As with all hybrid breeds, we have to look at the parent breeds to determine any likely health problems. Boxers are prone to cancer, heart disease, and Boxer Cardiomyopathy, which is more common in males and in dogs over 10 years old. Labradors suffer from joint dysplasia, although this is a complaint that is common in a lot of dog breeds and not specific to Labradors. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritic pain and even lameness and symptoms should be treated as soon as they are spotted. Minor Conditions. The boxador is an active dog who's affectionate and loyal to her entire family. As a mix of two highly intelligent breeds , she has earned a reputation for being easy to train and eager to join any family adventure. But she also comes from two high-energy breeds and needs to be kept busy. As a hybrid dog , the boxador can vary in size depending on which parent breed she takes after the most. She will likely stand about 2 feet tall and weigh between 50—80 pounds. At her best, every inch of the boxador is filled with exuberance and love. She will need an active owner who can match her endless stamina, and she will be happiest when kept close to her people. Appearance The boxador is perpetually ready to play. Her toned, muscular body is frequently in motion, often chasing a ball or trying to start a friendly game of tug-of-war. Even if she has the longer snout of the Labrador retriever, she will likely still have droopy jowls. Because of this, she might be prone to drooling —especially when she gets excited. Both of her parent breeds are large dogs , so your boxador will grow up into a big bundle of energy. The boxador is expressive with her eyes and ears, often looking at you with a longing glance and perked up ears to tell you she's ready to go for a long walk. If she takes after her boxer side, her coat will be short and won't shed much. However, because a Labrador's coat can range from short to medium in length, a boxador will likely experience seasonal shedding. The boxador can come in a mix of colors, with the dominant shades being fawn, brown, black, or brindle. And while it's not guaranteed, the boxador often has a white patch on her chest and a muzzle of black fur. This means the mixed breed is ideal for many on-the-go families, as long as you make sure you have time to play with your boxador every day. Bored dogs are not good dogs because they're going to chew on belongings. They need families that are going to be active and keep them busy. She gets along incredibly well with children and other dogs, especially if she is well-socialized as a puppy. Boxadors are motivated by praise and affection, so owners should train her using positive reinforcement training and give her plenty of attention when she does something correctly. She will be highly motivated to learn different games alongside you. Both parent dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to communicate exactly what they need with their owners. So pay attention when your boxador is whining or nudging you—that probably means she needs to go outside or just wants some more playtime. You need to get them all kinds of games and activities. Take them on a jog or play fetch, all of that good stuff. She's not going to want to entertain herself in a fenced-in yard ; she wants you to play with her. While she is a well-tempered dog, the boxador should not be left at home for hours alone. If left by herself, the boxador can be prone to make her own entertainment think: chewing decorative pillows or pulling over houseplants to keep herself entertained. Loretta Moraco, a director at Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue that works with boxers and boxer mixes in the Northeast, says many people don't understand the energy level these dogs bring to a household. By training your boxador that her crate is a safe, comfortable space, she will feel more secure there whenever her owners do need to leave her alone for a short period of time. Crate training can also limit undesirable behavior that can happen when boxadors get bored. The boxer side is mischievous and curious, and you don't want them eating something they shouldn't when left alone. As a general rule, boxador owners should be prepared for a dog that wants to run and play 99 percent of the time. While there are some exceptions, boxador owners need to be ready to take their new pet on long, daily walks. She is exceptionally friendly thanks to her Labrador side, and she will thrive when socializing with other humans and dogs. They need doggy daycare and activities and games outside. They're literally like a toddler for a really long time, that's the best I can describe it. Keep them busy, and don't let them get bored. It's a good idea to get her used to regular teeth brushing as a puppy because her boxer side can be prone to dental issues. If she has face folds particularly around her mouth , you'll want to keep them clean with regular bathing in order to avoid any bacteria buildup. Health A healthy boxador can live between 10—12 years, but they are likely to experience health issues in their lifetime. Owners should consider investing in pet insurance if they bring home a boxador because both breeds are prone to certain health conditions that can become expensive in their older years. A boxador's health largely depends on what genetics she inherits from her parents and grandparents. The Labrador side often experiences elbow and hip dysplasia , according to the Labrador Retriever Club. These issues can be addressed with joint supplements recommended by your veterinarian. They can also experience certain heart disorders, as well as a condition called exercise-induced collapse. The boxer parent's genes can make boxadors predisposed to cancers that often impact the brain, thyroid, or spleen, according to the American Boxer Club. They can also be at risk for hereditary heart diseases , including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or Aortic Stenosis. They could experience discomfort with her hindquarters later in life if they inherit the boxer's predisposition to degenerative myelopathy. The popularity of boxer hybrids including the boxer-Lab mix in recent years has actually been, in part, an effort to mitigate some of the more heartbreaking health conditions that impact the purebred dogs. They are great with kids, smart, and goofy. And a lot of people who love the boxer breed are now looking for a hybrid dog because they are hoping it eliminates some of the health issues. While many boxadors live long and healthy lives, being aware of the potential health issues is the best way to ensure she is kept comfortable and happy. History As a hybrid dog, the boxador's origin is murky. Mixed breeds are not registered by the American Kennel Club, so their history is undocumented unlike purebred dogs whose history goes back for centuries. The most likely explanation for the boxador is that breeders sought to combine the best traits of the two beloved, active breeds. Especially for owners who worry about the health issues surrounding the boxer breed, the Labrador retriever—as the nation's most popular dog—makes an optimal pairing to offset some of the boxer's health risks. While the boxador's history is largely speculation, she comes from very famous parents. The Labrador retriever originated in Canada as a loyal waterfowl dog before gaining a reputation as a loving family dog. The boxer is the product of breeders in Germany and Belgium who wanted a strong hunting dog. Eventually, the boxer became a farming dog who enjoyed spending time with her family. Because the boxador can be prone to certain health issues, it's especially important that potential owners get health records for the dog they are adopting. If you are bringing home a puppy from a boxador breeder, take steps to avoid a puppy mill scam by working with individuals who are transparent about health screenings and allow you to meet the puppy on-site so you can ensure she was raised in a good home. Fun Facts While the boxer-Labrador retriever mix is most commonly referred to as a boxador, the dogs can also be called a boxerlab or Laboxer. In , the Labrador retriever was named the most popular dog breed for the 30th year in a row. The same year, the boxer was named the 14th most popular dog breed in the United States. A rescued boxador named Wesson is the frequent star on the popular TikTok account willandwesson. Was this page helpful? Temperament: Active, Friendly, People-Pleasing Generally, these dogs make excellent but active family pets. They are best for families that like to go on adventures and partake in strenuous activities. They love to run, fetch, and participate in canine sports of all sorts. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. However, a few breeders breed these dogs, though it is usually on the side and not their primary breed. You may be able to find one in your area. Alternatively, you can sometimes find some puppies at rescues. These dogs tend to be happy accidents, which means they are often unwanted and turned over to the local shelter. You may be able to find this breed if you keep an eye on your local shelter and other rescues. However, statistically, the odds of this exact mixed breed showing up are slim. When you bring home a Boxer Lab, be ready to have a friendly and loving dog by your side. They are very energetic dogs, so make sure they have plenty of space to run around in. They are very people-oriented and love to be around their family and strangers alike. Most of them are pretty friendly towards strangers. They can be pretty good with children as long as they are socialized early. Due partially to their high activity level, they are pretty playful. They enjoy just about any game, including fetch, water retrieval, and disc catching. These dogs are well-known for getting along with other pets, as long as they are socialized correctly. Their high prey drive often means that they will chase just about everything that runs. This means cats, rabbits, and other small pets. The Boxer Lab mix is pretty happy and content most of the time. Generally, they are pretty well behaved inside and outside alike. They are pretty intelligent. This makes them pretty easy to train. However, it also means that this mixed breed needs regular mental stimulation. If they are not kept entertained, they are prone to destructive and problematic behavior. They will find ways to entertain themselves, which often causes them to get into trouble. The best ways to keep them entertained involve obedience training, dog sports, and puzzle toys. They need regular interaction to stay happy and healthy. They thrive the most in active, large families that will keep them entertained. Due to their high exercise and mental stimulation, they require quite a lot of care and attention. This is best accomplished in larger families, with multiple people to look after the dog. These canines are pretty good with children as long as they are entertained early. Most of the time, dogs are aggressive towards children due to their fear. Children can be pretty unpredictable, and some smaller dogs may be fearful. Because the Boxador is so large, they are generally not fearful of children. However, they still need regular socialization with children to get along with them. Puppies that grow up with children are typically just fine interacting with them. Families that adopt this dog need plenty of extra time and attention when compared to other dogs. For this reason, they are not best for families that are gone for much of the day. This breed is excellent with dogs in most cases. Their friendly, playful nature makes them a perfect match for similar dogs. However, older, laidback dogs may find their constant ask to play a bit annoying. The Boxer Lab mix does not have any territorial tendency, which allows them to get along with most dogs quickly. This is even true for dogs of the same gender. However, you still need to socialize these dogs from an early age to understand how to interact with other dogs. Otherwise, their social skills may not be up to par, which can cause problems when they do interact with other dogs. We recommend puppy classes, which should fulfill their need for socialization and mental stimulation. They have a decently high prey drive and will chase just about everything. This includes cats, bunnies, ferrets, and other small pets. They may act perfectly fine with a cat for years, only for their hunting instincts to kick in one day and lead to disaster. We do not recommend ever allowing these dogs to be alone with a cat or other small animal. They are large and active, so they may need more calories than you would initially expect. Instead, base their food amounts on their body condition. If they are a bit on the skinnier side, they may need some extra calories These dogs are typically very food-driven, so they tend to overeat. Obesity can cause serious problems, especially since they are already prone to joint issues. Instead, two or three carefully measured meals a day are often sufficient. You also need to be very careful when feeding your puppy. The ball and socket of the joint end up misaligning, causing extra wear. Often, this leads to arthritis at an early age. How you feed your puppy has a significant effect on how they grow. If they are fed too much, they will grow faster than they naturally should, which will lead to severe problems with their joints. For this reason, you should avoid overfeeding puppies. It is common for puppies to act hungry all the time, especially when they are as food-driven as this breed. These are one of the most active dogs around. They are very high-energy, so they should only be adopted by active families. They are not going to sit around and cuddle all day. This is especially true when they are puppies, as they are typically more hyperactive when younger. These dogs benefit from a backyard that they can run around in. They enjoy just about any canine game out there, including fetch, retrieval, coursing, and just about everything else. If you like to run or hike, this dog is highly suitable. However, you should aim to keep their exercise low-impact for the first two years while their hips are still forming. This will help prevent hip dysplasia later on. Never force your dog to exercise, especially as a puppy. Puppies are prone to growing pains and can often not perform as athletically as an adult. Short, frequent exercise sessions are often best for puppies. A quick game of fetch in the backyard a few times a day may be all the time they need to stay healthy and worn out. This makes them generally easy to train. They are not prone to any behavioral problems, except for occasional bouts of separation anxiety. You must teach your puppy how to be alone from an early age so that they are comfortable without anyone else around. Without the proper treatment early on, your puppy can quickly revert to nervous behaviors when left alone. This can cause destructive behaviors and barking, which many dogs find anxiety-relieving. Chewing is often a big problem among dogs with separation anxiety. These dogs are usually well-behaved, especially when they are adequately trained. You should ensure that your dog is adequately exercised and mentally stimulated. A bored and hyperactive dog will often look for things to do, including chewing, getting into cabinets, and similar problem behaviors. For this reason, you should plan on being incredibly patient and expect puppy behaviors from them for a while. Their coat is usually short and dense. They do shed moderately year-round, so we recommend a regular brushing session weekly. This will help keep them clean and remove loose hairs that would end up on your floor otherwise. They may shed more during season changes. Once their coat stops shedding quite as much, you can decrease the sessions back to once a week. They keep themselves cleaned quite easily, except when they roll in mud or swim in swampy water. We recommend keeping their bathing to a minimum, or you may end up stripping them of their natural oils. This can cause problems on their skin and coat, such as irritation. They will also need their ears and nails taken care of. Like all dogs, you should plan on trimming their nails as needed. You can do this yourself at home or visit a groomer. Many of them provide walk-in appointments for nail clippings that are very inexpensive. Their ears are typically not in need of regular care. However, they can get dirty, which can lead to ear infections. Keep your eye out for dirt and debris in the ear and clean them with a wet cotton ball when necessary. They inherit genes from a vast gene pool, which means that they are less likely to inherit genetic conditions. They are still prone to a few problems. The most severe problem that the Boxer Lab mix often develops is hip dysplasia. Typically, it is caused by excess wear and tear. This can be due to genetics alone, though it is often caused by improper feeding and exercising when they are puppies. Because this mixed breed is likely to be large, they may be at an increased risk of bloat. This is a life-threatening condition that comes on suddenly. Within only a few hours, the dog goes into shock and eventually dies. Male vs. Female There is no significant difference between males and females. Because this breed is so diverse, it is difficult to tell similarities and differences between genders. They are incredibly active. These are some of the most active dogs on the planet. Their parents were bred to work all day, so this mixed breed is often ready to do the same. For this reason, they are only recommended for active families that are willing to commit an hour or two a day to their exercise. Boxer Lab Mixes are pretty intelligent. Boxer Lab mixes are one of the more intelligent dogs out there. For this reason, they can quickly learn most commands. They also require quite a bit of mental stimulation, though. This is best accomplished through obedience training or canine sports. Often, dogs will outgrow regular obedience training at some point and then must continue to be stimulated through other means. These dogs vary quite a bit. Because they are a mixed breed, these dogs vary quite a bit. They can inherit any traits from either of their parents. Some may act like Boxers but look like Labs. Others may be somewhere in between. This mixed breed is highly active and requires a lot of exercise, making them inappropriate for families that would rather cuddle on the couch. You should expect to exercise this dog for hours each day. Due to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, these dogs are pretty trainable. However, they also require a lot of mental stimulation. Plan on meeting this need through obedience training, puzzle toys, and canine sports, or you may end up with a bored and destructive dog. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement.
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cost of a standard poodle puppy - Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. 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